Chapter 671: Crying to Take It Back

Li Li Banfeng sat in the center of the courtyard and directly confronted Lu Lu Mosheng: "Why did you send someone to kill me?"

Lu Lu Mosheng glanced at Li Li Banfeng and the sleeping slave beside him, having already deduced the identity of the man before him.

"Are you Lord Li Qi?"

Li Li Banfeng smiled: "You know I'm Li Qi, yet you still sent someone to kill me?"

"Your Lordship's arrival brings glory to my humble abode," Lu Lu Mosheng said, measuring the distance between himself and Li Qi, while pondering which weapon to summon from outside for support.

Li Li Banfeng said: "Cut the flattery. I'm asking you—why did you try to kill me?"

A wave of pressure swept over him; Lu Lu Mosheng abandoned his illusions.

Outside, there were three second-class weapons; if he unleashed his full strength, he might capture Li Qi—but he himself would be caught in the backlash, and his entire family would likely die. It wasn't worth it. Lu Lu Mosheng decided to first stabilize Li Qi.

"Lord Li Qi, it's not I who seeks you—it's the Hou Jue of Wubian City."

"You mean the newly appointed Hou Jue, Lord Bao Ying?"

Lu Lu Mosheng nodded.

Li Li Banfeng sighed: "Let's go see him. I've heard from the Luo sisters that Lord Bao Ying is a decent man. There may be some misunderstanding between us."

Lu Lu Mosheng agreed: "The Hou Jue is at his mansion. If you, Lord Li Qi, explain the matter yourself, the misunderstanding will surely be resolved."

Li Li Banfeng looked uneasy: "I've never been to the Hou Jue's mansion."

"I'll send someone to guide Your Lordship."

"I don't know Lord Bao Ying at all."

"I'll send someone to introduce you."

Li Li Banfeng shook his head: "Sending just anyone won't show enough sincerity."

"I'll send my most trusted man to accompany Your Lordship."

"Old donkey, come with me," Li Li Banfeng leapt onto Lu Lu Mosheng's back.

Lu Lu Mosheng stared in shock: "You're riding me to the Hou Jue's mansion?"

Li Li Banfeng said: "You're a man of status—I won't put a bridle on you, will I?"

Lu Lu Mosheng glanced back at Xi, thinking: carrying people or goods was always the slave's duty.

Li Li Banfeng patted Lu Lu Mosheng's head: "See to it that my friend here is well cared for—if he suffers any harm, you're dead."

Lu Lu Mosheng was already humiliated to be seen carrying someone in the back courtyard; if he walked through the main courtyard and the entire household saw him, where would he save face?

Outside the gate, he'd have to walk the streets—a high-ranking official carrying a man on his back—how could he ever hold his head up in Wubian City again?

But those weren't the real issue. The deadly truth was: if Lu Lu Mosheng carried Li Qi out like this, Lord Bao Ying would surely get word in advance and send men to ambush and kill them both on the road.

Li Li Banfeng knew the danger too: "How about we disguise it? I turn into a wooden crate and lie on your back—what do you think?"

With Li Qi's reminder, Lu Lu Mosheng turned again to look at Xi in the courtyard—no wonder he couldn't find that second-class weapon on him.

It was Li Qi who had disguised himself as a crate and slipped into the mansion.

And now Li Qi clearly intended to repeat the trick—using Lu Lu Mosheng to sneak into the Hou Jue's mansion.

Li Li Banfeng didn't want to go through so much trouble, but the weapons of Neizhou were too fierce—one second-class weapon had nearly wiped out the five Luo sisters.

Li Li Banfeng had expended great effort dismantling that weapon, yet it had the ability to repair itself.

If he stormed the Hou Jue's mansion, who knew how many more such weapons awaited him—or even first-class weapons he'd never seen before.

Lu Lu Mosheng didn't want to risk his life for Li Qi, but he had no choice—Li Qi was on his back, ready to kill him at any moment.

Zhong Biao had applied rouge to Li Li Banfeng; Li Li Banfeng took off his suit, draped it over himself, and the projector adjusted the light and shadow once more.

Lu Lu Mosheng carried Li Li Banfeng out of the mansion.

