Chapter 739: No Capital, Infinite Profit

The Cabinet issued an announcement: after Lan Qiao Yi entered the furnace and re-forged his body, his severe injuries have now fully healed.

Throughout Chaoge, everyone rejoiced.

The re-forged Lan Qiao Yi now had only one head left; Zhu Jin and Xie Gong were officially declared dead on the battlefield.

This version was accepted by the overwhelming majority, though some still questioned Lan Qiao Yi's imperial bloodline.

But these people were unimportant.

Luo Luo Shaojun had said that many in the court wanted Lan Qiao Yi to become emperor—this description was not exaggerated.

How many setbacks had Da Shang suffered at the hands of Tu Fang in recent years? Now, under Lan Qiao Yi's command, they not only won battles,

but also seized thirteen cities from Tu Fang's territory.

This monumental achievement was worthy of monuments and chronicles; such a legendary figure, no matter how many heads he had, was unquestionably of royal blood—royal prestige depended on men like him, and no one dared question it.

All schemes were laid bare, yet after execution, no one could find fault—even Li Li Banfeng couldn't help but praise: "Lan Qiao Yi's move was masterful."

But one person caught Li Li Banfeng's attention.

Xi Zhao Fu's technique was indeed excellent; earthly cultivators could hardly pierce his disguise, and even celestial cultivators would struggle to see through it.

Yet there was one person who should have seen through it.

Dan Chengjun was the Patriarch of Wu Xiu; whether in Neizhou or Like Puluozhou, he was a top-tier figure. He had injured Xi Zhao Fu—could he not have realized the deception?

If Dan Chengjun had recognized the fraud and reported it directly to the Sage, it would have become a powerful weapon for the Sage to strike against Lan Qiao Yi.

But Luo Luo Shaojun had sent men to investigate: Tu Fang had made no move at all. This was a golden opportunity to topple Lan Qiao Yi—why had neither Tu Fang nor the Sage seized it?

Some answers lay with Lan Qiao Yi himself. Lan Qiao Yi had reclaimed his human identity; Xi Zhao Fu's mission was complete. Li Li Banfeng needed to retrieve him.

Li Li Banfeng first had Luo Su Lijun deliver the message: he was coming to Chaoge to congratulate Lan Qiao Yi.

Lan Qiao Yi readily agreed, set a date, had Luo Su Lijun send word back, and ordered Nian Nian Shangyou to bring Xi Zhao Fu to him.

Xi Zhao Fu no longer needed to impersonate the three-headed Lan Qiao Yi; he had resumed his true form—a strikingly beautiful woman, beloved by all.

Lan Qiao Yi said: "Young brother, the Prince of Prince Pingyuan will soon arrive in Chaoge to meet with me. I suspect he intends to take you back to Like Puluozhou.

We've spent many days together, and I've grown fond of you. If you wish to return to Like Puluozhou, I won't stop you. If you'd rather stay by my side, I'll treat you well."

Upon hearing this, Xi Zhao Fu immediately bowed to Lan Qiao Yi, his pitiful, delicate demeanor making even Nian Nian Shangyou glance twice.

"Your kindness is etched in my heart, but a loyal minister serves only one master, and a virtuous woman marries but one husband. Since I've pledged myself to Seventh Master, I can only repay your grace in my next life."

Lan Qiao Yi did not press: "Pack your belongings. Wait for the Prince to come and take you home."

Xi Zhao Fu thanked him profusely. After he left, Nian Nian Shangyou said to Lan Qiao Yi: "Lord, Xi Zhao Fu knows too much about us. Letting him go means Sichi will learn all our secrets."

Lan Qiao Yi picked up his brush, dipped it in ink, and praised: "This inkstone truly produces fine ink."

Seeing Lan Qiao Yi didn't respond, Nian Nian Shangyou reminded again: "Lord, you don't actually believe Xi Zhao Fu's loyalty, do you? Once he returns to Sichi, he'll reveal everything."

