Chapter 787

Yuan Watch Yuan Youshang returned home and waited for a full six hours before going to Lan Qiao Yi's mansion.

He did this to avoid the messenger who was delivering the letter to Lan Qiao Yi.

That messenger was delivering news about the Great Totem. The ghost servant only saw a few words, but if the Great Totem had really been repaired by seventy percent, this matter would have immeasurable significance for the entire Shang Kingdom, and the situation of the eleven continents and three thousand kingdoms might all have to change.

The lid of the letter tube had been opened. Lan Qiao Yi would likely investigate this matter thoroughly, but the messenger didn't know Yuan Watch Yuan Youshang. As long as he didn't run into him, this matter wouldn't involve Yuan Watch Yuan Youshang.

Six hours later, Yuan Watch Yuan Youshang arrived at Lan Qiao Yi's mansion. Nian Nian Shangyou was also present.

Yuan Watch Yuan Youshang lowered his eyes, trying his best not to have contact with Nian Nian Shangyou.

The scene was a bit awkward. Lan Qiao Yi smiled and said: "Nian Shangyou, Watch Yuan Youshang, all grievances are in the past.

Drink these two cups of wine first, put aside this private grudge, and now that danger is before us, you two are pillars of the state,

and should work together with one heart to turn the tide and support the building that is about to collapse."

Lan Qiao Yi poured a cup of wine for each of them. Nian Nian Shangyou drank his, while Yuan Watch Yuan Youshang held his wine cup, lowering his head and saying nothing.

"Watch Yuan Youshang," Lan Qiao Yi stepped forward to persuade him, "Regarding the past, Nian Shangyou has already explained the origin to me. In the battle of Dao Ghost Ridge, you were not at fault. He He Jiaqing and Cui Cui Tike joined forces, and you were outnumbered; it was reasonable.

As for the matter of Xiaoyao Dock, you tried your best to monitor Ma Ma Junyang. Lu Lu Xiaolan acted rashly, not only failing to achieve the goal but also implicating you. Pushing back the cause and effect, Lu Lu Xiaolan should have been severely punished, but now she has died at the hands of Ma Ma Junyang, so this matter cannot be pursued."

Yuan Watch Yuan Youshang held the wine cup, still not drinking.

Lan Qiao Yi was "smoothing things over," pushing the matter onto Lu Lu Xiaolan, which was essentially giving Yuan Watch Yuan Youshang a declaration of innocence.

This was obviously not the result Yuan Watch Yuan Youshang wanted. Nian Nian Shangyou wanted to kill Yuan Watch Yuan Youshang; Lan Qiao Yi didn't mention a word of this.

Nian Nian Shangyou's beard trembled, his face sank, thinking that Yuan Watch Yuan Youshang was being ungrateful.

Lan Qiao Yi understood Yuan Watch Yuan Youshang's thoughts. He took out a document and handed it to Yuan Watch Yuan Youshang: "Just written, not yet stamped. Take a look first to see if there is anything inappropriate."

Yuan Watch Yuan Youshang took it and looked. It was a document conferring the title of Viscount on him. Not only was there a title, but he was also granted a city.

Lan Qiao Yi finally brought out the real goods.

Yuan Watch Yuan Youshang hurriedly thanked him, picked up the wine cup, and drank it in one gulp.

Lan Qiao Yi looked happy, then sighed: "Dingye has just been attacked, and Chaoge is facing a plague. In these difficult times, there are many heavy responsibilities that you must shoulder. If you dwell on the past and miss the opportunity to perform meritorious service, I fear you will regret it later."

Yuan Watch Yuan Youshang bowed again: "My Lord, rest assured. Through all difficulties and dangers, your subordinate will have no complaints."

Seeing this scene, Nian Nian Shangyou couldn't be lacking in etiquette, so he poured a cup of wine for Yuan Watch Yuan Youshang: "Brother Yuan, there were many misunderstandings before. It was all my fault for being impatient. Please don't take it to heart."

Yuan Watch Yuan Youshang hurriedly drank the wine and also toasted Nian Nian Shangyou: "Lord Nian, your subordinate is straightforward and dull. Please forgive me for any offense."

