Chapter 738: She Eats the Living

The saint, covered in wounds, crouched in the corner, looking up at Shan Chengjun.

"Minister Shan, a momentary misunderstanding between ruler and minister—how could it come to this?"

Shan Chengjun laughed, stepped forward, and began chatting casually with the saint, each sentence punctuated by a slap across the saint's face.

"Who's your minister? Who's your ruler? If I hadn't saved you, your head would've been nailed to the wall of Chaoge City by Lan Qiao Yi long ago!"

Back then, outside, you couldn't hold your throne—you let the peddler drive you to Jianren Gang.

You're fit for Jianren Gang, but even Jianren Gang you couldn't hold—you were driven back to Chaoge by the Dao Dao Laogui. Honestly, it's a joke: the Dao Dao Laogui was your own doing. You had Chu Shaoqiang move Dao Gui Ridge right to your doorstep. How low can you sink?

Back in Chaoge, you're still useless—who in court respects you?

When Li Qi entered the Triple City, you panicked, gathered a few scraps, and rushed to fight Lan Qiao Yi.

If you'd truly been willing to fight, I'd have called you a man. But before Lan Qiao Yi even struck hard, your worthless underlings all fled—and you ran faster than them. I held off Lan Qiao Yi and saved your life. I brought you to Tufang State, called you "Your Majesty" every day—and now you fly into a rage and try to kill me?

Is this your imperial countenance? What dragon are you? Is this your face? Do you even have a face left?"

Shan Chengjun slapped the saint left and right, countless times—the saint's face was no longer a face; his skin was nearly stripped away.

"Minister, I was wrong. I'll issue a decree of self-reproach. I'll make you Prince of Equal Rank—"

Shan Chengjun spat in the saint's face: "Still 'I, the sovereign'? Still 'Prince of Equal Rank'? What good is your title?

You're a stray dog yourself—what's the point of giving me a title? Do you really think I'm some lowlife from Jianren Gang?

The saint lowered his head: "Chengjun, whatever you decide about this matter, I'll accept it. Just spare my life."

"That's a human thing to say." Shan Chengjun grabbed the saint, stuffed him into a sack, and left the mansion.

At Hao Hao Shouyi's residence, Shan Chengjun dropped the sack: "Fix this thing for me?"

Hao Hao Shouyi opened the sack and saw the saint inside—he was slightly startled.

After his surprise, he looked up at Shan Chengjun: "What do you want him changed into?"

Shan Chengjun thought a moment: "He must be able to speak, move, obey—but not meddle."

Hao Hao Shouyi pondered, then suddenly realized the saint was using a technique: "I think he's already causing too much trouble." Shan Chengjun felt along the saint's spine—every vertebra was shattered. The saint's expression instantly calmed. Shan Chengjun wiped his hands and said to Hao Hao Shouyi: "The rest is yours."

He trusted Hao Hao Shouyi—he'd let the peddler's wheels be handled by Hao Hao Shouyi, let alone a saint.

Many tasks still lay ahead, but the most urgent now was to meet the Demon Lord as soon as possible—he needed to offer the Demon Lord a new plan.

After meeting the Demon Lord, he must contact Shu Wanjuan—he had many matters to discuss with him too.

Following Lan Qiao Yi's orders, Shu Wanjuan had sent a batch of strange creatures to the new lands; the local deities of all thirteen territories came out to greet them, each behaving flawlessly.

Shu Wanjuan genuinely wondered: where had He He Jiaqing gotten so many Drama Cultivators?

Perhaps not all of them were Drama Cultivators—some might merely possess Drama Cultivator magic treasures. He He Jiaqing had indeed done his part: the man playing Liu Bufeis not only looked the part, his speech and mannerisms matched perfectly—even Shu Wanjuan himself was fooled.

With the strange creatures all arranged, He He Jiaqing appeared: "Your Grace, such trivial matters shouldn't be handled by you personally."

He He Jiaqing was right—Shu Wanjuan's status made it inappropriate for him to distribute strange creatures.

Shu Wanjuan knew his place: "Thunder and dew are both the sovereign's grace. Since it is the court's command, as a minister I must serve wholeheartedly—how could I pick and choose?"

He He Jiaqing nodded repeatedly: "Though I'm no minister, I've received much grace from the court. I'm deeply grateful to the court."

