Chapter 737: The Wanderer Without Boundaries

Tushan Kingdom, Moye City.

"Three-Headed Lan Qiao Yi" led his army into the city.

The siege was not difficult; from deploying troops outside the walls to breaching the gates, it took less than half an hour.

Dan Chengjun had just massacred Moye City clean, but he did not stay long.

He was a martial cultivator; upon learning that the granaries had been destroyed and the vanguard camp annihilated, he realized the Shang army was coming.

The Sage understood military strategy, yet still had to put on a show, ordering his subordinates to hold the city.

Dan Chengjun had no intention of holding out; he left, and most followed him. A few remained, desperately urging compliance, helping the Sage complete his performance, then escorting him away.

After the Sage withdrew, only a few hundred Tushan people remained outside Moye City—what could they use to resist the Shang army? Before battle even began, they all surrendered.

Most of the Shang army's siege weapons went unused; time was mostly wasted on ventilation.

The poison left by Teng Teng Chuanchang had not fully dissipated; Lan Qiao Yi sent several wind cultivators to blow a gale for over an hour, then dispatched poison cultivators to test the toxicity. Only after confirming the poison had mostly dispersed did he lead his army into the city.

In the center of Moye City lay a spring—the city's sole water source and the foundation of its founding.

"Three-Headed Lan Qiao Yi" rode his warhorse to the spring's edge, cupped a drink of water, and addressed his entire army:

"Moye City is land of Great Shang. Through the valor of our soldiers, we have reclaimed what was lost—this is the glory of the entire army, and the brilliance of Great Shang!"

With that, "Three-Headed Lan Qiao Yi" raised the cup and drained it in one gulp.

The entire army roared like thunder, shaking the heavens.

Hundreds of imperial family members, clad in armor and wielding weapons, stood at the front of the ranks, shouting along with the troops—loud on their lips, but their hearts filled with mixed emotions.

Shang and Tushan had fought for years; in recent times, Shang had suffered almost no victories, losing countless territories.

Now, with Lan Qiao Yi openly provoking Tushan, many imperial members joined the campaign not to fight, but to watch Lan Qiao Yi's humiliation and seize his command.

Yet, as things stood now, Lan Qiao Yi had captured a city from Tushan Kingdom—a feat of immense significance to Great Shang. No one in the entire realm would ever again challenge Lan Qiao Yi's status.

The army set up camp within the city; "Three-Headed Lan Qiao Yi" took residence in the governor's mansion.

When others withdrew, "Three-Headed Lan Qiao Yi" repeatedly pounded his chest: "I was terrified—I thought we'd face a brutal battle. I'm no warrior. If this had truly turned into combat, I wouldn't even know where to stand!"

Nian Nian Shangyou grew angry: "Forget the battle for now—I wrote you over a thousand characters of motivational speech. You memorized it all day, yet before the troops you spoke only two sentences. Can't you even manage that?"

Xi Zhao fu also grew angry: "That much text? Remembering two lines is already impressive. After today, I won't remember a single word!"

"Then what good are you?"

"Whether you keep me or not—is that your choice?"

As the two were about to argue further, Lan Qiao Yi rebuked them: "Stop this pointless bickering. Rest for one hour, then prepare to march."

Xi Zhao fu asked: "Where to? We just took this city—why rush off?"

Lan Qiao Yi said: "March on Shaliu City."

Nian Nian Shangyou was stunned: "Still fighting?"

Lan Qiao Yi looked at Nian Nian Shangyou: "You're a martial cultivator—don't you know speed is paramount in warfare? The momentum is excellent; we must press forward."

Nian Nian Shangyou felt it was too risky: "My lord, we captured Moye City only because Pulu Province ambushed Tushan's granaries and vanguard camp. Tushan's forces were unprepared and supplies cut off—that's why the battle went so smoothly. If we press on, we risk disaster."

Lan Qiao Yi smiled: "Nian Shangyou, you lack the talent of a general. Abandoning martial arts for literature was the right choice.

Tushan has suffered a crushing blow. One misstep leads to another; one day without supplies means they'll never recover. Now is the perfect moment to seize territory!"

Xi Zhao fu shook her head: "You go if you want—I don't want to fight."

Lan Qiao Yi comforted her: "Younger brother, don't fear. Our army advances like a bamboo split by a blade—no fierce battles ahead. You only need to memorize your motivational speech and march with us."

Xi Zhao fu stared at Lan Qiao Yi: "So you think it's just moving your legs and opening your mouth? That's easy."

