Chapter 498: Stabilizing the Soul

Together forever, upon the clouds.

Have I become the clouds?

Li Li Banfeng swung his arms, adjusting his flight posture in the cold wind.

Where am I?

Is this the cloud realm?

Why is it so dark?

The Judge's Pen said: "Don't move around. Open your eyes, and it won't be dark anymore."

Li Li Banfeng opened his eyes and found he had flown out of the Personal Dwelling, soaring above the courtyard.

Xiao Yeci was hanging clothes in the yard; though many servants were around, she still preferred to do some things herself.

Miss Xiao, please don't look up.

If she looks up and sees Li Qi flying in the sky, who knows what state she'll fall into.

Li Li Banfeng swung his arms with all his strength, trying to fly higher.

The Judge's Pen snapped: "Stop moving! If you move again, I'll take back my investment!"

Only then did Li Li Banfeng realize he was still hanging from the Judge's Pen.

"I'm already on the clouds—can't I fly?"

"You have to learn," said the Judge's Pen, rising slightly and circling repeatedly above Ye Ye Songqiao.

The promotion succeeded.

Li Li Banfeng had undergone a cross-tier promotion, his body severely depleted, teetering on the brink of death.

Yet he could not rest inside the estate.

This is the cost of forcibly seizing the cloud realm—he must now move within his own territory, using the land and his position to stabilize his soul.

To be honest, Li Li Banfeng now found it hard even to open his eyes.

The Threaded Earrings advised: "Master, Lady just said our humble pen can only carry you for a short while—most of the journey, you must walk yourself."

I still have to walk…

An hour later, the Judge's Pen set Li Li Banfeng down.

Li Li Banfeng could barely stand; after two steps, his legs gave way, nearly tumbling into Smoke Cloud Lake.

Even though he was now a cloud realm cultivator, if he fell in this condition, he'd drown for sure.

The Wine Gourd prepared some warm wine: "Little brother, take a sip to steady yourself."

The Teapot hurriedly stopped him: "Nonsense! What time is this to drink alcohol? You should drink clear tea."

"Don't drink anything," Tang Dao leapt from his waist, "Master, grip me tight—we walk forward."

Tang Dao became Li Li Banfeng's cane, guiding him step by step forward.

Luckily, his estate cultivator's talent still worked—he was easily overlooked, or else his staggering gait would have terrified everyone nearby.

After walking an entire day, Li Li Banfeng's soul stabilized, but his speed hadn't returned—he still hadn't recovered his Traveler's basic skill, Wind Born from Flat Ground.

At Lu's Bookhouse, Sun Sun Tiecheng stepped out, supported Li Li Banfeng, and seated him beside the low table.

"You've reached the cloud realm so fast?"

Li Li Banfeng nodded: "Didn't you say the faster the better? I naturally followed your advice."

Sun Sun Tiecheng sighed: "Still too hasty—you'll need more time to recover."

As they spoke, the Smiling Ghost King Gui Gui Jianchou brewed tea, poured each a cup, then wiped the bookshelves with a linen cloth.

Li Li Banfeng asked: "Who is this?"

Sun Sun Tiecheng said: "He's A Gui, hired by me to work. A Gui is diligent and quiet—I tell him not to speak, and he won't utter a word."

Li Li Banfeng chuckled: "You really plan to run a business here?"

Sun Sun Tiecheng sighed: "If only I could. There are still many matters in the city waiting for me."

Li Li Banfeng said: "Let me go with you to Fool's City to recuperate—it's safe there."

Sun Sun Tiecheng shook his head: "Not yet. Your soul is still drifting—you must stay within your territory until your soul is fully stabilized."

This bookstore must remain open; as long as it stands, my old friends won't dare come near."

During this time, your body is weak—be extremely cautious. You've survived great storms—don't capsize in a ditch."

Sun Sun Tiecheng left. Li Li Banfeng leaned on Tang Dao, struggling for a long time to rise, then shuffled step by step back to the estate.