The atmosphere finally eased. Everyone sat in the study and chatted about business. Lan Qiao Yi originally intended to let Yuan Watch Yuan Youshang go to Puluo Continent again to investigate Li Qi's movements when a messenger requested an audience, saying there was a secret letter to report.

In the past, Lan Qiao Yi would have let Nian Nian Shangyou receive the secret letter alone, not handling it in front of others.

But looking at the tooth plate of this messenger, Lan Qiao Yi didn't let Nian Nian Shangyou handle it, but let the messenger enter the study and present the secret letter in person.

As soon as the messenger entered the door, Yuan Watch Yuan Youshang's heart skipped a beat.

This messenger was the one he had saved on the road.

Yuan Watch Yuan Youshang had waited for a full six hours just to avoid encountering this messenger at Lan Qiao Yi's mansion. He thought the messenger should have left long ago, but he didn't expect the messenger to arrive even later than him.

It turned out that this messenger had fallen ill halfway and slept in a daze by the side of the road. Chaoge was suffering from a plague, and some people thought he had died of illness. Seeing his clothes, they thought he was a commoner, so they carried him to the pile of dead bodies, waiting for burial.

This messenger had high cultivation and a good physique. Relying on the pill Yuan Watch Yuan Youshang gave him, he slept for a few hours,

crawled out of the pile of dead bodies, and hurriedly went to find Lan Qiao Yi to deliver the letter.

When presenting the letter, the messenger glanced at Yuan Watch Yuan Youshang, then handed the letter tube to Lan Qiao Yi.

Lan Qiao Yi took the letter tube but didn't open it immediately. He let the messenger retire first, chatted with the two about some government affairs, and then dismissed Yuan Watch Yuan Youshang: "Watch Yuan Youshang, you've had a long journey. Go back and rest for a while."

Yuan Watch Yuan Youshang breathed a sigh of relief, rose to take his leave, and left Lan Qiao's mansion.

Nian Nian Shangyou came to Lan Qiao Yi and asked: "My Lord, where did the secret letter come from?"

Lan Qiao Yi shook his head: "It's nothing important. Nian Shangyou, you've also worked hard these past few days. Go back and rest first,

and take good care of your health."

Nian Nian Shangyou left the study, feeling a chill in his heart.

What kind of matter could it be that Lan Qiao Yi didn't even trust him?

Lan Qiao Yi didn't trust anyone with this matter.

The Shang Kingdom had many communication methods, but Lan Qiao Yi didn't use any communication equipment for the matter of the Great Totem, only letting his trusted aides deliver the letters.

And today's situation was particularly special. The moment he received the letter tube, Lan Qiao Yi discovered that the lid had been opened.

He called the messenger over and asked calmly: "Who has touched the secret letter?"

The messenger didn't dare to hide it: "Your subordinate fell ill as soon as I arrived in Chaoge and fainted twice on the road. The first time I fainted, the letter tube accidentally fell to the ground, and the lid fell off. Someone helped your subordinate pick up the letter tube."

Lan Qiao Yi's tone had no blame or impatience: "Who was that person?"

The messenger lowered his head and said: "Your subordinate doesn't know him."

This was the truth; the messenger really didn't know Yuan Watch Yuan Youshang.

"When you entered the study, why did you look at Yuan Watch Yuan Youshang?" Lan Qiao Yi pointed to the seat where Yuan Watch Yuan Youshang had just sat.

The messenger pursed his lips and said: "Because the person who helped your subordinate up looks a bit like him."

Lan Qiao Yi nodded slightly and let the messenger retire first.

After waiting for a while, Lan Qiao Yi had someone go find Nian Nian Shangyou.

Nian Nian Shangyou had just returned home, still pondering why Lan Qiao Yi had lost trust in him.

Could it be because of Yuan Watch Yuan Youshang's matter?

Did Nian Nian Shangyou's handling of Yuan Watch Yuan Youshang's matter bring about Lan Qiao Yi's dissatisfaction?

Just as he was feeling uneasy, Lan Qiao Yi called him over again.

Nian Nian Shangyou arrived at the study, trembling, only to hear Lan Qiao Yi ask: "Nian Shangyou, what do you think of Yuan Watch Yuan Youshang's matter?"

