[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-lord-of-the-proles":3,"chapter-lord-of-the-proles-lord-of-the-proles-chapter-820":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},2291118,4478,"Chapter 820: Calamity","lord-of-the-proles-chapter-820",820,"\u003Cp>Cold wind rushed into the cave, howling loudly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the damp cave, the sound of grinding stones could always be heard, though no one knew where it came from.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng asked the Guxiu  woman: “What’s your name?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Guxiu  woman answered honestly: “I’m Li Yuping, from Wuling City in Waizhou.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Lady asked softly: “Sister, why did someone from Waizhou come to Zhougu Xu?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yuping replied: “When I was young, I learned some Gushu  from my grandmother. She said I had great talent and sufficient Dao affinity, so she got me a train ticket and sent me to Puluozhou.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I found a peddler, joined the Guxiu , and my cultivation advanced quickly. A senior brother in our Dao sect recommended I come to Zhougu Xu—he said it’s our sect’s holy land, and only those with destiny can enter. So I stayed here to cultivate.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Which senior brother brought you here?” Zhao Xiaowan cared deeply about this detail.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yuping shook her head: “He couldn’t bring me. Zhougu Xu forbids men from entering. He found an elder, had me fall asleep, and when I woke up, I was already inside Zhougu Xu with that elder.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dream-Cultivation Dual Cultivation? This person is important.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Xiaowan asked: “Where is that elder now?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Dead. Killed three days ago by the Zhouxiu Patriarch,” Li Yuping’s expression turned sorrowful. “That elder treated me exceptionally well—she brought me to hide in this cave.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“One day we went out to find food, and the Zhouxiu spotted us. There were over a dozen of them—we couldn’t fight back and were captured.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“They forced us to raise insects, letting us sleep only five hours a day—the rest of the time we raised insects.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That elder refused to raise insects. She said it would harm Puluozhou. One night, she took me running away and used a Guchong  to send me out.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But she herself was caught by the Zhouxiu Patriarch and killed on the spot.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Three days ago?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hen Wuyou must not have been staying constantly at Moxiang Shop—she returned to Zhougu Xu during this time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng asked: “What insects did the Zhouxiu make you raise?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Golden Silkworms! Golden Silkworms are the best insect species in Gushu —only found in Zhougu Xu.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Xiaowan asked: “Are Golden Silkworms golden in color?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yuping shook her head: “No, they’re black. The Zhouxiu also use Golden Silkworms, but they call them Wuyu (homophone for ‘xian’), a top-tier material for Zhoushu .”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng pointed to the cave entrance: “Take me to where you raised the insects.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yuping shook her head frantically: “I won’t go! I don’t want to die! If I go, the Zhouxiu will kill me!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huh!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A warm vapor calmed Li Yuping. The Lady’s voice grew even gentler: “Miss Li, don’t be afraid. We’re here— they can’t kill you. Take us there. When we finish, we’ll rescue you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under the soothing effect of the Sound Cultivation technique, Li Yuping momentarily forgot her fear and led Li Banfeng and Zhao Xiaowan out of the cave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Outside the cave lay a vast white snowfield. Li Banfeng looked up—the sky was bright, but no sun could be seen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yuping pointed southwest: “The village is over a hundred li away. They all raise insects there. Walk thirty li ahead and you’ll see their outposts.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Actually, there are many good sisters among the Zhouxiu—they’re quite kind. Without their protection, I wouldn’t have escaped.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng had always been curious about the relationship between Zhouxiu and Guxiu : “Why are your two sects so close?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yuping spoke mysteriously: “Zhou and Gu are one family! Formless Zhou is called Zhou, tangible Zhou is called Gu. Our Ancestor was the Zhouxiu Ancestor’s younger sister—they were both taught by the same master.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng thought for a moment: “I think formless Zhou is stronger.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Not necessarily!” Li Yuping objected sharply. “Zhou Shu  is about concealment, but its power pales next to Gushu . Plus, Gu insects can reproduce, and Gu poisons spread on their own—nothing Zhou Shu  can match.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huh!