Chapter 753: Gather Enough Capital

"Sister, have you come out?" Li Li Banfeng tightened the gold bar, waiting for A Yu's reply.

"Brother, if I really had come out, would you be happy or not?"

That question was hard to answer.

"Do you think I should be happy?"

"Brother, I think you should be happy—some say you're from Waizhou, others say you're from Like Puluozhou,

but it doesn't matter; your heart has always been with Like Puluozhou,

I'm a Like Puluozhou person, and I've devoted myself entirely to Like Puluozhou's good. How could you bear to let your sister be locked away by outsiders for life?"

Li Li Banfeng sat alone in his office, shaking his head: "I couldn't bear it."

"If you care about your sister, why worry? Are you afraid I'll harm the members of Anxing Bureau? How could I ever do such a thing? We still can't leave now, and we'll still have to rely on Anxing Bureau for our livelihood—

I just love cleanliness, so I'll make them learn to love it too. Today's actions went too far; if my brother is upset, I'll change.

Tomorrow, everything will return to normal. Are you satisfied now, brother?"

Li Li Banfeng opened his mouth to reply, when the Leaving Suishenju whispered in his ear: "A Qi, don't argue with her."

"Oh my, Little Train is here too, hehehe!" A Yu laughed again.

"You don't know whether I'm here or not? Hehehe!" Little Train laughed along.

"Still in good health?" A Yu seemed very familiar with Little Train.

"Definitely healthier than you! A Qi, let's go home—you've worked all day, you're tired."

Li Li Banfeng left Anxing Bureau and reached the intersection, where he saw Chen Chen Zhangrui sweeping the street with a broom.

"Old Chen, what are you doing now?"

Chen Chen Zhangrui wiped his sweat: "Anxing Bureau is our home. We should keep our own doorstep clean."

"Still our doorstep?" Li Li Banfeng glanced back. "This place is a full li away from Anxing Bureau!"

"Superiors are coming to inspect tomorrow. Clean it well—we'll look good too." Chen Chen Zhangrui kept sweeping, utterly unaware how abnormal his behavior was.

Was it him who had changed—or the land itself?

A passerby walked by and tossed a milk tea cup into the trash bin; a few drops of leftover milk spilled onto the road. The pedestrian knelt down, pulled out a tissue from his pocket, and wiped for a long time.

Not only Anxing Bureau's people were affected—even the pedestrians around were affected.

How many bodies had Old Train taken from Anxing Bureau?

How vast is the influence of A Yu and the Heavenly Maiden?

"A Qi, let's go home."

Li Li Banfeng followed Leaving Suishenju's advice and returned to his apartment. As he opened the door, he did not smell dust.

Could this apartment be affected too?

Li Li Banfeng stood at the threshold, hesitating. The ghost servants emerged from inside: "Young Master, we've cleaned every corner as you ordered."

Leaving Suishenju whispered in his ear: "A Qi, don't be suspicious. Go rest."

Li Li Banfeng entered the bedroom, preparing to ask his wife in Leaving Suishenju how to stop A Yi and the Heavenly Maiden—just as he pulled out the key, Leaving Suishenju warned: "Once you're home, some things can't be said. I'm drained—I need to rest."

Little Train offered no further explanation. Li Li Banfeng faintly heard heavy breathing.

The old man had fallen asleep.

Back inside Leaving Suishenju, Li Li Banfeng hugged the phonograph and collapsed onto the bed, asleep.

The phonograph asked gently: "Husband, were you exhausted today?"

"Wife, many things happened outside today. Did you see them?"

Before his wife could answer, Hong Ying interrupted: "The Fifth Chamber is acting strange—today we couldn't see anything."

Was Little Train's exhaustion due to this?

Does the Fifth Chamber have such power?

Is Leaving Suishenju struggling to resist her?

Since acquiring Leaving Suishenju, Li Li Banfeng had never felt danger at home—but today, he felt deeply unsettled.

The phonograph pressed its speaker to Li Li Banfeng's ear and whispered softly: "Husband, don't worry about outside matters—they've burdened you enough. Don't trouble yourself with home affairs. Fifth Lady is just tired; she'll need two days' rest."

With his wife's words, Li Li Banfeng felt somewhat reassured.

After sleeping in Leaving Suishenju, Li Li Banfeng arrived at Anxing Bureau in the morning. The entire morning passed normally. The previously investigated Silt Cultivator—the Mud Cultivator—had been captured.

Wo Wo Wo Wotou brought him straight back to the bureau. Though he left a trail of sludge everywhere, Wo Wo Wo Wotou didn't feel as guilty as yesterday—only notified the cleaners to sweep it up quickly.

