Chapter 318: Transcending the Tribulation

With the contract sorted, Li Banfeng still needed to discuss some matters with Meng Yuchun. Meng Yuchun would be responsible for guarding this territory in the future, while Li Banfeng would need to bring people to develop Meng Yuchun's territory. They had many issues to resolve.

For example, the group of strange creatures under the Mountain Lord were an urgent problem to address.

Li Banfeng had them sign contracts on the spot, to be at Meng Yuchun's command from then on.

The strange creatures were easy to deal with; they would follow anyone.

However, the Vine Monster and the Chef Monster, two of the roaming monsters, were somewhat reluctant.

They had cultivated to their current level, finally achieving the status of a roaming monster, precisely so they wouldn't be controlled by local deities. Yet, Li Banfeng was now making them sign contracts again. The two dragged their feet, refusing to put their handprints down.

Reluctance? That was easily dealt with. Even if one is full, there's always room for a little more.

Li Banfeng gazed at the two roaming monsters, smiling as he said, "Are you truly not agreeing?"

The two roaming monsters couldn't see Li Banfeng's face, only the brim of his lowered hat and the slight upward curve of his lips.

Before they could respond, the Actress Monster quickly shouted, "I agree, I'm willing!"

"You?" Li Banfeng shook his head slightly. "I'm afraid you won't have the chance."

"I truly..." The Actress Monster didn't finish her sentence before Meng Yuchun, from behind, twisted her neck.

The other two roaming monsters had not a shred of hesitation left. They immediately signed the contracts.

***

In Yuezhou, at the Garden Stadium, more than three hours after the boy band concert ended, many fans still refused to leave.

He Jiaqing waited until 3 AM before sneaking into the stadium and going underground.

Placing the seal on his head, He Jiaqing convulsed for a long time. The intense pain was unbearable.

He didn't leave the seal in the underground chamber; instead, he took it with its box and left the stadium.

He Jiaqing had set a rule for himself: no more than two actions in one place within a month.

He would return in a few days, even though it was truly an excellent location.

After leaving the stadium, He Jiaqing drove to a villa in Yucong District.

The villa had been unattended for a long time; it was very dusty, and the bedding was moldy.

He Jiaqing placed the seal in a secret compartment under the bed. He took out an oiled brush from his pocket and brushed the compartment door twice. The compartment door vanished.

After securing the seal, He Jiaqing went to the bathroom and stood in front of the mirror. First, he wiggled his feet.

His bones cracked and popped, and He Jiaqing grew three centimeters taller.

He covered his face with his hands, loosened his skin by rubbing, raised his cheekbones slightly, elongated his nasolabial folds, deepened his forehead wrinkles, and darkened his skin tone.

After a series of manipulations, He Jiaqing transformed into the likeness of He Haisheng.

Changing into a gray Zhongshan suit, He Jiaqing left the villa with a suitcase, hailed a taxi, and went to Yuezhou East Station.

Two days later, He Jiaqing arrived in Lushui City. He took a rickshaw to the He Family Mansion.

He Haiqin looked well. His already large body had grown several sizes thicker.

He was in the dining room, eating mutton. He Yuxiu, beside him, chuckled, "Little brother, has your cultivation improved? You've already eaten six sheep!"

He Haiqin ignored He Yuxiu and looked at "He Haisheng," saying, "Third brother, why are you back again?"

"He Haisheng" remained silent.

He Yuxiu frowned and said, "Is there something you can't let your elder sister know?"

He Haiqin wiped his mouth and said, "Alright, come upstairs with me to talk."

He Yuxiu waved her hand, saying, "You don't need to go upstairs. I'm leaving. I'm going to play cards. I really can't be bothered to listen to your trivial matters!"

He Haiqin grabbed He Yuxiu, saying, "Sister, you can't leave. I have something important to tell you in a moment."

"He Haisheng" followed He Haiqin upstairs. Before "He Haisheng" could speak, He Haiqin already guessed his purpose: "Have you found elixirs again?"

"He Haisheng" nodded, "I found twenty this time."

"Where did you find them?"

"The same place as before."

He Haiqin took the elixir box and smiled, "Jiaqing is a good child, truly a good child. Third brother, you absolutely must take good care of him. Your elder brother is sincerely begging you."

