Chapter 504: Ferry Gang

A "horse" without legs wriggled its way out of the bushes and came before Li Banfeng and Luo Zhengnan.

This strange creature had a "horse's" head and long, horse-like hair covering its body. It could be tamed and used as a mount, but it wasn't actually a horse. It was a type of otherworldly creature from the New Land called a Horse-headed Butterfly.

Most butterflies transform from caterpillars after pupating. However, the Horse-headed Butterfly is an exception. It hatches from an egg as a giant, horse-headed butterfly. After a period of cultivation, usually around ten years, the Horse-headed Butterfly will form a cocoon. After pupating, it transforms into a caterpillar, which was the Horse-headed Worm currently before them.

The Horse-headed Worm was both herbivorous and carnivorous. Seeing two people by the lake, it decided to improve its diet. With a powerful thrust from its abdomen, it instantly appeared before the two men.

Li Banfeng signaled Luo Zhengnan to stay put. Using his "Traceless Pace" technique, he instantly circled behind the Horse-headed Worm. He then used the steel wire rope gifted to him by Ling Miaoying to ensnare the worm's neck. With a swift pull and constriction, he would normally be able to subdue the Horse-headed Worm.

In the New Land, Horse-headed Worms were more valuable than Donkey-headed Maggots. Although they had a fierce temperament, Horse-headed Worms were strong and fast. A good one could fetch up to five hundred silver dollars.

Li Banfeng planned to communicate with the worm, specifically to inquire about the origin of this New Land.

Before Li Banfeng could speak, the Horse-headed Worm flung its head, and with a snap, broke the steel wire rope around its neck.

Ling Miaoying's steel wire rope was capable of severely injuring cultivators at the eighth level.

This worm broke it with just a flick of its head?

The enraged Horse-headed Worm charged directly at Luo Zhengnan. Luo Zhengnan did not dodge; he had encountered Horse-headed Worms in this New Land before and knew his speed was inferior to the creature's.

As he was about to counterattack with a technique, he suddenly heard a muffled thud. The Horse-headed Worm's body exploded, leaving only its head, which flew into the distance and fell into the lake.

Li Banfeng had directly used "Treading Through Ten Thousand Rivers" on the worm, putting a significant amount of force into the strike.

Regardless of whether the opponent was human or a worm, if it could break free from Ling Miaoying's steel wire rope, it warranted Li Banfeng's full attention.

Li Banfeng retrieved the horse's head from the lake and used a sickle to cut through its skin, testing its toughness.

"This hide is much tougher than armor," he commented. "I've never encountered a Horse-headed Worm like this in the New Land before."

Luo Zhengnan said, "The strange creatures in this area are indeed much stronger than those elsewhere, Seventh Master. Do you want to go to Iron Gate Fort? I brought dry clothes; we can change and continue our journey."

Li Banfeng shook his head. "No rush for Iron Gate Fort. It's a good path, but I can't open the gate when you're not here."

"Seventh Master, since I'm in Outer State, I might as well buy some equipment and try to make a key for you. I'm familiar with this area, so I guarantee the key will work for both entry and exit."

For a subordinate like Luo Zhengnan, Li Banfeng felt no reward would be excessive.

The two returned to the lake together and swam back to Flower Lake Park. Just before disembarking, Li Banfeng heard crying again.

"Old Luo," Li Banfeng asked, "when you usually pass by here, have you ever heard a woman crying?"

Luo Zhengnan replied, "I haven't heard a woman crying, but I've sensed some changes. It's not a lingering spirit, nor a living person. It's more like some kind of gate-keeping mechanism."

"Who set up this mechanism?" Li Banfeng scanned the villas by the lake; the crying seemed to emanate from their vicinity.

Luo Zhengnan said, "This matter hasn't been investigated thoroughly yet. Besides us, there must be others who know about this New Land."

Back at their residence, the two changed into dry clothes. Li Banfeng took out a check and wrote Luo Zhengnan ten thousand silver dollars.

Luo Zhengnan was hesitant to accept. "Seventh Master, you've given me so much business, all profitable ventures. There's no need to reward me with money."

Li Banfeng smiled. "Just take it. It's rare to come to Outer State; enjoy yourself for a few days."

Luo Zhengnan, true to his nature, couldn't sit still. He intended to go buy equipment that very evening.

