Chapter 712

"Are you saying that the batch of New Land recently manufactured by the Shang Kingdom has problems?" Lady Zuo Anna confirmed the accuracy of the news with Dabo Dabo Ensi once again.

Dabo Dabo Ensi nodded: "This is an inference."

"What exactly is the problem?"

Dabo Dabo Ensi shook his head: "I already said, I don't know. I can only tell you that the amount of Seed Soil for this New Land is abnormally large, and Lan Qiao Yi's stay in Bo City is longer than usual."

Lady Zuo Anna didn't know how to evaluate such intelligence: "You only saw abnormal phenomena and made an inference without substantive results. I don't know how much value such intelligence can have."

Dabo Dabo Ensi didn't intend to make any explanations, nor did he intend to make any extensions to the existing intelligence: "All I need to do is tell you the intelligence I know; you need to judge its value yourself."

Lady Zuo Anna summarized the news received recently and passed it on to He He Haiqin.

He He Haiqin was very interested in the intelligence provided by Dabo Dabo Ensi: "Although the information is limited, I feel something big is going to happen. Is there any news from Wenyuan Pavilion?"

Lady Zuo Anna said: "Chaoge has tightened the guard on Wenyuan Pavilion; the number of guards is three times the usual."

He He Haiqin gave his first inference: "This proves that the contract is still hidden in Wenyuan Pavilion. For some reason, these contracts cannot leave Wenyuan Pavilion. Of course... have you decided on the price? Please decide on the personnel and the list; I should also formulate an action plan."

Lady Zuo Anna felt He He Haiqin hadn't finished speaking: "Do you have other inferences?"

He He Haiqin shook his head: "Not for the time being. I will investigate the New Land matter, but before I have the investigation results, don't tell this news to others, so as not to alert the enemy."

The two discussed some other matters, and He He Haiqin got up to leave, reminding her again as he left: "Don't tell this news to others."

Lady Zuo Anna had originally believed in her own judgment; she had always believed the news provided by Dabo Dabo Ensi didn't have much value, but hearing He He Haiqin say this, Lady Zuo Anna was a bit suspicious of herself.

Could it be that a major crisis was coming, and she hadn't discovered it yet?

At the very least, she had to tell Cui Cui Tike this news.

Cui Cui Tike was recording the changes of the Dao Lao Gui on Dao Gui Ridge. They still held sacrificial ceremonies every day,

and they had even built a statue for Li Qi, and every once in a while, they would design new dance moves for Li Qi.

The Dao Lao Gui loyal to Cui Cui Tike were clearly lacking in innovation in this regard; they handled the etiquette very perfunctorily, and their relationship with Cui Cui Tike was becoming increasingly casual.

At breakfast, Cui Cui Tike complained that the porridge was too hard to eat, and the Dao Lao Gui responsible for cooking threw the spoon and left.

What kind of attitude was this?

Cui Cui Tike wrote in his diary: "This should be the difference between divinity and humanity. I am still too human."

The quill pen trembled, and a bloodstain appeared on the pen holder.

Cui Cui Tike smelled the scent of blood and wrote on the paper with the goose quill pen: "Sister, is there anything you need me for?"

The goose quill pen left Cui Cui Tike's hand and quickly wrote a paragraph of text on the paper.

Lady Zuo Anna told Cui Cui Tike about the investigation results of Dabo Dabo Ensi.

Cui Cui Tike looked at it carefully and didn't understand the meaning Lady Zuo Anna wanted to express.

The New Land appeared abnormal—was it the quantity that was abnormal, or the people?

Why did she tell me this; what kind of problem does she hope I can solve?

Cui Cui Tike exchanged a few more sentences with Lady Zuo Anna. Lady Zuo Anna didn't provide more valuable information, only reminding Cui Cui Tike to be careful.

Cui Cui Tike responded on the paper: "I don't have the ability to investigate the New Land. Very few people in Puluo Continent possess such ability. I will consider whether to ask others for help."

Putting down the goose quill pen, Cui Cui Tike had a few names appear in his mind, only to erase them one by one.

Among the people he knew, besides the Peddler, it seemed no one possessed the ability to investigate the New Land.

