[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-lord-of-the-proles":3,"chapter-lord-of-the-proles-lord-of-the-proles-chapter-860":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},2291158,4478,"Chapter 860: Where Is the Exit?","lord-of-the-proles-chapter-860",860,"\u003Cp>Li Banfeng rushed beneath the Great Totem, opened the vial containing Wuwang Ash, and poured the liquid onto the center of the Great Totem.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment the liquid touched it, Li Banfeng used the Skill of Insightful Spirit Sound and heard the Great Totem’s lament.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hum! Hum!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Great Totem was utterly desperate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The black shadow flickering at its center gradually dimmed, and countless carcasses of Xuyuan Silkworms continuously fell from the Great Totem’s core.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Step two: ignite the explosives.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Banfeng Yin arrived beneath Li Banfeng, accompanied by several Shadow Disciples of the Earthly Branches, and handed Li Banfeng over a thousand jin of explosives.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng rubbed the explosives, preparing to activate them, while the shadows gradually contracted their defenses and drew closer to him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Banfeng Yi sighed and said, “Actually, I could have done that job assigned to Banfeng Zi.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Banfeng Bing said, “When you’re getting the explosives ready to detonate, move faster—we’ll run faster too.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Banfeng Chou snorted: “Why are you in such a hurry? Which of you Traveling Cultivators can’t run? If we House Cultivators get left behind, we’re done for.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Banfeng Ding said, “When exactly are you detonating it? Hurry up!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Banfeng Chen said, “Exactly! You’re dragging this out—it’s driving us crazy!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng was anxious too; he held the explosives and used the Mad Cultivation Technique for a long time, but the explosives showed no reaction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What’s going on? Did the Mad Cultivation Technique fail?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Heh!” A few remaining Xuyuan Silkworms still lingered in the center of the Great Totem, not quite dead yet, and they laughed mockingly at Li Banfeng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Did the Great Totem use a technique to disable the explosives?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Banfeng Yi reminded him: “It might not be his doing—perhaps you’re too badly injured and can’t activate your techniques anymore!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That’s possible!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>During the battle, Li Banfeng had indeed sustained many wounds; perhaps his injuries were impairing his focus, causing the Mad Cultivation Technique to fail.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng pulled out the Snow Cream vial and applied some to several of his wounds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The wounds healed quickly; Li Banfeng held the explosives and tried the Mad Cultivation Technique again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After repeated attempts, the explosives finally responded—about one or two liang of the thousand-plus jin began to go mad.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Banfeng Yi said, “What’s the use of that? One or two liang of explosives can’t blow anything to pieces!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng observed the explosives’ madness—if this one or two liang detonated on its own, it would be a failure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But if this one or two liang transmitted the Mad Cultivation Technique to the rest, the situation would improve dramatically—over a thousand jin could shatter the Great Totem.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng watched the detonation trend; after a short while, it became clear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The one or two liang of explosives calmed down, as if conveying a message to Li Banfeng: if no one else explodes, they don’t want to either.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How are they returning to reason now? Banfeng Yi urged: “Are you done yet? Hurry up!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even the usually calm Banfeng Yin grew anxious: “We can’t hold much longer.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>First-rank weapons had surrounded them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Totem Army charged harder and harder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dying Great Totem let out a few mocking laughs: “Hah—hah!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng clutched the explosives and desperately used the Mad Cultivation Technique; after a while, the explosives responded again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One liang, three liang, five liang—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The explosives slowly transmitted madness; though slower than Li Banfeng expected, the overall trend was improving.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Next step: Ten Thousand Li Departure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng waved his hand, signaling all shadows to prepare to retreat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He approached a Totem Soldier, kicked him hard—the kick was devastating, instantly killing the soldier and injuring many nearby enemies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Banfeng Yi shouted: “What are you doing? Didn’t we agree on Ten Thousand Li Departure? Why are you using Tread Through Ten Thousand Rivers?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng was puzzled too—why had he used Tread Through Ten Thousand Rivers?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Try again!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Boom!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A group of enemies froze before him—this time he used Stagnant Steps.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Boom!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A cloud of dust surged upward, and Li Banfeng flew into the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time he used Ride the Wind and Clouds—barely avoiding being struck down by a flying Body Cultivator.