Chapter 557: Flower Fairy Village Master

Ma Wu stood on the new land Li Banfeng had given him, carefully surveying the five thousand three-headed people. He overlooked not a single one, for these five thousand three-headed people had brought him too much regret, yet also endless anticipation.

Among them was a three-headed person whose middle head, the primary controller of their body, was named Ayun. Ayun was beautiful and understanding, and Ma Wu liked her very much. However, to Ayun’s left was A-gong, an old man in his fifties, and to her right was A-liang, a young lad of fifteen or sixteen. Both A-gong and A-liang also watched Ma Wu, their faces showing a faint shyness. This was a slight disappointment, suggesting that Ma Wu and Ayun were destined to have no shared fate.

Of the five thousand three-headed people, fewer than six hundred had three female heads. And among those, fewer than one hundred genuinely appealed to Ma Wu. These one hundred became the focus of his special attention.

"In the future, when our territory becomes a main land, I want to build another Carefree Dock here," Ma Wu declared. "I'll only hire three-headed people as performers. One lead singer with two harmony singers—from these hundred, we're sure to get a songstress!"

Feng Daiku laughed upon hearing this. "If three-headed people become songstresses, will anyone dare to come to your Carefree Dock? Aren't you afraid of scaring people?"

"At first, there might be a bit of fear, but they'll get used to it after a few visits," Ma Wu said, standing on the hillside, looking over his territory and at every three-headed person. "Old Seven is right; they are people, no different from us. What we can do, they can do. If Jiang Mengting can become an actress, they can too."

As they spoke, they heard Jiang Mengting's singing. Jiang Mengting had recently entered the Daoist sect and had come to the new land today, hoping its unique environment might help her ascend to a higher level. Even without accompaniment, her voice was still moving. The busy three-headed people gathered around, listening quietly as she sang "The Song of Four Seasons."

"Spring arrives, green fills the window, a maiden embroiders mandarin ducks beneath it. Suddenly, a heartless blow scatters the mandarin ducks far apart."

Feng Daiku sighed in admiration. "This song is so beautiful, this girl is truly talented."

Ma Wu chuckled. "Not every song she sings is this good. 'The Song of Four Seasons,' 'Feigned Seriousness,' and 'Full Moon, Beautiful Flowers' are her best three."

"What's special about these three songs?"

"What's special is that Old Seven particularly likes them, especially 'The Song of Four Seasons.' I don't understand why he's so fond of it."

"Wifey, just sing 'The Song of Four Seasons'!" Li Banfeng said, rolling on the bed with the phonograph in his arms.

The phonograph struggled to get free. "No, I won't sing for you!"

Li Banfeng hugged his Wifey again. "Wifey, after eating so many good ingredients these past few days, it's time to reward your husband. Otherwise, your husband might have to use force."

The phonograph flipped over, pressing down on Li Banfeng. "What if you use force? Am I afraid of you, my little slave? Let's see who's stronger!"

"Wifey, that's not fair!" Li Banfeng squeezed the joint below the stylus arm.

The phonograph laughed and shouted, "You crazy brute! You can't win, so you're resorting to trickery! Stop, don't tickle my armpit! Your little slave can't stand it. Husband, please spare your little slave, I'm out of breath! Let your little slave speak slowly first!"

Li Banfeng was genuinely anxious. His traveling cultivation had been at the second cloud layer for some time, but his home cultivation was still stuck at the first. Li Banfeng dared not absorb more popularity from the territories now, as another promotion for his traveling cultivation would trigger a backlash against his home cultivation. But the phonograph always insisted this matter couldn't be rushed.

"Husband," the phonograph said, "levels must be stabilized by techniques. You haven't even mastered the Shape-Shadow Suspension Technique. How could your little slave dare to let you advance to the second layer?"

"How can you say I haven't mastered it!" Li Banfeng summoned his shadow. "My shadow appears when I call it, fights when I tell it to, and its skills are no worse than mine."

