Chapter 830: You're Here!

“Old Orange, are you sure you didn’t mistake it?” Old Ku didn’t believe it. “How could Filth Hill connect to Qunying Mountain?”

The orange garden elder sighed. “I’m no good at war, but soil is my craft. Soil never lies. Some things can’t be explained by a few cubic feet, but hundreds of cubic feet tell the truth clearly.”

There’s a path from Filth Hill to Qunying Mountain—opened these past few days—and much soil was sucked into it.

Much more was blown out again by the strong winds, so this can’t be wrong.

And the soil here also told me Filth Hill may not have only fifty thousand people—there are many more buried within it.”

The peddler rubbed his forehead, muttering: “Lost, lost, gained, gained—”

Others didn’t understand what he meant, but Li Banfeng did.

Sending Cui Ti to Chaoge—was that a loss or a gain?

Cui Ti posed a huge threat to Shangguo. His arrival in Chaoge plunged it into chaos, creating favorable conditions for Li Banfeng’s later ambush on the Bandit-Sweeping Camp—this was a major win for the peddler.

Then Cui Ti went on a killing spree in Chaoge; the peddler suffered no loss, and Qiao Yi eliminated rivals—another win.

Cui Ti massacred Bozhou; Qiao Yi continued purging rivals while supplying the Great Totem with vast materials—this was a huge win for Qiao Yi.

While Cui Ti was away, Sacred Sage Peak was vulnerable, and Qiao Yi set up this massive scheme—now the peddler suffered a heavy loss.

The peddler’s thoughts stalled. Eighteen Wheels looked at everyone. “Who among you can hold Qunying Mountain?”

No one spoke.

Master of Wine Cultivators, Liu Hutian, said: “Qiao Yi can strike in any direction—we must split our forces, fifty-fifty.”

Lu Qianjiao frowned. “Nonsense. How many troops do we even have? Talk about fifty-fifty?”

Liu Hutian snapped: “If you’re not talking nonsense, give me something useful!”

What the Wine Cultivator Master said made sense: Qiao Yi now had two routes—he’d take whichever was easier. To fully block him, we must split our forces fifty-fifty.

But if we split fifty-fifty, our forces become too thin—can we still defeat Qiao Yi?

Gui Jianchou offered a suggestion: “Old Seven went to Suihuang Plain—how dangerous it is, we’ve all seen. Even saying ‘nine deaths, one survival’ is optimistic.

Are we really out of young talents in Puluozhou? Old Ku, you always say He Jiaqing is a man of stature—where is he now?

He never showed up in battle before. Let him hold Qunying Mountain now. He has the Big and Little Hand-Foot Alliance—no shortage of men!”

Qiao Wuzui nodded. “I agree! Your Hand-Foot Alliance talks about reforming New Puluozhou every day—stop just talking, show some real action!”

Eighteen Wheels had once invested in He Jiaqing. He looked at Old Ku. “Will Jiaqing come?”

The Hand-Foot Alliance now faced heavy pressure. Song Shu considered volunteering. If He Jiaqing refused, she’d go!

Old Ku said: “Jiaqing will arrive soon—he’s gathering funds. War burns money. Jiaqing plans to donate all his wealth—isn’t that enough?”

Gui Jianchou smiled. “Enough? So once you donate money, you don’t have to fight anymore?”

Old Seven, you’re richer than He Jiaqing—donate some too. Let’s forget about Suihuang Plain!”

This was Gui Jianchou’s true thought—he truly didn’t want Li Qi to go to Suihuang Plain.

Old Ku stayed silent. Eighteen Wheels knew well: He Jiaqing wouldn’t go to hold Qunying Mountain.

Song Shu rose to volunteer, but Old Ku pressed her back into her seat.

Zhen Luoming seized the chance to ease Old Ku’s pressure: “I say we send Fool’s City to hold Qunying Mountain—their gate is unique.

The Inner State has no good way to deal with them.”

Eighteen Wheels lowered his gaze, looking at Zhen Luoming. “Is that thing on your head even called a face? What right do you have to send Fool’s City to Qunying Mountain?”

Zhen Luoming bowed his head. “I have no right—but the peddler does. If no one wants to go, then just abandon Qunying Mountain.”

Sui Chanxin nodded. “True. It’s just a barren mountain. In the end, it’s only a relic of the past—does it even matter if we keep it?”

“Nonsense!” Lu Qianjiao frowned. “How can we abandon it? Beneath Qunying Mountain lies Ink Fragrance Shop—do we abandon that too? That’s Puluozhou’s literary lineage!”