Lan Qiao Yi smiled: "Exactly that easy. Nian Shangyou, one hour from now, issue the order to march."

Lan Qiao Yi was right—this war was indeed easy.

Li Li Banfeng arrived at Wubian City. Luo Luo Shaojun presented the battle report to him. Li Li Banfeng flipped through it briefly, unsure how to judge it.

"Six victories in half a month—is Tushan Kingdom really this weak?"

Luo Luo Shaojun said: "I heard Lan Qiao Yi plans to keep fighting—right to the Tushan capital. His prestige is sky-high now; even in court, many want him crowned emperor."

How was this war fought?

Is Lan Qiao Yi truly this brilliant?

Luo Luo Shaojun couldn't explain the details. His wife was a master of warfare—she'd surely see the truth.

His wife and Xiang Xiang Hongying had gone to Yucui Pavilion to visit Jiang Linger. When Li Li Banfeng arrived upstairs, the three women were playing, clothes flying everywhere.

Li Li Banfeng shouted angrily: "In broad daylight—what kind of behavior is this?!"

The three women calmed down. Li Li Banfeng handed the battle report to Zhao Xiao wan: "Wife, examine this carefully.

Is Tushan Kingdom letting us win?"

Jiang Linger didn't understand: "Letting us win? You mean peeing? Tushan people must pee, of course."

Zhao Xiao wan laughed: "Sister, 'letting win' is an outer-province term—it means deliberately holding back. Tushan soldiers are fierce and skilled; these results are suspiciously poor."

After studying it awhile, his wife saw the truth: "Husband, Tushan didn't hold back. They've been struck at their vital points—troops and supplies cut off. That's why they're retreating step by step.

Ultimately, it's because the Peddler struck too hard—he destroyed the vanguard camp and the granaries, severing Tushan's lifeline."

Li Li Banfeng recalled: "According to Ayi, that ambush involved only three people—it seemed casual."

Zhao Xiao wan shook her head: "Husband, it's not about numbers. The Peddler excels at ambushes. With Pulu Province's individual combat strength, a single ambush can turn the tide. Every renowned general who faced him has suffered because of him.

This ambush was no accident. The terrain of the Inner Province shifts constantly—tonight it's under Moye City, tomorrow it's a hundred miles away. To locate Tushan's vanguard camp and granaries, the Peddler must have spent immense effort.

Once, he spent a full year preparing an ambush. The court suffered devastating losses; the war nearly became irrecoverable.

Precisely because of that defeat, the court released me and Xiang Xiang Hongying from death row."

Jiang Linger stitched quietly, watching Zhao Xiao wan explain warfare, her gaze filled with pride—as if watching her own younger sister.

Xiang Xiang Hongying snatched the report and studied it: "Lan Qiao Yi's strikes are precise—he hits what needs hitting, surrounds what needs surrounding. He never missed."

Li Li Banfeng looked at Xiang Xiang Hongying and nodded solemnly, though he didn't understand a word.

Zhao Xiao wan quickly explained: "Husband, Xue Yingying means Lan Qiao Yi's tactics are flawless.

Look at Shuwa City—he marched at dawn, broke the city before noon. No mention of enemy casualties or prisoners—this proves the garrison was clearly weak. Lan Qiao Yi struck decisively, achieving swift victory.

Now look at Tongyu Town—he marched at dawn, won three days later, captured ten thousand prisoners. This proves Tongyu Town had strong defenses but scarce food. Lan Qiao Yi surrounded it without attacking, waiting for the enemy to collapse on their own."

The logic was simple, but execution was another matter. Li Li Banfeng had a question: "How did Lan Qiao Yi know Shuwa City had few troops and Tongyu Town had many? Did he test with a battle first?"

Xiang Xiang Hongying said: "You can't just test—it might hit a wall. If you lose troops and morale, the war's over. He must've sent scouts—they gathered the intelligence."

Zhao Xiao wan thought it was more than scouts: "Scouts only have two eyes—they can't see everything. I suspect Lan Qiao Yi planted many spies within Tushan. This war was long-planned."

Li Li Banfeng reread the report. Dealing with a man like Lan Qiao Yi, he truly felt strained.

Seeing Lan Qiao Yi profit so greatly from Tushan, Li Li Banfeng decided he must profit too—ideally, reclaim the Old Steam Train.

Thinking of the Old Steam Train, Li Li Banfeng remembered the snot-stained paper.

"Wife, have you figured out that paper?"

"Husband, I tried every method—it's stuck too firmly. I couldn't peel it open."

"Where did you put it?"

