Chapter 650: Peering Through the Clouds

Guan Guan Huodong believed he had severely wounded Li Li Banfeng, but the figure lying on the ground was merely a shadow—the real Li Li Banfeng had already circled behind him.

If anyone else had been in this place today, being flanked by Li Li Banfeng would mean certain death.

But Guan Guan Huodong was special—he belonged to a unique Dao sect and knew this place intimately; he knew Li Li Banfeng's position and could judge his intentions.

Li Qi was behind him, one meter away, holding a cash coin—this must be Li Qi's weapon.

Guan Guan Huodong had served the Proprietor for a long time and knew many things, especially as a Kuixiu who had seen the marks before.

He knew the mark inside his body was a copper coin, and that his token's shape was nearly identical to a copper coin.

What was the origin of this cash coin in Li Qi's hand?

No need to think further—this object must be the token.

Li Qi held the token; Guan Guan Huodong carried the mark—this clearly revealed their positions: Li Qi held Guan Guan Huodong's life in his grip.

Guan Guan Huodong was not panicked; he stepped sideways to stand behind a fisherman, using the man to block Li Qi's line of sight.

To activate the token, one's gaze must remain fixed on the target—that's the basic condition; only when the gaze is focused enough for the token to sense it can the mark inflict severe damage.

This was Guan Guan Huodong's assessment of the battle—and it revealed the gap in their experience: Guan Guan Huodong had roamed the underground city for decades—puff!

Li Li Banfeng touched the cash coin, and Guan Guan Huodong spat out a mouthful of blood.

Did the mark move?

This sensation was painfully familiar—Guan Guan Huodong had once been punished by the Proprietor; when the mark stirred, the agony tore through his soul—this was exactly it!

His line of sight had been blocked; Li Qi had no conditions to control the cash coin—so how could he still manipulate the token?

There was one thing he didn't know: the token in Li Li Banfeng's hand was different. Under Li Li Banfeng's training, the cash coin obeyed only commands, not rules—it struck whoever it was told to, with no conditions attached.

The fisherman caught in between jumped in surprise and turned to look at Guan Guan Huodong.

He didn't recognize this man—he only felt something hot spew out behind him.

"What did you just spit at me?" the fisherman felt warmth on his back.

Guan Guan Huodong wiped the blood from his lips and smiled: "Nothing. I just thought you looked handsome, so I wanted to give you a little gift."

The fisherman felt nauseated and quickly retreated. Guan Guan Huodong walked slowly, step by step, onto a fishing boat, putting distance between himself and Li Li Banfeng.

Li Li Banfeng's cash coin lost its connection to the copper coin inside Guan Guan Huodong's body. Guan Guan Huodong stood on the boat, waiting for Li Li Banfeng to catch up.

Tan Tan Jinxiao lowered his voice: "Seventh Master, be careful—he's skilled with traps."

Li Li Banfeng didn't rush after him; he sensed danger. Tan Tan Jinxiao was right—the fishing boat's surroundings were indeed laced with traps.

Guan Guan Huodong was on the boat; Li Li Banfeng was below it. They locked eyes for a moment, then the boat owner approached from afar, glanced at Li Li Banfeng's attire, and asked: "Boss, you want to charter my boat?"

Tan Tan Jinxiao told the boat owner: "Stay back!"

The boat owner frowned: "This is my boat! Why should I hide?"

Li Li Banfeng pulled out two banknotes: "I do want the boat. Here's a deposit."

The boat owner took the money, his anger turning to delight: "Wait a moment—I'll clean the boat first!"

The boat owner returned to the boat, glanced at Guan Guan Huodong: "My boat's been chartered by that boss. If you want it, find another."

Guan Guan Huodong smiled: "I'd like to charter it too—I'll pay more. Let me have it!"

The boat owner waved his hand: "No way—I've already taken a deposit. I can't break a deal like that."

As they spoke, Li Li Banfeng's figure suddenly vanished.

Guan Guan Huodong nodded to the boat owner: "Alright, I'll find another."

He jumped off the boat and chased after him. Kuixiu steps were swift; according to Li Li Banfeng's observation, Guan Guan Huodong was even faster than a Wu Xiu from Yunshang.

Though faster than a Wu Xiu, he still couldn't match a Lv Xiu. Li Li Banfeng quickly pulled ahead—but the "Horse-Viewing-Flower" technique didn't activate; he never broke free of Guan Guan Huodong's line of sight.

