Chapter 620: This Must Be My Decision

At a restaurant on Yunsheng Road in Jiacheng District, a man kept glancing inside the restaurant.

A female server stepped out and said, "Boss, what would you like to eat? Come in and take a look."

The man shook his head—he wasn't hungry; he kept staring into the restaurant, making the server feel awkward. He was dressed neatly, clean-cut, not at all like a beggar—what exactly was he looking for? Tang Yuan, inside a temporary shack by the roadside, confirmed the man's identity via surveillance footage. "Target located. Second squad, move now!"

At the command, a group rushed out and pinned the man down. The man gasped, "Tang Yuan, what are you doing?"

Tang Yuan lowered his voice: "We're on a mission, Director Shen. Come with us." Tang Yuan's judgment was correct—the man was Shen Shen Jingye.

He had stayed in Hulucun for half a month, then chose to return to Yuezhou.

This restaurant on Yunsheng Road in Jiacheng District was Shen Shen Jingye's entry point into Hulucun. According to Hulucun's rules, you enter where you exit. Li Qi had assigned security personnel to monitor this spot in shifts. As soon as Shen Shen Jingye stepped out, he turned back to glance once more at Hulucun.

Taking advantage of Shen Shen Jingye's moment of melancholy, the security squad apprehended him.

This enraged Shen Shen Jingye. No matter what had happened, he was still Director of the Dark Star Bureau—how could his own men turn on him? With his cultivation level, these security agents couldn't possibly restrain him; escaping would be easy.

But Tang Yuan reminded him: "Director Shen, coming with us won't harm you." Shen Shen Jingye said nothing more and followed them back to the bureau.

That afternoon, Chen Chen Zhangrui visited Shen Shen Jingye alone. Shen Shen Jingye could no longer hold back his anger: "Old Chen, what are you trying to do? If you want to discipline me, shouldn't you wait for higher-up orders? At least formally remove me from office before you lay a hand on me!"

Chen Chen Zhangrui shut off all surveillance and said to Shen Shen Jingye: "Director Shen, every step ahead is critical. Remember this: you didn't return on your own. The Dark Star Bureau tracked you down, endured countless hardships, and brought you back."

"Nonsense. Who even went looking for me?"

"Director Shen, this is all for your sake. Please cooperate. I have a detailed operational plan. The Intelligence Division and Security Squad have full documentation—every action we took is verifiable."

"Remember this: while tracking Hulucun, you accidentally entered the Dark Dimension and were attacked by a spherical unknown entity. I'll send you photos and dimensions of the creature—memorize them."

"During your struggle with the unknown entity, you found water and moss in the Dark Dimension, surviving on this meager food until today. Dark Star Bureau agents, through repeated investigation, located the entrance to the Dark Dimension and rescued you from it."

Chen Chen Zhangrui recounted the entire sequence in meticulous detail. Shen Shen Jingye frowned: "Old Chen, you know where I've been these past days, don't you?"

"I don't know, and I don't want to know. Director Shen, I believe every word I just told you is true." Chen Chen Zhangrui's phrasing was awkward, but his meaning was crystal clear. Shen Shen Jingye paused, then said: "Some of this doesn't add up. You found my location in the Dark Dimension and acted without seeking higher approval?" Chen Chen Zhangrui nodded: "Yes, we acted without authorization. It was Li Ju's order—he said he'd take full responsibility."

Shen Shen Jingye asked again: "Now that you've found the Dark Dimension and rescued me, won't you take the next step?" "The next step is already planned—we'll conduct an in-depth investigation of the Dark Dimension."

Shen Shen Jingye stared in shock: "Where are you even going to find it?"

"We already found it. Dengpao's team spotted it first—the tracking device has been locked onto it ever since. A special operations unit even entered it…" After Chen Chen Zhangrui explained the full context, Shen Shen Jingye understood the next course of action.

He still had concerns: "Under those harsh conditions, I held out for half a month. That might reveal something."

Shen Shen Jingye had always publicly claimed to be a Bai Bai Bai Gaozi. Surviving half a month in such an environment was impossible for a Bai Bai Bai Gaozi.

