[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-lord-of-the-proles":3,"chapter-lord-of-the-proles-lord-of-the-proles-chapter-832":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},2291130,4478,"Chapter 832: Stand Up!","lord-of-the-proles-chapter-832",832,"\u003Cp>“Jiaqing, you’re a good child of the He family. Though you’ve made mistakes before, the imperial court, out of respect for us old brothers, has already let it pass.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This land will eventually be granted to you by the court, but until the official decree arrives, you must not seize it by force—this most basic rule cannot be broken.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, hand over the deed. We old brothers will take it back, present it to Elder Qiao, bow our heads, kowtow, and risk our old reputations to save your life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But you must not cling to delusions. The He family has been loyal for generations—this reputation cannot be ruined by you!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Shengdong patiently urged He Jiaqing, who scanned the crowd of land reclamation workers before him—he never imagined they were all connected to the He family.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These past days, He Jiaqing had been drowning in debt, wages delayed again and again, until no reclamation worker would work for him—yet these people had come to him voluntarily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Jiaqing should have noticed the problem long ago, but his eagerness to reclaim land made him ignore all these signs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under He Shengdong’s introduction, He Jiaqing reacquainted himself with these elder predecessors: many bore the He surname—some were his great-uncles, others his great-great-uncles, even his great-great-granduncle; others, though not He by name, had once followed the He family.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The elders all spoke at once, urging He Jiaqing to hand over the deed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Jiaqing observed them, thinking of one thing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just now, he had tried to steal He Shengdong’s tendons but failed—just how strong were these elders?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After listening to their advice, He Jiaqing bowed deeply: “Great-grandfather, every word you’ve said is for my good—but I’m riding a tiger now, and I can’t get off!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I carry the He family’s reputation, and I carry the Hand and Foot Alliance. If I hand over the deed, how will the He family ever stand again in Puluozhou?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Shengdong sighed: “Child, there won’t be a Puluozhou anymore. After all, isn’t this all imperial land? As long as we remain loyal to the court, who dares whisper behind our backs? We old brothers will stitch their mouths shut!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Several elders chimed in:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Child, don’t worry. The He family has served the court faithfully—ignore those gossiping tongues!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Whoever dares oppose us, we’ll clean them up for you. Whatever slander arises, we’ll shoulder it for you!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Young men make mistakes—it’s how you correct them that matters. Don’t repeat them! Cut ties with the Hand and Foot Alliance now, and never associate with them again!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Jiaqing nodded repeatedly: “Your humble junior admits his error. I only ask you elders to grant me two more days—I’ll hand over the deed by then.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Shengdong frowned: “Why must you delay these two days? What are you planning?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Jiaqing glanced at Duan Shuqun lying on the ground: “I must give my men an explanation—whether to soothe them or deceive them, I must get them to leave before they ruin everything!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One great-uncle shook his head: “No need to explain to them. Those who understand stay and serve the court; those who don’t—kill them. The He family must never show mercy!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tears welled in He Jiaqing’s eyes: “Elders, these men of mine have followed me through life and death—how could I kill them? Just grant me two days to give them a proper farewell.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Shengdong weighed it carefully, then said to He Jiaqing: “I’ll give you one day. Tonight, you must hand me the deed. Jiaqing, don’t play any tricks—starting now, I won’t leave your side.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The other elders chimed in: “We’ll stay too—we all must stay!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Jiaqing handed Duan Shuqun over to Zou Guoming: “Datou, take good care of Old Duan. Don’t leave the premises during this time—no matter what happens, don’t act on your own. Wait for my word.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After seeing Datou and Old Duan off, He Jiaqing specifically instructed Shen Rongqing: “Tell the newspaper to focus more on reports of war—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Make Puluozhou know that the Hand and Foot Alliance is fighting, constantly, everywhere.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Rongqing didn’t know how to respond: “Rather than have me scribble lies, I’d rather go fight on the battlefield myself.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Jiaqing fell silent for a moment, then smiled at Shen Rongqing: “Actually, we’ve always been fighting. Our dream has never changed—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only the path has been twisted.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Dream?” Shen Rongqing gave a forced laugh. “That word is too luxurious for me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Members of the Hand and Foot Alliance gradually left the new land. He Shengdong said to He Jiaqing: “It’s time. Hand over the deed.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Great-grandfather, wait a little longer. Old Ku will send someone tonight—this matter must be addressed with her too.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing Old Ku was sending someone, several elders no longer wished to follow He Jiaqing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Jiaqing, you don’t need to explain anything to Old Ku.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Old Ku’s people must be sent away quickly—we’ve never had dealings with Kucaizhuang.