Cleaning the sludge around the Silt Cultivator was an impossible task; his control was far weaker than a true Mud Cultivator's, and sludge clung to him wherever he went.

The Silt Cultivator deliberately sabotaged—each time the cleaners reached seventy or eighty percent, fresh clumps of sludge oozed from beneath his feet.

Today's cleaner was unusually persistent. No matter how much sludge appeared, she uttered not a single complaint, circling the cell

again and again, scrubbing.

Though still slightly abnormal, it remained within understandable bounds. Li Li Banfeng stopped the cleaner,

and soon after, the Silt Cultivator seemed ashamed—he stopped releasing sludge altogether.

This was what A Yu meant by "everything back to normal."

The people of Anxing Bureau seemed noticeably more normal than yesterday—but Li Li Banfeng sensed other changes he couldn't yet identify.

Last night, Chen Chen Zhangrui said superiors would inspect. By afternoon, Gao Gao Yina arrived.

Li Li Banfeng didn't want to see her, but Gao Gao Yina still barged in without shame.

If she brought up the matter of reclaiming Anxing Bureau, Li Li Banfeng might have seriously considered it—but she didn't dare mention it. Instead, she changed tactics: "Li Ju, we're planning to install a batch of AI equipment—just routine upgrades."

"Does this require my approval?"

Gao Gao Yina answered seriously: "Every matter concerning Anxing Bureau must be decided by Li Ju. Old Chen, isn't that right?"

Chen Chen Zhangrui didn't answer. He took a cigarette from his pack and lit it.

This act disgusted Gao Gao Yina—before, Chen Chen Zhangrui had never dared smoke in her presence.

After two puffs, Chen Chen Zhangrui spoke: "Director Gao, doesn't Anxing Bureau already have enough AI equipment?"

Gao Gao Yina frowned: "Equipment must be updated."

Chen Chen Zhangrui stared at her: "Can we speak honestly? Anxing Bureau's equipment has been updated constantly. The equipment you want to add are all surveillance devices—am I right?

How many surveillance devices have you added to Anxing Bureau lately? How long has it been since we received any combat gear replenishment? Do you distrust Anxing Bureau so much? Can't you offer us any other support?"

Chen Chen Zhangrui was acting strangely.

Gao Gao Yina was even stranger.

In the past, Gao Gao Yina would have scolded Chen Chen Zhangrui thoroughly—he might have dared argue, but he'd never won; their verbal skills were too unequal.

But now Gao Gao Yina lowered her head, silent, cheeks flushed—as if she'd done something wrong.

Chen Chen Zhangrui continued: "Over the years, Anxing Bureau's sacrifices have been obvious—but we've received little recognition.

I admit we've made mistakes—but how many criticisms have we endured? How many injustices have we swallowed? Be fair: is the primary blame for those mistakes truly on Anxing Bureau?"

Gao Gao Yina sniffled twice, then wept.

For just a few words from Chen Chen Zhangrui, Gao Gao Yina actually cried!

Gao Gao Yina wasn't pretending—she genuinely felt guilt: "Li Ju, Director Chen, about the past—

I've been reflecting constantly. Anxing Bureau has indeed borne too much. For this equipment update, I'll remove unnecessary surveillance devices. I can't do much, but within my ability, I'll give Anxing Bureau more support."

Gao Gao Yina left. Li Li Banfeng broke a rule—he escorted her downstairs.

After seeing Gao Gao Yina off, Li Li Banfeng walked through the park. Her behavior was clearly influenced by A Yu and the Heavenly Maiden.

But given the current situation, was this influence good or bad?

Li Li Banfeng sat on a park bench, speculating on the relationship between the Heavenly Maiden and A Yu.

A Yu loved cleanliness so much—she clearly possessed the traits of a Home Spirit.

The Heavenly Maiden could manipulate boundaries. If those boundaries came from the Closed Door Technique, then the Heavenly Maiden was likely a Home Cultivator.

The many abnormalities in Anxing Bureau prove it has, to some extent, become the Heavenly Maiden's residence.

The surrounding land's influence must stem from the Home Cultivator's technique: Earth Expansion and Territory Opening.

Logically, it made sense.

But Li Li Banfeng couldn't guess A Yu and the Heavenly Maiden's goals—or how many more variables lay ahead.

"A Qi, things are always changing. We just need to prepare our response," Leaving Suishenju sensed Li Li Banfeng's unease.