"Let him speak," Lan Qiao Yi replied indifferently. "Bring me the reports from the Bing Xiu."

Lan Qiao Yi had elevated the Bing Xiu's importance; the destruction of Tu Fang's Vanguard Camp had deeply affected him.

Nian Nian Shangyou found this strange—Lan Qiao Yi's indifference mirrored his attitude toward the thirteen deeds of land.

Xi Zhao Fu had seen the furnace—Da Shang's most vital secret—and Lan Qiao Yi didn't care?

After reviewing the Bing Xiu reports, Lan Qiao Yi penned a note: "The Green Lv Lv Shuigong hasn't appeared in ages, yet his disciple Cui Ti has stirred up considerable trouble."

Nian Nian Shangyou knew of this: "That foreigner holds sway over Dao Gui Ridge. If he grows strong, he'll be hard to deal with."

Lan Qiao Yi shook his head: "No need to wait. He's already grown strong. Tu Fang's Vanguard Camp was likely destroyed by his hand."

Nian Nian Shangyou was startled: "I assumed the Green Lv Lv Shuigong was responsible."

Lan Qiao Yi laid down his brush and handed the annotated document to Nian Nian Shangyou: "The Peddler doesn't trust the Green Lv Lv Shuigong—he'd never entrust such a task to him. Send Shu Wanjuan to investigate Cui Ti's movements."

After reviewing the Bing Xiu reports, Lan Qiao Yi also examined Tu Fang's peace proposal.

Tu Fang, having stabilized its position and learned Lan Qiao Yi was dying, had prepared to attack.

Now that they heard Lan Qiao Yi had survived, they chose to negotiate peace again.

Lan Qiao Yi nodded: "This peace offer shows some sincerity. Let's negotiate."

Three days later, Lan Qiao Yi received Li Li Banfeng at his mansion in Liu Chong City.

Though the Shadow had visited Liu Chong before, Li Li Banfeng acted with great surprise, showing keen interest in every building in the city.

At the mansion, host and guest sat down. Li Li Banfeng had come to congratulate: first, on Da Shang's great victory at the front; second, on Lan Qiao Yi's full recovery.

Lan Qiao Yi expressed deep gratitude and returned the courtesy: "This great victory, capturing thirteen cities from Tu Fang, is worthy of history. I offer you Water Tile City and Wild Goose Return City as gifts. What do you say, Your Highness?"

Da Shang had seized these cities from Tu Fang—a feat etched in history. Why didn't Lan Qiao Yi fear criticism for gifting them to Sichi?

He didn't fear it at all.

He called it a gift, but once formal documents were issued, it would be a reward. As Prince of Prince Pingyuan, Li Qi would gain two new fiefs—yet these cities remained Da Shang's territory.

If Li Qi accepted them, he would deepen his exchange of interests with Lan Qiao Yi. Tu Fang would regard Like Puluozhou as a mortal enemy, willing to fight to the death to reclaim the lost lands.

Moreover, Li Li Banfeng likely wouldn't take the cities.

Water Tile City and Wild Goose Return City were deep within Tu Fang's heartland. If Li Li Banfeng accepted them, he'd be defending Da Shang's border.

Moreover, these were cities on the fertile continent, where borders shift unpredictably; one misstep, and he'd be surrounded by Tu Fang forces.

Li Li Banfeng indeed refused: "Brother Lan Qiao, I'd like to trade these two cities for one person."

Lan Qiao Yi had guessed Li Li Banfeng's intent—he wanted the Train Eunuch: "As for the whereabouts of the Jiangmen Master,

I've been searching too. Some say he's in Chaoge, but I've scoured the entire city and found no trace.

I promise: if I learn anything, I'll inform you immediately. As for repayment, I'll keep this debt on record. When you're ready, we'll discuss it further."

Then Lan Qiao Yi ordered Nian Nian Shangyou to bring Xi Zhao Fu: "Young brother, the Prince has come to take you home."

Xi Zhao Fu looked at Li Li Banfeng, his face filled with joy and anticipation.

