[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-lord-of-the-proles":3,"chapter-lord-of-the-proles-lord-of-the-proles-chapter-74":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","Lord of the Proles",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2290372,4478,"Chapter 74: The Deal Is Done, No Turning Back","lord-of-the-proles-chapter-74",74,"\u003Cp>Li Banfeng was indeed returning to Ligou.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If the private detective Daboyens was truly sent by the Jiangxiang Gang, Li Banfeng could not stay in Yujiazhai, or else when the Jiangxiang Gang mobilized to surround Yujiazhai, he would have no chance to escape.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Daboyens was not sent by the Jiangxiang Gang, Li Banfeng must do everything possible to uncover his origins.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, Li Banfeng needed to find Feng Shopkeeper  to clarify the origin of the phonograph.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He also needed to inquire about the travel permit—permits to leave Waizhou were extremely hard to obtain; if Yu Nan failed, he would have to ask Feng Shopkeeper  for leads.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he truly needed twenty million, Li Banfeng had to carefully consider whether to return to Yuezhou.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Therefore, returning to Ligou as soon as possible was the only correct choice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng was leaving, and Xiao Pan would go with him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Seventh Brother, my life from now on belongs to you—whether I must climb a mountain of knives or descend into a sea of fire, if you give me one word, I won’t even blink.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng frowned: “Not blinking doesn’t matter, but you’ve got to stop me—I’m climbing the knife mountain, you can’t pretend not to see me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qin Xiao Pan thought for a long time, then nodded: “Seventh Brother’s right—I’ll kowtow to you first.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng’s frown deepened: “Never kowtow to the living again. If anyone makes you kowtow, kill them.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qin Xiao Pan pondered for a moment, then nodded: “Seventh Brother’s right—when do we leave?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’d better not leave—stay in Yujiazhai and rest for a while. I’ll give you some money, ask Yu Shopkeeper  to cook you plenty of good food.” Li Banfeng was worried about Qin Xiao Pan’s health—he sweated profusely even after standing a moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qin Xiao Pan smiled: “Seventh Brother, don’t worry. Once we get to Ligou, I’ll find a way out—I won’t hold you back. I’m not afraid of the Geng family or those bastards in the Jiangxiang Gang!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Nan urged: “Ain’t you being reckless? The Jiangxiang Gang is at their fiercest right now—no matter if it’s Ligou or just stepping outside Yujiazhai, you’re likely dead.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qin Xiao Pan shook his head: “Yu Shopkeeper , thank you for your concern. I know this journey is nine-to-one death, but if I don’t leave Yujiazhai today, I’ll never leave in my whole life.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Seventh Brother, can you lend me some money? I’ll buy some dried rations from Yu Shopkeeper  first!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The money should indeed be given—Yujiazhai’s food was all carried back by Yu Nan’s men from outside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng had just pulled out his wallet when Yu Nan waved him off: “Seventh Master, don’t embarrass us—what’s a little food? Qin Shopkeeper  can eat here for life. I’m just worried…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qin Xiao Pan laughed: “Yu Shopkeeper , don’t worry—I won’t die. When your fabric shop opens, I’ll come by to congratulate you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng sighed in admiration: “Truly a man of courage!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Nan looked at Li Banfeng: “Seventh Master, I’m coming with you to Ligou.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng asked seriously: “Are you also a man of courage?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Nan looked embarrassed: “I’m not—I don’t have…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If you don’t have courage, stay here and don’t wander off.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng wasn’t joking. Yu Nan’s situation was different—she carried the entire Yujia Gang on her back. With her strength and ability, she couldn’t return to Ligou now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng left Yujiazhai.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Nan felt impulsive—she truly wanted to follow Li Banfeng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the old storekeeper held her back: “Madam, wait a bit. We know it’s the edge of a blade—we can’t throw ourselves onto it. Li Boss is a master—we can’t match him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Jiangxiang Gang won’t keep watching us forever. Wait a year or two, let the storm pass, then return to Ligou.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng moved swiftly across the dark new land, while Qin Xiao Pan struggled to follow behind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When climbing the hill, Li Banfeng pulled Qin Xiao Pan up: “If you can’t hold on, don’t pretend—you should’ve stayed longer in Yujiazhai to rest.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qin Xiao Pan wiped sweat: “Seventh Brother, if you think I’m too slow, go ahead—I won’t wait.