"Use a technique, let me see?"

Li Banfeng squatted beside the phonograph, crossing his arms. "When using Shape-Shadow Suspension, other techniques can't be used. But that doesn't stop my advancement, does it?" As he spoke, his shadow also squatted on the ground, arms crossed.

The phonograph stared at Li Banfeng through its large horn for a long time, then asked, "My dear husband, why do you always squat down when you talk about important matters lately?"

Li Banfeng paused. "What important matters have I spoken about?"

"Husband said—" The phonograph coughed, almost letting Li Banfeng change the subject. "Your little slave isn't asking about important matters. Your little slave is asking why husband always squats?"

Li Banfeng sighed. "This husband feels frustrated. There are strong enemies outside, and my cultivation keeps stalling. I can only be bullied."

The phonograph sighed dramatically. "It truly is difficult for husband. Bullied every day, yet still bringing home so many good dishes every day."

"Isn't that because I'm thinking of Wifey's stomach?" Li Banfeng rubbed the phonograph's belly a few times, making Wifey giggle.

"Husband, stop messing around and listen to your little slave. As long as you can unleash even a sliver of power from the Shape-Shadow Suspension Technique, your little slave will help you advance to the second layer."

"What do you mean by 'unleash a sliver of power'?"

"First, summon your shadow. Then, as long as you can use one combat technique, that's enough."

"What's a combat technique?"

"Ground-Rending Wind, Averting Misfortune, Golden Eye of Autumn Hair, Exquisite Hundred Flavors, Understanding Spiritual Sound—these are not combat techniques. All other techniques count. Whichever you can use, that will show your skill, husband."

Li Banfeng, still squatting, recalled his shadow. It was difficult. When he used the Shape-Shadow Suspension Technique, Li Banfeng couldn't even use his simple cultivation techniques.

It seemed like a tough challenge, but Li Banfeng thought it over carefully. His Wifey was still trying to help him. In a confrontation with strong enemies, if he could use even one technique, it would give him a huge advantage. He needed to choose a technique that was easy to master. Which one would be suitable?

Leaving his residence, Li Banfeng arrived at Ma Wu's new land. Many guests had come to offer congratulations, more than when Chu Er had taken his territory. Sha Dingzhong, Rong Sijiao, and Xie Laizi, the land gods of the new lands, were all there, as were Hua Manchun and Dou Jiyan, land gods from the main lands.

Pan Dehai arrived a little later. Feng Daiku had intended to avoid him, but Pan Dehai actively approached her.

"Miss Feng, congratulations to you."

Feng Daiku scoffed. "Elder Pan must be joking. This territory isn't mine, so what is there to congratulate me on?"

Pan Dehai said, "Miss Feng and Young Master Ma share such deep affection, how can you still distinguish between what's yours and what's his?"

Feng Daiku frowned. "Is Elder Pan mocking me with those words? Five-lang and I aren't officially married."

Pan Dehai quickly replied, "This old man's words come from the bottom of my heart. If I could open my chest, I'd gladly show my sincere heart to you, Miss."

"Alright, I'll help you open it!" Li Banfeng arrived, holding a knife.

Pan Dehai quickly bowed. "Brother Li Seven, you are truly magnificent and virtuous, and now you've been appointed a regional lord."

Feng Daiku warned, "Young Master Li, be careful. 'Magnificent and virtuous' is Elder Pan's technique."

"Ah," Pan Dehai shook his head, "Miss Feng, why are you so wary? This old man truly has no ill intentions in coming here. I only hope for mutual support in the future."

Li Banfeng raised his knife. "Let's open your chest and examine it first, then we'll talk."

Pan Dehai quickly changed the subject. He cupped his fists towards Hua Manchun. "Master Hua, it's been years since we last met. We must have a good drink later."

