[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-lord-of-the-proles":3,"chapter-lord-of-the-proles-lord-of-the-proles-chapter-161":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},2290459,4478,"Chapter 161: This Is Famine","lord-of-the-proles-chapter-161",161,"\u003Cp>Haichiling, Toudao Ridge, Lu Dongjun’s residence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All guards were on high alert; the entire residence was under siege.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The extinct House-Clearing Mosquitoes, long gone from Toudao Ridge, had returned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not only had they returned, but they were no longer afraid of Lu Dongjun’s medicine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Dongjun had scattered rice laced with medicine everywhere, but it did no good at all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Toudao Ridge had been caught off guard; everyone had believed they’d never see House-Clearing Mosquitoes again, so they made no preparations, and their hard-earned grain stores were wiped clean.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Toudao Ridge, barely escaped from hardship, was plunged into despair once more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The more admiration people once held for Lu Dongjun, the greater their hatred for him today!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those besieging Lu Dongjun’s residence were primarily led by various gangs and clans, with ordinary civilians joining in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alone, these people could not easily breach Lu Dongjun’s residence—he had fortified it thoroughly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But powerful families had also extended their hands into this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Haisheng, smoking a cigarette, stood among the crowd, beside Han Yaomen, the Grand Chief of Qingyun Society.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both had concealed their faces with spiritual artifacts; ordinary people could not recognize them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching the waves of curses surrounding Lu Dongjun’s mansion, Han Yaomen sneered: “A few days ago, I waited at his gate for half an hour with gifts, just to see him—yet he refused to receive me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Soon I’ll have my men tear down his gate and let everyone in—I’ll see if he still dares to hide.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Haisheng glanced at Han Yaomen: “Brother Han, you came here in person—surely you don’t just want to humiliate Lu Dongjun?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Han Yaomen smiled faintly: “I won’t spare him his face—but whether I spare his life depends on what Third Master He says.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“My word alone won’t matter,” He Haisheng looked around, “there are too many people here who need to speak today.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Chunting, the eldest of the Ma family, was present.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Huaijun, the eldest son of the Chu family, was present.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Xiuling, the leader of Baihua Gate, was present.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Many other prominent families had sent numerous representatives.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were still waiting—for the right moment to strike.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though they held clear numerical and combat advantages, no one wished to charge to the front.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one wanted to face Lu Dongjun directly; no matter how incompetent he appeared in other matters, he was a master of battle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Maoxian, Lu Dongjun’s grandfather, had once said: among all Lu family members, the fiercest fighter was the second son, Lu Dongjun.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even Lu Dongliang had admitted: if they faced off on a fighting platform, he might not defeat Lu Dongjun.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was not merely an advantage of Wu Xiu cultivation—it was one of Lu Dongjun’s few innate gifts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He lacked cunning, avoided deceit; in pure combat, whether in strength or response, Lu Dongjun far surpassed ordinary men.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Lu Dongjun was unlucky—those who opposed him always struck through cunning, not force.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Han Yaomen was still observing the movements of other families and gangs, and was surprised to find two had sent no one: “San Ying Gate sent no one, and Monkey Qiu sent none either—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“San Ying Gate reportedly doesn’t want to get involved, but why did Monkey Qiu stay away? Doesn’t he want revenge on Lu Dongjun?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Haisheng shook his head: “Monkey Qiu’s intentions are hard to fathom—I wonder if the Lu family will soon bear the Qiu name?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside the residence, Lu Dongjun was drenched in sweat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A guard, face covered in wounds, rushed in: “Master, we searched all of Toudao Ridge—we couldn’t find Master Wan!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Couldn’t find him?” Lu Dongjun’s cheek twitched. “If you couldn’t find him, why come back to tell me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Master, we can’t hold out much longer.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Where can’t you hold out?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Nowhere! Master, there are experts hiding outside—several of our brothers are already dead!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They killed my guards?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By these people?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Dongjun wasn’t meticulous about other things, but his personal guards were carefully selected—not only high in cultivation, but also extremely experienced.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was obvious: someone ruthless had struck from the shadows.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Who was this ruthless one?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Surely from the powerful families and gangs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Dongjun rubbed his forehead and sat down on the living room sofa.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Three days ago, on this very sofa, Lu Dongjun had cursed out Chu’s eldest son face-to-face—Chu Huaijun dared not utter a word.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next day, in this same parlor, Lu Dongjun kicked Ma Junjiang—Ma Junjiang didn’t even dare to breathe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Who could have imagined such a turn of events so quickly?