Li Li Banfeng gave Lan Qiao Yi a slight nod. Dealing with Lan Qiao Yi was effortless—many things didn't need to be said; he could guess them.

In front of Xi Zhao Fu, Lan Qiao Yi pleaded again: "Your Highness, this young brother has been by my side day and night, handling every detail for me.

Now that he's about to leave, I'll be short a trusted attendant. Could you spare him a few more days? I've just recovered from severe injuries, and I still have many matters requiring his aid."

Lan Qiao Yi claimed he couldn't do without Xi Zhao Fu. Since Xi Zhao Fu had become his attendant, he could surely gather valuable intelligence for Li Li Banfeng—keeping him seemed advantageous.

But Li Li Banfeng had no such plan: "Brother Lan Qiao, I can't do without this young brother either. When the crisis struck, I sent him to assist you. Now that you've reclaimed your identity and act with legitimacy, my brother should return home with me."

Lan Qiao Yi nodded: "How could I ask Your Highness to part with him? Very well. Young brother, go with the Prince."

Xi Zhao Fu was returned.

Lan Qiao Yi left behind a deed: he owed Li Qi two cities, and Li Qi could come at any time to discuss it.

Li Li Banfeng brought Xi Zhao Fu to Wubian City. Luo Luo Shaojun arranged a residence for them. When no one else was around, Xi Zhao Fu immediately spoke of the furnace.

He had many things to say—he knew countless secrets about Lan Qiao Yi, including his habits and preferences—but he believed the furnace was the most critical.

"Lan Qiao Yi took me to Jiucheng City. He showed me the furnace. I thought he meant to consume me—but he didn't.

He said he trusted me enough to reveal the furnace, and he hoped I'd stay by his side to continue serving him."

Li Li Banfeng had long been fascinated by Da Shang's furnace—it was the source of top-tier weapons and the origin of Da Shang's special physiques, even the very foundation of Da Shang's survival.

"What did the furnace look like?"

Xi Zhao Fu gestured as he spoke: "It was enormous, filling the entire room. The room itself was huge—bigger than an ordinary family's mansion—"

Xi Zhao Fu's description was fragmented; Li Li Banfeng struggled to follow.

In truth, Xi Zhao Fu had excellent observational skills—but during his encounter with the furnace, fear and tension had scrambled his thoughts.

Better to retrieve Li Banfeng Yin's memories directly: since Xi Zhao Fu first impersonated the three-headed Lan Qiao Yi, Li Banfeng Yin had hidden within his shadow, witnessing everything he saw and heard.

But Li Banfeng Yin had never returned to Li Li Banfeng's side.

Li Li Banfeng sensed Li Banfeng Yin's presence, yet for some reason, Li Banfeng Yin ignored his summons.

Had Xi Zhao Fu encountered trouble? Was Li Banfeng Yin afraid of revealing himself?

After ten minutes of trivial details, Xi Zhao Fu finally reached the key point: "The furnace opens—

piece by piece, like a blooming flower. Its center breathes wind, sucking in surrounding souls—but it never took me, nor did it take Lan Qiao Yi."

Li Li Banfeng stared at Xi Zhao Fu for a long time.

He believed Xi Zhao Fu had just described the Xiao Xuan Sheng Did Honglian.

The details matched the Did Honglian's feeding behavior almost exactly—except the Did Honglian consumed no living beings, while Da Shang's furnace devoured everything.

What was the relationship between the Did Honglian and the furnace?

Li Li Banfeng didn't want to circle around—he wanted to return and ask the Did Honglian.

Outside the door, Li Li Banfeng found a quiet spot and reached for his key—then froze his hand in his pocket.

Two unexplained matters loomed before him.

First: why had Lan Qiao Yi shown Xi Zhao Fu the furnace—and let him leave Chaoge alive?

This couldn't be trust. He was clearly trying to inform Li Li Banfeng about the furnace. What was his purpose?

Second: why had Li Banfeng Yin never responded? What was the problem?

