Chapter 494: Hua Jiu'er, Do You Have Sisters?

Thirty-odd bodies lay on the ground. Of the more than fifty members of the Boundless Camp, only thirteen escaped the battlefield.

Liao Zihui originally wanted to pursue them, but Water Cloud Road and even the banks of the Qingtian River were already in chaos. Although Liao Zihui tried his best to control the scale of the battle, it was impossible for a fight to be completely silent. The surrounding populace was terrified. It would have been fine if everyone had stayed home, but many people were fleeing through the streets with large and small bundles. This situation was now difficult to manage.

While Liao Zihui was grappling with the difficulty, Zheng Siyi came forward to deliver a message: Li Qi had arrived with He Yuxiu, and the remaining members of the Boundless Camp would soon be dealt with. Liao Zihui quickly had to change roles, becoming a mediator. He instructed his subordinates to maintain order and persuade all the citizens to return home.

As they were busy, a man in his fifties named Fu Qingguang approached Liao Zihui and whispered, "Commissioner, the magnetic field around here is unusual." Zheng Siyi watched from the side, unsure of Fu Qingguang's role. Fu Qingguang had come with Liao Zihui from Lushui City. Despite his low rank, he always spoke freely with Liao Zihui.

Liao Zihui took Fu Qingguang's words seriously: "Is it a trap?" He worried that the Light Chasing Group had left something behind here. If a trap were triggered now, countless people on this road alone would die.

Fu Qingguang said, "It's hard to say if it's a trap. I've detected magnetic monopoles." Magnetic monopoles are particles that exhibit a single polarity in a magnetic field. Detecting magnetic monopoles indicates the presence of an invisible space nearby.

Liao Zihui ordered, "Get the equipment and start searching immediately." A group of people got busy, setting up a flatbed cart. They mounted a photovoltaic panel on the cart, adjusted its angle, and connected the output terminal of the solar panel to a "cannon barrel." This "cannon barrel" was not for firing shells; it was specialized equipment for locating spatial rifts. In Puro Province, electrical energy cannot be transmitted over long distances, so this "cannon barrel" had to be self-powered.

Fu Qingguang stood behind the barrel, watching the data change. After searching back and forth for over half an hour, he pointed to a pavilion by the street: "Commissioner, the entrance is here." This pavilion was usually a gathering spot for sedan chair bearers, but the recent chaos had sent them all fleeing.

Liao Zihui first ordered everyone to withdraw, allowing Fu Qingguang to operate the instrument for the next step. The "instrument" was still the flatbed cart, but without the "cannon barrel." Fu Qingguang took out a fifteen-centimeter steel needle, inserted half of it into the top of his head, leaving the other half exposed on his scalp. He detached the photovoltaic panel's output cable from the "cannon barrel" and wrapped it around the steel needle on his head. A series of static noises filled his ears.

Static crackled. The signal was poor. Fu Qingguang first shook his head to the left, then leaned forward. The static faded, and a woman's voice faintly reached his ears: "As all our male listeners know, after the age of fifty, men often feel a lack of strength in certain areas. A friend named Luo once called in, saying he had tried many medications, but the effects were not obvious..."

Fu Qingguang muttered, "This radio is interfering again." However, he really wanted to listen longer. What the radio was saying was quite important to Fu Qingguang; the phrase "lack of strength" resonated deeply with him. He wondered if the friend named Luo was Luo Zhengnan. He should be around that age too. The host rambled on without getting to the point; he couldn't listen anymore. With so many people waiting, Fu Qingguang shook his head, disconnecting from the radio channel.

After readjusting his position, Fu Qingguang heard a faint sharp ringing sound. Pointing towards the sound source, Fu Qingguang attached a homemade searchlight to the top of his head, and a blue-green beam of light emitted from its hood. Under the illumination of the beam, in less than two minutes, a deep purple halo emerged next to a pillar of the pavilion.

