Chapter 472: Obsession

The Jiangxiang Gang's main hall had been thoroughly cleared out. He Yuxiu suggested, "Let's burn this wretched place down and leave the Jiangxiang Gang nothing but ashes."

Li Banfeng shook his head. "It would be a shame to burn down such a beautiful estate. Sister Xiu, aren't you renovating your secondary residence these days? Why not just take this estate?"

"No!" He Yuxiu waved her hand. "I find this place ominous, and it's not just that."

He Yuxiu left the rest unsaid; voicing it might have diminished her stature.

Chu Er spoke for her: "Seventh Brother, the Jiangxiang Gang is a second-rate organization, but it has many widely distributed disciples. A centipede dies but never stiffens; their local branches and sub-temples could still resurrect themselves. If the Jiangxiang Gang seeks revenge, this main hall's location will definitely be their primary target."

This was a serious matter, and Li Banfeng had already made his plans. "Old Luo, you're most familiar with the Jiangxiang Gang. Starting today, begin to thoroughly purge the Jiangxiang Gang from Puro Province."

Eradicating the roots was a proper approach to business, and Luo Zhengnan highly approved of Li Banfeng's decision. However, he had to state a caveat: "Seventh Master, this won't be easy."

Li Banfeng nodded. "Indeed, it won't be easy, but I'll handle all the manpower and finances. Just focus on the task."

With that assurance, Luo Zhengnan felt relieved. He Yuxiu, standing by, said, "Old Seven, you can't shoulder this alone. The He family must also contribute, and I, too, want a share of the prestige."

Her words were very frank; He Yuxiu truly desired that reputation.

Was reputation important to the He family? It wasn't important before, but circumstances were different now. After various upheavals, the major families' prestige in Puro Province was far from what it once was. Eradicating the Jiangxiang Gang, a significant undertaking, would help these families re-establish their authority.

Lu Chunying added, "Count the Lu family in too."

Chu Er chuckled. "I naturally follow Seventh Brother."

Everyone contributed money and manpower, fully assisting Luo Zhengnan in dealing with the remnants of the Jiangxiang Gang.

With everything settled, He Yuxiu said, "Old Seven, let's all go home for dinner tonight. We can gather again another day."

Everyone was hungry. Tonight, apart from Cui Tik, no one had eaten much.

After everyone left, Luo Zhengnan took Li Banfeng on a tour of the main hall. They searched the storerooms and secret chambers thoroughly but found no valuables except for the land and property deeds.

Li Banfeng handed the deeds to Luo Zhengnan. "This place is yours from now on. If you really don't want it, you can sell it for a price."

Luo Zhengnan gave a wry smile. "No one would dare buy this place. The Jiangxiang Gang committed too many heinous acts. I'd like to open a charity hall here, perhaps to help them atone for some of their sins."

Li Banfeng nodded. "Let's do that. I'll cover the expenses. Also, inform our newspaper to publish the news of the Jiangxiang Gang's demise as soon as possible."

Leaving Jiangxiang Garden, Glove said to Li Banfeng, "This doesn't make sense. Such a large gang, and their main hall has nothing valuable? Even if there are no magical artifacts, there should at least be some real gold and silver!"

Li Banfeng was not surprised. "Xiao Zhenggong wanted to dismantle the Jiangxiang Gang's reputation. He no longer wanted this main hall, so all valuables would have been moved out long ago."

Back at the Sui Shen Residence, the Lady had completely consumed Xiao Zhenggong's soul. "Darling husband, judging by the quality of this soul, this person must have reached the ninth level. Their cultivation is imperceptible, so there might be some deviation in my assessment."

Xiao Zhenggong was not old, yet his cultivation was surprisingly high, which was very rare among the prominent families in Puro Province. Did this advantage come from the Inner Province, or was it granted by an Outer Province?