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After landing, Li Banfeng used Leisurely Freedom again, spinning his legs around his body several times.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Banfeng Yi roared: “What are you playing at? We’re barely holding on—can’t you see? If you can’t do it, I’ll do it!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng gave him the chance: “Go ahead.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Banfeng Yi used Ten Thousand Li Departure, kicked a Totem Soldier, sending him flying—while Banfeng Yi himself remained still.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Banfeng Yi scratched his head and said: “Looks like my Ten Thousand Li Departure has improved—I can now control myself and stay put.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s not Ten Thousand Li Departure!” Banfeng Ding shouted angrily. “You just kicked him! You think strength alone makes it Ten Thousand Li Departure?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Techniques won’t activate, the shadows are nearly overwhelmed, and the “beauties” of Golden Chamber Hidden Beauty are nearly gone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The explosives given by Ayi still resonated with each other, but no one knew when they’d detonate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dozens of Xuyuan Silkworms still remained at the Great Totem’s center; with only a breath left, it still chuckled: “Heh, heh!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why is this happening?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why can’t I activate techniques?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No—it’s not that I can’t activate techniques; I’m activating the wrong ones, and wildly wrong ones.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Could I have been affected by the False Cultivation Technique?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>False Cultivation is a new Dao sect created by Qin Bulou, the Earth God of Huangtu Bridge—how did the Great Totem learn it?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng remembered something.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Inner State once sent a fake coachman to attack Huangtu Bridge, severely wounding Qin Bulou—perhaps they took his blood then, or stole his techniques by other means.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qiao Yi had laid many plans for the Great Totem; who knows how much of his effort still lies hidden within it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If we don’t take the Great Totem with us, who knows what future threats it will leave for Pulu Province?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Banfeng Yi shouted: “What are you thinking about? What do we do now?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng said: “Hold on a little longer, then prepare to break out.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hold on longer? Break out?” Banfeng Yi was furious. “Look around—what do we have left to fight with? Can you even break out now?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We can!” Li Banfeng glanced at the explosives—though activation was slow, more and more explosives were entering madness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He pulled out the Snow Cream vial and treated all his wounds—when breaking out, he must be in peak condition.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How do I counter the False Cultivation Technique?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He couldn’t think of a solution—he knew too little about False Cultivation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Opening High Pillow No Worries might dispel it, but Suishenju wasn’t with him—he didn’t know if High Pillow No Worries could even activate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if Suishenju were with him, the effect of False Cultivation might prevent High Pillow No Worries from working.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If it can’t be dispelled, even chaotic fighting must get us out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If we truly can’t escape, then we die here—but we must hold out until the Great Totem is destroyed; absolutely no letting it absorb our soul essences!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had too many wounds; the vial of Snow Cream was empty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wait.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Li Banfeng reached for another vial of Snow Cream, he noticed writing on the bottom of the vial.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tiny characters, barely legible without Golden Eyes and Autumn Hairs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>First line: Formulas for all Dao sect powders in Pulu Province.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng immediately put the vial away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No wonder the peddler said never to lose the vial.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He poured out the other vial of Snow Cream and checked its bottom.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The bottom bore dense script too; first line: Method of refining Silver Yuan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Brother, you truly trust me!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng put both Snow Cream vials away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What do we do now?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These two vials are the lifeline of Pulu Province.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They must not fall into Inner State hands—if we must die here, Li Banfeng must destroy these vials.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The peddler is still alive—he must remember the formulas and methods.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He must remember, right?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What if he doesn’t? And who even knows where to find the peddler?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng cannot choose to die here—he must escape at all costs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Banfeng Yi shouted: “Stop daydreaming! Can those Snow Cream vials fight?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Look for anything else that can fight!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng searched his body for a long time and found a book.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This book was given to him by Shu Wanjuan—could it be used in battle?