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A fierce wind struck. Li Yuping choked on snow and wind, coughing for a long time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng heard faint hoofbeats in the wind; Zhao Xiaowan smelled a bitter scent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Miss Li, are people coming?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yuping startled: “Quick, find cover! They’re Zhouxiu patrol riders.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng glanced toward the sound’s source: “Why hide from patrol riders?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yuping said: “You must hide—these riders are skilled!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng didn’t need to hide. The Lady covered Li Yuping’s mouth and stood behind Li Banfeng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A squad of mounted riders in leather greatcoats passed by—none noticed Li Banfeng or the two women behind him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once the riders were gone, Li Banfeng asked Li Yuping: “What kind of hide are their leather greatcoats made from?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The texture was clearly finer than animal hide, the fur far more vibrant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yuping wiped sweat from her face: “You care about this now? I’m nearly scared to death—you just stood there? You don’t even know how to run?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Did they stay in the snow so long their eyes went blind? They couldn’t even see you at this distance!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re incredibly lucky—did you just use an illusion technique?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng still cared about the greatcoat: “I asked you—what hide is that?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yuping said: “It’s from Yanglazi.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“An insect?” Li Banfeng thought of the greatcoat’s size. “How many Yanglazi does it take to make one coat?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“One Yanglazi can make dozens of coats. The Yanglazi here are different—they’re raised with Gushu .”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Raising ordinary insects to enormous sizes—Li Banfeng remembered Lu Yuanxin seemed capable of this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Are Guxiu and Insect Cultivators connected?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes!” Li Yuping nodded. “Insect Cultivators are our ancestral masters. Both Zhouxiu and Guxiu descended from them! We all... we all have the Insect Cultivators’ foundation.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yuping’s expression grew dazed; her speech began to stutter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meng De reminded: “She’s falling into a dream.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the snowfield, towering buildings rose from the ground. Li Yuping sat on a chair beneath one, smiling as she watched the fountain below.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meng Qian stepped out of the building and said to Li Banfeng: “Time’s up. You must leave.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng shook his head: “We can’t leave now. We still have urgent business.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meng Qian could guess what Li Banfeng intended: “I told you clearly before I came: when I say go, you must go. That was our agreement.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Xiaowan smiled: “Miss Meng, we truly have urgent matters now. Could you make an exception?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meng Qian shook her head: “No exceptions. You must leave.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng said: “We had an agreement—you do three things for me each month. Today, let this be the first: let us stay one more day.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meng Qian said: “We also agreed I’d only do what’s within my power. What you just asked—I can’t do it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng froze: “You can’t do this?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Xiaowan asked: “Can you tell us why?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You know the reason,” Meng Qian saw through Li Banfeng’s intent. “You intend to do something in Zhougu Xu that Neizhou cannot tolerate. I brought you here—if you destroy this place, I become your accomplice. That would threaten my survival in Neizhou.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng lifted his hat brim to look at Meng Qian—he had no intention of leaving.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meng Qian sensed the threat and stepped back from Li Banfeng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Xiaowan tugged Li Banfeng’s sleeve: “Miss Meng is right. We shouldn’t pressure her.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng still didn’t want to leave. The Lady pouted, her face tinged with mild reproach.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing the Lady’s expression, Li Banfeng relented. He agreed to leave Zhougu Xu—but added a condition: “Take this woman, Li Yuping, with us.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meng Qian was reluctant: “Leaving her in Zhougu Xu lets us keep a dream entrance for next time.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng shook his head: “You won’t let her stay. You’ll likely kill her to silence her.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They stared at each other. After a moment, Meng Qian conceded: “I can place her in Mengqian Tower. I guarantee she won’t be harmed.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Xiaowan squeezed Li Banfeng’s palm, signaling him to agree.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Given her own safety, Meng Qian wouldn’t make further concessions in the short term.