Returning to Green Water City, He He Haiqin found Shen Shen Rongqing, Duan Duan Shuqun, and Seeing Datou, asking them to gather manpower to investigate the New Land newly generated in Puluo Continent three days ago.

Duan Duan Shuqun pondered for a long time: "He Haiqin, this 'three days ago' is not easy to calculate, right?"

Seeing Datou felt there was no problem: "Isn't the time of three days very clear?"

Duan Duan Shuqun explained: "Brother, you aren't familiar enough with Puluo Continent. The New Land from three days ago is no different from the New Land from thirty, fifty, or eighty days ago."

Seeing Datou looked blank, not knowing if he really didn't understand or was pretending not to.

Shen Shen Rongqing explained: "When New Land enters Puluo Continent, it basically looks the same for the first year—no grass, no trees, no birds or beasts. It's just a piece of wasteland; it's very difficult to distinguish the generation time of this land."

Seeing Datou didn't think so: "When the Inner Continent makes New Land, they definitely appoint local gods. The newly appointed local gods can distinguish where their territory is, so we definitely have a way to distinguish it too."

Duan Duan Shuqun said: "They can distinguish the location of the territory by relying on the Inner Continent's news network. If a piece of land appears between two local gods, they will definitely discover it, and after discovering it, they will tell the Inner Continent."

Seeing Datou said: "Then we will also go to the local gods to inquire about the news."

Duan Duan Shuqun didn't speak; he was afraid of hurting the harmony by saying some things.

Shen Shen Rongqing didn't save face for Seeing Datou: "Who do you think you are? Why would the local gods see you?"

Seeing Datou really didn't take the local gods too seriously; he had just become a local god himself.

He He Haiqin waved his hand, signaling everyone not to argue anymore: "Hurry up and send people to check. Call all our manpower. Remember, keep it confidential and don't spread the news."

Duan Duan Shuqun was speechless for a long time, and Shen Shen Rongqing left the office with a blank expression.

After gathering the manpower, Duan Duan Shuqun asked Shen Shen Rongqing: "How exactly should this work be done? Calling so many people and not letting the news spread?"

Shen Shen Rongqing shook her head: "I don't understand, and I don't want to understand. Let Seeing Datou do it; isn't he a capable person?"

Seeing Datou really didn't stand on ceremony. He took the people from the Shouzu Alliance himself and went to the New Land to inquire about the news.

Duan Duan Shuqun was right; this matter couldn't be kept confidential. Just two days later, Ma Wu received the news: "He He Haiqin is inquiring about the newly generated New Land. What does he want to do?" Ma Wu felt there was something fishy about this and wanted to inform Li Qi immediately, but he couldn't reach Li Qi.

Ma Wu and Feng Daiku discussed it. Feng Daiku thought about the previous events: "I estimate He He Haiqin wants to steal the contract again. This time he wants to take action against the newly appointed local gods."

"Should we manage this?" Ma Wu was a bit hesitant.

Feng Daiku pondered for a while: "If he only wants to investigate, we really shouldn't manage it. Some cultivators have always been investigating the New Land, and the maps of Puluo Continent also rely on these people to update. This isn't a bad thing, nor does it count as violating the rules. We'll just continue waiting for news."

After waiting for another two days, Ma Wu really received news—not from He He Haiqin, but sent by someone sent by Cui Cui Tike.

"Cui Cui Tike says the newly generated New Land is abnormal, and this matter is related to the Inner Continent. I feel we must tell Old Seven about this." Ma Wu felt more and more that this matter wasn't simple.

Feng Daiku was also worried: "Li Qi still can't be reached. I will keep an eye on the Peddler's movements and find an opportunity to tell him about it."

Before finding the Peddler, Ma Ma Junjiang came to the door first: "Old Five, Dad asked me to tell you that our Great Uncle has returned and is now a local god of the New Land. He invites our whole family to go over and clear the land.

If you are still a Ma family member, come home with me and handle this biggest event of the Ma family."

Ma Wu's Great Uncle, Ma Ma Chenxing, was a ninth-layer martial cultivator back in the day, and more than half of the Ma family's business was built by him. Ma Ma Chenxing had no children, and in his later years, he passed the business to Ma Ma Chunting. Although they were uncle and nephew, Ma Ma Chunting had always treated Ma Ma Chenxing as a father, so in his view, this was the biggest event for the Ma family.

