Chapter 667: Inner State Waterways

Li Banfeng asked, "Who exactly is inviting you to Chaoge?"

Luo Lijun replied, "Three members of the royal family, one of the powerful ministers in the cabinet: Zhu Jin, Qiao Yi, and Xie Gong."

Li Banfeng said helplessly, "There are clearly three of them, but you keep saying 'one of'."

Luo Lijun explained, "As I just said, they are royalty of the Great Shang Dynasty, and the three of them share one body."

Li Banfeng asked, "What's their reason for inviting you back to Neizhou?"

Luo Lijun produced a letter and handed it to Li Banfeng. "Among those three, Qiao Yi is in charge. This letter is his personal message to me."

Li Banfeng read the letter. It was written in classical Chinese, and its content was very obscure. With Xiao Yeci's help, Li Banfeng managed to grasp its general meaning.

Qiao Yi's message indicated his belief that Juanzi was the saint's orphaned heir, referring to her as the Crown Prince. He wished to invite Luo Lijun to Chaoge to discuss enthroning the Crown Prince.

After reading the letter, Luo Lijun presented an invitation card. It was addressed to "His Highness Li Qi, Crown Prince of Pu Luo."

Li Banfeng was stunned for a long time before asking Luo Lijun, "What does 'Crown Prince of Pu Luo' mean?"

Luo Lijun explained, "In the Great Shang, there are two main factions: the pro-war faction and the pro-peace faction. Each has various sub-factions. Qiao Yi and I belong to two closely related sub-factions under the pro-peace group. We both believe you have become the Crown Prince of Pu Luo Province."

Li Banfeng asked, "Why do you think that? Is there any basis for it?"

"Many of your actions in Pu Luo Province have often gone beyond your own self-interest. Therefore, we suspect you have a special relationship with the Peddler, and it's highly likely you will become the next controller of Pu Luo Province."

Li Banfeng repeatedly shook his head. "What you're doing is wrong."

Luo Lijun nodded. "From a protocol standpoint, Qiao Yi directly addressing you as Crown Prince in the invitation might cause a misunderstanding between you and the Peddler."

"This is a huge misunderstanding!" Li Banfeng said, annoyed. "I'm the Peddler's senior brother, not his son. What do you mean by calling me 'Crown Prince'?"

"Senior brother?" Luo Lijun seemed a little confused by Li Banfeng's line of thought.

Li Banfeng continued, "This invitation is clearly for me, so why is the letter inviting you?"

Luo Lijun explained, "Because this is a public banquet. Qiao Yi wants to invite you to the feast in Chaoge in his capacity as a cabinet minister, not for a private, secret meeting."

Li Banfeng understood Luo Lijun's meaning. "So this is a legitimate cover for a private meeting."

Luo Lijun nodded. "And since I am a prisoner in Chaoge, I shouldn't officially appear at such a legitimate banquet. That's why my name can't be on the invitation, and matters concerning the saint's orphaned heir can only be mentioned in a secret letter."

Li Banfeng put the invitation aside. "So, Qiao Yi not only intends to enthrone a new ruler but also wants to secure the support of Pu Luo Province."

Luo Lijun nodded again. "This is our pro-peace faction's consistent strategy. Taking this event as an example, if Qiao Yi wants to enthrone the Crown Prince, he will certainly need Pu Luo Province's help. Once the Crown Prince takes office, it will benefit Qiao Yi, me, you, and the entire Pu Luo Province. This is the mutually beneficial outcome the pro-peace faction has always sought."

Li Banfeng re-read Qiao Yi's letter several times. The wording was airtight, and he couldn't extract any more information from it.

He directly asked Luo Lijun, "Is this person trustworthy?"

"He should be trustworthy..." Luo Lijun's answer was a bit vague.

Luo Yanjun shook her head. "We dare not make a hasty judgment. In Chaoge, the intentions of powerful figures are hard to fathom. Three years ago, Qiao Yi was part of the pro-war faction. Later, for unknown reasons, he switched to the pro-peace faction. There are many things here that I don't understand the reason for, nor can I explain them. This banquet could be a sincere invitation from Qiao Yi, or he might have other motives."

It was rare for Luo Yanjun to speak so directly. Luo Shaojun, standing nearby, nodded and said, "I'm worried this is a trap. They'll lure you into the jar, then catch the turtle in the jar!"