Gui Jianchou said: “Besides, Qiao Yi has already planted roots there—doesn’t he still have allies at Ink Fragrance Shop?”

As soon as he said this, Liu Hutian’s veins bulged with rage. “Who’s aiding Qiao Yi? We’re not traitors! We only wanted to station a local guardian at Ink Fragrance Shop to prevent mishaps!”

Ye Jianhuang shook his head repeatedly. “This isn’t just about Ink Fragrance Shop. From the peak of Qunying Mountain, you can see the entire Puluozhou. If Qiao Yi takes it, we’ll never recover. It’s a strategic must-hold—like Wuyou Ping.

Both are critical.”

Bing Suling said: “It’s indeed critical. Then why don’t you go hold it?”

Ye Jianhuang sucked on his pipe, staring at Bing Suling. “You’ve been picking fights with me all day. Why don’t we step outside and settle this?”

The conversation was veering off. The peddler waved his hand. “Why are you all thinking only of the worst? What’s wrong with going to Qunying Mountain?

You only think of being attacked from both sides—don’t you consider we could trap them from both sides too?”

Zhen Luoming shook his head, smiling bitterly. “We don’t have that ability. We know our own limits.”

Old Ku sighed. “If there’s no other way, then split the forces fifty-fifty—who’s willing to lead half the troops to Qunying Mountain?”

“Splitting forces plays right into their hands!” The peddler shook his head. “I’ll go to Qunying Mountain. You, Old Train, hold this side.”

Eighteen Wheels asked: “How many troops will you take?”

The peddler said: “No troops needed.”

Eighteen Wheels was startled. “You’re going alone?”

The peddler shook his head. “When we fought the Tufang Kingdom in Suihuang Plain, a group of Ironbone Tribesmen finished the battle and had nowhere to go—I settled them on Qunying Mountain.

For years, they’ve been fed well, given good elixirs—they’ve all reached Cloud Ascension cultivation. Counting them up, there are quite a few. With terrain advantage, they can hold their own against Qiao Yi.

But no ordinary person can summon them. I must go myself!”

Zhen Luoming smiled. “No wonder you’re the boss—you still had a hidden card. If you’d said this earlier, we’d have been at ease.”

Bing Suling’s face darkened. “Their contribution was real—after the war, you still cared for them. What about us? We never got this treatment.”

The peddler looked at Bing Suling. “You still can get this treatment—if you want to go to Qunying Mountain, I’ll send you up right now. Others might think I’ve been mistreating you.”

Bing Suling bit her lip and fell silent.

Old Ku glanced at Old Train. “Fighting alongside the peddler, I have no complaints. But fighting under you—I truly can’t trust the troops’ morale.” All eyes turned to Eighteen Wheels—some with disdain, some with resignation.

Eighteen Wheels stayed silent. He knew well what he’d done in the past—hard to explain.

The peddler added: “From Qunying Mountain, you can see all of Puluozhou. I’ll watch from the peak—if anything happens, I’ll rush over via Peddler Road.”

As soon as he said this, everyone looked away. The peddler was warning them—he could return anytime.

The peddler continued: “Let’s be clear: this is a pincer. If Qiao Yi attacks your side, I’ll lead troops to cut his rear from the mountain. If he climbs to attack me, you cut his rear from Wuyou Ping. We can’t let him pick us off one by one!”

The plan was set. Everyone prepared for battle.

Outside the camp, Li Banfeng asked the peddler: “Why didn’t you mention the White Falcon Alliance?”

The peddler shook his head. “I have an agreement with the White Falcon Alliance—some things can’t be mentioned lightly. Besides, telling them won’t help.

They’ll say going to White Collection Alliance to repay debts was wrong.”

Li Banfeng said: “How can that be wrong?”

“They’ll say debt itself is wrong. They’ll slowly rationalize until they claim even our attack on the Bandit-Sweeping Camp was wrong. I’m used to it—you’ll have to get used to it too.”

The peddler took two jars of snow cream from his cart and handed them to Li Banfeng. “Suihuang Plain is hard to fight. Hold out if you can. If you can’t, retreat.

These two jars can heal wounds, cure illness, and restore combat strength. Don’t throw away the jars after use—

They’ll regenerate new cream after a while.”

Li Banfeng accepted the snow cream. The peddler pushed his cart to leave, then glanced back at the camp, still uneasy. “Qiao Yi could attack Qunying Mountain anytime—I can’t delay. Stay one more day. I worry Old Train can’t hold them.

You killed Shan Chengjun—they fear you deep down. Help Old Train maintain authority.”

