[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-lord-of-the-proles":3,"chapter-lord-of-the-proles-lord-of-the-proles-chapter-186":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},2290484,4478,"Chapter 186: Plot Lord","lord-of-the-proles-chapter-186",186,"\u003Cp>Li Banfeng was chased for miles by eight Cloak Moths; six gave up, but the remaining two followed him all the way to his own plot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng entered his plot and immediately spilled blood, pleading for the Plot Lord’s protection.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the Plot Lord did not come.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What’s going on?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Has the Plot Lord abandoned me?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Is he still holding a grudge over what happened before?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if you hold a grudge, you must honor your agreement!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two Cloak Moths entered the plot and smiled at Li Banfeng: “Young master, we’ve chased you all day—you’ve got to treat us properly.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng clenched his key tightly; he had considered retreating to his Personal Dwelling several times, but ultimately didn’t.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he went back, the Cloak Moth Lady might burst in—his wife’s condition has been unstable; something terrible might happen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If I stall them a little longer, the Plot Lord will surely come.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Li Banfeng pondered his options, he suddenly saw Ma Wu riding a Swallow, blocking the two Cloak Moths.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You two worthless bitches, who gave you permission to come here and cause trouble?” the Swallow roared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The other two Cloak Moths froze; one said: “Who is this woman, and why is she carrying a man?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Giving a man a ride? You’re shaming us all.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Swallow grew angry and turned to Ma Wu: “Young master, I’ve been worn out these past two days—I can’t let you have your fill, but I’ll take care of these two worthless bitches for you, so you can enjoy yourself properly.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No sooner had she spoken than the Swallow lunged at the two Cloak Moths.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To Li Banfeng’s eyes, fighting two at once was surely disadvantageous—he had always assumed all Cloak Moths in Pulu Province were equally fierce.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he hadn’t realized there were differences among Cloak Moth Ladies themselves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These two Cloak Moth Ladies lived near Bitter Cabbage Village and had only recently formed; their cultivation bases were far inferior, nowhere near the Swallow’s level.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a few exchanges, three massive bodies rolled across the ground, shaking the earth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Swallow spat out silk threads, effortlessly trapping one Cloak Moth, then bared her venomous fangs and bit the other; venom seeped in, and that Cloak Moth went still.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Young master, go ahead and enjoy,” the Swallow said to Ma Wu with tender eyes, “even if I kill them, it’s no matter—I’ll find you new ones!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Wu’s expression was cold as he stepped closer to the two Cloak Moths.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two Cloak Moths trembled, unsure what Ma Wu intended.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Wu first asked the one trapped in silk: “What’s your name?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Cloak Moth bound in silk answered obediently: “I’m Qianqian.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng took a deep breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Wu then asked the bitten one: “What’s your name?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m Qiaocui.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng nodded repeatedly—Cloak Moths really did name themselves, and so elegantly too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Wu turned to Qianqian: “You first.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He began.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng knew Ma Wu had come to save him, and some things couldn’t be said openly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But this…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Uh, Wu, this is my plot—can’t we wait a bit…?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wu, keep it quiet—there are people nearby…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Chuanzi, tell the brothers to go back—there’s nothing to see here.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hey, Miss Centipede, are you looking for Wu Lang? Go wait at his place—he’ll be done soon.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After subduing the two Cloak Moths, Ma Wu asked about the past two days.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Old Seven, where did you go? I was frantic!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Nothing. I just wandered around the new land and found a few fresh spots.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng didn’t mention Bitter Cabbage Village.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Would Chu Er bring it up to Ma Wu later?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was one good thing about her—she kept her mouth shut.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if beaten to death, she wouldn’t reveal Li Banfeng’s name, let alone any other details.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng asked about managing the new land; Ma Wu replied: “Housing is easy, timber’s easy to find, but right now the key issue is food.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though the Citrus Garden Master is generous, we’re too many now—we can’t keep relying on him for meals. I’ve been negotiating prices with him these past two days, but he flatly refuses to take payment.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He must accept payment—this kind of favor can’t be taken for granted,” Li Banfeng said; he never accepted gifts without giving something in return.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Wu’s cultivation had advanced significantly—he told Li Banfeng he had risen to the second level; Li Banfeng nodded: “I noticed—you’ve become much more formidable than before.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I plan to stay in the new land for three years—I’ll reach the third level easily, and the fourth isn’t out of reach!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Such rapid progress!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A Wu Xiu who finds the right partner is like boarding a rocket.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s just that this rocket is a bit bulky.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everything else was normal—except the Plot Lord.