Chapter 655: Peach Blossoms Flourish

Qiu Zhiheng, Qin Tianjiu, and their companions fought fiercely and defeated the mountain bandits.

Of the more than twenty mountain bandits, nearly half were killed. Though defeated, they didn't flee in disarray but retreated in an orderly fashion.

Qiu Zhiheng and Luo Zhengnan shared the same question: were these people truly mountain bandits?

Their cultivation was not low, they were all Scorpions, their combat tactics were well-coordinated, and they displayed considerable discipline. If they weren't in San Toucha but somewhere else in Puro Province, these twenty-odd individuals could easily form a gang and become a force to be reckoned with.

Of course, it was also possible that the harsh environment of San Toucha had compelled a group of mountain bandits to develop such exceptional combat prowess.

Qiu Zhiheng's attention wasn't entirely focused on the mountain bandits; he was more concerned with Qin Tianjiu's condition. Of the eleven bandits killed, six had died by Little Fatty's hand.

Now that the battle was over, Little Fatty still wore a pair of scorpion pincers, silently gazing at the corpses beneath his feet.

A Food Cultivator, using the Hundred Devourings, Hundred Transformations technique, would temporarily gain some of an opponent's abilities. However, the duration for Little Fatty was proving to be quite long.

Qiu Zhiheng was very familiar with Food Cultivators. Back when Lu Dongliang was focused on dealing with He Haiqin, he had made Qiu Zhiheng put great effort into understanding Food Cultivators. Yet, seeing Little Fatty's performance today, Qiu Zhiheng felt he still didn't fully grasp them.

Qiu Zhiheng cupped his fist at Luo Zhengnan, saying, "Brother Luo, let's talk over here."

This was a sign of respect for Little Fatty.

After a fierce battle, allowing a Food Cultivator to "clean up" the battlefield was an acknowledgment and thanks, but others should not watch.

Qiu Zhiheng's intentions were good, but he hadn't expected Little Fatty to be in no mood for battlefield cleanup today; he wasn't hungry.

He retracted his two scorpion pincers, cheerfully followed them, and joined Qiu Zhiheng and Luo Zhengnan in conversation.

"Brother Luo, I heard you're here on an errand for Seventh Brother. What exactly is it about?"

Luo Zhengnan smiled, "Ninth Master, it's an urgent matter, but one that cannot be disclosed. I've already explained the reasons to Master Qiu."

Qin Tianjiu was displeased. "There's no one else here, just Brother Qiu and me. Won't you tell us the truth?"

Qiu Zhiheng waved his hand. "Ninth, don't press Brother Luo. We're going to the Underground City this time. Do you know the way, Brother Luo?"

Luo Zhengnan sighed, "I went once over ten years ago; I've almost forgotten the way."

Qiu Zhiheng thought for a moment. "A friend from the pharmacy has arrived, offering help. He's quite familiar with the Underground City. Perhaps you'd like to come with us to the pharmacy to see him?"

Luo Zhengnan shook his head. "No need to go to the pharmacy; there's no time. This is an extremely urgent matter; I must depart immediately."

Qiu Zhiheng said, "How about this: we'll follow you towards the Underground City, and I'll send someone to invite your friend to meet us."

Qin Tianjiu said, "Brother Qiu, I'll go. I'll bring that friend right away."

"Alright," Qiu Zhiheng agreed. Lately, Little Fatty had been unusually eager to run errands, though Qiu Zhiheng didn't know why he was so diligent.

Qin Tianjiu ran all the way back to the pharmacy. As he passed a coal pile, he took the opportunity to eat about a hundred catties, while no one was around.

Luo Zhengnan was a bit uneasy. "Master Qiu, who is this friend you mentioned?"

"His surname is Bai, and his name is Bai Wusong."

Luo Zhengnan recognized him. "The friend of Ling Miaosheng, from the Miaosheng Phonograph Shop, right?"

Qiu Zhiheng was truly impressed. Luo Zhengnan was indeed Li Qi's right-hand man. Even when Qiu Zhiheng had served Lu Dongliang, he hadn't been quite as capable.

Luo Zhengnan said, "He is a righteous man; I have indeed heard that he has had some dealings with San Toucha."

After the group had walked for dozens of miles, Bai Wusong arrived with Qin Tianjiu, leading them on a shortcut to the Underground City.