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng agreed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The wind surged again. The snowfield’s howling carried a rhythmic cadence, like a chant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng scanned the snowfield, memorizing every detail he could.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The three retraced their steps; familiar scenery reappeared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Lady kept glancing around, seemingly reluctant to leave these dreamlike sights.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng remained silent, comparing the path forward and back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With his Traveler’s talent, Li Banfeng clearly sensed they walked the same route both ways—but he couldn’t memorize it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every stretch he covered, his sense of direction vanished; the mental map of the path grew chaotic and blurred.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After walking all day, the three returned to Heishipo.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After parting with Meng Qian, Li Banfeng immediately entered the Sui Shen Ju: “Old Master, can you retrace our steps?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Sui Shen Ju could travel from Puluozhou to Wubian City—its sense of direction must surpass Li Banfeng’s.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng had full confidence—but the Old Master sighed deeply: “This won’t be easy. Too many changes along the way. I only have a vague impression. Many paths, I can’t recall.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah Qi, do you think this path was laid by a dream?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng still didn’t fully understand Dream Cultivation mechanics.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If the path they walked was purely dream, then it wasn’t real—yet why were the scenery and time spent identical in both directions?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Had the dream remained frozen for two full days?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If the path were real, why couldn’t Li Banfeng, a Level Six Traveler, remember it? Why did even the Old Master’s memory of it feel so hazy?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If this path truly exists, why can't Li Banfeng, a traveler of Cloud Level Six, remember it? Why is even the old man’s memory of this path so vague?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Xiaowan observed meticulously—every perception technique she possessed remained active: “The path Miss Meng led us on was real, but many segments contained dream elements. On those, we couldn’t use ordinary methods to orient ourselves. Fortunately, I remembered some unusual markers.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Xiao observed with great care; along the way, she never ceased using all her perception techniques: “Meng Qian just led us through this path—it was real, but many sections were illusions. On these sections, we couldn’t determine direction by ordinary means, but I still remember some unusual methods.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Sui Shen Ju recalled: “There was an old city—slightly similar to Fool’s City, but its layout differed. I have a faint memory of it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Companion recalled for a moment and said: “There is an old city, slightly similar to Fool’s City, but its layout is different—I have some memory of it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When walking among the crowd, I could never tell direction—the intersections were endless, and if I went back into that city, I’d surely get lost.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Xiaowan brought paper and ink and sketched from memory the streets she’d walked through the old city: “If you try to force directions by east, south, west, north, anyone would get lost—because the houses here all look identical, their structures perfectly symmetrical, with no directional features at all.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But from this spot onward, I heard someone singing a tune.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Xiaowan marked a crossroad.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suishenju fell silent for a moment, then suddenly spoke: “That’s right—I heard it too. A man was singing, ‘Night Fragrance.’”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Xiaowan picked up her brush and marked the map: “Every time he passes, he sings ‘Night Fragrance’—his tone and pitch never change. This man is clearly a landmark.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Judging by the volume of the voice, we can determine direction and distance—this singing man is right here.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The lady drew the man’s location: “As long as we pinpoint his position, we won’t get lost in the city.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And this lake—there are many boats on it, all identical in appearance, but one boat carries an especially strong fishy odor.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I smelled it with the Hundred Flavors Linglong—it’s another landmark—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Along the way, the lady recorded over seventy landmarks; once strung together, these gave Li Banfeng and Suishenju a clearer grasp of the entire route.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah Qi, we won’t get lost if we go again!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng packed his belongings: “Shall we try it now?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Husband, don’t rush!” The lady ate a biscuit while drawing the map. “This path isn’t short—we’ve walked it back and forth, and little me is starving.