These words left Shu Wanjuan speechless for a long while.

The facts were true: He He Jiaqing had indeed received court grace—the court had sent him the strange creatures, and soon would send him settlers.

But the logic was wrong—this grace was stolen.

Angry as he was, Shu Wanjuan couldn't yet break with He He Jiaqing. After some small talk, he received a message from Shan Chengjun, found an excuse, and left the new land.

Soon after Shu Wanjuan departed, Seeing Datou arrived on the territory to report progress on recruiting new members for the Hand Brotherhood.

He He Jiaqing was dissatisfied: "After so many days, we still have less than half the manpower. I wonder what Shen Shen Rongqing's been doing every day."

Seeing Datou also worried for He He Jiaqing: "Let me help her—I've got some free time lately."

He He Jiaqing refused: "Don't let all the work fall on you. Use your free time to develop your own territory, earn more popularity. When you reach Yunshang, you'll need to train harder—we'll face many strong enemies ahead."

At the mention of popularity, Seeing Datou had an idea: "Ma Ma Chunting hired many people to clear new land. Many of those who failed lost their livelihoods—I want to hire them first."

It was a good idea.

Ma Ma Chunting had staked everything to clear land for Ma Ma Chenxing, but once a settler failed, no further clearing was allowed within a hundred li. These men, now jobless and with no other options, were perfect to hire.

But He He Jiaqing still had concerns: "We shouldn't get entangled with the Ma family. Ma Wu is sharp—he might uncover secrets.

If only we had his three-headed men. The other day I visited his territory—he'd already cleared over half his new land."

Seeing Datou thought a moment: "Should I offer more money to hire some of his three-headed men?"

He He Jiaqing shook his head vigorously: "No. Those three-headed men are too loyal—you can't hire them, and you'll offend Li Qi.

For the war, Li Qi is already red-eyed. Don't provoke him now. When Tufang State sent people to Kuwu Mountain, he killed them without hesitation—what wouldn't he do?"

Seeing Datou nodded: "Alright, I'll avoid Li Qi and Ma Wu."

In He He Jiaqing's view, Seeing Datou should indeed avoid them—but watching from the sidelines still rankled him.

He felt he'd lost something: "Ma Wu treats his three-headed men well—they're grateful to him. What a waste of so much popularity."

Seeing Datou didn't understand: "What's the connection between popularity and gratitude? Isn't popularity just about numbers?"

He He Jiaqing said: "You don't understand. There's another kind of popularity—not just numbers, but heart's devotion. This kind is extremely precious."

"It's this kind of popularity that, once gathered, will be of great use later." Li Li Banfeng lifted the sunflower head and plucked off eight statues.

This sunflower had been planted on Ma Wu's new land and nurtured for a long time. Of the eight statues, five were Li Qi's—these were the three-headed men's gratitude for his rescue.

Three were for Ma Wu, because he truly treated them well: he paid high wages and provided living conditions they'd never dared imagine.

Ma Wu held the statues: "Old Seven, how do you use these?"

Li Li Banfeng asked: "How long until you ascend Yunshang?"

Ma Wu had been thinking about this too: "By my own calculation, I'll reach the ninth level by month's end. But Qiu Brother says, before ascending Yunshang, you must abstain from pleasure for half a year."

Li Li Banfeng asked seriously: "Not even a little?"

Ma Wu nodded: "Not even self-gratification."

Li Qi encouraged: "Then you must hold out!"

Ma Wu shook his head immediately: "No need to think about it—I can't do it. Not even half a month. I'll never reach Yunshang."

Li Li Banfeng thought a moment, then offered a suggestion: "What if you cut it off—wouldn't that make it easier?"

Ma Wu turned pale: "Don't even joke about that—what's left to live for?"

Li Li Banfeng returned to his personal dwelling and asked his wife if she'd heard of anything similar.

His wife shook her head: "I know little about Pleasure Cultivators. We've never found any in our home."

Hua Jiuer smiled: "Isn't Xiang Xiang Hongying a verbal Pleasure Cultivator?"

"Nonsense!" Xiang Xiang Hongying, brushing Jiu'er's hair, gave her braid a light tug. "But I do know something about this. My second brother once told me of a kind of medicine that can sever a Pleasure Cultivator's cravings. I don't know if it works."

"Your second brother?" Li Li Banfeng recalled. "The one Mu Yuejuan dragged into her painting and nearly drained dry?"