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Golden Chamber Hidden Beauty technique is useless—this book wasn’t written by Li Banfeng; it holds none of his essence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or is there some literary cultivation technique at work?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Li Banfeng does not know any literary cultivation arts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Open it and see—Li Banfeng could only hope this wasn’t merely a pure literary masterpiece.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had intended to turn the first page, but there was a bookmark placed between pages sixteen and seventeen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Page sixteen held a landscape painting, nothing special; page seventeen featured a portrait, but the identity of the figure was obscured by the bookmark.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He pulled out the bookmark, and before he could make out the face, three figures leapt straight out of the book.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One man wore a wide-brimmed hat, beneath which hung several strings of copper coins.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One woman held a brush in her left hand and a blank scroll in her right.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Another woman held two ethereal silkworms in her left hand and a stone in her right.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng recognized all three.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Master Kongfang, Ai Yeqing, stood rigidly upright, his posture stiff as iron.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mu Yuejuan, the Founding Master of Painting Cultivation, sketched two strokes on the paper—yet not a trace of vitality appeared in the ink.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hen Wuyou stood for a moment, then couldn’t help blurting out: “Shu Wanjuan isn’t here!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Really?” Mu Yuejuan glanced around, then kicked Ai Yeqing. “Stop pretending—Shu Wanjuan isn’t here!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ai Yeqing burst into laughter: “Who said I can’t establish a Dao gate? My trickery fooled Shu Wanjuan himself!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hen Wuyou asked Ai Yeqing: “Is fooling Shu Wanjuan really a good thing?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ai Yeqing nodded: “Of course it is! Look—we’re free now!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mu Yuejuan watched the totem soldiers and elite weapons charging toward them and asked: “Is this what you call freedom?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone fell into confusion. Hen Wuyou turned and spotted the explosives beneath the great totem: “What is this?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t move!” Li Banfeng suddenly appeared, startling them all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hen Wuyou cried out: “Li Qi, how are you here?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng said: “If you don’t want to die, fight them now—there’s no time to talk!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hen Wuyou rushed into battle, but her two ethereal silkworms weren’t enough: “Li Qi, do you have any more ethereal silkworms?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng pointed to the great totem: “There are some there—go get them!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hen Wuyou snapped: “Who dares touch the great totem? That hand might never come back the same!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Is that the great totem?” Ai Yeqing, sensing danger, told Li Banfeng: “Use Yi Bie Wanli to take us both away. We’re not like them—we’re both from the Peddler’s side, our bond runs deeper.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t talk nonsense!” Mu Yuejuan snapped. “When did you ever become the Peddler’s man? If you could use Yi Bie Wanli, you’d have left already!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Li Qi, you let us out because you want to cooperate!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng said: “I have sincere intentions to cooperate!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mu Yuejuan said: “You all hold them off—I’ll paint a picture to get us out. Does that suit you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng nodded: “I think it’s suitable!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then let’s sign a covenant?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No time for covenants—paint now!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Aren’t you afraid I’ll renege?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Not at all!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mu Yuejuan said: “But I’m afraid you’ll renege!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng snapped: “I spared your life once—you promised to do me a favor, and you haven’t done it yet! Now obey me—paint this immediately!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Alright, Seventh Master, I’ll follow you—let’s begin!” Mu Yuejuan quickly picked up her brush—but after a few strokes, she made a mistake.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What’s going on? I can’t even paint anymore—” Mu Yuejuan grew flustered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng said: “The great totem uses Misguided Cultivation arts—can you correct it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mu Yuejuan revised a few strokes, barely covering the error—then another mistake appeared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hen Wuyou roared: “You slut, can you even paint? Can’t you even draw a simple picture?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mu Yuejuan snapped back: “You’re not a slut? Then draw one yourself!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ai Yeqing, his copper coins nearly spent, shouted: “Can you two stop bickering and get on with it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mu Yuejuan used cinnabar to repel a totem soldier: “You hold them off—I need to focus on painting!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng leapt down from the great totem and began fighting the enemy troops, handing Mu Yuejuan the book Shu Wanjuan had given him: “Here’s a ready-made landscape—modify it with two strokes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mu Yuejuan stared at the landscape in the book, frowning: “This is Shu Wanjuan’s painting—it’s hard to alter—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hen Wuyou exploded: “You useless waste! Just bang your head against the wall! A Founding Master of Painting can’t even modify a painting—what good are you in this life?