Chapter 644

Li Li Banfeng led Xiao Yeci, following Juanzi, heading west; Luobao Mountain lay on the fringe of Santoucha, and after three days of walking, the three of them steadily drew closer to the central region of Santoucha.

Xiao Yeci held paper and pen, recording everything they saw along the way; Li Li Banfeng brought her precisely because she was meticulous and had excellent writing skills, capable of documenting Santoucha's customs and landscapes on paper.

The projector had also captured many precious images, yet by the third day, there was little left worth recording.

Villages had vanished, households grew sparser; initially they could still spot rare flowers and exotic herbs, but after another half-day's march, the ground was littered with bare, pitch-black rocks—no soil in sight, let alone any flowers.

At three-thirty in the afternoon, Juanzi pointed to a nearby hill: "Seventh Master, let's spend the night in that cave."

Li Li Banfeng opened his pocket watch and glanced: "It's still early—why settle down already?"

"Seventh Master, if we go further, we won't find a suitable place to rest until dawn, and here at night, the sky-light is especially abundant."

According to Juanzi, different regions of Santoucha had distinct sky-light characteristics; the area they were traversing now was called Heihuang Beach, known for its scarce daylight and abundant nighttime sky-light.

From sunrise to sunset, over a hundred li, you might not encounter a single beam of sky-light.

But once night fell, even in this same stretch, you might be scoured clean by sky-light.

Before darkness fell, they had to find a suitable place to rest—Juanzi's suggested cave was perfect.

The group settled into the cave; Xiao Yeci organized her notes, and Li Li Banfeng asked Juanzi: "Where did the name Heihuang Beach come from?"

"Black" clearly referred to the ground's black rocks—what did "yellow" refer to?

Juanzi didn't know the origin of the name, but after thinking a moment, she said: "It might be related to the Smoke Tree."

"Tree? There's no soil to be seen—how could there be any trees?"

"There's a stretch of Heihuang Beach called Smoke Land, where the smoke is exceptionally thick; ordinary trees can't survive there—only the Smoke Tree endures."

"The Smoke Tree's leaves are yellow all year round—I suspect that's where Heihuang Beach got its name."

"Among us, those with sturdy bodies can walk through Smoke Land when the wind blows hard, because the smoke isn't as dense—but those with weaker constitutions choke to death halfway."

As she spoke, Juanzi glanced at Xiao Yeci.

Xiao Yeci bristled: "What's that supposed to mean? I'm a Level Three cultivator—my body isn't weak!"

Juanzi turned to Li Qi: "Seventh Master, are we really going to Smoke Land? I'm worried about Seventh Lady…"

"Don't you dare speak like that!" Xiao Yeci blushed. "I'm not Seventh Lady—I really am not!"

Li Li Banfeng took canned food and biscuits from his backpack and distributed them to Juanzi, Mengzi, Xiaoshan, and Xiao Yeci.

Xiao Yeci was curious: how much did Li Qi's backpack hold? Daily rations were always plentiful; after three days of walking, she felt she'd gained a little weight.

After eating and resting, Xiao Yeci and Juanzi slept; Li Li Banfeng returned to his Personal Dwelling.

Opening Xiao Yeci's notebook and cross-referencing the projector's footage, Li Li Banfeng sketched a map of Santoucha alone.

Changji glanced and asked: "Darling husband, what's this pointy thing you drew?"

"A mountain."

"And these two trees?"

"Trees are trees."

"Why are the trees drawn as tall as the mountain?"

"Why do you care so much? As long as I understand it, that's enough."

"Darling, you're so thorough—you even drew a house beside the mountain."

"It's not really a house—just a cave where you can sleep."

Changji sighed: "Darling, this map makes sense now, but in a few days you'll forget what it means. Tell the route to Hanxue—she understands Western drawing methods; have her redraw it for you."

Hanxue's pendulum hurried over to help Li Li Banfeng draw; Xiang Hongying was also skilled at painting, but Changji disliked her ink-wash style, so she could only watch.

