[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-lord-of-the-proles":3,"chapter-lord-of-the-proles-lord-of-the-proles-chapter-155":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","Lord of the Proles",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2290453,4478,"Chapter 155: Treading Through Ten Thousand Rivers (Two Chapters Combined)","lord-of-the-proles-chapter-155",155,"\u003Cp>Master Yao sent Li Banfeng to Haichiling to deliver a prescription to Pan Dehai.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng asked first: “Who is Pan Dehai?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The big boss of Haichiling.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Big boss—shouldn’t that be the local god?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The big boss of Haichiling is a De Xiu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Is there any necessary connection between a De Xiu and a glutton?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What level is his cultivation?” This was the question Li Banfeng had always wondered about, but after asking, he guessed Master Yao wouldn’t answer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If the local god’s cultivation level were revealed, it would be the same as revealing Master Yao’s own.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As expected, Master Yao gave no clear answer: “I can’t say exactly how high Pan Dehai’s cultivation is, but it’s probably not below mine.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng asked again: “Why do you trust me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I just said—you crossed the Xin Di, so you’re capable. Besides, your temperament suits mine; you won’t misuse my prescription. So, will you go?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Many powerful families might soon clash in Haichiling, and Li Banfeng didn’t want to get involved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But it depended on the payment—Master Yao offered a hefty reward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With this wine gourd, Li Banfeng effectively had a winery—he could access Master Yao’s medicinal wine anytime, anywhere, whether for arson or healing, this wine was top-tier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, this map didn’t just let Li Banfeng return to Lan Yang Village—it allowed him to travel to multiple locations even without a travel permit, making it an extremely rare treasure in Pu Luo Zhou.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After careful consideration, Li Banfeng accepted the job.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A map, a prescription, and a wine gourd appeared before Li Banfeng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A woman’s voice called out from inside the wine gourd: “Good wine! Excellent wine!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Truly a magic treasure!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But why was it a woman?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Were there women in this world who were addicted to alcohol?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The items had been delivered ahead of time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng quickly said: “Master Yao, I don’t have much cash on me—I’ll send you fifty thousand later.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Master Yao didn’t care about such a small sum: “This isn’t important. First, memorize the route.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The map on the table unfolded, revealing a trail of liquid, thick with the scent of wine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This trail covered Yao Wang Gou, Lüshui Wan, Kudai Kan, Haichiling, Kucai Zhuang, Jianren Gang, and Tiemenbao.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was the route Master Yao had drawn for Li Banfeng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“There are many paths in Xin Di, but remember—follow only the route I’ve marked. Other paths are too dangerous for your current level.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“When you need to climb a mountain, climb it. When you need to cross a ridge, cross it. Don’t detour. Not a single bend is allowed.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Master Yao, when I reach Haichiling, how do I contact Pan Dehai?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“First, prepare a few ready-made medicines. When you arrive in disaster-stricken areas, kill plenty of insects—Pan Dehai will notice. He’ll come to you himself to claim the prescription.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your journey delivering medicine won’t be easy—he owes you a reward. If he offers, don’t be polite—rip him off hard.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But if he gives you a magic treasure, sell it as soon as you can. No matter how valuable, don’t hesitate.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“In Waizhou, there’s something called a recorder—you’ve probably heard of it. All his magic treasures have recorders. He might leak your secrets.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sell it?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Magic treasures are hard to resell—they don’t go for a day or two.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As long as a magic treasure stays near Li Banfeng, it must enter Suishenju. If this fact leaks, Li Banfeng will suffer greatly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If all else fails, refuse the magic treasure—demand cash instead. That’s the most practical option.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Master Yao continued: “Pan Dehai speaks sweetly—he’ll make you many promises. Treat them all as wind.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If he turns hostile and attacks you, tell him: harm me, and you’re making an enemy of Old Yao. If he falls into my hands, I’ll collect every last cent of that debt—with interest!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng accepted the task. As the paper ash scattered, Master Yao vanished. Li Banfeng swallowed one Jin Yuandan and one Lan Ye Dan, and with the time he’d accumulated from his travels in Xin Di, he was now less than half a year away from reaching the third level of Lv Xiu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After resting over five hours at the inn, Li Banfeng recovered, returned to Suishenju for a nap, ensuring he wouldn’t neglect his Zhai Xiu cultivation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next day, at eight a.m., Li Banfeng left the inn and visited four herbal shops, buying a large quantity of herbs and having them ground into powder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He avoided buying from a single shop to prevent the prescription from leaking. To further disguise his intent, he bought many useless herbs and stored them in Suishenju.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Back at the inn, Li Banfeng prepared the medicine according to Master Yao’s prescription.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was preparing medicine simple?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not at all. Li Banfeng wasn’t a Yao Xiu. He had to look up each herb’s name, weigh each one—by noon, he hadn’t finished a single dose.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Young brother, have a sip of wine, warm yourself, take a break.” The wine gourd hopped closer to Li Banfeng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng examined the gourd and asked: “Can I drink your wine?