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ai Yeqing’s copper coins were almost gone: “Hurry up and paint—I can’t hold them much longer!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng gathered all his shadows and “beauties” around him: “Quick—it’s about to explode!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mu Yuejuan cried: “I’ve finished! Follow me—see if we can get out!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ai Yeqing asked: “What do you mean ‘see if we can get out’? You’re not sure?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mu Yuejuan said: “Two-tenths chance!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hen Wuyou roared: “Two-tenths is no chance! That’s just leading us to death!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Fine, don’t come then! I don’t owe you anything!” Mu Yuejuan turned to Li Qi—she owed only him. “Seventh Master, once you enter the scroll, you must think of an exit—or you’ll be trapped forever.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng frowned: “Why must I think of the exit? Isn’t the exit your painting?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mu Yuejuan shook her head: “This is a modified version of Shu Wanjuan’s scroll. You can’t exit through my painting—you must imagine an exit yourself.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What kind of exit?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mu Yuejuan explained: “An exit with roots—somewhere blood was shed, sweat was poured, something vital was left behind, or a mark was made.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All four had crawled through blood and storm—there were many places where blood had been spilled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ai Yeqing asked: “So any place where blood was spilled will do?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mu Yuejuan said: “Think deeper. The more times blood was spilled there, the deeper the roots. The more precisely you recall it, the greater your chance of escape.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Best of all—think of the exact object where your blood or sweat was left. Just knowing where that object is will suffice!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was hard to recall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The places with the most blood were the enemy’s weapons—but where were those weapons now? It was impossible to remember in an instant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng asked: “What about covenants on the ground? They’re stained with blood.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mu Yuejuan shook her head: “No—that blood was spilled only once. The roots are too shallow. You won’t escape.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One spill wasn’t enough!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That made it even harder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hen Wuyou cursed: “You slut! You’ve turned this into a nightmare! You’re just torturing us!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ai Yeqing shouted: “I’ve got it!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stepped first into the scroll.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ve got it too, Seventh Master—I’ll leave this painting for you—I’m going!” Mu Yuejuan also slipped into the page.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hen Wuyou stared wide-eyed at Li Banfeng—she couldn’t think of anything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng stood like a statue—also unable to think.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hen Wuyou’s voice trembled: “Could it be… not blood? Something else might work—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The totem soldiers and elite weapons surged forward. Hen Wuyou roared: “I’ve got it—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>BOOM!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The great totem exploded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Over a thousand jin of Aiyi’s custom-made explosives detonated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The great totem vanished—no trace remained.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The entire mountain shook violently. Nian Shangyou tumbled down the slope, landing hard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He struggled to open his eyes, staring at the ruins below, desperately searching for Li Banfeng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The explosion’s force was too great—the dust obscured everything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Prince Anshun rose from the ground, stepped forward, and seized Nian Shangyou by the collar: “Nian Grand Secretary, how dare you!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nian Shangyou froze: “Your Highness, I am innocent!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Prince Anshun said nothing more—he ordered his men: “Take Nian Shangyou to Chaoge for trial!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I am not guilty! Not guilty!” Nian Shangyou shouted as he was thrown into a cage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The great totem was destroyed—if Nian Shangyou was innocent, then who was guilty?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Prince Anshun’s position was already precarious—such a disaster demanded someone take the blame!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But could Nian Shangyou bear it?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nian Shangyou was transported back to Chaoge and thrown into prison.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In Huineizhou, right and wrong were indistinguishable. With heavy charges against him, no one dared speak to Nian Shangyou—not even the jailers. He soon lost track of time, unsure how long he’d been imprisoned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One day, he woke to find a palm-sized spider resting on his face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nian Shangyou remained calm, plucked the spider off, and prepared to improve his meal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as he was about to swallow it, the spider spoke: “Grand Secretary Nian, wait a moment—I’ve brought you something good.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The spider’s voice was faint, but Nian Shangyou heard clearly: “Are you Dabo Yins?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nian Shangyou had dealt with the Baiji Alliance—he recognized the spider Bin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The spider twitched its silk, flinging a key: “This is a Lock-Cultivation magic treasure. Unlock the Jia Lock, and I’ll take you out.