Li Banfeng sat on the bed in his Portable Residence, looking at Hong Ying. "Yingying, if I first have my wife call me to get my bearings, and then find someone to use 'A Farewell of Ten Thousand Miles,' will I be able to return to her?"

Hong Ying asked a serious question. "Where would you find someone? Didn't you say there's no one out here on the sea? Not even a single fish?"

Li Banfeng pondered again. "What if I could find a fish?"

Hong Ying shook her head. "Fish don't have much sentience. For things without much sentience, 'A Farewell of Ten Thousand Miles' is hard to make effective."

The Gloves beside him asked, "Can the master use 'A Farewell of Ten Thousand Miles' on me?"

Hong Ying still shook her head. "Magical artifacts won't work either. Your souls aren't whole."

Li Banfeng thought further. "What if I use my shadow? If I kick my shadow, can I go back?"

Hong Ying thought for a long time, then shook her head. "Seventh Lad, I don't know how to use shadows; I can't guess about this."

Ninth Maiden chimed in, "I don't think it would work, Ah Qi. When your shadow uses 'A Farewell of Ten Thousand Miles,' you yourself won't be able to distinguish directions. Are you and your shadow one person or two? If you're one person with one mind, just split in two for use, you shouldn't use 'A Farewell of Ten Thousand Miles' on your shadow. Otherwise, it would be like using it on yourself. And if your shadow has other ideas, there's no telling where it might send you."

Li Banfeng chuckled, "How could my shadow have other ideas?"

Ninth Maiden raised an eyebrow. "Really no ideas?"

"Yes!" Li Banfeng stopped smiling. "Those scoundrels are always trying to harm me."

Li Banfeng got out of bed and left the room.

The Judge's Brush, with the key hanging from it, floated quietly at the doorway.

Li Banfeng took the key and patted the Judge's Brush, saying, "Brother, you've worked hard."

He waited for a long time, but heard no response, only deep, steady breathing.

What skill; it could fly and sleep at the same time.

Since crossing the boundary, Li Banfeng had been drifting in the sky for five whole days.

For these five days, Li Banfeng hadn't found a place to land, nor did he have the strength to fly continuously. When he got tired of flying, he would return to his Portable Residence to rest, letting the Projector and the Judge's Brush take turns guarding the key.

There were many flying magical artifacts, but the Tang Dao flew unsteadily, the Wine Gourd couldn't fly for long, and the Pendulum lacked responsiveness in emergencies. The Projector and the Judge's Brush were the most suitable for rotating watch.

After retracting the Judge's Brush, Li Banfeng continued his search.

There was still no news from his wife's side, likely because Old Luo hadn't delivered the components yet.

It wasn't Old Luo's fault for being slow; some components had to be bought in other provinces, transported to San Toucha, and then carried to the Underground City, all of which took time.

After several more hours of searching, an exhausted Li Banfeng returned to his Portable Residence and asked, "Old Master, any sensation yet?"

Li Banfeng had obtained a map of Neizhou from Chu Shaoqiang; he would feel a sensation as soon as he reached its territory.

"The map is silent," the Old Master sighed softly. "We're not in Neizhou yet."

"Then where is this? The area between Puro Province and Neizhou?"

The Old Master couldn't say; it was just a vast ocean, and he had no specific memories of this place.

After a nap, Li Banfeng went out to search again. This time, he saw a firelight on the sea.

An illusion?

Sea fire?

In recent days, Li Banfeng had seen many lights on the sea, most of which had an unknown origin.

This time, the light was different. Using the Hundred Flavors Exquisite, Li Banfeng smelled fireworks, and opening the Insightful Spirit Sound, he could even hear music.

Li Banfeng hurriedly flew towards the light and saw an island.

This was not an illusion. As the island drew nearer, its mountains and trees became clearer. Li Banfeng sped up, flew over the coast, and landed in the mountains and forests.

The moment his feet touched the ground, Li Banfeng felt a tingling sensation throughout his body. He stood there for a full fifteen minutes, unwilling to move a single step.

Finally, he had landed.

After a long while to compose himself, Li Banfeng looked at his surroundings. It was a peach orchard, and the air was filled with the sweet, cloying scent of peaches.

The peach orchard was vast. Li Banfeng walked for a while and saw a young man pruning a peach tree.

The man had thick eyebrows, large eyes, and regular features. He wore a loose, long gown, a style not seen in other provinces and rare in Puro Province, somewhat resembling the opera costumes Old Yao wore, but seemingly even more ornate.