Hua Manchun was a man in his early fifties, dressed in a white changshan, wearing a white silk scarf, and holding a feather fan, looking like an ancient scholar. Seeing Pan Dehai initiate conversation, Hua Manchun returned the bow. "Elder Pan, we'll certainly have that drink. But please allow me to discuss something serious with Miss Feng first."

Feng Daiku sensed something was off. She glanced at Ma Wu, then smiled at Hua Manchun. "Today is Five-lang's happy day. Why have you all come to congratulate the wrong person?"

Hua Manchun waved his hand. "I'm not just here to congratulate today. There's something I need to discuss with Miss Feng. I heard that Miss Feng acquired the Soda Kiln territory a while ago, and now its operations are flourishing. It must be difficult to manage a small place like Pants Belt Gully simultaneously. Would Miss Feng be willing to transfer Pants Belt Gully to me?"

Feng Daiku eyed Hua Manchun up and down. "I didn't quite hear you just now. Master Hua wants me to transfer my territory to you?"

Hua Manchun, fanning himself with his feather fan, said, "Of course, I won't take it for free. Gold, silver, jewels, spiritual items, magical artifacts—whatever I possess, you may choose freely, Miss." As he spoke, Hua Manchun stared directly into Feng Daiku's eyes, seemingly with a hint of provocation. Few people had such audacity, as looking into Feng Daiku's eyes could easily lead to being ensnared by her charms. Hua Manchun's action was both a test and a warning; he had a way to counter her charms, which meant he had a way to counter emotional cultivators.

Feng Daiku shook her head slightly. "Master Hua, I appreciate your good intentions, but Pants Belt Gully is where I started. Although the territory is small and remote, a broken home is worth a fortune. I truly can't bear to part with it. Please ask elsewhere, Master Hua."

Hua Manchun's fan stopped, and his smile abruptly vanished. He looked at Feng Daiku. "Miss Feng, were those words just now meant to deliberately mock me?"

To be honest, it was Ma Wu's big day, and Feng Daiku really didn't want to argue with Hua Manchun. Hua Manchun had been eyeing Pants Belt Gully for a long time; he had openly tried to seize it from Feng Daiku and also resorted to covert attacks. Their territories were adjacent, and they had fought countless battles. What did Hua Manchun mean by bringing this up so openly on this occasion?

Feng Daiku said, "Everyone is here today to congratulate Young Master Five. Master Hua, our old grudges can be discussed in detail another day."

"No, let's not wait. Let's make it clear today," Hua Manchun said, first looking at the surrounding people, then at Feng Daiku. "Let's stick to the matter at hand. Just now, I was seriously discussing things with Miss Feng. Every word I spoke was respectful, without any impropriety. Miss Feng, however, made a sarcastic remark in front of so many people. What exactly did you mean by that?"

Ma Wu, standing nearby, didn't understand which of Feng Daiku's words were sarcastic. Feng Daiku gestured for Ma Wu to remain silent. She knew she hadn't mocked Hua Manchun at all; he was deliberately picking a fight.

"Master Hua, if it seems that my words just now had any omission or offense, please forgive me."

"What do you mean by 'omission'?" Hua Manchun's expression darkened further. "Are you implying that I'm deliberately finding fault with you?"

Ma Wu finally couldn't help but interject. "Master Hua, I, Ma, am usually lacking in manners and not very sharp-witted. I honestly didn't hear a single word from Miss Feng that offended you. If there truly was such a word or two, I, Ma Wu, will apologize to you today alongside Miss Feng. But if you can't give a reasonable explanation, then you are deliberately causing trouble on my territory."

Hua Manchun smiled, fanning himself. "I, Hua, am a straightforward person, Young Master Five, please don't take offense. Many heroes have come to congratulate Young Master Five today. Young Master Five might genuinely not be very sharp-witted, thinking these heroes are giving him face. But everyone present knows full well that we are here to give face to Li Seven. We value this junior's capabilities, which is why we're willing to support him. Elder Pan, isn't what I'm saying correct?"