This was the entrance to an invisible space. Liao Zihui asked in a low voice, "Is it a dark-dimensional space?" Fu Qingguang carefully observed the halo's color and shook his head, "It's a hidden space." Liao Zihui breathed a sigh of relief. Hidden spaces were also rare but much safer than dark-dimensional spaces. He waved his hand, signaling his subordinates to prepare. Six of his men, dressed in heavy combat suits, wearing fully enclosed helmets, and carrying oxygen tanks, entered the halo.

Chu Shaoqiang watched from the shadows, a slight upturn at the corners of his mouth. He had just entered this hidden space once before; he knew it was the residence of the Local Earth God. There was something very crucial inside, but he couldn't take it out yet.

The six subordinates remained in the halo for over half an hour, then five of them emerged first. Liao Zihui frowned and asked, "Where's Xiaomeng?" A subordinate said with a trembling voice, "Xiaomeng touched something inside. He didn't mean to. I told him not to touch it again, but he said since it was already like this, he might as well bring it out..." Liao Zihui frowned, "What did you touch?" Before he finished speaking, the subordinate named Xiaomeng came out. He was holding a red copper ornament in his hands. It was a lotus flower with tightly closed petals.

Xiaomeng's face was pale as he asked, "Commissioner, is this... is this the Profound Crimson Lotus?" He was terrified. Liao Zihui thought about the photo of the Profound Crimson Lotus, then looked at the ornament in Xiaomeng's hand. For a moment, he was speechless. Wasn't the Profound Crimson Lotus in Li Qi's possession? How could it be here?

Everyone was astonished. Xiaomeng, holding the red lotus, suddenly began to glow. Xiaomeng's tears streamed down his face. "Commissioner, what do we do?" he cried.

"Old Seven, what's that?" He Yuxiu lifted a Boundless Camp member's skull, discarded the body, and looked up at the street ahead, where a beam of light was descending from the sky. Li Banfeng was very familiar with this light. "Heaven's Radiance," he said. He Yuxiu nodded, "It looks like it to me too. Which unlucky soul got hit by Heaven's Radiance?" Li Banfeng led He Yuxiu towards the light beam.

On Water Cloud Road, by the pavilion, Liao Zihui was shouting, "Quickly, get the guiding agent, hurry!" With his last bit of strength, Xiaomeng placed the red lotus on the stone table in the pavilion. Immediately, his body stiffened, and he lay motionless on the ground.

Li Banfeng watched from the crowd, astonished. Outwardly, the red lotus on the stone table looked identical to the one in his Portable Dwelling. Could this red lotus also attract Heaven's Radiance? Li Banfeng pulled down the brim of his hat. The face beneath the brim was full of confusion and bewilderment.

The guiding agent arrived, a syringe filled with yellowish-green liquid. No one dared approach Xiaomeng. Liao Zihui took the syringe and personally injected the guiding agent into Xiaomeng's bloodstream. This was Li Banfeng's first time seeing a guiding agent from another province. Its effects were likely similar to the peddler's medicinal powder.

Liao Zihui helped Xiaomeng up, continuously reassuring him, "It's alright, child, it's alright." Xiaomeng panted for a moment and said, "Commissioner, I was careless, it was my fault. I... I feel much better." "You'll be fine in a moment," Liao Zihui said, holding Xiaomeng and telling someone to bring a stretcher. Xiaomeng said, "I feel like I can move. I probably don't need a stretcher." Liao Zihui said, "Don't move around. Rest for a bit. After being struck by that light, you'll need several months of rest, so first..."

Xiaomeng exploded, splattering blood and flesh all over Liao Zihui. The guiding agent from other provinces was clearly less effective than the peddler's medicinal powder. Blood ran down Liao Zihui's hair as he stood frozen in place. A group of people wanted to step forward to protect the Commissioner but were also afraid. The red lotus on the stone table slowly bloomed, drawing all of Xiaomeng's flesh and blood into its core. The lotus petals closed, and beams of light moved upwards across the flower. Liao Zihui was speechless with shock.

Equally astonished was Li Banfeng. He Yuxiu said from beside him, "My goodness, that's the Profound Crimson Lotus, Old Seven. We need to stay far away from that thing. Don't ever touch it. Old Seven, what are you thinking?" Li Banfeng turned to He Yuxiu and said, "Xiuer, let's go home." He Yuxiu glanced at the red lotus again, then followed Li Banfeng away.