Xiang Xiang Hongying nodded: "Mu Yuejuan told him about it."

Li Li Banfeng knew Mu Yuejuan—but the key question was: where could he find her?

Zhao Xiao provided a clue: "Last time we met, Mu Yuejuan joined Snowflake River and was with Master Master Kongfang."

Master Master Kongfang—he'd nearly forgotten him.

He couldn't be forgotten. The more critical things became, the more he must be watched.

Li Li Banfeng and Master Master Kongfang had many grievances. In the past, he'd have avoided him—but his strength was no longer what it was. He could afford to seek him out.

This wasn't just for Ma Wu's sake—the war wasn't over. Li Li Banfeng needed to monitor Snowflake River's movements.

Seeking out Master Master Kongfang required not just courage, but strength. Li Li Banfeng could bring his family; Master Master Kongfang could bring his followers.

Besides, his wife said: when Shan Chengjun last fought Master Master Kongfang, he'd originally come for Li Qi. Shan Chengjun had once made the peddler suffer. To face someone of that caliber, Li Li Banfeng must prepare thoroughly.

First, he must solidify his cultivation base—he must learn the technique "Wanderer Without Boundaries."

But how could he combine "A Qianshan as One Step" and "Single-Minded Solitude"?

Li Li Banfeng had an idea.

"Xue Yingying, come with me outside."

"Where to?"

"To refine our techniques."

Xiang Xiang Hongying beamed: "Seventh, you finally remembered this serious business! I'll get ready—right away."

Refining techniques was something Xiang Xiang Hongying truly took seriously. She changed into battle armor, ready to train earnestly with Li Li Banfeng.

Qi Qi Fangpo arrived at the main chamber and said to Zhao Xiao: "Lady, I want to investigate the hooks in Xiaodu."

Xiang Xiang Hongying scolded Qi Qi Fangpo: "We're doing serious work—why are you interrupting?"

Zhao Xiao looked at Li Li Banfeng. Li Li Banfeng said: "Qi Qi Fangpo's matter is serious too. Let's all go together." Li Li Banfeng left the personal dwelling first, using the "Linked Chamber Technique" to bring out his wife, Xiang Xiang Hongying, and Qi Qi Fangpo.

Knowing Qi Qi Fangpo had something to say, Li Li Banfeng didn't pick up the key—he led everyone far away.

When they reached a secluded spot, Qi Qi Fangpo asked Li Li Banfeng: "Seventh Master, have you had nightmares lately?"

Li Li Banfeng thought: "Lately they've improved. A few days ago, they never stopped."

"What kind of nightmares?"

Li Li Banfeng said: "I saw after the great battle, all of Pulu Province lay in ruins."

Qi Qi Fangpo chose his words carefully: "I discovered something at home. Whether it's connected to your nightmares, I'm not certain—but lately, when you sleep, I've heard voices."

Zhao Xiao asked: "What voices?"

"Speaking voices. I couldn't make out the words, but to speak inside this house and evade my ears—that's a skill only a few possess."

This was clear enough.

His wife was the pinnacle of Sound Cultivators—she could evade Qi Qi Fangpo's ears, but she would never harm Li Li Banfeng.

Second wife's Shadow Cultivator has a special ability to whisper to shadows—but this trick may not work on Li Li Banfeng.

Moreover, the second branch had suffered losses at Li Li Banfeng's hands, and under his wife's strict surveillance, he dared not show his face easily—he had no reason to use such tactics against Li Li Banfeng.

Looking further down, only Did Honglian remained.

What was Did Honglian's purpose in creating these nightmares?

According to Li Li Banfeng's deduction, she wanted him to witness the horrors of war and the importance of boundaries.

To force Li Li Banfeng back to Anxing Bureau to rescue Ayu, and thereby rescue the other person in Cell Six.

This confirmed the earlier judgment: the other person in Cell Six was the Heavenly Maiden!

Li Li Banfeng admired Did Honglian: "Regardless of other things, she is truly loyal to the Heavenly Maiden."

Zhao Xiao said gently: "Husband, don't worry—we have a way to handle this. If another nightmare comes, just stay outside for a couple of days."

Li Li Banfeng refused to take that loss: "This is my home. Why should I hide outside? I'll stay right here—I want to see what tricks she can pull."