Seeing Li Qi return, Xiao Yeci was overjoyed—until she realized he could barely stand.

"Master, what happened?"

"In the new land, I caught a chill…" Li Li Banfeng sweated profusely, rested briefly in the courtyard, then slipped back into the Personal Dwelling.

"Master, you're exhausted—rest for now. In two hours, you must return to your territory."

Li Li Banfeng looked helpless: "I still have to walk on the territory?"

The Phonograph sang softly: "Master's soul is stable enough—walking isn't strictly necessary, but you must remain within your territory. Seizing the cloud realm by force has altered both body and soul—only the land and your position can stabilize them."

Under the steam, Li Li Banfeng caught his breath, lay still on the bed, and asked: "Wife, am I now a Level One cloud cultivator?"

"Master, you're on the clouds now, but not yet Level One—just like when you first entered the Dao path, before you gained your tier."

"Then how long is my lifespan now?"

"Your lifespan… is still the same as before…" The Phonograph spoke quietly, for Master had suffered so much—he hadn't even gained triple lifespan yet.

Li Li Banfeng remained calm: "How long until I reach Level One cloud realm?"

"One, when your body recovers; two, when your soul stabilizes. In Neizhou, cloud cultivators who ascend directly receive new bodies—no need to worry about recovery or stabilization.

Master retained his original body, so he must endure this trial himself. Some take ten or twenty years to pass it; some never pass it in their lifetime."

"Lifetime?" Li Li Banfeng gasped, struggling to sit up.

The Phonograph wrapped him in steam, whispering gently: "Master, don't fret—rest well.

This trial is hard, but we prepared. First, take half a pill to restore your strength."

"Why half? We have plenty of pills—why not take one whole?"

"That's impossible. Even half is too much." The Phonograph brought an Xiao Xuan Yun Pill, tried to break off a third, hesitated, then used her needle to cut a fifth and slipped it into Li Li Banfeng's mouth.

Li Li Banfeng swallowed the pill—his sweat poured more heavily. The Phonograph continuously nourished him with steam to counteract the medicine's potency.

The pill's potency was hard to resist—when Wife once took an Xiao Xuan Yun Pill, her weak body couldn't absorb it, nearly killing her.

Now Li Li Banfeng's body was equally weak; after swallowing the pill, he felt limp, barely able to move.

In the Personal Dwelling, body recovery was fastest—but after two hours, Li Li Banfeng's soul began drifting again.

Tang Dao brought Li Li Banfeng back to Xiao Yeci's estate, into the bedroom, where he collapsed into sleep.

The Gloves worried: "If a strong enemy comes, what will the Master use to defend himself?"

The Wine Gourd said: "Stand guard. We'll watch nearby—if anyone comes, we'll hold them off—give Little Brother time to run back to the estate."

The magic treasures took their positions—and someone truly came.

Tang Dao was about to act, then realized the visitor was Xiao Yeci.

"Master, where did you go just now…" Xiao Yeci, uneasy, had checked several times and found Li Li Banfeng absent from the bedroom.

Now seeing him fast asleep, she dared not speak loudly, only quietly watching over him.

She wanted to feel his forehead for fever, raised her hand—then hesitated.

I can't touch him casually!

But how else can I tell if he's feverish?

Xiao Yeci bit her lip—no one else was watching; one touch wouldn't hurt.

The thought barely formed before she dismissed it.

What a filthy thought!

Is this really a matter of no one seeing?

Men and women must maintain proper boundaries!

Just then, Lu Lu Chunying entered and said to Xiao Yeci: "Miss Xiu is returning to Green Water City—let's go see her off."

"Nannan, you go. Master is ill—I must care for him."

Lu Lu Chunying stepped forward and touched Li Li Banfeng's forehead: "Not feverish, but he's sweating a lot."

Xiao Yeci glared: "You just touch him? A young lady—you don't know propriety?"