Li Li Banfeng kept his hand in his pocket and paced the courtyard. His first thought was the Hook.

Xi Zhao Fu carried a Hook. Li Banfeng Yin refused to emerge, fearing exposure beneath it.

Lan Qiao Yi showed Xi Zhao Fu the furnace because he knew Li Li Banfeng, upon hearing the description, would inevitably link it to the Did Honglian.

If Li Li Banfeng now sought the Did Honglian, Lan Qiao Yi could use the Hook to track its location.

Wait.

That didn't fit Lan Qiao Yi's nature.

Xi Zhao Fu couldn't stay with Li Qi forever. If Li Li Banfeng abandoned him and went alone to find the Did Honglian,

Lan Qiao Yi still wouldn't learn the Did Honglian's whereabouts.

Lan Qiao Yi is always cautious; he wouldn't do something so reckless. The hook is unlikely to be on Xi Zhao Fu.

On Li Banfeng Yin?

Did Lan Qiao Yi discover Li Banfeng Yin?

Li Li Banfeng planned to use the Linked Chamber Technique to bring out Qi Fang for inspection.

His hand remained in his pant pocket; Li Li Banfeng didn't take out the key, intending to pull out a dagger, pierce his fingertip, and smear blood.

After fumbling for a moment, Li Li Banfeng didn't pull out the dagger.

Is there a difference between Li Banfeng Yin and Xi Zhao Fu?

There is a difference, but not much.

Li Banfeng Yin doesn't have to follow Li Li Banfeng.

Just like now—Li Banfeng Yin didn't appear, yet Lan Qiao Yi still couldn't see the Red Lotus.

Lan Qiao Yi must have considered all these questions—if he truly attached a hook, who would it be on?

Li Li Banfeng suddenly shivered.

Could it be attached to himself?

When they met just now, did he attach the hook?

It's not easy to attach a hook to Li Li Banfeng—he's Cultivation Base Yun Shang Shuang Si; a Peeping Cultivator trying to act against him would struggle to escape his perception.

Moreover, Li Li Banfeng holds deep suspicion toward Lan Qiao Yi; during their meeting, he pushed his Insight Spiritual Sound, Hundred Flavors Baiwei Linglong, and Golden Eyes Qiu Hao to their limits—there was no chance for a Peeping Cultivator to get close.

Could the hook be attached through other channels?

Li Li Banfeng suspected Lan Qiao Yi was watching him right now.

He wanted to retrieve the hand-cranked phonograph to test it, but the phonograph was inside the Personal Dwelling.

If he entered the Personal Dwelling now, it would be exposed to Lan Qiao Yi.

Even if he used the Linked Chamber Technique to swap out the phonograph, Li Li Banfeng's identity as a Dwelling Cultivator would be revealed to Lan Qiao Yi—and all Lan Qiao Yi lost was one hook.

This old bastard wants a risk-free, high-reward deal.

His hand stayed in his pocket; Li Li Banfeng didn't pull out the dagger, instead pulling out the simple telephone.

He found a side chamber in the mansion and dialed the number.

In Neizhou, Luo Zhengnan's simple telephone couldn't make outgoing calls, but Li Li Banfeng still spoke into it: "Tell Shan Chengjun to deliver the Red Lotus to the usual place—I have questions to ask."

Lan Qiao Yi sat in his mansion's study, staring at a porcelain basin on the desk.

The basin held half a basin of water; through its reflection, Lan Qiao Yi could see Li Li Banfeng's current state and hear his voice—even the sound of Li Li Banfeng walking in the courtyard was crystal clear.

Upon hearing "Shan Chengjun," Lan Qiao Yi's cheek twitched.

Nian Nian Shangyou hurried forward: "My Lord, I'll send men to shadow Shan Chengjun immediately."

"Not yet!" Lan Qiao Yi stopped him. "Don't fall for this trick. We wait here—I want to see if Shan Chengjun comes or not."