While the whole family discussed Did Honglian, Xiang Xiang Hongying grew impatient: "Qi Lang, weren't we supposed to polish our techniques? I've been waiting all this time—when are you going to practice?"

"Right now." Li Li Banfeng prepared himself, his wife stood by to guide him, and Boluo stayed alert.

He hurried to contact the hook in Xiaodu.

Li Li Banfeng told Xiang Xiang Hongying: "Xue Yingying, get ready—we're going to spar seriously!"

Zhao Xiao was tense: Li Li Banfeng's combat strength was indeed formidable, but openly sparring with Xiang Xiang Hongying, he might not be her match.

Li Li Banfeng knew his limits.

The technique "Qianshan of Intent" was taught by Xiang Xiang Hongying; any flaws would be obvious to her.

He first used "Qianshan of Intent" to project the scene from his Personal Dwelling, enhancing his combat power.

Xiang Xiang Hongying nodded: "That's a real projection—barely passable."

As for the technique "Single-Minded Resolve," Li Li Banfeng had a plan.

He first took out Mengde, synchronized the timing, avoiding the fate of the Ancestor of Traveling Cultivators.

Since it was newly learned, he estimated he could only sustain it for two or three seconds—so his movements must be swift.

Ready, Li Li Banfeng shouted to Xiang Xiang Hongying: "Try attacking me!"

Xiang Xiang Hongying praised: "Boldness!"

She kicked toward him. Li Li Banfeng didn't dodge, didn't block—not even raise a guard. This was the true essence of "Single-Minded Resolve!"

Zhao Xiao cried out: "Husband, be careful!"

Before the words left her lips, the kick struck.

Li Li Banfeng looked at Xiang Xiang Hongying, smiled calmly, then collapsed, unconscious.

Xiang Xiang Hongying turned to Zhao Xiao: "He told me to attack."

Zhao Xiao snapped: "Then why did you strike with full force?"

"I held back. I didn't use my full strength."

As they moved to carry Li Li Banfeng back to his Personal Dwelling, Qi Fang said: "The hook in Xiaodu is connected."

After sleeping half a day, Li Li Banfeng awoke in his Personal Dwelling and looked at Xiang Xiang Hongying: "Xue Yingying, are you ready? Let's go polish our techniques."

Xiang Xiang Hongying was startled: "Didn't we just polish them?"

Li Li Banfeng rubbed his chest, feeling dull pain: "It seems we did—let's polish them again."

Xiang Xiang Hongying shook her head: "I won't go. If I hurt you again, Xiao Wan will kill me."

Li Li Banfeng clutched his chest: "I've gained real insight this time—you won't be able to hurt me."

"Then I'll hold back."

Li Li Banfeng refused: "If you hold back, you can't use 'Single-Minded Resolve.'"

Xiang Xiang Hongying couldn't stop him. Zhao Xiao urged: "Husband, polish techniques gradually. Right now, there's something urgent—Qi Fang has connected with Xiaodu's radio. Elder Lan Qiao Yi is in trouble."

"What happened?"

"Elder Lan Qiao Yi was severely wounded on the battlefield by Dan Chengjun—he's not expected to survive."

Li Li Banfeng found this hard to believe: Elder Lan Qiao Yi was so cautious—how could he fail to avoid Dan Chengjun on the battlefield?

"Where did you hear this?"

Boluo said: "The radio picked it up from Tie Tie Baisheng. Elder Lan Qiao Yi's injury has thrown Xiaodu into panic."

Xiaodu was certainly in chaos—on the issue of abolishing the slave system, Elder Lan Qiao Yi ignored it, effectively offering them protection.

What's the current situation in Shang?

Zhao Xiao deduced: "The two nations are at war. With Elder Lan Qiao Yi, their commander-in-chief, severely wounded, Shang is unlikely to remain stable."

Li Li Banfeng immediately went to Wubian City to inquire from the Luo sisters.

Luo Luo Shaojun had received more information than Tie Tie Baisheng: "Elder Lan Qiao Yi was indeed severely wounded. He's been withdrawn from the front and taken to Chaoge for treatment."

"Who's commanding the front now?"

"Elder Lan Qiao Yi handed command to several trusted subordinates—all of royal blood, qualified by status, but whether they can fight well is another matter."

"Will the war continue?"

