Chapter 470: False Play Becomes Real

Daboi Ens closed the hidden door and said to Xiao Zhenggong, "Gang Leader, Inland Province asked me to deliver a message to you."

"What message?"

"After the matter is settled, if you are willing to spend some time cultivating in Inland Province, the price can be raised even further."

Xiao Zhenggong smiled. "How much higher?"

Daboi Ens said, "Within a year, we can add another level of cultivation for you."

"One year?" Xiao Zhenggong shook his head. "That's not fast enough."

Daboi Ens reminded him, "This is a cultivation level from the clouds."

Xiao Zhenggong pondered for a moment and said, "The price can still be negotiated. We'll discuss it again once the matter is settled. For now, get some good rest. Think through every step for the day after tomorrow carefully, and don't make any mistakes."

Daboi Ens said no more, bowed deeply, and returned to the hidden room.

Leaving the basement, Xiao Zhenggong called over Yao Zhiyi, who was guarding the door, and asked, "Is the corpse ready?"

Yao Zhiyi nodded and said, "It's ready. It's been inspected thoroughly from top to bottom. No matter who examines it, they won't find any flaws. Even the blood is identical to yours. From any angle, no matter how you look at it, this corpse is yours!"

"Pah!" Xiao Zhenggong spat at Yao Zhiyi.

Yao Zhiyi didn't know how to express himself. "This corpse, it's very similar to you, his... his features are very similar..."

Returning to the main building, Yao Zhiyi found a quiet room and brewed tea. Xiao Zhenggong took a sip and asked, "Have all the invitations been sent out?"

Yao Zhiyi nodded. "They've all been sent out. The various prominent families didn't give us any face; they returned the invitations on the spot. Shen Jinzhong, the Great Golden Seal of the Three Heroes Gate, was the worst; he tore up the invitation right in front of our people. And He Yuxiu, she threw our invitation into a spittoon."

Xiao Zhenggong smiled. "As expected. It's good that no one came. This way, the downfall of the Jiangxiang Gang will seem perfectly justifiable. Later, tell Xie Mengjiao to contact Shan Zhumei and publish a news article. It should say: 'The Jiangxiang Gang isolated and without aid—why do all sects and factions stand by indifferently?'"

Yao Zhiyi pondered the title, feeling it wasn't quite neat.

"How about we change the first part to: 'The Jiangxiang Gang's wickedness has reached its peak, isolated and without aid'? Do you think that works?"

"'Wickedness has reached its peak,' you can even use idioms," Xiao Zhenggong nodded, then kicked Yao Zhiyi. "What the hell do you know about 'wickedness has reached its peak'? Have you ever studied? Don't worry about this. Think more about tomorrow night. Keep everyone who should be kept, and get rid of everyone who shouldn't, so they don't go around spreading nonsense. Also, tell our remaining brothers that after tonight, they should call me 'Marshal.' Change all those gang titles."

As they were speaking, a disciple requested an audience. After whispering a few words to Yao Zhiyi, Yao Zhiyi stepped forward and said, "The foreigner, Dr. Tritek, wants to attend the banquet tomorrow night."

Xiao Zhenggong frowned. "You sent him an invitation?"

Yao Zhiyi scratched his scalp and said, "He runs a hospital and has cured some of our brothers. I also heard that you have quite a friendship with him, so I just..."

"Why did you invite him?" Xiao Zhenggong rubbed his forehead. "Prepare a table of wine for tomorrow night; I'll have a simple meal with him. The key is, eating with him is a bit unnerving."

A moment later, another disciple came to report.

This time, Yao Zhiyi was very surprised. "Gang Leader, there's been a change with Li Qi."

Xiao Zhenggong frowned. "What change?"

"He replied; he's also coming to the banquet tomorrow night."

Xiao Zhenggong was startled. "Why is he coming?"

Yao Zhiyi shook his head. "I don't know his intention. That man's thoughts are unfathomable."

"If his thoughts are unfathomable, why did you send him an invitation?"

"Gang Leader, Li Qi is a prominent figure in Pro Province now. The He family, the Lu family, and the Chu family all listen to him. It wouldn't be appropriate not to send him an invitation."

