Chapter 613: Creatures from the Sun

Li Li Banfeng dragged Han Han Xiaoxuan into the Leaving Suishenju.

Being able to drag him was already no easy feat; once separated from his external equipment, Han Han Xiaoxuan's techniques failed, and most of the dust returned to his body. This person had created a factory all by himself; one could imagine his weight.

Li Li Banfeng was also covered in quite a bit of dust. He sat by the bed, took a deep breath, and utilized the technique of "High Pillow and No Worries." Soon, he broke into a sweat, followed by violent retching and coughing up a large amount of phlegm, along with shedding many tears.

The wife boiled hot water and let Li Li Banfeng take a bath. The dust remaining between his pores, in his respiratory tract, mouth, stomach, and eyes was all cleaned out. This dust slowly squirmed toward Han Han Xiaoxuan, rapidly fusing with his body.

Xiang Xiang Hongying looked a bit disgusted: "Qilang, what kind of person is this?"

"A Neizhou person, made of powder." Li Li Banfeng held the powder box and slowly approached Han Han Xiaoxuan. Sensing the powder box drawing near, Han Han Xiaoxuan woke up. The powder that had originally been absorbed into his body continuously dissipated outward, rippling across Han Han Xiaoxuan's body layer by layer.

His condition was very unstable and he could explode at any moment, but his mood was actually quite good. He wasn't panicked at all, and upon seeing Li Li Banfeng, he didn't forget to tease him: "Little handsome, we meet again. I thought I wouldn't see you for the rest of my life."

The Phonograph temporarily stabilized Han Han Xiaoxuan's soul and then asked seriously: "You miss my husband so much?"

Han Han Xiaoxuan looked at the Phonograph and didn't feel panicked: "Oh my, so this handsome man has an owner. Don't worry, I won't fight for favor. I'm about to disappear anyway; it's enough that he has me in his heart."

Li Li Banfeng shook his head: "It's impossible for me to have you in my heart, but perhaps my wife's stomach could have you. Are you a Neizhou person?" "Why ask this?" Han Han Xiaoxuan smiled and shook his head. "I don't have much time left. Can we say a few sweet words?"

The Old Lao Chahu laughed: "Look at your own face; which eye of our young master could possibly fancy you? Tell me some sweet words; I, an old man, don't mind you." A pot of boiling water was poured onto Han Han Xiaoxuan's body, and this formidable Neizhou person revealed a trace of a painful expression.

During the fierce battle just now, Li Li Banfeng had truly neglected the teapot. The teapot's tea water had a clear restraining effect on this Neizhou person. Yet, despite suffering great pain, Han Han Xiaoxuan still refused to say much. The teapot was about to pour more water when it was stopped by the Phonograph. "Little sister, you are a tough nut to crack. I know these things are useless against you."

Han Han Xiaoxuan was startled and asked the Phonograph: "In this state of mine, you call me little sister?"

The Phonograph switched to its puppet body, appearing as a woman, and sat beside Han Han Xiaoxuan: "I don't care what you look like; I can tell that you were originally a woman." Han Han Xiaoxuan lowered his head and smiled: "Big sister, you are so pretty. I have never seen such a beautiful woman. Was what you said just now sincere?"

"We are both women; whether it's sincere or not, you can certainly tell."

Han Han Xiaoxuan smiled: "Good. Just for those words, I will be a little sister to you once. What do you want to ask?" The Phonograph asked: "Are you a pure-blooded Neizhou person?"

Han Han Xiaoxuan nodded: "I am, but not entirely." "You were remade in a furnace?"

"Yes, a group of us were remade in a furnace. I became this way, but my soul remained." The soul was pure, but the body was not.

Was there anything special in her body?

Zhao Zhao Xiaowan asked: "Did you have any dealings with Feng Feng Yunting back in the day?"

Han Han Xiaoxuan thought for a moment: "You say 'back in the day,' but I don't know how long ago that was. I actually saw her a few days ago." The Phonograph was shocked: "She is still alive?"

Han Han Xiaoxuan nodded: "Yes, alive. My techniques were learned from her." Li Li Banfeng asked: "Who is Feng Feng Yunting?"