Li Banfeng glanced at his watch; it was 4:30 AM. "At this hour, where would you buy equipment?"

"The Ghost Market at East Immortal Bridge is bustling right now," Luo Zhengnan explained. "Going too early is pointless, and too late, they've packed up. Now is just right. Seventh Master, I'll inform Fifth Master about Qin Tianjiu's matter shortly. As for the key, please wait for my news in the next couple of days."

Luo Zhengnan left, and Li Banfeng returned to his Portable Dwelling, sleeping for a full day instead of going to the Dark Star Bureau.

That evening, Li Banfeng emerged from his Portable Dwelling and approached the Projector. The Projector immediately produced a mobile phone and a satellite phone. "Director Seven, two calls were received and answered as per your instructions. One message was also received and replied to as per your instructions."

The calls were from Tangyuan and Dengbao, who were worried because Li Banfeng hadn't come to work.

The message was from Zhong Er. He was also concerned about the new Director Li, but he was too shy to call.

Shen Jingye hadn't called or sent a message.

"His work attitude has always been problematic," Li Banfeng thought. "I didn't come to work, and he didn't even bother to ask?"

Li Banfeng put the mobile and satellite phones back into the Projector. He ate something, tidied up, and when he judged the time was right, he went to the Cultural Palace.

A gunfight movie was playing at the Cultural Palace. Most of those who came to the black market today were "Flower Tongues" (brokers).

When the snack vendor arrived, Li Banfeng still bought paper. This time, the location had changed; it was in private room 202.

Li Banfeng entered the private room with the tissues. Madam Yin Si greeted him warmly. "Big Boss, back to patronize my business again?"

Li Banfeng nodded and smiled. "You certainly know how to do business."

"How was that girl?"

"I think she was good."

"This time, do you want to buy someone for pleasure or for combat?"

"Can't they be proficient in both?"

"Big Boss, you certainly have expensive tastes!" Madam Yin Si pulled down a curtain, revealing a young woman. She wore a dark blue qipao embroidered with mandarin ducks and lotus pond patterns, and her hair was styled in a finger wave, giving her a very alluring appearance.

Madam Yin Si said, "This is a Level 2 Sound Cultivator. Her looks are impeccable, but more importantly, she sings wonderfully. In Puluo State, she was once a 'Song Queen'."

Li Banfeng nodded repeatedly. Madam Yin Si wasn't lying; this woman had indeed been a Song Queen.

She was Xu Qiulan, whose news often appeared in newspapers. She, Jiang Mengting, and Xiao Xiuhui were known as the Three Song Queens. After becoming famous, Jiang Mengting continued to sing, Xiao Xiuhui transitioned to film, and Xu Qiulan married the wealthy magnate Rao Qijun, who was thirty-three years her senior, becoming a socialite.

How did she become a ghost servant?

Li Banfeng shook his head slightly. "I don't need the Song Queen. I'm afraid I wouldn't be able to handle her."

Madam Yin Si chuckled playfully. "You're not marrying her, so what's there to 'not handle'? If you buy her, I'll give you a bundle of rattan whips. A daily whipping will guarantee her obedience."

Li Banfeng still shook his head.

Madam Yin Si didn't force the issue and pulled open another curtain.

Behind this curtain was another woman, dressed in a light blue long gown, with a contemporary hairstyle, typical of an intellectual woman, and quite pretty.

Madam Yin Si said, "This is a Level 1 Literary Cultivator. Her looks can't compare to the previous one, but she's very talented in literature, capable of composing poetry and couplets – a true confidante."

While Madam Yin Si was speaking, the woman behind the curtain kept staring at Li Banfeng, seemingly wanting to say something.

Madam Yin Si frowned and looked at the woman. "Feeling restless? Looking for a beating?"

The woman quickly lowered her head.

She wanted to speak because Li Banfeng felt somewhat familiar to her.

Li Banfeng recognized her. Her name was Shan Zhumei, pen name San Zhumei. She was a writer under Shen Rongqing and had once joined the Flying General Battalion, writing stories about Zhao Xiaowan.

It was through her that Li Banfeng uncovered clues about the Flying General and clarified Xiao Zhenggong's true intentions.