Dozens of guards stood in the main courtyard, seeing Lu Lu Mosheng carrying a crate covered in silk cloth.

What could be so precious that Master Lu had to carry it himself?

What happened in the back courtyard? Where was the slave Xi? How were they going to deal with him?

As everyone wondered, the lion-dog steward, supported by others, arrived before Lu Lu Mosheng.

Before speaking, the steward adjusted his breath—his voice had to sound weak, to show his master how gravely injured he was.

He had risked his life for this household.

Yet he also had to speak clearly, to make his master understand how vile Xi was, and how brave and loyal he had been in fighting such a ruthless slave.

"L-Lord, I—I—"

Lu Lu Mosheng asked: "Can you even walk?"

The steward shook his head painfully: "Your servant… can't move… I fought… that beast Xi… for you—"

Lu Lu Mosheng said: "Xi has earned merit. I now grant him the status of a scholar. Go inside, kneel before him, apologize properly.

Treat him as you would a scholar—even if you can't walk, make sure your subordinates carry out the duty."

"I—I—" This time, the steward's shock was real—he nearly choked.

Lu Lu Mosheng said no more and carried Li Li Banfeng toward the Hou Jue's mansion.

Several servants followed behind: "Master, you shouldn't carry that yourself—give it to us—"

Ehn!

Lu Lu Mosheng shouted, making everyone flinch.

"Don't touch what's on my back—it's a gift for the Hou Jue, and only I may carry it!"

No one dared move again. Lu Lu Mosheng carried Li Li Banfeng all the way to the Hou Jue's mansion.

After the guards announced him, Lord Bao Ying ordered Lu Lu Mosheng to the Mingyi Hall.

Lu Lu Mosheng was about to enter when the guards stopped him: "Master Lu, what is that on your back?"

Lu Lu Mosheng said: "It's a humble gift for the Hou Jue."

Before he could proceed, the guards blocked him again: "Master Lu, if you're bringing a gift inside, we must inspect it first."

Lu Lu Mosheng shook his head: "The Hou Jue has ordered that this item is confidential—it must not be seen by others."

The guards still blocked him: "If the Hou Jue has given such an order, please allow us to re-announce and await his approval before letting you enter the Mingyi Hall."

Li Li Banfeng was tense—he sensed the danger of the Hou Jue's mansion.

If anything went wrong here, and every weapon inside turned on him, he might not escape.

Lu Lu Mosheng remained calm. He lifted his head, stared at the guards, and asked: "You already announced me—why announce again?"

The guards explained: "We announced Master Lu's audience—but not the item on your back."

"Didn't I have this item on my back just now? Didn't you see it? Why didn't you announce it together?" Lu Lu Mosheng glared with wide eyes. "Are you deliberately harassing me?"

The guards hurried to explain: "We didn't expect you'd bring the crate inside—and now that we want to inspect it, you refuse. We didn't mean to—"

Ehn!

Lu Lu Mosheng shouted again, and all the guards fell silent.

Li Li Banfeng felt his eardrums vibrate—this old donkey's voice was so loud, yet his name contained the character for "silent."

Lu Lu Mosheng looked at the guards: "I am a nobleman appointed by the Hou Jue, laboring tirelessly for him day and night. When did I become subject to harassment from the likes of you?"

The guards dared not speak.

Lu Lu Mosheng strode into the Hou Jue's mansion, passed through the corridor, turned into the front courtyard.

The guard commander—a golden-winged, long-bearded creature—arrived before the guards and asked: "Who was making noise just now?"

One guard replied: "It was Master Lu. He brought a crate to see the Hou Jue and refused to let us inspect it—he just walked in."

"Why not inspect it? Who bears responsibility if something goes wrong?" The guard commander crossed the corridor and reached the entrance to the front garden, spotting Lu Lu Mosheng.

Lu Lu Mosheng tried to hurry, but it was too late—the guard commander closed in.

If Li Qi on his back was exposed, his life was over—Li Qi would never spare him.

But now he couldn't hide it, couldn't deny it—the guard commander wasn't someone you could scare off with words.

Lu Lu Mosheng broke into a cold sweat and ran as fast as he could.