Zhao Zhao Xiaowan said: "Feng Feng Yunting is the founder of the Powder Cultivators. Her sect was destroyed, and it is said she has been dead for many years. I will explain the matters inside to my husband in a moment. Husband, if you have any questions, hurry and ask her."

Li Li Banfeng asked Han Han Xiaoxuan: "What is the purpose of you making face cream?"

"War! We have already declared war on the Outer States, but the Outer States don't know yet. Just like back then, when we fought the Puluo Continent, the Puluo Continent didn't know either.

The Outer States and the Puluo Continent are not smart; they don't know anything, but they always manage to win. You are truly lucky. I don't know if you can win this time." Xiang Xiang Hongying turned back and asked: "War? Who is fighting whom? How are they fighting?"

The Phonograph scolded: "Don't cause trouble!"

Li Li Banfeng continued to ask: "What will be the consequences of using your face cream?"

"You will become beautiful, your skin will no longer be greasy, and the excess oil on your body will be eaten clean by them." "Who are 'them'?"

"Fungi. The Outer States also call them fungi. I discovered this kind of fungus. That day, the sun suddenly became bright, and I quickly hid. After the sun dimmed, I found this fungus on the mountain.

This fungus grew very well; it is a creature from the sun and must have great use. I quickly told the Elder about it. The Great Elder said to hand it over to the Imperial Court, the Second Elder said not to spread it, and the Third Elder said to keep it for ourselves, as it would definitely have great use in the future.

The three elders each held their own views, but the Great Elder grew in the middle, so everyone had to listen to the Great Elder." "What does 'grew in the middle' mean?"

"Because the Elder has three heads."

Li Li Banfeng associated this with the three-headed people: "Can a three-headed person be an Elder in Neizhou?" "What is strange about being an Elder? They are the Imperial Clan."

"Then what about the three-headed people of the Puluo Continent?" "They also have Imperial bloodlines."

Li Li Banfeng smiled and shook his head: "You are talking nonsense."

Many of the three-headed people of the Puluo Continent came from failed martial cultivation initiations. What connection did they have with the Neizhou Imperial Clan?

Han Han Xiaoxuan said: "I know you don't believe me. We are not the same kind of people. We live in different places, and the distance is very far. The bloodline we speak of is not the same thing as the descendants you speak of, just as the war we speak of is not the same as the war you understand." Was the environment of Neizhou and the Puluo Continent so different? Even the concept of bloodline was different?

Deceiving me?

Li Li Banfeng went directly to the next question: "What was that about the sun becoming bright? Is there a time when it isn't bright?" Han Han Xiaoxuan smiled: "Do you think Neizhou and the Outer States have the same sun?"

Li Li Banfeng was speechless for a long time. Could it be that the suns were different? Could it be that Neizhou was not in the solar system?

Han Han Xiaoxuan said: "I will tell you clearly, the suns in these two places are different. If you want me to explain the matter of the sun clearly, it will take a long time. I can tell you, but I might not be able to finish. If there are more important questions, hurry and ask; I can't hold on much longer."

There were indeed urgent questions at the moment.

"Will there be any sequelae from using your face cream?" Han Han Xiaoxuan was silent for a while; he didn't want to say this.

Li Li Banfeng said: "I am already arranging for people to study the face cream. Even if you don't say it, I will know the result."

Zhao Zhao Xiaowan said from the side: "Little sister, it's come to this, tell the truth. Big sister will give you a quick end in a moment."

"Good. Just for the sake of that 'little sister,' I will tell you." Han Han Xiaoxuan determined that he could not live. Tough as he was, no one wanted to suffer. He really wanted a quick end. "Anyone who has used the face cream will have their brain controlled by the fungus within two months and will eventually evolve into our soldiers."

"You mean they will become Neizhou people?"

"Not become Neizhou people, but become living dead. Living dead who don't know fear in war and don't know pain when beaten.

When the strength of the living dead is exhausted, they will look for their final destination. They will find a quiet and peaceful place to complete the final journey of their lives. They will stand there, standing straight. Their feet will take root, and their hands will be fixed on both sides of their torsos until they slowly merge into their bodies.

Their skulls will regrow, becoming larger and flatter, until they grow into an umbrella canopy. Beneath the canopy, a large number of spores will be nurtured. These spores will carry their flesh and blood and spread out, just like the face cream, to find the next host. Cycling like this, there will be no end, and the Outer States will slowly head toward destruction..."