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meng Qian is sharp—she’s left many tricks along this route. We must draw the map with precision; if we get lost halfway, we can’t predict what might happen.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng thought it made sense: “Wife, you stay home and finish the map. I’ll go to Moxiang Shop and kill Hen Wuyou outright—remove a major threat and avenge you!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We’ve now confirmed the identity and sect of the Blood Fang Monster—it’s time to act.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Avenge Xiaowan? Why didn’t you tell me about such a big matter!” Hong Ying lifted her spear. “Qi Lang, I’m coming too!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiu’er stood up: “I’ll lend a hand too.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ll go scout first—you all prepare at home.” Li Banfeng gathered his weapons and magic treasures and was about to leave when his body shuddered violently, one chill after another—Jiu’er rushed to support him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Danger!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Could Hen Wuyou have set an ambush?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Xiaowan said: “Husband, don’t rush to find Hen Wuyou—she may have many experts hiding near her.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng said: “If she really had experts, why didn’t she send one to help Dan Chengjun? If Dan Chengjun had even one more expert beside him, I’d have been killed by him.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Xiaowan cleared her throat twice: “Well… who can say for sure?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Ying suddenly understood: “Qi Lang, I get it—in Hen Wuyou’s eyes, you’re no match for Dan Chengjun. She doesn’t think it’s worth supporting him.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s right!” Li Banfeng slapped his thigh and handed the board to Zhao Xiaowan, who then beat Hong Ying with it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Ying rubbed her sore spots, felt no serious injury, turned back to gather her weapons: “I don’t need to prepare at home anymore—Qi Lang, let’s go together. When we see Hen Wuyou, kill her outright—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clang!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before she finished speaking, Hong Ying shuddered and dropped her spear to the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She too felt a chill.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh no, my hands just slipped!” Hong Ying quickly picked up the spear, her face flushing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She wasn’t like ordinary Traveling Cultivators.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For Traveling Cultivators, avoiding danger with fortune-dodging skills is natural—but for Hong Ying, avoiding danger depends on timing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the battlefield, adapting to crisis and dodging danger was a strength for her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet before any battle had even begun, such a strong reaction appeared—it felt cold to her, almost like cowardice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Xiaowan gasped: “All these years later, Hen Wuyou is still this formidable.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Ying picked up her spear: “I just slipped—no big deal. Qi Lang, let’s go!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wait!” Zhao Xiaowan blocked Hong Ying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Ying snapped: “Even if Hen Wuyou has more experts nearby, how many could she have? You saw what she’s capable of!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She’s just tough-skinned and durable. This time, you and I will go all out—let’s see how long she can hold out!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Xiaowan weighed it carefully, then said to Li Banfeng: “My dear husband, don’t rush about Hen Wuyou yet. First, focus on clearing the Curse and Gu  Ruins.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You must prepare too—if we truly want to wipe out the Curse and Gu  Ruins, we’ll need proper tools. We can’t tear the place down with bare hands.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The lady’s words made sense. Li Banfeng called for Gloves: “How much explosives do we have left?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gloves counted: “Sixteen catties.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sixteen catties should be enough.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Xiaowan thought it wasn’t enough: “Husband, we don’t know how big the Curse and Gu  Ruins are. What if it’s larger than Green Water City? Will sixteen catties be enough to blow it all up?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The lady’s thinking was thorough. Li Banfeng immediately went to Gourd Village to buy explosives from Ai Yi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ai Yi’s eyes sparkled: “Brother, who are you going to blow up? Take me with you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng said: “I’m blowing up the Curse and Gu  Ruins.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Curse and Gu  Ruins?” Ai Yi thought. “That place can’t be blown up.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng looked at Ai Yi: “Sister, are you afraid I’ll destroy the sacred ground of the Curse and Gu  Cultivators?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ai Yi sneered: “Who cares about that? Back then, the Eighteen Wheels built a Sacred Ground for Artificers—right after completion, I blew it to smithereens. Even now, they say Old Train still cries for hours when someone mentions it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I said the Curse and Gu  Ruins can’t be blown up because they can’t be destroyed.