Luo Lijun slapped Luo Shaojun. "Who are you calling a turtle?"

Li Banfeng considered for a moment, then asked, "Is there any precedent for this?"

Luo Shaojun immediately shook her head. "The royal family of the Great Shang Dynasty has never hosted a banquet for people from Pu Luo Province. There have been instances where ministers hosted people from other ethnic groups, but not specifically from Pu Luo Province."

Li Banfeng didn't quite understand. "Why would they host people from other ethnic groups?"

Luo Lijun didn't want to answer, fearing she might anger Li Banfeng.

Luo Shaojun, however, didn't overthink it and simply told the truth: "Because some people want to open up other routes to the Outer Provinces, but these routes are controlled by other ethnic groups, so they want to ease relations with them."

Li Banfeng recalled Cui Tik's words. He had received good treatment when he went to Neizhou.

The "other ethnic groups" Luo Lijun mentioned likely included the Native Amican people and other influential figures from similar regions.

Li Banfeng then asked, "And after the relations are eased?"

Luo Shaojun replied, "Once relations are eased, a path opens up. These ethnic groups will find a way for them to leave the Great Shang, and even travel to the Outer Provinces. But this doesn't work in Pu Luo Province; the Peddler doesn't allow people from Neizhou to come to Pu Luo Province."

Li Banfeng organized his thoughts, and the current situation became clearer.

The Great Shang and Pu Luo Province were at odds, yet Qiao Yi, a member of the royal family, was inviting Li Banfeng to a banquet in the Great Shang.

Qiao Yi's motives and actions made sense, but given the circumstances, should Li Banfeng go?

Luo Lijun said, "If I don't go, this connection with Qiao Yi will be severed. There will be no more supporters for a new ruler within the royal family, and our future path might become impassable."

She emphasized the importance of the banquet, also revealing her strong desire to attend.

Luo Yujun nodded. "That's right, if we don't show Minister Qiao respect, how will the royal family recognize the Crown Prince we found?"

Luo Xiujun also thought they should go; both sisters were speaking in favor of Luo Lijun.

Luo Yanjun remained silent. Some things she understood in her heart, but couldn't articulate.

Luo Shaojun hesitated for a moment, then spoke up: "What if we go, and Qiao Yi turns on us? He holds high power; if he tries to harm us, none of us might return."

Li Banfeng weighed the options carefully and decided to go.

Luo Lijun was overjoyed but also a little worried. "Young Master Li, when you go to Neizhou this time, absolutely do not inquire about Grandfather Train."

Li Banfeng's face darkened. "Why can't I inquire?"

Luo Lijun said, "Because you're not familiar with Neizhou yet. Inquiring about Grandfather Train's whereabouts on your first visit to Neizhou would put us in great danger."

Li Banfeng compared the two situations. "Going with you to Chaoge to discuss establishing a new ruler—isn't that dangerous?"

Luo Lijun pursed her lips. "That's dangerous too—"

"Is inquiring about Grandfather Train's news even more dangerous than establishing a new ruler?"

Just as Luo Lijun was trying to figure out how to explain, Luo Shaojun blurted out the truth:

"Seventh Brother, the Great Shang has invested heavily in Grandfather Train. If you inquire about him, Chaoge definitely won't let you return."

"Heavily invested?" Li Banfeng asked Luo Shaojun, "How heavily?"

Luo Shaojun said, "Let me put it this way: even if you replaced Grandfather Train with the Peddler, it might not cause such a commotion."

"Don't talk nonsense!" Luo Lijun raised her hand to slap Shaojun, but Li Banfeng glanced at her, and Luo Lijun didn't dare to strike.

Li Banfeng continued to ask, "Is it because Grandfather Train is a better fighter than the Peddler?"

Luo Shaojun shook her head. "No, it's because—"

She glanced at Luo Lijun, who had a fierce expression, scaring Shaojun into silence.

Li Banfeng looked at Luo Lijun. "Go squat by the wall."

Luo Lijun lowered her head and squatted by the wall.

Luo Shaojun whispered, "Because Grandfather Train's train can bring all of the Great Shang's finest weapons."

Li Banfeng's face seemed to be covered with a layer of frost.

Because Grandfather Train's train was right beside him.