Xiao Zhenggong was silent for a while, then asked, "Who exactly is this Li Qi?"

"He's a ruthless man, vicious and domineering in his actions. He started in Lanyang Village, accumulating some capital with Ma Wu through new land deals. We thought someone like him would struggle for a lifetime and barely gain a foothold in Lanyang Village. Who would have thought that after only a short time in Lanyang Village, he'd wipe out the village leader? After taking over Lanyang Village, he couldn't stop. First, he expanded his business to Greenwater City, and then extended his reach to Black Stone Slope. He developed an entire piece of new land, forcibly transforming it into established territory, which is now Seven Autumn City. Neither Inland Province nor Outland Province could contain him. Among the powerful figures in Pro Province, he is one of the very best."

Xiao Zhenggong had heard of Li Qi's reputation. Now, piecing these events together, he mused that this man was indeed extraordinary. "What is his cultivation level?"

"His cultivation isn't considered high; he's supposedly a five-level itinerant cultivator. In his early years, he ventured through Three-Headed Fork and even studied in Outland Province."

"Has he ever worked in our line of business?"

"No, I haven't heard of that."

Xiao Zhenggong thought for a long time, feeling even more confused. "Then why does he insist on coming to eat this meal with me? No one else dares to come. Does he have a relationship with us?"

Yao Zhiyi shook his head. "To my knowledge, there's no relationship."

Xiao Zhenggong continued, "Does he have some grudge with us, and at this critical juncture, wants to see us make a fool of ourselves?"

"I haven't heard of any grudges, but this man has significant ambition. The Great Golden Seal of the Three Heroes Gate died by his hand, and I've heard the Second Golden Seal's ascension to power is also greatly linked to him."

Xiao Zhenggong was startled. "Is he taking advantage of the situation, seeing my predicament, and trying to seize control of the Jiangxiang Gang?"

Yao Zhiyi nodded. "That's possible."

Xiao Zhenggong laughed upon hearing this. "Alright, I'll let him take it. Tomorrow night, I'll form an alliance with him, and the Jiangxiang Gang will follow his orders from now on. If he isn't afraid of his reputation being ruined, then the Jiangxiang Gang will be his. Anyway, after the day after tomorrow, there won't be a Jiangxiang Gang anymore."

The next day, Li Banfeng asked Xiao Chuanzi to prepare a gift. Xiao Chuanzi looked reluctant. "Master Qi, going to the Jiangxiang Gang's banquet, isn't that like stepping in dog poop with good shoes on? What's your status? What are they? What if this gets out?"

Li Banfeng smiled. "Didn't I tell you? Gang Leader Xiao and I are old acquaintances; we have a life-and-death friendship."

By noon, He Yuxiu, Lu Chunying, and Chu Huaiyuan had all arrived.

Seeing Li Qi, He Yuxiu asked directly, "What's the meaning of this, Old Qi? You're actually dealing with those Jiangxiang Gang people? Aren't you truly disgusted?"

Li Qi smiled. "True friendship is seen in adversity. Given the Jiangxiang Gang's current situation, someone has to lend a hand."

He Yuxiu angrily said, "Lend them a hand for what? Have you forgotten I almost died at their hands?"

"How could I forget that? I remember it all."

"Since you remember it, why are you doing this? You're deliberately trying to disgust me!" He Yuxiu grew angrier with each word.

Lu Chunying remained silent beside them.

Chu Er was silent for a moment, then suddenly spoke. "Seventh Brother, are you really going tonight?"

Li Banfeng nodded. "I'm really going."

Chu Er said, "Alright, I'll go with you."

"What are you going to do?"

"I'll also discuss relations with the Jiangxiang Gang."

Li Qi shook his head. "What kind of relationship do you have with the Jiangxiang Gang?"

"No relationship, we'll just create one. Seventh Brother, whatever you do, I'll follow you. I trust you, and the Chu family trusts you."

Lu Chunying heard this and said, "Then I'll also go with Seventh Brother."