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Old Seven, you really did spill blood?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I did.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then why didn’t the Plot Lord come?” Ma Wu couldn’t understand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They made many guesses, but none could be confirmed; Ma Wu could only think of one solution: “Tomorrow we’ll hold a sacrifice—see what the Plot Lord truly means.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he truly won’t protect us anymore, while losses are still small, we should move quickly to another plot.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They agreed. Ma Wu was preparing offerings when suddenly, a buzzing sound came from outside the house.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wu~ Hum!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What was that sound?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The low rumble lasted over two minutes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng’s ears were sharp, but he couldn’t identify the source.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Wu had never encountered this before—he assumed some strange creature had arrived.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Old Five, go back to your plot and warn the brothers to stay alert.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Wu worried for Li Banfeng: “Come back with me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t worry about me—I’ll be there soon.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the new land, the only hope was the Plot Lord.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If the Plot Lord refused to protect them, it was like living in a dragon’s den or tiger’s lair.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now this unusual event had occurred—if the Plot Lord still didn’t appear, they’d have to decide quickly: abandon this plot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Wu left. Li Banfeng opened his Personal Dwelling and told his wife: “A strange sound just erupted in the new land—wu-zhong, wu-zhong—I don’t know what it is.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh, husband, what kind of sound is ‘wu-zhong’?” the phonograph struggled to understand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How could he describe it?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wu… wu… wu…” Li Banfeng Mianqiang  mimicked a few notes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Is it the wind?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No, it’s not wind—it’s deafening, shaking my chest.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How long did it last?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“About two minutes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huh-huh, the phonograph thought for a moment, her needle trembled, and the large speaker emitted a low tone: “Wu~ zhong~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh, husband, is this the sound?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, wife—that’s exactly it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clang!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Husband, that’s the Plot Lord’s Horn—how did you hear it? Have you begun clearing land in the new land?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His wife had guessed; Li Banfeng didn’t deny it: “I’ve indeed cleared a plot in the new land.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ordinary beings can’t hear the Plot Lord’s Horn—only his subordinates can. The Plot Lord is preparing for war. This is extremely rare—perhaps once every few decades. Husband, do you want to join the battle?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Join the battle?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fight for the Plot Lord?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Can I refuse?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Of course you can. You’re not like the new land’s natives—you weren’t born or raised here. If you don’t want it, just abandon the plot.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What if I still want this plot?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Husband, anything you’ve earned, you never want to give up—so if you won’t let go of the plot, you must join the battle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You can stay and defend your own land without going on campaign—just station someone to guard your plot. As long as the Plot Lord wins, the land remains yours.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What if the Plot Lord loses?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If he loses, you must flee immediately—all contracts are void, and this land is no longer yours.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Could the Plot Lord lose?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just now I spilled blood—he didn’t respond. Could he be weakened?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Husband, if the Land God asks you to go to war, you must not agree. He may promise you many benefits, but those benefits are not easily won. Once on the battlefield, life ceases to be life. Husband, listen to your humble servant—do not go.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This matter, indeed, one should heed one’s wife.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For the sake of just one li of land, it is not worth risking one’s life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Going to war is out of the question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Defending the land, however, is worth considering.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Wu has three Cloak Moths; holding one li of land should not be difficult.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I still have many magic treasures. When the time comes, I’ll summon Da Zhi to join Wu Gang—we can hold the land easily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If the Land God loses, we’ll just move. With Li Banfeng and Ma Wu’s skills, finding another place to start anew won’t be hard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meanwhile, the phonograph spoke: “Husband, that wretched Honglian has been acting strangely these past few days. That Insect King’s vitality is too strong—she seems unable to hold out. This elixir may not be able to be refined.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Go check on that wretch when you have time. Your humble servant is utterly exhausted—I’m going to sleep.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huh-huh, huh-huh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His wife has fallen asleep.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After so long, the insect’s head still hadn’t been digested, and Li Banfeng grew concerned. He entered the outer chamber and saw Honglian’s petals trembling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She has something to tell me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And something she doesn’t want anyone else to hear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng went to the Fifth Chamber and took out the wine gourd, the pendulum, Tang Dao, the earrings, and the teapot, placing them all on the table. Then he returned to the outer chamber.