In Ma Wu's impression, Ma Ma Chenxing had died of illness back then. Could it be that, like Chu Shaoqiang, he had gone to the Inner Continent to reach the tenth layer?

Cui Cui Tike said the New Land was abnormal. Could it be that Ma Ma Chenxing had returned?

Ma Wu didn't agree to this matter. Ma Ma Junjiang sighed: "Old Five, I know you still hold a grudge against Dad. When you became a local god, Dad didn't do much to help. I'll go back and tell Dad about this, and it really can't be blamed on you."

Ma Wu told Ma Ma Junjiang not to close the door on the matter; he still wanted to take the opportunity to investigate the ins and outs of the matter.

Feng Daiku reminded Ma Wu: "Ma Junyang, before the Peddler knows about this, you must not interfere."

Ma Ma Chunting ordered a dark cyan satin-faced jacket with a side opening from the Yu Family Cloth Shop. The three-layer cloth was made into a "Three Treasures Collar," with fifty-three lines of stitching on the collar, embroidered with cloud patterns. The long lapels dragged to the surface of his shoes, tailored neatly. From head to toe, one couldn't see half a restraint, nor a trace of redundancy. An expert could tell that in Puluo Continent's traditional clothing, this was top-tier craftsmanship.

After tidying his clothes and trimming his beard and hair, Ma Ma Chunting took his whole family and left the Ma family residence.

Ma Ma Junjiang stood in front of the door and looked, secretly admiring. The old man's aura today had quite a bit of the spirit of the Ma family's eldest master back in the day.

Ma Ma Chunting waved his cane, signaling Ma Ma Junjiang not to block the way. There must be many reporters waiting for an interview. Ma Ma Chunting had already prepared the draft and would have to say a few words later.

Ma Ma Junjiang hurriedly made way. Ma Ma Chunting looked for a long time but didn't see a single reporter.

He glared at Ma Ma Junjiang. How was this arranged?

This matter really couldn't be blamed on Ma Ma Junjiang. He had notified the newspaper office long ago, but the newspaper office didn't come.

Ma Ma Chunting was very angry: "Ma Junyang, this kid, is holding a grudge against me. He didn't come himself, and he didn't let the newspaper office come. Our Ma family is opening ten miles of territory this time; this is an earth-shattering event. I don't believe there won't be news in the newspaper tomorrow!"

Ma Ma Junjiang didn't dare to speak. In fact, this couldn't be blamed on Ma Wu either. Ma Wu didn't say not to let the newspaper office come; it was just that the newspaper office didn't think highly of this news.

Ten years ago, opening ten miles of territory would definitely have been big news. After all, even the Lu family and Chu family together hadn't succeeded back then.

But in the past year or so, Li Qi had frequently taken action against the New Land, and opening ten miles of territory had become a common occurrence. The major newspaper offices didn't have the mood to create hype and just thought about reporting the result after the land clearing was successful.

Ma Ma Chunting sat in the carriage, took over a hundred people to the New Land, performed the sacrificial ceremony at the boundary, and immediately received a response.

By evening, Ma Ma Chenxing found Ma Ma Chunting face-to-face: "Ma Chunting, are you still the one in charge of the family affairs?"

Ma Ma Chunting bent his waist, lowered his head, and answered respectfully: "I am in charge, it's just that Old Five's business has grown, and I can't quite suppress him anymore."

Ma Ma Chenxing smiled: "I've heard about Ma Junyang's affairs. He followed Prince Prince Pingyuan to do a great thing; this is the glory of our Ma family. Another day, you let him know and say I miss him. It doesn't matter if he doesn't come to clear the land, just let him come and see me."

Just these words made Ma Ma Chunting cry: "That beast Ma Junyang, he made you feel cold-hearted. Even if I have to tie him up, I have to bring him here."

Ma Ma Chenxing shook his head: "Let's not talk about this for now. You must prepare well for tomorrow's land clearing. Ten miles of territory is no small matter. Even if I want to take care of my family, I cannot overstep my bounds and violate the duty of a subject!"