He waited here, but Li Li Banfeng didn't wait—he hung up the phone and went to bed.

He slept for several hours; Lan Qiao Yi watched for exactly that long, seeing Li Li Banfeng never wake up.

Lan Qiao Yi summoned Nian Nian Shangyou: "Take a few men and rotate surveillance on Li Qi."

Nian Nian Shangyou asked: "What about Shan Chengjun?"

Lan Qiao Yi thought a moment, then said: "Send someone to check his condition—don't alarm him."

Shan Chengjun was in the palace's secret chamber, paying respects to the Lord of Tufang.

The secret chamber was necessary because the Lord of Tufang didn't want the Sage to know.

He summoned Shan Chengjun to host a victory banquet: "Marquis Shan, warriors like you in my realm should long ago have been granted princely rank."

Shan Chengjun politely replied: "I, Shan, am unworthy of such favor from Your Majesty—I am truly overwhelmed."

The Lord of Tufang said: "We speak truth—if not for you, alone, infiltrating the enemy camp and crippling their commander, our clan would have lost far more territory. Marquis Shan, meeting you is our clan's fortune."

For a sovereign to speak thus was to grant Shan Chengjun immense honor.

Shan Chengjun responded: "Thank Your Majesty's kindness—I only regret my poor fortune for not meeting you sooner!"

The Lord personally raised the cup: "It's not too late now!"

They exchanged cups and drinks, growing ever more animated; Shan Chengjun never left the secret chamber all night.

Spies asked around but found no trace of Shan Chengjun; Nian Nian Shangyou reported to Lan Qiao Yi: "My Lord, Shan Chengjun may truly be disloyal."

Lan Qiao Yi said nothing, only ordered: "Recon again."

Zhao Xiaowan was at Yucui Pavilion, discussing opera with Jiang Linger, when they reached "Mu Ke Zhai." Jiang Linger glanced at Xiang Xiang Hongying's figure and praised: "If Xiang Xiang Hongying played a Dao Ma Dan, she'd match Xiao Wan."

Xiang Xiang Hongying beamed: "Got any costumes? Dress me up!"

Jiang Linger didn't have a Dao Ma Dan outfit, but it wasn't hard—she fetched thread and needle and made Xiang Xiang Hongying a full costume in minutes: helmet, plumes, flags—all fitted. Xiang Xiang Hongying wore it, and both sisters praised how beautiful she looked.

Xiang Xiang Hongying picked up her long spear, ready to perform a routine, when Banfengzi slithered along the floor into the room.

"Madam One, Madam Two, Outer Madam—Master Jia is in trouble. Someone appears to have attached a hook to him."

Zhao Xiaowan was puzzled: "Who could possibly attach a hook to my husband? No matter—I'll remove it."

"Don't!" Banfengzi stopped her. "If Madam One goes, they'll see you through the hook—won't that expose your identity?"

Zhao Xiaowan had another method: "I'll carve a record. You play it on a phonograph—it'll remove the hook."

"That won't work either!" Banfengzi urged. "This hook is Lan Qiao Yi's. That man is cunning—he'll deduce your identity."

Xiang Xiang Hongying snarled: "This old villain is ruthless! Let's return to Chaoge right now—we sisters storm in and kill Lan Qiao Yi!"

Banfengzi shook his head helplessly: "We must first confirm whether Master Jia truly has a hook—and what kind."

Zhao Xiaowan thought of a solution: "Do you have the key? I'll find a way to bring out Qi Fang."

Banfengzi handed her the key, then paused—how would Zhao Xiaowan bring out Qi Fang?

Back in the Personal Dwelling, Zhao Xiaowan couldn't even leave herself.

Xiang Xiang Hongying didn't care: "Have Qi Lang use the Linked Chamber Technique to swap it out!"

Zhao Xiaowan frowned: "You never use your head—if you use the Linked Chamber Technique, the Dwelling Cultivator secret is exposed. Wait here—I have a plan."