The guard commander leapt over the flowerbed, turned the corner, and leapt again—clearing the pond.

Lu Lu Mosheng sprinted wildly; the guard commander sensed something was off and launched his final leap—about to land on Lu Lu Mosheng.

The projector suddenly spun around and shot a beam of light, engulfing the guard commander.

The massive golden-winged creature vanished in midair.

Withering Art!

Li Li Banfeng gave the projector a thumbs-up—the projector had gotten faster.

Lu Lu Mosheng shuddered, nearly dropping Li Li Banfeng.

"Lord Li Qi, is that… a first-class weapon?"

Could the Withering Art even be considered a first-class weapon?

Li Li Banfeng had never seen a first-class weapon and dared not judge.

But if the projector could maintain such speed, its power was indeed terrifying.

Li Li Banfeng patted Lu Lu Mosheng, signaling him to keep moving—don't ask questions.

Lu Lu Mosheng carried Li Li Banfeng into the Mingyi Hall.

"Master Lu, you're back," Lord Bao Ying smiled. "Did you deal with that slave? I figured such a small matter wouldn't cause trouble, right?"

"All taken care of," Lu Lu Mosheng replied vaguely. A pillar beside him trembled continuously.

Lord Bao Ying frowned: "Master Lu, what are you afraid of? Afraid I'll punish you? What's that on your back?"

Lu Lu Mosheng steadied his nerves and placed the crate before Lord Bao Ying: "My Lord, I bring you a humble gift."

Then he stepped far back.

Lord Bao Ying was startled and hadn't reacted when Li Li Banfeng leapt up.

The guards in the grand hall all carried close-combat weapons; Li Li Banfeng sensed danger surging at him from every direction.

There was no time for hesitation; Li Li Banfeng charged straight at Bao Luo Yingjun through the danger.

Two guards raised their long knives at once, and Bao Luo Yingjun drew his waist sword.

These two knives and one sword were not large in size, but all were top-grade second-rank weapons; if fully unleashed, Li Li Banfeng would be unable to withstand them.

At the brink of life and death, Tang Dao shouted: "Each blade takes an enemy's head!"

The heads of the two guards fell together; the glove seized the opportunity to take both knives.

As Bao Luo Yingjun's sword had just been drawn, Li Li Banfeng patted his cheek, signaling him not to move.

The sword was still in Bao Luo Yingjun's hand, ready to be triggered at any moment.

The old teapot scalded Bao Luo Yingjun, who cried out in pain and loosened his grip—whereupon the glove seized the sword as well.

Fortunately, this group had perfect coordination; even a slight delay could have cost Li Li Banfeng his life.

Everyone in the grand hall was stunned, first glancing at Bao Luo Yingjun, then at Lü Lu Mosheng, then at Li Li Banfeng.

Bao Luo Yingjun's face turned deathly pale, his leopard spots noticeably faded.

Lü Lu Mosheng trembled all over, head bowed in silence.

Li Li Banfeng smiled as he looked at Bao Luo Yingjun: "You wanted to kill me?"

Bao Luo Yingjun gasped: "Who are you?"

Li Li Banfeng gripped the leopard's head: "You invited me to this banquet—yet you don't recognize me?"

This is Li Qi!

Danger still lingered; Li Li Banfeng's spine chilled with each pulse.

Bao Luo Yingjun glanced at the surrounding guards.

The guards each held weapons, none daring to move; Li Li Banfeng said: "Tell them to step back!"

Bao Luo Yingjun waved his hand; the guards retreated a few paces.

After a tense standoff, Bao Luo Yingjun calmed slightly: "So you're Prince Li Qi. Why aren't you in Chaoge for the banquet? Why come to my Boundless City?"

Li Qi smiled: "The journey is long and arduous; I passed through Boundless City and thought to rest a while. I never expected your lordship to be so furious—to send armed men to kill me. What enmity could possibly justify such brutality?"

"It's a misunderstanding—certainly a misunderstanding," Bao Luo Yingjun explained. "Bandits have plagued Boundless City; I ordered Doctor Lü to dispatch troops to suppress them. Unintentionally, they injured Your Highness. I apologize on Doctor Lü's behalf."

