[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-lord-of-the-proles":3,"chapter-lord-of-the-proles-lord-of-the-proles-chapter-244":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},2290542,4478,"Chapter 244","lord-of-the-proles-chapter-244",244,"\u003Cp>At dusk, a group of elders returned to the village weeping and shouting, accusing the bandits of cruelty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Li Banfeng had been there, he would have surely Quan  them a few words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cruelty is only natural—how else could you rob people?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We’ve tried both soft and hard approaches—none worked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Several villages discussed it and decided they must involve a Sage’s disciple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The villagers’ heartfelt offering to the Sage was stolen by highwaymen—the Sage’s disciple cannot stand idly by!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the Sage’s disciples aren’t easy to reason with; slightest displeasure, and they’ll strike.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The villagers are sincere—they’ll take being beaten, they’ll take being scolded—all for their devotion to the Sage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They knelt outside the Sage’s disciple’s gate, refusing to rise, begging only that their plight be reported to Sage’s Peak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now it was the disciples’ turn to be troubled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The villagers are showing devotion to the Sage; we are the Sage’s disciples—we cannot ignore this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They are all ruthless—no matter how young the child, they’ll strike without hesitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But beating a child is one thing; dealing with bandits is another.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Children who are beaten dare not fight back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bandits who beat them won’t hold back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the end, three disciples gathered the courage to accept the task and climbed the mountain that night to deliver a message to the Sage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Can they reach Sage’s Peak?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This region is a chain of mountains; there are many paths to Sage’s Peak—Li Banfeng cannot ambush every single one.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Besides, he’s after wealth—he won’t attack every passerby.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The three disciples donned coarse cloth robes, disguised themselves as farmers, and delivered the message to Sage’s Peak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the Sage’s disciples, do they have no cultivation base at all?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Indeed, they have none.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Among disciples, there are differences—those with cultivation reside on Sage’s Peak and never descend to teach.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside the grand mansion, the boy who had opened the gate for Li Banfeng stood beneath the eaves, waiting beyond the door for his master’s command.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From within the room came rapid, labored breathing—his master was cultivating.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When the breathing eased slightly, the boy finally heard his master’s voice: “This man claims to be the peddler’s senior brother?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The boy replied: “The villagers say so—likely just nonsense from him.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That may not be so. He came uninvited and stirred up such turmoil—he must have some foundation. Send Jingzhang and Wenlie down to give him a lesson first.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The boy bowed and accepted. The labored breathing resumed—his master had begun cultivating again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Outside the mansion, the boy went to two other courtyards and summoned Senior Brothers Qu Jingzhang and Ren Wenlie.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon hearing their master’s order, the two disciples understood the situation and immediately descended the mountain to find Li Banfeng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finding Li Banfeng wasn’t hard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In recent days, over two hundred people from various villages had come to join Li Banfeng—all outsiders who wanted to leave but couldn’t.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With so many people, the group grew powerful. At first they lived in caves, but when the caves filled, they built wooden huts—rows of them, now forming a full-fledged Shanzhai .\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng named the Shanzhai  En Gong Zhai.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qu Jingzhang and Ren Wenlie were both in their early fifties; each donned a coarse, short tunic, patched multiple times—clearly poor folk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They arrived at En Gong Zhai and met Niu Guangda and Fang Lianfu patrolling outside the Shanzhai , asking for a drink of water.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Lianfu asked them: “Are you outsiders come here to beg?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qu Jingzhang shook his head: “We’re not beggars—we’re locals. We don’t want food, just a sip of water.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Niu Guangda frowned: “You’re locals? Why aren’t you in your village? Why come to this deep forest to beg water from us?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ren Wenlie sighed: “Young man, how can you speak like that? We’re old men—do you think we’d lie just to steal a sip of water?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if you fetched us a bowl of cold well water, we’d remember your kindness. Yet you’ve questioned us repeatedly, as if we’re thieves.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Niu Guangda blinked: “I was just asking… no ill intent…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Lianfu blushed: “We’re young, unpolished. Wait—we’ll get you tea and some snacks.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two farmers coming to a remote wilderness to beg water was suspicious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After hearing their words, Niu Guangda and Fang Lianfu felt deeply ashamed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After drinking tea and eating snacks, Qu Jingzhang belched: “Young man, let me teach you—respecting elders is the foundation of being human. Haven’t you ever been old?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When you reach our age and are treated like a thief while traveling, how will you feel?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Niu Guangda and Fang Lianfu turned bright red, speechless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ren Wenlie stretched: “Young man, is there a place to rest? We won’t stay long—just need a nap, we’re exhausted.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Niu Guangda and Fang Lianfu hesitated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Shanzhai  forbade outsiders from staying overnight—that was En Gong’s rule.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But these two elders, so old, only wanted a short nap—how could we refuse? Our conscience wouldn’t allow it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After brief consultation, the two youths said: “We’ll take you to our quarters to rest—but you must leave before dark.