Chapter 681: Empire

Li Li Banfeng spent two days at home painting clouds, and with the Golden Chamber Conceals Beauty technique, he could indeed turn the painting into reality—but whether it became actual clouds was another matter.

This material, this texture—honestly, it felt more like cotton.

Moreover, the thing wasn't large; the initial cloud he painted covered less area than a single room in his portable dwelling.

Luo Luo Yuni had a special painting method that allowed her to create artworks larger than the room itself by folding the canvas during the process; Li Li Banfeng quickly grasped the key points.

But could Li Li Banfeng control a painting this large with the Golden Chamber Conceals Beauty technique?

Among all techniques, he had never mastered Golden Chamber Conceals Beauty well, and it consumed enormous energy.

In the end, Li Li Banfeng painted a cloud twice the size of his portable dwelling and, with Li Banfeng Bing, Li Banfeng Ding, and Li Banfeng Wu, carried the painting outside.

He exerted every ounce of strength, but only half the cloud materialized; the other half remained trapped within the painting.

Looking at that half-cloud, Li Li Banfeng felt something strange, as if he had pulled an object out of a space—

Pulled halfway, and it got stuck.

What was that space? Was it the world inside the painting?

Li Li Banfeng reached his hand into the boundary between cloud and canvas, as if touching some viscous liquid.

What kind of liquid is this—

Boom!

The newly formed cloud vanished; the canvas returned to its original state, the viscous liquid disappeared, and when Li Li Banfeng rubbed his fingers, not a trace remained.

Controlling half the cloud lasted only this short a time—the Golden Chamber Conceals Beauty technique had too many limitations, and the larger the object, the harder it was to sustain.

Whether clouds made this way were truly practical remained a big question.

Li Li Banfeng was still pondering other ways to create clouds when the projector flew up: "Seventh Director, Lao Zhengnan just called—Liao Liao Zihui sent word: twenty-three thousand heads are in place."

Li Li Banfeng, Qiu Qiu Zhiheng, Qin Qin Tianjiu, Luo Zhengnan—a group went outside the city to meet them.

Settling twenty thousand people in order was a major undertaking; Li Li Banfeng brought along everyone he trusted.

The city of Sinners was surrounded by a boundary line; all incoming and outgoing personnel underwent strict inspection.

The city gates swung open; Liao Liao Zihui gave the order, and a row of searchlights lit up on the walls, their overlapping beams covering the boundary line before the gate.

These searchlights were infuriating.

The hidden bridge cannons crafted by Niangzi were nowhere near as effective as these few searchlights; Li Li Banfeng wanted to find out where they were stored, but he wasn't familiar with the structure of the Defense Office.

Could he somehow tie this to Neizhou and find a way to get one of these lamps?

Twenty-three thousand heads, carrying heavy wooden luggage cases, marched out of the city under Liao Liao Zihui's command, forming two square formations.

Photographers and cameramen followed nearby; Li Li Banfeng and Liao Liao Zihui exchanged false smiles, had a cordial conversation, completed the handover, and Liao Liao Zihui immediately returned to the city.

Liao Liao Zihui asked not a single question about the heads' destination.

According to Qiu Qiu Zhiheng's plan, these twenty thousand were sent to Luoxia Mountain.

Compared to other parts of Santou Cha, Luoxia Mountain was safer, with less daylight; Qiu Qiu Zhiheng planned to equip them with weapons and hand them over to Tan Tan Jinxiao for training, and they'd soon become a respectable guard force.

But when Luo Zhengnan went to invite Tan Tan Jinxiao, Tan refused, claiming his Haishi business was too busy to spare time.

Qiu Qiu Zhiheng asked Luo Zhengnan: "The Renmarket business is still quiet—is the Tushi business busy?"

Luo Zhengnan replied with a sigh: "Brother Qiu, these people from the Underground City know how to work and follow rules; I haven't encountered any trouble for days on Tushi. I don't think Haishi is much busier."

Qin Qin Tianjiu asked: "That's strange—if it's not that busy, why won't Tan Tan Jinxiao come?"

Qiu Qiu Zhiheng opened his mouth but held back, weighing his words carefully.