"I want to respond—but I feel powerless," Li Li Banfeng rubbed his forehead. "Not only Anxing Bureau is unstable—how entangled are Did Honglian and A Yu? Is Neizhou involved? And the real Hand-Foot Alliance—how connected are they? I simply can't untangle it."

"You'll figure it out. These people aren't smarter than you—just older. I've lived long too, and your wife isn't weak. We can outmaneuver them.

Old Train was right—I didn't know Home Cultivation techniques before, but now I do. We must learn from them. They're scheming big business here—but we needn't fear. They must pay us the capital!"

Li Li Banfeng sighed: "But my own capital seems insufficient."

"A Qi, you've finally hit the core! Knowing your capital is low, you must gather it fast. I'll handle home affairs. You must recover your external capital. Staying in Waizhou—even if you understand everything—you can't change the situation."

Li Li Banfeng stood from the bench and gazed toward Anxing Bureau.

He wanted to return and give instructions—but after long hesitation, he tightened the gold bar in his hand.

"Brother, still not satisfied? Tell me—how should I change?"

"Sister, I'm satisfied. Keep Anxing Bureau as it is. Can you open the boundary for me? I need to return to Like Puluozhou—I have urgent matters."

"That's right! Go attend to your business—don't sulk at your sister!"

A Yu opened the boundary for Li Li Banfeng. He passed through Huahu Park, entered Tiemenbao, reached the Soda Kiln, entered Tianyi City, and raced toward Xiaodu.

Xiaodu thrived. Many escaped slaves had gained freedom, and Fei Tie Baisheng's factories kept expanding.

Li Li Banfeng didn't alert anyone—he entered the Imperial Palace directly.

The sunflowers planted in the palace bowed under the weight of their heads; nearly half bore hundreds of divine statues each.

Li Li Banfeng harvested the divine statue and gradually absorbed the human qi.

Not everything can remain unchanged; right or wrong, Li Li Banfeng could not yet figure it out.

But business must go on—he needed capital.

After absorbing enough qi, Li Li Banfeng sowed several sunflower seeds, left the imperial city, and found Tie Tie Baisheng: "The security around Xiaodu must be strengthened; keep a closer watch on Chaoge's movements."

Seeing Li Qi suddenly appear, Tie Tie Baisheng was startled, but he had prepared everything necessary: "I've built a new batch of warships—they'll be finished within ten days. A few days ago, I went to Chaoge and cultivated some allies in the Grand Secretariat."

Li Li Banfeng was very satisfied: "If you run into trouble, tell me. Contact Wu Bian City and have the Luo sisters come get me."

Tie Tie Baisheng didn't know how Li Li Banfeng had arrived in Xiaodu, but he immediately obeyed Li Li Banfeng's orders.

Wu Bian City still needed time to arrive, so Li Li Banfeng entered Tianyi City, returned to his personal residence, and found Did Honglian waiting in the fifth chamber, silently staring at the wall.

Xiang Hongying sighed beside her: "I don't know what's wrong with the Fifth Young Lady—she can't see anything outside."

The Fifth Young Lady's image was projected on the wall: she stood on a wasteland, holding flowers, her face filled with guilt and grievance.

Li Li Banfeng smiled: "It doesn't matter if she can't see. I'll tell you what's happened—the Dark Star Bureau has returned to normal. I suspect Old Train has taken action again and taken control of Ayu."

"Is that so?" Did Honglian chuckled. "Has Old Train gone mad yet?"

"He's always been mad. Even when mad, he never forgets his duties."

Li Li Banfeng stroked Did Honglian, and the halo around her body suddenly intensified.

The glove cried out: "Miss Did Honglian, what's wrong? Are you angry at Master? Afraid you won't find the Heavenly Maiden?"

Did Honglian smiled, and the lotus leaves burst open: "How would I dare be angry at Seventh Master? Tang Dao is finished. Seventh Master, would you like to test it?"

Tang Dao leapt from the lotus heart, its blade radiating a biting chill.

"I've fought across three thousand li; one sword once held back a hundred thousand troops. After countless trials and temperings, this general begs to serve my lord on the battlefield!"

The glove placed its thumb on the hilt and wiggled its index finger: "Forget about swords for now—can you cut four times now?"

"No, I can't!" Tang Dao was utterly honest. "Though I'm still limited to three cuts, my combat power is vastly different from before."

The glove burst into laughter: "You're just blowing smoke! Isn't it just about severing enemy heads? How long has it been since you last took one?"

Tang Dao broke free from the glove and raised its blade: "My lord, if you won't trust me, I'll test it by cutting Lady Er once!"