After watching a while, Xiang Hongying grew drowsy—Hanxue drew too slowly.

Li Li Banfeng asked: "Are you tired these past two days?"

Hanxue's pendulum didn't know how to answer.

These past two days were just travel—she hadn't exerted herself; exhaustion was impossible, yet she truly felt duller.

After much thought, Hanxue explained: "Master, I've been unwell these past two days."

Xiang Hongying burst out laughing: "You don't even have a body—what do you mean 'unwell'?"

In this room, only Xiang Hongying could truthfully say "unwell"—she alone had a real body.

Changji chuckled: "I also think you're unwell, Hanxue—your figure has grown noticeably fuller these past two days."

Hanxue hurried to explain: "Madam's right—last time fighting Lai Lai Baifan, I drank a lot of blood; these past two days, no battle, no movement—I've gained weight and my agility has suffered."

Changji traced her needle lightly over Hanxue's body: "Good. Then get moving—finish this map."

By midnight, the map was seventy to eighty percent done; Li Li Banfeng slept, and Hanxue rested.

At four-thirty a. m., Changji woke, hearing faint noises from the second room.

She considered activating Insightful Dongxi Dongxi Lingyin to listen closely, but the flame on her chest flickered slightly—though small, the light shift was unmistakable.

This was troublesome: every time she used her technique, the flame changed, and it was hard to conceal; ordinary people wouldn't notice, but the people in the second room were no ordinary folk.

After a moment, the flame on Changji stabilized; the puppet beside her stirred, and Changji transferred into Zhao Xiao's body.

Using this body required extreme caution; though she'd adapted, the puppet was less nimble than her true form—any misstep would make noise.

Fortunately, the puppet carried no flame—when using techniques, no one would detect it.

Zhao Xiao stood still, silently activating Insightful Dongxi Dongxi Lingyin, and soon heard voices from the second room.

Drip.

The sound of dripping water.

More precisely—it was dripping blood.

Hanxue's body did hold much blood, but she didn't consume it herself—she was hoarding it as payment for Did Honglian; Changji had long noticed Hanxue's little scheme.

Now Hanxue was feeding Did Honglian blood, and Did Honglian was a special presence in this household—everyone guarded against her.

If anyone else discovered this, they'd drag Hanxue out and punish her severely—perhaps even reduce her to ashes.

But Changji didn't act—she understood Hanxue's intent.

Hanxue's association with Did Honglian wasn't about vying for position or harming Li Li Banfeng—she simply wanted a body.

Changji understood this intimately; seeing Xiang Hongying with a body, she too felt envy; seeing her own puppet, she too felt fondness.

When Hanxue was alive, she was a celebrated beauty—could she not crave a body when seeing others'? As long as she didn't overstep, Changji wouldn't hold it against her; if everyone here had to be utterly selfless, life would be unbearable.

What truly concerned Changji was another voice.

Two people in the second room were speaking:

"If he hadn't arrived first, with all my talent, how could I submit to anyone?"

"Your talent is indeed exceptional, but timing isn't right—now is not the moment to replace him."

"If you could ally with Elder Brother, how could great matters fail?"

"Younger Brother, don't rush—I trust you, but the timing for action must be carefully considered."

The second room fell silent; Changji deactivated Insightful Dongxi Dongxi Lingyin, her soul detaching from the puppet and slipping soundlessly back into her own body.

The flame remained steady; Changji appeared to be sound asleep, but her thoughts churned endlessly:

That bird in the second room has leaked secrets to the traitor inside.

The traitor's voice was muffled—identity still uncertain.

Their voices were barely audible—Hanxue couldn't have heard them; if she had, she wouldn't have dared withhold it from me.

Did Did Honglian hear?

That wretch probably heard—right now, I don't know which side she's on.

Changji glanced at Li Li Banfeng—he lay asleep, snoring softly, occasionally groping her body.