Li Li Banfeng thought of something and asked Qiu Qiu Zhiheng: "Is Old Tan mad at me because I became a Prince?"

This struck the core.

Qiu Qiu Zhiheng said: "Old Tan fought against Neizhou—you know that. Now you're a Prince of Neizhou and are supposed to train a guard force for Neizhou's Emperor. That's truly difficult for him."

Xiao Yeci was dissatisfied: "What's so hard? Doesn't he know who the emperor he's protecting is? That's one of us!"

Liang Cai understood Tan Tan Jinxiao: "He knows the Emperor is Juanzi—he's very familiar with her, after all, we've fought side by side—but that rift in his heart probably won't heal easily."

Li Li Banfeng was speechless, but he couldn't blame Old Tan—had he been in Tan's place, even if he understood the reasons, he might still refuse.

"Brother Qiu, first settle these people down; pick two hundred with strong physiques, I'll enroll them in the Dao Gate,

train them into elite soldiers,

assign the rest to work so they can support themselves, and pick more people from among them—I'll find you a suitable land, and you'll need them for reclamation."

Qiu Qiu Zhiheng was delighted—Old Seven had agreed to two major things, giving him both land and manpower.

Yet even as he rejoiced, Qiu Qiu Zhiheng worried for Li Qi: "Old Seven, these twenty thousand are meant to be a guard force—you worked hard to get them from Waizhou, don't just hand them over so easily."

Li Li Banfeng shook his head: "I never intended to have twenty thousand soldiers. I only want to cultivate two hundred elites. This is Pulu Province—if ten thousand soldiers lack weapons and cultivation, they won't fight better than two hundred elites.

We don't know how to train ten thousand, but we can train one or two hundred ourselves. Brother Qiu, if you're overwhelmed, let Tang Yuan and Dengpao help you—they know some Waizhou training methods."

Qiu Qiu Zhiheng nodded. Luo Zhengnan then discussed food and lodging for the heads with Li Li Banfeng.

Li Li Banfeng reiterated: "Treat these heads well. Everyone in Santou Cha believes they're guilty—even they believe it themselves. This mindset must change."

Qiu Qiu Zhiheng looked at the slowly advancing heads; they kept glancing back at the city behind them, where their loved ones still lived.

After one furtive look, they immediately lowered their heads and walked silently—in Sinners City, every action required permission; looking around without authorization meant punishment.

One head glanced back twice, slipped, fell hard, and his luggage strap snapped.

The heavy wooden box nearly hit the ground.

The box was heavy—looked like over two hundred jin—and behind him, another head caught it before it fell.

He signaled the head ahead to keep walking, stay quiet, to avoid punishment.

Xiao Xiao Chuanzi saw this and told Qiu Qiu Zhiheng: "Brother Qiu, this guy's good—strong, fit, and decent."

Qiu Qiu Zhiheng nodded: "Ask him his name and add him to the list."

Duan Duan Shuqun handed He He Jiaqing the list: "Thirteen agreed—they're on the list. Six refused—they're written on the back."

"So there are people who refuse wine and want punishment? Do they think I can't handle them?" He He Jiaqing stared long at the six names on the back.

He He Jiaqing had brought back twenty-one new land deity contracts from the Great Shang Wenyuan Library; one he traded with Li Li Banfeng for Chu Chu Yaoxian's contract, one he sold to Li Li Haoyun, leaving nineteen. He now visited each owner to deliver the contracts.

All these people had some connection to He He Jiaqing—but the contracts weren't free; each land deity had to sign a pact and join the Hand-Foot Alliance to receive their land contract.

Thirteen land deities signed immediately, but six made demands.

They wanted the contracts, but joining the Hand-Foot Alliance wasn't trivial—they'd have to fight for the Alliance and anger many Wolfmen, including figures like Li Qi, whom no one dared offend.

These six land deities naturally didn't dare demand the contracts for free, so they tried to bargain—offering money, magic treasures, even their entire life savings.

But He He Jiaqing wanted none of these things.