Li Li Banfeng interrupted Han Han Xiaoxuan: "What method can resolve this kind of fungus?"

"There is no method to resolve it," Han Han Xiaoxuan shook his head. "At least I don't know of any method to resolve it. You can go and look at those who have been infected, including those in this factory, the sales staff—anyone who has been infected by the fungus will gradually have their consciousness controlled by the fungus.

The initial symptom is that they like to stand. They no longer like to sit or lie down to rest. They like to stand straight in dark and damp corners to rest. Counting from this time, they are about to become living dead..."

Han Han Xiaoxuan spoke intermittently, finding it more difficult to speak as he went on. Li Li Banfeng asked: "You use this stuff as a weapon? Can you control this fungus yourselves?"

"We can. We can communicate with the fungus; they listen to us. Even if our people are infected one day, there is no need to worry. Our life form is different from that of the Outer States people.

The Outer States are very good, really very good. You can see the sun every day here. I am willing to make sacrifices to conquer the Outer States, but I didn't expect to become like this. I really want to be a woman again. Big sister, when I was a woman, everyone in the village said I was beautiful..."

Han Han Xiaoxuan was about to explode. The wife fulfilled her promise, returned to the Phonograph, and sucked away Han Han Xiaoxuan's soul, giving him a quick end.

Han Han Xiaoxuan's body remained in the room. The Glove stepped forward and touched it lightly. Han Han Xiaoxuan's skin appeared sunken, and then it began to crack. Fine powder drifted out from the cracks.

The wife spat out a mass of steam, constructing a layer of water film to control Han Han Xiaoxuan's body.

"Husband, Han Han Xiaoxuan's body was fused with a portion of the Powder Cultivators' cultivation. It really wasn't easy for you to defeat him." "What kind of sect is the Powder Cultivators? Does the Peddler acknowledge it?"

"The Peddler acknowledges it, and this sect was once extremely prosperous. Later, because its influence was too great and threatened the interests of many people, the Water Cultivator Grandmaster took a group of people and destroyed this sect. I didn't expect their founder, Feng Feng Yunting, to still be alive."

"Ah." Li Li Banfeng responded, his eyes somewhat hollow. "Husband, do you have something on your mind?"

"It's nothing." Li Li Banfeng shook his head.

"Husband, you have to listen to Little Slave: don't worry about those infected with the fungus. You have already saved the Outer States' life by blocking this war in Neizhou. Such a great favor, they might not even be able to repay it. Don't worry about other things for them."

"That's true..." Li Li Banfeng got up and put on his jacket. "You guys eat first; I'm going out for a stroll." The Glove followed Li Li Banfeng: "Master, I'll go with you."

"You stay at home too. You have a hole in your body; let my wife sew it up properly for you."

The Glove insisted on going: "This little injury is nothing. I can't rest easy if you go out alone."

The Glove followed Li Li Banfeng away. The Phonograph sighed: "Saying you don't care, but husband can't let go in his heart."

Xiang Xiang Hongying touched Han Han Xiaoxuan: "This person is all powder; how can you eat him? I smell it and it's quite fragrant. Let's just put it in the powder box and we sisters can use it." The Tang Dao moved closer: "General, don't forget us brothers!"

Xiang Xiang Hongying kicked the Tang Dao: "Look at your lack of ambition. Why would a man use powder?"

Li Li Banfeng left the Leaving Suishenju, emerged from the Phlegm Cultivator's sealed cover using "Unimpeded Travel," and ordered Chen Chen Zhangrui to pour grout. The yellow-green slurry covered the entire factory, absorbing all the remaining dust.

Chen Chen Zhangrui asked about the battle results. Li Li Banfeng said: "The person in charge of the factory was a Neizhou person. Because he revealed important secrets, he triggered Neizhou's curse and blew himself up. He was a Powder Cultivator and completely exploded into dust, leaving no remains."

"Powder Cultivator... didn't they go extinct?" Chen Chen Zhangrui was very knowledgeable, but what he cared about was not the Powder Cultivator. "Did he say anything about the fungus?"

"He did," Li Li Banfeng looked at Chen Chen Zhangrui and said seriously, "This is Neizhou's war strategy. The war has already started, but we haven't realized it yet.