After Phonograph finished eating, everyone else picked up their chopsticks. Although their cultivation wasn't low, they weren't at the Cloud level yet. The family ate without contention, as if enjoying a simple home-cooked meal.

Glove wasn't in a hurry to eat; he spent a long time searching Xiao Zhenggong's clothing.

Li Banfeng asked, "What are you looking for?"

Glove rubbed his forefinger with his thumb, deep in thought. "Boss, you said the main hall was abandoned and had no valuables, which makes sense. But Xiao Zhenggong should have had some valuables on him, right? Personal artifacts wouldn't need to be moved out, would they?"

He was right; given Xiao Zhenggong's status, he certainly wouldn't lack personal magical artifacts.

Li Banfeng searched Xiao Zhenggong's clothing, but Glove shook his forefinger. "Boss, no need to look. I've searched twice. There's not even a wallet. Even if he were the Beggars' Gang leader, he'd have a couple of banknotes on him. Something's fishy!"

As he pondered, a roar suddenly came from the Sui Shen Residence: "A'Tao! How long do you plan to keep that thing?"

He almost forgot; the valuable item hadn't been given to the Sui Shen Residence yet.

Li Banfeng and Glove went to the third room together. The Sui Shen Residence trembled, seemingly impatient.

Glove wasn't in a hurry. He first handed a pair of stone cones to Li Banfeng. Even if the Old Master himself spoke, the item had to go to the boss first.

Li Banfeng placed the stone cones on the ground. Bit by bit, the stone fragments peeled off, revealing the true form of these treasures. They weren't stone; they were made of iron, very similar to the iron rulers previously bought from Feng Chongli.

Watching these treasures slowly melt and disappear, the Sui Shen Residence could no longer contain itself and let out a deafening laugh.

"Hohahaha, eight rails!"

His laughter made Hong Ying shiver. "Eight rails? What's that? Are you talking about nine cakes now?"

In the third room, Li Banfeng asked the Sui Shen Residence, "Old Master, with eight rails, your power must have advanced to another level, right?"

The Sui Shen Residence didn't rush to answer. It said to Glove, "A'Tao, go eat."

Glove didn't react.

"A'Tao? A'Tao! What are you thinking about?"

Glove looked up and said, "Old Master, were you calling me?"

"I told you to go eat!"

"Alright!" Glove responded and returned to the main room.

The Sui Shen Residence asked Li Banfeng, "What's wrong with that kid?"

Li Banfeng replied, "He couldn't find anything valuable in the Jiangxiang Gang's main hall, and the gang leader didn't have anything either. He's quite vexed by it."

The Sui Shen Residence snorted coldly. "I really look down on these thieves. They don't care if they miss a meal, but if they don't get a single item, it's as if they can't live anymore."

Li Banfeng chuckled. "Let's talk about the rails first."

The Sui Shen Residence shielded everyone else within itself and said to Li Banfeng, "With eight rails, I should be able to break through a boundary."

"What boundary?"

"The boundary to the Inner Province."

Li Banfeng was startled, then immediately delighted. "If we can go to the Inner Province, can we rescue the Old Train?"

The Sui Shen Residence was silent for a long time before asking, "You want to rescue the Old Train?"

"Yes," Li Banfeng didn't hide it. "He saved my life; I must rescue him."

The Sui Shen Residence sighed deeply. "I also want to rescue him, but now is not the time."

"But haven't you said we can go to the Inner Province? Why do you say it's not time?"

"Neither you nor I are ready. Your cultivation is insufficient; you haven't reached the Cloud level, so I dare not let you go to the Inner Province. I only have eight rails, which is not enough."

"Eight isn't enough? How many exactly do you need?"

The Sui Shen Residence calculated. "The total number of rails is twelve. It's best to find all of them, otherwise, it will be very difficult to get out once inside the Inner Province."

"My Lady's cultivation has already reached the Cloud level, and she's not an ordinary Cloud-level practitioner. With her help, we should have a better chance."