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The prison is heavily guarded—how could you possibly get me out?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The guards along the way have been taken down; follow us without worry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But what about my family?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Your family has already been settled; they’ll join you in Xiao Du shortly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Xiao Du?” Nian Shangyou froze. “Who saved me? Was it the White Falcon Alliance or—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Spider Bin said: “The White Collection Alliance saved you, but you have little connection to them. They rescued you only because someone asked them to.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Who asked them?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Who do you think? Tianyi City is waiting for you by the shore!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Being alive is a good thing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s the best thing in this world!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nian Shangyou followed Spider out of the cell, and under the cover of other White Collection Alliance members, he ascended to Tianyi City.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His wife and children were waiting for him on Tianyi City; upon seeing his wife, Nian Shangyou frowned and said: “Our marital bond is over. I’ll write a divorce letter—we’d be better off never seeing each other again.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“My lord, I know I’m wrong!” his wife knelt and begged, but Nian Shangyou ignored her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was now worried about one thing: the token Li Banfeng had given him—he had destroyed it. Had he not destroyed it, he’d have carried another charge of treason.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now that he had no token, would Xiao Du even accept him?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pineapple told him not to worry: “We’ll personally escort you to Xiao Du. Tie Baisheng knows me—he won’t give you trouble.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nian Shangyou thanked him repeatedly, but then his face darkened again: “Prince Anshun is determined to make me shoulder the blame for the Great Totem’s destruction. Even if I reach Xiao Du—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He won’t let me go.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ba Suan shook his head: “You’re overthinking it. We’ve gathered intelligence in Chaoge. Prince Anshun did want you to take the blame, but the rest of the imperial family disagrees. Now Prince Anshun is in danger himself—he won’t have time to bother with you anytime soon.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pineapple chuckled beside him: “If things go smoothly, he may never bother with you again.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nian Shangyou didn’t understand Pineapple’s meaning, and Pineapple offered no further explanation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Prince Anshun rubbed his forehead as he listened to the Ministry of Justice’s report that Nian Shangyou had escaped. He hadn’t even considered pursuing him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What would be the point? Nian Shangyou refused to confess. Even if he had confessed, no one in court would believe him. Better to let him flee in fear—it lets us heap more filth on him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These past days, Prince Anshun had been mentally drained. He knew the position of Qiao Yi was difficult, but he never imagined his own situation would become so dire.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking at the blueprint of the Great Totem left behind by Qiao Yi, Prince Anshun felt slightly more at ease.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He summoned his trusted aide, Yue Yangsong, and asked: “Still no news about Duan Tielu?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yue Yangsong answered cautiously: “No further leads have been found yet. I will spare no effort.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even the slightest progress, Yue Yangsong would report immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet despite this, Prince Anshun still asked once every day.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Leave.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Prince Anshun waved his hand, hoping only for a good night’s sleep, if only to forget all his troubles for now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Surprisingly, he slept well that night. He fell asleep early and dreamed of the sun in Pulu Province—the kind everyone envied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sunlight spilled across the fields; a child stood in the grass, holding a bowl of noodle soup, waving at the prince.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The prince frowned, drew his longsword, and pointed it at the child: “Who are you? Who sent you to assassinate me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The child looked wounded, lowering his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The prince roared: “If you won’t speak, then I’m right—you are an assassin!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He raised his sword to strike—Cui Ti suddenly appeared, scooped up Xiao De, and dodged the prince’s blade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your Highness, you’re being unreasonable. He only brought you food—why do you want to harm him?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“And who are you?” The prince held his sword aloft; the dream blurred the man’s face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When he finally saw clearly, the prince shuddered, and his sword fell to the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Imperial… Imperial Envoy…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was someone Prince Anshun never wanted to see—even in his dreams.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cui Ti nodded: “I admire your honesty. You’re right—the Emperor has not issued a decree revoking my post.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To this day, I remain the Imperial Envoy of Shang. All your administrative misconduct remains subject to my correction and punishment.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Prince Anshun shook his head instinctively: “The destruction of the Great Totem was not my fault!