[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-lord-of-the-proles":3,"chapter-lord-of-the-proles-lord-of-the-proles-chapter-169":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},2290467,4478,"Chapter 169: The Messenger of the Divine","lord-of-the-proles-chapter-169",169,"\u003Cp>Pan Dehai materialized in midair, delivering several hundred jin of prepared medicine to Li Banfeng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How can so much medicine be boiled?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pan Dehai had thought ahead—he brought Li Banfeng a massive iron cauldron, its surface rivaling the size of a farmhouse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Firewood was laid beneath the cauldron, clear water poured inside; Pan Dehai watched Li Banfeng, signaling he wanted something else.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He said nothing, fearing that speaking might infect him with the green flower pustules.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A dead soul afraid of disease?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet upon reflection, it made sense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pan Dehai had flesh and blood—unusually special flesh and blood—enough to feed Li Banfeng’s family for a long time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Flesh and blood proved he was no ordinary dead soul; where the flesh came from, Li Banfeng could not fathom.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Are all local gods dead souls with flesh?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a moment’s speculation, Li Banfeng turned to Cui Ti: “What else do you need?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sudden appearance of so many objects terrified Cui Ti; he knew Li Banfeng was negotiating with a high-level figure, yet he sensed no trace of that figure’s presence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cui Ti dared not meet his gaze, but seeing Li Banfeng’s utter lack of reverence, he grew even more convinced the man was mad beyond reason.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng pressed: “I’m asking you—what else do you need?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cui Ti answered cautiously: “When I perform my technique, I become extremely vulnerable—I need someone to watch over me, to protect me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He needed protection.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng looked toward the air above, hoping Pan Dehai would appear voluntarily—he was the local god, after all; protecting Cui Ti should be his duty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pan Dehai leaned on his cane and vanished swiftly into the night, mist swirling thickly behind him like smoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng sighed, poured wine over the firewood, lit it, and began dumping the prepared medicine into the cauldron, basket by basket.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cui Ti helped, and seeing his entire body covered in pustules, Li Banfeng felt an itch crawl over his skin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The wind was fierce tonight; once the water boiled, the medicinal scent spread for dozens of li, drawing every mosquito in the area.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dense clouds of mosquitoes blanketed the two men; at less than five meters apart, they could no longer see each other’s forms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cui Ti glanced upward, then shook his head: “Still not enough—tomorrow we’ll have to move again.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Let’s try first.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cui Ti sat silently beside the boiling pot; his pus began oozing rapidly until his entire body was coated in green fluid, resembling a green jade statue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wasn’t lying—he was extremely vulnerable now; Li Banfeng could kill him with ease.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The mosquitoes hovered constantly around the pot; many died, a few survived, but none approached Cui Ti.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m cold—could you pour some medicinal broth over me?” Cui Ti joked, hoping to lure the mosquitoes to himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng scooped a ladle of broth and asked: “It’s boiling—can you take it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I have a fever—I shouldn’t feel the heat.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng poured the boiling broth over Cui Ti; whether from cold or heat, Cui Ti shivered violently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The broth cooled slowly on his skin, drawing mosquitoes toward it; they circled gently around him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng had seen dragonflies skim water—but this was the first time he’d seen mosquitoes skim it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Many mosquitoes touched Cui Ti once, then flew away; some, foolishly, clung to the pus.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng asked: “Is the virus you’re spreading in the pus?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cui Ti nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why not collect the pus and make poison? Why use yourself to attract mosquitoes?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“My fellow disciples used a virus they created to make bait—but it only worked for one virus. Even though their cultivation was higher than mine, they could only manage this much.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I need to spread multiple viruses together. Though I have my ancestor’s power, I can only use it within a limited range; under these conditions, I can’t make the pathogens leave my body.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two hours later, Cui Ti collapsed, his pus receding, reverting to individual swollen pustules.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sitting in the pitch-black farmland, Cui Ti could faintly see distant lights.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only on this special day, at such a late hour, would lights still be burning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“New Year’s Eve—tonight is New Year’s Eve,” Cui Ti chuckled bitterly. “I don’t know how long I’ll live—if we fail, the peddler won’t save me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This might be my last New Year—and I’ll spend it with you in a place like this.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng spat: “Do you think I want to spend New Year with you? Your country’s New Year isn’t today, is it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cui Ti shook his head: “It doesn’t matter. I love Pulu Province—I’m destined to stay here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Put out the fire. I need to sleep. We’ll continue tomorrow.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng extinguished the fire and said to Cui Ti: “I need to find a place to rest too—I can’t watch over you constantly.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had to return to his Personal Dwelling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn’t just for cultivation—he needed to strengthen his body’s resistance, or he might also contract the green flower pathogen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cui Ti shook his head: “I’m not that vulnerable now. As long as I don’t face a strong enemy, I’ll be fine.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng walked to a secluded spot and entered his Personal Dwelling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon he emerged again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He brought Cui Ti a blanket and several cans.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Cui Ti still shivering in the wind, he poured a bowl of wine into Cui Ti’s begging bowl.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s New Year.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>New Year should look like New Year.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng walked off with his wine gourd.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cui Ti lifted the bowl and drank deeply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His body gradually warmed; he sighed in admiration: “Delicious.