Back in the Personal Dwelling, Zhao Xiaowan summoned Boluo and went to the main chamber's door—but it wouldn't open.

Zhao Xiaowan whispered a few words; no one heard what she said. She tried again—and the door opened.

In truth, she repeated only one phrase over and over: "Old Master, grant me passage."

Leaving the Personal Dwelling, the Lady and Boluo arrived near the mansion, didn't enter, but pressed against the side chamber's outer wall, listening silently.

After a few minutes, Boluo signaled Zhao Xiaowan to move elsewhere.

They returned to Yucui Pavilion; Boluo told Zhao Xiaowan: "Madam, Seventh Master has been infected with a Living Hook."

"What's a Living Hook?" Xiang Xiang Hongying had never heard of it.

Neither had Zhao Xiaowan.

But Jiang Linger knew: "A Living Hook is an extremely rare type of Peeping Hook—it moves, capable of transferring from one person to another."

Banfengzi understood.

The hook was originally placed on Xi Zhao Fu. Li Banfeng Yin knew Xi Zhao Fu carried the hook, so he dared not move.

During Li Li Banfeng's journey bringing Xi Zhao Fu back, the hook transferred to him.

Xiang Xiang Hongying snorted: "Sounds too mystical—is that even still a hook? What kind of Peeping Cultivator can do this?"

Boluo said: "Jiang Miss is right—this hook is extraordinary. My master used it once—a single hook passed through over a dozen people. He refused to teach me, saying I lacked the talent to learn it."

Xiang Xiang Hongying said to Boluo: "Forget whether you can learn it—can you help Seventh Master remove it?"

Boluo had no confidence.

Zhao Xiaowan shook her head: "There are ways to remove hooks—but we mustn't let Lan Qiao Yi suspect anything. If he used one hook to uncover our secrets, we'll be at a terrible disadvantage."

Xiang Xiang Hongying finally understood—Lan Qiao Yi invested little, but stood to gain everything.

No one could think of a solution.

Banfengzi said: "If there's no better way, we must use Master Jia's method—but I'm not sure if I can run fast enough."

Xiang Xiang Hongying said: "You're not fast—send Li Banfeng Yi. His legs are better."

"Idiot!" Zhao Xiaowan cursed. "Would Li Banfeng Yi dare leave Master Jia's side? Could he evade the hook? Find Ai Yi—see if she can escort Banfengzi."

Finding Ai Yi wasn't hard—Li Li Banfeng carried a jade pendant.

But whether others would help once they arrived—that was uncertain.

Shan Chengjun stayed in the palace all day before finally emerging. Back at his mansion, he didn't bother visiting the Sage—nowadays, the Sage was always amiable and no longer cared about etiquette.

He wrote a letter to Shu Wanjuan, burned it with a candle, and the ash flew out the window, vanishing.

Shu Wanjuan would receive it soon.

The spy saw the ash fly out and rushed to report to Nian Nian Shangyou, who knew this was a message-delivery method and immediately asked Lan Qiao Yi: "Shan Chengjun just sent a letter—should we intercept it?"

Lan Qiao Yi shook his head: "Don't ruin a major operation because of Li Qi's words. Keep surveillance—don't provoke Shan Chengjun. Don't stir up trouble."

Shu Wanjuan was ordered to investigate Cui Ti. He had just arrived at Jianren Gang when he received Shan Chengjun's letter.

The ash gathered, forming characters on his palm. Shu Wanjuan read it and shook his head repeatedly.

The letter stated that Shan Chengjun had gained great favor in Tufang—and had developed new ambitions.

"Old Shan, you'll be the death of me!"

Shu Wanjuan had signed a pact with Shan Chengjun and couldn't refuse—he wrote a few characters with his finger as his reply, then rubbed the ash away and continued his journey.

Cui Ti was preparing for battle on the mountain—he had just received news from Zuo Anna: a powerful enemy was approaching Dao Gui Ridge.

Though his identity remained unknown, few could prompt the White Falcon Alliance to raise their guard.