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ren Wenlie clicked his tongue: “What’s that supposed to mean? Do you think we’ll refuse to leave? Why are young people today so rude? What did your parents teach you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two youths said nothing more, silently leading the elders to their room. As the elders stepped forward, a man wearing a hat and a full beard approached.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What are you doing? Not patrolling? Coming back to hide and nap?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Li Banfeng, Niu Guangda and Fang Lianfu lowered their heads, silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qu Jingzhang and Ren Wenlie exchanged glances—this bearded man must be who they sought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ren Wenlie spoke first: “Good sir, don’t scold these youths. We’re just passing through, seeking a place to rest. These two kind lads found us a spot.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qu Jingzhang added: “We’re old men—asking for a place to rest here—how could that break any rule?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng quickly replied: “You misunderstand. Respecting elders is the foundation of humanity—no rule overrides it. These youths’ quarters are messy and dirty—unsuitable for elders. Come with me—I’ll take you to my own quarters.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qu Jingzhang and Ren Wenlie remained expressionless, following Li Banfeng into the cave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ren Wenlie looked around: “You live here?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qu Jingzhang sighed: “Young man, why lie to us? You’re the leader of this group—how could you live in such a place?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng bowed his head: “Forgive me—I simply prefer caves to houses.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qu Jingzhang frowned: “Are you joking with two old men like this? Is that appropriate?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ren Wenlie said: “Did your parents never teach you how to speak to elders?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng answered honestly: “They never did.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he spoke, sweat poured down Li Banfeng’s face—only his low hat brim hid his distress.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were using De Xiu’s technique—See Virtue and Aspire to It.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under this technique, they imposed a high moral standard on Li Banfeng, forcing him into self-reproach and shame.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under the technique, the other party had set a very high moral standard for Li Banfeng, causing Li Banfeng to sink into self-blame and guilt under the other’s criticism.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It depended on cultivation levels.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From the current situation, Qu Jingzhang and Ren Wenlie each had a cultivation base around Level Five—equal to Li Banfeng’s Zhai Xiu, but together, they overwhelmed him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From the current situation, Qu Jingzhang and Ren Wenlie’s cultivation bases were both around level five, equivalent to Li Banfeng’s Zhai Xiu, but together they gave Li Banfeng a significant setback.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The wine gourd and the Blood Bell were using Nian Xiu techniques to help Li Banfeng stay conscious, but his thoughts were too scattered—the situation couldn’t be reversed yet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meng De hung on the cave wall, secretly aiding him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only because Li Banfeng prepared thoroughly could he have held out this long.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He looked at the two men, smiling: “I gave you tea, snacks, and a place to rest—and now you nag and nitpick?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Didn’t your parents teach you manners? You’ve lived this long—acting so uncouth—don’t you feel ashamed?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two froze, stunned he could speak like this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qu Jingzhang snapped: “How dare you speak to elders like that?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ren Wenlie said: “Do you have no upbringing? No respect for elders?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng scanned them: “That’s what we should ask you—do you even know respect for elders? I’m older than you—do you know that?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qu Jingzhang stood speechless for a long moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ren Wenlie sneered: “You say that and don’t fear being laughed at?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng stared at Ren Wenlie: “How many teeth do you have? Are they that loose?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I’m the peddler’s senior brother—I’ve eaten more salt than you’ve crossed bridges. What are you showing off to me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When you were born, I didn’t even know where I was. You two orphans—how do you speak to elders? Didn’t your mother teach you manners?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng’s words were chaotic, but most were true.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet Qu Jingzhang and Ren Wenlie didn’t care about truth—they only cared about one question: Is this man truly the peddler’s senior brother?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he is, then using techniques on him is sheer stupidity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing their hesitation, Li Banfeng gained confidence—he had succeeded with both Truthful Assertion and the Fool’s Thousand Thoughts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng pointed at them: “Do you have any shame? If you still know what’s decent, go stand outside and reflect!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qu Jingzhang and Ren Wenlie couldn’t determine if Li Banfeng was lying or telling the truth. After much deliberation, they decided to leave this place for now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Li Banfeng truly is the peddler’s senior brother, their survival so far is thanks to his mercy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he isn’t, they now know his location—there’ll be time later to deal with him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Li Banfeng weren’t the peddler’s senior brother, since he already knew his residence, it wouldn’t be too late to deal with him at a suitable opportunity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two said no more and turned to leave the cave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This is a blunder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A fool’s many thoughts bring only anxiety over gain and loss.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This is the most advantageous choice for Li Banfeng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Never leave your back exposed to a Traveling Cultivator, or you will never have another chance to turn back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng suddenly stepped forward, crushing a stone beneath his foot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Several shards of stone struck the backs of their heads.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>PS: “I’ve eaten more salt than you’ve crossed bridges.” Is this statement right or wrong?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",1730,"2026-06-20T03:43:16.386Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","f5611fe42eaeb835c488bcca109a618f1be0b9fc480bbb94bc348b292b4e5538","lord-of-the-proles-chapter-245","lord-of-the-proles-chapter-243",863,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Flord-of-the-proles-cover.jpg"]