Hearing this, Ma Ma Chunting wiped his tears, knelt on the ground, and first kowtowed: "Father, your grace toward me is as heavy as a mountain."

Ma Ma Chenxing hid to the side: "Child, this kowtow shouldn't be for me."

Ma Ma Chunting was also a bit embarrassed; after all, the two weren't father and son by blood.

But Ma Ma Chenxing's next words made Ma Ma Chunting's tears fall again: "Child, this kowtow should be for Chaoge. Our Ma family can never repay this great favor for generations to come!"

Ma Ma Chenxing and Ma Ma Chunting knelt on the ground with tears in their eyes, kowtowing one after another. After getting up, Ma Ma Chenxing said two urgent things:

First, he had arranged a way out for Ma Ma Chunting. After Ma Ma Chunting promoted to the tenth layer, he could smoothly go to Chaoge to continue his cultivation, and the path of cultivation would certainly not be too arduous.

Second, the land clearing must be accelerated, manpower must be increased, and they must strive to turn this New Land into Proper Land within half a year.

This wasn't something that could be done in a few words. Land clearing required capital. Back when opening Seven Autumn City,

Ma Wu felt the strain. If he really wanted to open up a whole piece of New Land, exhausting Ma Ma Chunting's old capital might not even be enough.

Ma Ma Chenxing offered a plan: "First, rely on our family's ancestral business to support it. If the expenses can't be met, then ask Ma Junyang for a way."

The two set the plan, started the examination the next day, and three days later, the ten miles of land were successfully opened, and the matter spread.

Shen Shen Rongqing reported the news to He He Haiqin: "He Haiqin, I feel this is the New Land we are looking for.

Ma Ma Chenxing is clearly here with a mission from the Inner Continent. He wants to borrow the Ma family's financial resources to turn this piece of New Land into Proper Land."

He He Haiqin didn't comment, only saying one sentence: "I saw this matter in the newspaper. You don't need to worry about Ma Ma Chenxing; continue investigating the New Land."

Shen Shen Rongqing didn't understand: "What else is there to investigate?"

He He Haiqin frowned: "Investigate the New Land I asked you to find."

Shen Shen Rongqing left. By the afternoon, Duan Duan Shuqun came again: "He Haiqin, I feel Ma Ma Chenxing's matter has been confirmed. If you want to take his territory, just get rid of him. If a person like him dies at your hands,

the Peddler won't blame you either."

He He Haiqin sighed: "Shen Rongqing is confused because she has experienced too few things. How come even you are confused? Can Ma Ma Chenxing turn the New Land into Proper Land just by exhausting the Ma family?"

Duan Duan Shuqun calculated: "That depends on whether Ma Wu still counts as a Ma family member. If Ma Wu is willing to take action, the financial resources would really be enough."

He He Haiqin was impatient: "What financial resources? This isn't a matter of money. If things were that simple, would Chu Shaoqiang's situation be so desperate?

Ma Ma Chenxing's matter can't be done, and the Inner Continent wouldn't let him come out to handle major affairs. He is a target set out by the Inner Continent. How could you really fall for it? Hurry up and get to work."

Duan Duan Shuqun was full of resentment, but thinking about it carefully, what He He Haiqin said was indeed reasonable. Ma Ma Chenxing made such a big commotion, and one couldn't see any conspiracy from his side.

What kind of conspiracy does the Inner Continent have?

He He Haiqin continued to investigate the New Land, and Ma Wu had also been inquiring about the Peddler's whereabouts. After waiting for several days, he didn't wait for news of the Peddler, but Feng Daiku brought news of Luo Su Lijun.

"Luo Su Lijun wants to see Li Qi, saying she must see him today."

【Tag 712-109 is empty】

Ma Wu laughed in anger: "I also want to see Old Seven. Is it something that can be seen just by wanting to? What does she want?"

【Tag 712-111 is empty】

"She said this matter must be discussed with Li Qi face-to-face."

Ma Wu really didn't believe it: "I'll go find her right now. Let's see if she talks or not."