"I always carry it. Today I placed it on our shelf."

Li Li Banfeng returned to his quarters, took the snot-stained paper from the shelf, and studied it again. If all else failed, he'd give it to Jiang Linger—maybe her needle could pry it open.

The folded snot-paper unfolded itself.

How did it unfold?

His wife studied it for half a month—wasn't she saying it wouldn't open?

Was she teasing him?

His wife wasn't that kind of person. Maybe she couldn't speak freely around Jiang Linger.

Or perhaps she didn't open it?

But who else could?

On the side stuck with snot, countless characters were written. The first line alone made Li Li Banfeng's heart race.

Traveler's Cloud Technique: The Wanderer Without Boundaries.

It was a Cloud Technique!

Li Li Banfeng had reached Traveler Cloud Rank Four and still hadn't learned a technique. He never expected to receive such a treasure from the Peddler.

What was "The Wanderer Without Boundaries"? Would it be like "Unimpeded Passage"?

The following lines described the technique. The handwriting was faint; Li Li Banfeng spent a long time deciphering it.

"Before using this technique, find a watch or clock—must be precise."

Was this written by the Old Steam Train?

What did this technique have to do with clocks?

Further down: "To master The Wanderer Without Boundaries, one must first master the techniques of 'Traversing a Qianshan' and 'Single-Minded Solitude.'"

Li Li Banfeng blinked. He wasn't proficient in either technique.

The text continued: "With the Wanderer's courage, tread through the perils of a thousand mountains—boundless, limitless, fearless, unafraid.

Amid armies of ten thousand, unafraid of blades, unafraid of fire and water, unafraid of poison and filth, unafraid of evil spirits, unafraid of mental disturbances, unafraid of the wounds of love and hate."

Afraid of nothing?

Li Li Banfeng read it several times, finally understanding the technique's purpose.

Within a set time window, a Traveler who activated this technique would become immune to all harm.

Was this the legendary invincibility technique?

Could such a technique truly exist?

Li Li Banfeng read further—the next section contained critical warnings.

"The duration of a technique depends on one's cultivation foundation. The Ancestor of Traveling Cultivators could use it twice a day, each use lasting twenty seconds; because he miscalculated the time and hadn't escaped by twenty-two seconds, he died in the chaos. Never be careless."

So this is why you prepared a clock?

Is this how the Ancestor of Traveling Cultivators died?

Li Li Banfeng held a tissue to his nose and read it through several times; too excited, he read aloud.

Did Honglian, in the second branch, heard not a single word.

His Majesty summoned all ministers to deliberate: the Shang state had won victory after victory; the Tufang state was in dire straits, meaning His Majesty's own position was also perilous.

If Lan Qiao Yi demanded Tufang immediately hand over His Majesty, it's hard to say what the Demon Lord would decide.

"My loyal ministers, what strategies do you propose to repel the enemy?"

Dan Chengjun said: "Your Majesty, Tufang's own army must devise their own tactics to repel the enemy. Even if we thought of a plan, Tufang might not heed us—why waste our effort?"

With those words, others, even if they had ideas, dared not speak up.

His Majesty's face turned ashen; he was about to rebuke Dan Chengjun when a servant announced that the ruler of Tufang had sent an envoy to meet him.

His Majesty hurriedly invited the envoy in.

The envoy was a three-headed man, of royal blood—clearly, this matter was of great importance.

His Majesty did not dare to be negligent; he received him with the highest honors. When asked the purpose of his visit, the envoy said nothing more than to request an audience with Dan Chengjun.

Coming here to His Majesty, yet demanding only Dan Chengjun—what did this make His Majesty out to be?

Dan Chengjun gave it no thought and followed the envoy away.

His Majesty stared at his ministers, silent for a long while.

The lord of Tufang sat upon his throne, all three heads staring at Dan Chengjun.

The left head spoke first: "Marquis Dan, do you have any strategy to repel the enemy?"

Again the same question. Dan Chengjun still had no intention of answering.

Because he knew clearly: no matter what answer he gave, the outcome would be the same—the Demon Lord would order him to take the field against the Shang army.

Dan Chengjun had endured countless battles; he saw the battlefield clearly: Lan Qiao Yi held firm command of the momentum. To reverse the tide now? How easily said?

"Your Majesty, I believe we should now avoid the enemy's momentum, stall and maneuver against Lan Qiao Yi, wait until our forces regroup, then decide the outcome in one final battle."

This was no answer at all.

The Demon Lord wanted to stall too—but Lan Qiao Yi gave him no chance to do so.