When Li Banfeng approached, the man picked a white peach from the tree and offered it to him. "It's ripe; have some."

Li Banfeng took the peach and looked at the young man. "Do you know me?"

"No," the young man shook his head. "A peach isn't worth much; just try it."

Li Banfeng took a bite. The peach truly had a unique flavor.

The skin was very thin and smooth.

The flesh was thick and juicy.

It was very sweet, with plenty of juice and a rich aroma, not only of peach but also a hint of oiliness.

"Oranges!" Li Banfeng exclaimed sincerely, which made him think of the orange groves in Xindi and the old man who grew oranges.

The young man smiled. "You're really strange. You're eating a peach, so why call it an orange?"

Li Banfeng took two more bites and explained, "I have a friend whose oranges are as delicious as this peach."

The young man continued tending to the peach tree. "There are no oranges to eat today, and it's indeed not easy to get to eat an orange sometimes."

Li Banfeng heard music again, and many people were singing along.

"Who is celebrating?"

The young man pointed outside the orchard. "There's a White Peach Festival today. Go and see."

Li Banfeng finished the peach and buried the pit in the soil.

The man looked at Li Banfeng and nodded repeatedly. "You're a good person."

Seeing a person fly down from the sky, the man showed no fear, not even asking an extra question. Such composure was rare.

Li Banfeng asked the man, "Is this your territory?"

The man cut off a dead branch with his scissors. "More or less. My surname is Ling, and my name is Ling Baitao."

Li Banfeng then asked, "What is this territory called?"

Ling Baitao didn't stop his work, but he replied to Li Banfeng, "This is Baitao Island."

Baitao Island!

This is my first stop in Neizhou!

But looking at the person named Ling Baitao earlier, he didn't resemble a Neizhou native; his physique was far too different compared to them.

Perhaps his external core allowed him to have a physique similar to a normal person, and the scissors in his hand were his actual steam engine body.

Upon reaching Neizhou, one had to be cautious everywhere. Li Banfeng followed the sound of the music, and in the open space outside the peach orchard, he saw over a thousand people, men, women, and children, gathered, watching a group of young women and men dancing.

Among those seated in the front row, some played flutes, some played sheng, some played pipa, and some played drums. Over a dozen instruments played in unison, and the music came from them.

Observing the young dancers, the women each held a plate of white peaches, swaying their waists. With the white peaches to the left, their waists twisted right; with the white peaches in front, their waists arched back. The peaches in their hands and those at their waists echoed each other, creating a very pleasing sight. Though the dance was somewhat rustic, it was performed with fiery passion.

The young men's dance moves were more vigorous. When the music was gentle, they merely served as companions to the women. But when the music reached its climax, the young men lifted the women.

Li Banfeng had high expectations for this part of the dance, but he found that the young men stood still while the women continued to shake their peaches in mid-air.

Such a dance was a bit monotonous.

Li Banfeng took out his projector, intending to record the island's customs and culture, when he saw the island master, Ling Baitao, walk to the center of the crowd and say to Li Banfeng, "Guest from afar, come and dance with us."

Being able to spot Li Banfeng directly within the crowd proved that the island master's cultivation was impressive.

Under the island master's direction, the young women and men warmly invited him.

The women still held peaches in their hands; these must be their external cores.

The young men were empty-handed. Where were their external cores?

Was there a misunderstanding here?

Li Banfeng shook his head repeatedly. "I don't know how to dance. I want to ask you something: Is this Neizhou?"

As soon as the words "Neizhou" were spoken, the faces of the formerly enthusiastic young women and men all changed.

The women put down their peaches and drew daggers from their waists.

The young men put down the women and drew short knives from their legs.

The old man playing the erhu pulled his bow, producing an extremely harsh sound.

The middle-aged man playing the suona continuously trilled, and amidst the blaring sounds, all thousand people present revealed their weapons and prepared for battle.

Li Banfeng scanned the crowd, his gaze settling on Ling Baitao. "I'm just asking if this is Neizhou."

Ling Baitao shook his head. "This is not Neizhou. This is Baitao Island in Baijun Commandery of Puro Province."

Baijun Commandery?

Ma Wu had mentioned this place; he said it was part of Puro Province's former "three-part lands."

I'm still in Puro Province?

