[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-lord-of-the-proles":3,"chapter-lord-of-the-proles-lord-of-the-proles-chapter-19":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},2290317,4478,"Chapter 19: Incompatible as Water and Fire","lord-of-the-proles-chapter-19",19,"\u003Cp>The firelight played on his face as Li Banfeng slowly opened his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The peddler’s face suddenly appeared close by, wearing a look of genuine concern as he gazed at Li Banfeng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re awake? Here, drink this fruit syrup—it’ll perk you up.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fruit syrup, an old-fashioned drink, looked like juice but had nothing to do with juice—it was made from food coloring and saccharin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This bowl was orange-flavored.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng’s mouth was dry and bitter; drinking this was better than nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng drained the syrup, then asked about initiation. The peddler’s smile turned sincere: “Congratulations, young man. You’ve escaped the threat of Tian Guang and become a cultivator—the same as what outsiders call a Dark Energy User.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why did the peddler’s tone sound so strange?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His speech carried an official formality; the earlier streetwise charm was gone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng asked again: “Which Dao gate did I enter?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Didn’t you want to become a Traveling Cultivator? That wish has been fulfilled!” The peddler poured Li Banfeng another bowl of syrup.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Good,” Li Banfeng said, lifting the bowl and taking a large sip. This one was pineapple-flavored, its golden liquid thick with the fruit’s distinctive aroma.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing the golden color, Li Banfeng remembered the scene before he passed out—he’d seen golden powder mixed with faint blue halos.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Just a Traveling Cultivator?” Li Banfeng studied the peddler again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The peddler’s smile remained sincere: “You just asked another guest whether one could cultivate two Dao gates simultaneously. Let me answer for him—it’s possible.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Indeed!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Something was definitely wrong!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng asked: “Which two Dao gates did I cultivate together?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The peddler paused a long while before saying: “Traveling Cultivator and Homebound Cultivator.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The blue powder was for Traveling Cultivator.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The golden powder was for Homebound Cultivator.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng sat motionless for a long time, then asked: “How do you cultivate both Traveling and Homebound Cultivator at once?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These two Dao gates were clearly incompatible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The peddler explained patiently: “The guest who just left said cultivating two Dao gates makes achievement nearly impossible. I think that’s wrong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A cultivator who masters two Dao gates should be stronger than one who masters only one, at the same level.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if they’re one level lower, they can use techniques from both Dao gates to outmaneuver their opponent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Isn’t that an advantage? Isn’t that potential? I believe dual cultivators have a bright future!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng nodded: “I agree it’s promising. So how do you cultivate Traveling and Homebound Cultivator together?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Let’s start with Homebound Cultivator,” the peddler explained. “Due to its unique nature, it pairs well with many Dao gates—for example, Spy Cultivator.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Spy Cultivators excel at surveillance and tracking. A Homebound Cultivator who also cultivates Spy can sit at home and track someone’s movements. Even if discovered, they’re protected by their Home Spirit and remain safe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, the Home Spirit enhances Spy Cultivator’s abilities, allowing pursuit across thousands of miles, even tens of thousands, and piercing through barriers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So Homebound Cultivator is ideal for dual cultivation.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng nodded: “Perfect. So how do you combine Homebound and Traveling Cultivator?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The peddler continued: “Now consider Traveling Cultivator—it’s also ideal for dual cultivation. Take Madame Han from Baisheng Pharmacy in Yaowang Gou.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone in Yaowang Gou knows she’s a Medicine Cultivator, but few know she also cultivates Traveler.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She’s traveled countless mountains and rivers, gathering rare treasures, which is how she built Baisheng Pharmacy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Isn’t Traveler perfect for dual cultivation?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Perfect, absolutely perfect,” Li Banfeng agreed wholeheartedly. “So how do you combine Homebound and Traveling Cultivator?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Both Homebound and Traveling Cultivator are ideal for dual cultivation. Putting them together isn’t bad either…” The peddler’s voice trailed off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng asked seriously: “What’s good about it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Let me make up a story for you…” The peddler wiped sweat from his forehead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Fine, I’m listening. Make it up.” Li Banfeng remained utterly serious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After several minutes of silence, a cold wind blew. The peddler’s forehead glistened with sweat: “I can’t make one up.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then what?” Li Banfeng’s forehead was sweating too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was serious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The peddler forced a smile, as if comforting Li Banfeng: “Homebound and Traveling Cultivator cannot be dual cultivated. They’re natural enemies. But you can look on the bright side.