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That old woman causes too much trouble. Say as little as possible.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Shengdong still followed He Jiaqing, but not too closely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At seven that evening, a cultivation practitioner indeed came to He Jiaqing, urging him to hurry to Wuyouping.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Jiaqing told the practitioner: “Please tell Old Ku: He Mou never fears battle. My heart is on the battlefield, and so is my body!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The practitioner glanced at He Jiaqing, then turned and left.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What’s the use of pretty words?” the practitioner muttered on the way. “He’s never even been to Wuyouping, yet dares claim he’s on the battlefield.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No sooner had the practitioner left than He Shengdong appeared: “Jiaqing, everything’s done. Hand over the deed.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Jiaqing led He Shengdong to Liu Bufeis’s territory, entered a red pine forest, dug up a deed, and handed it to He Shengdong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Shengdong examined the deed repeatedly, found no flaws, and others inspected it too. One of He Jiaqing’s great-uncles even used a magic treasure to authenticate it—the deed was genuine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet He Shengdong still felt uneasy: “Jiaqing, come with me to Chaoge. I’ll introduce you to several high officials.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Jiaqing understood: to prove loyalty to Qiao Yi, He Shengdong intended to escort him like a prisoner to Shangguo.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Actually, He Shengdong wasn’t taking him to Chaoge—he was taking him to Zhen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>According to Qiao Yi’s rules, even He Shengdong himself had no right to enter Chaoge unless delivering a message. Without Qiao Yi’s permission, none of the He family could leave Zhen. To send them on missions, they first had to erase their memories of the Great Totem.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But whether Chaoge or Zhen, neither was a good destination for He Jiaqing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Jiaqing looked helpless: “Great-grandfather, do you really not trust me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Shengdong frowned: “How is this distrust? Sending you to Chaoge is for your own good. If you serve the court, you need patrons. Take Liu Bufe, for example—he gave his life for the court. Do you think he ever got such an opportunity?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Jiaqing sighed: “Great-grandfather, I’ll follow your lead. Let me return to pack my things.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Shengdong said: “No need to pack. Chaoge has everything.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“At least let me bring two changes of clothes.” He Jiaqing entered a wooden hut on the land. Others waited outside. He Shengdong followed him inside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Jiaqing, I don’t understand one thing: you hired someone to be your land god. Now that you’ve dug up the deed, what happened to him?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Jiaqing lowered his head, folding clothes: “I sent him home. I’ll explain later.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Shengdong thought a moment: “I think he’s suffered enough. We served the court and dragged him into this. Let’s take him to Chaoge—he’ll suffer less there. Chaoge’s medicine far surpasses Puluozhou’s.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For safety, He Shengdong wanted to take Datou along.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You always think ahead, Great-grandfather. Could you help me pick this out?” He Jiaqing held up a satin long robe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Let me see.” He Shengdong stepped beside He Jiaqing, his right hand slipping inside his robe, gripping the end of a cord.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The cord was a rare binding magic treasure—once tied, every joint locked like a clasp, rendering the bound utterly immobile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Jiaqing draped the robe over himself: “Great-grandfather, does this suit?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Shengdong reached out to feel the fabric: “Material’s decent, embroidery’s poor. Wear it for now. I’ll buy you new ones in Chaoge.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re too generous—I feel ashamed.” He Jiaqing took the robe, then suddenly shot his right hand toward He Shengdong’s wrist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We’re family—no need for such formalities!” He Shengdong twisted his wrist, snatching the cord first and binding He Jiaqing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Jiaqing gasped: “Great-grandfather, what are you doing?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“When I roamed the martial world, your grandfather hadn’t even been born. You think you can trick me?” He Shengdong gripped the knot,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>lifting He Jiaqing’s entire body into the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Great-grandfather, I had no ill intent!” He Jiaqing struggled fiercely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You know exactly what you’ve done. Do you realize how grave your crime is? Had the He family not been loyal to the court for generations, you’d have lost a hundred heads by now!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Shengdong tightened the cord, certain He Jiaqing was immobilized—until He Jiaqing suddenly extended his left hand and brushed it against He Shengdong’s right thigh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pūtōng!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Shengdong gasped in shock—his hamstring had been severed. He nearly collapsed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Jiaqing broke free from the cord and brushed his left thigh next.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With both hamstrings gone, He Shengdong could no longer stand—he fell to the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn’t know how He Jiaqing had escaped the magic treasure, only that the cord lay severed on the floor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When had the cord broken?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When had He Jiaqing cut it?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Stunned, He Shengdong shouted: “Help!