The Sui Shen Residence chuckled. "A'Qi, don't talk to me about sincerity or marital unity. I don't believe any of that. Even if you two are truly married, and your affection is genuine, I still wouldn't believe it. It's simply too difficult for me to trust anyone. As long as she remains a house spirit here, I can't easily let her leave. This is for the sake of rules, and for your sake too. After acquiring these two rails, I recalled some things, and after recalling them, I trust 'affection' even less. Also, tell A'Ji not to provoke the person in the fifth room so often."

This was the first time the Sui Shen Residence had voluntarily mentioned the fifth room.

Li Banfeng asked, "Who exactly is the person in the fifth room?"

"I have a vague impression that she was a passenger of some kind, but I can't recall her exact identity. I only know that she stayed on the train for a very long time, and I don't know what she has become now. You don't need to worry about certain things; as long as she's on the train, she can't act wildly. But A'Ji had better not provoke her; his cultivation is insufficient, and he doesn't know how to handle certain situations."

Li Banfeng asked, "Am I considered a passenger too?"

"Hmph hmph," the Sui Shen Residence chuckled. "You are not a passenger, never have been."

Li Banfeng left the third room and saw his family eating. Only Glove was staring blankly at Xiao Zhenggong's clothes; he was truly distraught and couldn't even eat.

Upon reaching the fifth room, Projector was casting an image onto the wall. On the screen, a beautiful woman in a white veil was playing a piano by the sea. Although the film was silent, Li Banfeng seemed to hear beautiful music, and even the waves ebbing and flowing on the beach.

Neatly stacked beside Projector were dozens of sheets of oiled paper, used for wrapping candles. In a corner of the room, film canisters were piled against the wall, indicating Projector had used almost all the film in the house.

"Brother, it's time to eat." Li Banfeng sat beside Projector.

Projector replied, "Director Seven, I'm not hungry. I'd like to refine the script with you."

Li Banfeng nodded. "This room is a bit messy. I'd like to discuss the script in another room."

"Let's go to the eighth room then," Projector said to the woman on the screen. "That's all for today."

The woman turned her face to the camera, smiled and nodded, then closed the piano lid.

Projector closed its lens cap, and the screen went dark. It floated in the air and followed Li Banfeng to the eighth room.

Once the door was closed, Projector suddenly trembled. "Director Seven, I'm scared. This might not be art; I might have touched a demon."

"Don't rush, brother, take your time." Li Banfeng lit a cigarette and inserted it into Projector's film compartment.

A puff of smoke rose, and Projector calmed down slightly. "Director Seven, in the last battle, I snatched a bead ornament from the enemy. This wasn't solely my achievement; it was mainly due to Tang Dao. I kept that bead ornament. It was a magical artifact of no low level, possessing a strong self-awareness. I presented it as a gift to the Fifth Room Lady. What I did was wrong; it was a valuable trophy that should have been given to Director Seven for disposal. But I did it because..."

Projector's emotions grew agitated again, but Li Banfeng reassured it, "It's alright, our family isn't short on magical artifacts. Don't worry about it."

Projector continued, "The Fifth Room Lady really liked the gift. She told me a lot about herself, including her name and her origins. She said her name was Su Lijun, originally a wealthy woman who was murdered by a heartless man. Her resentful soul then wandered through an old, desolate house."

Hearing this, Li Banfeng frowned slightly. This story sounded familiar to him. If she had said her name was Luo Yuni, things would have been troublesome.

Projector went on, "Later, due to various accidents, she came to this residence and has been trapped here ever since, unable to leave. Before meeting me, she claimed she never communicated with anyone else in the residence. She said that she and I clicked so well because we shared a common devotion to art."

Li Banfeng said, "You don't believe what she said is true?"

"I believe her; I think every word she said was true. But every single thing she said was exactly what I had expected," Projector began to tremble again at this point. "She said her name was Su Lijun, and I felt that was exactly what she should be called. Even if she hadn't told me, I could have guessed."