Li Li Banfeng laughed: "So it's just a misunderstanding. I thought something was off—your lordship may hold a grudge against me, but you wouldn't turn on your own blood."

"My five sisters came with me. Are you trying to exterminate them entirely—or would you like to see them?"

"My five sisters came too?" Bao Luo Yingjun feigned surprise. "Where are they?"

Li Li Banfeng called out: "Doctor Lü, please fetch my friends and have them bring the five Luo sisters here. Remember—bring them, don't bind them. My lord and I will wait right here!"

Lü Lu Mosheng looked at Bao Luo Yingjun.

Bao Luo Yingjun's face turned ashen, silent.

Lü Lu Mosheng saw his situation clearly: by bringing Li Qi here, Bao Luo Yingjun would never let him live.

It was too late for excuses—he had no choice but to follow Li Qi's orders.

Lü Lu Mosheng slipped quietly out of the Bright Hall; once beyond the marquis's gate, he immediately summoned his guards and returned to his residence to find Shi Xiu Jie Xian.

Lü Lu Mosheng followed Shi Xiu Jie Xian to Hu Hu Chihong's outer residence. The five Luo sisters assumed Lü Lu Mosheng had come to arrest them and prepared to fight to the death.

Luo Su Lijun gritted her teeth: "Li Qi was too reckless—he's led us all to ruin."

Luo Luo Yanjun glanced at Luo Yujun and Luo Xiujun: "I've dragged you sisters into our family's suffering."

Luo Yujun and Luo Xiujun replied without hesitation: "Don't say such nonsense. Once sisters, always sisters—we'll fight them alongside you!"

Luo Shaojun added: "Seventh Brother must have a plan. Let's wait and see."

Luo Yujun gritted her teeth: "What's there to wait for? Kill one, we break even; kill two, we profit!"

Luo Luo Yujun was about to rush out when Lü Lu Mosheng shouted: "Wait!"

His shout was terrifying—the Luo sisters knew his voice was loud, yet they still jumped.

Luo Su Lijun knew they were trapped, but her spirit didn't waver: "Old Donkey, how dare you shout at me like that?"

Lü Lu Mosheng entered the courtyard alone, his expression icy as he scanned them: "Prince Li Qi has ordered me to invite you all to the marquis's residence for a discussion."

Luo Luo Shaojun's face lit up.

Luo Su Lijun studied Lü Lu Mosheng—she didn't believe a word he said.

Lü Lu Mosheng, neither humble nor arrogant, called out: "Bring Shi Xiu Jie Xian."

His men brought Shi Xiu Jie Xian forward; he nodded repeatedly to the Luo sisters.

Luo Su Lijun remained suspicious.

Lü Lu Mosheng scanned the group, then suddenly knelt and roared: "Criminal Lü Lu Mosheng humbly welcomes the Hou Jue back to his residence!"

In the Bright Hall, both sides remained locked in stalemate, their words calm—but every pillar in the hall trembled.

Everyone in the hall was terrified.

Bao Luo Yingjun's head was in Li Qi's grasp; he feared Li Qi might impulsively kill him.

If Li Qi killed him, the armed guards would surely not spare Li Li Banfeng—exchanging one life for another would be a terrible bargain for Li Qi.

When the five Luo sisters arrived, Li Li Banfeng exhaled half his breath and lifted Bao Luo Yingjun: "Your sisters are here—go greet them."

A group of guards, weapons raised, turned toward Luo Su Lijun.

Luo Su Lijun assessed the situation in the hall and gained some courage; she roared: "How dare you point weapons at me? You have no nerve!"

Half the guards in the hall were Bao Luo Yingjun's men; the other half had always served the marquis's household.

Hearing Luo Su Lijun's roar, the guards who had always served the marquis lowered their weapons.

The remaining half hesitated, glancing at Bao Luo Yingjun—who dared not speak.

Luo Luo Yanjun roared: "Are you blind or deaf? The Hou Jue is here—why are you still holding weapons?"

Under this intimidation, the remaining half also lowered their weapons.

Bao Luo Yingjun cursed inwardly—but cursing did no good. Though these guards were his men, how much salary did they earn in a year? Bao Luo Yingjun dared not utter a word—why should they risk their lives for him?