With such a crisis in the household, it's understandable my husband doesn't know—but why is Old Master sleeping so soundly? Does he not know? Or doesn't he care?

Changji wasn't alarmed; she'd seen countless battles—she wouldn't rush even if action were needed.

First, she must learn what sect and cultivation level the second room occupant belonged to—and find the traitor!

…

At dawn the next day, Li Li Banfeng left his Personal Dwelling, woke Juanzi and Xiao Yeci, and continued onward.

After leaving the cave and walking over twenty li, the smoke thickened, making Xiao Yeci cough repeatedly.

"Is this Smoke Land?"

Juanzi nodded: "Seventh Lady, hurry—cover your mouth and nose with a damp cloth."

The smoke was yellowish; the sparse soil beneath also turned yellow; most striking were the Smoke Trees—branches and leaves uniformly scorched yellow, set against the black rocks below, painting the land in black and yellow—Heihuang Beach's name clearly came from this.

After another hour, Xiao Yeci took a step forward and couldn't see her own toes—the smoke had grown this thick.

Wearing goggles and a damp cloth, she staggered forward, too weak even to cough.

Two more steps—she swayed and collapsed; Li Li Banfeng picked her up and carried her back to the cave.

By afternoon, Xiao Yeci awoke.

Li Li Banfeng had prepared medicine, water, and food: "Yeci, return to Luobao Mountain and wait. When I come back, I'll recount everything I've seen."

Xiao Yeci's heart tightened: "Master, are you abandoning me?"

The words were inappropriate—Xiao Yeci was anxious, but didn't care.

Li Li Banfeng didn't beat around the bush: "We've reached Smoke Land—I must press forward. You can't go further, and I have no other option."

"Master, let me try again—I'll take medicine beforehand, I'm sure I can make it!"

Li Li Banfeng nodded: "I believe you could endure it—if this were a life-or-death battle, we'd fight to the end. But this is just reconnaissance—dying for this isn't worth it."

No more words—Li Li Banfeng decided Xiao Yeci must return. That night, she meticulously revised her notes, fearing any oversight.

Li Li Banfeng had given Xiao Yeci two Golden Core Pills, and she could only help Li Qi with this one task—yet she hadn't finished it; Xiao Yeci felt deep guilt.

Li Li Banfeng received a call—Wu Liang Wucai had dialed through Luo Zhengnan.

"Seventh Master, where are you?"

"I've reached Heihuang Beach and am about to enter Smoky Land; right now I'm in a cave." Li Li Banfeng didn't want to give too many details—Liang Liang Wucai didn't know this place well, and telling them more wouldn't help.

After hearing this, Liang Liang Wucai confirmed briefly with those beside her and said to Li Li Banfeng: "Seventh Master, I know exactly where you are. Wait in that cave for one day—I'll bring you a guide. He says you shouldn't go through Smoky Land."

Where did this guide come from?

Is there really a guide more skilled than Juanzi?

Upon hearing they wouldn't have to go through Smoky Land, Xiao Yeci was delighted: "My benefactor, if there's any path I can walk, you must take me with you."

The next afternoon, Liang Liang Wucai arrived with the guide.

Li Li Banfeng had taken three days to get here because he moved slowly, observing everything carefully. But Liang Liang Wucai's group had moved fast—they borrowed a spiritual creature from Qiu Qiu Zhiheng, carried the guide on their backs, and ran all the way.

"What a pity—we missed all the scenery along the way," Liang Cai said, a little melancholy.

Liang Liang Wucai handed the guide over to Li Li Banfeng. The guide was a middle-aged man with dull eyes and a crooked mouth, clearly very ill.

Liang Liang Wucai said: "Seventh Master, this man is the thug who caused trouble at the restaurant—Tan Tan Jinxiao, a Cloud Realm cultivator who runs three businesses."

"He was injured by Tang Tang Changfa and Qiu Qiu Zhiheng working together, and won't recover anytime soon. He wants to serve as your guide to make amends and earn his life back."