The battle order had just been issued when the entrance to Hulucun suddenly appeared before Cui Ti. Fortunately, Banfengzi emerged from within—otherwise, Cui Ti would have attacked Hulucun immediately.

"My friend, why do you appear at this hour? Where is your true body?"

Banfengzi said: "My physical form cannot come over—he's under surveillance. I need your help with something: I want you to write a letter for me."

After hearing Banfengzi's description, Cui Cui Tike hesitated: "I can't leave Dao Dao Guiling right now—I've encountered a powerful enemy."

"What kind of enemy?"

Cui Cui Tike thought for a moment: "Friend, I won't ask you for help this time. I'll face this enemy myself. I can offer you aid, but since I can't be present, what I can provide is very limited."

Not long after, Banfengzi returned to Hu Lu Village, holding a letter in his hand.

A Yi asked: "Who is this letter for?"

Banfengzi said: "For Jia Gong."

"Who's Jia Gong? Let me take a look."

"It's confidential—no one else may see it!"

A Yi snorted: "So what? Why won't that foreigner come?"

"He says he's met a powerful enemy, but won't reveal who it is."

A Yi laughed: "Doesn't he even trust you?"

Banfengzi sighed deeply: "Some things can't be predicted. When it rains, it rains; when a mother remarries, she remarries. Let him be."

A Yi exclaimed: "You know my mother?"

Banfengzi was startled: "Where did that come from?"

Who revealed this matter?

A Yi said excitedly: "My mother's name is 'When It Rains, Mother Marries'!"

Li Li Banfeng was refining his technique in Wu Bian City; Xiang Xiang Hongying couldn't appear in person, so he trained with Luo Luo Shaojun.

Luo Luo Shaojun, carrying a snail shell on his back, slammed full-force into Li Li Banfeng. This level of attack posed no threat to Li Li Banfeng—the technique Yi Yi Gu Xing simply couldn't be activated.

After dozens of rounds, Luo Luo Shaojun was exhausted: "Seventh Brother, I can't take it anymore."

As the two rested, someone delivered a letter to Li Li Banfeng.

Nian Nian Shangyou, watching through the hook, quickly summoned Lan Qiao Yi.

Li Li Banfeng examined the envelope—it bore no characters—but he treated it with extreme caution, dismissing everyone before opening it.

Lan Qiao Yi sensed the letter's origin was highly unusual; he too dismissed Nian Nian Shangyou and the others, then fixed his gaze on the water basin in the study.

If this letter truly involved Dan Chengjun, how to handle Dan Chengjun would indeed be a difficult problem.

The letter was densely written, filled with content, but Li Li Banfeng held it without focusing on the words.

Lan Qiao Yi watched intently through the hook: the sender's identity was unknown, but the letter's gist was that Dan Chengjun had broken his word, handed over Hong Hong Lian to the ruler of Tu Fang, and warned Li Li Banfeng to prepare quickly.

Lan Qiao Yi read the letter over and over, each character seeming to pierce his eyes.

It wasn't out of anger—Lan Qiao Yi still doubted the letter's authenticity—but the words truly harmed his eyes; his eyes bled.

The characters on the letter gradually faded—this was a sign of the affliction spreading.

Li Li Banfeng judged the time was right; he spilled blood on the ground and activated the Gao Zhen Wu You technique.

The hook was easy to find, and removing it wasn't difficult.

As Li Li Banfeng plucked the hook, Lan Qiao Yi collapsed in agony on the floor.

Nian Nian Shangyou and the others rushed into the room and lifted Lan Qiao Yi.

Lan Qiao Yi asked: "How is Li Qi?"

The hook had been removed; Nian Nian Shangyou stared at the clear water in the basin for a long while, shaking his head: "Lord—"

"I can't see it."

"Can't see it?" Lan Qiao Yi fumbled across the table, finally finding the water basin.

"Can't see it—" Lan Qiao Yi was blind; his vision was utterly dark.

PS: Old Lan Qiao, this time the cost was high.