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why not? How can you say that? My wine cures illness, satisfies cravings, boosts virility, wards off cold—drinking even a sip is your fortune!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng took a sip. The taste was surprisingly good.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Young brother, you can’t prepare medicine like this. Weighing every herb will kill you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Weigh what needs weighing. For the rest, develop a feel in your hands!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The wine gourd helped Li Banfeng prepare the medicine while feeding him wine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The work was effortless—by noon, he’d prepared over a hundred doses.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The wine gourd’s sentience was extremely high—clearly superior to Tang Dao.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With the medicine prepared, it was already noon. Li Banfeng went to Yu Family Cloth Shop. The shop hadn’t opened yet; only Wang Xuejiao was guarding it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng handed Wang Xuejiao fifty thousand in cash, asking her to deliver it to Yu Nan for Master Yao, and added two thousand as her personal reward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the archway intersection, Li Banfeng felt something good was about to happen. He stopped and looked around.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was searching for someone—the cart driver with the firewheel.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He found him. The driver had only two waiting spots: one at the station, one at Ligou. He was now sleeping inside his cart—hard to spot unless you looked closely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng approached and gently woke him. The driver rubbed his eyes, glanced at Li Banfeng, and smiled: “Need a ride?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng nodded: “To San Pan He Xin Di.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“San Pan He? That’s far. Are you in a hurry?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Not in a hurry. Let’s go slow.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How much will you pay?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You name the price.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If you’re not in a hurry, it’ll take half a day.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ll feed you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The driver calculated, then named his price: “Three thousand five!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng didn’t haggle—he got right in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though he said he wasn’t in a hurry, the driver still pulled the cart at top speed—this route was genuinely long.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After leaving Ligou and traveling two hours, it was lunchtime. Li Banfeng asked: “Should we stop to eat properly, or just grab something quick?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No villages ahead, no inns behind—where’s a decent place to eat? Just eat what we’ve got!” The driver wiped his sweat and pulled out his own biscuits.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He understood Li Banfeng’s intent: paying so much to ride his cart meant he wanted to ask about cultivation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng carried several canned goods, perfect with the biscuits. They ate and chatted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The driver asked: “Are you going to Xin Di to clear land?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng shook his head: “I want to cultivate. Everyone says Lv Xiu grows faster in Xin Di.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Faster growth means faster death,” the driver snorted. “Why do you people always chase danger? Isn’t steady cultivation better?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Speaking of cultivation, I have a question: what’s the third-level technique for Lv Xiu?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Third level?” The driver snorted. “You just reached first level—already thinking about third?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng explained: “I plan to cultivate in Xin Di for over a decade—I’ll likely reach third level. If I can’t learn the technique by then, I’ll have wasted everything.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The driver sighed: “Will you even survive ten years in Xin Di? Why do you think so highly of yourself?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng smiled: “It depends on luck and opportunity. Maybe I’m just tough?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The driver shook his head: “I can answer other questions, but techniques? That price doesn’t fit. For second-level technique, you’d owe me at least ten thousand. Third-level? That’s another matter.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He’d charged five hundred for the first-level technique.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now he wanted ten thousand for second-level.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How much would he demand for third-level? Would ten thousand be enough?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ten thousand was reasonable. Second-level cultivators were far rarer than first-level; third-level were even scarcer. Techniques grew more secretive—higher prices made sense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Someone told me the second-level technique. I only want to know the third. We can negotiate the price.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The driver still refused: “It’s not about money. Third-level Lv Xiu are extremely rare. Can I just give you the technique? Even if you gave me ten thousand—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng pulled out two Xuan Chi Dan and handed them to the driver.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The driver examined the pills’ quality, then tucked them away: “We’re from the same sect. I see you’re alone in Xin Di—it’s hard. I’ll give you two pointers.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Our sect’s third-level technique is called Tà Pò Wàn Chuān.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What did Tà Pò Wàn Chuān mean?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng analyzed the words literally: “Does this technique work especially well when climbing mountains and crossing ridges?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The driver said nothing. He stood up, ate from the can, and took one step forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crack!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His foot struck the ground with a sharp sound, making Li Banfeng flinch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the tip of the driver’s foot, a fist-sized stone turned to dust.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng was stunned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The power of this technique is immense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The driver looked down at Li Banfeng: “This is one of the most powerful techniques in our Daoist sect. Our sect’s techniques aren’t hard to learn, except for the Three-Layer Technique—it’s extremely difficult.