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Jiaqing stepped forward to sever his throat. He Shengdong raised his arms to block, and they clashed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was a Wu Xiu of Cloud Above Clouds—even without legs, he could hold his own against He Jiaqing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Outside, the elders heard the commotion and rushed in—but some magic treasure inside repelled them with brute force, hurling them back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Jiaqing’s great-great-granduncle waved his hand—a blade sliced through the air, cleaving a gap in the invisible barrier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The elders leapt through the gap into the hut, finding He Shengdong sprawled on the floor, limp, eyes wide open.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The great-great-granduncle checked him—he was still alive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Others searched the room but found no trace of He Jiaqing. The great-great-granduncle immediately ordered: “Go after him! Catch that beast,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>and tear him into a thousand pieces!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Outside, the elders scattered to search for He Jiaqing. The great-great-granduncle held He Shengdong, tears streaming: “Brother, I told you not to be soft. We should’ve killed this little beast long ago.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Shengdong blinked several times. The great-great-granduncle sensed something wrong—he spun around and saw He Jiaqing standing behind him, left hand gripping his throat, right hand pulling out his spine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both collapsed together. He Jiaqing delivered one clean cut each.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He leapt onto the roof, watching the elders’ movements.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were gathering together—he’d have to keep maneuvering.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now they split up, making things easier. He Jiaqing followed one great-uncle into the woods and silently severed his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mu Ronggui stood on the second floor of the pavilion, coating his entire body in ink. Layer upon layer of wounds healed rapidly under the ink’s touch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Behind the desk, the brush-wielding scholar still frantically wrote the three lines.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Outside the pavilion, Xueyaguai led the Four Masters of Stone Cultivation and over five hundred Stone Cultivators, preparing to smash through the pavilion in one strike.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xueyaguai had smashed open the gate, which remained open. Stone Cultivators kept pouring in. Mu Ronggui had no way to counter them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xueyaguai stood below, shouting at Mu Ronggui: “Wenren of the Wisdom Karma, we’ve fought all day. You’ve kept your dignity, you’ve kept your honor. In the end, you lost to me—how could that be considered shameful?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They all say you’re a once-in-a-hundred-years genius among the Literary Cultivators—I only fought you this long because I truly valued you; otherwise, I’d have already torn apart your rat’s nest!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Murong Gui straightened his back, cleared his throat, and glared at Bloodfang Monster, barking: “You bastard!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Fine! Ballsy!” Bloodfang Monster smiled. “Facing death, you still talk so tough—are you still waiting for Zhou Badou to save you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Let me tell you, don’t dream about it. Shan Chengjun introduced me to plenty of old friends. Even though he’s dead, those old friends still listen to me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Do you know Master Hao Shouyi of the Artisan Sect? Master Teng Chuanchang of the Poison Sect? Do you know him? And Master Yun Dieqi of the Wind Sect—he’s fought you before. All three are now keeping Zhou Badou company. Do you think Zhou Badou still has time for you? Guess—is Zhou Badou even still alive?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Murong Gui, I truly admire you. Come stand by my side and advise me—then the entire Pulu Province will be ours. I’ve said it plainly now. Choose your path—think it over yourself.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As she spoke, Bloodfang Monster specifically asked the Four Stone Disciples behind her: “Did I use the word ‘kān zhuó’ correctly?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Four Stone Disciples nodded in unison, confirming she’d used it right.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bloodfang Monster truly wanted to recruit Murong Gui. After years of climbing and falling in Pulu Province, she’d once nearly reached the summit—but failed at the last moment, and back then, she never understood why.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only after Shan Chengjun guided her did Bloodfang Monster begin to understand: to accomplish anything, you need a scholar by your side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bloodfang Monster knew scholars weren’t easy to fool. She’d planned to win Murong Gui over with sincerity—but he refused her overtures, and now, as the situation grew desperate, he still resisted stubbornly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ink in the lake churned again. Murong Gui tried to counterattack—this finally enraged Bloodfang Monster: “You refuse the cup of wine, so you’ll take the cup of punishment! I’ll tear down this broken tower first, then fill this filthy lake!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At Bloodfang Monster’s command, a group of Stone Cultivators charged toward the pavilion. Murong Gui summoned an ink wall to block them—but suddenly, his strength drained. The ink wall loosened, and the once-unbroken ink surface cracked open with holes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Stone Cultivators seized the chance and closed in. Murong Gui gripped the railing, gritted his teeth, and stood—but couldn’t summon any technique.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He’d been cursed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Throughout the battle with Bloodfang Monster, Murong Gui had guarded against curses—but after fighting all day, he’d still been planted with the Wandering Calamity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the pavilion neared collapse, the Brush Scholar threw the papers in his hand out the window.