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everything was cleared away. The lotus bloomed in silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Is this freshly refined?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s ready the moment I arrive?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Could it be that coincidental?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It can’t be that coincidental.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Honglian must have refined the elixir long ago—but held it back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Afraid I’d impulsively swallow them all?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You worry too much, Ailian—I’m not that kind of man.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How many elixirs could that insect’s head produce? Conservatively, at least a hundred Jin Yuandan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then I’d surge straight to Level Ten!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Level Ten means triple my lifespan!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ha-ha-ha-ha!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng bared a feral grin, waiting silently for the lotus seed to burst.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crack. A single elixir burst forth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just one?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng’s smile froze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ailian, have you been hoarding something good?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That huge insect head—you called it an Insect King, said it was stronger than the Land God—and you only gave me one elixir?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Honglian was covered in dewdrops.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not saliva—tears of grievance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This is a supreme-grade elixir.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Its potent medicinal fragrance quickly spread, filling the entire outer chamber with a soothing aroma.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng realized this elixir was extraordinary. Honglian summoned a whirlwind, swiftly drawing the fragrance into her lotus heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her petals trembled continuously, urging Li Banfeng to hide the elixir at once.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng found a cloth sack, stuffed the elixir inside—but the fragrance still leaked out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He found a wooden box, placed it inside—but the scent still escaped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lotus petals fluttered down several sheets of white paper. Li Banfeng wrapped the box in layer upon layer—finally, the fragrance was sealed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Honglian’s petals curled and uncurled repeatedly, signaling Li Banfeng to leave the Personal Dwelling immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why the hurry?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her petals swayed back and forth for a long while—then Li Banfeng understood Honglian’s intent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Honglian had refined the elixir long ago—but held it back, waiting for an opportunity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The opportunity of his wife falling asleep.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once his wife slept, she would give him this fine elixir, so he could sneak it out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His wife would never see the elixir, so she wouldn’t ask where it went. He could consume it, and she’d never suspect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But if my wife asks where the insect’s head went, how do I explain?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Another lotus seed emerged from Honglian’s heart, bursting instantly into nothingness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What does that mean?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Failed refinement?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Isn’t that a bit far-fetched?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not far-fetched at all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Honglian had previously created a false impression, making his wife believe she was unwell—so he’d come to check.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If she was unwell, a failed refinement was perfectly reasonable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng stroked Honglian. She shyly curled her petals.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thoughtful Ailian—so beautiful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Doing things behind his wife’s back—how thrilling!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Taking this elixir might elevate me one level. Then my Wu Xiu cultivation would match my Zhai Xiu—no more fear of backlash.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The toxicity of one elixir is easily borne. Even without the Blue Leaf Elixir, I could endure it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The more Li Banfeng thought, the more excited he became. He took the elixir, left the outer chamber, and entered the main room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he passed the phonograph, its breathing grew rapid—as if it were about to wake.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng quickened his pace to the door. Just as he reached for the latch, a clatter rang out—the Judge’s Pen fell from his waist to the floor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Didn’t I put all my magic treasures into the Fifth Chamber?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How did I forget this?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why did this damn thing fall out again?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Judge’s Pen didn’t know why it had suddenly fallen—it cried out: “Ah!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two cries in succession woke his wife.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clatter-clatter-clatter-clatter~\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hey, husband, where are you going? Hey hey—what’s this wonderful smell?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In Kǔcài Village, Old Kǔ was picking bitter greens when a single leaf fell to the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Old Kǔ picked it up, glanced at it: “So soon? He’s already used up his first stroke of fortune?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What happened to him?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Old Kǔ continued picking greens.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Used up? Let him use it. He’ll have to pay it back anyway.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>PS: Why is this considered good fortune?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",2266,"2026-06-20T03:43:13.043Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","f95d29e5bc234c021ec250d375c1aff0c6c3af054e88ea6fceae3966d9d95b3a","lord-of-the-proles-chapter-187","lord-of-the-proles-chapter-185",863,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Flord-of-the-proles-cover.jpg"]