"Brother, what are you talking about? Jiaqing is my nephew, I care for him too."

He Haiqin counted out ten elixirs and handed them to "He Haisheng." "Brother, take these!"

"Brother, I can't accept these."

"Take them when I tell you to! Jinquan Casino has been doing good business lately, and I can't manage it all. It's yours now."

"Brother, what are you planning to do..."

"Don't ask. You rarely come back. Go quickly and take care of your matters, and once you're done, go to the outer state to look after Jiaqing."

"He Haisheng" left.

He Haiqin sat beside He Yuxiu, continuing to gnaw on the mutton. As he ate, he said, "Sister, let me tell you about our family's business."

He Yuxiu was startled. "Why are you telling me this? I won't understand it."

"I'm going on a long trip. I'm entrusting the family business to you from now on."

He Yuxiu was even more bewildered. "You want me to manage the business? You should ask Third Brother for this! Why are you telling me?"

He Haiqin shook his head, "He's not suitable for it."

He Yuxiu laughed. "I've lived this long, and it's the first time I've heard I'm cut out for business. Alright, tell me, I'm listening."

***

After leaving the He Family Mansion, He Jiaqing went to a private residence in the east of the city. He wiped his face in front of a mirror, transforming into a man of ordinary appearance, around thirty years old.

He changed into a long gown, put on a straw hat, and went to Miaosheng Phonograph Shop.

The previous troubles had passed. The phonograph shop was still open but had no customers. Ling Miaosheng was dozing off in the back, as usual. He Jiaqing gently tapped the counter and smiled, "Are you still open for business?"

Ling Miaosheng raised her head, looked at the man in front of her, and asked, "Are you buying a phonograph? Which model are you interested in?"

He Jiaqing shook his head, "I'm not interested in any of the items here. Can I look inside?"

Ling Miaosheng stood up and said, "Let's be clear first. Are you here to buy something, or for revenge? If it's revenge, let's settle it here."

He Jiaqing chuckled, "Do I even know you to seek revenge?"

Ling Miaosheng led He Jiaqing through the back door and opened a room where various phonographs were displayed.

He Jiaqing surveyed each phonograph, speaking as he looked, "I am a friend of Miaowen and Miaoying, a friend from another state."

Ling Miaosheng pointed to a glossy black wind-up phonograph and said, "This is produced by Ingrid. The craftsmanship is exquisite, and the sound quality is impeccable. It's just a bit delicate and requires frequent maintenance."

He Jiaqing continued, "Miaowen and Miaoying should have mentioned me to you. We are like brothers."

Ling Miaosheng then walked over to a silver phonograph. "This phonograph is from Cheman Kingdom. It's sturdy and durable, with a crisp sound, suitable for playing piano music."

He Jiaqing went on, "Miaowen is gone, and Miaoying is out of touch. The family business cannot be simply abandoned."

"This phonograph is from Xipanni. Its sound quality has some sharp edges, making it less ideal for instrumental pieces, but it's exceptionally clear for vocals."

"Miaosheng, you're the only one I can trust now."

"Sir, are you here to buy a phonograph?"

After a moment of eye contact, He Jiaqing smiled, put on his straw hat, and left the phonograph shop.

Ling Miaosheng saw him to the door, then returned to dozing behind the counter.

Walking along the road, He Jiaqing helplessly shook his head.

This person was impenetrable.

Old Wan said Ling Miaoying was still alive, but He Jiaqing wasn't sure if he really was.

But some things still needed to be done by someone.

***

In a residence outside the city, Wan Jinxian was drinking tea in his study. A servant suddenly moved a chair and sat opposite Wan Jinxian, pouring himself a cup of tea.

Wan Jinxian was stunned for a moment. Then he saw the person opposite him wipe his face and smile at him.

"Jiaqing!" Wan Jinxian was both surprised and delighted. He pushed open the door and looked around, afraid that someone might have heard the commotion.

"Don't worry, everyone in the house is asleep," He Jiaqing chuckled. "They won't wake up before I leave."

Wan Jinxian quickly asked, "Why are you back?"

"I missed you, old brother. I specifically came back to see you."

Wan Jinxian smiled wryly, "I'm not a young girl. Why would you miss an old man like me? Is there something important?"