"I don't know what you're thinking!" He Yuxiu picked up a wine bottle and took a big gulp. "Go ahead, I'll go with you too. But I already threw their invitation into a spittoon right in front of those Jiangxiang Gang scoundrels. How do we explain that?"

Li Banfeng said, "Just say you went out of respect for me. It'll be a good opportunity for me to do the Jiangxiang Gang a favor."

He Yuxiu frowned. "Old Qi, is something going on here?"

Li Banfeng nodded. "Something big is going on—a major event of faking death and rebirth."

By dusk, the Jiangxiang Gang bustled with activity. They had originally planned a simple meal with Dr. Tritek, but hearing Li Qi was coming, the banquet couldn't be too simple. Now that the He family, Lu family, and Chu family had all arrived, setting just one banquet table would be inappropriate.

Xiao Zhenggong asked Yao Zhiyi, "How much influence does Li Qi have to be able to bring so many people here?"

"Gang Leader, back when he forced Chief Envoy Liao to cut his shipping fees by half, you could tell how capable this man is. Since he's willing to give us this much face, I'd say we might as well keep the gang going for two more days. Perhaps Outland Province will..."

"Maintain what?" Xiao Zhenggong's face darkened. "I'll give him the Gang Leader's position tonight. You can follow him from now on!"

Yao Zhiyi quickly explained, "Gang Leader, I don't have such intentions..."

Xiao Zhenggong asked, "What was all my hard work for?"

Yao Zhiyi quietly replied, "It was to find a way out for our brothers."

"Is there still a way out for the Jiangxiang Gang?"

Yao Zhiyi lowered his head and said nothing.

Xiao Zhenggong calmed down for a moment and said, "Tonight, no matter what conditions they propose, we will agree. We'll muddle through tonight, and tomorrow's plans will proceed as usual. Also, tell the brothers to be extra cautious, especially with He Yuxiu. If that woman really goes crazy, ordinary people won't be able to hold her back."

Yao Zhiyi said, "It won't come to that, will it? The He family has already received news that the Flying General's Camp is going to act against us. If she really wanted to cause trouble, she might as well wait until tomorrow to strike together."

Xiao Zhenggong frowned. "I told you to tighten security. Why so many questions!"

Yao Zhiyi quickly sent people away. Xiao Zhenggong's expression was grim; he was increasingly unable to guess Li Qi's intentions.

In the evening, the first guest to arrive was Dr. Tritek. Dr. Tritek carried an iron canister on his back, wore a white lab coat, and a mask. He entered the banquet hall, clasped his fists, and bowed to Xiao Zhenggong, saying, "Gang Leader Xiao, long time no see!"

Xiao Zhenggong stared at Dr. Tritek, sizing him up. "What's the meaning of this?"

Dr. Tritek was startled. "We haven't met for a long time. The term 'long time no see' should be used correctly."

Xiao Zhenggong said, "I wasn't referring to your words. What's with your attire?"

Dr. Tritek said, "I just returned from a house call. A patient on Qing'an Road has a contagious disease."

Hearing 'contagious disease,' Xiao Zhenggong recoiled several steps. "And that canister on your back, what's that for?"

"This is disinfectant. To prevent the spread of the epidemic, I disinfected his residence."

Xiao Zhenggong blinked and said, "Since you're so busy, you shouldn't have come tonight."

"Gang Leader Xiao's face must be respected!" As he spoke, Dr. Tritek started to unbutton his clothes.

Xiao Zhenggong waved his hands repeatedly. "Don't do that. Sit down for a bit first, and put down that iron canister on your back."

"It really is just disinfectant!" Dr. Tritek shook it in his hand.

"Are you afraid of losing it? My subordinates can keep it for you."

Dr. Tritek handed over the disinfectant, but none of the subordinates dared to touch it.

Xiao Zhenggong pointed outside the hall door. "Just put it outside for now. Someone will watch over it for you."

Dr. Tritek shrugged and placed the disinfectant outside the door.

As it neared time for the banquet to begin, Li Banfeng arrived, followed by He Yuxiu, Lu Chunying, and Chu Huaiyuan. Xiao Zhenggong went out to meet them in the hall, clasped his fists to Li Qi, and said, "Brother Li Qi, I've long admired your reputation!"