The central head asked: "Do you have any other strategy?"

Dan Chengjun said: "There is indeed a strategy—indeed, the best one. If Your Majesty abandons this bitter battle and strikes directly at Puluo Province, you can still turn defeat into victory."

All three heads glared coldly. The right head asked: "Marquis Dan, do you know the Shang army has already breached our borders? You speak of abandoning this battle—do you mean to abandon our ancestral lands as well?"

Dan Chengjun truly thought exactly that: "The cities seized by Shang are all barren desert lands."

What difference does it make whether we lose a few more or a few less?"

"If we can seize Puluo Province in one stroke, even if we surrendered all our current territory to Great Shang, what would it matter?"

The Demon Lord fell silent for a long while. The central head asked: "Marquis Dan, I have given you chances before. You've led expeditions to Puluo Province several times—did you ever gain even a scrap of success?"

This was mocking Dan Chengjun: you went several times, all in vain—what makes you think you can capture Puluo Province?

Dan Chengjun felt no shame: "If we send scattered forces as before, Puluo Province cannot be taken. The only viable strategy now is to concentrate our main forces and sweep Puluo Province clean in one decisive strike."

"One decisive strike?" All three heads laughed, their laughter thick with scorn. "Was this your lord's idea?"

Dan Chengjun shook his head: "This is my own counsel to Your Majesty. Puluo Province is rich in resources—waiting only for Your Majesty to claim them. Why waste time fighting in this barren land against Shang? I beg Your Majesty to reconsider."

The Demon Lord sighed deeply and waved his hand at Dan Chengjun: "You may leave."

Dan Chengjun departed. The Demon Lord summoned two ministers to discuss peace terms with Shang.

The peace document reached Lan Qiao Yi's hands. He glanced at it, then tossed it to Nian Nian Shangyou.

Nian Nian Shangyou didn't understand Lan Qiao Yi's intent: "I beg Your Lordship to instruct me."

Lan Qiao Yi was reviewing documents, seemingly uninterested in the matter: "The war has reached this point, and they want to negotiate with empty words? The Demon Lord shows no sincerity. Find any excuse and dismiss their envoy."

Nian Nian Shangyou had thought of a price: "If we demand the Demon Lord hand over the False King, he might agree."

The False King referred to His Majesty.

Lan Qiao Yi shook his head: "Ignore the False King. He's not worth that price."

"Your servant is concerned—"

Lan Qiao Yi gestured for Nian Nian Shangyou to hold his tongue. He wanted to examine the document closely.

After reading it, he made a note and said to Nian Nian Shangyou: "There's nothing to worry about. The False King is more eager than we are. Desperation breeds chaos; chaos breeds change. With his wit, what clever scheme could he possibly devise? Let fate decide."

Since Lan Qiao Yi refused peace, the war must continue. Nian Nian Shangyou suggested: "We should recall Marquis Shu from Puluo Province. He's battle-hardened and could still achieve great feats."

"No need," Lan Qiao Yi shook his head. "Let him remain in Puluo Province and hold those thirteen new territories."

There seemed to be tension between Lan Qiao Yi and Shu Wanjuan. Nian Nian Shangyou realized he'd spoken wrongly and quickly changed the subject: "Speaking of those thirteen new territories, General Fengwu Liu Bufe sent a letter the other day saying he has firmly established himself in Puluo Province, but struggles with land reclamation."

Lan Qiao Yi nodded: "He's bound to struggle. I repeatedly warned him: once in Puluo Province, conceal your sharp edges. I even had you deliver a verbal order: do not rush to recruit strange beings."

"Now, to reclaim land, he likely lacks even the strange beings needed for assessment."

"Go to Ma Ma Chenxing and have him allocate a batch of strange beings to Liu Bufe. As for laborers for reclamation, I'll send others to assist him."

Surprised that Lan Qiao Yi cared so much about the new territories, Nian Nian Shangyou quickly reminded him: "Your Lordship, the Wenyuan Pavilion has tightened security, yet all thirteen deed scrolls were stolen. Only someone with such skill—perhaps Xiao Xiao Qianshou or He He Jiaqing—in Puluo Province could have done it."

Lan Qiao Yi shook his head: "Don't mention Xiao Xiao Qianshou. He wouldn't risk so much for thirteen deed scrolls."

"This is definitely He He Jiaqing's doing. That little thief is greedier than his own master!"

Nian Nian Shangyou volunteered: "I'll immediately organize a team to reclaim the scrolls from He He Jiaqing."

