Chapter 840

“You’re also worried about the Dao Laogui and the Great Totem!” Li Banfeng took a sip of noodle soup. “I suspect the Dao Laogui have already been controlled by the Great Totem.

Qiao Yi led the Totem Army into Jianren Gang, and the Dao Laogui didn’t react at all.

The Dao Laogui have a strong territorial instinct; to be transformed this way—I never imagined it possible.”

Cui Ti shook his head. “That’s not transformation. Qiao Yi must have found the Curse Words of the Xia Dynasty.”

“The Xia Dynasty?” Li Banfeng had only encountered that term in history books.

Cui Ti had studied it deeply: “Theoretically, the Xia Dynasty preceded the Shang Dynasty, but in reality, they coexisted for a long time.

The Xia Dynasty’s technological level was also high, but they couldn’t withstand the Shang Dynasty’s assault and were ultimately destroyed.

They left themselves one final hope: the Dao Laogui on Dao Guiling.

The Dao Laogui are descendants of the Xia Dynasty; to preserve their formidable survival capability, they carry powerful curses.

Their appearance changed, their behavior became more primitive, but they retained a unique language, expressed primarily through their dances and the screams accompanying those dances.”

Li Banfeng thought for a moment: “You mean Qiao Yi has already cracked the Dao Laogui’s language?”

“Only partially. Much of it remains unsolved—even I can’t crack it. But if Qiao Yi continues, he won’t take long before he can command the Dao Laogui in battle.”

Li Banfeng now understood the gravity of the issue. He picked up his hat and said:

“It seems we must find a suitable fate for these remnants of the fallen dynasty.”

“Wait a moment!” Cui Ti quickly stopped him. “It’s not yet beyond repair. Given the current battlefield situation, you don’t have the bandwidth to deal with the Dao Laogui.”

“What’s your better solution?” Li Banfeng glanced around the cave. “Given your unusual life form, can you return to the real world and regain control of Dao Guiling?”

Cui Ti shook his head. “Not yet. I cannot leave the dream. But you can.”

Li Banfeng shook his head. “I have no idea how to communicate with the Dao Laogui. I sometimes enjoy dancing with them—it’s just when the mood strikes.”

“You know another form of communication—a more abstract one.” Cui Ti pulled back the curtain at the cave entrance. Outside stood the temple on Shengxian Peak, where the Dao Laogui were preparing for sacrifice.

This was Cui Ti’s dream. Though his life form was unusual, he remembered every detail of the ritual.

“This is more direct than dance. It is the sincere, unwavering faith of the Xia remnants,” Cui Ti looked at Li Banfeng. “I know you treat this faith as a source of combat power—but don’t overlook the Dao Laogui’s own strength.

You are their Dao Laoshen. You can command them in battle, make them know who their enemies are. This is fairer—for you, and for them.”

Li Banfeng agreed with Cui Ti’s idea, but two practical problems lay before him.

“I can continue pretending to be the Dao Laoshen, but I still can’t communicate with the Dao Laogui.”

Cui Ti corrected him: “You earned the title of Dao Laoshen only after defeating the former one, Wan Jinxian. The title was won through combat—it’s not pretending.

As for communicating with the Dao Laogui, if it’s just basic commands and motivation, I can teach you those.”

Li Banfeng said: “There’s another key issue: the Dao Laogui cannot stray far from Dao Guiling. I can’t take them elsewhere like you can.”

Cui Ti nodded. “That’s critical. The Dao Laogui can leave Dao Guiling—but only in limited numbers and duration.

If the absence is brief, under their current evolutionary state, physically robust Dao Laogui can endure three days without additional supplies. The only caution: never give them drinking water, or they’ll show signs of losing control.”

Li Banfeng did a rough calculation, then asked: “What do you mean by ‘physically robust Dao Laogui’?”

Cui Ti thought. “Use combat power as a measure. Through our joint efforts, the Dao Laogui’s combat power has risen significantly.

Ordinary Dao Laogui have combat power comparable to a Dipi Level Five cultivator. Robust ones reach Level Six, even Level Seven. Weak ones may fall below a Level Three Dipi cultivator. I’m speaking of absolute combat power—not composite.”