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wanted to drain it all—but after thinking, he left a sip.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s New Year—have a sip too,” he murmured to the bowl.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At dawn the next day, Li Banfeng lit the fire, boiled the medicinal broth, and continued luring mosquitoes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He persisted intermittently until dusk; no more mosquitoes appeared nearby. Cui Ti looked at Li Banfeng: “We need to move.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng gazed at the sky: “We need to move.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The cauldron was too large, the medicine too much—he couldn’t carry it himself; he needed Pan Dehai’s help.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A faint voice drifted from midair: “Leave it. I’ll pick a better spot—I’ll bring you new supplies when you arrive.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pan Dehai had sensed it—Cui Ti’s method worked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But it changed nothing about his loathing for Cui Ti.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anything Cui Ti touched, he no longer wanted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, Pan Dehai appeared in midair, handing Li Banfeng a map of Haichi Ridge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The map marked the areas with the densest mosquito populations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng looked at Cui Ti: “Let’s go—we’re moving.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I can’t walk—I’m drained. Can you carry me? I know it’s a burden.” Cui Ti smiled awkwardly, staring at his pus-covered body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng lifted him onto his back and marched through the snowstorm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cui Ti murmured into the wind: “In my country, there’s a tale: the gods send their messengers to save the suffering. I always thought it was false—but now, perhaps we are those messengers.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng chuckled bitterly: “Don’t flatter yourself—you didn’t choose this.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But you did. I might die tonight—can you tell me why? Why are you staying on Haichi Ridge?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng paused, then said: “Because I’ve been hungry.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cui Ti agreed wholeheartedly: “I’ve been hungry too—I know that feeling. My brother and I were born with a strange illness, our bodies covered in blisters. The villagers hated us, stole our food, beat us—we often went without meals.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng asked: “What happened to your brother?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He died—starved to death. On the night he died, I waited for a divine messenger to appear. I saw none. So I always thought the tale was a lie.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ll give you an extra can, an extra bowl of wine—to drink with your brother.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cui Ti smiled: “Can he drink it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng nodded seriously: “Yes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Through the snowstorm, Li Banfeng carried Cui Ti, marching onward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the fifteenth day of the first month, Niu Fuzhi patrolled the village entrance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No mosquitoes had appeared for two full days.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Did Seventh Master kill them all?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What did that Seventh Master look like? Why couldn’t he remember?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was also a benefactor who brought medicine—why couldn’t he recall that person either?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What’s wrong with my memory?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Isn’t this ingratitude?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Xiu Niu Jingchuan arrived at Guotie Village and left the village chief some fast-growing seeds: “These seeds can only be planted three times—don’t dare plant more!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The village chief, Xiang Jichun, bowed repeatedly: “What can I say? How can I repay your kindness?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ve done nothing!” Niu Jingchuan waved his hand. “Seventh Master ordered me to check which villages still had people and deliver seeds. Just take them.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Seventh Master…” Xiang Jichun suddenly remembered Li Banfeng, who had cleared the insects from their village. “Where did Seventh Master go? Is he at your pancake village?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Niu Jingchuan scratched his head: “I don’t know where he went. Honestly—I can’t even remember what he looks like.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I can't remember either. Someone once gave me medicine, but I can't recall who,\" Xiang Jichun scratched his scalp. \"How could we be like this, forgetting our benefactor?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deep in the new land, inside a cave, a massive aberration used its hardened forelimbs to smash the cave’s rocks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Its head resembled a locust, but its torso lacked the locust’s hard carapace—it wriggled like a maggot’s tail along the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Along its back grew thick fur, within which nestled hundreds of swaying antennae.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beneath it flowed the \"Ironwire River\"—this was the river’s terminus.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ironwire worms burrowed in and out of its body, transmitting information to it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The mosquitoes it had painstakingly cultivated had vanished entirely from Pulu Province.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was furious; the forelimbs growing from its writhing body continuously crushed the cave’s rocks into dust.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It could breed another kind of insect—more terrifying than mosquitoes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But it needed time!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They wouldn’t give it much time!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The giant insect was planning its next move when suddenly it heard a chilling sound.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ding le guang dang, ding le guang dang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was the peddler’s drum.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It heard the peddler’s whisper.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I long suspected it was you, but I never imagined you diverted the Ironwire River—adding several hidden tributaries along the way. I’ve had a hard time tracking you down.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Tell me—who made you do this? Someone from the Outer States? Or the Inner States?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ding le guang dang, ding le guang dang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The drum drew nearer; the giant insect roared: \"Come then! They’ve given me power—I’m not afraid of you!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Is that so? I’d truly like to see it,\" said the peddler, pushing his cart with one hand, shaking the drum as he entered the cave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>PS: Luckily, Banfeng didn’t follow the river downstream—otherwise he’d have encountered this giant insect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the first day of the New Year, Shala adds an extra chapter—thank you all for your support this year.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",1817,"2026-06-20T03:43:13.043Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","e70ac5af771c2be080a588d1e14e1e13a455746726b11abb2fecfc8ba5481a5a","lord-of-the-proles-chapter-170","lord-of-the-proles-chapter-168",863,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Flord-of-the-proles-cover.jpg"]