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You can barely walk now—how will you handle the Geng family when you get to Ligou?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qin Xiao Pan bit into a dried ration: “I told you—I won’t drag you down. I’m joining a gang.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Which gang?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“San Ying Gate.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though Li Banfeng had little understanding of gangs, he’d heard from Yu Nan that San Ying Gate was one of the three major gangs in Puluozhou—he doubted Qin Xiao Pan even qualified.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qin Xiao Pan drank water and swallowed the ration: “I qualify—any cultivator who enters the gate is welcome.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But someone like me, with no rank, will only be a foot soldier—no good food, no good drink, always first into battle.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That’s just cannon fodder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng narrowed his eyes: “What’s the benefit of joining San Ying Gate?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Pan said: “Once I’m in, the Jiangxiang Gang’s thugs won’t dare bother me—let alone the Geng family.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They won’t dare bother you—but as cannon fodder in San Ying Gate, you won’t live long.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng asked: “If you rise in rank, you won’t be a foot soldier anymore?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Pan nodded: “Once you reach the first level, you become a Tie Yin.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What’s a Tie Yin?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A minor leader—commands five or six men, carries an iron seal, handles local affairs.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he spoke, Xiao Pan’s face glowed with longing. Li Banfeng asked: “You’ve wanted to join San Ying Gate for a long time?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Pan first shook his head, then nodded: “I thought about joining, but I didn’t want to be a thug—I waited to reach level one, to become a Tie Yin, so I wouldn’t be humiliated.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then wait—until you can eat twenty catties of rice.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I tried once,” Xiao Pan shook his head. “I bought twenty catties of steamed buns, but at thirteen, I couldn’t eat another bite—I’m just not cut out for it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng shook his head: “Who can swallow twenty catties of steamed buns? When we get to Ligou, eat the best food—eat twenty catties of that!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Pan smiled but said nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two left Mount Jiangyue. Li Banfeng hired a cart, traveled day and night, and returned to Ligou.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Pan went to the San Ying Gate branch to ask if Li Banfeng would come along: “Seventh Brother, I see you’ve reached a level. I know people in the gang—you’ll get a Tie Yin the moment you join.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If you know people, take care of yourself first—even as a foot soldier, pick a better post.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After dropping Xiao Pan at the branch, Li Banfeng went to Feng’s General Store.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feng Shopkeeper  sat at the counter, face flushed, humming an opera: “Forty-eight stations on the Xiliang trail—soldiers, I don’t charge for men!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was “Wujiapo”—his mother loved to sing it, and Li Banfeng often heard it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He’d planned to join in, but the clerk Chunsheng saw him and shuddered, shouting: “Boss! The debt collector’s here!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feng Shopkeeper  had seen big scenes—he watched Li Banfeng approach, ordered Chunsheng to close the shop, then invited Li Banfeng inside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng sat down. Feng Shopkeeper  poured him tea, then said: “Li Boss, I know why you’re here. I do feel bad about it,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>but sentiment is sentiment, business is business—once a deal is made, we can’t renege. If you’re upset, I can compensate you, but you absolutely cannot return the item.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng sipped tea, puzzled: “Return what?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feng Shopkeeper  added charcoal to the tea stove: “Li Boss, no games—we’re both clear-eyed. You bought the phonograph. No matter what, you can’t take it back.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Who said I wanted to return it?” Li Banfeng stared at Feng Shopkeeper . “It’s a fine phonograph—no defects. Why would I return it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s fine…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feng Shopkeeper  sat stunned, speechless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since his store acquired the phonograph, peace had vanished.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He suspected Li Banfeng was being sarcastic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or driven mad by the phonograph.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Li Boss, are we talking about the same phonograph?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng blinked: “I only have one phonograph.