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What’s the bright side?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The bright side is you’re still alive,” the peddler said, his smile vanishing. From now on, every word he spoke concerned Li Banfeng’s life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Homebound and Traveling Cultivator have nothing in common. Their natures clash violently. Normally, ingesting both powders would kill you instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But you’re still alive, proving your body has some unique qualities—though this is mostly due to your exposure to Tian Guang.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What exactly is Tian Guang?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The peddler shook his head: “This is too profound—I can’t explain it to you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Take your time. Maybe I’ll understand!” Li Banfeng had to know what had happened to him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The peddler thought a moment: “Do you know what dark matter is?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Of course I do.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In truth, Li Banfeng didn’t know. At humanity’s current technological level, no one knew what dark matter truly was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Li Banfeng was well-educated—he’d at least heard the term.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You really know?” the peddler confirmed again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng nodded: “I do. I had a higher education.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I don’t!” the peddler puffed out his chest. “I don’t know what dark matter is, so I can’t explain this!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng scratched the back of his head. The peddler’s logic made sense: “Then let’s skip dark matter.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The peddler continued: “What you call exposure to Tian Guang—in your outer states, it’s called a dark matter radiation stream.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dark matter exists everywhere, but some is special. In Nei Jiuzhou, we call this Dao Yuan surging.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Intake of Dao Yuan through proper methods causes little harm, but if the surge is too violent, no mortal can withstand it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If struck by a surge, your body will rupture quickly. Any remaining Dao Yuan may continue to harm you.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So if you want to survive, you must enter Dao quickly. Use the herbal catalyst to guide the Dao Yuan in your body along a specific path…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The peddler explained the mechanism of Tian Guang in simple terms. Li Banfeng quickly grasped the core idea.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A Dark Energy User—the term locals used for cultivators—was a mortal who had undergone mutation after being invaded by special dark matter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mutation was chaotic and mostly fatal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The peddler’s medicine could turn chaotic mutation into orderly mutation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Small, regulated intake of dark matter—as with Ma Wu and Qin Xiaopang—caused slow erosion. Only when the mutation reached a certain stage could the peddler’s medicine guide them to become Dark Energy Users.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Li Banfeng had been struck by a dark matter radiation stream. His body was flooded with dark matter in moments, risking spontaneous explosion. Immediate guidance was essential.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There were many medicines, each guiding mutation along different paths, granting different supernatural abilities.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng’s body held enough dark matter—he could choose any path, or even two similar ones.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he’d chosen two opposing paths.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he hadn’t chosen them!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng’s eyes widened: “Qiao Yuesheng! That bird who just bumped into me—this is all his fault…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The peddler pointed to the straw mat beside him: “You mean him?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng hadn’t noticed the mat beside the peddler—he’d assumed it held supplies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, as the peddler pointed, he saw it clearly contained a person.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng gasped: “That’s Qiao Yuesheng?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The peddler nodded: “This incident started because of him. He’s already paid me sufficient compensation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And since you had an accident at my stall, I bear responsibility too. So I must compensate you—it’s my duty as a merchant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Judging by your condition, you’ve survived initiation. But your future cultivation will be extremely difficult.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>According to Traveling Cultivator’s nature, even if you don’t seek advancement, you must walk at least twenty li daily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>According to Homebound Cultivator’s nature, you must return home at least once a day and stay for at least two hours.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng calculated the time: “That’s not hard!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Indeed, it wasn’t.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A twenty-li walk? Just a ten-kilometer slow jog.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Go home, sleep, or watch a novel or drama—two hours was effortless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So far, the two Dao gates didn’t seem that conflicting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The peddler shook his head: “This is only the beginning. As you advance, Traveling Cultivators must walk farther and farther, while Homebound Cultivators must stay home longer and longer. Soon, they’ll become incompatible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, once a Traveling Cultivator advances, they can’t stay in one place. But a home is fixed. A Homebound Cultivator can’t wander. So these two Dao gates are natural enemies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, that’s later. We’ll deal with it then. Right now, there’s another problem: To advance as a Traveling Cultivator, you must spend one full day and night in a perilous place.