Pan Dehai quickly waved his hands. "Brother Li Seven and I have a genuine bond. Perhaps we are different."

Hua Manchun chuckled. "Sentiment is unreliable. What's reliable is capital. Young Master Five, I truly mean no offense when I speak to you, but you don't yet have the capital to speak with me. Brother Li Seven, I'm saying this for you to hear. My presence here today proves that we have a connection. I'm willing to be your friend. But if you can't grasp this connection, if you can't keep these friends, then our future matters will be entirely different. Brother Li Seven, isn't that how it works?"

Li Banfeng understood then. "So you were talking sense to me. I thought this had nothing to do with me."

Hua Manchun frowned. "If it had nothing to do with you, do you think someone of my status would come here?"

Li Banfeng thought carefully, then asked, "What's your status?"

Hua Manchun's eyes flashed with coldness. Pan Dehai quickly explained, "Brother Li Seven, this is Hua Manchun, the master of Flower Immortal Manor. Flower Immortal Manor is a main land."

Li Banfeng was very surprised. "How come I've never heard of Flower Immortal Manor?"

Hua Manchun began plucking the long quills from his feather fan, extremely displeased with Li Seven's attitude.

Pan Dehai quickly explained, "Brother Li Seven, to say you've never heard of Flower Immortal Manor is incorrect. Flower Immortal Manor is so famous in Puluo State, how could you not have heard of it? But to say you haven't been to Flower Immortal Manor, that's understandable. Flower Immortal Manor has a rule: it only accepts women, no men. We men cannot enter the Manor."

Li Banfeng was stunned. "His manor doesn't accept men? So, is he, the master, a man or a woman?"

Hua Manchun's face turned green. Pan Dehai let out a dry laugh. "Brother, please stop joking. Master Hua is a master of the Joy Cultivation sect. In terms of combat strength, almost no land god in any region can rival Master Hua."

This was no exaggeration; Hua Manchun was indeed a formidable fighter. Feng Daiku had fought him for years and never gained an advantage. Ma Wu also understood some things from this. Feng Daiku's urgency to acquire the Soda Kiln at the time must have partly been due to Hua Manchun. Hua Manchun had always coveted Pants Belt Gully, and if Feng Daiku couldn't defend her territory, having the Soda Kiln would at least provide a fallback.

Li Banfeng was also surprised. "Almost unrivaled? So he's even stronger than Green Sprout?"

At the mention of Green Sprout, the furious Hua Manchun's gaze softened considerably. Pan Dehai's tone also became much gentler. "Well, of course, Green Sprout is an exception..." All land gods in Puluo State couldn't compare to Green Sprout. This was also one of the reasons Hua Manchun was wary of Li Seven. It was rumored that Li Seven's relationship with Green Sprout was unusual, and the three-headed people he acquired were largely connected to Green Sprout.

Hua Manchun said, "Brother Li Seven, let's discuss our friendship later. Today, let's only talk about the matter between me and Feng Daiku. I kindly discussed things with her, and she made a sarcastic remark in front of so many people. Let's stick to the facts: shouldn't you give me an explanation?"

His purpose in causing this scene today was singular: to force Li Banfeng to take a stance. In his view, Li Seven, being able to forge a connection with Green Sprout, must be a clever person. In Hua Manchun's understanding, clever people only cared about profit, not sentiment. Based on this, Li Seven would surely seek Hua Manchun's support, because Hua Manchun was stronger in terms of combat power, influence, and economic strength, all superior to Feng Daiku. For Hua Manchun, the ideal outcome was to pressure Feng Daiku through Li Banfeng, making her voluntarily give up Pants Belt Gully. Of course, if Feng Daiku refused, creating conflict between her and Li Seven would also be quite good. Without Li Seven as her backing, Pants Belt Gully would eventually be his.

Li Banfeng thought for a moment, then shook his head. "I still don't understand. Which of Miss Feng's words mocked you?"