Chen Chen Zhangrui whispered: "Li Ju gave explicit instructions: deny everything. Say you survived solely through your own combat skills and experience. No one will find a flaw in your story."

Shen Shen Jingye remained uneasy: "Did all this come from Li Ju?"

Chen Chen Zhangrui nodded: "If you don't trust me, don't you trust him?" "Where is Li Ju?"

"He's at Santoucha. While you were gone, we faced a crisis—one that threatened the entire Da Huan Nation. Li Ju saved us."

Santoucha. The City of Sinners.

Li Li Banfeng, clad in protective gear, stood atop an eight-meter-high wall, gazing down at the city.

By area and population, the City of Sinners was among the largest in Pulu Province—but the buildings made Li Li Banfeng struggle to call it a city at all.

Almost every structure inside the wall was a uniform concrete bungalow—identical in size, shape, color, and spacing.

This style reminded Li Li Banfeng of Qianliangfang—but Qianliangfang's homes had humanity: stairs inside, courtyards outside, places where people actually lived.

The City of Sinners had nothing. Each concrete room housed up to thirty people. Looking at the Three-Heads' height and build, they couldn't even stand upright inside—how anyone managed to cram thirty of them in was unimaginable.

Qianliangfang had gambling dens, theaters, teahouses, taverns, karaoke halls, and dance clubs.

The City of Sinners had nothing—not even a market. Private trade was a grave crime here.

According to Liao Liao Zihui, the City of Sinners had only three types of buildings: residences, latrines, and workshops. The Three-Heads ate and slept in residences, defecated in latrines, and worked in workshops—that was their entire existence.

Li Li Banfeng asked: "Do your Security Office personnel live in these same residences?"

Liao Liao Zihui shook his head: "We all live underground. Even vital supplies are stored belowground—to avoid the sky-light. Brother Li, the personnel are selected. We should head to the station."

Li Li Banfeng looked at Liao Liao Zihui and frowned: "Only twenty thousand?"

Liao Liao Zihui nodded: "Twenty thousand. That's what the higher-ups approved. We'll discuss the rest on the train."

Li Li Banfeng had halted the spread of the Neizhou fungus in Da Huan Nation and secured an effective cure, healing most patients. For this achievement, the Waizhou offered no hesitation in compensation—they first allocated twenty thousand Three-Heads to Li Qi and granted Li Qi free trade rights in Santoucha.

These free trade rights were substantial. Previously, even the Four Great Families needed Security Office approval to enter Santoucha; doing business there required an arduous application process.

At first, Li Li Banfeng didn't understand—what was so valuable in Santoucha that anyone would come here to trade?

After asking Ma Wu, he learned: countless rare treasures lay here, eroded for years by sky-light. Even grinding a few rocks into powder could serve as a medicinal catalyst for accumulating Dao affinity.

Moreover, all industrial goods from Santoucha were cheap, primarily due to its abundant labor force.

Beyond these two rewards, Li Li Banfeng's rank was promoted—he now stood one full level above Shen Shen Jingye and half a level above Guan Guan Zhengyang. Normally, a rank change meant a duty adjustment—but Li Li Banfeng refused. He insisted on staying in the Dark Star Bureau.

Truthfully, he didn't care much about titles—he cared about the Three-Heads. Twenty thousand had been approved and delivered, but Liao Liao Zihui still owed him. "Shen Shen Jingye's back. Where are the Three-Heads you promised me?"

Liao Liao Zihui replied: "Every Three-Head in the City of Sinners is registered. You want me to hand over ten thousand? I don't have the guts." Li Li Banfeng frowned: "Are you mocking me?"

Liao Liao Zihui shook his head rapidly: "Li Ju, don't speak like that. I've been in Pulu Province for years—my word is iron. I wouldn't lie. I can't give you city-dwellers, but there are plenty outside the walls. I've already selected ten thousand. They're on this train with you."

That attitude was more like it.

Li Li Banfeng suspected hidden tricks. He asked: "What's the difference between city and outside Three-Heads?"

"In appearance and physique, they're nearly identical. But those outside the walls go hungry—often without their next meal. They're thinner, weaker." "So you're saying life outside is worse than inside?"