Li Banfeng pondered, not fully grasping: “What’s the difference between the two?”

“The difference is vast. Composite and absolute combat power sometimes move in opposite directions!”

Outside the cave, the scenery shifted. Two Dao Laogui fought over a mate.

Their physical differences were obvious: the robust one completely overwhelmed his opponent, reducing the weak one to serious injury in under five minutes.

Cui Ti explained: “In pure absolute combat power, three weak Dao Laogui might still lose to one robust one.

But the problem is: robust Dao Laogui excel at fighting other Dao Laogui, yet their composite combat power against other species is poor—they lack sufficient lesions.”

Li Banfeng understood: “Robust Dao Laogui don’t get sick easily. In external warfare, weak Dao Laogui are better at spreading disease.”

Cui Ti shook his head. “Don’t oversimplify. You saw it: this weak Dao Laogui has minimal combat power. If sent to spread disease, he’d likely be killed before even reaching the enemy—so his composite combat power isn’t high either.

Moreover, Dao Laogui this weak can leave Dao Guiling for at most one day, and their tactical flexibility is severely limited. So in personnel selection, you must weigh all factors. I’ve built several mathematical models—you can take them back for reference.”

Looking at the dense formulas, Li Banfeng’s head throbbed.

“Don’t feel burdened, my friend—you have a shortcut,” Cui Ti pulled out another stack of manuscripts. “For long-term external campaigns, the best approach is to mix Dao Laogui of different physiques: robust ones fight, weak ones spread disease.

I’ve calculated the optimal ratios. In actual combat, you must adjust based on battlefield changes.

Remember this: prolonged absence from Dao Guiling requires ample water—but not ordinary water. The water must come from Dao Guiling itself. This is critical. Different physiologies consume different amounts—I’ve detailed it in the appendix—”

Li Banfeng gritted his teeth and took the manuscript. Cui Ti asked a serious question: “Which journal do you think our findings should be published in?”

Li Banfeng said nothing. He stared silently at Cui Ti.

Cui Ti waved his hand and laughed: “Just a joke. I won’t publish our work until you’ve completed the experiment. Now, let’s learn the dance. It’s not complicated.”

Li Banfeng had decent dance skills—he’d studied diligently to defeat Du Wenming.

In just over an hour, he mastered numerous Dao Laogui dance movements.

Cui Ti wiped his sweat and changed the scene outside the cave again.

Outside, a barren new land stretched out, its sky streaked with glowing halos—the sign of imminent reclamation.

“This is a scene I witnessed in Qiao Yi’s dream. In this place, I saw one of your friends—the one surnamed He.”

Li Banfeng nodded. “He’s been reclaiming new land. This must be his territory.”

Cui Ti said: “I don’t wish to sow discord between you, but I must warn you: your friend has appeared repeatedly in Qiao Yi’s dream—especially recently, with increasing frequency.”

Cui Ti said: “I don’t want to sow discord between you, but I want to remind you—your friend has appeared more than once in Qiao Yi’s dreams, especially lately, and with increasing frequency.”

He Yuxiu had just left. She should know what’s been happening with He Jiaqing lately.

“Can you enter He Jiaqing’s dream?”

Cui Ti shook his head. “I cannot enter others’ dreams Zhudong . I can only follow the master of Meng Qianlou to gather information.

He Jiaqing isn’t in Neizhou, and his cultivation is high—he’s highly alert. Entering his dream is extremely dangerous. The master of Meng Qianlou won’t risk it, and even if he went, he wouldn’t take me.”

I only urge you to be cautious. War is brutal. I’ve experienced it. I know what people do when facing life or death.”

Li Banfeng looked at Cui Ti: “If faced with a life-or-death choice, would you bow to Neizhou?”

“If I could bow so easily, my life wouldn’t be like this.”

Cui Ti pulled open his shirt. His chest still bore the five large characters: “I LOVE PULUOZHOU!”

“My friend, I too fight for Puluo Zhou—in my own way.

My dream hasn’t changed. But before I fully realize it, Puluo Zhou will be my final goal.”

Li Banfeng nodded slightly. The two men locked eyes for a moment, then simultaneously removed their hats and bowed to each other.