Lu Lu Chunying snorted: "Are you not a young lady? A man and woman alone in a room—is that proper?"

"I—I'm doing my duty! I'm caring for Master! I'm…"

Lu Lu Chunying left.

Xiao Yeci blushed, muttering to herself: "I have a clear conscience."

Li Li Banfeng slept intermittently; Xiao Yeci brought tea and water: "Master, shouldn't you call a physician?"

"No need for a physician—just bring me more water. Tell me about Ye Ye Songqiao's customs."

Xiao Yeci whispered softly beside him; when she saw Li Qi asleep, she stopped—then resumed when he woke.

After over two hours, Lu Lu Chunying returned: "Mother, Miss Xiu didn't leave."

"What happened?"

"The train station received orders: from today, Ye Ye Songqiao is closed to all entry and exit."

Xiao Yeci tensed: "What's going on?"

Lu Lu Chunying said: "It seems something happened at the Border Control General Office. Brother Wu has gone to investigate."

That night, Ma Wu returned to the estate. While Li Li Banfeng was still awake, he reported: "Xia Xia Shumin has come—for the Red Lotus matter."

Red Lotus?

The Red Lotus in my hand?

Li Li Banfeng's mind wasn't fully clear; he tensed for a moment before realizing Ma Wu was referring to the Red Lotus found at Ye Ye Songqiao: "I heard from Zheng Zheng Siyi that the Red Lotus was taken by Xia Xia Shumin. What's he doing here?"

Ma Wu said: "The Red Lotus went missing, and Xia Xia Shumin insists it was lost at Ye Ye Songqiao. Zheng Zheng Siyi denies it and produced the surveillance footage to confront him. Xia Xia Shumin flew into a rage and demanded the matter be fully investigated, so he sealed off Ye Ye Songqiao."

Li Li Banfeng frowned: "Again with this trick?"

Previously, Cheng Cheng Mingke once cut off traffic at Heishipo, only to sever his own supply line.

Ma Wu shook his head: "This time, Xia Xia Shumin's tactics are different—he's blocked off the new entrance to Xindi."

"How did he block it? I'm going to Xindi—can he stop me?" Li Li Banfeng stood up, but immediately felt dizzy and disoriented.

Ma Wu steadied Li Li Banfeng: "Word is Xia Xia Shumin brought in plenty of experts. Let's wait for more information. Now isn't the time to confront them directly—otherwise, we might as well admit the Red Lotus matter is tied to us."

Li Li Banfeng shook his head: "Even if we deny it, this bastard will still come after me."

Ma Wu said: "Why don't we first find a way to hide? If all else fails, we force our way into Xindi."

Li Li Banfeng couldn't hide.

That was just anger talking—he couldn't leave Ye Ye Songqiao lightly until his soul was stabilized.

…

In Lüshuicheng, the Chu family mansion, Chu Er was finalizing accounts until late at night. The steward, Yang Yang Yanzheng, prepared a late-night snack. Chu Er swallowed hard and shook his head: "I won't eat. You all go ahead."

The Old Nun had warned him: even after leaving Kucaizhuang, he mustn't indulge himself—cultivation must never be neglected for a moment.

Chu Er drank some cold water and noticed an outstanding debt in his business with Li Qi.

"When will this debt be recovered? Do I have to go collect it myself?"

Yang Yang Yanzheng nodded: "Yes, Miss. You previously instructed that this debt couldn't be collected until you personally went to demand it."

Chu Er blinked: "Did I say that?"

Wen Wen Hongyan beside her nodded: "You did. When Li Qi sent the money, you refused to accept it—you said the matter wasn't clear and insisted on confronting Li Qi face-to-face."

Chu Er looked at the ledger and nodded calmly: "It does need to be settled face-to-face. Is Li Qi still at Ye Ye Songqiao?"

Wen Wen Hongyan didn't answer, but looked at Yang Yang Yanzheng.