Li Banfeng asked again, "Where is the entrance to Neizhou?"

The hostility of those around him intensified. Ling Baitao asked, "You're not from Neizhou. Why do you want to go there?"

Li Banfeng didn't answer. "If you can tell I'm not from Neizhou, then you should know I mean no harm."

The people around scoffed. Ling Baitao shook his head repeatedly. "Many people from Puro Province are far more detestable than those from Neizhou."

Li Banfeng nodded. "I agree with that. I just want to find the entrance to Neizhou. Can you point me in the right direction?"

Ling Baitao said, "Continue heading north, and you'll find where you want to go."

Li Banfeng said no more, as the current situation wasn't suitable for further conversation. He left the open space, found a secluded spot, flew into the sky, and traveled north for a day and a night.

Baitao Island in Baijun Commandery, what a peculiar place.

They were very sensitive to the words "Neizhou." Judging by their reactions just now, they possessed excellent combat discipline.

They had an almost fanatical reverence for peaches, which might be related to the characteristics of the former "three-part lands," similar to Kudai Canyon, Pillow City, Haichi Ridge, and Sleepless Town.

However, all former "three-part lands" could be reached through normal channels in Puro Province. The location of Baijun Commandery seemed a bit special; it felt as if it had already been separated from Puro Province's territorial boundaries.

An island appeared ahead, and an exhausted Li Banfeng landed on it.

A sweet, cloying fragrance assailed him, giving Li Banfeng a strange sensation.

Why is it still the scent of peaches?

Ahead was a peach orchard. Li Banfeng saw a man tending to peaches in the grove. He looked different from Ling Baitao—taller and stronger—but his way of speaking was similar: "Hungry? Have a peach?"

Li Banfeng looked at the peach in his hand. It wasn't a white peach; it was a yellow peach.

"What do you call yourself?"

The man replied, "I am the master of this peach orchard. My name is Ling Huangtao."

"How is Ling Baitao related to you?"

"He is my elder brother."

Li Banfeng breathed a slight sigh of relief, at least proving he hadn't returned to the same island.

"Excuse me, how do I get to the entrance of Neizhou?"

"What do you want to do in Neizhou?" Ling Huangtao's eyes changed, showing more wariness and hostility.

Li Banfeng offered no further explanation. "I'm just asking for directions."

Ling Huangtao thought for a moment, then said, "Follow me."

Li Banfeng followed Ling Huangtao out of the peach orchard, where there was a large open space.

"Is this the entrance to Neizhou?"

"No," Ling Huangtao shook his head and struck a large drum in the open space.

As the drums rumbled, men, women, and children gathered. Those in the front row each held an instrument, playing wind, string, and percussion, starting a piece of music.

Li Banfeng said, "Is this another White Peach Festival?"

"Yellow peaches, this is the Yellow Peach Festival!" Ling Huangtao extended an invitation. "Friend from afar, come and dance with us."

Young women and men crowded around. Li Banfeng waved his hand. "I absolutely won't dance. I just want to ask where the entrance to Neizhou is."

At the mention of Neizhou, everyone grabbed their weapons and surrounded Li Banfeng again.

Ling Huangtao looked coldly at Li Banfeng. "You refuse to dance, and you still want to go to Neizhou. You are not a friend of Huangtao Island."

"If I'm not, I'm not. Just point me in the right direction!"

Ling Huangtao pointed north. "Head north."

Bai Wusong led the group to the Underground City, specifically to the Human Market, where they found a roadside restaurant for a meal.

The restaurant owner, Chen Yongnian, recognized Bai Wusong and said with a surprised look, "Master Bai, you're back?"

Bai Wusong lowered his voice. "I'm just back to check things out. Don't make a fuss. Prepare some food for us; we need to be on our way after eating."

Chen Yongnian took a menu from a wooden box behind him. Everyone ordered, and Little Fatty asked for two portions of braised pork belly with rice.

Qiu Zhiheng asked, "Just two portions of rice? Will that be enough?"

Qin Tianjiu explained, "I ate a lot of dry rations on the way, so I'm not too hungry. Shopkeeper, where's your latrine?"

Chen Yongnian pointed to the back door. "The latrine is in the back courtyard; you'll see it as soon as you step out. If you can wait a moment, I'll take you after we finish taking orders."

Qin Tianjiu waved his hand. "Can't wait, I'm in a hurry. I'll go myself."