Find all the major platforms and stop the sales of this face cream immediately. All sold face cream must be recalled. Everyone who has used the face cream must be quarantined and treated." Chen Chen Zhangrui looked horrified: "Can it be cured..."

Li Li Banfeng did not answer: "Do the urgent things first, then arrange for people to report to the superiors." Returning to the Dark Star Bureau, Li Li Banfeng went to the laboratory first.

Lightbulb, Candied Fruit, and Crabapple were all quarantined in the laboratory.

Li Li Banfeng asked the laboratory staff: "Is there currently any method to kill the fungus?" "Yes!" The laboratory staff nodded.

Li Li Banfeng saw hope and asked excitedly: "What method?"

"Use high-pressure steam to kill for sixty minutes; it can kill all fungi, including spores..." Halfway through his sentence, the laboratory staff shuddered. An inexplicable fear made it difficult for him to breathe.

Li Li Banfeng almost attacked him. High-pressure steam for sixty minutes—the fungus would be killed, but the person would also be cooked! Fortunately, Li Li Banfeng regained his composure; this was not a problem the laboratory staff could solve in the first place.

He went to the quarantine room and saw Candied Fruit and Crabapple.

These two people did not realize the seriousness of the problem and were still chatting in the quarantine room.

Seeing Li Li Banfeng arrive, Candied Fruit asked: "Did you find that factory? Is that factory going to be sealed?" Crabapple listened carefully from the side, both of them looking like they were watching a show.

"Yes, it's sealed. Where is Lightbulb? Where did he go?" "Standing in the corner."

"Why is he standing?"

Candied Fruit pointed to the corner: "We don't know what's wrong with him either. He always says his waist hurts when he sits." Lightbulb stood in the corner and smiled at Li Li Banfeng.

Li Li Banfeng felt a ringing in his ears, and veins jumped on his forehead.

Lightbulb was an Oil Cultivator; the amount of fungus on his face was several times that of others, and the symptoms appeared on him first. "Li Ju," Crabapple asked, "how much longer do we need to be quarantined?"

"Not much longer..." Li Li Banfeng's voice was very low. Candied Fruit asked: "Tomorrow should be about right, right?" "Ah, about right..."

Seeing that Li Qi didn't seem to want to talk much, Candied Fruit didn't ask too much. Crabapple asked from the side: "Candied Fruit was embarrassed to ask, so I'll ask for her: did Zhong Er perform meritorious service today?"

"He performed meritorious service, he definitely performed meritorious service..." Li Li Banfeng turned and left the quarantine room. Looking at Li Qi's back through the glass cover, Candied Fruit felt that the situation was not quite right.

Li Li Banfeng sat in his office from nightfall until dawn.

When it was almost nine o'clock, Tang Yuan entered the office, closed the door, and whispered: "Seventh Master, Director Gao is here."

"Which Director Gao?"

"Director Gao Gao Yina, replacing Guan Guan Zhengzhang..."

"Don't see her!"

"Seventh Master, it's best to see this person. She is here to discuss yesterday's operation with you."

"If there's anything, let Chen Chen Zhangrui talk to her."

"Seventh Master, are Candied Fruit and the others..."

Li Li Banfeng did not make a sound.

"Seventh Master," Tang Yuan's voice trembled slightly, "see Director Gao once; she might be able to help."

Li Li Banfeng nodded slightly, and Tang Yuan invited Director Gao into Li Qi's office.

"Li Ju, I won't say polite words. You have made a huge contribution in this incident. While expressing my gratitude, I solemnly promise you that the conditions you proposed will be implemented quickly. We will send the relevant residents of Santoucha to Green Water City within a week."

"Implemented so quickly," Li Li Banfeng stared at Gao Gao Yina, "is there anything else?"

Gao Gao Yina nodded: "As Li Ju said, this incident has risen to the level of war. Our purpose has always been to resolve problems through peaceful means. We hope Li Ju can mediate with Neizhou and avoid further escalation by balancing the interests of both sides."

"Mediation?" Li Li Banfeng smiled, "Do you think there is still a possibility of mediation?"

Gao Gao Yina sighed: "War is a result none of us want to see."

"You have already seen it. This is not an incident that has risen to the level of war; this is war."

Gao Gao Yina did not make a sound; she was waiting for Li Li Banfeng's reply.