Li Banfeng clasped his fists in return. "Captain Xiao, a pleasure to meet you."

Captain? Xiao Zhenggong's brow furrowed slightly. In Pro Province, few people called him that, apart from those from the Defense Office. Is he here to see me about Outland Province matters?

The host and guests took their seats. Xiao Zhenggong raised a toast to Li Qi, then another to He Yuxiu. "Sister Xiu, thank you for honoring us with your presence."

He Yuxiu smiled. "I still remember your kindness when you introduced Dr. Tritek to treat Haiqin."

Hearing this, Xiao Zhenggong's mood softened slightly. Over the years, he had always maneuvered among the various prominent families. Although he wasn't well-regarded anywhere, he felt there should be some goodwill between him and the He family. Of course, this didn't include He Haiqin's attitude towards him, nor the grievances between him and He Jiaqing. Furthermore, he was unaware of He Yuxiu's experience at Soda Kiln. The hall master of Soda Kiln had captured He Yuxiu, intending to hand her directly to the Defense Commissioner for credit, and had not reported it to Xiao Zhenggong at the time. Afterwards, when he wanted to report, he no longer had the chance. Li Banfeng and He Yuxiu had directly wiped out the entire hall.

Li Banfeng looked at Dr. Tritek and said, "Dr. Tritek, why are you dressed like this? Did you just return from seeing a patient?"

Dr. Tritek nodded. "I saw a patient with a contagious disease."

Everyone's expressions changed, and they quickly distanced themselves from Dr. Tritek.

"I've disinfected myself!" Dr. Tritek stood up and said, "My disinfectant is right outside. I'll bring it over to show you."

Xiao Zhenggong pressed his palm down. "Dr. Tritek, please sit down and eat. Don't keep worrying about your disinfectant."

With the disinfectant placed at the door, Xiao Zhenggong always felt that the iron canister might contain some kind of pathogen. Having collaborated with Dr. Tritek multiple times, Xiao Zhenggong knew his methods and always remained wary of him.

As it turned out, his wariness was justified. There was indeed something in the iron canister, but it wasn't a pathogen. The drainage valve at the bottom of the canister opened, and the liquid inside unknowingly flowed out, across the lawn, and into the woods by the lake. In the woods, the liquid gathered together and slowly transformed into a human form, becoming He Jiaqing.

Dressed as a Jiangxiang Gang disciple, He Jiaqing walked towards the rockery by the lake. Two disciples guarded the rockery, allowing no one else to approach. As He Jiaqing passed the rockery, his fingers trembled, and two silver needles pierced into the foreheads of the two disciples. The two stood rooted to the spot, expressionless, showing no signs of abnormality. Seeing no one else around, He Jiaqing walked directly into the rockery, and the two men made no reaction.

At the end of the cave, He Jiaqing saw the stone cones embedded in the wall. With his talent, he instantly recognized them as the mechanism for opening the door. This mechanism was not easy to operate. The two stone cones each had to be rotated to a specific angle to open the hidden door. He Jiaqing grasped the first stone cone, slowly manipulated it, sensing the changes in mechanics and spiritual energy behind it. In less than five minutes, the first stone cone was in place. The second stone cone had a stronger mechanical feel. In less than three minutes, the cone was in place, and the hidden door opened.

He Jiaqing looked at the two stone cones; he could sense that they were rare treasures. Take these two stone cones? If they were truly taken, this hidden room would be sealed, never to be opened again. He knew his purpose for this trip: to reclaim what he had lost, which was Zhao Xiaowan, the Flying General, transformed into a spear.

He quietly walked down the stairs into the basement. Through the walls, he could already sense an imposing aura. The hidden room's door slowly opened, and a woman carrying a long spear walked out.

"It's you?" The woman gritted her teeth, looking at He Jiaqing.

He Jiaqing's lips curled upwards, and he smiled, saying, "Xiao Lan, we finally meet."

Lu Xiaolan let out a laugh. "Surprised, aren't you? Did you assume I'd die in your old family home and never want to see me again?"