Hua Manchun frowned again. Why was Li Seven still dwelling on this? Was he truly a clever person? Since he asked, Hua Manchun had to give a reason. "Everyone here heard clearly. I wanted to exchange a pile of my belongings for Miss Feng's Pants Belt Gully territory. Whether she exchanged it or not didn't matter, just a straight answer was fine. But she told me that 'a broken home is worth a fortune' and told me to 'ask elsewhere.' What does that mean? Is she treating me like a beggar?"

"You think that's mocking?" Li Banfeng stared at the feather fan in Hua Manchun's hand for a moment. The Silk Earring whispered, "Master, his fan isn't moving." Not only was it not moving, it seemed to have no temperature either.

Hua Manchun said, "That's not mocking? Please tell me what mocking is!"

Li Banfeng then looked at Hua Manchun's headscarf, seeing no abnormality. It was almost certain this was Hua Manchun himself. Since he asked what mocking was, Li Banfeng decided to explain it thoroughly. "Today, our Old Five is starting his land. Anyone who attends is giving face to our brothers. Please sit down and have a drink, toast our Old Five individually, and this matter will be settled. If you don't want to give face, if you don't want to drink this wine, then please get out of here, go as far away as you can. That, Master Hua, is mocking. Mocking that slaps you in the face. Can you understand that?"

Hua Manchun froze, stunned. He hadn't expected Li Banfeng's attitude. "Brother Li Seven, the paths of the world are long, mountains don't turn, but rivers do. It's hard to say who will end up in whose hands. You shouldn't speak so absolutely."

Li Banfeng looked at Hua Manchun. "Never mind how the mountains and rivers turn. Let's talk about how you're going to turn right now. If you want to roll, you'll have to roll a bit faster."

Hua Manchun gritted his teeth. He first looked at Pan Dehai, who lowered his head and said nothing. He then looked at Ma Wu, who extended his hand. "Master Hua, please feel free."

The other land gods watched with cold eyes, none coming forward to ease the situation. Hua Manchun turned and left. Only after he had walked far away did Pan Dehai consider playing the good guy. "Brother Li Seven, why was that necessary? Master Hua is not someone you want to offend."

"I offended him?" Li Banfeng seemed surprised. "I'll go talk to him in a couple of days. Since he's Miss Feng's neighbor, it's only right to pay him a visit."

"Brother Li Seven, don't joke."

"I'm serious. I genuinely think he's a good person. If there's a chance, I should invite him over to my place."

"Brother, it's better to reconcile with enemies than to make new ones."

While still urging reconciliation, Pan Dehai knew in his heart that the bad blood between these two was now irreversible. Li Seven had thoroughly offended Hua Manchun, and given Hua Manchun's temperament, he would never easily forgive Li Seven. Whether Li Seven could get away unscathed would likely depend on whether his backing was willing to help him. However, this matter might not be a loss in the long run. Feng Daiku and the other land gods were looking at Li Seven differently now. From this day forward, Feng Daiku would have more trust in Li Seven, and the other land gods would hold him in greater awe.

The land god Dou Jiyan stepped forward, smiling. "Brother Seven, it's our first meeting. I didn't bring much, just two jars of fine wine. One for Brother Five, and one for you. This wine can heal injuries, and its medicinal properties are excellent. It's a humble gift from afar, please don't despise it."

"Of course not," Li Banfeng replied with a smile. "What should I call this lady?"

Dou Jiyan looked young, with two braided pigtails hanging over her shoulders, appearing to be under twenty, pretty and charming, and addressing him as "Brother Seven." This was certainly not to be taken literally, as her actual age was impossible to determine.

Feng Daiku explained, "This is Dou Jiyan, Master Dou, the master of Qianliang Fang."

Li Banfeng quickly thanked her. Dou Jiyan secretly asked, "Brother Seven, can you guess what Daoist sect I belong to?" It was impolite to ask someone's Daoist sect upon a chance meeting, but Dou Jiyan had unexpectedly offered Li Seven to guess. So, he guessed.