Li Banfeng agreed. He followed the peddler all the way to the border.

Beyond the border lay Filth Hill. Li Banfeng gazed far off, seeing the faint outline of Sacred Sage Peak.

“Will Cui Ti come back?”

The peddler sighed. “He won’t. News from the Inner State says he refused to be captured alive by Qiao Yi—he committed suicide in Bozhou.”

Li Banfeng lowered his hat brim.

The peddler pushed his cart. “Take care.”

Li Banfeng smiled. “You take more care—I’m harder to kill than you.”

Li Banfeng returned to camp and waited half a day. Old Train faced constant trouble—orders wouldn’t be followed. Not just Zhen Luoming,

Bing Suling, and Liu Hutian caused problems—even Ye Jianhuang and Qiao Wuzui had complaints about Old Train.

Fortunately, Li Qi’s stance was clear—he firmly supported Old Train. A Yi, Qiu Luoye, Song Qianhun, Gui Jianchou, Ye Jianhuang, Qiao Wuzui, and others all stood with Li Qi and obeyed Old Train’s commands.

The few from Ink Fragrance Shop resented it inwardly but dared not speak out—they sensed the trend. Before leaving, Li Qi had clearly tried to pave the way for Old Train. They didn’t want to become Puluozhou’s stumbling stones.

At dusk, Tang Shi Jiang, Bai Qiao Niang, and Yue Wanshan arrived.

Tang Shi Jiang needed no introduction—he was Li Banfeng’s acquaintance.

Bai Qiao Niang, like Tang Shi Jiang, was Old Train’s disciple. Li Banfeng had never met her, but she’d once been close friends with Niangzi, so he’d always held a good impression of her—and they got along well.

Bai Qiao Niang dressed almost identically to Tang Shi Jiang—overalls and heavy boots—but she was strikingly beautiful. Though she rarely adorned herself, beside Sui Chanxin, she looked far more attractive.

She was both a Traveler and Artisan cultivator. Seeing the Traveler Master, she showed deep respect.

Her respect gave Tou Youlu a different thought.

He privately asked Old Train: “Eighteen Wheels, is your female disciple taken with me?”

Old Train didn’t know how to explain. “Is that what you think?”

Tou Youlu felt slightly ashamed. “I’m just too handsome—I’ve ruined too many good girls.”

Old Train specifically introduced Yue Wanshan to Li Banfeng. He wasn’t his disciple—like Li Banfeng, he was a friend across generations.

Yue Wanshan was a young talent Old Train met over ten years ago. Due to his talent in Traveler cultivation, Old Train gave him much guidance and recommended him as the local guardian of Qingyan City.

These three brought a large shipment of military equipment—Old Train now had renewed confidence.

At dusk, Old Train ordered Zhen Luoming to lead patrols along the border. Zhen Luoming dragged his feet, reluctant. Old Train’s face darkened. “You’re not new to war. You know the consequence of defying orders on the battlefield.”

Seeing Old Train’s murderous expression, Zhen Luoming led his men out. Old Train added sharply: “Check every three hundred li of the border. Miss even one spot, and military law won’t spare you.”

This wasn’t an idle threat. That night, Old Train patrolled the border himself and found over a dozen negligent sentries—all sent to hard labor.

Several patrol guards, relying on their status, signed up but never showed up for duty.

These men were caught red-handed by Old Firecart, who set up an execution ground right at the camp gate and publicly executed them.

As the executions took place, Old Firecart wore a broad smile, as if it were New Year’s Day; not a single ancestor or master from any sect dared speak up.

Suishen sighed: “Old Seven, see that? When Old Firecart goes mad, few among them aren’t terrified—don’t worry about this side anymore.”

Seeing Old Firecart in this state, Li Banfeng felt reassured and prepared to depart for Suihuang Plain.

Old Firecart pulled out several hidden weapons and insisted Li Banfeng take them.

Li Banfeng shook his head: “Brother, you’re already stretched thin—don’t bother looking out for me. I’ve got ways to handle military gear.”

“What kind of time is this to be polite?” Eighteen Wheels clenched his fist thinking of Suihuang Plain. “Brother, how can you be so reckless? If the Peddler could spare you more men, that’d be one thing—but just you and a few youths? How could you possibly hold back the Tufang Kingdom?”

If all else fails, go back to Fool’s City and talk it over properly with Old Sun—get him to send men to help you.

Brother, this isn’t the time to save face—once you’re on the battlefield, you’ll realize—”

Old Firecart suddenly shivered, his face turning deathly pale, unable to speak.

