Chapter 670: Crying While Snatching It Back

Li Banfeng sat in the center of the courtyard and directly questioned Lu Mosheng, "Why did you send someone to kill me?"

Lu Mosheng looked at Li Banfeng and the sleeping servant beside him, having already deduced the identity of the person opposite him.

"Are you perhaps Prince Li Qi?"

Li Banfeng chuckled, "You know I'm Li Qi, and you still sent people to kill me?"

"Your Highness Li Qi, your visit honors my humble abode." Lu Mosheng observed the distance between himself and Li Qi, while simultaneously considering what weapons to have brought in from outside to support him.

Li Banfeng said, "Cut the pleasantries. I'm asking you why you tried to kill me?"

A wave of oppressive power swept over him, and Lu Mosheng abandoned his illusions.

Outside, there were three second-grade weapons. If used with full force, they could probably subdue Li Qi, but Lu Mosheng himself would inevitably be caught in the crossfire, and his family would likely all perish. It wasn't worth it. Lu Mosheng decided to placate Li Qi first.

"Your Highness Li Qi, it's not me who wants to find you. It's the Marquis of Boundless City."

"Are you referring to the new Marquis, Bao Yingjun?"

Lu Mosheng nodded.

Li Banfeng sighed, "Let's go meet him. I heard from the Luo sisters that Bao Yingjun is a good person. There might be some misunderstanding between us."

Lu Mosheng agreed, "The Marquis is at the Marquisate Mansion. If Your Highness Li Qi explains the situation in person, any misunderstandings between you will surely be resolved."

Li Banfeng looked troubled, "I haven't been to the Marquisate Mansion before."

"This old man will send someone to guide Your Highness."

"Bao Yingjun and I don't know each other."

"This old man will send someone to introduce Your Highness."

Li Banfeng shook his head, "Just sending anyone might lack sincerity."

"This old man will send one of his trusted confidants to accompany Your Highness."

"Old Donkey, just come with me." Li Banfeng jumped onto Lu Mosheng's back.

Lu Mosheng stared in astonishment, "You're riding me to the Marquisate Mansion?"

Li Banfeng said, "You're a person of status, so I don't need to put a bridle on you, do I?"

Lu Mosheng glanced back at Xi. Carrying people or objects was typically a servant's task.

Li Banfeng patted Lu Mosheng's head, "Have someone take good care of my friend here. If anything happens to him, you'll pay with your life."

In the backyard, Lu Mosheng was already disheveled enough being seen by his wife, children, and servants in this state. If he walked to the main courtyard and was seen by the entire household, where would he put his face?

And once he left the residence, he'd be out on the street. How could a dignified Grand Master maintain his standing in Boundless City carrying someone on his back?

These weren't even the main points. The real deadly issue was that if Lu Mosheng carried Li Qi out like this, Bao Yingjun would surely receive news beforehand and send people to intercept and kill both of them on the road.

Li Banfeng also knew the danger involved. "How about we disguise it? I'll transform into a wooden box and lie on your back. What do you think?"

Li Qi's suggestion made Lu Mosheng look back at Xi in the courtyard. No wonder he couldn't find that second-grade weapon on him.

It turned out Li Qi had disguised himself as a box to infiltrate the mansion.

And Li Qi clearly intended to use the same trick again, using Lu Mosheng to get into the Marquisate Mansion.

Li Banfeng didn't want to go to such lengths, but the weapons in Neizhou were too formidable. One second-grade weapon had nearly wiped out all five Luo sisters.

Li Banfeng had to exert considerable effort to dismantle that weapon, and it even possessed the ability to repair itself.

If he forced his way into the Marquisate Mansion, there was no telling how many such weapons awaited him, or even first-grade weapons Li Banfeng had never seen before.

Lu Mosheng didn't want to risk his life with Li Qi, but he had no choice. Li Qi was on his back and could end his life at any moment.

The Pendulum applied rouge to Li Banfeng. Li Banfeng took off his suit, draped it over himself, and the Projector adjusted the light and shadow.

Lu Mosheng, carrying Li Banfeng, walked out of the residence.

Dozens of guards stood in the main courtyard, seeing Lu Mosheng carrying a box covered with silk cloth on his back.

What could be so valuable that Grand Master Lu had to carry it himself?

What happened in the backyard? Where was the servant Xi? How would he be dealt with?

As everyone wondered, the Pekingese Butler, supported by others, approached Lu Mosheng.