Li Li Banfeng finally relaxed completely. Bao Luo Yingjun lowered his head and said to Luo Su Lijun: "Sister, you've returned!"

Luo Su Lijun looked at Bao Luo Yingjun: "Were you afraid I'd come back?"

Bao Luo Yingjun shook his head: "Sister, I've always longed for your return. I truly didn't know what Old Donkey did."

"We grew up together. We fought over martial arts, we fought over poetry—but no matter how fiercely we competed, we never wavered when facing outsiders. If any outsider threatened the Luo family, neither of us ever backed down!"

Luo Su Lijun sneered: "Are you still a Luo?"

Bao Luo Yingjun sighed: "At fifteen, I was sent to the Bao family—it wasn't my choice. I've never changed my name. My heart has always carried the Luo family."

"When I heard you were in trouble, I did everything I could to seize control of Boundless City—I feared someone else would steal our family's legacy."

"Sister, if you don't believe me today, kill me here. I give you my life—it's repayment for the Luo family's upbringing!"

Bao Luo Yingjun bared his neck, waiting for Luo Su Lijun to kill him.

Luo Su Lijun dared not strike—not because she hesitated to kill him.

If she killed him, she'd be murdering a regional lord—how would she explain it to Lan Qiao Yi? How could Lan Qiao Yi ever help the Luo family rise again?

Luo Su Lijun softened her tone: "Luo Yingjun, I don't want to take your title. I only need to borrow Boundless City to escort Prince Li Qi to Chaoge."

Bao Luo Yingjun nodded: "With those words from you, Sister, I'd die a thousand deaths to see you safely to Chaoge!"

The siblings were reconciled!

At least, it looked good now.

The others in the hall must now declare their stance.

Bai Bai Liangchen knelt on one knee: "Blood ties are like the bedrock of towering mountains—so long as the bloodline endures, the peaks stand firm. The reconciliation of siblings is truly cause for joy!"

All the physicians echoed their congratulations.

Lü Lu Mosheng still lay prostrate at the door, silent.

Congratulations were premature—no one knew what might come next, or who would ultimately be master.

The siblings spoke briefly; Bao Luo Yingjun lowered his voice: "This isn't a place to talk. The physicians here have different intentions—our family matters must not be overheard. We must speak at home."

Luo Su Lijun glanced at Li Li Banfeng—unsure whether to leave the Bright Hall.

Li Li Banfeng gave a slight nod.

They followed Bao Luo Yingjun to the rear garden, where he led them to a pavilion alone.

The pavilion was called Yucui Tower; Li Li Banfeng, noting its pleasant surroundings, wandered up and down the floors.

Bao Luo Yingjun's heart rose to his throat—he feared Li Qi would detect the trap.

After taking over the marquis's residence, he had modified Yucui Tower, installing a first-rank weapon inside.

This weapon possessed sentience—it could distinguish friend from foe. At the right moment, a single command from Bao Luo Yingjun would eliminate Li Qi and the five Luo sisters.

But now was not the right moment—Li Qi was too close.

He'd heard Li Qi was a Traveling Cultivator and knew Traveling Cultivators of Pulu Province moved swiftly—but even that brief strike in the hall had terrified him.

He needed a way to send Li Qi away—at least far enough to be out of reach. Otherwise, Li Qi might strike first and end his life.

As Bao Luo Yingjun still pondered his strategy, Li Li Banfeng suddenly yawned: "This journey has exhausted me. You discuss among yourselves—I need to rest somewhere."

Li Li Banfeng was truly tired—constant vigilance, life-or-death struggles—it had been grueling.

Bao Luo Yingjun's heart leapt with joy—the moment had come: "Prince Li Qi, other places aren't safe. Rest upstairs—I'll have someone prepare your room."

Luo Su Lijun inwardly groaned—Li Qi was so careless! How could he sleep now?

Everyone was on fire—should Bao Luo Yingjun turn, the consequences would be catastrophic.

Yet Li Li Banfeng looked utterly worn out; Luo Su Lijun felt a pang of pity.