Xiang Hongying flew into a rage: "Try it, just try!"

Tang Dao quickly explained: "I meant Lady Er—Did Honglian Madam."

Xiang Hongying grew even angrier: "Say that again!"

Tang Dao fell silent.

The glove gave Li Li Banfeng a slight nod—he believed Tang Dao's mind had not been affected.

Li Li Banfeng used the Linked Dwelling Technique to swap out Bolo and Ba Ba Suan, then taught Lady Er the method to control Tianyi City.

"You control Tianyi City, scout near Chaoge, and immediately inform me the moment Lan Qiao Yi moves."

Ba Ba Suan didn't understand Li Li Banfeng's meaning: "When will we come to pick you up? Today or tomorrow?"

Li Li Banfeng shook his head: "No need to come pick me up. For the foreseeable future, Tianyi City is under your command."

Lady Er was stunned. Bolo asked: "Seventh Master, do you really trust us?"

"I do."

Ba Ba Suan said: "We have a contract with the Old Master. Leaving the house without permission carries punishment."

Li Li Banfeng heard the laughter from his personal residence.

"Don't worry—the Old Master trusts you too."

Ba Ba Suan still couldn't believe it, but Bolo believed.

He borrowed Li Li Banfeng's simple telephone and hung a hook on it: "Seventh Master, we'll get your tasks done. With this hook, we can contact you anytime."

Li Li Banfeng gave Bolo and Ba Ba Suan a Xiao Xuan Yun Pill, took one for the Dragonbone Waterwheel, and everything was settled.

Li Li Banfeng left Tianyi City.

Standing on the shore, Li Li Banfeng gazed at the endless sea.

"Old Master, my wife says the Technique of Perfect Fortune cannot be learned by anyone. Do you think I can learn it?"

"I think you can. I'll start by learning slowly from them, master the essentials, then study it together with the House Spirit!"

Li Li Banfeng didn't just want to learn the Technique of Perfect Fortune—he also had another technique to improve.

"Every time I enter the Peddler's house and step into the master's bedroom, I end up in the staircase. Is that the Linked Dwelling Technique?"

"I think so, but this technique isn't meant for a single residence."

"Can I push the Linked Dwelling Technique to this level?"

"I think you can. Talk it over with Jiang Linger—her house is more authentic than mine."

"Can I push this technique even further?"

The personal residence didn't understand: "How far do you want to push it?"

A surge of waves rose on the sea, waves several meters high crashing against the rocks, as a great mountain slowly rose from the shore.

Li Li Banfeng went to Wu Bian City and harvested many divine statues from the Marquis's rear garden.

He entered Yucui Tower and saw Jiang Linger.

Jiang Linger forced a smile, her heart full of joy: "Have you started learning opera from Zhao Xiao?"

Li Li Banfeng shook his head: "Not yet. Let's learn something else first."

Lan Qiao Yi flipped through the intelligence reports and said to Nian Nian Shangyou: "Pulu Province needs a new plot of land."

Nian Nian Shangyou thought for a moment: "Has He He Jiaqing already opened a new plot?"

Lan Qiao Yi frowned: "How could it be He He Jiaqing? He'd never open just one—he'd open all thirteen Hai plots at once."

"Only then can he ensure the thirteen Hai plots are connected."

"This plot does indeed appear in the He family—He He Yuxiu's land is nearly ready for cultivation. Find some reliable hands and send the He heiress a congratulatory gift."

Hearing this, Nian Nian Shangyou felt uneasy: "If we forcibly seize this new land, the Peddler won't agree."

Lan Qiao Yi set down the report and looked at Nian Nian Shangyou: "I didn't say we'd seize it—we just need to give them something to deal with. Li Qi has returned to Qi Du. Are you aware of this?"

Nian Nian Shangyou gave a slight shake of his head. Lan Qiao Yi sighed deeply: "You know nothing. When Li Qi uncovers the truth about the Bandit-Suppression Camp, you'll regret saying you didn't know. Trouble in Waizhou may not be good for us—but it's not necessarily bad. We need to make Pulu Province unable to handle both ends."

PS: I got home—it was already midnight, 5:30 a. m. I finished this chapter. It's a bit short; please forgive me, esteemed readers.

The Waizhou is about to face trouble; for us, it may not be a good thing, but it's likely not a bad one either—we must make sure the Pulu Zhou cannot handle both ends at once.

PS: When I got home, it was already dawn, five-thirty in the morning; I finished writing this chapter, which is slightly shorter than usual—please forgive me, dear readers.