Li Li Banfeng studied Tan Tan Jinxiao closely—the man staggered as he walked, spoke with a lisp, seemed to have almost no combat ability, and his mind appeared unclear.

"Can someone like this even be a guide?"

Liang Liang Wucai patted her chest: "Seventh Master, rest assured—he still knows right from wrong."

Liang Cai coughed twice: "Don't hit so hard—that's my chest too."

Liang Liang Wucai tested Tan Tan Jinxiao specifically: "Old Tan, what do you do when you're hungry?"

"Eat!" Tan Tan Jinxiao answered loudly.

Liang Liang Wucai nodded: "Seventh Master, see? He knows right from wrong—no problem!"

Li Li Banfeng asked Tan Tan Jinxiao: "If we don't go through Smoky Land, where do you want to take us?"

"Underground City!" Tan Tan Jinxiao answered sharply.

Li Li Banfeng looked at Juanzi.

Juanzi shook her head vigorously: "I've heard of such a place, but I've never been to Underground City. I don't even know where its entrance is."

"The entrance is nearby," Tan Tan Jinxiao said, glancing between Juanzi and Li Li Banfeng. "Hungry? Eat!"

Li Li Banfeng took a can from his backpack. Xiao Yeci still couldn't figure out how many cans were in the pack—there were already eight people, including Liang Liang Wucai, yet food remained plentiful.

After eating, Li Li Banfeng confirmed one more thing: "Can ordinary people walk through Underground City? Is there smoke inside?"

Xiao Yeci blushed—this question was clearly asked on her behalf. Among everyone present, she was the weakest physically; if Underground City was full of smoke, she shouldn't risk going.

Tan Tan Jinxiao looked at Li Li Banfeng: "The smoke in Underground City all flows into Smoky Land. Ordinary people who avoid Smoky Land won't be smoked to death."

With that, Li Li Banfeng could roughly imagine the condition of Underground City.

"If you're going to Underground City, let's leave now," Tan Tan Jinxiao said, glancing outside the cave. "We'll reach it before nightfall."

The group quickly packed up and followed Tan Tan Jinxiao northwest. After walking over two hours, the path ended.

No mountain, no river blocked them—only a cliff.

Standing at the cliff's edge, they could barely see thirty meters down; below that, thick mist obscured everything—depth and terrain alike were invisible.

Xiao Yeci threw a stone over the cliff. Long minutes passed—no sound of it hitting bottom.

"My benefactor…" Xiao Yeci stared at Li Li Banfeng, pale-faced. Before she could speak, Tan Tan Jinxiao stepped off the cliff, hovered briefly, then vanished.

Had he fallen to his death—or flown away?

Liang Liang Wucai didn't know how to explain: "Seventh Master, Qiu Qiu Zhiheng told us he couldn't fight anymore—we didn't know he just flew like that…"

Night was coming fast; daylight would soon arrive. Returning to the cave now was impossible. These people could only wait for the light.

Li Li Banfeng wasn't worried—he knew Tan Tan Jinxiao hadn't flown.

There were steps along the cliff edge. Tan Tan Jinxiao descended them, hidden by illusion. Ordinary people couldn't see them, so they assumed he vanished—but Li Li Banfeng, with his Golden Eyes of Jinjing Qiuhao, saw everything clearly.

"I'll go down the cliff first. Remember—I'm not falling, I'm walking. Don't worry if you can't see me.

There are steps along the cliff. Once I step on them, you may lose sight of me—but if you feel your way down, you'll catch up." Li Li Banfeng explained briefly, then began descending the steps, moving lightly and steadily.

Though narrow, the steps didn't concern him—if he slipped, he could fly.

But the others had no such ability. They moved with trembling hearts.

They couldn't see the steps, testing each footfall cautiously. Liang Liang Wucai misstepped—her soul nearly fled her body.

"You scared me to death! Be careful!"

"Don't be afraid, my sister," Liang Cai comforted her. "If you're scared to death, I'll get the body, and you'll gain freedom. For us, it's a perfect solution."