Upon arriving at the Soda Kiln, Luo Su Lijun was tough at first and just wouldn't talk. Ma Wu had Feng Daiku close the gate and negotiated with Luo Su Lijun alone for more than two hours. Luo Su Lijun said: "Lan Qiao Yi is inviting the new Emperor to return to Chaoge

to preside over the court."

Hearing this, Ma Wu was stunned.

It wasn't panic; it was that he didn't understand. The new Emperor of the Shang Kingdom was established by Li Li Banfeng. Ma Wu had only helped a little, and he hadn't participated in many things. He didn't even know where the new Emperor was right now.

Lan Qiao Yi was pressing hard, and Luo Su Lijun had to give an answer. But now that Li Qi couldn't be found, who could make the decision?

There was only one person who could make the decision: Qiu Qiu Zhiheng.

Ma Wu took Luo Su Lijun to the Three-Way Fork and found Qiu Qiu Zhiheng.

Qiu Qiu Zhiheng knew the ins and outs of the matter and also knew where the new Emperor was.

Hearing Ma Wu's description and knowing Li Qi couldn't be contacted, Qiu Qiu Zhiheng made a decision on the spot: "Tell Lan Qiao Yi that the new Emperor is still on a tour and it is not suitable to return to Chaoge at the moment."

"In other words, not agreeing?" Luo Su Lijun's face looked a bit ugly.

"Yes, not agreeing!" Qiu Qiu Zhiheng's face looked even uglier than hers.

If Juanzi and the others went to Chaoge at this time, they would either become puppets in Lan Qiao Yi's hands or die in vain.

Qiu Qiu Zhiheng's attitude was tough, and Luo Su Lijun couldn't persuade him, so she could only pass the news to Lan Qiao Yi.

Lan Qiao Yi had long expected this result and directly replied to Luo Su Lijun: it was fine if the new Emperor didn't return to Chaoge; he would come to the Three-Way Fork to meet the Emperor and report on government affairs.

Luo Su Lijun went back to the Three-Way Fork to find Qiu Qiu Zhiheng. This was difficult for Qiu Qiu Zhiheng. He couldn't find a suitable excuse to put him off. Lan Qiao Yi's statement was reasonable and well-founded. As a minister, coming to report government affairs to the new Emperor was not a problem in itself.

"This old thief is so hard to deal with!" Qiu Qiu Zhiheng couldn't think of a way and found Tan Tan Jinxiao and Luo Zhengnan together to discuss countermeasures.

Luo Zhengnan didn't have a countermeasure either: "How about this, Qiu Ye, you first find a way to stall the matter, and I'll think of a way to contact Seventh Brother every day. Once we find Seventh Brother, we'll deal with Lan Qiao Yi."

Qiu Qiu Zhiheng said: "I also want to stall it, but the key is to find a suitable excuse."

"Finding any excuse is useless!" Tan Tan Jinxiao said, "I'm telling you two, you know too little about the Inner Continent. This matter can't be stalled. That old thing Lan Qiao Yi says he's coming; he could arrive at any time—maybe even tomorrow!"

Qiu Qiu Zhiheng frowned: "He shouldn't dare, right? He is a pure-blooded Inner Continent person. If he enters Puluo Continent without permission,

he would be breaking the rules, and the Peddler wouldn't spare him."

【Tag 712-135 is empty】

Tan Tan Jinxiao slapped his thigh: "Qiu Ye is right, we just can't spare him!

Luo Ye, find a way to find the Peddler. No matter what method you use, you must invite him here.

Qiu Ye, let's gather some people. Whoever can fight, let them all come. If we can beat that son of a bitch, we'll kill him. If we can't beat him, we'll wait for the Peddler to come and kill him!"

Qiu Qiu Zhiheng didn't speak.

Luo Zhengnan said: "Tan Ye, if we do this, we'll have completely torn our faces."

Tan Tan Jinxiao gritted his teeth: "So what if we tear our faces? Do we still need to save face for someone coming from the Inner Continent?"

Luo Zhengnan advised: "Tan Ye, let's not talk about angry words. The key is that if Lan Qiao Yi really comes, he won't be without experts by his side. I'm afraid we can't beat him."

Tan Tan Jinxiao's voice grew louder as he spoke: "That's why I'm telling you to find the Peddler! I'm risking my life today.