This was Guan Guan Huodong's territory—every corner held his hooks. As long as Li Li Banfeng remained in the Sea Market, Guan Guan Huodong always knew his location.

Li Li Banfeng stopped running and turned to walk toward Guan Guan Huodong.

Guan Guan Huodong turned and walked into the sea, bending to lift half a fishing net.

If Li Qi approached, Guan Guan Huodong would catch him with the net—beneath it lay traps.

If Li Qi didn't approach, Guan Guan Huodong would keep locking onto Li Li Banfeng's position, waiting for a chance to strike.

Li Li Banfeng stood on shore, neither entering the water nor moving far—he lifted his hat brim to watch Guan Guan Huodong.

Tan Tan Jinxiao cleared his throat beside him, preparing to spit.

Guan Guan Huodong felt tense—two against one, he was certain to die.

Li Li Banfeng signaled Tan Tan Jinxiao to hold back.

Tan Tan Jinxiao whispered: "Seventh Master, this isn't the time for honor. This is Guan Guan Huodong's domain—everywhere here is his reach.

In this place, you might not see him, but he'll always see you. You can't ambush him—he can ambush you anytime. Kuixiu physiques are formidable too. Alone, you won't win."

Li Li Banfeng didn't want Tan Tan Jinxiao to interfere—not because he sought a one-on-one duel, but because he didn't want to cause a commotion.

Xiao Yeci watched from afar: "What is the benefactor doing? Why is he staring at that fisherman?"

Liang Cai said earnestly: "He stares at the fisherman because deep inside, he yearns for fish."

Liang Wu thought a moment: "You mean he wants to buy fish? I recall Seventh Master doesn't like fish."

This battle was truly strange: the beach was crowded with people, yet aside from Tan Tan Jinxiao, not a single soul sensed the deadly struggle unfolding.

Guan Guan Huodong had probed Li Li Banfeng's thoughts: Li Li Banfeng didn't want to alarm the fishermen and farmers here—especially the farmers, whose harvest depended on the land. This matter must not be disrupted.

Guan Guan Huodong exploited this very point, moving slowly, deliberately, to stall Li Li Banfeng.

A fisherman called out to Guan Guan Huodong: "Hey, fisherman, reel in your net! You can't cast here—you'll tangle my boat!"

Guan Guan Huodong smiled at the fisherman: "I'm just about to haul it in."

When he looked again, Li Li Banfeng had vanished.

Guan Guan Huodong wasn't alarmed—he knew Li Li Banfeng was above him.

This was a Kuixiu technique: "Penetrate the Hidden, Illuminate the Minute."

Li Li Banfeng had left the ground, flying beneath the cave ceiling; a faint shadow lingered on the sea's surface—but even that trace escaped Guan Guan Huodong's eyes.

Guan Guan Huodong remained silent, waiting for Li Li Banfeng to fly directly overhead.

When directly above, Li Li Banfeng touched the cash coin, preparing to activate the mark.

Guan Guan Huodong moved first, diving into the sea, once again putting distance between himself and Li Li Banfeng.

He always acted first—could he read minds?

Li Li Banfeng's judgment was correct: when he first visited Miao Sheng Phonograph, Ling Ling Miaosheng had heard the song inside Li Qi's heart.

This was a Kuixiu technique: "See the Surface, Know the Interior." Guan Guan Huodong could sense, to some degree, Li Li Banfeng's thoughts.

As Li Li Banfeng pondered whether to continue fighting underwater or retreat to shore, Guan Guan Huodong seized the moment—he yanked the net from the water, flung it into the air, and dropped it directly over Li Li Banfeng, dragging him and the net into the sea.

A nearby fisherman asked: "What are you netting?"

"A bat!" Guan Guan Huodong laughed. "Just now, a giant bat flew out of that cave!"

The fisherman was excited: "How big? Over a hundred catties? I didn't see anything!"

Bats were rare treasures in the underground Sea Market—the larger the specimen, the better its value. Catching one over a hundred catties could mean years of comfort without needing to go to sea.

Guan Guan Huodong smiled at the water: "I'll pull it up—should be over a hundred catties."

Li Li Banfeng said from the side: "I doubt it—your net seems empty!"

Guan Guan Huodong froze—just now the net had clearly caught him—how had he escaped?

Others might assume a Lv Xiu was simply too fast—that net had indeed been empty.