"You could even guess her name?"

"Yes! Truly! And her background was exactly as I had guessed. Even if she hadn't said anything, I could even have imagined the scene of her murder."

Projector displayed a scene: the Fifth Room Lady was tidying her hair in front of a mirror when a man strangled her from behind with a tie. Fortunately, it wasn't an eye-gouging strangulation.

Li Banfeng said, "Brother, isn't this the script you wrote for the Fifth Room Lady? She's just strictly following your script, and you're having trouble distinguishing between fiction and reality."

"These events weren't in the script! The script is all here; you can check it carefully. There are no such plots!" Projector opened its film compartment, and numerous sheets of paper flew out. Many of them bore Li Banfeng's handwriting, as these scripts were co-written by him and Projector. "These plots appeared in my mind. I didn't write them down, nor did I ever mention them to the Fifth Room Lady. I'm certain she's not a figment of my imagination; she exists in reality. Yet, my thoughts have been implanted into her consciousness. I know where my thoughts originated. I asked Blood-Soaked Pendulum about her past, and she shared some residual memories with me. I intended to use Pendulum's memories as material for a script, but who would have thought the film would already be formed before the script even materialized!"

Li Banfeng still felt Projector wasn't fully lucid. "Perhaps you told the Fifth Room Lady a certain plot, and she simply performed according to your ideas."

"Director Seven, she's not that obedient!" Projector displayed another scene. The Fifth Room Lady was running through a flower bush. She picked a bouquet of fresh flowers, sniffed them, and revealed a sweet smile.

The screen suddenly went black. Projector explained, "I closed the lens cap. I was very tired that day and fell asleep."

Before it finished speaking, the screen lit up on its own. The Fifth Room Lady, holding the flowers, lowered her head and walked towards the camera. When she reached the front of the camera, she slowly raised her head, her face devoid of expression. She tilted her head to the left, then to the right. She stared directly into the camera for a long time, the corners of her mouth turning up, subtly revealing a hint of a smile.

The screen went black again. Projector said, "I was genuinely asleep at the time. This footage wasn't shot by me; she left it for me. I don't know the purpose of her leaving this footage. I asked her, and she said it was a performance based on my request. She's lying; that wasn't my request. Director Seven, you might think I'm having mental issues, but I assure you, I'm normal."

Li Banfeng patted Projector. "Even if you had mental issues, you'd still be normal."

"But some things aren't normal," Projector said, taking out the bead ornament from its film compartment. "This magical artifact originally had a very strong self-awareness, but its consciousness has completely disappeared. It has now become a pure spiritual object, lacking even the most basic ability to express itself. This led me to a bold theory: the fate of this bead ornament might be the exact opposite of the Fifth Room Lady's. When I first met the Fifth Room Lady, her consciousness was almost blank. In the fifth room, there's a mysterious power that can create consciousness, and also destroy a person's consciousness."

Li Banfeng generally understood what Projector meant and then asked, "Are you sure this power comes from the fifth room, and not from you?"

The screen froze, and Projector's thoughts also became stuck. After a long pause, Projector replied, "I'm not sure. I can only say that I shouldn't possess such an ability. I know that many of our family members have extraordinary pasts, like Tang Dao, Judge's Brush, and Glove; they were all important figures before. But I'm different from them. I'm a naturally formed spirit, just like Scythe. I call myself a Shadow Cultivator, but I actually don't know my own spiritual path, nor can I explain where my techniques truly come from."

Magical artifacts generally don't like to talk about their past, due to both contractual restrictions and their inherent nature. Projector candidly revealed its past because it was genuinely afraid.

Li Banfeng said, "From now on, don't go to the fifth room again."

Projector said, "I know the fifth room is very dangerous, and I constantly remind myself not to go there. But I can't control myself. I'm shaping a soul; I can sense the fear, yet I can't resist the temptation."