He Jiaqing shook his head. "If I hadn't written to Lu Chunying, you wouldn't have had a chance to get out of that old house at all. You would have truly been trapped and died in there."

Lu Xiaolan said, "What do you mean by that? Am I supposed to thank you?"

He Jiaqing nodded. "Xiao Lan, you harmed me first, and I spared your life. You really should thank me!"

Lu Xiaolan said, "The way I am today, isn't that also thanks to you?"

"Xiao Lan, you're lucky to be alive. If I hadn't asked Ling Miaowen to introduce you, do you think you could have gone to Iron Goat Mountain? You've constantly harmed me, yet I've always helped you. Everyone else in this world has the right to hate me, but you don't!"

Lu Xiaolan lowered her head, remaining silent for a long time. A Foolish Cultivation Skill: exploiting others' weaknesses. She felt guilty towards He Jiaqing in her heart. This was her weakness, and He Jiaqing had seized upon it.

The atmosphere at the banquet grew increasingly pleasant, and Xiao Zhenggong's mood became more relaxed. His earlier deduction was correct. Li Banfeng had asked many questions about the Dark Star Bureau. It seemed his visit was indeed related to Outland Province.

"Brother Li Qi, do you have something about Outland Province that you wish to discuss with me?" Xiao Zhenggong directly brought up the topic. The stage was now set.

Li Banfeng also raised a toast to Xiao Zhenggong and continued, following the lead, "Captain Xiao, your foresight is extraordinary. This time, I truly came to you about Outland Province matters."

Xiao Zhenggong drank the wine and asked, "If there's anything I can help with, please don't hesitate to say."

Li Banfeng continued along the established path, saying, "I have a friend who's being targeted by the Dark Star Bureau."

Xiao Zhenggong looked quite surprised. "For what reason?"

Li Banfeng said, "He himself isn't sure what it's about. First, he was questioned by Dark Star Bureau agents, and then he was tailed. I suspect there might be a misunderstanding involved."

Xiao Zhenggong chuckled upon hearing this, shaking his head slightly. "Outland Province also operates by rules. If the Dark Star Bureau has targeted this person, it's likely not a misunderstanding. Your friend is probably a dark energy user, or what we commonly call a cultivator in Pro Province."

The conversation flowed more smoothly. Li Banfeng asked, "Is it illegal to be a cultivator in Outland Province?"

Xiao Zhenggong smiled. "Brother Li Qi, I heard you studied in Outland Province. Surely you understand the rules there?"

Li Qi shook his head. "When I was studying, I really didn't know about any such rules."

Xiao Zhenggong chuckled. "That's because you were lucky. There are indeed many cultivators in Outland Province. Such individuals must register with the local Dark Star Bureau. If they aren't registered, they are illegal cultivators. These people are considered potential threats. Once discovered, questioning and surveillance are lenient; if they met me, they might be directly shot dead."

Li Banfeng was startled. "Potential threat means immediate execution?"

Xiao Zhenggong said, "My friend, this is where you don't understand. For such threats, it's better to mistakenly kill a thousand than to let one slip away. Otherwise, once something goes wrong, the consequences would be unimaginable."

He Yuxiu, from the side, said, "I don't quite understand the term you used. What does 'shot dead' mean?"

Xiao Zhenggong explained, "It means putting the gun barrel to their forehead and taking their life with a single shot."

Chu Er chuckled. "Are Outland Province's guns really that effective?"

Xiao Zhenggong said, "Outland Province is different from us; gunpowder rarely malfunctions."

Lu Chunying said, "What if one shot doesn't kill them?"

Xiao Zhenggong smiled. "The gun barrel is right against their forehead. If one shot doesn't kill them, just fire two more."

"Makes sense." Li Banfeng nodded, pulled out a pistol, pressed it against Xiao Zhenggong's forehead, and fired six shots consecutively.

Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!

Lucky indeed, five out of six shots fired.

Li Banfeng's movements were too swift, his actions too sudden. Xiao Zhenggong had no time to react.

Five bullets passed through his head.