"Ignore him," Lan Qiao Yi opened another document. "Let him have them."

Nian Nian Shangyou didn't understand: half the thirteen deed scrolls had been stolen by He He Jiaqing—why wasn't Lan Qiao Yi alarmed?

His Majesty summoned six subordinates: two Wen Xiu, two Wu Xiu, one Du Xiu, and one Mo Xiu—all adherents of their respective sects.

He offered each a cup of wine. After catching up on old times, His Majesty sighed: "You've followed me for years—even in my downfall, you've never abandoned me."

All six rose: "It is our duty."

His Majesty invited them to sit: "I have a crucial matter requiring your aid. Do not refuse me."

They had just sat down when they rose again, bowing together: "We pledge our lives to serve Your Majesty."

His Majesty summoned Dan Chengjun to his mansion. After formalities, he asked about the audience.

Dan Chengjun answered honestly: "The Demon Lord asked how to repel the enemy. I dared not answer directly—because if I did, it would become our problem. I gave him vague words, but he wasn't fooled. He demanded a real strategy, so I didn't hold back—I told him outright: abandon this bitter battle, focus on Puluo Province. But the Demon Lord's mind is dull—he wouldn't listen."

His Majesty sighed: "Marquis Dan, you've truly endured much."

"Not much hardship—just saw through a person," Dan Chengjun looked disappointed. "The Demon Lord is not someone to rely on. We must not depend on him anymore."

The two spoke a while longer. Dan Chengjun rose to take his leave.

His Majesty saw him to the door and ordered his men to prepare to act.

They didn't act earlier because they lacked Dan Chengjun's whereabouts.

They didn't act in the mansion because they didn't want to arouse the Demon Lord's suspicion.

Now that Dan Chengjun had left the mansion, it was the perfect moment. To His Majesty, such an insolent minister—

Better he vanish than become a threat.

After waiting over three hours, His Majesty finally received word—but not from his men.

It came from Dan Chengjun himself.

Dan Chengjun entered the mansion and found His Majesty in the study: "I served Your Majesty faithfully—this time, I was badly wounded."

His Majesty was stunned for less than a second.

He hadn't expected Dan Chengjun to return alive.

One second later, His Majesty wore his usual amiable smile: "Marquis Dan, I was just about to seek you. You've given me counsel and effort, rescuing me from collapse, restoring me from ruin—you've saved me. Today, I intend to issue an edict: I shall appoint you General of the Chariot and Cavalry, Prince of An Guo. What do you say?"

Dan Chengjun looked astonished: "Your Majesty wishes to grant me a princely title? What merit do I possess to earn such favor?"

His Majesty shook his head: "Your service and merit deserve this reward!"

"Thank Your Majesty's great grace!" Dan Chengjun bowed again, then casually pulled a pouch from his sleeve—and from it, six human heads.

His Majesty recognized them: all six were the men he'd sent to assassinate Dan Chengjun.

Dan Chengjun smiled at His Majesty: "Your Majesty, did they thank you? Shall I bow on their behalf—or let them bow to you themselves?"

His Majesty's pupils shrank. He unleashed the Flame of Joyful Burning upon Dan Chengjun.

He knew this technique couldn't harm Dan Chengjun—but he'd prepared to flee. Using the technique was merely to buy himself a better chance to escape.

The flames ignited, then died. Dan Chengjun's body did not catch fire—only a wisp of smoke rose from his skin.

His Majesty stared at Dan Chengjun, face filled with terror.

Dan Chengjun rose without expression, looked at His Majesty, and said: "I originally intended to leave you a whole corpse. But now I've changed my mind. You, bird-man, are not even worthy of pity."

PS: If His Majesty dies, who should Dan Chengjun serve?

Dan Chengjun looked at the Holy One and smiled: "Your Majesty, did they thank you? Shall I kowtow on their behalf, or let them bow to you themselves?"

The Holy One's pupils shrank as he unleashed the Flame of Joy Burning the Body technique upon Dan Chengjun.

He knew this move couldn't harm Dan Chengjun, but he had already prepared to flee—using the technique against Dan Chengjun was merely to buy himself a better chance to escape.

The flames ignited, then died out; Dan Chengjun's body did not catch fire, only a wisp of smoke rose from his skin.

The Holy One stared at Dan Chengjun, his face filled with terror.

Dan Chengjun rose without expression and looked at the Holy One: "I originally intended to leave you a whole corpse, but I've changed my mind—you damn creature, you're not even worth pitying."

PS: If the Holy One dies, who should Dan Chengjun serve?