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Li Boss, you know it sings by itself, without anyone touching it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Of course—it’s a phonograph, isn’t it for singing?” Li Banfeng thought it normal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feng Shopkeeper  stared, stunned: “It sings when happy, sings all night when unhappy—you can’t stop it, must listen well—or steam will scald you half-dead. You know that?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng thought: “I never noticed. Let it sing—it’s no business of mine to stop it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feng Shopkeeper  stared at Li Banfeng, thinking him incomprehensible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Had he truly gone mad?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Li Boss, I’ll be honest—you may not know, but this phonograph draws the dead.” Since the deal couldn’t be undone, Feng Shopkeeper  told Li Banfeng everything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An old woman from Chuansizi Alley came every night to listen, always sitting beside Feng Shopkeeper .\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A yellow dog from Yuchuan Alley, dead two days, was drawn by the phonograph—came every night, curled at Feng Shopkeeper ’s bedside to listen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was said Feng Shopkeeper ’s long-dead father returned twice—he liked to brew tea, smoke his pipe, and listen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Xuan, the girl from Qingxiao Pavilion who drowned herself, came with her pipa, playing and singing along with the phonograph.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hu San, who drowned with Xiao Xuan, liked to smoke a cigarette, hugging Chunsheng as he listened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every night, the store filled with wandering ghosts—how could anyone live like this?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feng Shopkeeper  finally snapped—he ordered Chunsheng to throw the phonograph out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That night at eleven, the phonograph returned on time, scalding Feng Shopkeeper  and Chunsheng with steam, then resumed singing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Driven to desperation, Feng Shopkeeper  shut the shop and moved back to his hometown in Waigou with Chunsheng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But it was useless—the phonograph followed him home.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feng Shopkeeper  rented another house and moved to escape.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That night, the phonograph followed him, sang all night, and warned him: wherever he went, it would follow. Next time he fled without saying goodbye, it would warm him and Chunsheng properly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The phonograph added: she preferred her original place.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feng Shopkeeper  dared not defy her. The next day, he and Chunsheng moved back to the shop.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If we can’t escape, we’ll send it away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feng Shopkeeper  negotiated with the phonograph—he was a merchant; if someone wanted to buy it, he couldn’t stop them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The phonograph agreed. The next day, Feng Shopkeeper  priced it at twenty taels and sold it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That night, the phonograph returned and burned Fengzhanggui  with blisters, claiming he had sold it too cheaply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The phonograph demanded Fengzhanggui  set a price of at least two hundred thousand, allowing for some negotiation; Fengzhanggui  dragged it out until today and finally managed to sell it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He felt guilty toward Li Banfeng, but never expected Li Banfeng to say the phonograph was quite good.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After recounting all his experiences, the shopkeeper added: “Mr. Li, this phonograph doesn’t just summon the dead—it can devour them. Did you know that?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng nodded and said: “That’s exactly what I like about her—she knows how to manage a household and doesn’t waste things!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Li Banfeng had gone this far mad, the shopkeeper felt even more guilt and ordered Chunsheng to quickly bring twenty-six ten thousand in cash: “Mr. Li, here’s your sixteen ten thousand—I won’t take it back. I’m adding another ten ten thousand as my personal gesture. How does that sound?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng waved his hands repeatedly: “What are you doing? I truly love that phonograph. I didn’t come to return it—I came to buy it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The shopkeeper sat stunned for a long while, then asked: “Mr. Li, what would you like to buy?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I want to buy some information—information about this phonograph. I want to know who’s inside it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>PS:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thank you, Original Bright Magic Master!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng is about to do something big, dear readers—come help Shala with it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s about causing trouble. Not making salad!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",1984,"2026-06-20T03:43:13.043Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","2a367a7e51a0819604cddf014484547b913e7833a95462158f289703582545c3","lord-of-the-proles-chapter-75","lord-of-the-proles-chapter-73",863,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Flord-of-the-proles-cover.jpg"]