Going to Chaoge was already a very risky undertaking, but losing the train could bring disaster to both Pu Luo Province and the Outer Provinces.

"I need to think about this carefully," Li Banfeng said, then got up and left.

Luo Lijun, squatting in the corner, held her forehead. "Now what? He agreed to go, but now he refuses. It's all your fault for being so talkative!"

Luo Shaojun pouted. "We should have told Seventh Brother the truth from the start. We can't trick him. Otherwise, when we get to Chaoge, if Seventh Brother insists on inquiring about Grandfather Train's whereabouts, do you think we'll be able to stop him?"

Luo Yanjun nodded. "Sister, Shaojun is right. If something goes wrong once we're in Chaoge, we truly won't be able to come back."

Luo Lijun sighed. "Yes, that's true. Without Young Master Li, none of us would be alive today. I want our Luo family to rise again, but if we can't, we can't blame anyone else. Perhaps it's just fate."

Luo Yujun burrowed into her snail shell. "Well, since we're not going, I'll go tell the messenger."

"Tell him what? Is the messenger your sweetheart? What's your hurry?" Luo Lijun hit Luo Yujun with a stick. "Tell him to wait until Li Qi gives his answer!"

"Excuse me, friend."

He Jiaqing gently nudged the man in front, then walked around him, moving ahead.

The man was a bit annoyed, thinking to himself: *If you could walk around, why did you have to touch me?*

He Jiaqing nudged him because he noticed the man's unusual footwork.

The man was a traveling cultivator; although not high-level, his 'wind-stepping' footwork was very solid. Stealing his technique, combined with a rogue cultivator's talent, would be highly useful.

This was San Tucha, and ahead lay Duanxu Mountain. He needed to finish his business quickly and leave; the faster his pace here, the better.

As he reached the foot of the mountain, He Jiaqing felt a chill run through his body. Besides 'wind-stepping,' he seemed to have stolen some other techniques as well.

He Jiaqing looked up at the peak and murmured to himself, "Duanxu Mountain, a perilous place. I wouldn't have come here unless absolutely necessary."

After reaching the summit and staying for over three hours, He Jiaqing flexed his right hand.

His right hand flailed about, highly agitated.

Its movement indicated that his hand tendons had grown back.

Its continuous movement suggested they had grown excessively.

He couldn't stay long on Duanxu Mountain; remaining any longer might result in unpredictable growths. On his way down, He Jiaqing saw a group of three-headed people heading up the mountain and sighed for them.

These individuals had come to San Tucha originally intending to become body cultivators, but due to bodily transformations, they had become three-headed people instead.

Now, they were ascending Duanxu Mountain to fulfill their last shred of fantasy: they wanted to grow three bodies.

A three-headed person joyfully shouted, "It's done, it's done! I've grown an arm!"

He Jiaqing gave a bitter smile.

"Done"? What was there to be happy about?

Now it was an arm, but there was no telling what would grow next.

Even if nothing else grew, constantly growing arms would be unbearable.

However, for Xiao Qianshou, constantly growing arms would have been beneficial.

Recalling Xiao Qianshou, He Jiaqing shivered.

Was this a premonition of good fortune or ill omen?

Xiao Qianshou was dead, so why could he still sense danger?

He Jiaqing ran all the way from Duanxu Mountain, took a train from Sinner City, and arrived at Soda Kiln.

From memory, he followed the route Shi Gongxing had taken him to the factory. Before he could enter the building, a long sword pointed at the back of He Jiaqing's head.

He Jiaqing dodged the long sword, catching a scent of rouge in his nostrils.

"Young Master He, what brings you to Soda Kiln?" Feng Daiku retracted her sword and stood before He Jiaqing with a smile.

He Jiaqing kept his eyes downcast, trying to avoid Feng Daiku's gaze. Feng Daiku, who wielded 'emotional threads,' was extremely difficult to deal with. If she managed to implant more emotional threads into him, He Jiaqing's situation would become quite perilous.

"Miss Feng, I came to Soda Kiln to see the entrance to Neizhou."

"Young Master He, why do you wish to see the Neizhou entrance?" A cold wind blew, and the emotional threads vibrated. Feng Daiku's long sword, guided by the threads, slowly revolved around He Jiaqing.

He had to keep his mind perfectly calm; even a slight fluctuation would allow the spreading emotional threads to completely ensnare He Jiaqing.