This was questioning his crime to his face!

Nian Nian Shangyou hurriedly admitted his mistake: "Your subordinate acted without consideration and had too much suspicion toward Yuan Watch Yuan Youshang, but from beginning to end, I was thinking for you, My Lord. There was absolutely no private grudge."

Lan Qiao Yi nodded: "I believe you. I have believed you from beginning to end. You take some people now, go to Yuan Watch Yuan Youshang's house, and bring me his head."

Nian Nian Shangyou was startled. Didn't he just say he was going to confer a title on Yuan Watch Yuan Youshang? Didn't he just say he was going to entrust him with heavy responsibilities?

Seeing Nian Nian Shangyou still stunned, Lan Qiao Yi took a wooden box from the bookshelf, opened it, and showed it to Nian Nian Shangyou.

Inside the wooden box was a head—it was the messenger who had just delivered the secret letter.

Lan Qiao Yi closed the wooden box and said to Nian Nian Shangyou: "This matter cannot have the slightest mistake. I want the head, I want the soul, and I want all the ghost servants he has."

Nian Nian Shangyou's beard trembled, and he hurriedly gathered the assassins.

Yuan Watch Yuan Youshang returned home and lay on the bed to rest. Thinking of that messenger, he felt more and more fearful.

A martial cultivator ghost servant advised: "Leave now, don't wait for Lan Qiao Yi to turn against you."

A thought cultivator ghost servant advised: "Lord Lan Qiao has already issued the document of conferment. If you leave now, won't all these years of suffering be in vain?"

A literary cultivator ghost servant said: "The document hasn't been stamped yet, so it doesn't count. If that messenger tells the truth, we won't be able to end this. In my opinion, we should leave.

One—"

A "debating" ghost servant said: "I'm not arguing, I'm reasoning with you all. If we leave now, isn't it equivalent to admitting that we read that secret letter? This crime will never be washed away!"

The ghost servants held their own opinions, arguing until Yuan Watch Yuan Youshang's head ached.

A concubine entered the room holding a quilt and said to Yuan Watch Yuan Youshang: "My Lord, it's cold. Let me add a quilt."

Yuan Watch Yuan Youshang pointed to the bedside and said to the concubine: "Put it there."

The concubine put the quilt on the bed, pulled a short blade from the quilt, and chopped off Yuan Watch Yuan Youshang's head with one blow.

Yuan Watch Yuan Youshang's head had its eyes wide open. This concubine had been brought by him from Puluo Continent; she had no cultivation, didn't know martial arts, worked diligently, and was silent. No matter what, Yuan Watch Yuan Youshang couldn't have imagined that she would attack him.

Was this his concubine?

Ding!

The door opened. Nian Nian Shangyou led people in, holding an iron bell, and clamped it over Yuan Watch Yuan Youshang.

Yuan Watch Yuan Youshang didn't know how Nian Nian Shangyou got in. There were many ghost servants patrolling and keeping watch around his mansion; how could there not be any movement at all?

This iron bell trapped all of Yuan Watch Yuan Youshang's personal ghost servants. Nian Nian Shangyou tapped the iron bell lightly and ordered: "

Count the number."

The iron bell responded after a short while: "Three hundred and thirty-one."

Nian Nian Shangyou shouted at the door: "Report the number!"

A bailiff holding a compass shouted: "Collected five."

A bailiff holding an iron box shouted: "Collected three."

A total of fifteen bailiffs, carrying fifteen weapons, all of which were the nemesis of wandering souls.

Before the "concubine" made her move, Nian Nian Shangyou had already led people to clean up the patrolling ghost servants.

This "concubine" was also an assassin in disguise. She seized the moment when Yuan Watch Yuan Youshang was upset and confused, and succeeded in one strike.

Woo-woo~

Two cries came from inside the iron bell, seemingly issued by Yuan Watch Yuan Youshang.

Nian Nian Shangyou sniffed and also cried.

It wasn't because he felt heartache for Yuan Watch Yuan Youshang, but because Nian Nian Shangyou had been hit by a "crying cultivator" technique. He felt sad in his heart and couldn't help but cry.

This was Yuan Watch Yuan Youshang's final struggle, but unfortunately, it came too late.