He traced his fingertip repeatedly over the six names, his expression cold: "This is the habit the Merchant has instilled in them—if there weren't so many ridiculous rules, I'd go to their lands right now and take back both their contracts and their lives."

This wasn't idle talk—He He Jiaqing's strength was sufficient; if not for his fear of the Merchant's rules,

he could have killed all six land deities and seized all six contracts for himself.

He He Jiaqing tossed the list aside and sneered: "It's because of his stupid rules that the strong are shackled and the weak gain the courage to challenge them, plunging Pulu Province into endless conflict and chaos."

Duan Duan Shuqun thought He He Jiaqing had lost composure.

He He Jiaqing had indeed lost composure—he had planned for this day too long, and he couldn't control his emotions.

These six new lands were vital to He He Jiaqing; apart from Li Li Furong and Chu Chu Yaoxian's contracts, which were unexpected gains, every contract he stole from Neizhou had taken long planning—each was a crucial piece of his grand design.

"Piece" meant literally that.

He He Jiaqing unfolded the map; including Chu Chu Yaoxian's land, he held twenty contracts, thirteen of which were already in place.

Ten more were in Li Li Banfeng's hands, one being Chu Chu Yaoxian's land—a name He He Jiaqing had never heard of—the other nine had been carefully selected by him beforehand.

Add those nine, and together they formed twenty-nine new lands, connected on the map into a vast territory.

He slowly traced his fingertip across the map, erasing all boundary lines between the twenty-nine lands.

He He Jiaqing smiled: "New lands originally had no boundaries—but what happens when they become proper lands?"

He answered himself: "Even when they become proper lands, there will be no boundaries."

Why wouldn't there be boundaries when they became proper lands?

Duan Duan Shuqun knew this well.

If all twenty-nine lands shared the same land deity, the boundaries would truly vanish.

"Every contract was won at the cost of my life—this is the empire of the Hand-Foot Alliance, this is the empire of..."

He He Jiaqing didn't finish; he smiled, his hand still brushing the map, trembling slightly.

Honestly, seeing such a vast territory without boundaries, Duan Duan Shuqun felt a thrill too.

"Old Duan, go talk to them again," He He Jiaqing's fingertip never left the map. "Tell them the Hand-Foot Alliance will accomplish what it sets out to do—it's only a matter of time. Advise them not to ruin their relationships."

Duan Duan Shuqun left. He He Jiaqing rolled up the map.

Bai Bai Wusong, leader of the White Crane Gang, entered the office.

"Master He, Shen Shen Jinzhong agreed to attend the banquet tomorrow night—I can persuade him."

He He Jiaqing nodded: "Well done. If he agrees, tell him to do me one small favor."

"What favor?"

He He Jiaqing looked up at Bai Bai Wusong, who shuddered—he had asked too much.

After a moment of eye contact, He He Jiaqing smiled: "When he agrees, I'll tell you."

Bai Bai Wusong left. Shen Shen Rongqing entered the office: "He Jiaqing, you called me?"

He He Jiaqing nodded: "Find out where Li Li Banfeng is. He's an orphan, raised in Waizhou, an Shadow Cultivator, and closely associated with Li Qi."

Shen Shen Rongqing nodded: "I'll investigate immediately."

Leaving the Film Company, Shen Shen Rongqing went to Baihuayuan and found Zhang Zhang Xiuling.

"Zhang Xiuling, I'd like to have dinner at your place—when's convenient?"

Zhang Zhang Xiuling smiled: "Don't pretend with me. Do you need to pick a time to eat at my place? Tonight's perfect—stay over, and we can study the next volume of The Jade Fragrance Record."

Shen Shen Rongqing nodded and said, "These are all easy. I want to invite someone else to eat at your place—would that be convenient?"

Zhang Zhang Xiuling's eyes lit up: "Who are you talking about? Li Qi? If Li Qi comes, we won't even study 'Jade Fragrance Record' tonight."

Shen Shen Rongqing shook his head: "Not Li Qi. His brother."

"Brother?" The light in Zhang Zhang Xiuling's eyes vanished. "You don't mean Ma Wu, do you?"

Shen Shen Rongqing looked awkward: "He's just coming for one meal."