Li Banfeng had seen this condition once before at Huangtu Bridge—back then, Old Firecart’s speech had been slurred, and Li Banfeng didn’t know who had frightened him.

“Big Brother, what’s wrong? I’m not going alone—my brothers are with me, and besides, there are Ironbone Clansmen over there.”

“It’s not about that!” Old Firecart trembled harder. “I—I feel someone’s coming.”

“Who’s coming?” Li Banfeng thought Qiao Yi had crossed the border.

Beads of sweat covered Old Firecart’s face: “Last time at Huangtu Bridge, I thought you’d brought him—I was terrified then. Now it’s clear—he’s truly here.”

Old Seven, in my life, there are two people I cannot face. One is Aiyi—thankfully, we’ve cleared the air recently; seeing her is no longer a problem.

But there’s another person—I absolutely cannot meet—

Li Banfeng was baffled: Who could this person be?

Old Firecart drank half a jar of wine, took a deep breath, stepped out of his quarters, and walked straight toward the camp gate. Seeing his face filled with murderous intent, Li Banfeng knew the arrival was hostile.

Li Banfeng also left his quarters and saw a short, sturdy man standing at the camp gate, pulling a rickshaw.

It was Che Wushang!

Li Banfeng was overjoyed and hurried forward to greet him.

Tang Shi rushed ahead to the gate and shouted: “Master, your junior brother has arrived!”

Bai Qiaoniang also hurried forward to greet her senior brother.

The driver spotted Old Firecart, set his rickshaw down on the ground, and bowed deeply: “Master, your disciple has come late!”

Old Firecart trembled all over and rushed forward: “Oh my, isn’t this Master Che?!”

“Master, I’ve come to fight alongside you.”

“Master Che, it’s freezing cold—why did you come all this way?”

“Master, your disciple is willing to follow you through fire and water.”

“Master Che, I’ve got nothing special to offer you—Shijiang, prepare some fine dishes and wine for Master Che—get him a proper meal!”

“Master, I—I didn’t come for food—”

“Master Che doesn’t eat? Master Che is busy? Master Che won’t grace us with his presence? Then I won’t keep you—Master Che, take care on your way! Master Che, travel safely! Come again when you have time!”

Old Firecart forcibly saw Che Wushang off.

Tang Shi felt awkward: “Master, your junior brother came all this way—why treat him like this?”

Li Banfeng still didn’t understand: What kind of harm had Che Wushang once caused Old Firecart?

Old Firecart still trembled slightly: “I’m telling you—when we fight, don’t let him come. It’s bad luck. The moment I see him, I—”

Old Firecart stopped again—he felt the danger hadn’t fully passed.

He turned back, stepped out the gate, and found Che Wushang still near the camp.

“Master Che, why are you back?”

Che Wushang said: “Master, I’m willing to fight to the death with you—I swear not a single step will I retreat!”

“Master Che, you’re being too formal—Master Che, would you like tea? Master Che, would you like food? Master Che, you’re not hungry, right? If you’re not hungry, I won’t keep you—Master Che, take care on your way! Master Che, I won’t see you off—”

Li Banfeng couldn’t watch anymore: “He’s already here—why force him to leave?”

Ye Jianhuang tapped his pipe against his palm and said to Li Banfeng: “Old Seven, don’t meddle. Old Firecart once made Che Wushang lead the vanguard three times—that’s why he’s terrified.”

That night, Li Banfeng set out.

He first went to the border, placed three bowls on the ground, poured three bowls of wine—one for Cui Ti, one for Cui Ti’s younger brother, one for Xiao De.

After pouring the wine, he placed three canned goods, stared at them for a long while, then left.

Had he not dreamed of Cui Ti, he would never have come to Jianren Gang—Wuyou Ping would have fallen long ago.

The cold wind blew, and Li Banfeng seemed to hear that familiar voice again.

“My friend, take care.”

Li Banfeng took the train to Suihuang Plain; halfway, he called Ma Wu to discuss military equipment—he truly needed to pay attention.

Qin Xiaopang had emptied the Three Heroes Sect’s treasury; Zhang Xiuling had drained the Hundred Flowers Sect’s reserves.

The He, Lu, and Chu families, plus Ma Wu’s own accumulated wealth, had all been contributed—but even now, their equipment still fell short.

Fortunately, Li Banfeng had stockpiled supplies—he’d sent Ma Wu ahead to Wumian Town.

When Li Banfeng killed Wang Zimian, the local god of Wumian Town, he had taken an entire warehouse full of top-grade magic treasures and weapons.