"Miss Feng, I just wanted to see the Neizhou entrance. I have no other intentions."

"Since Young Master He wishes to see it, then go ahead," Feng Daiku stepped aside, allowing He Jiaqing to enter the factory.

He Jiaqing glanced at the factory, and a wave of dread surged up his spine.

"I've come, I've seen it. I won't go inside," He Jiaqing said, cupping his hands in farewell.

Feng Daiku curled her lips into a smile. "Go well, young master. I won't see you off far."

He ran all the way to the station, pondering a question: he had followed the same route as Shi Gongxing, so why was it fine when he was with Shi Gongxing, but he was discovered by Feng Daiku when he went alone?

Had the emotional threads themselves changed?

And how had Shi Gongxing dealt with these changes?

Should he try again tonight?

At this thought, He Jiaqing again felt a chill.

"No, I can't go to Soda Kiln," He Jiaqing muttered to himself, shaking his head. "Last time I came here, I ran into Xiao Qianshou, and this time Feng Daiku discovered me. This place doesn't suit me."

He absolutely had to go to Neizhou. If not through Soda Kiln, then where?

Uncle He had another route, which might be easier.

He Jiaqing contacted He Haisheng, and they arranged a time. He Jiaqing returned to Lushui City, changed his travel permit, bought a train ticket, and headed to Yuezhou.

Upon arriving in Yuezhou late at night, He Haisheng met him at the station and drove He Jiaqing to the Cultural Palace.

He Jiaqing frowned. "Uncle, are we going to the black market?"

He Haisheng nodded. "You have to go there yourself."

He Jiaqing was not pleased. "What am I doing at the black market? Weren't things already arranged, and I was just waiting to board a plane?"

He Haisheng lit a cigarette. "The foreigners said it has to be an in-person transaction; he has something to ask you."

He Jiaqing still detested foreigners. "They get paid to do a job, what's there to ask? These foreign devils are just being difficult!"

He Haisheng fully agreed. "I think they're being difficult too, but why don't you take the Soda Kiln route? Why insist on going through Inner Amican?"

He Jiaqing replied honestly, "I feel like Soda Kiln brings me bad luck."

A gunfight movie was playing in the Cultural Palace cinema. Today was the 'flowery tongue' (broker)'s business day. He Haisheng bought water from the snack vendor and went to private room 209.

In the private room stood a man under 1.5 meters tall, with slicked-back hair, wearing a suit and tie. Despite his short stature, he had a strong presence.

He was Lu Zuocong, the 'flowery tongue' who handled He Haisheng's affairs.

Lu Zuocong introduced He Jiaqing to a blond, blue-eyed foreigner. "This is Mr. Williams. He has something to ask you."

Williams, holding a pen and notebook, looked at He Jiaqing and said, "Mr. He, I need to ask you something first: what is your true purpose in going to the Great Shang Empire?"

Williams' accent was very stiff, making He Jiaqing uncomfortable.

The question he posed further annoyed He Jiaqing.

"I pay you, you do the job. Why are you asking so many questions?"

Williams looked at the broker, Lu Zuocong. "Mr. Lu, it seems there's been a misunderstanding between Mr. He and me. I haven't charged him any fees."

Lu Zuocong was somewhat embarrassed. He said to He Haisheng, "Didn't you explain things clearly beforehand?"

He Haisheng looked at Lu Zuocong. "I gave you the money. What else is there to explain?"

Lu Zuocong said, "Didn't we agree beforehand to follow Mr. Williams' arrangements?"

He Haisheng twirled the cigarette in his hand and looked at Lu Zuocong. "Follow arrangements, not orders. We'll listen to you on how to get there, but what we do has nothing to do with you."

"That's not exactly how it works..." Lu Zuocong looked at Williams, then at He Haisheng. The deal seemed to be falling apart.

He Jiaqing said to Lu Zuocong, "Uncle, you and this broker should have a good chat outside. I'll speak with this foreigner alone for a moment."

He Haisheng grabbed Lu Zuocong and exited the private room. Lu Zuocong tried to shout but choked on a mouthful of smoke, coughing incessantly.

Tang Changfa was chatting with Madam Yin Si inside the room when he heard a commotion outside. He pushed open the door and saw Lu Zuocong being carried downstairs. Tang Changfa asked, "Who did that Lu Zuocong kid offend now? Isn't he just a broker?"