"Absolutely!" Liao Liao Zihui nodded vigorously. "Ask anyone in Santoucha—how hard is it to get a full meal? How many would risk their lives for one?"

"How many Three-Heads are outside?"

"No one knows. Some say three to fifty thousand. Others say sixty to seventy thousand. Some claim a million. They have no status, no fixed homes, refuse to enter the City of Sinners, yet can't leave Santoucha—they're left to die where they are."

Li Li Banfeng doubted they truly couldn't leave—Santoucha must have secret exits: "I heard many poor people come to Santoucha every year to become Wu Xiu. Do they all need Security Office permits?"

Liao Liao Zihui shook his head: "If they had money for permits, they wouldn't become Wu Xiu. They usually sneak in via freight trucks."

"Santoucha doesn't produce coal. Every day, coal trucks enter. Pay the guards two silver dollars, and they'll slip you onto the cargo cars during loading." Li Li Banfeng had done this himself—more than once.

Liao Liao Zihui continued: "Santoucha also ships out goods daily. Getting people out isn't hard. But no matter how bold the guards are, they dare not smuggle out Three-Heads. If caught, they lose their jobs and go to prison. So, Brother Li, sending you ten thousand Three-Heads is a serious risk."

Soon, Deputy Director Tang Tang Huanjie boarded the train and said to Liao Liao Zihui: "Chief, cargo is loaded." Liao Liao Zihui ordered the train to depart. Thirty thousand Three-Heads, along with Li Li Banfeng, arrived at Lüshuicheng.

As before, Liao Liao Zihui arranged steam-powered vehicles to transport the Three-Heads to Sheqiao Village. Once there, he completed his task and returned to the Security Office with his men.

So many Three-Heads had arrived that supplies had to be prepared in advance. Fortunately, reinforcements arrived: Xiao Yeci and Lu Lu Chunying led a team, and Juanzi from Qiuqiu City also arrived with her people.

Juanzi was from the City of Sinners—many of these Three-Heads were people she knew.

She led them to thank Li Qi. The Three-Heads knelt en masse to kowtow to Li Li Banfeng. Li Li Banfeng's eyebrows shot up. Mengzi shouted: "What are you doing? Get up! Seventh Master forbids kowtowing!"

Getting thirty thousand to their feet was difficult. Li Li Banfeng asked Juanzi: "How do you normally manage these people?"

Juanzi replied: "In the City of Sinners, each building had a supervisor called a Fangzhang. Every row of buildings had a Hangzhang. Every three rows had a Santangzhang. If one person erred, all three rows shared the punishment..."

"Enough!" Li Li Banfeng waved his hand. The system sounded unbearable. "No more buildings. Every hundred people get a Baifuzhang. Every thousand get a Qianfuzhang. Qianfuzhangs will be appointed from Qiuqiu City personnel. Divide them roughly, then get them fed."

Steamed buns and cooked meats—first meal was simple. But for the Three-Heads, it was a luxury. Especially those from outside the city—they hadn't eaten full meals in ages. Their bodies were thinner than those inside. They ate only half, hiding the rest in their clothes for the next meal.

Xiao Yeci and Lu Lu Chunying worked tirelessly to arrange housing for the Three-Heads.

Every time Three-Heads arrived, this mother-daughter pair gave substantial help. Li Li Banfeng couldn't ignore it.

But the Lu family's situation was unusual. Lu Lu Chunying took elixirs daily and cultivated hard—she was only at Level Two of the Traveler Realm. Xiao Yeci barely reached Level Three and hadn't mastered any techniques. If forced to be local lords, they couldn't hold their ground. Still, Li Li Banfeng assigned Lu Lu Chunying two thousand people to reclaim wasteland.

The next morning, another group arrived at Sheqiao Village.

Sha Sha Dingzhong, Rong Rong Sijiao, Xie Hu Laizi, Banpi Ma, and Du Shuangliu—new local lords arrived, some bringing elixirs, others magic treasures, claiming they came to congratulate Li Li Banfeng.

Li Li Banfeng saw through their intent immediately—they were all here for the Three-Heads.