In truth, Ma Wu often came to Baihuayuan. He was a devoted fan of Zhang Zhang Xiuling, deeply respectful, and had never overstepped. But coming from Shen Shen Rongqing, these words felt strange to Zhang Zhang Xiuling.

Zhang Zhang Xiuling scanned Shen Shen Rongqing from head to toe: "Just one meal. After eating, he leaves—you may stay, but he absolutely cannot spend the night."

Shen Shen Rongqing shook his head: "I won't eat with him. When he comes, I won't be there."

Zhang Zhang Xiuling was baffled: "If you're not coming, who's going to invite Ma Wu?"

Shen Shen Rongqing said: "You must invite him. I can't."

Zhang Zhang Xiuling frowned: "What's the point? Why should I invite him? What will people say?"

Shen Shen Rongqing lowered her voice: "This must stay secret—no one can know. You invite him in secret, like a clandestine meeting."

Zhang Zhang Xiuling's face darkened: "Shen Shen Rongqing, are you playing matchmaker for Ma Wu? What do you think I am?"

Shen Shen Rongqing waved her hands: "Zhang Xiuling, that's not what I meant—"

"Shut up!" Zhang Zhang Xiuling hissed. "Say one more word about Ma Wu, and I'll tear out your tongue!"

"Zhang Xiuling, I'm doing this for Li Qi!"

That night, Ma Wu prepared gifts and went to Baihuayuan for the banquet.

After losing Baihua Sect, Zhang Zhang Xiuling had devoted herself to writing at Baihuayuan, protected by Li Qi and Ma Wu—Ma Wu could have come openly.

But Zhang Zhang Xiuling insisted this must remain secret; Ma Wu had to arrive under extreme confidentiality.

Receiving such a private invitation from the First Talent of Like Puluozhou, Ma Wu was thrilled—but when he arrived at Zhang Zhang Xiuling's home, his instincts told him her intentions were not what he imagined.

After greetings and seating, Zhang Zhang Xiuling wrote the character "Stillness," shielding the room.

Zhang Zhang Xiuling asked Ma Wu: "Among Li Qi's friends, there's one named Li Li Banfeng—do you know him?"

Ma Wu lit a cigarette and looked at Zhang Zhang Xiuling: "Who's asking about this?"

This couldn't be Zhang Zhang Xiuling's own question—she had no connection to Li Li Banfeng.

Zhang Zhang Xiuling answered honestly: "Shen Shen Rongqing asked me to ask you."

Ma Wu smiled: "Shen Shen Rongqing is my friend, but she's ultimately He He Jiaqing's woman. Is it appropriate for her to ask me directly?"

Zhang Zhang Xiuling shook her head: "It's inappropriate—that's why I'm asking you."

Ma Wu frowned: "What's the logic?"

Zhang Zhang Xiuling said: "The logic is this: whatever you say, Shen Shen Rongqing will repeat."

Ma Wu understood Zhang Zhang Xiuling's meaning: "If he's old seven's friend, then I should ask old seven first?"

Qianyue Tower, private room, food and wine served.

Bai Bai Wusong, Sect Master of Bai He Gang, said: "Brother Shen, have you heard? He He Jiaqing has issued contracts to many local gods."

Shen Shen Jinzhong nodded: "I heard. I thought only Li Qi could pull this off—didn't expect He He Jiaqing had such ability."

Bai Bai Wusong lowered his voice: "Though He Family isn't what it was, He He Jiaqing is still a nobleman's son. His conduct, his character—nothing like the rough-and-tumble of the Jianghu."

Shen Shen Jinzhong laughed: "Brother Bai, are you looking down on Jianghu people? Aren't we Jianghu too?"

Bai Bai Wusong shook his head: "We're different. We have sects, legitimate lineages, have burned incense and kowtowed to our ancestors—we know the rules and boundaries. Does he follow rules? Bai He Gang is now under the Inner Sect Master's control."

Shen Shen Jinzhong sighed: "This is truly absurd. I'll have to speak with Old Seven properly."