In the Defense Hall, Liao Zihui sat in his office, listening to Zheng Siyi's report. "Commissioner, we have sealed the Profound Crimson Lotus in a stone box using machinery." "Is that effective?" Liao Zihui felt that tools couldn't block the red lotus's negative effects. Zheng Siyi said, "The personnel operating the machinery haven't shown any abnormalities yet. Professional medical staff are monitoring them in real time." Liao Zihui nodded. "Has the report been submitted?" "Yes, it has." "Any response from above?" "I inquired, and they're still in a meeting, discussing it." "Discussing it for so long?" Liao Zihui chuckled. "What do you think they're discussing?" Zheng Siyi thought for a moment and said, "They must be discussing how to get the red lotus out of Puro Province." Liao Zihui shook his head, "That's not the main point." Zheng Siyi asked, surprised, "That's not the main point?" Liao Zihui sighed, "To you and me, this is of utmost importance. But to them, it's never the main point. Send more people to keep a close watch on the red lotus. Inform me immediately if there's any news from above."

At 2 AM, Zheng Siyi knocked on the office door. Liao Zihui hadn't slept; he knew there would be news tonight. "Director Du called." Liao Zihui went to the communication room. Before picking up the receiver and handset, he regulated his breathing. "Director Du, I... we've been waiting for your news." Just this one sentence, and Liao Zihui's breath hitched several times.

Director Du asked with concern, "Old Liao, what's wrong? Are you too tired? You need to take better care of yourself. Our meeting just ended. We hope to transport the red lotus to another province as soon as possible, but at the same time, we must handle the aftermath in Yesongqiao well. The secrecy of this operation wasn't entirely satisfactory, and we're concerned it might have a negative impact on Yesongqiao and even the entire Puro Province. Therefore, we need to attach great importance to both of these tasks."

The words were veiled, but Liao Zihui understood them clearly. They wanted the red lotus sent over, but preferably not by Liao Zihui. They hoped Liao Zihui would handle the aftermath in Yesongqiao, doing work akin to cleaning up messes. They wished to leave more valuable work to more valuable people.

This matter had caused a great stir. Director Du had already pointed out the problem: the secrecy was poorly managed. The person responsible for handling the aftermath, no matter how hard they tried, couldn't avoid causing some ripples. It was like some places where cleaning up always leaves a lingering trace. Safely transporting the red lotus back to another province was a different matter. If presented properly, this achievement could even be greater than discovering the red lotus itself. Director Du was worried Liao Zihui wouldn't agree and intended to persuade and guide him further.

Liao Zihui understood perfectly: he wouldn't vie for the credit, but he also wouldn't be the one cleaning up the mess. He coughed twice and said, "Director Du, please arrange the remaining matters. I've been affected by dark matter flow, and my body is still somewhat stiff, so I might need to return to another province for treatment." Director Du was very surprised. "Old Liao, you were injured during the operation? Why didn't you report this sooner?" Liao Zihui said, "The situation was urgent, and I had casualties among my subordinates. I... for a moment, I didn't pay attention..." "Say no more, Old Liao. A special train will be dispatched immediately to bring you back to another province for treatment tonight."

After hanging up the phone, Director Du breathed a long sigh of relief. He picked up the handset and dialed another number: "Teacher, the problem is solved." "Xiao Du, the crucial point isn't when the red lotus is brought back, but who brings it back. In this operation, we achieved very important results, but it must be made clear that these achievements were not solely Liao Zihui's!" "Teacher, you're right. The task of escorting the red lotus will certainly not be given to Liao Zihui. Due to his health, Liao Zihui needs to leave Puro Province for treatment. The next phase of work will be handled by Xia Shumin." "I think this outcome is excellent. Since Liao Zihui is ill, he should rest for a while longer. I'm not too familiar with the situation in Puro Province, but I know Xiao Xia's capabilities. It's time to give more responsibility to ambitious young people!"