After killing Xiao Zhenggong, Li Banfeng had Luo Zhengnan clear out the remaining members of the Jiangxiang Gang. However, some people only knew they had joined the Flying General Battalion and were unaware that the Flying General Battalion was the Jiangxiang Gang. Luo Zhengnan mostly spared these individuals.

Shan Zhumei was one such person. Yet, Old Luo had spared her, and now she was dead. Who had killed her? And who had brought her spirit to Outer State?

Madam Yin Si asked, "Big Boss, are you satisfied with this one?"

Li Banfeng still shook his head. "A Level 1 Literary Cultivator, too low a level. And she's a spirit; her combat power isn't much better than a defenseless lamb. She can't fight either, can she?"

Madam Yin Si shook her head. "Big Boss, the one you took yesterday was a rare find – beautiful and capable of fighting. A decent ghost servant like that is hard to come by. If I find you a female warrior weighing over two hundred jin, can you handle her?"

Li Banfeng straightened his expression. "I can handle it! I'm not picky!"

"Not picky! You said it!" Madam Yin Si turned and pulled open another curtain. Behind it stood a handsome man with clear features.

Li Banfeng waved his hands repeatedly. "This won't do. When I said I'm not picky, I at least meant she had to be a woman."

Madam Yin Si chuckled. "Don't be in such a hurry. He can transform into a woman."

With that, Madam Yin Si pulled a rattan whip from a vase. Seeing the whip, all three spirits shuddered simultaneously. Madam Yin Si told the man, "Transform into a woman for him to see."

The man glanced at Li Banfeng. Li Banfeng found him somewhat familiar but couldn't recall where he had seen him before.

The man wiped his face with his hand and rubbed his body for a moment, transforming into a graceful and exquisitely beautiful woman.

After the transformation, Li Banfeng recognized him.

The Playhouse Madame!

The Playhouse Madame he had encountered in Meng Yuchun's territory. He had been hired by Ba Shanzhu to seize Meng Yuchun's territory. After being captured, he had intended to surrender to Meng Yuchun, but Meng Yuchun showed him no mercy, directly twisting his neck.

Because Meng Yuchun had acted so quickly, Li Banfeng hadn't been able to feed him to his wife. Now, he had also come to Outer State to become a ghost servant.

Li Banfeng fell silent.

Madam Yin Si had displayed three ghost servants, and Li Banfeng surprisingly knew all of them.

Was this a coincidence?

Li Banfeng turned to Madam Yin Si. "I can buy all three of these."

Madam Yin Si was overjoyed. "For your straightforwardness, I'll give you a big discount. The Song Queen, originally seven hundred thousand, I'll charge you five hundred thousand today.

"The talented lady, also seven hundred thousand originally. Since you don't seem to like her much, I'll cut her price in half, making it three hundred fifty thousand.

"As for the man, his cultivation is not low; he's a Level 6 Drama Cultivator, which is quite rare in this dao school. He was originally one million two hundred thousand, so I can't discount him too much. I'll make him one million. Does that sound fair?"

Li Banfeng nodded. "You're straightforward enough. That's a total of one million eight hundred fifty thousand. I'll go get you the cash now."

Madam Yin Si said, "No, not one million eight hundred fifty thousand. Just one million eight hundred thousand. No need for the change!"

"Alright, wait here!"

Li Banfeng left the Cultural Palace, entered his Portable Dwelling, and retrieved the cash.

Business was business; Li Banfeng would not shortchange her.

However, after this transaction, Li Banfeng needed to understand some things.

Taking the three spirits back to his residence, Li Banfeng began questioning them one by one.

First was the Song Queen, Xu Qiulan.

"How did you come to Outer State?"

Xu Qiulan said tearfully, "Is this Outer State? I really don't know."

"First, tell me how you ended up with Madam Yin Si?"

"Well, this... I..."

Seeing Xu Qiulan stammering, Shan Zhumei interjected, "This is Seventh Master, just tell the truth."

Xu Qiulan exclaimed in surprise, "You're Li Qi?"

Li Banfeng frowned. "Answer my question first."

Xu Qiulan lowered her head. "I don't know where to begin."

Li Banfeng chose a starting point for her. "Start from the day you died."

Xu Qiulan sighed. "After I married Rao Qijun, he always harbored a grudge about one thing: that I had a relationship with Ma Wu before we married."