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng asked in surprise: “You tried?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ai Yi shook her head: “I’ve never been to the Curse and Gu  Ruins—but my mother told me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Did your mother go to the Curse and Gu  Ruins?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’ll have to ask her.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng went to the Clouds and entered the house.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A Yu fumbled, trying to hide something, then looked up and smiled at Li Banfeng: “Younger brother, you’re here!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng didn’t care what A Yu hid—he asked directly: “Can the Curse and Gu  Ruins really not be blown up?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A Yu paused: “Why are you trying to blow up the Curse and Gu  Ruins?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng said: “Because they raise insects.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Raise insects? Isn’t that normal for Gu  Cultivators?” A Yu thought a moment. “You mean the Xuyuan Silkworm? That’s a premium material for advanced Curse and Gu  arts.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Curse and Gu  Ruins are a Xuyuan realm—because of the Xuyuan Silkworms, it became the sacred ground of Curse and Gu  Cultivators. To cultivate their arts, they must raise them. You’d destroy them over this? That’s unreasonable.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng said: “If they raise Xuyuan Silkworms for the Inner State, what use would those silkworms be there?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A Yu blinked: “What would the Inner State need Xuyuan Silkworms for? When did the Inner State ever become connected to the Curse and Gu  Ruins?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng said: “I just returned from the Curse and Gu  Ruins. The Curse Master killed the Gu  Master and forced the Gu  Cultivators to raise silkworms—likely to send them to the Inner State.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A Yu shook her head: “I don’t believe that. The Curse Master Hen Wuyou and the Gu  Master Yin Danli were like sisters—how could they turn on each other?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A Yu shook her head: “I don’t believe that. The Zhouxiu  Patriarch Hen Wuyou and the Guxiu  Patriarch Yin Danli were as close as sisters—how could they have turned against each other?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A Yu added: “When I was in the Dark Star Bureau, I heard rumors—Hen Wuyou was severely wounded by Dan Chengjun during the Second Pro War, then used a Curse to harm Zhao Xiaowan. Soon after, she supposedly died.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A Yu added: “When I was in the Dark Star Bureau, I heard rumors that Hen Wuyou was severely wounded by Dan Chengjun during the Second Prolo War, then sacrificed her life to curse Zhao Xiao with a spell—she reportedly died not long after.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A Yu still didn’t believe it: “Even if she was revived, her cultivation base must have declined. Even if it didn’t, she couldn’t beat Yin Danli—they’ve fought before, and Hen Wuyou never won once.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A Yu still refused to believe: “Even if she was reborn, her cultivation base must have declined. Even if it didn’t, she couldn’t defeat Yin Danli—they’ve fought before, and Hen Wuyou never won a single time.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You mean Hen Wuyou and Dan Chengjun are working together?” A Yu now believed. “If Dan Chengjun acts, he really could beat Yin Danli. Except for the Peddler, no one can defeat that old scoundrel.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng straightened his chest: “That’s not how you put it!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A Yu’s expression turned serious: “But Dan Chengjun doesn’t lack women—why would he take interest in Hen Wuyou? Could there be another reason?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In beauty, Hen Wuyou is average. In temperament, she’s unpleasant. In history, their enmity runs deep. Could it be because she’s strong—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng cut off A Yu’s train of thought: “Just tell me—can the Curse and Gu  Ruins be blown up?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No!” A Yu shook her head. “The Curse and Gu  Ruins are a Xuyuan realm—their spatial structure is different. Explosives have minimal effect in Xuyuan realms.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If you want to kill the silkworms, use poison.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng asked: “What poison can kill Xuyuan Silkworms?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A Yu thought a long time: “Such poison is hard to find. I only know of one called Wuwang—any Xuyuan Silkworm that touches it dies. But that poison has been lost for ages.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ll ask a friend!” Li Banfeng rose to leave, but A Yu suddenly called him back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Younger brother, come here.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng stepped closer to A Yu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A Yu said: “Take off your clothes. Let me see your back.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng looked at her: “Sister, I know you’re struggling alone—I’ll bring Sun Dage tomorrow—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t joke, younger brother. This is a matter of life and death.” A Yu undid Li Banfeng’s clothes and stared at his back for a long while. “Younger brother, you’ve been cursed.