"Speak?" Bai Bai Wusong sneered. "Will talking help? Is Li Qi a reasonable man? Qin Qin Tianjiu offended An Zongding himself, nearly lost his life—this had nothing to do with you, Brother Shen. What did Li Qi do then? He made you suffer plenty!"

Shen Shen Jinzhong sighed: "Let's not bring up the past."

Bai Bai Wusong gave a slight shake of his head: "If you don't bring it up, it won't pass. Qin Qin Tianjiu has vanished again. Since the gold shop incident, how long has it been? Still no trace."

"I've made my position clear to Li Qi."

Bai Bai Wusong nodded: "My apologies, Brother Shen. Since you say it's clear, then it's clear."

Bai Bai Wusong poured wine for Shen Shen Jinzhong, who sat with a grim face, unable to eat.

"Brother, you invited me here for a reason, don't you? Qianyue Tower is He Family territory."

Bai Bai Wusong smiled: "Not anything urgent—just delivering a message from Young Master He. If you join the Hand and Foot Alliance, we'll all be brothers."

Shen Shen Jinzhong frowned: "Letting me hear this is one thing—but you shouldn't say this to me. My bond with Li Qi runs deep."

Bai Bai Wusong smiled: "Brother Shen, I speak bluntly. Still clinging to friendship with Li Qi—isn't that overestimating yourself? He's now Prince of Prince Pingyuan in Neizhou. Do you still think we're equals?"

Shen Shen Jinzhong smiled: "I speak bluntly too. If Li Qi's become a prince, maybe I should climb that high branch."

Bai Bai Wusong sighed: "The cost is too high. I fear you can't reach it. He's become a prince in Neizhou—do you know how many in Like Puluozhou resent him? How many want him dead?"

"He's powerful—he won't die soon. But everyone around him might be dragged down. Brother Shen, risking your life to climb a high branch—is it worth it?"

Shen Shen Jinzhong drank two cups and asked Bai Bai Wusong: "What's your real relationship with He He Jiaqing?"

Bai Bai Wusong filled his cup: "Hand and Foot Alliance—we're all brothers."

Shen Shen Jinzhong said: "So if I join the Hand and Foot Alliance, you can recommend me?"

"Recommendation is easy. But you know the rules—if you want to join, don't come empty-handed."

Shen Shen Jinzhong smiled: "Sanying Sect is Like Puluozhou's largest gang. If I join, how many gangs will follow me? Have you calculated that?"

Bai Bai Wusong nodded: "We've calculated it. But others are others—you're you. Do something small for the Alliance, show your sincerity."

Shen Shen Jinzhong asked: "Just something small?"

Bai Bai Wusong raised his cup: "Brother Shen, if you agree, I'll tell Young Master He tomorrow. Don't worry—"

"Just something small. If you think you can't do it, just say no—pretend I never mentioned it."

After the meal, Bai Bai Wusong saw Shen Shen Jinzhong downstairs. Tan Tan Jinle and Ban Yue Ban Yue Shucai waited below. Tan Tan Jinle had once been Qin Qin Tianjiu's superior; during Qin's time as copper seal, he'd done much for Tan Tan Jinle. When Li Qi and Shen Shen Jinzhong teamed up, Tan Tan Jinle had helped greatly.

Ban Yue Ban Yue Shucai was Qin Qin Tianjiu's loyal aide, efficient and diligent. After Qin rose to silver seal, he promoted Ban Yue to copper seal.

Both had prepared a car, escorted Shen Shen Jinzhong in, and saw him safely to Jin Yin Hall.

Back at their own hall, Tan Tan Jinle dismissed others and spoke alone to Ban Yue Ban Yue Shucai: "Ban Yue Shucai, something big is coming to our gang."

Ban Yue Ban Yue Shucai sensed trouble too, but didn't speak directly. He probed: "Brother Jin, what's happening?"

"Bai He Gang has been clashing with Old Seven and has had many dealings with He He Jiaqing. Today he invited the Great Jin Yin to Qianyue Tower—what's his intent?"

Ban Yue Ban Yue Shucai thought: "I find it strange too. Why dine at He Family's place?"