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That’s troublesome. Homebound Cultivators must return home daily. Miss one day, and you might die. How will you stay out for a full day and night?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng blinked: “What’s a perilous place?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The peddler stared, astonished: “You went to school? You don’t know what a perilous place is? It’s anywhere that can kill you instantly.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How do you define it? Sleeping in the middle of the road could get you crushed by a car!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The peddler nodded: “That’s actually a good idea. Try sleeping in the middle of the road. If your cultivation accepts it, you’ll advance!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Does cultivation even recognize that?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How wouldn’t it? Your cultivation base is now part of you—you feel it, so your cultivation base feels too. Have you decided to sleep on the street?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I was just saying that…” Li Banfeng fell into thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhaixiu must return home every day.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But what about someone like me, who has no home?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I never had a home to begin with—where am I supposed to return to?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thinking of this, Li Banfeng asked directly: “I currently have no house—I have no home to return to. Even if I sleep outdoors, exposed to wind and rain, I’m not violating the rules of Zhaixiu, right?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The peddler nodded: “That’s true.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng smiled: “Then it’s settled—I’ll go to a dangerous place, endure a full day and night, reach the first level of Lvxiu, then buy a house. Won’t that solve everything?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The peddler shook his head: “That won’t work.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why not?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s equivalent to abandoning Zhaixiu. Dual cultivation requires both paths to be practiced simultaneously. If you abandon one, you’ll lose your life.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng hurried to say: “I’m not abandoning it—I’m just practicing Lvxiu first, then…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What good is just talking?” The peddler cut him off. “Your cultivation base is part of your body. Your actions reflect your true intent.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You’ve reached the first level of Lvxiu—your cultivation has made some progress—but you still don’t even have a suitable house. Zhaixiu hasn’t even begun properly. Isn’t that the same as abandoning Zhaixiu?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s stretching it! My intent isn’t like that!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The peddler shrugged: “Talking to me won’t help. If you don’t believe me, go ahead and try.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Try… I can’t try that,” Li Banfeng sank into thought again, then gritted his teeth: “I’ll just stay at my current level and stall—until I figure something out!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Like him?” The peddler lifted the straw mat, revealing Qiao Yuesheng’s mangled corpse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mangled” was even too mild—it was just a pile of shredded flesh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Had the peddler not said this was Qiao Yuesheng, Li Banfeng would never have recognized him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How did he end up like this?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The peddler covered the mat again: “He was an An Nengzhe—a glutton, also known as a Shixiu.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Compared to Lvxiu, Shixiu aren’t especially fast—but once fed, they’re far quicker than ordinary people.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>According to Waizhou rules, An Nengzhe are barred from athletic competitions—it’s cheating. But this kid, desperate for fame and fortune, took the risk.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dark matter can’t be observed; no one can detect his cultivation. Yet he feared someone might notice his abnormality.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shixiu must eat five jin of rice daily. He was afraid of being exposed, so he dared not eat, and even more so, dared not ascend a level.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He kept using his innate physical gifts without cultivating properly—just stalling, as you said. And that’s how he ended up like this.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You can’t stall forever. At least one of Zhaixiu or Lvxiu must reach a level. If you delay too long, your fate will be the same as his.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Can I stop once I reach the first level?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No. Even if you have no ambition, your daily foundational cultivation must never be neglected.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng stared at the straw mat wrapped around the corpse: “How long must I cultivate before it ends?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“There is no end,” the peddler said, shaking his head. “Once you chose this path, you’re doomed to walk it for life.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng looked up at the peddler: “Then tell me—how do I get past this hurdle?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The peddler met his gaze: “Two paths. Choose one. First: find a perilous place to settle down. I’ll provide you with a house.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>PS: Thank you, Zhidengsheng Shaxingxiu!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two chapters today—another at 5 PM.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",2174,"2026-06-20T03:43:13.043Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","79ad78e712ee50c68483cdd6902439db3a3a77e2c121777718081b54ab7d6c5e","lord-of-the-proles-chapter-20","lord-of-the-proles-chapter-18",863,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Flord-of-the-proles-cover.jpg"]