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When you first enter the third layer, being able to shatter a stone the size of a fingertip counts as fortune. As your cultivation base grows, the Three-Layer Technique will improve, but how much it improves depends first on your talent, second on your insight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When using this technique, you must have courage and audacity. Focus your intent and your strength entirely on your foot. Even if a thousand armies stand before you, you must believe you can crush a path through blood!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Many of our Daoist cultivators cannot master the technique of Treading Through Ten Thousand Rivers, and without mastering the Three-Layer Technique, they cannot ascend to the fourth layer. That’s why fourth-layer cultivators in our sect are exceedingly rare.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And even if you master this technique, you must use it sparingly. Treading Through Ten Thousand Rivers consumes tremendous energy. Though we Traveling Cultivators have excellent stamina, a full-power step drains half your strength.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Never use your full power unless absolutely necessary. Once you’ve used it once, never use it again. How to release it, how to withdraw it—that’s up to your own skill.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng stood up and bowed deeply to the driver in thanks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A third-layer cultivator can only shatter stones the size of a fingertip.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This driver shattered a stone the size of a fist—and he certainly didn’t use his full power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What does that mean?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It means his cultivation base may have reached the fifth layer, or even higher.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For Li Banfeng to bow to him in gratitude was entirely appropriate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’ve eaten. Let’s get back on the cart.” The driver prepared to pull the cart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng did not get on: “Elder, I feel uneasy being pulled by you. I’ll walk the rest of the way. Could you please guide me on the fourth-layer technique? I’m willing to pay anything.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng prepared to take out the Zi Huan Pill.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If the driver wasn’t interested, Li Banfeng was even willing to offer a Jin Yuandan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The driver laughed: “Young brother, techniques are the foundation of a cultivator’s survival. I teach you not just for two pills—I truly value our kinship as fellow Daoists.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You asked me about the Three-Layer Technique directly. I guess you’ve already reached the second layer. It brings me joy to see a talent like you in our sect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If you were any other Daoist, even if you piled a mountain of gold before me, I wouldn’t teach you the technique, because that would be cutting off the very path of a Traveling Cultivator.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now that you’ve learned the Three-Layer Technique from me, don’t tell anyone else. I can’t control your tongue, but don’t ask me about techniques beyond the third layer. Wait until you’re nearly at the fourth layer—if you’re still alive—I’ll tell you then.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Remember what I told you before: Traveling Cultivators wander far and wide, crossing mountains and rivers. Every step demands ten thousand precautions.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng dared not press further. He rose to take his leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The driver waved his hand: “You’ve already paid for the ride. I must deliver you to your destination. Get on the cart quickly—I have my rules.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For the rest of the journey, the driver pulled the cart at his usual pace, bringing Li Banfeng all the way to the entrance of the Sanpan River New Land.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sanpan River is a river that flows on schedule.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why is it called “on schedule”?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because its water changes every eight hours, three times a day—hence the name Sanpan River.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From eight in the morning until four in the afternoon, Sanpan River is gentle, its flow murmuring, waist-deep, indistinguishable from an ordinary stream.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From four in the afternoon until midnight, the river suddenly dries up, not a drop remains. The riverbed holds no mud, and except for traces left by the water, the ground is identical to any flat land.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After midnight, massive waves surge. The river floods suddenly, reaching five to six meters deep, submerging both banks entirely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fortunately, Sanpan River is short, flowing less than thirty li before draining into an underground fissure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But with one flood each day, no one can endure it. No one lives near Sanpan River, and few ever come to this new land to clear land or hunt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The best way to enter Sanpan River is to walk upstream along the riverbed when it’s dry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You could also walk along the barren shores, but there are too many fierce beasts near the river. You won’t move fast, and when the river floods, you’ll be trapped—unable to retreat, unable to advance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng arrived at the riverbank just as it was eight at night—the riverbed was dry, and he had plenty of time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He hurried forward, and in less than half an hour, he entered the new land.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Walking another fifteen li upstream, Li Banfeng saw a mountain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>According to the map, this mountain is called Xueya Mountain—the first stop on the way to Haichiling. You must cross Xueya Mountain first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why does this name sound so chilling?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng was searching for a path up the mountain when he heard a voice behind him: “Passerby, don’t climb this mountain. Xueya Mountain is the domain of the Linyi Xueya Monster. If you encounter it, you won’t even leave a single bone.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>PS: Xueya Mountain is a particularly interesting place.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",2573,"2026-06-20T03:43:13.043Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","33f3c2c1466aa343a2e198739d1b0b25c03c64c59ba36553285ccd512dd29078","lord-of-the-proles-chapter-156","lord-of-the-proles-chapter-154",863,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Flord-of-the-proles-cover.jpg"]