Sha Sha Dingzhong, the eldest, stepped forward first to negotiate: "Those who followed Seventh Master long ago now feast and drink. We, with no vision, missed even the broth.

Now Seventh Master brings new strength. If we still miss this fortune, it's only our own ignorance.

Seventh Master, we'll watch over He's territory, assist Chu's, and of course Wu's. Any trouble, we'll lend full support.

Please send a contingent to our lands, open new fields, let our lands see the light. Then, in our territories, your word will be law—we'll serve you loyally, ready to obey at any moment."

Pulu Province spoke plainly and directly—Li Li Banfeng found it pleasant. But Ma Ma Xiu Ma Jie Fu glanced at him and shook her head slightly.

The other local lords quickly voiced their support—they all wished to follow Li Qi. Li Qi gave no answer, arranged meals for them, then withdrew to a peasant house to consult his trusted allies.

They were Ma Ma Xiu Ma Jie Fu, Liang Liang Wucai, Bai Bai Shou Hong Lian, Kui Guan Bafang, and Chi Chi Liuhe—all former subordinates of Qiu Ye. Duan Duan Wuchou had always been with Ma Wu and didn't come today.

These men had lived in the New Lands for years and knew the reputations of these local lords.

Ma Ma Xiu Ma Jie Fu spoke first: "Seventh Master, don't be fooled by Sha Sha Dingzhong's smooth talk. He operates like sand. Be careful." "What's 'sand-like'?"

Ma Ma Xiu Ma Jie Fu said: "When you ask him for help, he stirs up a sandstorm—loud, overwhelming. But when the dust settles, all you get is a thin layer of dirt. Nothing changes."

Liang Liang Wucai knew Rong Rong Sijiao well: "Seventh Master, Rong Rong Sijiao is fickle. He once called Brother Brother Qiye brother. Then, over a trivial matter, he turned on him.

If he'd just spoken his grievances openly, fine. But he waited until Brother Brother Qiye was weakened by battle, then stabbed him in the back.

Brother Brother Qiye had just been defeated by Water Master, his forces nearly gone. Rong Rong Sijiao came with men, demanding ten li of territory." Li Li Banfeng frowned: "Did Brother Brother Qiye give it to him?"

Liang Liang Wucai shook his head: "No. Brother Brother Qiye was prepared to fight to the death. At the critical moment, Water Master set a trap—luring Rong Rong Sijiao onto Brother Brother Qiye's land. Water Master and Brother Brother Qiye teamed up and beat him severely. Since then, Rong Rong Sijiao never dared show his face before Brother Brother Qiye again, and Brother Brother Qiye never quarreled with Water Master again." Liang Liang Wucai sighed softly, his voice heavy: "Brother Brother Qiye and Water Master—perhaps they were husband and wife in a past life."

Hearing this, Liang Liang Wucai frowned and fell silent.

These past days, Li Li Banfeng had rushed between Pulu Province and Waizhou. He'd acted hastily, neglecting to learn about many people and matters. Today, he'd learn properly. Li Li Banfeng stepped out of the peasant house. The local lords rushed to greet him.

They had no appetite—they waited for his answer.

Li Li Banfeng asked first: "If I assign you personnel, have you prepared their lodging and food?" The local lords exchanged glances. Xie Hu Laizi spoke first: "Mine is ready. Food and lodging arranged."

Seeing Xie Hu Laizi speak up, the others quickly followed: "Ours are ready too. We won't let them suffer."

"All ready?" Li Li Banfeng smiled. "Good. Then I'll visit each of you. Brother Xie, shall we start with your place?"

"Yes, yes..." Xie Hu Laizi's voice lacked conviction. "Let's not rush. Seventh Master, tell me how many people you'll assign. I'll check if my lodging is sufficient." Li Li Banfeng said: "You know your own lodging. I'll see it myself before we decide."

"No need to rush. We can visit anytime. First, let's settle the..."

Before Xie Hu Laizi finished, Liang Liang Wucai stepped beside Li Li Banfeng: "Seventh Master, I know Xie's territory well. I'll guide you."