At Yesongqiao Railway Station, Liao Zihui, bed and all, was pushed onto a train car. Zheng Siyi came to see him off: "Commissioner, you were fine just before, why now, at such a crucial moment..." Liao Zihui sent the others away and whispered to Zheng Siyi, "Go back immediately and guard the Defense Hall. You are not to leave the Defense Hall one step before Xia Shumin arrives. If you're there, your subordinates will be diligent, the Defense Hall will be proper, and the red lotus can be protected. If you leave, the red lotus will be gone in an instant. When Xia Shumin sends people to transport the red lotus, remember to make the handover at the Defense Hall. After the handover is complete, you and your people are not allowed to leave the Defense Hall, nor are you to have any further contact with the red lotus."

Zheng Siyi felt this wasn't ideal. "Xia Shumin is coming, and I'm not even going to the station?" "You don't need to go. He has plenty of people with him. Just do two things for me. First, Xiaomeng's compensation must be fully settled. Watch closely. If anyone takes Xiaomeng's money, I'll definitely take their life when I return. Second, while I'm away, take good care of yourself and your people. As for the red lotus, you don't need to compete for any credit; there's no credit to be had there, but you must not let any dirty water be splashed on you."

In his Portable Dwelling, Li Banfeng went to Room Nine and gently stroked the lotus core, asking, "Flower Jiu'er, do you have any sisters?" The red lotus's voice was soft, "If you're so rude again, I might just..." The lotus core suddenly tightened, and Li Banfeng trembled. "No, don't pinch my finger!" Pulling his finger out, Li Banfeng blew on it for a while. The red lotus said, "I don't have any sisters." "I saw a bronze lotus that looks exactly like you. It can attract Heaven's Radiance and also refine elixirs." "Hmph," the red lotus scoffed. "There are many elixir furnaces in this world, and many that look like lotus flowers, but there is only one true Profound Crimson Lotus." Li Banfeng touched the lotus core and asked, "So, you're the only real one?" "If you don't believe me, why not ask your wicked wife? She knows me."

The phonograph had never doubted the red lotus's identity. Hong Ying also knew the red lotus, and the Portable Dwelling also knew the red lotus. None of them had ever doubted it, which proved that the red lotus in the Portable Dwelling must be genuine. So what was the status of the red lotus Liao Zihui obtained? Was that pavilion the sedan chair bearers' dwelling? Was this the red lotus the sedan chair bearers used for refining elixirs? It seemed the sedan chair bearer hadn't lied. In terms of its elixir-refining function, the bronze lotus in his hand was extremely similar to the red lotus.

Xia Shumin arrived in Yesongqiao by special train. Following Liao Zihui's instructions, Zheng Siyi did not go to the station to greet Xia Shumin, choosing instead to remain at the Defense Hall. Xia Shumin expressed his approval: "This small matter shows Old Zheng's sense of responsibility. The more crucial the moment, the more important it is to stick to one's post!" A few newcomers in the Defense Hall thought Old Zheng's opportunity had arrived. With the future Commissioner appreciating him so much, they estimated Old Zheng would be transferred to the general headquarters in a couple of days. However, the older staff understood that Zheng Siyi would have a difficult time ahead. By not coming to the station to greet him, Zheng Siyi had shown disrespect to Xia Shumin, and after the red lotus matter was resolved, Xia Shumin would surely deal with him.

Upon arriving at the Defense Hall, Zheng Siyi greeted Xia Shumin in the main hall. Xia Shumin checked the condition of the red lotus, inquired about the injuries of the wounded, offered condolences to the families of the fallen, and immediately ordered the red lotus to be transported to the station. Xia Shumin had summoned hundreds of elites from various Defense Halls. First, they used specialized machinery to extract the red lotus, then sealed it in a glass container using spells from different Taoist schools to prevent it from attracting Heaven's Radiance. During the handover, Zheng Siyi ordered the entire process to be videotaped to preserve evidence. After the red lotus was handed over, Xia Shumin ordered martial law along the route, with layered defenses, and personally led his people to transport the red lotus onto the train. As a reprimand to Zheng Siyi, Xia Shumin did not allow Zheng Siyi to see him off when he left, ordering him to continue guarding his post. Zheng Siyi was more than happy to comply. He exchanged a few polite words and remained in the Defense Hall, not going out. Once Xia Shumin and his entourage had boarded and left, Zheng Siyi let out a long breath and instructed his subordinates that they would be on vacation starting the next day, rotating their breaks so each person got two weeks off.