Li Banfeng thought for a moment. "Miss Dou has given us good wine, so you must be a Wine Cultivator."

Dou Jiyan shook her head. "You guessed wrong there. I'm not a Wine Cultivator. I got this wine from somewhere else. Let me give you a hint: don't you think my name is strange? Actually, I wasn't originally called Dou Jiyan. It's because Qianliang Fang is a place where people love to gamble, and I love to gamble too. I especially love cockfighting, and my eyesight is particularly good. Every cock I choose wins its bet. Everyone says I have keen eyes for cockfighting, so they gave me the nickname 'Cockfighting Eye.' I know they were mocking me, but I'm not afraid of their mockery. I simply named myself Dou Jiyan. Now do you know what Daoist sect I belong to?"

Li Banfeng suddenly understood. "So you're a Chicken Cultivator!"

"There's no such Daoist sect as Chicken Cultivator," Dou Jiyan waved her hand. "I was talking about my good eyesight!"

"Oh, so you're an Eye Cultivator."

"Not an Eye Cultivator either!" Dou Jiyan laughed. "Are you intentionally annoying me?"

Li Banfeng didn't smile; he was guessing very seriously. "Then what Daoist sect are you?"

"I'm a Gambling Cultivator! I always win my bets!"

"Ah, a Gambling Cultivator," Li Banfeng exclaimed, understanding again. "Miss Dou, I have a friend who is also a Gambling Cultivator. This person is generous and charitable. I must introduce you two sometime."

Guests sat down, clinking cups and exchanging toasts. The new land gods all promised to provide Ma Wu's territory with a batch of exotic beasts for assessment. The main land gods also made promises, though they were relatively more vague. Pan Dehai and Dou Jiyan promised to provide more assistance to Ma Wu in the future. Once Sha Dingzhong and others had gradually delivered the exotic beasts, the land cultivation officially began. Previously, when He Yuxiu cultivated her land, these land gods had caused trouble, but now they offered support to Chu Er and Ma Wu, so the bad blood was now resolved.

However, some people's bad blood had not yet been resolved.

At the edge of the new land, a woman concealed herself, watching the bustling scene on the territory with a pensive gaze. The woman was beautiful, with a broad forehead, a round face, slender arched eyebrows, eyes like crescent moons, lips like cherries. Her features were delicate and well-proportioned, and her long hair was coiled up, with two strands clinging to her cheeks, making her appear even more gentle and charming. Her figure was even better, balanced but slightly delicate, especially her slender waist, truly graspable. Hidden beneath her long skirt, she resembled a beauty painted in ink.

She was Chu Yaoqian, a land god of the new lands. When He Yuxiu was organizing the three-headed people to cultivate the land, Chu Yaoqian had sent Madame Suo'e A'rou to test her, almost forcing He Yuxiu into a fight with A'rou. Li Banfeng still remembered that grudge. When he took over Furnace Fire's territory, Li Banfeng deliberately named himself "Sweat of Chu's Slender Waist," intending to settle the score with her if things changed later.

If Chu Yaoqian appeared now, apologized to Li Seven, and offered a few exotic beasts as a gesture of goodwill, the matter could pass. But she hesitated because she was late. She hadn't shown up to support Chu Er when he took his new land, and now she was late for Ma Wu's celebration. She worried Li Seven wouldn't give her a good reception. Hesitating, she didn't know whether to reveal herself.

"Forget it, I'll just leave." Among the land gods of the new lands, Chu Yaoqian had some reputation. If Li Seven truly mocked her, she would lose too much face.

After walking for more than ten li, Chu Yaoqian felt some regret. Being mocked a little wasn't such a big deal. If she flattered Li Seven, showed some weakness, and offered some exotic beasts as a token of goodwill, she could not only resolve a past grudge but also gain a friend. This friend would be very important to her. She had heard about Hua Manchun and knew that Li Seven had publicly humiliated him. Chu Yaoqian herself had been bullied by Hua Manchun over the years, so if she could find a strong backer, her future days would be much easier.