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Where was Wan Jinxian?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Had he failed to control the insect plague and fled first?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The more Lu Dongjun thought, the more terrified he became—he felt he’d trusted Wan Jinxian too much.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Another guard approached Lu Dongjun: “Master, the reporters are here—will you see them?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Dongjun waved his hand: “No.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The guard turned to leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Dongjun called him back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Bring the reporters in—I have something to say.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, the reporters entered; one cameraman took several photos of Lu Dongjun.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Another cameraman held a motion-picture device, recording nearby.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The reporter asked: “Mr. Lu, why have the House-Clearing Mosquitoes returned?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Is it because your medicine can’t fully kill them, or was the dosage insufficient?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Dongjun spoke calmly: “The dosage was insufficient, but the root cause is cost—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The medicine is too expensive; I’ve faced financial strain, and recently, powerful families have held grudges against me, secretly sabotaging me, leaving me stretched thin.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The reporter stared in astonishment: “Mr. Lu, you mean you’re out of money?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Dongjun nodded: “Yes, it’s a money problem—but don’t worry, I’m still here, I won’t go anywhere.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I’m willing to sell my property, drain my entire fortune—even if I’m reduced to sleeping on the streets tomorrow—I’ll eradicate the plague in Haichiling!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Please tell those outside: even if heaven falls, I, Lu Mou, will hold up Haichiling!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cameras flashed nonstop; the motion-picture device whirred continuously; the reporter’s pen never left his notebook.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The interview ended; the reporters left.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Dongjun told his guards: “I’m tired—I’ll rest a while.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The guards stared in shock—outside, they’re about to break in, and you’re going to sleep?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Dongjun couldn’t possibly sleep.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Returning to his bedroom, he removed his false teeth and placed them inside the stone lion’s mouth—the lion’s eyes glowed, sealing the room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Dongjun took out Lu Xiaolan’s necklace and swiftly changed his appearance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was the form of a guard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This necklace was of extremely high rank—it was his only way out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Dongjun opened a hidden compartment in his wardrobe, revealing a guard’s uniform.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Along with the clothes were dozens of thousands of silver dollars in checks and scattered cash.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once prepared, Lu Dongjun leapt out the window.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Outside, he had two tasks: first, find Wan Jinxian if possible; second, collect cash from all his businesses and flee Haichiling as soon as possible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he couldn’t find Wan Jinxian, his reputation was finished.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he’d have to rely only on real gold and silver, waiting for another chance to rise again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A Red Staff Officer of Baihua Gate stood beside Grand Chief Zhang Xiuling, pointing at the guard exiting the residence and whispering: “That man in the vest—that’s the guard who caused us trouble the other day. He’s trying to run.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Xiuling glanced over and recognized the guard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two days ago, when she came to see Lu Dongjun, he refused to meet her; the Red Staff Officer had tried to defend her honor and clashed with this guard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Xiuling didn’t care about this minor figure—but the officer held a grudge: “Chief, wait here a moment—I’ll be right back.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Xiuling frowned: “You’re past fifty—why still act on impulse?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The officer was over fifty, indeed not young—but that was his nature: “Chief, I must settle this score.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Xiuling sighed: “Be careful, and don’t make too much noise.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t worry,” the Red Staff Officer departed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In gangs, as long as it doesn’t go too far, subordinates must be allowed to vent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This officer was a sixth-layer Body Cultivator; Zhang Xiuling believed he wouldn’t fail.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Red Staff Officer followed the guard into a narrow alley, blocked his path, and smiled: “Still recognize me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The guard looked up at the officer but said nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The officer chuckled: “Seeing your master’s downfall, you’re running off? Shouldn’t we settle our old score?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The guard remained silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly, the officer twisted his waist and whipped out a long tail tipped with a hook, aiming straight for the guard’s head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a scorpion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Stick-Lang unleashed a killing move at once; his boss had told him not to make too much noise, and he didn’t want to get bogged down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This strike was swift beyond measure—any ordinary person would be unable to dodge it; the scorpion’s tail carried lethal poison, and once it drew blood, the target would die without fail.