In the back courtyard, Qin Tianjiu found a coal pile, stuffed about fifty catties of coal into himself, then rinsed his mouth with a few gulps of cold water from a nearby water barrel, swallowing the coal bits.

Little Fatty returned to the table, ate both portions of braised pork belly with rice, and even let out a satisfied burp.

Qiu Zhiheng frowned, saying nothing.

After everyone had eaten their fill, Bai Wusong went to pay, but Chen Yongnian refused. "Master Bai, you're eating at my place; how could I accept your money? I owe you..."

Bai Wusong pressed the money into Chen Yongnian's hand. "Business is business. Let's not bring up old matters. It's not easy doing business here, so don't be so polite with me."

"Business is easier now. The rent has been halved."

Bai Wusong was taken aback. "The Human Market has a new boss? Has the owner grown a conscience?"

Chen Yongnian sighed. "We don't know what the owner said, but the Human Market certainly has a new boss. When Zhu Yugui left, he posted a notice that all shop rents would be halved. Nie Congyang, the former gang leader who now runs the Human Market, said that everything Master Gui promised before will be carried out."

Nie Congyang, originally a gang leader under Zhu Yugui, had disobeyed Zhu Yugui's orders by claiming his mother was ill and leaving Qingyuan ahead of schedule. He was now one of the few survivors under Zhu Yugui.

Bai Wusong nodded repeatedly. "That's good news! But you still need to take this money."

As the two continued to politely refuse each other, Little Fatty leaned in and asked, "Shopkeeper, why do you carry that wooden box everywhere?"

Chen Yongnian smiled. "All the oil, salt, soy sauce, and vinegar are in the box, making them easy to access and use."

"Let me see what good things you have in that box." Little Fatty reached out to open the box.

Chen Yongnian became anxious. "Esteemed guest, there's nothing much in this box. Please don't..."

Qin Little Fatty stuffed banknotes into the wooden box. "Then I won't look. I've paid, let's go."

He had given extra money, essentially to pay for the coal.

Chen Yongnian felt bad and wanted to refuse again, but Qiu Zhiheng subtly shook his head at him.

He signaled Chen Yongnian to quickly take the money and stop making a scene.

Chen Yongnian understood, accepted the money, and thanked him repeatedly.

After leaving the restaurant, Qiu Zhiheng said to Bai Wusong, "Brother Bai, this is not a place to linger. We should go to the Seaport Market quickly."

After walking two streets, Luo Zhengnan said to Qiu Zhiheng, "Master Qiu, we're being watched."

Qiu Zhiheng hadn't felt anyone following them, but Luo Zhengnan's Daoist sect was special, and his perception was more acute than Qiu Zhiheng's.

Qiu Zhiheng looked at Kui Bafang, who nodded slightly, indicating his agreement with Luo Zhengnan's assessment.

Qin Little Fatty lowered his voice. "I'll take care of him."

Qiu Zhiheng shook his head. "We don't know their intentions, so don't act rashly. Youtao, leave something for him."

Youtao understood, squatted down, tightened his shoelaces, and casually dropped two silver dollars.

After Youtao left, the man following them saw the silver dollars on the ground and understood their meaning. It was a jianghu rule for him to know when to stop.

The man picked up the silver dollars and turned into an alley. He hadn't gone far when he was stopped by two muscular men.

The man, stunned, said, "I don't know you. What do you want?"

A woman in blue walked out from behind the muscular men and said with a smile, "Do you know those people from just now?"

"Which people from just now?" The man looked bewildered.

Another woman in red walked over. "What's with the act? You picked up their silver dollars; we all saw it. Now you're denying it."

The man argued, "I just picked up some money casually, I didn't..."

Before the man could finish, one of the muscular men stepped forward and slapped him. "Don't know what pain is, do you? Can't speak like a human, can you?"

With that slap, the man lay motionless on the ground.

The muscular man stepped forward and kicked him. "Still pretending to be dead, damn it?"

The man on the ground twitched, rapidly shrank, and transformed into a copper coin.

Seeing the copper coin on the ground, everyone was stunned.

The woman in red whispered, "Oh no! This is the owner's trick!"

The woman in blue's face turned pale. "We've ruined the owner's plans."

Everyone looked at each other, not knowing what to do, especially the muscular man who had acted, tears streaming down his face. "Big Sister, Second Sister, I only did it because you told me to..."