Li Banfeng took out his pistol and placed it in front of Projector. "Do you recognize this gun?"

Projector naturally recognized it. "This is Ling Miaoying's gun."

"This is a spiritual object, a very pure one. I've tried communicating with it many times, but it can't respond in any way. If you're so eager to shape a soul, then shape its soul. Don't go to the fifth room again."

"Director Seven, this is your very handy weapon. I don't want to damage it..."

"It's alright, I'm giving it to you." Li Banfeng opened Projector's film compartment and removed all the film related to the Fifth Room Lady. The Old Master was right; there were some boundaries Projector truly couldn't handle. "Tomorrow, come with me for a walk. I'll buy you some more film."

Back in the main room, the family had finished eating. Projector, after consuming flesh and blood, finally calmed down. The leftovers were left for Red Lotus to clean up. On his way to the ninth room, Li Banfeng passed the fifth room again.

A salty sea breeze brushed against Li Banfeng's cheek. A faint glow emanated from the wall, as if a film was about to begin. Li Banfeng looked at the wall, tilted his hat brim, and a smile played on his lips, his eyes sparkling. He laughed.

"Want to come out and chat?" Li Banfeng asked.

The cold wind vanished, and the glow on the wall disappeared.

Li Banfeng lowered his hat brim and took Red Lotus to the main room. "A'Tao, if you don't eat now, there'll be nothing left once Red Lotus starts eating."

Glove was still examining Xiao Zhenggong's clothing. "Boss, I really don't feel like eating, and it's not like I'll starve without this meal. Please don't mind me."

The next day, Li Banfeng woke up and was getting ready to leave when Phonograph said, "Darling husband, take out the trash." The "trash" referred to Xiao Zhenggong's clothing. Just as Li Banfeng was about to tidy them up, Glove pleaded, "Boss, don't rush. Let me examine them for another day. You can throw them out tomorrow."

Li Banfeng sighed. "What's wrong with you? He might genuinely not have any magical artifacts on him. They could have been moved out beforehand."

Glove shook his forefinger. "Impossible! Last night, when you fought him, I distinctly smelled the scent of a treasure. If I'm wrong about this, how can I continue in my line of work?"

Li Banfeng stopped trying to persuade him. Glove had his own temperament and his own stubbornness.

Taking Projector to the street, Li Banfeng casually bought a newspaper. It was from his own newspaper agency, and the events at the Jiangxiang Gang's main hall from the previous night had already been reported. The headline was very direct, titled "Jiangxiang Gang Annihilated, Xiao Zhenggong's Remains Gone." The content made no secret of anything, directly stating that Li Banfeng, He Yuxiu, and others had blood-bathed the Jiangxiang Gang's main hall, eradicating a major scourge in Puro Province.

This was Li Banfeng's instruction; he knew the matter couldn't be kept secret, so he simply disseminated the news. Today's newspapers sold like hotcakes; who would have thought the notorious Jiangxiang Gang would be wiped out overnight? The Flying General Camp was also mentioned in the news, detailing part of Yao Zhiyi's testimony. Li Banfeng intended to thoroughly expose this conspiracy.

The morning paper was reprinted twice and still sold out. Li Banfeng bought a copy of the newspaper run by Shen Rongqing but found no news about the Jiangxiang Gang in the headlines. "Unable to seize such a great business opportunity, how can you make a living?" Li Banfeng casually tossed the newspaper into a trash bin.

Shen Rongqing had also received news of the Jiangxiang Gang's destruction, but she was still hesitant about publishing it, especially the information regarding the Flying General Camp, which severely conflicted with her previously released news. She wanted to consult with He Jiaqing but spent the entire morning unable to contact him. Where had he gone? Shen Rongqing was very anxious, uncertain how to handle the evening paper.

Li Banfeng arrived at the Wonderful Sound Phonograph Store and bought all the film reels.