Stalling for a moment counts as a moment. Once the Peddler comes, leave none alive; pull all their heads off!"

Luo Zhengnan couldn't persuade him and turned to look at Qiu Qiu Zhiheng.

Tan Tan Jinxiao also looked at Qiu Qiu Zhiheng; in the end, he still had to make the decision.

Qiu Qiu Zhiheng pondered for a long time and made a decision: "Luo Ye, find the Peddler as soon as possible. This matter is of great importance and the Peddler must know.

During this period, we must find a way to contact Old Seven. As long as we can stall the matter, it's best to let Old Seven make the decision.

Tan Ye is also right; this matter might not be stallable. If Lan Qiao Yi comes uninvited, we must be prepared to fight.

First, let Juanzi put on a good show, bring out the majesty of the new Emperor, and shock Lan Qiao Yi's group. Then we'll make our deployment. If we have to fight, we must take the initiative.

Lightbulb also invited a master, who is staying with Juanzi and the others. As long as we are well-prepared, we might not lose this battle."

Tan Tan Jinxiao was excited, rubbing his hands together: "That's the right way! Qiu Ye, let me ask, what is the background of that master?"

Qiu Qiu Zhiheng shook his head: "That senior is unwilling to reveal his identity, but according to Lightbulb, this is a master from outside the world, unfathomable."

Tan Tan Jinxiao was a bit suspicious: "Lightbulb, this brother, is too handsome. People who look this good aren't necessarily honest when they speak."

Qiu Qiu Zhiheng was also worried: "I'll go visit that master, and by the way, check on Juanzi and the others. If the scene can't be held, things won't be easy to handle."

That afternoon, Qiu Qiu Zhiheng went to Juanzi's residence, met Lightbulb, and first asked about the senior.

"The senior is in quiet meditation and it's not convenient to see guests." While speaking, Lightbulb lowered his head, his fair cheeks turning bright red.

Qiu Qiu Zhiheng looked at Lightbulb's appearance; he didn't look like a liar. He decided not to disturb the senior for the time being.

He prepared to go see Juanzi first, but was stopped by Xiao Yeci.

"Qiu Ge, Juanzi and the others are sick, they can't get out of bed, so you'd better not go see them."

While speaking, Xiao Yeci's face also turned bright red, and she didn't dare to look at Qiu Qiu Zhiheng. Seeing Xiao Yeci dodging, Qiu Qiu Zhiheng concluded that there must be something going on here!

He ignored Xiao Yeci's obstruction and went straight into Juanzi's room, finding Juanzi lying on the bed, tightly wrapped in a quilt, her face covered in sweat.

Not only was her face covered in sweat, but Mengzi and Xiaoshan's faces were also covered in sweat.

Qiu Qiu Zhiheng walked to the bedside and asked: "Juanzi, I heard from Miss Xiao that you are sick. Have you seen a doctor? What kind of illness is it?"

Juanzi answered in a small voice: "It's typhoid."

"Typhoid caused so much sweat?"

Xiaoshan answered: "It's cold sweat."

Qiu Qiu Zhiheng ran a pharmacy and understood pharmacology; he also knew some medicine. Looking at Juanzi and the others' condition, it didn't look like typhoid at all.

"What exactly is going on?" Qiu Qiu Zhiheng looked at Mengzi. Mengzi was an upright person and wasn't very good at lying; he turned his face away and didn't speak.

The quilt was bulging; there should be something hidden inside. Qiu Qiu Zhiheng frowned and lifted the quilt.

It didn't matter that he lifted it; Qiu Qiu Zhiheng was dumbfounded.

There were three people lying in the quilt.

Mengzi stood up first, followed by Juanzi, and finally Xiaoshan.

Qiu Qiu Zhiheng pursed his lips and asked slowly: "You... why did you separate?"

Xiaoshan didn't dare to speak, Juanzi didn't make a sound, and Mengzi couldn't help but speak: "Qiu Ge, this isn't our fault.

A master came a few days ago and kept telling us to practice 'Slippery Cultivation.' We didn't know what Slippery Cultivation was, so we just followed him to learn every day. As a result, the more we learned, the more the three of us slipped apart."

The crowd looked at each other, not knowing what to say.