But what eyes did Guan Guan Huodong have? He had seen Li Li Banfeng enter the net clearly—he had even glimpsed his face as he was dragged under. Guan Guan Huodong simply couldn't fathom how Li Li Banfeng had escaped.

The situation was dire—Li Li Banfeng was dangerously close.

Guan Guan Huodong shouted: "Looks like he broke free—I'm diving after him!"

With that, Guan Guan Huodong plunged into the water.

"I'll go too!" Li Li Banfeng followed, diving in behind him.

The fisherman hesitated, then thought to dive as well—until someone shouted: "Pack up! Get on board!"

Reluctantly, the fisherman climbed aboard, glancing back once—then noticed the water was tinged red.

Had the bat been wounded?

It wasn't the bat—it was Guan Guan Huodong. Li Li Banfeng flicked the cash coin, and Guan Guan Huodong spat another mouthful of blood.

Escaping like this wouldn't work. Guan Guan Huodong led Li Li Banfeng to a cluster of rocks, beneath which lay a tangle of fishing lines and hooks.

Guan Guan Huodong stood beside the rocks, waiting for Li Li Banfeng to take the bait.

This trap, of course, couldn't stop Li Li Banfeng—he used "Broken Path" to push the lines and hooks aside.

But the rocks held more than just lines—Guan Guan Huodong had set a second array nearby; if Li Li Banfeng stepped on it, a vortex would drag him straight to the seabed.

One step away from the array, Li Li Banfeng halted.

Guan Guan Huodong felt a bad omen.

Li Li Banfeng rubbed the cash coin in his hand—Guan Guan Huodong spat another mouthful of blood.

The problem lay in this cash coin.

Guan Guan Huodong was forced to leave the rocks, swimming to the surface. Li Li Banfeng pursued slowly, never drawing too near.

Ahead on the beach lay a pit trap. Guan Guan Huodong stood beside it; Li Li Banfeng avoided the pit and rubbed the cash coin again.

Guan Guan Huodong, gritting through the pain, staggered as he led Li Li Banfeng to an abandoned old boat.

The boat was large, with a wide deck.

Guan Guan Huodong stood at the bow, his right hand behind his back, gently gripping a length of rope.

The rope clearly concealed a mechanism—Li Li Banfeng wouldn't approach lightly. On the deck, he touched the cash coin.

Guan Guan Huodong clutched his chest and spat another mouthful of blood onto the deck.

Blood dripped down through the cracks in the wooden planks; Guan Guan Huodong stood motionless before Li Li Banfeng, neither fleeing nor hiding.

Has he given up entirely?

No!

Li Li Banfeng sensed imminent danger—CRACK! —the deck beneath his feet suddenly shattered.

He had assumed the trap lay in the cables, but now it seemed the cables were merely a decoy; the real trap was beneath Li Li Banfeng's feet.

Beneath Li Li Banfeng's feet lay a cultivation array, one triggered by Guan Guan Huodong's blood.

Li Li Banfeng possessed the technique of riding wind and clouds; even if the deck shattered, he should have been able to soar upward.

Yet after struggling for a moment, he still fell below the deck. Looking down, he saw a human face beneath him—bald, eyes red, mouth wide open—swallowing Li Li Banfeng whole.

This was the Devouring Cultivation Array: Swallowing the Eight Directions.

Guan Guan Huodong rarely activated this array, for resetting it demanded an enormous cost.

Now that Li Qi had been swallowed by the array, he certainly couldn't escape anytime soon—yet Guan Guan Huodong's heart remained suspended.

In the instant Li Li Banfeng fell beneath the deck, Guan Guan Huodong noticed something.

Li Li Banfeng's body had vanished—but his shadow had not.

Had he imagined it?

A Peeping Cultivator claiming he saw things that weren't there was like a Wu Xiu saying he didn't know how to wield a knife—Li Qi's shadow had definitely changed.

Li Qi had escaped multiple traps before; this must also be tied to his shadow.

While he was pondering, Li Qi suddenly flew up from beside the ship's rail.

Peeping Cultivators truly were hard to deal with—he didn't fall for ambushes and always seized the initiative.

Guan Guan Huodong, fully alert, first confirmed Li Li Banfeng's position, then deduced his intent, and moved first—yanking the cable in his hand.

This cable was not a decoy after all.

A violent gust surged from the bow, splitting into three blades that slashed toward Li Li Banfeng.

Li Li Banfeng used the technique of Unfettered Ease to shift his vital points, dodging two blades—but one blade could not be avoided, severing his right hand.