She knew Yucui Tower well—when they were children, she and her sisters had played there constantly. A short rest here should be harmless: "Young Master Li, listen to Luo Yingjun. Don't go far—rest right here."

Li Li Banfeng nodded: "No need to find someone to clean the room—I just went up and checked. There's a bed, blankets, all clean. I slept up there."

Luo Luo Shaojun worried: "Seventh Brother, I'll go with you!"

Luo Luo Yujun frowned: "You're a grown girl—don't you know shame? A man's sleeping, why are you tagging along?"

Bao Luo Yingjun chuckled: "Girls grow up, you can't control them anymore. Let Luo Shaojun go with him."

As they spoke, Bao Luo Yingjun picked up a silk handkerchief from the table, pretending to wipe his hands, but clutched it tightly in his own.

Go. Once you're upstairs, let the First-Rank Weapons act.

When the time comes, Luo Luo Shaojun and Li Qi die upstairs; everyone else dies downstairs.

Li Qi, forcing me to this point—you're a real man. No wonder your name carries weight in Pulu Province.

Too bad you fell into my hands. Only blame yourself for choosing the wrong enemy.

If there were regret pills in this world, I'd guarantee you'd never dare act bold before me again. Li Qi, Li Qi, you really—

Where's Li Qi?

Li Qi had just stepped onto the stairs when his figure vanished suddenly.

Bao Luo Yingjun froze for a moment, then trembled all over in terror.

He tried to shout the name of the First-Rank Weapons, but before he could speak—CRASH! —his body exploded into a bloody pulp.

Bao Luo Yingjun exploded!

Li Li Banfeng had also been waiting for an opportunity—an opportunity to take Bao Luo Yingjun away and make cleanup easy.

The main hall wasn't suitable just now—too many people.

This Jade Yu Yu Cuilou was perfect. And it was Bao Luo Yingjun himself who chose it.

Luo Su Lijun wiped the blood from her face, stunned: "Go—go see the flowers while riding a horse—"

The crime of killing a regional lord is now confirmed!

The five sisters looked up and saw Li Li Banfeng walking down the stairs step by step.

Luo Su Lijun gasped: "How did you kill him? How do we explain this to Elder Lan Qiao Yi?"

"Explain? Explain? Why so much explaining?" Li Li Banfeng returned to the table, poured himself a cup of tea. The teapot was large, the cup was large—this one cup held enough tea to wash his face.

He actually washed his face with the tea, drenching his entire face, even deliberately sprinkling droplets around his eyes.

Luo Su Lijun didn't know what he was doing. Li Li Banfeng, his face streaked with "tears," asked: "Your brother's dead. Aren't you going to cry?"

"I cry—" Luo Su Lijun was utterly bewildered.

Li Li Banfeng said: "Yes, you must cry. Tell the physicians in the main hall—they all must cry. After crying, Yubian City will still belong to your Luo family!"

"Belong to the Luo family—" Luo Su Lijun hadn't yet processed it.

"Still standing there?" Li Li Banfeng urged. "It's your own land—go reclaim it! Cry while you reclaim it!"

Luo Luo Shaojun was the first to snap out of it: "Brother Luo Yingjun, you're really dead?"

Luo Luo Yanjun said: "Crying here won't help—go cry in the main hall!"

The five sisters headed to the main hall together. Luo Luo Yujun still didn't understand: "Why are we crying?"

Luo Luo Xiujun said: "Why ask so many questions? Seventh Master says cry—cry!"

Li Li Banfeng clasped his hands, crouched down, and stared at Bao Luo Yingjun's corpse.

"Luo Yingjun, you were always so strong-willed since childhood. Seeing you blown to pieces like this… my heart aches." Li Li Banfeng sniffled twice, tears streaming down.

The tears fell—and with them, a puff of ash. Bao Luo Yingjun was now utterly gone.

Li Li Banfeng looked for something to wipe his tears. A silk handkerchief lay right on the corpse.

He picked it up, wiped his tears, and glanced at the writing on the handkerchief.

Only three characters were written, in a wild, unrestrained style. Li Li Banfeng stared a long time before recognizing them.

"Jiang Linger!"

"Ah!"

Someone inside the room answered.

PS: Who answered?