Waking from the dream, Li Banfeng realized a serious problem: he remembered the dance Cui Ti taught him, but the manuscript? He couldn’t recall it.

Li Banfeng explained: “Brother Zhao, can you take me back into Cui Ti’s dream once more?”

Zhao Lanmeng looked embarrassed. “That’s difficult. To enter his dream, I must evade Meng Qian’s gaze and sneak into Meng Qianlou.

Meng Qian is cautious. If we entered and exited twice in such a short time, she’d surely notice.

Don’t worry—I can replay part of the dream for you. You can re-memorize the formulas you didn’t write down.”

Li Banfeng stared at Zhao Lanmeng: “So I have to dream the formulas?”

Zhao Lanmeng was a lazy cultivator—he understood Li Banfeng’s plight. “I can’t think of a better way.”

He Yuxiu and her family rode in a Haichilao carriage to He Jiaqing’s Thirteen New Lands.

Twenty li from the territory, the driver stopped. “Miss He, I’ll take you no further. Walk the rest yourself.”

The remaining distance wasn’t far, but the driver wasn’t short on pride. Many felt discontent.

He Yuxiu felt no resentment. Leaving the battlefield at Sansha was already indefensible. Li Qi not punishing her was already generous. Having a driver sent to escort her? That was rare kindness.

When everyone disembarked, He Yuxiu handed the driver a box of silver dollars as payment.

The driver had been silent, but after seeing the silver, he couldn’t help speaking: “Miss He, be wary of some people, cautious of some things, and swallow some fires yourself!”

The driver had no wish to speak, but after glancing at the silver dollar, he couldn’t help saying: “Miss He, some people, be wary; some things, tread carefully; some fires, you must swallow yourself!”

Having traveled with him so long, He Yuxiu knew something of Che Wushang’s reputation. He was always cautious—likely just warning her to be careful. Nothing more.

She led the group toward the new land, but as they walked, she grew increasingly uneasy.

He Jiaqing always claimed he had no money, yet there were many laborers—every territory seemed bustling.

She met no acquaintances until, after crossing two territories, she encountered Shen Rongqing.

Shen Rongqing was stunned to see He Yuxiu: “Sister Xiu, what are you doing here?”

He Yuxiu studied Shen Rongqing’s eyes: “Sister, why are your eyes red? What happened?”

Shen Rongqing forced a smile. “Nothing serious, Sister Xiu. I heard you’ve been fighting with Seventh Master. Why did you return so suddenly?”

He Yuxiu was puzzled. “I was told by Datou that Jiaqing was being crushed—so I came back. Why does your tone make it sound like I’m intruding?”

“No, not at all,” Shen Rongqing stammered. “That matter’s already over. Those people stopped causing trouble. So… it’s done.”

He Yuxiu grew angry. “What are you saying? ‘Stopped causing trouble’? Didn’t Jiaqing go to war with Neizhou? You make it sound like he got into a brawl with two thugs!”

Shen Rongqing was one of Puluo Zhou’s top talents—yet now she couldn’t even speak clearly.

He Yuxiu frowned. “Forget it. Where’s Jiaqing? I’ll go find him myself.”

Shen Rongqing glanced toward a row of wooden huts. “Jiaqing… he’s not here right now—”

He Yuxiu shoved past Shen Rongqing and headed straight for the huts.

He Jiaqing stepped out to greet her. “Auntie, what are you doing here?”

He Yuxiu lit a cigarette. “Should I have come or not? Explain clearly.”

He Jiaqing smiled. “This is our He family land. Auntie can come whenever she likes.”

“Jiaqing, that’s not how it works,” a young man stepped out from the hut. He had thick eyebrows, bright eyes, a clean face—a handsome young man.

“Jiaqing, it’s not quite that simple,” said a young man who stepped out of the wooden hut—he had thick eyebrows, large eyes, a fair and clean complexion, a very handsome young man.

But his attire was unusual—this long robe looked like an official gown from Huineizhou.

He Yuxiu asked, “Are you from Huineizhou?”

The young man said nothing, so He Jiaqing quickly introduced: “This is the Prince of Anshun, sent by the imperial court to bestow rewards upon our He family.”