Xia Shumin's special train made no stops along the way. The red lotus was placed in the third of the five carriages, heavily guarded from front to back, with Xia Shumin personally watching it in that carriage. It was transported all the way to Yuezhou City and delivered to the experimental center. Experts from various fields first spent a day observing the red lotus through the glass container. The next day, under strict protection, technicians operated mechanical arms to remove the multiple seals, preparing to examine the physical red lotus. Observing through glass, the visible details were ultimately limited.

The moment the glass container was opened, everyone was stunned. They found the red lotus was gone. It was a very peculiar process: as soon as the container's door was opened, the red lotus vanished. But as soon as the door was closed, the red lotus reappeared. What was the principle behind this? Experts held an emergency meeting for in-depth research and discussion. After a detailed examination of the glass container, they discovered a mirror on the door, imbued with a certain spell that projected the red lotus's image into the container. In other words, there was no red lotus in the glass container at all.

When did the red lotus in the container disappear? Xia Shumin was stunned. The only conclusion he could offer was: "I don't know, I didn't touch it." Indeed, he hadn't touched it. Ever since the red lotus entered the glass container, no one had touched it. Even with a magic formation sealing it, no one dared to touch it, as everyone feared Heaven's Radiance. But how did the red lotus go missing?

Director Du dialed the phone: "Teacher, something happened with the red lotus; it was lost en route..." A questioning voice came from the other end of the line: "What happened with Liao Zihui? How could such a situation occur with something so important?" Director Du reminded him, "Teacher, Liao Zihui wasn't in charge of this matter..." "He wasn't in charge of the escort, but wasn't he in charge of Puro Province matters? For such an important task, didn't Liao Zihui make appropriate preventative measures beforehand?" "Teacher, Liao Zihui is currently receiving medical treatment in another province. During this time, the overall work in Puro Province is also Xia Shumin's responsibility." "What about being sick? Is that an excuse? In any case, he can't escape responsibility for this!" Click! The phone was angrily hung up. Director Du sighed, contemplating how to explain the situation next. How could such a large red lotus just disappear?

At Yuezhou East Station, Chu Shaoqiang boarded train 1160, carrying a briefcase. He carried a very small, narrow briefcase, seemingly only big enough for a few documents. Once inside his carriage, Chu Shaoqiang sat quietly in his seat, holding the briefcase. A day later, the train arrived at Haichi Ridge. Chu Shaoqiang got off the train but did not exit the station, instead transferring to train 1165, bound for Qishuiyao.

While waiting in the waiting room, a man approached Chu Shaoqiang, coughed twice, and said, "Sir, could I trouble you for a light?" Chu Shaoqiang took out matches and handed them to the man. The man lit his cigarette, took a puff, returned the matches to Chu Shaoqiang, and said in a negotiating tone, "You leave that briefcase with me, and I'll leave you your life. What do you say?" Chu Shaoqiang stared at the man for a moment and asked, "May I ask your name?" The man chuckled, "My name is Ye Jianhuang. Anyone who likes to smoke is a friend of mine."

Ye Jianhuang, the Grandmaster of Smoke Cultivation. "So it's Elder Ye. My apologies for the oversight!" Chu Shaoqiang quickly handed the briefcase to Ye Jianhuang. Ye Jianhuang took the briefcase, glanced inside, and saw the red lotus. How could such a large red lotus fit into such a small briefcase? This was the subtlety of the crafting technique. Ye Jianhuang took a puff from his cigarette and said to Chu Shaoqiang, "Logically, given my status, I shouldn't be taking something from a junior like you. How about you pick something good from me as compensation?" Chu Shaoqiang shook his head repeatedly. "I wouldn't dare. This is my sincere tribute to an elder." "Sensible boy." Ye Jianhuang smiled, then left the waiting hall with the briefcase. Chu Shaoqiang sat motionless in the waiting hall. When train 1165 pulled into the station, Chu Shaoqiang immediately boarded, entered his carriage, and continued to sit quietly in his seat. Before long, a new briefcase appeared in his hand.