Guan Guan Huodong rejoiced, leaping forward to snatch Li Li Banfeng's severed hand and pluck the Coin-Child from it.

This Coin-Child was the object of Guan Guan Huodong's vengeance; now at last he held it. With this Coin…

No—this wasn't the Coin-Child. It was a silver dollar.

And this hand—why is it so dark?

Is this his shadow's hand?

Li Li Banfeng flew onto the deck, beside him stood a shadow with a severed hand.

The shadow shifted its shoulder, and the severed arm slowly regrew—though its color had faded somewhat.

Guan Guan Huodong was stunned. He finally realized how vast the gap between them truly was.

He dropped the severed hand and the silver dollar, trying to flee.

The severed arm regrew limbs and a head, transforming into a Li Li Banfeng no taller than a foot, who kicked Guan Guan Huodong hard.

THUD!

Guan Guan Huodong's sternum shattered, and he collapsed to the ground.

Though the one-foot-tall Li Banfeng was small, this kick carried the power to shatter ten thousand rivers.

Guan Guan Huodong glanced around—the ship still held many traps; near the cabin lay a Fire Cultivation trap.

Could he still muster the strength to trigger it?

Hardly.

Guan Guan Huodong was too badly wounded.

Still, he had to try—he couldn't just wait to die. If he moved fast enough, there was still a chance…

WHOOSH!

The silver dollar sliced across Guan Guan Huodong's throat.

Logically, with his cultivation base, the silver dollar shouldn't have cut his neck.

But Guan Guan Huodong was too severely injured—half his neck was severed, only a few tendons remaining, holding his head dangling over his chest.

Li Li Banfeng stepped onto the deck and was just lifting Guan Guan Huodong when an old fisherman below shouted: "Sir, don't board this ship—it's haunted. Many have died on it."

"Thank you for the warning. My friend got drunk and wandered off—I'll take him down now." Li Li Banfeng supported Guan Guan Huodong off the ship; the Clock immediately sucked dry all blood from Guan Guan Huodong's body, leaving no trace.

After chatting briefly with the old fisherman, Li Li Banfeng found a corner and sent Guan Guan Huodong into the Portable Dwelling.

Along with Guan Guan Huodong, a host of magic treasures entered the Portable Dwelling. The Phonograph, while the soul was still present, hurried to eat; the Projector adjusted its filming angles nonstop beside it.

The Phonograph was displeased: "I'm eating here—what are you filming for? Is there no order in this household?"

The Projector explained: "Madam, I'm not filming you—I'm filming this man. Seventh Director said this man still has use."

The Phonograph didn't consume the soul entirely, leaving some for the Clock: "Sister, come eat."

This was a soul from the Clouds—a genuine, fine treasure, vastly different from Zhu Zhu Yugui before.

The Clock felt ashamed. The Phonograph laughed: "Eat quickly. We're family—I truly care for you."

The Projector shot several angles, then turned and went to Room Five.

A field appeared on the wall; the Girl of Room Five, holding a bouquet of flowers, stepped before the Projector.

"Beautiful girl, I need your help." The Projector projected onto the opposite wall a scene of Li Li Banfeng and Guan Guan Huodong fighting. Because both moved so swiftly, the Projector had been chasing them continuously—the footage was shaky.

The Girl of Room Five pulled out a notebook and meticulously recorded Guan Guan Huodong's physical features. After observing the fight, she and the Projector used the footage to reconstruct Guan Guan Huodong's every motion in detail.

After more than ten minutes, the Projector's lens flickered. Beneath a brilliant halo, a man's bodily contours slowly emerged.

First the outline, then the light and shadow, finally the colors.

The Clock stood at the door, peering curiously inside: "Madam, why is he going through all this trouble?"

In the Clock's memory, the Projector could effortlessly generate a person's image in the blink of an eye.

Yet now, he seemed to be painting a delicate oil portrait—each brushstroke deliberate, cautious.

The Clock was skilled in Western painting techniques; she knew this oil painting's difficulty was extreme. The Phonograph reminded her: "Watch closely—this isn't a painting. This is real."

"Real?" The Clock paused, then understood the Phonograph's meaning.

The Projector hadn't painted a flat image—he had created a person. A lifelike, flesh-and-blood person.

The Phonograph said: "I've told you before—the Projector's Dao is unfathomable. He can produce newspapers, vases—all real. Now he can produce a person."