Liang Liang Wucai spat: "I'll borrow a tool from Seventh Master and stuff your mouth shut. I'll get peace, you'll get comfort—also a perfect solution."

After descending dozens of meters, Li Li Banfeng's Golden Eyes of Jinjing Qiuhao spotted a cave. Tan Tan Jinxiao waited at its entrance.

The group entered together. Only now did they escape the illusion and see the entrance to Underground City.

A cavern several zhang wide and long, with a broad, level path carved inside. Hard to believe they'd seen nothing of it from the cliff.

Tan Tan Jinxiao pointed into the cave: "This is Underground City. Ahead is the People's Market."

Li Li Banfeng asked: "What's the People's Market?"

"A place where people are sold."

"What else is there besides the People's Market?"

"The Earth Market—where soil is sold."

"And after the Earth Market?"

"The Sea Market—where fish are sold."

Li Li Banfeng frowned: "Is there really a sea inside Underground City?"

"There is!" Tan Tan Jinxiao nodded seriously. "A very big sea."

Juanzi nodded beside him: "I heard the same legend as a child—Underground City has a sea, endless fish and shrimp. No one starves there."

Tan Tan Jinxiao shook his head: "Still starve."

Li Li Banfeng was deeply intrigued by Underground City: "Besides the Sea Market, are there other places?"

"Yes—but the rest is inaccessible. That's the Heaven Market Wall."

"What's the Heaven Market Wall?"

"A wonderful place—I'm sure it's wonderful!" Tan Tan Jinxiao walked ahead. "Let's go to the People's Market first. I know it best. Since the war ended, I've lived there!"

He mentioned a war?

"What war did you fight in?"

Tan Tan Jinxiao blinked: "What war? Who told you about a war?"

Li Li Banfeng was about to press further, but Tan Tan Jinxiao stepped forward.

The group followed Tan Tan Jinxiao deeper into the cave. Torches lined the walls, giving Li Li Banfeng a nostalgic, period-drama feeling.

That sense of antiquity didn't last long. When Li Li Banfeng reached the first intersection, he saw two iron rails ahead.

Hoot! Hoot!

A steam locomotive roared past, sweeping away the ancient atmosphere with clouds of steam.

The train carried coal in open cars, moving slowly. Tan Tan Jinxiao leapt aboard, stuck his head out, and waved at Li Li Banfeng.

Boarding the train was no trouble. Even Xiao Yeci, the weakest among them, was a Third-Level Literary Cultivator—she stepped aboard effortlessly.

Tan Tan Jinxiao said: "I'm not riding for convenience, nor do I want to take advantage. There's a great lesson here—learn from it."

What great lesson?

The cave twisted and narrowed. Li Li Banfeng couldn't see ahead: "Where is this train going?"

"To the factory. Factories are all in the People's Market—no people, no factories," Tan Tan Jinxiao said, lying on the coal pile, eyes heavy, soon asleep.

The train stopped after over an hour. The car doors clanged open. Xiao Yeci grew nervous: "My benefactor, shouldn't we have gotten off earlier? This isn't good."

Li Li Banfeng didn't mind—hitching a ride wasn't a big deal.

Xiao Yeci patted her pocket, ready to explain—or pay if necessary.

A man stood outside the car, wearing a black cloth shirt and a straw hat. He glanced at them and asked: "You're here?"

Huh?

Li Li Banfeng froze.

The tone sounded familiar.

Tan Tan Jinxiao woke up, stood, and nodded: "We're here!"

The man looked at Li Li Banfeng: "Your clothes don't look like you're in this line of work."

Tan Tan Jinxiao laughed: "Clothes and hats suit different people. Don't care what we wear—we get the job done."

"Fine," the man snorted. "You know how to handle things. Two coins each. Go get your tools."

The man walked away.

Tan Tan Jinxiao stepped off the train and shouted: "Brothers, grab your tools!"