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t joke, brother—this is a matter of life and death.” A Yu undid Li Banfeng’s clothes and stared at his back for a long while. “Brother, you’ve been cursed.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A Yu recalled what Li Banfeng had just said: “Did you fight Hen Wuyou?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had—on Qunying Mountain, he crushed her into paste with one kick.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Could that one step have infected me with a curse?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Curse Cultivators are that disgusting—just meeting once, you might already be cursed.” A Yu’s fingertip slowly traced Li Banfeng’s spine. “You carry a Yangjie. I’ve seen it. Only Hen Wuyou could bury it this deep—her skills have advanced greatly!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“ Zhouxiu  are so vile—just one encounter, and you might already be under a Tribulation!” A Yu’s fingertip slowly traced Li Banfeng’s spine. “You bear the Wandering Tribulation. I’ve seen it. Only Hen Wuyou could hide it this deeply—I suspect her techniques have advanced considerably!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A seed used by Curse Cultivators to plant curses.” A Yu pinpointed the Yangjie’s location and pinched lightly on Li Banfeng’s spine with thumb and forefinger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Younger brother, does it hurt?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Not really…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No—it wasn’t the pinch that hurt. Li Banfeng felt a deep, dull ache within his flesh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No, it wasn’t the pain of being twisted—Li Banfeng felt a dull ache deep within his flesh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu’s nails grew longer; she scratched a cut into Li Banfeng’s back: “Younger brother, this is your house, you’re the master here—use your High Pillow and Wuyou  Technique to expel this calamity.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng immediately activated the High Pillow and Wuyou  Technique; he performed it with great familiarity—whether detoxifying or healing, it was always a process of expelling foreign matter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As soon as the technique was applied, the hidden pain in his spine intensified; he tried twice, found the right spot, used the correct method—but the calamity refused to emerge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu reminded him: “Younger brother, the calamity from Hen Wuyou isn’t so easily removed. If you don’t expel it, next time you meet her, one move will kill you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But she might not dare strike—using the curse spell would backfire on her too. If she can’t withstand the backlash and dies first, you’ll profit immensely.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Li Banfeng instantly grew tense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng still had no clear sense of how powerful Hen Wuyou’s curse spell was, but he had personally witnessed how strong her vitality was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If the two ever clashed, Hen Wuyou would unhesitatingly use her curse spell—her current physique made backlash a non-issue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng poured every ounce of his strength into it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upstairs and downstairs, ten rooms joined Li Banfeng in straining; the calamity buried deep in his flesh tried to flee several times, but Yu locked it in place with special methods.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sister, why don’t you just dig the calamity out?” The pain grew unbearable; Li Banfeng could barely hold on. “Younger brother, I’m not unable to dig it out—I’m just Xinteng  you. If I crush the calamity, I can’t even say what consequences will follow.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After enduring this for half an hour, a worm wriggled out of Li Banfeng’s spine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The black worm was streaked with blood and still writhed on the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng picked up the worm and glanced at it: “Isn’t this the Xuanyuan Silkworm?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu pointed to the faint patterns on the worm: “This is a Xuanyuan Silkworm altered by curse magic. There are also ones altered by Gu  magic, and rumors say some have been modified by other Dao sects—but I’ve never seen them.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng held the Xuanyuan Silkworm, stretched his shoulders, and carefully felt the lingering pain in his spine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thank heaven I didn’t go to see Hen Wuyou—no wonder I shivered so much back then.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Ying must also be infected with the calamity; Quji Bixiong had sensed it too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Besides Hong Ying, who else has fought Hen Wuyou?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng looked at Yu and said: “Sister, I need you to help me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>2\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu smiled: “Younger brother, you want me to pay a visit to your place? Easy enough—I’ve been wanting to drop by for a while.”\u003C\u002Fp>",4196,"2026-06-20T03:43:18.603Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","ad06057b73ae750ef3808605c51ed09f579309179e71a9dee99fc24a4a284536","lord-of-the-proles-chapter-821","lord-of-the-proles-chapter-819",863,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Flord-of-the-proles-cover.jpg"]