"How is the follow-up handling going?"

Gao Gao Yina said: "The face cream has been taken off the shelves on all major platforms, and the sold face cream is being recalled with all our might. We plan to conduct a check on all residents to ensure that every infected person is found."

"Is there a treatment plan?"

"The treatment plan is still in the research stage. This kind of fungus has no similar cases in our known medical history, and the treatment work cannot be accomplished overnight. Therefore, we hope you can focus your work on..."

Li Li Banfeng started to have ringing in his ears again; he gradually couldn't hear Gao Gao Yina's voice.

In fact, some things had already been made very clear. The so-called "cannot be accomplished overnight" proved that there was still a long time before treatment could begin.

According to the current situation, Lightbulb was basically hopeless, and the hope for Candied Fruit and Crabapple was also very slim.

"Li Ju? Li Ju!" Gao Gao Yina pulled Li Li Banfeng's thoughts back. "Regarding the next stage of mediation work, we want to hear your opinion. What other requirements do you have?"

Li Li Banfeng was silent for a moment and said: "Give me a special train to the Puluo Continent."

Gao Gao Yina nodded: "This is inevitable. We will definitely guarantee the treatment you deserve."

As long as Li Li Banfeng agreed to mediate, the treatment immediately improved, and the address even changed to "you" (honorific).

But Li Li Banfeng was not concerned about the treatment now: "I need a special train with medical staff, and it must be equipped with professional medical equipment."

"You are going to..."

"Don't ask why, just listen to my arrangements!"

After sending Gao Gao Yina away, Li Li Banfeng picked up the desk phone and dialed Zhong Er's number.

"Zhong Er, come to my office!"

"Li Ju, it's me," Candied Fruit's voice came over the phone, "Zhong Er is still lying in the hospital." "How is his condition?"

"The doctor just called and said the detoxification is complete, but he is still in a coma." "Tang Yuan, you come to my office first."

Tang Yuan entered the office, and Li Li Banfeng said: "I am going to take Candied Fruit, Lightbulb, and Crabapple to the Puluo Continent. You stay here and help me keep an eye on the latest news. Once there is progress in the treatment work, notify me immediately."

Going to the Puluo Continent. Could it be that they are going to...

Tang Yuan didn't dare to think; she begged Li Li Banfeng: "Let me go with you."

"You won't be able to help me if you go. Stay here and help me gather news. We still have a chance to save everyone!" Tang Yuan nodded slightly.

Li Li Banfeng exhorted again: "Tell Chen Chen Zhangrui to arrest Ming Xing immediately and try to get some clues out of his mouth!"..

That afternoon, the special train departed.

Candied Fruit, Lightbulb, and Crabapple, the three of them wrapped in bandages, were sent onto the carriage by a special car. In the carriage where they were, except for Li Qi and the relevant medical staff, others were forbidden to enter.

By now, the three of them had realized the seriousness of the problem. They no longer joked, and they didn't even dare to ask much about the trip. They were afraid; they were afraid that Li Qi would tell them "there is no hope."

Arriving in the Puluo Continent, looking at the unfamiliar scenery outside the window, Candied Fruit shed tears: "Li Ju, we are not going to survive, are we?" Lightbulb stood beside the bunk; he didn't want to lie down, nor did he want to sit. He just wanted to stand straight like this.

He was still reminding Candied Fruit that her choice of words was inappropriate: "When we arrive in the Puluo Continent, don't call him Li Ju; call him Seventh Master. As long as Seventh Master is here, he will definitely be able to think of a way."

Candied Fruit's tears fell one by one: "Seventh Master, it's already this time, allow me to say something shameless: can I see Zhong Er one more time?"

Crabapple was still optimistic: "What's the rush now? When we get cured and come back, we'll find that kid and get it done. I'll lend him some guts; let's see if he dares not to agree. Seventh Master, as long as we find Doctor Kang Kang Zhenchang, we will definitely be cured. Is Doctor Kang Kang Zhenchang in the Puluo Continent?"

Li Li Banfeng shook his head.

To find Kang Kang Zhenchang, one had to find Song Song Qianhun.

Song Song Qianhun must have gone to the Outer States at this moment. In this situation, he was the only medical cultivator in the Outer States who could be trusted.