Nian Nian Shangyou ordered his men to carry the iron bell back to Lan Qiao Yi's mansion.

Lan Qiao Yi tapped the iron bell and heard Yuan Watch Yuan Youshang's crying complaint: "What did your subordinate do wrong? Please enlighten me, My Lord!"

Nian Nian Shangyou listened from the side; he also wanted to know what crime Yuan Watch Yuan Youshang had committed.

But Lan Qiao Yi was in no mood to give any explanation.

He had people hang the iron bell up, brought a bell-striking hammer, and struck the iron bell.

Ding~

A long, lingering bell sound rang out.

A pile of ashes fell out from under the iron bell, almost indistinguishable from the furnace ashes in an ordinary household's stove.

All the souls inside the iron bell had vanished into smoke and ashes.

Nian Nian Shangyou was still wiping his tears, and Lan Qiao Yi looked at him.

Nian Nian Shangyou hurriedly explained: "My Lord, I was hit by a crying cultivator technique."

Lan Qiao Yi asked: "Yuan Watch Yuan Youshang's ghost servants, none of them escaped, right?"

"None!" Nian Nian Shangyou replied very firmly. "Your subordinate checked carefully; all of Yuan Watch Yuan Youshang's ghost servants were captured."

Lan Qiao Yi trusted Nian Nian Shangyou and felt that he wouldn't fail in this matter.

But he overlooked one problem: the Great Melting Pot was broken, and there were many wandering souls in Chaoge City.

Near the harbor, there were many people who had died because of the plague, and their corpses had fallen into the sea.

One corpse resembled an eel; half of its body had been eaten by other fish, and the remaining half was covered with shellfish and worms.

The only remaining eye of this corpse slowly opened.

Li Li Banfeng collected a batch of popularity in Xiao Capital. Because the time since the last collection wasn't long enough, the popularity collected this time wasn't enough to advance to the fifth layer.

The backlash of the residence cultivation was still intense. Although Li Li Banfeng didn't want to go out, he still went to Ban Yue Province. He not only had to investigate some things clearly but also had to deal with a major event—a matter that was almost unimaginable for Puluo Continent.

Li Li Banfeng had planned this major event for a long time, and now he was finally going to make it happen.

He returned to the Dark Star Bureau building. This place had originally stopped working, and the staff had all gone home on vacation. Li Li Banfeng thought this building would be completely converted for his use, but looking at it today, the situation of the Dark Star Bureau was all as usual.

Each department was operating normally, and Li Li Banfeng's mobile phone could even receive action information from the security team.

Li Li Banfeng took the elevator from the entrance of the building and walked into the office all the way. No one in the Dark Star Bureau could notice him.

Chen Chen Zhangrui didn't know Li Li Banfeng had returned either. After Ayu left, no one sent him a letter, and he couldn't grasp Li Li Banfeng's whereabouts.

After obtaining the consent of the Follow-the-Body Residence, Li Li Banfeng brought out the Second Room. Zhao Zhao Xiaowan originally wanted to have the Red Lotus make a puppet for the Second Room, but the Second Room refused, thinking it was unnecessary.

He turned into a shadow on the ground, sticking to the surface, following Li Li Banfeng out of the room. Looking closely, his figure was obviously different from Li Li Banfeng's—he was shorter, thinner, and his face was much rounder than Li Li Banfeng's.

Li Li Banfeng took Zhao Zhao Xiaowan and the Second Room to the stairwell, turned around every floor, and the three returned to the office.

Zhao Zhao Xiaowan stated her deduction: "There are shadow cultivation methods in this building. It has another projection in a university, which is a storage locker. This is my preliminary judgment."

The Second Room looked around, watched for a long time, and asked in a low voice: "General Hong is not here, right?"

Zhao Zhao Xiaowan nodded: "Xue Yingying is not here. If you have something to say, just say it."

The Second Room said cautiously: "General Zhao, I think what you said is wrong."

Zhao Zhao Xiaowan frowned: "Which sentence is wrong?"

The Second Room said: "I think that storage locker you mentioned cannot be a projection of this building."

Zhao Zhao Xiaowan's face sank: "You haven't even seen the storage locker, yet you say it's impossible?"