Ye Jianhuang entered the new area of Haichi Ridge with the briefcase. After walking for a moment, he suddenly felt the briefcase's weight was off. He opened the briefcase and looked again, his brows furrowing. The red lotus was gone. "You sly brat, daring to play games with me!" Ye Jianhuang threw the briefcase aside, and his body transformed into a wisp of smoke, vanishing.

Upon arriving at Qishuiyao, Chu Shaoqiang got off the train, hurried along, and entered an abandoned factory. The Local Earth God of Qishuiyao, Shigong Xing, was repairing a bearing. Chu Shaoqiang walked up to him, took out two pairs of pliers from his briefcase, and respectfully presented them to Shigong Xing. "Master, your disciple has a favor to ask." Shigong Xing took the pliers, examined them carefully for a while, and nodded slightly, "Go ahead." These two pairs of pliers were rare cultivation artifacts. Chu Shaoqiang carried his briefcase and walked straight towards the end of the factory building. Arriving by a ladder, Chu Shaoqiang saw a pool of water beneath it. He was about to jump into the pool when he suddenly noticed his left foot had turned into a wisp of smoke.

Chu Shaoqiang was greatly alarmed, but then Ye Jianhuang's figure materialized before him. "Who gave you the guts to play such a trick on me?" Ye Jianhuang's eyebrow twitched, and Chu Shaoqiang's right hand turned into smoke, making the briefcase fall to the ground. "Master!" Chu Shaoqiang looked back at Shigong Xing. Shigong Xing held the pliers in his hand and looked at Ye Jianhuang. Ye Jianhuang glared, barking at Shigong Xing, "What are you looking at? You've completely disgraced your master! I should kill you!" Shigong Xing lowered his head and continued repairing the bearing, not daring to look again.

Ye Jianhuang opened the briefcase and meticulously examined it for a long time. The red lotus was indeed in the briefcase, looking completely real from the outside. However, Ye Jianhuang was worried that Chu Shaoqiang had left another trick and could take the red lotus back again. "Youngster, I originally intended to spare your life, but you dared to trick me; you brought this upon yourself." Ye Jianhuang's eyebrow twitched again, and Chu Shaoqiang's remaining arm and leg both turned into smoke, dissipating into the air. Smoke was rising from other parts of his body too, but they didn't dissipate immediately. "You're quite resilient, kid." Ye Jianhuang smiled, took out a dry pipe, put it in his mouth, and lit it. He puffed a cloud of smoke towards Chu Shaoqiang. Chu Shaoqiang's body swayed, appearing about to turn into smoke and dust, but after a moment of shaking, the smoke gathered again. Startled, Ye Jianhuang blew another puff of smoke towards Chu Shaoqiang.

Chu Shaoqiang burped, "Gurgle." From his mouth, clusters of soap bubbles erupted, first blocking the smoke, then covering his entire body. After more than a minute, enveloped in the soap bubbles, Chu Shaoqiang's limbs regrew. His arms were a bit short, just over twenty centimeters. His legs weren't long either, about a foot. Looking up from his thighs, things were much smaller but still complete.

Ye Jianhuang heightened his vigilance and asked, "What kind of ability is that?" Chu Shaoqiang couldn't speak; he was still blowing bubbles from his mouth. Someone nearby said, "That's certainly not his ability. He doesn't have such skill." "Then who could have such..." Ye Jianhuang paused, then turned to look at the person. A middle-aged man, with his arms crossed, was honestly squatting on the ground. He said to Ye Jianhuang, "You keep fighting him. I want to take a closer look at whose ability this truly is!" Ye Jianhuang spat out his rolled cigarette, pulled out his pipe, and nervously watched the middle-aged man. The middle-aged man chuckled, "Go on, keep fighting him. I'll make my move after you two are done. Isn't that how you used to do it back then?"