Ling Miaosheng poured Li Banfeng a cup of tea. "Mr. Li, could you spare a moment longer? I have a favor to ask."

Li Banfeng found it strange. For as long as they had known each other, Ling Miaosheng had always kept his distance from Li Banfeng. His sudden request came as a surprise.

Ling Miaosheng produced a contract. "Mr. Li, I wish to temporarily entrust the Phonograph Store to you. Of course, this is not a gratuitous request. Firstly, all income from the Phonograph Store during this period will be yours. Should any losses occur due to mismanagement, I will bear them. Furthermore, I have a gift for you."

With that, Ling Miaosheng took out a hand-crank phonograph. "This is a spiritual object I've always called 'The Retracer.' This phonograph can trace a portion of Peeking Cultivation techniques. Simply put, it can reproduce some content from 'hooks.' My two brothers left many 'hooks' in my phonograph store. I didn't understand their purpose initially, but after I was affected, I sought out an Artificer to create this spiritual object. It's a sharp tool against Peeking Cultivators, and I hope it can be of some help to you in the future."

Li Banfeng asked, "Why are you entrusting the Phonograph Store to me?"

Ling Miaosheng replied, "I want to seek out art—art that once belonged to me but has been lost. It might sound absurd, but during our last meeting, I mentioned some of my experiences in Amikan Nation. Since then, some stolen memories have continually resurfaced in my dreams. I left too many regrets there, and I wish to atone for them in my lifetime. If I fail, if my life remains in a foreign land, my Phonograph Store will become entirely yours. All these terms are clearly written in the contract."

Li Banfeng pondered for a moment. "I'm just a customer of yours. Why do you trust me so much, entrusting your most valuable family business to me?"

Ling Miaosheng chuckled. "I won't mind if you laugh, but I once considered entrusting the Phonograph Store to someone more reliable. Yet, I considered everyone around me, and found no one more trustworthy than you. When everyone else doubted me, you believed in me and were willing to buy my phonographs. Now, as I entrust these most precious works of art, I also trust you."

After a moment of silence, Li Banfeng nodded and put away the contract. "Until you return, I can guarantee that your Phonograph Store will not be harmed. And when you do return, please share the art you find with me."

"It's a deal," Ling Miaosheng said, taking off his top hat, pressing it against his chest, and bowing to Li Banfeng.

Back at the Sui Shen Residence, Li Banfeng began to examine the phonograph named "The Retracer." Ling Miaosheng had explained how to use it, but Li Banfeng only partially understood; the principle behind it was a bit complex. Moreover, this phonograph was a pure spiritual object and couldn't express itself, so Li Banfeng couldn't communicate with it. Fortunately, the Lady was skilled in craftsmanship and quickly figured out some usage tips for the phonograph.

The couple studied until late into the night. White Glove, however, remained almost motionless, staring at Xiao Zhenggong's clothing. Seeing Glove covered in loose threads and wrinkles, Li Banfeng felt as though Glove had aged significantly.

"A'Tao, you can't go on like this. Tomorrow, I'm throwing out Xiao Zhenggong's clothes. This matter should be over."

"It's over," Glove replied dejectedly. "I'll listen to the boss. It's all over; I guess I was mistaken."

After speaking, Glove slumped beside Judge's Brush, motionless like a rag. Li Banfeng genuinely worried he might lose heart and just rot away with the Cheap Brush.

Late at night, the family was sound asleep when the main room's door suddenly opened a crack. This was impossible. Within the Sui Shen Residence, no one could open a door except Li Banfeng and the Old Master himself. Everyone was asleep except Glove, who suddenly awoke and lunged towards the door.

"You rogue! Where are you running? I *knew* something was wrong! You stole from me; I'm going to beat you to death today!"

Hearing the sounds of a struggle, Phonograph's flames instantly flared up.

Li Banfeng also woke up to see two gloves, one white and one black, wrestling by the door.