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The three lines written on the papers layered over the pavilion, forming its final barrier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Stone Cultivators slammed into the barrier, cracking the paper and scattering ink.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Brush Scholar frantically wrote on the paper, trying to repair it—but before he’d even finished half a page, the barrier shattered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Despite the curse, Murong Gui activated the Lazy Cultivation Technique, hoping to stall the Stone Cultivators—but there were too many of them. The technique’s coverage was too limited; the barrier still broke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Four Stone Disciples rushed forward, ready to smash the pavilion—when suddenly, dozens of willow trees fell from the sky, encircling the pavilion, their branches interwoven, blocking the Stone Cultivators.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Bloodfang Monster wondered where the willows came from, she saw a thin man standing atop the branches: shaved head, square face, neat eyebrows and eyes, sunken cheeks, and a thin mustache.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That mustache had once been black—but now it was red.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His ivory-yellow robe was riddled with holes; beneath it, his flesh was a bloody mess. “Zhou Badou!” Bloodfang Monster laughed. “With injuries like these, you’re still alive!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Brothers endure trials, and still stand together; meeting again, we smile and forget old grudges!” Old Lu lit a match, igniting the tobacco in his pipe. “We’re old acquaintances. They couldn’t bear to let me die.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bloodfang Monster smiled. “I couldn’t bear to let you die either. Bring your disciple along—tonight, let’s catch up.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Bring him along? Is that appropriate?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bloodfang Monster slapped her chest. “I’m strong—I can handle it!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Old Lu shook his head slightly. “Your woman’s skin is thicker than the bark of these century-old willows—more like the gnarled pine by the village gate: rough, yet sticky with grease.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I imagine Master Shan once, on some cold night, sighed bitterly at his lifelong failure to judge people—he couldn’t even see as clearly as the stones on Bloodfang Mountain, or perhaps his brain was diseased, to find you attractive.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That’s why, when he fought Li Qi, he never considered retreat—he’d rather die and go to the Yellow Springs than spare you another glance.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You son of a bitch!” Bloodfang Monster flew into a rage, ordering the Four Stone Disciples to surround and attack Old Lu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Old Lu had already deduced Bloodfang Monster’s tactic: she sent the Stone Cultivators ahead, relying on their thick hides to fight to the death, while she hid behind them, waiting for the enemy to be distracted before casting curses.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The tactic worked well—but Old Lu had already found a way to break it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He manipulated the willow branches to repeatedly lash the Stone Cultivators, leaving a single character—“Sui”—on each of them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When a Stone Cultivator was wounded, their remedy was simple: they simply exploded their bodies, shedding a layer of surface stone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter the poison, insects, fire, or other techniques embedded in the wound—they’d all be cleanly stripped away with the stone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was the Stone Cultivators’ most difficult weakness—and Old Lu had targeted it precisely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now wounded by the willow lashes, the Stone Cultivators repeated their old trick—letting their outer stone layers explode and peel off—but this time,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>the explosion didn’t stop.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The “Sui” characters didn’t deepen their wounds—but they massively accelerated their technique.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Originally, they only shed wounded layers; now, their entire bodies erupted. A series of sharp cracks rang out as hundreds of Stone Cultivators exploded from outside to inside, until they were reduced to dust.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only a few Stone Cultivators remained. The Four Stone Disciples, terrified, hid behind Bloodfang Monster and dared not step forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Amid the swirling dust, Bloodfang Monster couldn’t see Old Lu’s figure—only his voice echoed: “Henyu, your lifespan is nearly spent. When Master Shan learns you’ll join him in the Yellow Springs, he’ll surely feel his death was worthless.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bloodfang Monster rubbed her forehead, forcing down the throbbing vein, and smiled. “Zhou Badou, you think I can’t see you, so I can’t cast a curse on you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Do you know what techniques the Stone and Virtue Sects developed together back then?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Old Lu smiled. “Ask you. All the Stone Cultivators in Pulu Province are dead—where are their bones? Why does De Song Cliff have such a massive block of False Root Stone? Why did Bloodfang Mountain suddenly rise in Xin Di?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bloodfang Monster nodded slightly. “Zhou Badou, you haven’t been idle these past few years. You know what you should know—and even things you shouldn’t. Did you record all this on old newspapers?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Smoke and ink mingled, blurring the surroundings further. Old Lu could strike at any moment—Bloodfang Monster seemed defenseless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Old Lu kept talking to distract her: “If you hadn’t shown up at Ink Fragrance Shop, I’d never have thought to investigate your origins. Why did Shan Chengjun exterminate the Stone Cultivators? Wasn’t that connected to you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bloodfang Monster didn’t deny it. “You’re right. I’ve done many dirty things. In Pulu Province, who dares say they’re clean?