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But you’re still rebuilding it. That fault cannot be forgiven.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Prince Anshun hurried to explain: “I do this for the Shang Empire—there is not a trace of selfish motive!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“For the Shang Empire? What a ridiculous excuse! So absurd you don’t even believe it yourself!” Cui Ti laughed and shook his head. “Countless souls of Shang have been sent to the Great Totem. If they heard you say that, they’d tear you limb from limb.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But I’m not that cruel. Within my control, I’ll let you die—but perhaps not painfully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My plan: first, you’ll break out in blisters. On the first day, you’ll suffer unbearable itching. On the second day, the blisters burst, and you’ll feel tearing pain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The third day is the crucial one. The physical pain will fade, but Lingmi’s spirit will become wildly active. You’ll see different people, do different things—you’ll pass on the punishment I’ve given you to others.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Prince Anshun broke into cold sweat. Filled with fear and rage, he swung his sword at Cui Ti.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cui Ti, holding Xiao De, bowed to Prince Anshun: “Your Highness, farewell.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The prince swung his sword—and his vision shattered. He woke from the nightmare.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No fields. No Cui Ti. It was all a dream. Prince Anshun exhaled deeply, grabbed a cloth to wipe his face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What was this?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>White cloth, streaked with green fluid.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Prince Anshun touched his cheek—he felt a blister. An excruciatingly itchy blister.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meng Qian looked at Cui Ti: “You should leave. I think now is the right moment. I’ve found an excellent Jiao Xiu—he’s crafted you a new body. You can return to Pulu Province anytime.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cui Ti sighed softly: “Though I love Pulu Province deeply, returning now may not be wise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Dao Lao Gui is currently in the hands of my Dao Sect’s ancestral master. If I return now, I’ll trigger a major conflict with him—and possibly bring great disaster to Pulu Province. But if I abandon Dao Lao Gui, I simply can’t bear it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meng Qian nodded: “I know. Dao Lao Gui is your greatest achievement.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Incorrect!” Cui Ti shook his head. “First, Dao Lao Gui isn’t solely my achievement. Second, it’s one of my greatest achievements.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The affliction that anchors itself in dreams—also one of my greatest achievements. I doubt even my ancestral master or my mentor ever achieved that.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meng Qian lowered her head and sighed. The idea of an affliction anchoring itself in dreams filled her with unprecedented dread.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cui Ti urged her to be optimistic: “Our dreams are actually very close. You wish to spread Dream-Linking across the entire world. I believe that’s the same goal as mine—just a different path.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meng Qian shivered, then looked up: “How long do you plan to stay in Dream-Link Tower?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cui Ti thought: “How long did San Ba Lun stay here?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meng Qian stared in shock: “Why would you want to stay that long?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cui Ti spoke sincerely: “Out of love. My love for Dream-Link Tower makes me unwilling to leave! This isn’t empty flattery—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I can lay this love bare before you!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He pulled open his robe—embroidered on it were five characters: I LOVE DREAM-LINK TOWER!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meng Qian fell silent for a moment: “Several people wish to join Dream-Link Tower. I need to make arrangements. Also, I’ll give you advice—consider it carefully. Before I lose patience, I urge you to leave soon.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cui Ti bowed deeply to Meng Qian: “I’ll give you advice too. Decide carefully who should leave and who should stay. For example, Shen Jingye—I suggest he remain. He still lacks the ability to resurrect. If you force him out, you’ll bear the consequences.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the Jiao Xiu ancestral master—I hear you want him to join Dream-Link Tower. This requires even greater caution. Like Shen Jingye,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>he has deep ties to Li Qi. If you act carelessly and offend Li Qi, the consequences will be severe.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meng Qian frowned: “I haven’t forced anyone to join Dream-Link Tower. It’s their own choice.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cui Ti shook his head: “I don’t know his true intentions. I doubt even he knows himself. Until he fully understands, you shouldn’t act.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meng Qian smiled: “I haven’t seen Li Qi in a long time. I don’t even know if he’s still alive.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You don’t need to explain anything to me. I love Dream-Link Tower—I won’t interfere with your decisions. But you must give Li Qi a proper explanation. After all, he’s not a careless man.” Cui Ti bowed again to Meng Qian, then embraced Xiao De and vanished into the depths of the dream.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meng Qian gazed into the distance. Her casual expression now held a touch of gravity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The true intentions of Bu Yu may still need further observation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[282] PS: Dear readers, there’s an extra chapter today! A good story must be told in one breath!\u003C\u002Fp>",4446,"2026-06-20T03:43:18.603Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","88b7b0b1e5d933eaea9e4542e92e550a10d7edbdfbbf680c476437ae6de94aad","lord-of-the-proles-chapter-861","lord-of-the-proles-chapter-859",863,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Flord-of-the-proles-cover.jpg"]