Yang Yang Yanzheng nodded: "He's still at Ye Ye Songqiao. I expect he'll be back soon."

Chu Er thought for a moment: "I can't wait on this debt—I'll go to Ye Ye Songqiao myself."

Yang Yang Yanzheng hurried to dissuade her: "Miss, we don't need to rush. The Bailue Gate's income this month has been substantial. Let me help you reconcile it."

Chu Er waved her hand: "I've already gone over Bailue Gate's accounts. Go buy me a train ticket—I'm leaving for Ye Ye Songqiao tomorrow."

Yang Yang Yanzheng picked up another ledger: "Qiuqiucheng has also returned some payments. Let's tally them together."

"That small amount can wait—just get the ticket done."

"Miss, let's discuss the business at Huangtu Bridge again."

"What's going on?" Chu Er frowned. "Why are you constantly changing the subject? Is there something you're hiding from me?"

Yang Yang Yanzheng hesitated, then spoke plainly: "Miss, Ye Ye Songqiao has been sealed by the Border Control Office. Trains have stopped. No one is allowed in or out."

Chu Er froze: "When did this happen?"

"Just these past two days. They say it's because of the Red Lotus."

Chu Er had heard rumors about the Red Lotus—mainly because Xia Xia Shumin had made such a huge commotion.

"Wasn't the Red Lotus taken to Waizhou by that Xia fellow?"

Yang Yang Yanzheng said: "Rumors from the Border Control Office say that when they inspected the goods in Waizhou, the Red Lotus was gone. Xia Xia Shumin lost face and returned to search for it, starting at Ye Ye Songqiao—and now he's sealed the place."

"Is Liao Liao Zihui just letting Xia Xia Shumin run wild?"

"Liao Liao Zihui is still in Waizhou receiving treatment—he was injured by the Red Lotus. Right now, the entire Border Control Office answers to Xia Xia Shumin."

Chu Er didn't understand: "If Xia Xia Shumin lost the Red Lotus, how can he still be in charge of the Border Control Office?"

Yang Yang Yanzheng sighed: "This Xia Xia Shumin isn't ordinary. This matter is likely far bigger than it seems."

Chu Er fell silent for a moment, then asked: "Could this affect Li Qi?"

Wen Wen Hongyan said: "Li Qi went to Ye Ye Songqiao to do business—and right then, all these things happened. If anyone says he has nothing to do with it, no one would believe them."

Yang Yang Yanzheng quickly added: "Seventh Master is a smart man. If he had nothing to do with this, he can explain it clearly."

Chu Er shook her head: "If Xia Xia Shumin targets Li Qi, no amount of explanation will help. Besides, Li Qi won't want to talk to them at all. How many people did he bring with him when he went to Ye Ye Songqiao?"

Yang Yang Yanzheng said: "As far as I know, he brought no one. You know his nature—he prefers to go alone."

"What about Lu Lu Chunying?"

"Lu Lu Chunying went home with Xiao Ye Ci to visit family—she only took a few attendants."

"I heard He He Yuxiu went too."

"He He Yuxiu went for business. None of them went there to fight—they all brought minimal personnel."

Chu Er rubbed her forehead: "I have a bad feeling this is going to turn into something big. I need to go to Ye Ye Songqiao and see for myself."

Wen Wen Hongyan said: "How? Ye Ye Songqiao is completely sealed."

"I have a way," Chu Er stood up. "Gather the team."

…

Inside the Border Control Office, Xia Xia Shumin questioned Zheng Zheng Siyi.

Xia Xia Shumin had come every day for many days to question Zheng Zheng Siyi; Zheng Zheng Siyi was used to it by now.

"Director Xia, you've reviewed all the handover documents. The Red Lotus theft has nothing to do with our office."

Xia Xia Shumin said: "Old Zheng, this isn't the time to assign blame. I'm here to confirm three things. First: what was Director Liao's purpose in coming to Ye Ye Songqiao?"