This person's appearance, build, and clothing matched Guan Guan Huodong exactly.

What followed was even more incredible: the Projector's halo shone upon the "Guan Guan Huodong," and his legs began to move slowly.

The real Guan Guan Huodong lay in the main chamber, his family eating dinner.

The Projector's created Guan Guan Huodong could now move.

Even Did Honglian had walked to the door of Room Five, silently watching the Projector's technique.

The Projector's skill paled beside Did Honglian's—in Did Honglian's eyes, this Guan Guan Huodong was riddled with flaws.

Yet the Projector's technique still astonished Did Honglian.

After several attempts, the "Guan Guan Huodong" finally took a step.

The Phonograph applauded.

But the Girl of Room Five was still unsatisfied: "Movements are too stiff. More refinement is needed."

The Clock regretted it deeply—if she'd known the Projector had such ability, she never would have sought Did Honglian's help.

The Phonograph tapped the Clock's cheek with her needle: "Next time, try not to seek outsiders."

…

Li Li Banfeng entered the old ship's cabin and, after considerable effort, rescued Li Banfeng Bing from the array.

Because it was a Devouring Cultivation Array, Li Banfeng Bing was covered in stomach acid. He found it disgusting and washed for a long time by the sea.

There was also Li Banfeng Yi, trapped in the fishing net—he had been soaked in seawater and shivered for a long time after emerging.

After gathering all the shadows, Li Li Banfeng found Tan Tan Jinxiao: "Hire a boat. Go out to sea."

Tan Tan Jinxiao looked around: "Where's Guan Guan Huodong?"

"He'll be here soon. He's one of us now."

"Guan Guan Huodong is one of us?" Tan Tan Jinxiao stared at Li Li Banfeng, thinking he was joking.

"You had a misunderstanding. Now it's resolved. You'll get along well from now on." Li Li Banfeng lifted his hat brim, gazing into the deep sea.

He tapped his glove, then touched the Judge's Pen, lowering his voice: "This is the sea! Let's go out and see the world together."

"Hmph!" The Judge's Pen sneered, uttering five words: "Nothing special."

Li Li Banfeng rebuked: "If even this isn't special—have you ever seen such a vast sea?"

"Master, I've seen the sea," the Glove shook its index finger, "Prozhou has a sea—very large!"

…

"This scene must be shot at sea—costs are high," Duan Duan Shuqun checked the ledger. The film "Blood Blade Detective Nine" was already over budget again.

He He Jiaqing was relaxed: "The budget can be adjusted. Spending a bit more doesn't matter."

Duan Duan Shuqun saw no need to shoot at sea: "Waizhou has compositing tech—we can film indoors, then enhance it later. It'll look identical to shooting at sea. I've prepared two versions—we can compare."

He He Jiaqing shook his head: "I won't look. I know what you mean by compositing tech—I won't deceive my audience with fake scenes."

Duan Duan Shuqun didn't think it was deception: "Everything in film is fake—the fighting, the action—why must the sea scenery be real?"

"Li Qi's film company releases constant productions. In theaters, six out of ten films are theirs. Their costs are low, yet their box office earnings are enormous."

He He Jiaqing put down his newspaper and patiently explained to Duan Duan Shuqun: "I make films not just to make money—I want to leave behind art that withstands scrutiny. I won't deceive my audience with false settings."

Shen Shen Rongqing nodded vigorously: "I agree with He Jiaqing on this point."

He He Jiaqing had already made up his mind; Duan Duan Shuqun had no more to say.

With the film project settled, He He Jiaqing asked Seeing Datou: "How's the procurement of that batch of medicine going?"

Seeing Datou shook his head: "Things aren't going well. I heard there's been trouble at Santoucha—supplies are hard to come by."

He He Jiaqing had asked Seeing Datou to buy a batch of Zancdaoyuan medicine; so far, Seeing Datou had acquired less than thirty percent.

"What kind of trouble could Santoucha possibly cause?" He He Jiaqing flipped through the newspaper repeatedly but found no related news.

Shen Shen Rongqing said: "I'm hosting a dinner tonight—I'll invite a few friends from the Guanfang Hall. Maybe we can pick up some information."

He He Jiaqing nodded. Shen Shen Rongqing, when not throwing tantrums, remained just as capable.

The steward walked into the parlor and said to He He Jiaqing: "Master Peng has arrived."

"Show him in at once!" He He Jiaqing rose and straightened his clothes. Master Peng was a new acquaintance who had given He He Jiaqing considerable help in business.