"Alright, let's go." Li Li Banfeng picked up Liang Liang Wucai to leave, but Xie Hu Laizi blocked him: "Seventh Master, I'm not ready yet. I meant I have the intention."

Everyone nodded: "We all have the intention. These Three-Head monsters are your subordinates—we won't let them starve or freeze."

Li Li Banfeng set Liang Liang Wucai down, looked at them all, and spoke with grave seriousness: "They are not monsters. They are not my subordinates. They are my brothers and sisters. I cannot bear to see them suffer."

As he spoke, everyone around turned to look; the three heads all suspected they'd misheard—Li Qi was calling them brothers and sisters.

Li Li Banfeng looked at the group of local gods and added, "I ask you all to return home, tidy up your territories properly, and come back to me once everything is ready." Sha Sha Dingzhong still wanted to explain, when suddenly someone shouted, "Seventh Master, we're ready—we've got food, lodging, and won't treat our friends poorly."

Li Li Banfeng smiled, turned, and called Bai Bai Shou Hong Lian over: "I know a master chef I've always wanted to introduce to you—this is him." The cook arrived.

Bai Bai Shou Hong Lian hurried forward to greet him; the two exchanged polite pleasantries, then the cook got to the point: "Our young mistress has already prepared everything—clothing, food, lodging, travel—all ready, waiting only for your gracious acceptance."

The cook was Meng Meng Yuchun's man; Meng Meng Yuchun had also set her sights on the three heads.

Li Li Banfeng first had the cook rest awhile, then returned to his portable dwelling and went straight to the station.

Meng Meng Yuchun's territory bordered Li Li Banfeng's; Li Li Banfeng's territory had a station, and not just any station—it could stop for an hour. Li Li Banfeng went to Meng Meng Yuchun's territory without pleasantries and asked directly: "What do you want the three heads for?"

"Reclamation!" Meng Meng Yuchun answered candidly. "I want to turn my territory into a proper one." "Have you thought it through? Consider the consequences."

"I haven't thought much about consequences—thinking too much won't help. When Qi Qiu Luoye did it, he didn't think at all. If I keep hesitating here, I'll miss this chance."

"Fine. Take me to see where you've prepared housing for the three heads."

Meng Meng Yuchun led Li Li Banfeng to an open patch beside a maple forest, where she had built over five hundred wooden huts. Li Li Banfeng asked: "Did the anomalies in your territory build these for you?"

Meng Meng Yuchun shook her head. "Are you joking? Do you think I'd ask the anomalies in my territory to build houses for reclamation workers?"

"Who would volunteer for that? I hired Zhang Wanlong—he's got plenty of men." Indeed, plenty—enough to fill a mu with over a hundred laborers.

Meng Meng Yuchun opened a warehouse: "The grain is also bought from Zhang Wanlong—enough to feed two thousand people for a month. When it runs out, I'll buy more from him. Not just grain—I'm supplying wine and meat too."

Li Li Banfeng was very satisfied with Meng Meng Yuchun's preparations. He pulled out the contract he'd written in his portable dwelling. Meng Meng Yuchun glanced at it and paused, slightly stunned.

"Scared?" Li Li Banfeng moved to take the contract back.

Meng Meng Yuchun slapped her hand down on it. "Not scared. I'll sign."

After pressing her blood fingerprint, the deal was sealed. Meng Meng Yuchun asked Li Li Banfeng: "How many hands are you giving me?" "Three thousand. I'll send them after the New Year." Li Li Banfeng pulled on his jacket and left Meng Meng Yuchun's territory.

Hearing the number three thousand, Sha Sha Dingzhong and the other local gods stirred restlessly.

Li Li Banfeng told the local gods to hurry back and tidy their territories, but they refused—they demanded an explanation from him.

The lure of three thousand three heads was immense—the efficiency of reclamation was considerable, and more importantly, these three thousand three heads could directly generate the population needed to legitimize a new territory. Qi Qiucheng was the perfect example.

Sha Sha Dingzhong said: "Seventh Master, you say our preparations are inadequate—we admit that. We came all this way and returned empty-handed, and now you hand three thousand men to Meng Meng Yuchun. Isn't that unfair?"