He Jiaqing took a sip of tea. "You told me before that Miaoying was still alive. Have there been any recent updates about him?"

Wan Jinxian shook his head, "Since his last appearance at Xiaoyao Dock, he hasn't shown up again."

He Jiaqing put down his teacup and said, "I just went to the film company. Our movie production has been halted."

Wan Jinxian said, "I truly don't understand the film industry. I asked someone, and they said filming could be completed in two more days, but the actress is nowhere to be found."

"Are you talking about Tu Yinghong? Didn't you look for her?"

"I sent someone to look. I heard she also appeared at Xiaoyao Dock, likely with Ling Miaoying."

He Jiaqing frowned.

He had trusted Ling Miaoying a bit too much before.

Were Ling Miaoying and Tu Yinghong acting together truly just to target Ma Wu?

Was Ling Miaoying really still alive?

If Ling Miaoying was dead, they needed to find someone to replace him quickly.

If Ling Miaoying was still alive, his and Tu Yinghong's actions had clearly gone beyond He Jiaqing's control.

"Find Tu Yinghong and make her finish the filming. I can't stay in Pu'luo State for too long; this matter needs to be handled quickly."

Wan Jinxian nodded, "I heard Lu Maoxian often sends people to the set to cause trouble. Your father also sent people there. I don't know why Miaoying offended Grand Uncle He."

He Jiaqing rubbed his chin and said, "It's probably still about the business in Haichi Ridge."

"Otherwise, just make the Ling family give up some of the business in Haichi Ridge, and give it back to your father."

He Jiaqing shook his head, "You don't need to worry about my father's matters. They will be resolved in a few days."

***

At the He Family Mansion, He Haiqin's wife, Yan Yulin, advised, "Haiqin, that's enough. How much have you eaten already?"

For three whole days, He Haiqin continuously ate mutton, with bags of mutton bones being sent out one after another.

He Haiqin's face was greasy from eating. Impatiently, he told Yan Yulin, "This is a matter of cultivation; stay out of it. Tell the kitchen staff to work in shifts and roast sheep for me one after another, without stopping."

"Haiqin, you can't eat anymore!"

"You wouldn't understand!" He Haiqin stood up. He wanted to go to the kitchen himself, but he got stuck in the doorway and couldn't get out.

Yan Yulin looked at He Haiqin; his physique was completely unrecognizable.

His enormous torso was almost swallowing his limbs, making his entire silhouette increasingly rotund.

"Go to the kitchen quickly! Do I have to go myself?" He Haiqin was angry, so Yan Yulin quickly went to the kitchen.

The chair had long been too small for him. He Haiqin sat back down on the floor and took out five Golden Origin Elixirs from his pocket.

He had struggled in Pu'luo State for decades, and had never seen elixirs of such fine quality.

These were the good things refined from the Profound Life Red Lotus.

People desired the Profound Life Red Lotus precisely for these good things.

Jiaqing, I know what you're thinking, young man.

You want to help me transcend my tribulation.

But what if I know?

Triple the lifespan.

Who in this world wouldn't want to pass this stage?

He Haiqin stuffed all five elixirs into his mouth at once.

Jiaqing, you've helped me this time, and I won't treat you unfairly.

Your great-aunt knows nothing; you can easily take the business back from her.

The future matters are entrusted to you.

The elixir's toxins surged. He Haiqin picked up half a sheep, gnawing and swallowing, forcefully suppressing the elixir's toxins with the mutton.

The next morning, urgent shouts woke Yan Yulin.

"Madam, something has happened to Master!"

Yan Yulin rushed to the dining room. Semi-solidified mutton grease covered the floor, flowing all the way into the corridor, causing He Yuxiu to slip and fall several times.

When she burst into the dining room, Yan Yulin saw a massive blob of grease piled against the wall, occupying nearly half the room's area.

Where did this pile of grease come from?

"Where's the Master?" Yan Yulin cried out.

One of the servants was very bold. He walked to the grease, reached in, and fumbled for a moment. A human face slowly reappeared from within the grease.

Although the face was swollen and disfigured, Yan Yulin still recognized the familiar features.

"Master, Master, what happened to you!"

Yan Yulin rushed to the pile of grease, embraced He Haiqin's face, and burst into loud sobs.