The Second Room realized that he lacked some sense of proportion in his speech and hurriedly apologized: "It was my rashness. Why don't we go see that locker?"

Zhao Zhao Xiaowan looked at Li Li Banfeng: "Husband, let's go to the supermarket now."

Li Li Banfeng took out his pocket watch and looked at the time: "You go ahead; I still have something to do here."

The Lady took the Second Room to the supermarket. Li Li Banfeng called Chen Chen Zhangrui: "Old Chen, do you have anything urgent to find me for?"

"Yes!" Chen Chen Zhangrui's voice was trembling, "Director Li, I've finally waited for your return!"

Li Li Banfeng smiled: "Are you waiting for me, or are others waiting for me?"

"We are all waiting."

"Are you coming alone, or bringing others with you?"

Chen Chen Zhangrui didn't hide it anymore: "Director Gao also wants to come and see you."

Li Li Banfeng agreed: "Then let him come!"

Half an hour later, Chen Chen Zhangrui brought Gao Gao Yina to Li Li Banfeng's office.

Unlike in the past, Gao Gao Yina's face today didn't have the hesitation and dilemma of the past, and her smile was filled with joy and excitement.

"Dean Li, during the time you were away, we did a lot of work regarding the predicament Puluo Continent is facing. I will give you a simple report here—"

Li Li Banfeng waved his hand: "I have limited time. Let's get to the point."

Gao Gao Yina put away her speech draft and maintained her sincere smile: "Regarding the various difficulties Puluo Continent is facing, we have conducted in-depth analysis and research, and have put forward corresponding solutions to specific problems—"

Li Li Banfeng emphasized again: "Get to the point, try to speak faster."

Gao Gao Yina brewed her words: "The purpose of my visit to you this time is to restore the order of Puluo Continent as soon as possible. On the basis of balancing the interests of all parties—"

Li Li Banfeng interrupted Gao Gao Yina: "What order do you want to restore?"

Although she was mentally prepared, having to face the core issue right away still made Gao Gao Yina a bit nervous: "The primary task of restoring order is to let the Security Hall resume operation."

Li Li Banfeng smiled: "This task is easy to handle. It can be completed today. Isn't Liao Liao Zihui still in Puluo Continent?

You make a phone call to him and tell him to work properly."

Gao Gao Yina felt she hadn't explained clearly: "We are not talking about the remaining personnel of the General Security Hall; we are talking about personnel from all over the Security Hall preparing to re-enter Puluo Continent."

Li Li Banfeng nodded: "This task is even easier to handle. They don't need to enter anymore. Puluo Continent doesn't need the Security Hall in the future."

Gao Gao Yina's smile gradually solidified. She turned to look at Chen Chen Zhangrui.

Chen Chen Zhangrui was expressionless. His task of letting Gao Gao Yina meet Li Li Banfeng had been completed.

Gao Gao Yina pursed her lips: "Dean Li, I know some things from before might have caused you a misunderstanding—"

Li Li Banfeng shook his head: "No misunderstanding, it's all business."

Gao Gao Yina's tone changed slightly. She took a document and gave it to Li Li Banfeng: "Dean Li, I hope you understand that in transportation and other key areas, we have perfect management processes. The important significance of the Security Hall lies in..."

"There is no significance," Li Li Banfeng put Gao Gao Yina's document aside. "From now on, Puluo Continent's transportation and other areas have nothing to do with the Outer Continent."

Gao Gao Yina was a bit anxious, her tone rising slightly: "Dean Li, you should be clear that every railway in Puluo Continent was built by us."

Li Li Banfeng acknowledged this: "Every railway in Puluo Continent has earned back thousands of times the profit for you. Now it is time to give the railways to Puluo Continent."

Gao Gao Yina took out a handkerchief and wiped the sweat from her forehead: "Dean Li, I hope you can calm down.

Puluo Continent's transportation doesn't just refer to the railway problem; it also includes Puluo Continent's trade..."

"Speaking of trade, I have another matter to inform you: Puluo Continent will establish a relatively fair trade relationship with the Outer Continent from now on."