All of them had been seized by Li Banfeng.

Later, Li Banfeng took out a few items and gave them to Ma Wu and Feng Daiku; the rest he locked away.

He’d never forgotten this—he rarely accepted magic treasures or weapons, for once accepted, they became family heirlooms; so he’d kept them unused until now, and now they’d come into vital use.

Ma Wu successfully obtained the gear and headed to Suihuang Plain with Feng Daiku.

On the train, Li Banfeng entered Suishenju and studied tactics with his wife. She traced lines on the map, calculating the battlefield’s location.

“The battlefield must be at Huangtu Town—it’s the center of Suihuang Plain; Tufang must try to capture it,” said Zhao Xiao.

“Not necessarily,” replied Zhao Xiao. “I think Tufang won’t attack Huangtu Town—sieges cost too much. It’s easier to break their morale.”

Zhao Xiao traced and marked the map, explaining in detail; Li Banfeng began to understand.

“Husband, to win this battle, we must understand both sides’ strengths and weaknesses—especially since we’ll be using Ironbone Clansmen. If morale shatters, this war is lost.”

The whole family discussed tactics until dawn.

Zhao Xiao worried about oversights, so she went to the Fifth Chamber to further refine the plan with Lai Wuju.

The Fifth Chamber girl sat on the open plain, watching Li Banfeng and Zhao Xiao, and asked: “If I help you, will you help me?”

Zhao Xiao understood Lai Wuju’s meaning—she wanted Wuwang, she wanted the method to break the curse.

“Husband, you decide.”

Li Banfeng looked at the Fifth Chamber girl: “Say it plainly—how exactly will you help me?”

The Fifth Chamber girl lowered her head: “I’ve heard of the battlefield reputations of General Zhao and General Hong. Logically, I shouldn’t presume to advise.

But I’ve fought many battles myself—I know many battlefield tactics. This will be a brutal war; I’m sure I can contribute.

I’m willing to give my all in this battle. If you feel my effort is sufficient, give me a dose of the antidote. If you think it’s insufficient, record my contribution—I’ll earn more later.

I trust you—I only ask you to give me a glimmer of hope—”

Tong Lianhua laughed loudly beside her. For years, Lai Wuju had carried this curse—now she thought one battle would break it?

Was there ever such an easy thing?

“Here.” Li Banfeng took a vial of Wuwang and handed it to the Fifth Chamber girl.

Tong Lianhua was stunned; the Fifth Chamber girl herself froze for a long moment.

“Seventh Master, did you not understand me?” the Fifth Chamber girl explained. “I’m not trying to trick you out of the antidote—

I want to earn it through merit.”

“I believe you,” Li Banfeng placed the Wuwang vial on the wall. “We can’t afford to lose this battle. The reward is yours—give your all.”

“Hehehe!” Suishenju laughed.

Li Banfeng stood up: “Wife, you and Miss Wu continue planning tactics. I’ll go check the situation outside.”

Zhao Xiao smiled at Li Banfeng—she knew her husband’s nature, and she knew how much Lai Wuju could contribute.

The Fifth Chamber girl picked up the vial on the wall and swallowed the medicine in one gulp.

Slowly, above her collarbone, a worm surfaced.

She pulled the worm out from beneath her skin, her hand trembling.

Zhao Xiao, holding the written tactics, looked again at the Fifth Chamber girl.

The Fifth Chamber girl met Zhao Xiao’s gaze and nodded firmly.

The train arrived at Tiewan Gang. The local god of Tiewan Gang, Wang Youniang, along with the gang’s cooks, prepared a variety of delicacies to reward the troops.

One cook wore a round cap and round spectacles and prepared a dish of braised pork hock—perfect for Li Banfeng’s taste.

But this man was not from Tiewan Gang.

“Master Pan, for you to cook personally—I’m truly embarrassed.”

Pan Dehai chuckled: “At my age, I still want to fight one more battle—I’m counting on Seventh Master’s favor.”

Li Banfeng sometimes couldn’t understand Pan Dehai’s motives: “Master Pan, if you’re willing to fight, why not go to Wuyou Ping?”

Pan Dehai shook his head: “Wuyou Ping has too many virtuous people—I fear my own virtue is insufficient, and I’d only invite ridicule.”

Li Banfeng looked toward the distance: “Are there many virtuous people in Suihuang Plain?”

Pan Dehai said: “I’ve heard there are quite a few—but old man still believes he can teach them about virtue.”

PS: Suihuang Plain truly needs a Great Virtuous One!