"Grab what tools?" Li Li Banfeng didn't understand—were they going to smash a factory?

Tan Tan Jinxiao's face turned serious: "This job's hard—but they pay well!"

Li Li Banfeng asked: "What exactly is this job?"

Tan Tan Jinxiao didn't explain further. He walked to a corner of the platform, picked up several iron shovels, and returned: "Here—one each. Don't fight over them."

Li Li Banfeng held the shovel: "What do we do with this?"

Tan Tan Jinxiao snorted: "I can tell you've never done this work. This is big business. Listen to me—stick the shovel into the coal, then throw it out!"

*Crack! * *Rattle~*

Tan Tan Jinxiu demonstrated a few moves.

Li Li Banfeng saw at once that this task required skill—each shovelful of coal Tan Tan Jinxiu tossed flew the exact same distance and landed in a neat pile.

This takes practice!

Li Li Banfeng plunged his shovel into the coal and swung it twice with a clatter.

Tan Tan Jinxiu exclaimed, "Good form! Your toss is spot-on!"

Li Li Banfeng smiled. "You don't have to tell me—I never miss within five meters."

Tan Tan Jinxiu shouted, "Enough loafing! Get to work!"

Juanzi, familiar with the task, asked, "You're having us unload coal?"

Tan Tan Jinxiu puffed out his chest. "That's right!"

Li Li Banfeng froze, shovel in hand. "Why are we doing this?"

Tan Tan Jinxiu blinked. "What kind of question is that? They're paying—two yuan per person!"

Clang!

Li Li Banfeng dropped his shovel and jumped off the train.

Liang Cai sighed. "Is he really awake now?"

Liang Wu asked, "Are you talking about Seventh Master, or Tan Tan Jinxiu?"

Liang Wu paused. "Of the two, is either one truly awake?"

Liang Cai snapped, "Stop nonsense—get off the train now!"

Tan Tan Jinxiu chased after him. "There are over ten carloads here—this isn't the time for tantrums. We've got to work fast. Two yuan isn't little!"

Li Li Banfeng snorted. "Not even five yuan would make me do this."

Tan Tan Jinxiu sneered. "Five yuan? Are you crazy? I'm already ahead of the pack—go ask outside. People are fighting to work for one yuan!"

The train had stopped inside a factory. Li Li Banfeng glanced around—at the workshops, steam turbines, conveyor belts, pressure valves—all standard equipment for a steam-powered plant.

The largest boiler room lay ahead, marked by its massive steam drum and towering chimney.

The chimney had an odd design: half built into a cave, the other half jutting into the cave's ceiling, its destination unknown.

"Does this chimney run all the way out of the cave?"

"Of course!" Tan Tan Jinxiu nodded. "Otherwise, where would the soot come from?"

Outside the factory, Li Li Banfeng saw a crowd waiting for work—some human, some three-headed—many holding shovels, shouting, "Hire me, boss! Just one yuan!"

They all shouted at Li Li Banfeng because he was the best-dressed.

Tan Tan Jinxiu added, "I wasn't lying earlier—see? Those with shovels only ask for one yuan!"

Li Li Banfeng shook his head. "This isn't about money."

Tan Tan Jinxiu frowned. "You think it's too little? That's how life is on the labor market—earn one yuan, you eat; two yuan, you get vegetables; three yuan, you get meat."

"After unloading these cars, we can do something else—today we'll have meat. What more do you want?"

Li Li Banfeng shook his head. "It's not that I'm greedy."

"Then what's your game? Refusing work like this is stupid!" Tan Tan Jinxiu thought a moment, then seemed to understand. "You're afraid they won't pay, right?"

"Listen—I'll tell you, no need to worry. If they try to cheat us, we lie down right in front of their factory gate. Let them kick, let them punch—we won't move."

"If they've got guts, they'll kill us. If they don't, they'll pay us every penny. Stick with me—you won't lose out!"

PS: For the first time, Li Li Banfeng understood where Tan Tan Jinxiu's cultivation base came from.