The copper coin on the ground stood on its edge, spun a few times, then lay flat again, with three extra characters on it: "Go to Qingyuan."

The woman in red looked at the coin. "Sister, should we go?"

"Go!" The woman in blue nodded. "It was an unintentional mistake. The owner shouldn't pursue it."

The woman in red and the woman in blue, with their subordinates, arrived on the twelfth floor of Qingyuan Building and entered Zhu Yugui's office. As soon as they opened the door, they saw a person sitting behind the desk, wearing a bamboo hat from which strings of copper coins hung.

The two women immediately knelt and pleaded, "Our subordinates were blind and offended the owner. We beg the owner to punish us."

Mr. Kongfang smiled. "Subordinates offending? Don't your subordinates follow your orders? The wind hasn't even arrived, and your rudder is turning quite fast. I haven't been back to the city in a long time, and many faces are unfamiliar. Since you call me 'owner,' you are my subordinates, but I don't know you yet. First, tell me your names."

The woman in blue replied, "My name is Lan Qiao."

The woman in red replied, "My name is Hong Jiao."

Mr. Kongfang pondered for a moment. "The Jiaoqiao Cavalry Camp, also known as the Scorpion Army, capable fighters, resilient, and venomous. You must have been trained by Cai Junshan, with the same origins as the Innocent Army. How did you end up under my command?"

Lan Qiao lowered her head. "Previously, we acted improperly in some matters and angered Liao Zihui, the Chief Inspector of the Frontier Defense. He revoked our designation, and Envoy Cai disbanded us. The twenty-odd camp officers among us gathered, found Master Miao, and begged him to take us in. We now work for Master Miao, so we are your subordinates."

"Master Miao? You mean Bai Miaosheng?"

Bai Miaosheng was the boss of the Land Market.

Lan Qiao nodded.

Mr. Kongfang took out a copper coin and spun it twice between his fingers. "Bai Miaosheng is getting bolder and bolder, daring to take in anyone. What did you do to anger Liao Zihui back then?"

Hong Jiao replied, "Owner, we came from Tiesunping, a harsh place where we picked up many bad habits from a young age. After joining the Frontier Defense Office, we engaged in some robbery and kidnapping, which Chief Inspector Liao found out about."

Mr. Kongfang held the copper coin and rolled it once on the table. "That's all?"

Lan Qiao added, "We also embezzled some of the military stipends allocated to us by our superiors."

Mr. Kongfang released the coin, and it spun again on the table. "That's all?"

Hong Jiao replied, "Sometimes we acted without proper judgment and even killed people we shouldn't have."

Mr. Kongfang flicked his finger, and the copper coin returned to his palm. He nodded and said, "Go find a place to rest for a while. When Bai Miaosheng arrives, I have a task for you."

A few hours later, Bai Miaosheng, the boss of the Land Market, arrived, bringing Lan Qiao and Hong Jiao with him. "Owner, they acted improperly. I brought them here to apologize."

Mr. Kongfang waved his hand. "That matter is in the past. I have an errand for you to do."

Bai Miaosheng said, "Is it about dealing with Bai Wusong? Leave it to me. We're from the same master's lineage, so I know him very well."

Mr. Kongfang shook his head. "It's not just Bai Wusong; there's also Tan Jinxiao. That ruffian is not easy to deal with."

Bai Miaosheng recommended someone. "My grand-master uncle has been in the Seaport Market these past two days. He should be able to help."

"Your grand-master uncle? Bai Gu'an?" Mr. Kongfang pondered. "Isn't he the sect leader of the White Crane Gang? Has he also come to the Underground City?"

Bai Miaosheng nodded. "He has some business in the Seaport Market and is currently negotiating."

"Business? He's probably eyeing the Seaport Market, isn't he?" Mr. Kongfang guessed Bai Gu'an's intention.

Bai Miaosheng didn't deny it. "We still have to wait for the owner's command."

"Alright!" Mr. Kongfang agreed. "The matter of Bai Wusong is now in your grand-master uncle's hands. Have him come to see me shortly."

Bai Miaosheng was taken aback. "If Bai Wusong is given to him, what about Tan Jinxiao?"

Mr. Kongfang said, "Go to Fish Fragrance Island and persuade Tan Jinxiao to stop associating with Li Qi. If persuasion doesn't work, then use force, but whatever you do, don't kill him."