"Director Liao came to inspect our work—I wrote that in my report."

"If it was just a routine inspection, why bring combat personnel?"

"That was Director Liao's arrangement. I don't know the exact reason."

Xia Xia Shumin continued: "Second: why did Director Liao clash with the Qi Wuji Camp of the Zhu Guang Corps?"

"It wasn't a clash—it was mediation," Zheng Zheng Siyi had been warned by Liao Liao Zihui beforehand and was prepared: "Members of the Zhu Guang Corps had a conflict with two powerful families from Pulu Province. Director Liao intervened and resolved the matter."

"Which two families?"

"He He Yuxiu and Li Qi. You don't need me to introduce them—you know them well."

Xia Xia Shumin nodded: "So this matter is connected to Li Qi."

Zheng Zheng Siyi couldn't say it wasn't connected—that would be a trap. His reply: "I don't know what grudge Li Qi had with the Zhu Guang Corps. We merely fulfilled our duty and prevented the situation from escalating."

Xia Xia Shumin frowned: "The Qi Wuji Camp was nearly annihilated. Wasn't that escalation enough?"

Zheng Zheng Siyi remained calm: "It was unavoidable. No civilians were harmed. Our mediation was highly successful."

Xia Xia Shumin picked up a pen—a magical artifact—that recorded Zheng Zheng Siyi's words word for word.

"Third: after I left, you sent personnel to guard the site where the Red Lotus was obtained. I've learned that one night, the guards didn't show up."

Zheng Zheng Siyi blinked: "Is that true? I'll need to verify this thoroughly. If it happened, the guards must be severely punished—I bear some responsibility."

No verification was needed—he knew perfectly well what had happened that night: Li Qi had gone to visit the Earth Spirit's dwelling, and Zheng Zheng Siyi had given him access.

Clearly, Xia Xia Shumin had caught him: "I hear this is also connected to Li Qi?"

Zheng Zheng Siyi said: "Director Xia, why are you fixated on Li Qi today?"

"The guards' dereliction of duty is my responsibility—I'll investigate it thoroughly."

"As for Li Qi's affairs, ask him yourself. I know nothing."

Xia Xia Shumin nodded: "You're right—I should ask him. Old Zheng, for now, I want you and your men to remain inside the Border Control Office. I can't risk any leaks."

Back in his office, Zheng Zheng Siyi sat in his chair, staring blankly.

He wanted to warn Li Qi—but under the current situation, even leaving his office was difficult.

Li Qi was smart—he'd know he must not come to the Border Control Office now. If he fell into Xia Xia Shumin's hands, any charge could be laid on him.

But even avoiding coming was hard—Xia Xia Shumin had gone all out this time.

…

After several days of rest, Li Li Banfeng regained some mobility, but his combat power hadn't recovered. He could still fight a small skirmish—his techniques like "Gallop Through the Flowers" and "Crush Ten Thousand Rivers" were barely usable—but he couldn't sustain them for more than twenty seconds before hitting his limit.

Ma Wu went to the Border Control Office daily to negotiate, hoping they'd be allowed to return to Lüshuicheng first.

The Border Control Office gave no outright refusal, only saying the procedures were still underway, and told Ma Wu to wait for news.

At dusk, Ma Wu left the Border Control Office and chartered a ferry to return to his residence. After ten minutes, the boat didn't dock—it kept drifting downstream along the Qingtian River.

Ma Wu frowned: "Where are you taking us?"

The boatman replied: "We're seeing some guests off."

Zuo Zuo Wugang rushed forward and seized the boatman. Zhen Zhen Jincheng kept watch over the second boatman and two crewmen. Cao Cao Zhida snatched the oar and rowed straight for shore.

The boatman wasn't alarmed. When the boat reached shore, it suddenly vanished—everyone plunged into the water.

The boatman and his crew jumped in, relying on their superior swimming skills to trap Cao Cao Zhida, Zhen Zhen Jincheng, and the others.