Tan Tan Jinle sighed: "Little Nine set us a good precedent—wasn't it hard?"

Ban Yue Ban Yue Shucai nodded: "Yes. Ninth Brother had it hard."

Tan Tan Jinle stared at Ban Yue Ban Yue Shucai: "So…?"

So what?

Ban Yue Ban Yue Shucai froze for a moment.

Tan Tan Jinle patted Ban Yue Ban Yue Shucai: "Brother, go home and rest."

Ban Yue Ban Yue Shucai left the hall. Several brothers followed.

At a fork in the road, Ban Yue Ban Yue Shucai said: "Go back. I'm tired. I want to sleep."

The brothers quickly stopped him: "Brother Ban Yue, you haven't eaten all night! We've reserved a table at Yao Family Restaurant—we're waiting for you."

"I'm not hungry."

"No hunger doesn't matter—we've got singers ready."

"I can't tonight. You enjoy yourselves." Ban Yue Ban Yue Shucai handed out two silver dollars and dismissed them.

He circled two streets and went to Qin Qin Tianjiu's residence.

He knocked twice softly. The door opened—no one was there.

Gathering courage, Ban Yue Ban Yue Shucai entered the courtyard. The front yard was empty. Entering the main yard, he finally saw a woman in green, her face cold, watching him.

Anyone else would have been terrified.

But Ban Yue Ban Yue Shucai knew Qin Qin Tianjiu well—he knew Qin had no servants, only one wife: Feng Feng Yuqiu.

"Sister-in-law, I need to speak with Ninth Brother."

Feng Feng Yuqiu turned and led Ban Yue Ban Yue Shucai into the parlor.

She brought out a telephone, dialed a number, and handed it to him.

Li Li Banfeng arrived at Luoboshan, settled the three men, and shared a meal with Qiu Qiu Zhiheng and Qin Qin Tianjiu.

After eating, Li Li Banfeng held his newly drawn clouds, preparing to ascend—when his phone rang.

He answered: Ma Wu called: "Old Seven, He He Jiaqing sent Shen Shen Rongqing to probe about Li Li Banfeng."

"Shen Shen Rongqing contacted me through Zhang Zhang Xiuling. How should I answer?"

Li Li Banfeng replied without hesitation: "Tell her Li Li Banfeng is an orphan raised with me, now a common worker in Waizhou."

Ma Wu had met "Li Li Banfeng." He knew this wasn't simple: "Old Seven, don't treat this lightly. I suspect He He Jiaqing is testing Shen Shen Rongqing. She risked her life to warn us—we can't betray her."

Li Li Banfeng said: "Relax. It's all true. Tell Shen Shen Rongqing to pass this to He He Jiaqing: I have nine contracts to sell. Say Zhang Zhang Xiuling learned this from me."

After hanging up, Li Li Banfeng immediately found Luo Zhengnan: "Get me a travel permit. I'm leaving Santoucha tonight."

Before the permit was ready, Qin Qin Tianjiu found Li Li Banfeng: "Seventh Brother, Sanying Sect is in trouble."

He recounted Ban Yue Ban Yue Shucai's observations. Qiu Qiu Zhiheng's heart sank: "Bad. Sanying Sect's influence is too vast—this will drag in many gangs. He He Jiaqing has always been cautious—why act so ruthlessly now?"

"He wants the contracts." Li Li Banfeng rubbed his forehead. He had no time for Sanying Sect now.

Qin Qin Tianjiu said: "Seventh Brother, ask Old Luo to get another travel permit. I'll handle Sanying Sect."

Qiu Qiu Zhiheng shook his head: "This is messy. I'll go with you."

Qin Qin Tianjiu waved his hands: "Brother Qiu, your reputation's too big—if you go to Lüshuicheng, it'll make things harder—"

Seventh Brother, I understand the rules of the Three Heroes Gate; I haven't been idle these past two years. Even if I'm not much, I've got Fifth Brother watching my back—just wait for my news.

PS: Tan Tan Jinle and Ban Yue Ban Yue Shucai were figures during Qin Tian's tenure as Empty Code Copper Seal, and appeared in Chapter 258.