Madam Yin Si chuckled. "Lu Zuocong has been in contact with foreigners lately, doing a business with no capital but huge profits. Apparently, he's made a lot of money and offended many people."

Tang Changfa was surprised. "No capital, huge profits? Is there really such a good deal?"

"There really is. These foreigners don't want money; they work for free. Whatever benefits you get from the buyer are all yours."

Tang Changfa rubbed his hands. "Is this business easy to do?"

Madam Yin Si shook her head. "Not really. Foreigners don't understand our rules, and there have been many misunderstandings. Lu Zuocong has been beaten quite a bit because of it. What? Do you want to try it?"

"Yes," Tang Changfa rubbed his hands. "Who wouldn't want such a good business?"

Madam Yin Si laughed. "You're so greedy. There's nowhere in this black market your hand won't reach."

Tang Changfa chuckled. "You don't need to praise me. First, tell me if you have connections."

Madam Yin Si took a puff from her cigarette. "I have connections, but I can't do things for you for free!"

Tang Changfa sat next to Madam Yin Si. "Then tell me, how should I thank you?"

Madam Yin Si pushed Tang Changfa away. "Why are you sitting so close? Do you think I'm fond of you? Let's talk about the price first!"

He Jiaqing asked Williams, "Why are you asking so many questions?"

Williams replied, "Because we are covering the costs and risks of your trip to the Great Shang Empire. We must know your true purpose. If you are going to oppose the tyranny of the Great Shang royal family, I will give you all the help I can. If you are going to seek allegiance with the Great Shang royal family for your own gain, our cooperation must end immediately."

He Jiaqing asked Williams, "Why are you hostile towards the Great Shang Empire?"

Williams pondered for a moment. "Because there is a group of free-flying warriors who have always been fighting against them."

He Jiaqing guessed his identity. "Are those proud white falcons?"

Williams nodded. "That's why I need to know if you are truly someone we should help."

He Jiaqing answered, "I am going to rescue a group of enslaved people—people who, even after leaving the Great Shang Empire, are still enslaved."

Williams considered for a moment. "Are you referring to the local deities of Pu Luo Province?"

He Jiaqing said, "To be precise, the local deities of the New Land."

Williams made careful notes in his notebook, his pen never leaving his hand. "We will provide you with assistance, but there are a few details we need to confirm with you further."

Li Banfeng was playfully teasing Zhao Xiaowan on the bow of the ship. Zhao Xiaowan took a step closer, and Li Banfeng moved ten steps away. She took another step, and Li Banfeng stood still, yet he was still ten steps away from her.

"Hundred Steps Traverse—my dear husband has mastered it," Zhao Xiaowan remarked with a smile.

Li Banfeng took a step and stood beside Zhao Xiaowan. "Hong Ying taught well; she's worked hard these past days. In a few days, you should bring her out to sea for a change of scenery."

Zhao Xiaowan frowned. "Why should *I* bring her? Why not you?"

"I'm going on a long journey and will be leaving soon."

"Where are you going? Are you going to Neizhou?" Zhao Xiaowan was startled. "No matter where you go, aren't we always with you?"

Li Banfeng shook his head. "Not this time, because the Mansion cannot come along."

With that, Li Banfeng handed the key to Zhao Xiaowan.

"Madman, what are you doing?" Zhao Xiaowan said, stunned. "Going to Neizhou is like entering a dragon's den and a tiger's lair. If you don't bring the Mansion, where will you find an escape route?"

Li Banfeng shook his head. "I'll figure out my own escape route. The Mansion cannot go."

Zhao Xiaowan grabbed Li Banfeng. "If you don't bring the Mansion, do you know how many techniques you won't be able to use? When it really comes down to fighting for your life, you'll be missing half your capital!"

Li Banfeng said, "If I have less capital, there are still ways to compensate. But if the Mansion is taken by the people of Neizhou, then it will truly be eternally lost."

Zhao Xiaowan vigorously shook her head. "Then wait and go later!"

"If I don't go this time, the next time will still be my first time. On a first visit to Neizhou, being unfamiliar with the place, I definitely wouldn't dare to bring the Mansion. If I can't pass this hurdle, who knows how long it will take."