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Badou, are you clean? When you and the others climbed Sacred Sage Peak and drove the Sage away—who ended up with the Imperial Seal? You can’t pretend you don’t know.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If you’d handed the seal to the Peddler early, let him study its function, places like Jianren Gang, Santou Cha, and Suihuang Yuan would’ve been prepared.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But you hid the seal, never gave it to the Peddler. Now Qiao Yi has somehow acquired another seal—and has turned Pulu Province into a sieve. Do you feel no guilt?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You thought the Peddler wasn’t fit to rule Pulu, always wanted to replace him. Now you’ve ruined Pulu Province—put your hand on your heart and tell me: do you deserve Pulu?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The smoke slowly cleared, revealing Old Lu’s figure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He clutched his chest, desperately resisting Bloodfang Monster’s technique—but his feet were slowly turning to stone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This technique was unknown to Zhou Wencheng. It seemed to fuse many Daoist methods—he could guess some of its principles, but found no way to break it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Virtue technique! Stone technique! Curse technique!” Murong Gui summoned all his strength, awakening the ink in the lake. The ink gathered into clouds, then fell as rain—black ink drenched Bloodfang Monster’s head, corroding her flesh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Bloodfang Monster wasn’t afraid—she could endure more than the Stone Cultivators!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She smiled, ignoring Murong Gui, and kept staring at Old Lu. “Zhou Badou, you’re truly formidable. I genuinely admire you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But there’s something you don’t know: the techniques the Stone and Virtue Sects poured their hearts into aren’t so easily undone.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You carry guilt—that no one can save you. You can fool the world, but you can’t fool yourself!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I didn’t plan to use this technique on you. I meant to save it for the Peddler—he carries guilt too.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But now that you’ve seen it, I can’t let you live.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Badou, I don’t know if you’re lucky—but at least, before you die, you’ve gained some new insight!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Old Lu’s eyes were bloodshot. He struggled to move his body to the first floor of the pavilion, hoping to rest by the books inside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The books rose into the air, their characters leaping out—but Old Lu couldn’t withstand Bloodfang Monster’s technique. He collapsed to his knees, his body rapidly turning to stone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He knelt. What about you?” Bloodfang Monster looked up at Murong Gui. Under the curse’s control, Murong Gui had collapsed beneath the railing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shan Chengjun said scholars are useful—but you can’t treat them too well. The sight of scholars kneeling? That’s the most beautiful sight.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You kneeling here? It’s quite lovely. But you’re kneeling too late. There are plenty of scholars. You two refused to obey—I’ll find others. Just kneel there and die!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bloodfang Monster pierced her fingertip with her fangs and wrote a “Cheng” character on yellow paper.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After being pushed all day by Qiao Yi, Bloodfang Monster was tired. It was time to report.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nian Shangyou, far away at Jianren Gang, received the news and rejoiced. He hurried to report to Qiao Yi: “Lord! The third force has succeeded!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Bloodfang Monster has captured Ink Fragrance Shop!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Good!” Qiao Yi praised, immediately drafting a commendation for Bloodfang Monster and ordering the entire army to stand by.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bloodfang Monster ordered the Four Stone Disciples to immediately kill Zhou Wencheng and Murong Gui.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Brush Scholar threw the few pages he’d just written down the stairs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Blind Must Feel Shame!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Learned Must Strive!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“All People Must Study Literature!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Three lines, thirteen characters—encircling the pavilion, fiercely resisting the charging Stone Cultivators.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bloodfang Monster frowned at the Brush Scholar. “What use are these words?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Brush Scholar didn’t care if they were useful—it was his duty. As long as he had breath left, he’d defend this pavilion!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Four Disciples led the remaining Stone Cultivators, preparing to kill Old Lu—but those thirteen characters had become unbreakable, impossible to penetrate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bloodfang Monster’s heart tightened—she sensed something else was happening.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tiny characters crawled onto the Stone Cultivators—the Four Disciples moved slower.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Other characters crawled onto Old Lu. The stone on his body began peeling away; his flesh slowly regained color.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He could move again!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Characters crawled onto Murong Gui. His curse weakened. He gripped the railing, gritting his teeth, rising!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fine characters swirled around the pavilion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From the night sky came a deep, aged voice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Young man, stand up!”\u003C\u002Fp>",3962,"2026-06-20T03:43:18.603Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","fc74b69d44c6792c850c1da73d2f87fe5658752f9e1bf43bea95ceb3198f2cc8","lord-of-the-proles-chapter-833","lord-of-the-proles-chapter-831",863,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Flord-of-the-proles-cover.jpg"]