Before Li Li Banfeng could speak, the street-shouter spoke up: "Old Sha, that's not reasonable. These hands belong to Seventh Master—he can help whoever he wants. Does he need to ask anyone else's permission?"

But the street-shouter's words didn't drive Sha Sha Dingzhong away: "Seventh Master, we'd never dare to give you a hard time. We came here to show our loyalty—but we don't know if you even see us as worthy."

The words were beautifully phrased—placing Li Li Banfeng in an impossible position.

The street-shouter glanced at Li Li Banfeng, unsure how to respond to this situation.

Li Li Banfeng scanned the group and explained Meng Meng Yuchun's situation: "I assigned hands to Meng Meng Yuchun because she has genuine feeling toward me." "I have genuine feeling for Seventh Master too!" Sha Sha Dingzhong said without a trace of shame.

"Good! I believe your sincerity!" Li Li Banfeng pulled out the contract. "All of you, I have two conditions. If you agree, I'll send you hands after the New Year."

"First: These people from San Tou Cha are my brothers and sisters. They may assist you, but they are not your subordinates."

"Second: Since I'm helping you with reclamation, certain matters on your territory must be decided by me. Which matters exactly are clearly written in the contract. Sign with your blood fingerprints, and I'll send the hands after the New Year."

Sha Sha Dingzhong took the contract and read the first clause: "At all times, under all circumstances, the territory shall not be handed over to Neizhou, and local gods shall not obey Neizhou's orders."

Li Li Banfeng warned: "Don't try loopholes. Don't say you didn't hand the territory over directly, but let someone else hand it to Neizhou—that won't work. The contract's fine print is clear: if the territory ever falls under Neizhou's control, it's a breach of covenant."

The local gods fell silent. Li Li Banfeng smiled: "If you won't sign, then please leave."

Sha Sha Dingzhong didn't close the door: "Seventh Master, since you're sending hands after the New Year, I'll give you my answer then." The other local gods followed suit, all saying they'd reply after the New Year.

The local gods of new territories were among the hardest to deal with in Like Puluozhou—not because of their combat strength or cunning, but because of their shifting loyalties.

Most new territory local gods held only half their contract; the other half was held by Neizhou. In plain terms, half their lives were in Neizhou's grip—dooming most of them to remain under Neizhou's control.

Meng Meng Yuchun dared to sign the contract—did she have a way to escape Neizhou's control?

She had no such method. She had seen Qi Qiu Luoye's success and wanted to gamble on it herself. But the cook wasn't optimistic about the current situation.

For dinner, the cook and Bai Bai Shou Hong Lian took charge of the kitchen. Li Li Banfeng feasted, drank two cups of wine, and the cook spoke sincerely: "Seventh Master, once Meng Miss's territory reaches a thousand square fang, Neizhou will surely notice."

Bai Bai Shou Hong Lian shook his head: "I think it won't even reach a thousand. Look at Rong Rong Sijiao's expression—he's hiding something nasty. He'll probably report to Neizhou within two days."

The cook sighed: "Brother, not only is your cooking excellent, your insight is sharp too. I think Rong Rong Sijiao really will do it—what will Meng Miss do then?" Bai Bai Shou Hong Lian reassured him: "Brother, don't worry. Seventh Master promised Meng Miss—he's already planned for what comes next."

"By the way, where's Seventh Master?"

While they spoke, Li Qi had vanished.

Chu Er inventoried the New Year goods and ordered the reclamation halted—everyone was to prepare for the holiday.

After calculating expenses and reviewing income, exhausted Chu Er was searching for the Balemen ledger when Li Li Banfeng handed it to her. Chu Er's fatigue vanished.

"Seventh Brother, you came to see me?"

"Not just to see you—mainly to see your father." Chu Er frowned. "Why are you looking for my father?" "To do business."

Chu Er smiled. "What business could you possibly do with my father? Are you trying to buy me?"

"Not at all," Li Li Banfeng shook his head. "I want to buy something more valuable." Chu Er lowered her head, looking up at him through her lashes. "Seventh Brother, think carefully before you speak." PS: Now is the perfect moment—Li Qi is about to make a big move.