Gao Gao Yina hurriedly rummaged through her bag for data: "Our trade with Puluo Continent has always been based on fairness, justice, and mutual benefit. I have sufficient data here—"

"Don't talk about data anymore," Li Li Banfeng took out a Puluo Continent movie projector. "Have you seen this thing?"

Chen Chen Zhangrui nodded: "I've seen it. A movie projector. I also bought one once. The quality is very good, very nostalgic."

Li Li Banfeng smiled: "Did you buy it in Black Stone Slope?"

Chen Chen Zhangrui's cheeks turned red, and he nodded.

Li Li Banfeng touched the outer shell of the projector: "The quality of the Black Stone Slope projector is very good, and the quality of the movies is even better. But do you know why this projector is made of wood?"

Gao Gao Yina wanted to change the subject: "This should be a craft characteristic of Puluo Continent. What we want to explore today is..."

Li Li Banfeng pushed the projector in front of Gao Gao Yina: "I don't know if you are really confused or pretending to be confused, but you must know that plastic products are lighter, easier to shape, and more corrosion-resistant. You should also be clear about the price plastic products sell for in Puluo Continent."

Gao Gao Yina was clear that the price of plastic in Puluo Continent was ridiculously high: "This is not our problem. The overall environment of Puluo Continent is not suitable for the production and processing of plastic products. As a scarce product, there is naturally a certain degree of premium."

Li Li Banfeng said: "I know Puluo Continent is not suitable for producing plastic, and I also know there are many crafts that are not suitable for Puluo Continent.

But we can establish more fair trade channels. If this channel cannot be established, we will look for new trade partners. Business can be done with anyone."

Speaking of trade, there is also Three-Head Fork. The trade relationship in the Underground City needs to change, and many places outside the Underground City also need to change, especially the Sinner City and the Innocent Army, which will no longer be under the jurisdiction of the Outer Continent from now on."

Gao Gao Yina was covered in sweat, and her speech also had word order problems: "These things are not as easy as you say. There are many—"

"I know this matter is not easy. I have done many things that were even less easy than this." Li Li Banfeng looked at Gao Gao Yina, and waves of chill made her sweat slowly dissipate a bit.

Gao Gao Yina knew clearly that the Shang Kingdom had suffered a series of heavy blows recently, and this series of heavy blows had a deep connection with Li Li Banfeng.

"I will convey your opinions to my superiors. As for the final discussion result, I cannot make any promises to you."

"I don't need promises." Li Li Banfeng picked up his teacup.

Seeing this, Chen Chen Zhangrui hurriedly got up to see the guests out.

The two left the office. Li Li Banfeng took out a simple telephone and called Ma Wu: "Old Five, immediately arrange manpower to take over the railways of Puluo Continent."

"Ah?" Ma Wu was stunned on the phone for more than ten seconds. "Take over the railways? The railways... aren't they stopped?"

Li Li Banfeng said: "Now we will manage the railways, and then get the trains running."

Ma Wu still didn't understand. This matter was an untouchable existence for almost all the people of Puluo Continent.

"Old Seven, regarding the matter of managing the railways, shouldn't you talk to the Security Hall first?"

"No need to pay attention to the Security Hall. From now on, the affairs of Puluo Continent have nothing to do with the Security Hall."

"But, the stations are theirs, the trains are theirs, the hands are theirs—"

"The stations and trains are now ours. The hands need to be hired. Those with experience are prioritized; if they don't have experience, it doesn't matter—just learn."

Ma Wu took a few deep breaths. Although he was a Cloud-level cultivator and a business genius, the impact of this matter on him was truly too great.

"But, I, what—how should the ticket price be set?" Ma Wu's head was blank, feeling that all matters were impossible to start.

Li Li Banfeng said: "Set the ticket price a bit lower. It's enough if we can make a little profit."

Ma Wu thought of another key question: "What about the price of the road permit? Should we still follow the rules of the Security Hall?"

Li Li Banfeng said word by word: "Old Five, listen carefully. From now on, there are no road permits within Puluo Continent.

The people of Puluo Continent, walking on the territory of Puluo Continent, no longer need road permits."

PS: Hearing the concept of a road permit for the first time, Li Li Banfeng was extremely angry. See Chapter 40 for details.