"Why do you *have* to go to Neizhou? Can't you not go?" Zhao Xiaowan held onto Li Banfeng, refusing to let go.

"I've made up my mind; I must go this time," Li Banfeng said, stroking Zhao Xiaowan's cheek. "I need to get revenge for you. If not this time, then next time. I can't let the saint live so freely in Neizhou.

I have to rescue Grandfather Train. If not this time, then definitely next time. I can't let my benefactor suffer in their hands indefinitely.

I have to make Neizhou suffer. If not this time, then later. I can't let them keep attacking Pu Luo Province; I need to strike at their home too. That's how we'll really hurt them!"

Zhao Xiaowan held Li Qi's hand and whispered, "My beloved husband, your little servant will go with you, through mountains of knives and seas of fire. We'll be together."

As she spoke, Zhao Xiaowan's body trembled.

She hadn't remembered anything, yet she felt her consciousness blurring intermittently.

Li Banfeng gently stroked his wife's hair. "My dear wife, just thinking about Neizhou brings you suffering. If you actually went there, who knows what you might become. Please, stay and protect our home, and wait for me to return."

Li Banfeng arrived at Soda Kiln with the five Luo sisters and encountered Feng Daiku on the way.

Feng Daiku wanted to say a few words to Li Banfeng, but in such a public setting, she didn't know what to say. In the end, she only managed, "Young Master Li, please take care."

Ma Wu brought newspaper reporters, who followed Li Banfeng into the factory building. Ma Wu was genuinely worried and repeatedly admonished, "Seventh Brother, be extra careful."

Liao Zihui was already waiting in the factory building, cupping his hands towards Li Qi. "Director Li, you truly are a brave warrior!"

Luo Lijun, carrying her snail shell, lowered her head and asked, "Young Master Li, why did you bring so many people?"

Li Banfeng replied, "We are attending a formal banquet, not a secret conspiracy. We're going openly and honorably. Are friends and family not allowed to see us off?"

Standing by the pool, Luo Yanjun reminded him, "Young Master Li, the Great Shang Kingdom might be different from what you imagine."

Li Banfeng nodded. "I asked the local deities; I know a bit about it."

Before coming, Li Banfeng had heard Luo Shaojun describe some conditions in Neizhou and had also sought confirmation from Qiu Luoye, Meng Yuchun, and Shui Yongquan. Although their descriptions varied in perspective, they were largely consistent with what Luo Shaojun had said.

Luo Shaojun seemed anxious. "Seventh Brother, I didn't know you were taking the water route. The water route is different from the land route."

Luo Lijun quickly interjected, "The water route is better! Much better than the land route!"

Luo Yanjun snorted coldly. "That's not what you told Ma Junyang."

A reporter nearby quickly jotted down: "Miss Luo Lijun personally admitted that the water route is better."

Li Banfeng said no more. He followed the five Snail Sisters and jumped into the pool together.

Before they dropped into the water, the camera flashes of various reporters were incessant.

Underwater, Luo Yanjun asked Luo Lijun, "Who is picking us up?"

Luo Lijun replied, "Boundless City."

"Can they come?"

"They definitely will. This is Luo family territory."

Li Banfeng couldn't hear what they were saying, but he noticed that the Snail Sisters could communicate freely underwater.

They swam for a long time underwater, and Li Banfeng felt as if he had lost all concept of time and space.

It was a peculiar sensation. Li Banfeng felt as though he had been swimming for a year, yet also that the flash of the reporter's camera from moments ago hadn't completely died out. He couldn't judge the duration of time at all, nor did he know his location. He had no urge to breathe underwater, feeling as though he was merging with the surrounding water.

A colossal bubble rose from the bottom of the water, enveloping Li Banfeng and the five sisters.

Taking a breath of air, Li Banfeng regained some clarity, seemingly sensing his own existence once more.

Looking down, at the bottom of the water, two mountains were slowly approaching them, and the valley between them was gradually widening.

The valley was widening?

Li Banfeng adjusted his perspective, wanting to get a clear view of the entire valley.

The Projector emerged from Li Banfeng's pocket, using its lens to capture the outline of the "valley."

"Director Qi, that's not a valley! That's a mouth! We're about to be eaten!"

Li Banfeng prepared for battle, but then heard Luo Lijun joyfully exclaim, "Boundless City is here to pick us up!"