Luo Luo Shaojun said: "According to frontline reports, the Shang army initially won every battle. But after the Demon Lord's peace overture failed, both sides have stalled."

"Dan Chengjun, under the Demon Lord's orders, launched a surprise attack on Elder Lan Qiao Yi's camp. After Elder Lan Qiao Yi was wounded, the army retreated to nearby Shuwa City and won't launch any offensive in the short term."

If relying on surprise, Dan Chengjun indeed had the capability to severely wound Elder Lan Qiao Yi.

"What's the situation in Chaoge?"

"Elder Lan Qiao Yi's prestige was high. His injury has shaken Chaoge. Among the royal clan, some scheme to heal him, others push to appoint a new commander to continue attacking Tufang, 【158】 while still others covet Elder Lan Qiao Yi's position, moving through the court to secure the post of Chief Cabinet Minister."

Some others had their eyes on Lan Qiao Yi's position, maneuvering within the imperial clan to secure the post of Chief Cabinet Minister.

"Can Elder Lan Qiao Yi be saved?"

Luo Luo Shaojun shook her head: "Court insiders say he's barely clinging to life—he won't last."

Li Li Banfeng traced the chain of events and uncovered a critical issue.

In Luo Luo Shaojun's account, no one mentioned how many heads Elder Lan Qiao Yi had.

Since Elder Lan Qiao Yi's single-head identity hadn't been exposed, the wounded one must be the "Three-Headed Elder Lan Qiao Yi"—the Actor Wife.

What was the real Elder Lan Qiao Yi doing?

His wife's intelligence focused entirely on the battlefield.

"Tufang and Shang are stalled—that's expected. The Vanguard Camp and granaries were destroyed; Tufang suffered heavy losses, but their army remains intact, not critically damaged. Once they stabilize, they should withstand Shang's offensive."

"Yet precisely when the battle stalled, Elder Lan Qiao Yi was wounded. Husband, doesn't this feel coincidental?"

It did feel coincidental—Elder Lan Qiao Yi seemed to be deliberately withdrawing from the battlefield.

Two days later, Luo Luo Shaojun received another message: "Elder Lan Qiao Yi is on the brink of death. The only way to save him is to enter the Furnace."

Li Li Banfeng didn't understand: "Is that saving him?"

"It's a last resort. At his current state, entering the Furnace for reforging means an 80% chance of death—but there's a slim chance he'll emerge with a new body and live again."

Li Li Banfeng's expression turned grave.

If the wounded one was the Actor Wife, he absolutely must not enter the Furnace.

That wouldn't just endanger the Actor Wife's life—it would endanger her shadow.

Should he go to Chaoge to check?

Is the Actor Wife in Chaoge now?

With the contract in place, Elder Lan Qiao Yi couldn't harm the Actor Wife—going there rashly might backfire.

In Chaoge's Ninefold City, the streets were empty, every building spotless, yet utterly lifeless.

Elder Lan Qiao Yi led the Actor Wife through layers of palaces to the Great Hall of the Ninefold City.

Amid thick mist, the Actor Wife saw a colossal shadow, filling nearly the entire hall.

She trembled with fear—the icy chill, the bone-deep cold, the faint, distant screams made her soul feel ready to scatter.

"This is Shang's Furnace," Elder Lan Qiao Yi said, gazing at the monstrous entity. "Don't worry—I won't make you enter. I don't want to kill you."

The Actor Wife couldn't speak; her whole body shook.

Elder Lan Qiao Yi smiled: "If I wanted to kill you, I'd have done it long ago. I have many ways to bypass Li Qi's contract."

"Today, I brought you here to tell you one thing: I've already entered the Furnace. From today on, I am still me—but you must take on a new identity."

Elder Lan Qiao Yi summoned Nian Nian Shangyou. Nian Nian Shangyou entered the underground chamber and activated the mechanism.

The Furnace in the Great Hall stirred.

From the blurred shadow, countless leaves slowly unfurled from the monstrous form.

The Actor Wife's body still trembled.

Her shadow trembled with her.

Within the shadow, Li Banfeng Yin watched the unfolding leaves, feeling an eerie familiarity.

The monstrous form resembled a lotus.

From its core, a vortex rose. Li Banfeng Yin clearly heard piercing screams converging from all directions, surging into the lotus heart.

PS: This lotus consumes the living.

PS: This lotus eats live prey.