Before speaking, the Butler adjusted his breathing, ensuring his voice sounded weak to let his master know how severely he was injured, and that he had risked his life for the family.

While maintaining a weak tone, he also needed to speak clearly, conveying to his master how hateful Xi, the servant, was, and the Butler's own fearless courage and loyalty in confronting the vicious servant.

"M-Master, I, I—"

Lu Mosheng asked, "Can you still walk?"

The Butler shook his head with difficulty, "This old servant can't walk anymore. For you, I fought with that beast Xi—"

Lu Mosheng said, "Xi has performed a meritorious service. I'm now granting him the status of a scholar. Go inside and kowtow to him, admit your mistake properly. You must serve him well according to the rules for entertaining scholars. Even if you can't walk, you must ensure your subordinates do it correctly."

"I, I..." This time, it wasn't an act. The Butler nearly choked.

Lu Mosheng said no more and, carrying Li Banfeng, headed towards the Marquisate Mansion.

Several attendants followed behind. "Master, you shouldn't be carrying this. Please let us—"

"Hee-haw!"

Lu Mosheng brayed, making everyone shiver.

"Don't touch anything on me! This is a gift for the Marquis, and I must carry it myself!"

No one dared to move. Lu Mosheng, carrying Li Banfeng, made his way to the Marquisate Mansion.

After the guards at the gate announced their arrival, Bao Yingjun instructed Lu Mosheng to go to the Hall of Clarity.

Just as Lu Mosheng was about to enter, a guard stopped him again. "Grand Master Lu, what are you carrying on your back?"

Lu Mosheng replied, "This is a small gift for the Marquis."

With that, Lu Mosheng walked directly into the Marquisate Mansion. The guards immediately stopped him. "Grand Master Lu, if you're bringing a gift inside, you must let us inspect it first."

Lu Mosheng shook his head, "The Marquis has given instructions. This item is confidential and cannot be seen by others."

The guards still blocked his path. "Since the Marquis has given instructions, please allow us to announce your arrival again and await the Marquis's permission before inviting Grand Master Lu to the Hall of Clarity."

Li Banfeng was very tense at this moment. He could sense that the Marquisate Mansion was a dangerous place.

If anything went wrong here, and all the weapons in the mansion were summoned, Li Banfeng might not have a chance to escape.

Lu Mosheng, however, was quite calm. He lifted his donkey-like head, looked at the guards, and asked, "I was just announced. Why announce me again?"

A guard explained, "That announcement was for Grand Master Lu's audience, but it didn't include this item you're carrying."

"Wasn't I carrying this item just now? Didn't you see it? Why didn't you announce it to the Marquis at the same time?" Lu Mosheng glared with his large eyes. "Are you deliberately trying to make things difficult for me?"

The guards quickly explained, "We didn't expect you to bring this box inside earlier, and now we want to inspect it, but you refuse. We aren't—"

"Hee-haw!"

When Lu Mosheng brayed, all the guards fell silent.

Li Banfeng's eardrums throbbed. This old donkey's voice was so loud, yet his name contained the character for 'silent'.

Lu Mosheng looked at the guards and said, "I am a Grand Master appointed by the Marquis, constantly working tirelessly for him. When have I ever allowed small fry like you to trouble me?"

The guards dared not utter a sound.

Lu Mosheng strode into the Marquisate Mansion, passed through the corridor, turned, and entered the front garden.

The captain of the guards, a golden-winged, long-bearded rooster, approached the group of guards and asked, "Who was making a ruckus just now?"

A guard replied, "It was Grand Master Lu. He brought a box to see the Marquis and wouldn't let us inspect it. He just went in."

"Why wouldn't you inspect it? If something goes wrong, who will take responsibility?" The captain of the guards walked through the corridor to the entrance of the front garden and saw Lu Mosheng.

Lu Mosheng tried to quicken his pace, but it was too late. The captain of the guards was gaining on him.

If Li Qi on his back was exposed, Lu Mosheng would surely lose his life, and Li Qi would definitely not let him go.

But now, he couldn't hide or deny it. The captain of the guards wasn't someone who could be intimidated by a few words.

Lu Mosheng was drenched in sweat, able only to run desperately forward.

The captain of the guards leaped, clearing the flowerbed, then rounded a corner, leaped again, and cleared the pond.

Lu Mosheng galloped madly. The captain of the guards, realizing there was something suspicious, leaped with all his might, about to land right in front of Lu Mosheng.