This was no new revelation. Among the Three Song Queens, Ma Wu had been involved with both Xiao Xiuhui and Xu Qiulan; only Jiang Mengting was someone he didn't touch himself.

Xu Qiulan continued, "He would bring it up from time to time. I told him the truth, that I had indeed been with a Ma Wu before, but he didn't believe me. He insisted that I had also slept with Li Qi.

"Half a month ago, I was so annoyed by his questioning that I lied and told him I had been with Li Qi."

Li Banfeng frowned. "You lied to him and ruined my reputation?"

Xu Qiulan lowered her head. "I didn't expect him to actually get furious. He called me trash, and we started fighting.

"I had cultivation and wasn't afraid of him initially, but he called in a 'Support' – a Level 3 Martial Cultivator. I couldn't defeat the Support and was beaten to death."

"Continue."

"After I died, because I still had my cultivation, my soul's memories remained. I originally intended to take the Yellow Springs Road to reincarnation, but I felt unwilling to do so. So, I lingered around the mansion, hoping to find a chance to get revenge.

"After staying near the mansion for two or three days, a group of people suddenly arrived and took me away using a magical technique."

"I couldn't see their faces; they were all wearing masks and large hats. They asked if I knew Li Qi. I said no, and they started beating me.

"I got scared from the beating, so I said yes. They asked what Li Qi looked like. Seventh Master, I've heard your name, but I've truly never seen you. I haven't even seen a picture of you.

"So I just made something up. I said Li Qi was broad-shouldered and strong, full of power, capable of lasting three to five hours at a time.

"They detected the flaw in my story and beat me again. Later, they realized beating me was useless; I truly didn't know. So, they put me into a magical artifact and sent me to this place."

Li Banfeng's brows furrowed. Someone was indeed investigating him.

He then asked Shan Zhumei, "How did you die?"

Shan Zhumei replied, "Ever since something happened with the Jiangxiang Gang, the Flying General Battalion also went silent. I worried about being implicated, so I planned to leave Green Water City first and hide in the Ink Fragrance Shop for a while.

"But I missed Miss You, and I wanted to see her. Two weeks ago, I went to Xiaoyao Dock to find her. Unexpectedly, halfway there, I encountered Xie Mengjiao, a singer from the Hundred Joys Club."

Xie Mengjiao was also part of the Flying General Battalion, responsible for message relay, thus Shan Zhumei's superior.

Shan Zhumei continued, "I was looking for her at the time, wanting to know what exactly happened to the Flying General Battalion. Xie Mengjiao said the street wasn't the place to talk and invited me to her home for details.

"So I went to her house. She didn't really talk about the important matters, only 'those' kinds of things. I... I naturally prefer women, and she was so seductive, I wasn't on guard and fell victim to her tricks, dying in her bed."

Li Banfeng raised an eyebrow. "You weren't resigned either, wanting revenge on Xie Mengjiao?"

Shan Zhumei shook her head. "I didn't seek revenge. I just wanted to see Miss You. I genuinely wanted to see her.

"So I lingered near Xiaoyao Dock. As a result, I was taken by someone. It was the same situation as Xu Qiulan described; I couldn't see their faces.

"They asked if I knew Li Qi. I said yes, but that our acquaintance wasn't deep. They didn't believe me and beat me fiercely. When beating me proved useless, as that's all I knew, they stopped and brought me here."

Li Banfeng gradually started to piece things together.

Next, he looked at the Playhouse Madame.

The Playhouse Madame said, "After I was killed by Meng Yuchun, I also wanted revenge on her. But Meng Yuchun's cultivation was too high; I couldn't defeat her. So, I could only inquire about your whereabouts.

"Later, I heard people call you Seventh Master, and then learned you had a village in the New Land called Proper Village.

"I wandered the New Land for quite some time and finally found Proper Village. I stayed near Proper Village for a long time too, but instead of waiting for you, I encountered a Nightmare Cultivator about ten-plus days ago."

"Ten-plus days ago?"

"The New Land doesn't distinguish between day and night, so I don't remember the exact number of days, but it should have been fifteen or sixteen days."

Li Banfeng asked, "What level was that Nightmare Cultivator?"