Soon after, the steward led Master Peng into the parlor.

Master Peng was in his forties, with a glossy oiled hairstyle, wearing a side-buttoned long robe, holding a pipe; his speech and bearing resembled those of an old-school merchant from Like Puluozhou.

Shen Shen Rongqing, Duan Duan Shuqun, and Zou Zou Guoming had never met Master Peng before and were somewhat restrained in speech.

Master Peng, however, was easygoing: "No need for formalities—you're all friends of He Jiaqing, so you're naturally friends of mine."

As he spoke, Master Peng brushed his hair.

Ding ling~

He He Jiaqing faintly heard a sound.

"Shen Rongqing, Duan Shuqun, Zou Guoming—you all go attend to your own matters. I need to speak privately with Master Peng."

Duan Duan Shuqun glanced at Shen Shen Rongqing. This wasn't what they'd been told.

He He Jiaqing had originally said they'd all meet with Master Peng together today—they'd each prepared accordingly. Why dismiss them so abruptly after just meeting?

Seeing Datou asked no questions and thought nothing of it—he rose and left. Shen Shen Rongqing and Duan Duan Shuqun followed him out.

Only He He Jiaqing and Master Peng remained in the hall. He He Jiaqing bowed: "Old Master Kong, your presence is an honor. I apologize for any lapse in hospitality."

The man seated before him was not Master Peng—he was Master Kong Fang.

The disguise was masterful. Master Kong Fang still wore his conical hat, but He He Jiaqing had not recognized him. Just now, when Master Kong Fang brushed his hair, he deliberately brushed against the copper coins hanging from the hat—clearly a signal to He He Jiaqing.

He He Jiaqing poured tea for Master Kong Fang himself. Master Kong Fang waved him off: "No need for formality. I'm here today to do business with you."

"You humiliate me, Old Master. I once wished to serve you, but my talents are shallow—I offered no help, only added chaos. Even now, I feel ashamed."

This referred to their earlier collaboration on studying the boundary lines. Master Kong Fang had deemed their methods too ostentatious and voluntarily ended the partnership.

Master Kong Fang sipped his tea and smiled: "He Jiaqing, if you aim to dominate a region, you must have the breadth to hold no grudges. If you cling to petty resentments, how will you ever accomplish great things?"

He He Jiaqing shook his head vigorously: "Old Master, you misunderstand me. I've never harbored resentment toward you. Your coming to me now is my honor. Whatever you command, I will carry out fully."

Master Kong Fang set down his teacup: "Have you heard about the trouble at Santoucha?"

"I've heard rumors, but not the details."

"Li Qi went to Santoucha for reasons unknown. From Luoboshan to the underground city, he turned everything upside down. You're Li Qi's friend—I want you to help calm this down."

So the trouble at Santoucha was caused by Li Banfeng?

He He Jiaqing thought a moment: "You want me to persuade Li Qi to leave Santoucha?"

Master Kong Fang said: "That won't be easy. Besides, I've heard there's considerable misunderstanding between you and Li Qi."

He He Jiaqing nodded: "Our misunderstanding runs deep. If persuasion won't work, are you asking me to drive him out of Santoucha?"

Master Kong Fang smiled: "Do you have that kind of power?"

"I dare not boast—but you certainly do. If you truly wished to drive Li Qi out of Santoucha, you'd need little effort."

Master Kong Fang sighed: "It's not that simple. If I want him gone, I must fight him—but I can't use heavy force. Li Qi holds status in Like Puluozhou and the outer provinces. If he dies in Santoucha, I'll incur the wrath of many."

He He Jiaqing chuckled: "So you mean the dirty work should fall to me?"

Master Kong Fang shook his head: "I'm not asking you to confront Li Qi in Santoucha. From what I know, most of Li Qi's business is run by Ma Ma Junyang. If something happens to Ma Ma Junyang, Li Qi will return."

He He Jiaqing said: "You want me to eliminate Ma Wu?"

Master Kong Fang nodded: "I originally planned to do it myself, but with my current status, killing Ma Wu directly would anger the Peddler. So I'm entrusting this to you."

He He Jiaqing sighed: "This is difficult for me too."

"I won't let you do this for free. Aren't you seeking Zancdaoyuan herbs? I've already sent you some. If it's not enough, just say the word—however much you want, you'll get it."

PS: Why does He He Jiaqing need so much Zancdaoyuan medicine?