Walking and stopping, Chu Yaoqian remained indecisive, but then she faintly heard some laughter in the forest. Chu Yaoqian slightly furrowed her brow and asked, "Which friend on the path dares to show themselves?"

A young man, dressed in a white robe, appeared before Chu Yaoqian and bowed deeply. "I am He Jiaqing. Greetings, Miss Chu."

"The eldest son of the He family?" Chu Yaoqian had heard of He Jiaqing's reputation. He was wanted in both the outer and inner states, and it was said he had recently teamed up with someone to kill Zhang Gunli. She never expected to meet him here. Chu Yaoqian immediately raised her guard.

He Jiaqing looked into the distance. "Miss Chu, are you going to congratulate Ma Wu?"

Chu Yaoqian nodded. "That was my original intention. I have some acquaintance with both Li Seven and Ma Wu, and on such a grand day, I really should send a congratulatory gift."

He Jiaqing shook his head and sighed. "If you truly had an acquaintance, Miss, you wouldn't be so hesitant."

Chu Yaoqian pouted, looking slightly helpless. "It's just that I overslept and missed the time. If I go now, I'm afraid they'll say I'm lacking in manners."

"If it's truly a matter of lacking manners, that's easy to resolve. But if there's bad blood, I advise you not to go. Li Seven holds grudges, and some things cannot be resolved with just a few words."

Chu Yaoqian chuckled. "What bad blood could there be between me and Li Seven?"

He Jiaqing said, "He Yuxiu is my aunt. What you did on the day she cultivated her land, do you think I don't know?"

Her secret revealed, Chu Yaoqian didn't argue. "That was an order from the inner state. I wasn't the only one who offended Li Seven at the time. If others could resolve their bad blood, why can't I?"

"Miss Chu, not resolving bad blood isn't necessarily a bad thing. You also know that orders from the inner state are difficult to defy. The land gods of the new lands have a deed held by the inner state. If you cannot retrieve that deed, your life will remain in the hands of the inner state. If you go to Ma Wu's territory today to offer congratulations, and then tomorrow the inner state suddenly turns against you, Miss, you should know the consequences."

Chu Yaoqian lowered her head, silent. She had indeed worried about this matter.

He Jiaqing continued, "I, He, love to make friends. All friends, I, He, treat as my own flesh and blood. If Miss Chu is willing to be my friend, I, He, will find a way to help Miss Chu retrieve the other half of your deed."

Chu Yaoqian's eyes widened. "Are those words true?"

He Jiaqing nodded. "True."

Chu Yaoqian didn't immediately commit. Retrieving a deed from the inner state? She had never heard of such a thing. However, He Jiaqing was indeed no ordinary person; he was the one who had killed Zhang Gunli. The outer state sought him, the inner state sought him, and Green Sprout also wanted to kill him, yet he was still alive today. Perhaps he truly possessed such ability. Between belief and doubt, Chu Yaoqian first proposed a relatively easier problem to solve. "My territory is adjacent to Flower Immortal Manor, and I have some animosity with Master Hua Manchun. If Young Master He could provide some assistance, this little sister would be endlessly grateful."

He Jiaqing nodded. "I'll handle this for you. We'll go to Flower Immortal Manor immediately. As long as you're willing to be my friend, I, He, guarantee that Hua Manchun will never dare to trouble you again."

Upon hearing this, Chu Yaoqian looked slightly shy. "Then I thank Young Master He in advance."

He Jiaqing said, "Just now, I, He, said that I treat my friends as my own flesh and blood. From now on, I'll call you Sister, what do you think, Miss?"

Chu Yaoqian lowered her head. "How could that be? We don't look at age, only at prestige. This little sister will still call you Elder Brother He!"