"I am going to take you to find someone else. This person's treatment method is very special and might have some risks, but if there is only one person among those I know who can cure you, then that person must be him."

The train stopped at Zhong Desong Cliff, and Liao Liao Zihui came to pick them up in person.

He was wearing a protective suit, a heavy mask, and a helmet. Li Li Banfeng thought he had arrived at Santoucha. "Why are you wearing such thick gear?"

"Didn't I hear about the fungus infection?"

Liao Liao Zihui waved at Candied Fruit and the others, considering it a visit, and then sent them onto a steam car. Li Li Banfeng said: "Settle them in the Guanfang Hall first; I'm going to find someone to treat their illness."

Liao Liao Zihui said: "Brother Li, I don't think it's appropriate to go to the Guanfang Hall."

Li Li Banfeng was a bit angry: "They have already taken sufficient prevention and control measures; they won't spread the fungus to the Guanfang Hall. We're already at your doorstep, and you won't even provide a place to stay?"

"There is a place to stay, but there is no manpower in the Guanfang Hall right now. I'm afraid there will be no one to take care of them if they go."

"Where are the people?"

"Zhong Desong Cliff has been fought into such a state that the manpower of the Guanfang Hall has all been scattered. Only the gatekeeper is left."

Li Li Banfeng didn't know whether to laugh or cry: "Then why did you come to pick us up?"

"Isn't this to give you face? I sent someone to check; Cui Cui Tike is on Wu Decheng Mountain. You can go find him directly; just don't go to the wrong place."

"Are you afraid I'll go to the wrong place?"

"Many Virtue Cultivators have died recently. If you run into them again, I'm worried their sect will go extinct."

"What are you afraid of? There's still a Pan Pan Dehai at Haichi Ridge!"

Liao Liao Zihui accompanied the car and sent Li Li Banfeng's party to the foot of the mountain. Li Li Banfeng took the three of them up the mountain.

Walking to the mountainside, Li Li Banfeng saw many people queuing at the entrance of a cave.

A person with a broken hand and no tongue was wailing incessantly in front of Cui Cui Tike.

Cui Cui Tike checked the person's condition roughly: "You have seriously violated your promise. Your right hand cannot be saved no matter what, but your tongue might be able to grow back. This depends on your performance in the future."

After dealing with the patient in front of him, Cui Cui Tike looked at Li Li Banfeng: "My friend, are you here to reminisce with me, or to steal my business? The Peddler has already handed Zhong Desong Cliff over to me."

"Don't worry, I will definitely not steal your business. I am here to seek your help."

Li Li Banfeng brought the three bandaged people in front of Cui Cui Tike. Cui Cui Tike smelled the scent on Crabapple and suddenly revealed a trace of a smile.

"What a pure scent."

Crabapple was startled and hid behind Li Qi.

Lightbulb had met Cui Cui Tike before; he was even more afraid than Crabapple. He also wanted to hide behind Li Qi, but he saw a child walk out holding a bowl.

"Noodle soup for you!" The child held the bowl in front of Lightbulb.

"Xiao De, come back!" Cui Cui Tike stepped forward and hugged the child. "Don't get close to these friends first. They can't play games with you. Their condition is very dangerous. Go back to the cave and wait for me."

Li Li Banfeng was stunned.

From the time he met Cui Cui Tike until now, Li Li Banfeng had never seen him care about someone so much.

"Is this your son?" Li Li Banfeng felt this inference was relatively reasonable.

Cui Cui Tike looked at Li Li Banfeng seriously: "Don't make such jokes. This child is a very important person. I want to obtain very important information from him!"

Candied Fruit looked at Cui Cui Tike and gathered the courage to ask: "Are you a doctor?"

Cui Cui Tike nodded: "I am a very outstanding doctor. Some wonderful little things are growing rapidly on your bodies. I need some time to have a good chat with these good things. But before that, I need to discuss the price with an old friend."

"The price won't be too outrageous, will it?" Li Li Banfeng was a bit worried.

"Don't worry, the price is guaranteed to be fair." Cui Cui Tike opened his lapel, which had eight large characters tattooed on it: "Fair Trade, No Deception to Young or Old!"

PS: The Peddler left behind the Green Flower Seeds back then; he indeed had his reasons. ===== CHAPTER 614 =====