Zuo Zuo Wugang reacted quickly, grabbed Ma Wu, kicked off the riverbed rocks, and leapt onto the riverbank.

As soon as his feet touched land, dozens of men surged from the shore, surrounding Ma Wu and Zuo Zuo Wugang.

The leader, wearing a vest and a felt hat, dressed like a laborer, grinned at Ma Wu: "Young Master Wu, we didn't mistake you, did we?"

Ma Wu said: "What do you want with me?"

The man said: "No advice, just a desire to climb a high branch and befriend Young Master Ma. Ahead is Baixian Restaurant—we've set up a feast. Will you honor us with your presence?"

Ma Wu bowed: "Thank you for your kindness, but I have urgent business. Allow me to visit another day."

The man sneered: "Young Master Wu, since you refuse our invitation, don't blame us for being rude!"

Zuo Zuo Wugang didn't waste words—he snatched a bamboo pole from the ground and attacked immediately.

Ma Wu activated his technique, disrupting the enemy's formation while aiding Zuo Zuo Wugang in battle.

In the water, Zhen Zhen Jincheng exerted all his strength to knock down the boat captain; Cao Cao Zhida, seeing this, shouted: "Hurry and go!"

Zhen Zhen Jincheng said: "We leave together!"

Cao Cao Zhida held onto the second boatman: "You go first—go back and report!"

Zhen Zhen Jincheng climbed onto the riverbank, did not join the battle on land, and ran straight toward Xiao Ye Ci's residence.

At the residence, Zhen Zhen Jincheng recounted the events; Li Li Banfeng said he would go see for himself, but He He Yuxiu said: "Little Seven, your illness isn't fully healed—stay home. I'll go first and find out who dares trouble Wu Wu."

Who could the other side be?

It's certainly not river bandits, nor any local gang—what status does Ma Wu hold? Who among ordinary people would dare offend him?

Could this be someone from the Border Defense Office?

Trying to use Ma Wu to lure Li Qi there?

Li Li Banfeng warned He He Yuxiu: "Just save Ma Wu—don't get drawn into prolonged fighting."

He He Yuxiu nodded: "Don't worry—I know my limits."

Just ten minutes after He He Yuxiu left, the thread-earring suddenly alerted: "Master, there's movement!"

Li Li Banfeng walked toward the gate, just as the gatekeeper Zhi Guai rushed in, panicked: "Bad news! The Border Defense Office has surrounded our residence!"

Lu Lu Yuanxin heard this and scattered a handful of bait into the courtyard; swarms of insects gathered at his feet.

Li Li Banfeng listened carefully to the sounds outside—their number was likely over five hundred.

Xiao Ye Ci remained calm, whispering: "What are they planning to do?"

Li Li Banfeng turned back: "Lu Yuanxin, take the mother and daughter back to the room—under no circumstances come out until you hear from me."

Lu Lu Yuanxin nodded and led Xiao Ye Ci and Lu Lu Chunying back into the room.

Soon after, Xia Xia Shumin entered the courtyard, flanked by dozens of guards.

"Li Qi, we meet again," Xia Xia Shumin said, his expression dark as he stared at Li Li Banfeng.

Li Li Banfeng lifted his hat brim slightly, glanced at Xia Xia Shumin, and asked politely: "What was your name again?"

Xia Xia Shumin sneered: "You're incredibly arrogant—daring to provoke me now? I suspect you're connected to the stolen Lotus case. Come with us to the Border Defense Office for questioning."

Li Li Banfeng replied calmly: "What if I refuse?"

Xia Xia Shumin ordered his men to raise the steam-powered machine gun: "If you resist arrest, I'll shoot you on the spot."

"You want to kill me? Are you serious?" Li Li Banfeng lowered his hat brim.

PS: Li Banfeng hasn't recovered—this fight won't be easy!

(End of Chapter)