The Projector suddenly turned, emitting a beam of light that enveloped the captain of the guards.

The massive golden-winged rooster vanished in mid-air in an instant.

The Art of Withering!

Li Banfeng gave the Projector a thumbs-up. The Projector's movements had become faster.

Lu Mosheng shivered, almost dislodging Li Banfeng.

"Your Highness Li Qi, you... is this a first-grade weapon?"

Could the Art of Withering be considered a first-grade weapon?

Li Banfeng had never seen a first-grade weapon and dared not make a definitive judgment.

But if the Projector could maintain such a rapid output, its power was indeed astonishing.

Li Banfeng patted Lu Mosheng, gesturing for him to hurry and not ask too many questions.

Lu Mosheng carried Li Banfeng into the Hall of Clarity.

"Grand Master Lu, you're back," Bao Yingjun said with a smile. "Is that servant at home handled? I figured such a small matter wouldn't cause any trouble, would it?"

"Everything has been handled properly," Lu Mosheng replied vaguely, a pillar beside him trembling continuously.

Bao Yingjun frowned, "Grand Master Lu, what are you afraid of? Are you afraid I'll punish you? What are you carrying on your back?"

Lu Mosheng composed himself and placed the box from his back in front of Bao Yingjun. "Marquis, I've brought you a small token of my esteem."

After saying that, Lu Mosheng retreated a considerable distance.

Bao Yingjun was startled. Before he could react, Li Banfeng leaped up.

All the guards in the hall carried close-combat weapons. Li Banfeng could sense grave dangers closing in from all directions.

There was no room for hesitation. Li Banfeng charged towards Bao Yingjun, directly confronting the danger.

Two guards first raised their long sabers, and Bao Yingjun also drew the longsword from his waist.

The two sabers and one sword weren't large, but they were all top-grade second-tier weapons. If their full power were unleashed, Li Banfeng certainly wouldn't be able to withstand them.

At this critical moment, Tang Dao bellowed, "Heads off with every strike!"

The heads of the two guards fell simultaneously, and the Gloves seized the opportunity to collect both sabers.

Bao Yingjun's longsword had just been unsheathed when Li Banfeng patted his cheek, signaling him not to move.

The longsword was still in Bao Yingjun's hand, capable of being triggered at any moment.

The Old Teapot burned Bao Yingjun slightly. In pain, Bao Yingjun's grip loosened, and the Gloves seized the chance to collect the longsword as well.

Fortunately, the group worked together seamlessly. Even a slight delay could have cost Li Banfeng his life.

Everyone in the Hall was stunned. They first looked at Bao Yingjun, then at Lu Mosheng, and finally at Li Banfeng.

Bao Yingjun's face was ashen, and the spots on his face had faded considerably.

Lu Mosheng trembled all over, his head bowed in silence.

Li Banfeng, with a smile, looked at Bao Yingjun. "You wanted to kill me?"

Bao Yingjun gasped, "Who are you?"

Li Banfeng squeezed Bao Yingjun's head and said, "You invited me to a banquet, yet you don't recognize me?"

It was Li Qi!

Danger still lingered, and a chill ran down Li Banfeng's spine.

Bao Yingjun looked at the surrounding guards.

The guards each held their weapons, but no one dared to act rashly. Li Banfeng said, "Tell them to stand back!"

Bao Yingjun waved his hand, and the guards moved back a few steps.

After a brief standoff, Bao Yingjun calmed down slightly. "So it is Your Highness Li Qi. Why have you come to my Boundless City instead of attending the banquet in Chaoge?"

Li Qi chuckled, "The journey was long and arduous. Passing by Boundless City, I wanted to rest. I didn't expect the Marquis to have such a temper, sending people with weapons to kill me. What enmity do we have that warrants such a harsh hand?"

"A misunderstanding, this must be a misunderstanding," Bao Yingjun explained. "There were some bandits in Boundless City, so I had Grand Master Lu dispatch people to suppress them. Unexpectedly, Your Highness was accidentally injured. I apologize on Grand Master Lu's behalf."

Li Banfeng smiled, "So it was a misunderstanding. I did feel something was off. Even if the Marquis had an old grudge against me, it wouldn't be worth abandoning his own flesh and blood. The five Luo sisters came with me. Does the Marquis intend to eradicate them all, or does he wish to see them?"

"My five sisters are here too?" Bao Yingjun feigned surprise. "I wonder where they are?"