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhi Guai didn’t dodge—he grabbed Stick-Lang’s tail with one hand, twisted his wrist, snapped it off, and dropped it to the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Stick-Lang was stunned. He had fought this Zhi Guai before and remembered him as nothing more than a Level Four Wu Xiu—impossible for him to have such skill.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He never imagined the man standing before him was actually Lu Dongjun.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Stick-Lang’s left arm transformed into a pincer, and he leapt forward to attack Lu Dongjun.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Dongjun seized the pincer, twisted his wrist again, and snapped it clean off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Stick-Lang stood frozen, his body crippled, his mind growing hazy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Dongjun grabbed Stick-Lang’s hair and used the broken pincer to crush his skull.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The situation was dire; Lu Dongjun had no time to dispose of the body and left at once.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Half an hour later, Zhang Xiuling sensed something was wrong and ordered men to search the area—they found Stick-Lang’s corpse in the alley.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A Level Six Body Cultivator just died? Without a single sound?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Who could kill him so easily?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Xiuling thought for a moment, then summoned her subordinate: “Tell Uncle He San—Lu Dongjun has escaped!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After walking through a wasteland, Li Banfeng saw sunlight he hadn’t seen in ages.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had left Xin Di—he had finally reached Haichiling!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His eyes struggled to open—not just from the blinding sun, but from the swarms of mosquitoes blotting out the sky.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There were too many mosquitoes; every breath risked one flying into his nostrils, making it hard for Li Banfeng to see his surroundings clearly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When he finally saw clearly, he realized this was a village—just as simple and unspoiled as Lanyang Village.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why compare it to Lanyang Village?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because right before him stood a simple villager.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The villager had a ruddy complexion, glistening with thick oil—Haichiling was suffering from disaster, yet his health suggested he was eating well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man held a curved blade and said to Li Banfeng: “I want one of your hands. You won’t die—I’ll cut from the shoulder down, and once it’s off, I’ll let you go.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sounds scary, but losing a hand isn’t so bad—my blade is razor-sharp, you won’t feel a thing when I cut.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng stared in disbelief: “Really not painful?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man laughed: “Truly not. Don’t believe me? Try it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng nodded: “Which hand do you want? Left or right?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man tilted his head, studying Li Banfeng: “You think I’m joking? I’m cutting off one of your hands—do you understand? If you don’t understand, look over there—there’s a ready example.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beside them, a woman was pinned to the ground by two strong men holding her mouth shut, while another held an axe, ready to chop off her arm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the ground lay many corpses—some missing limbs, others reduced to skeletons, yet all still had their heads.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No wonder they all gleamed with oil—they clearly hadn’t starved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These people still had some sense—they knew not to eat the head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Famine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was famine!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In famine, men become ghosts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man looked at Li Banfeng: “Now that you understand, extend your hand. If you don’t understand, your fate will be the same as theirs.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng’s expression turned solemn: “I understand. I’m asking sincerely—do you want my left hand or my right?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man froze, a chill creeping up his spine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why wasn’t this man afraid?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He gripped his blade tighter and said to Li Banfeng: “I want your left hand.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Fine!” Li Banfeng stepped forward in a single stride, snatched the blade,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You want the left? Then give me your right.” *Squelch!* Li Banfeng severed the man’s right hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man screamed, collapsed, and rolled on the ground in agony.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng frowned: “You said it wouldn’t hurt. You lied. I’m not giving you the left hand either.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>*Squelch!*\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng chopped off the man’s left hand too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man passed out, motionless. The others stood frozen in terror—even the woman pinned on the ground was stunned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They abandoned her, grabbing weapons and rushing to surround Li Banfeng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng raised the blade and spoke to each one in turn.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Which hand do you want? Left or right?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Can’t decide? Then I’ll cut both—you can pick later.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What about you? You won’t say either?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then I’m cutting your legs!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>PS: My wife’s about to have a feast!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Extra chapter tomorrow!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",2207,"2026-06-20T03:43:13.043Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","b382fe7f9ece5ea86a0a94ba959ebd6bf3121da752b023600b36308abdcb6565","lord-of-the-proles-chapter-162","lord-of-the-proles-chapter-160",863,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Flord-of-the-proles-cover.jpg"]