"I don't know, probably Level 4 or 5. I fought him for a while, initially thinking I had a chance to escape, but I unexpectedly fell into his trap and he captured me directly.

"He took me away from Proper Village and asked about my relationship with Li Qi. I told him we were enemies and recounted the past events."

Li Banfeng was taken aback. He had the Pendulum take the other two out of the room and hand them over to the Music Box.

The Music Box played a tune, causing them all to fall asleep.

Li Banfeng asked the Playhouse Madame, "What did you tell them?"

The Playhouse Madame's situation was different from Xu Qiulan's and Shan Zhumei's; he knew a great deal.

"I told them that you and Meng Yuchun collaborated to defeat Ba Shanzhu, and then you burned the bridge after crossing, killing me."

"You only said we defeated Ba Shanzhu?" Li Banfeng knew that the Playhouse Madame was aware he had killed Ba Shanzhu.

The Playhouse Madame nodded. "I only said you won the fight. I didn't dare to say anything else, or they wouldn't have let me off."

This New Land Wanderer was indeed intelligent. If he had revealed more details, his captors would not have put him up for sale, or perhaps they would still be torturing him.

All these incidents had occurred over the past half-month. A group of people was investigating him in Puluo State. Their background was still unknown.

But someone should know.

It was 4:50 AM; dawn was approaching.

The cinema had shown three films; tonight's black market should be closing down.

Madam Yin Si took about a dozen porcelain jars, one for each, packed all the ghost servants inside, and put them into a leather suitcase.

Besides the ghost servants, there were also two boxes of cash and two boxes of miscellaneous items. Madam Yin Si was quite strong; she carried all four boxes downstairs and loaded them directly onto a truck, then hit the gas and drove onto the street.

Madam Yin Si rolled down the window, enjoying the breeze and humming a little tune, feeling very content throughout the drive.

How could she not be content, having met such a generous buyer who bought four ghost servants without even haggling?

"The south wind brings coolness, the south wind is truly cool, why is the south wind so cold..."

Li Banfeng sighed. "Is that the only line you know?"

Madam Yin Si shivered, turned the steering wheel sharply, and the truck nearly plunged into a ditch.

She stared at the Big Boss in astonishment. "When did you get in the car?"

Li Banfeng smiled. "Just now. I still want to do business with you."

Madam Yin Si shook her head. "If you want to do business, find me at the Cultural Palace tomorrow night."

"Why must it be the black market? We're so familiar with each other now."

"That won't do!" Madam Yin Si said. "I adhere to rules in business. I never conduct private transactions with customers."

"Whose rules are those?"

"The black market's rules!"

Li Banfeng chuckled. "This isn't the black market right now, so why are you abiding by its rules?"

His words were very reasonable; Madam Yin Si seemed to have no retort.

"In short, I don't want to discuss business with you here." Madam Yin Si's eyes darted to the seatbelt buckle beside her. Hidden within the buckle was an iron bead, a spiritual object highly skilled in combat.

Madam Yin Si had once used this bead to stall a Level 7 cultivator, buying herself a chance to escape, and she could even retrieve the bead afterward, demonstrating the spiritual object's power.

But this time, Madam Yin Si did not plan to retrieve the bead.

The Big Boss had gotten into the car without her even noticing, a testament to his extreme strength. To get rid of him, she'd abandon the bead, the car, anything, as long as she could save her life.

Li Banfeng tried to persuade Madam Yin Si, "You do business day and night, always on edge; it's not easy to earn a living. If we can reach an agreement on this deal, I can buy all the ghost servants in your car, and you won't have to pay the black market its cut."

"What business exactly do you want to discuss?"

"I want to ask where you acquired these ghost servants in your car?"

"Didn't I already tell you? They're from Puluo State!"

"I'm not asking about their hometown. I'm asking where you purchased these ghost servants?"

"I got them from Puluo State myself!" Madam Yin Si's hand moved towards the seatbelt buckle.

"When did you go to Puluo State?"

"I go frequently. I just returned from Puluo State last week!"

Li Banfeng sighed. "In business, integrity comes first."

"How am I not showing integrity? I'm telling the truth!"

"What's Green Water City's landmark?"

Madam Yin Si thought for a moment and said, "It's the signboard on the city gate!"

"Which street is the Lu Family Mansion on?"

"I haven't been to the Lu Family Mansion."