“Who sent him? Rewarding whom?” He Yuxiu could hardly believe her ears. “Jiaqing, say that again.”

He Jiaqing pressed his lips together, looked at He Yuxiu, and smiled: “Auntie, the court has granted us He family these thirteen territories.”

He Yuxiu stared at He Jiaqing, silent for over a minute.

She suddenly drew her dagger and stabbed it toward the Prince of Anshun’s forehead.

Just moments ago, she had been fighting Huineizhou, to the death.

And now He Jiaqing is accepting rewards from a Huineizhou man!

He Yuxiu was a Wu Xiu of Cloud’s Upper Layer—this strike was lethal, and the Prince of Anshun flinched in terror.

He Jiaqing moved first, snatching He Yuxiu’s dagger away.

Without the dagger, it didn’t matter—He Yuxiu jabbed her finger at the Prince of Anshun’s eye.

The Prince still couldn’t dodge; He Jiaqing blocked her finger with his palm and shielded the prince.

He Jiaqing’s palm was pierced clean through, and He Yuxiu’s heart clenched with pain.

Because of that moment of pity, He Jiaqing pulled out a rope, wrapped it around He Yuxiu’s wrist, and bound her tightly.

He Yuxiu lay on the ground, struggling fiercely, but she couldn’t break free—it was a Binding Cultivator magic treasure, seized by He Jiaqing from He Qingdong. “He Jiaqing, you beast! You’ll die a cursed death!” He Yuxiu screamed.

Other members of the He family tried to rush forward, but a group of experts burst from the surrounding forest and surrounded them.

He Yuxiu lay on the ground, glancing around—everyone present were He family elders: uncles, grandfathers, and many she didn’t recognize at all.

Sheng Shan Zhou, the old accountant, stepped forward and stood before He Yuxiu: “Gentlemen, this is a matter for our own family—we mustn’t let outsiders laugh at us.”

The He family elders stared blankly at Sheng Shan Zhou; one uncle-grandfather said: “Imperial matters are far greater than family matters!”

Sheng Shan Zhou saw he couldn’t reason with them, turned to He Jiaqing: “Jiaqing, you must speak—your aunt came back today solely for you!”

He Jiaqing showed no expression; he stood quietly beside the prince, head bowed.

The Prince of Anshun sighed: “The He family has been loyal for generations—how did you end up as traitors? For Jiaqing’s sake, I’ll spare your lives—take them away and lock them up somewhere.”

The He family elders locked He Yuxiu and the others into separate wooden huts, sealing every opening with various magic treasures and spiritual objects.

He Yuxiu’s eyes burned red as she stared out the window, watching He Jiaqing bow his head, standing beside the prince.

He was still explaining to the prince that her actions had nothing to do with him.

The prince patted He Jiaqing’s shoulder: “Jiaqing, your loyalty to the court is clear to me—but others don’t see it.”

Though I have some influence in the court, the one who can truly advance you isn’t me.

The one who truly runs the court is Minister Qiao—he still remembers every deed you did. If you truly want to bury the past, you must go to the battlefield!”

He Jiaqing looked troubled, but still replied: “Your humble servant obeys Your Highness’s command.”

Li Banfeng copied formulas while analyzing Cui Ti’s algorithm; halfway through, he gave up.

He thought his math was decent—he could always ask his wife to help, and if she couldn’t figure it out, he could ask Ba Suan together.

But after solving it, what use was it? Even Cui Ti said this mathematical model was only for reference.

He packed up his notes, left Qiu Zhiheng’s residence, and found Chu Er.

“Huaiyuan, I need your help.”

Chu Er froze. “Seventh Brother, what’s this talk of ‘asking’? You don’t need to ask me—what do you want? Are you trying to keep Old Ku? I’ll let her beat me to death—I’ll go find her right now.”

Li Banfeng stopped Chu Er: “It’s not about Old Ku—I want to meet your father.”

Chu Er was startled: “I can’t say which side he’s on.”

Li Banfeng had thought about this many times: “I think he’s on our side.”

PS: Shala promised readers more updates—and Shala keeps her word!