This was not the outcome Bai Miaosheng wanted; he did not want to go out to sea to fight. "Owner, this matter is a bit difficult. Tan Jinxiao is not easy to talk to."

Mr. Kongfang said, "Bai Wusong isn't easy to talk to either. That ruthless Qiu Zhiheng by his side is much harder to deal with than Old Tan's people."

Bai Miaosheng still found it difficult. "The key is that you don't allow Tan Jinxiao to be killed, which makes this matter hard to handle."

Mr. Kongfang held the copper coin, rubbing it for a moment.

Bai Miaosheng wasn't nervous at all, simply waiting quietly for Mr. Kongfang's reply.

Mr. Kongfang placed the copper coin on the table. "I'll give you a little more leeway: you can kill anyone around Tan Jinxiao, just don't kill Tan Jinxiao himself. That man is still very useful."

"The matter with Tan Jinxiao can be handled, but I have a lot of business in the Human Market that won't be managed these days. If I go on a long trip..." Bai Miaosheng was still negotiating, with implications hidden in his terms.

It seemed he also wanted to recommend a boss for the Human Market.

The Seaport Market had just been promised to his grand-master uncle, and he also wanted to meddle in the Human Market.

Throughout the entire Underground City, only Bai Miaosheng dared to negotiate with Mr. Kongfang in such a way.

He indeed had the capital to do so; two of the three main bosses were dead, and Bai Miaosheng had quite a close relationship with the Frontier Defense Office.

Mr. Kongfang fiddled with the copper coin in his hand and nodded. "You handle this matter first, and I won't shortchange you regarding the Human Market."

Bai Miaosheng nodded in agreement and set off with the Jiaoqiao sisters.

Mr. Kongfang waited a while in his office. Then, gang leader Nie Congyang entered the room. "Owner, did you call for me?"

"I called you to discuss the rent."

"Owner, the Human Market collects half rent. This was Master Gui's instruction. The notice is still posted on the street. I truly don't know where Master Gui went. I can only act according to his instructions..."

Mr. Kongfang tapped the table. "Little Nie, I didn't say you did anything wrong. For now, continue handling these matters according to the old rules. Just ensure that nothing goes wrong in the Human Market during this period."

Nie Congyang repeatedly assented and exited the office.

After a while, Bai Gu'an, the inner sect leader of the White Crane Gang and Bai Miaosheng's grand-master uncle, entered the door and bowed to Mr. Kongfang. "Owner, I, your old servant, have been waiting for you for many days."

Mr. Kongfang asked, "Bai Wusong is your grand-nephew, correct?"

Bai Gu'an nodded. "Precisely."

"He's supposed to deliver some items to Li Qi. I don't want him to deliver them. Stop him; don't let him go out to sea."

Bai Gu'an immediately agreed. "Owner, rest assured, this matter will be handled by your old servant."

"If the matter is resolved, the Seaport Market will be yours. Whether you use soft or hard methods, it's your decision. Even if you kill Bai Wusong, I will not blame you."

Bai Gu'an smiled. "Owner, rest assured, it won't come to that. The White Crane Gang values rules most. Since Bai Wusong's master is dead, he will certainly listen to me now. If he dares to contradict me, I can expel him!"

Mr. Kongfang nodded, indicating that Bai Gu'an could leave.

After Bai Gu'an left, Mr. Kongfang tapped the desk with a copper coin, murmuring to himself, "Li Qi, you've caused me so much trouble, but I'll also use your hand to get some things done for me. When this is over, I'll find you on the ship. Let's see what other tricks you have up your sleeve."

On Pantao Island in Baijun Commandery, a group of young women, holding baskets of peaches, swayed their waists, holding the Pantao Festival.

As the music reached its climax, the young men appeared. Li Banfeng stood among them, holding up a young woman and swaying with her.

He couldn't refuse to dance.

If he didn't dance along, Li Banfeng was certain he wouldn't be able to leave Baijun Commandery.

After swaying for over an hour, the Pantao Festival finally concluded. Li Banfeng wiped off his sweat, ate a peach, and asked the island master, Ling Pantao, "Why do you always hold peach festivals? Is it just because you love eating peaches?"

Ling Pantao shook his head. "We hold the Pantao Festival because many more of us have turned into peach trees."

As he spoke, Ling Pantao also took a bite of a peach. "We are bidding farewell to the warriors of Baijun Commandery."