"Aren't you Zuo Wugang's sworn sister? Didn't he take you to see it?"

"I, I just haven't been..."

"Yes, you haven't," Li Banfeng chuckled. "Not only have you never been to the Lu Family Mansion, you've never been to Puluo State at all."

Madam Yin Si slammed on the brakes, stopping the truck. Her left hand slapped the seatbelt buckle with a bang, a single fluid motion.

The iron bead didn't fly out.

Li Banfeng said in surprise, "What are you trying to do?"

Madam Yin Si slapped it again, but the iron bead still didn't emerge.

Li Banfeng looked at the seatbelt buckle. "Can't you unfasten your seatbelt?"

Madam Yin Si gritted her teeth, slapped it one more time, and the iron bead came out.

The iron bead was in Li Banfeng's hand.

"Were you looking for this?" Li Banfeng asked, holding the iron bead. "How do you use this? Just throw it?"

As he spoke, Li Banfeng seemed about to throw the iron bead at Madam Yin Si's face.

Madam Yin Si quickly ducked her head to dodge and, in the same motion, pulled a stack of covenant scrolls from beside the car door. "All of you, attack!"

She intended to control the ghost servants with the scrolls and have them gang up on Li Banfeng.

Bang, bang, bang!

There was a commotion in the truck's cargo compartment; something seemed to be trying to break out.

"Whoa!" Li Banfeng exclaimed, and the cargo compartment instantly fell silent.

Madam Yin Si huddled in her seat, clutching her head, snot and tears flowing everywhere.

Li Banfeng looked down to see a light yellow, unknown liquid soaking the soles of his shoes.

"These shoes, they are..."

These shoes had just been issued by the Dark Star Bureau. He had worn them for only a few days, and now they were soaked in urine.

This wasn't Madam Yin Si's fault, it was Li Banfeng's.

After being promoted to the Cloud level, his "Deep House and Grand Estate" technique, and the "Territory" skill, were fundamentally different. His single exclamation had nearly cost Madam Yin Si her life.

Madam Yin Si cried, "Big Boss, I know I was wrong. I dare not lie to you. I'll tell you whatever you ask. I'll return all the money to you in a moment, and you can have the car too, everything in it is yours."

"I don't want these things. I just want to know where these ghost servants came from."

"They came from a ferry."

Li Banfeng was getting a little impatient. "I didn't ask about the mode of transport."

"I wasn't talking about a mode of transport. That group is called the Ferry Gang, and their leader is named Boat Boss."

"What does the Ferry Gang do?"

"They traffic goods, bringing them in and out of Puluo State."

"So these are the people Ma Wu mentioned who do business in Outer State?"

"Is this Ferry Gang a powerful clan or a gang?"

"Have you met the Boat Boss?"

"Yes, I've met him twice. He personally handles all the valuable goods. This batch of ghost servants, he sold them to me himself."

"Can you meet him again?"

"In another week, I'll go to them again for supplies. If I can see him, I'll definitely let you know beforehand."

Li Banfeng took out a covenant paper. "Then it's settled. Put your handprint on this."

Madam Yin Si couldn't find an inkpad, so she wet her finger with some liquid from the seat, intending to press it onto the paper.

Li Banfeng frowned. "Isn't that your urine? Do people sign covenants with urine? This requires blood!"

Madam Yin Si truly hadn't been to Puluo State and didn't know its rules. If the Big Boss said to use blood, then she would use blood.

She put her finger into her mouth—the same one she had just wet—and bit the tip until it bled.

"Couldn't you have used a different finger...?" Li Banfeng didn't know what to say, but he watched her press the bloody handprint. Li Banfeng took the covenant paper, got out of the car, went to the cargo compartment, and took all the ghost servants.

"We'll settle the price after the deal is done. I'll wait for your news."

Madam Yin Si was still trembling in the truck, while Li Banfeng had already departed.

Ferry Gang, who exactly are you?

Are you just middlemen?

Or are you the ones trying to investigate me?

Back at his residence, Li Banfeng took a short nap. The Projector then placed a mobile phone before him. "Director Seven, a message just came in. The Dark Star Bureau announced an important meeting for this morning."

The message was from Shen Jingye.

"He only thought of me when there's a meeting?"

"This meeting must be very important."