Li Banfeng called out, "Grand Master Lu, please trouble you to bring my friend and have him guide you to invite the five Luo sisters here. Remember, you are to invite them, not bind them. The Marquis and I will wait for you here!"

Lu Mosheng looked at Bao Yingjun.

Bao Yingjun's face was ashen, and he did not respond.

Lu Mosheng understood his predicament. Since he had brought Li Qi here, Bao Yingjun would never let him go.

It was too late for anything else; he could only do as Li Qi said.

Lu Mosheng cautiously left the Hall of Clarity. Once outside the Marquisate Mansion gate, he immediately took his guards back to his residence and found Xi, the scholar.

Lu Mosheng followed Scholar Xi to Hu Chihong's outer residence. The five Luo sisters, thinking Lu Mosheng had come to apprehend them, prepared to fight to the death.

Luo Lijun gritted her teeth, "Li Qi was too reckless. He's doomed us in the end."

Luo Yanjun looked at Yujun and Xiujun. "We've implicated you sisters, making you suffer alongside our Luo family."

Yujun and Xiujun were unequivocal. "Don't say such things. Sisters for a day, sisters for life. Let's fight them!" Shaojun added, "Brother Qi must have a plan. Let's assess the situation first."

Yujun gritted her teeth, "What situation is there to assess? Kill one, it's worth it; kill two, and you profit!"

Just as Luo Yujun was about to rush out, she suddenly heard Lu Mosheng shout, "Hold on!"

His voice was truly startling. The Luo sisters knew this 'donkey' was loud, but they were still taken aback.

Luo Lijun knew she was in a desperate situation, but she didn't lose her imposing demeanor. "Old Donkey, how dare you shout at me?"

Lu Mosheng entered the courtyard alone, his expression cold. He swept his gaze over everyone. "His Highness Li Qi has ordered me to invite you all to the Marquisate Mansion for a talk," he announced. Luo Shaojun's face lit up with joy.

Luo Lijun, however, looked at Lu Mosheng, unable to believe the old donkey was telling the truth.

Lu Mosheng, neither arrogant nor humble, turned and called out, "Bring Xi here." His subordinates brought Scholar Xi over, and Xi nodded continuously toward the Luo sisters. Still, Luo Lijun remained suspicious.

Lu Mosheng scanned the group, then suddenly knelt, shouting, "Your sinful servant Lu Mosheng respectfully welcomes the Marquis back to his residence!"

In the Hall of Clarity, both sides were still in a standoff. Their conversation seemed calm enough, but every pillar in the hall was trembling.

Everyone in the hall was terrified.

Bao Yingjun's head was in Li Qi's hand, and he truly feared Li Qi might impulsively take his life.

If Li Qi did take his life, the armed guards would certainly not spare Li Banfeng. Trading his life for Bao Yingjun's would be a bad deal for Li Qi.

When the five Luo sisters arrived, Li Banfeng breathed a sigh of relief, holding Bao Yingjun. "Your sisters are here. Go greet them quickly."

A group of guards, holding their weapons, looked at Luo Lijun.

Luo Lijun assessed the situation in the Hall, gaining some confidence. She roared angrily, "How dare you point weapons at me?!" Half of the guards in the hall had been brought by Bao Yingjun, while the other half were originally from the Marquisate Mansion. Hearing Luo Lijun's roar, the original Marquisate guards immediately lowered their weapons.The remaining half of the guards were conflicted. They looked at Bao Yingjun, who dared not speak. Luo Yanjun then bellowed, "Are you blind or deaf? The Marquis has arrived; why are you still holding weapons?" Under the intimidation, the remaining soldiers also put down their weapons.Bao Yingjun cursed silently to himself, but it was no use. Though he had brought these guards, how much salary did they earn in a year? With Bao Yingjun not daring to utter a single word, why would the guards risk their lives here?

Li Banfeng's mind was now completely at ease. Bao Yingjun lowered his head and said to Luo Lijun, "Sister, you're back!"

Luo Lijun looked at Bao Yingjun and asked, "Are you particularly afraid of my return?"

Bao Yingjun shook his head, "Sister, I've always longed for your return. What the old donkey did, I truly had no knowledge of. We grew up together from childhood, and indeed, we had many disputes, vying for supremacy in martial arts and literature. But no matter how much we quarreled, we never wavered when it came to external matters. If an outsider threatened the Luo family, none of us ever backed down!"

Luo Lijun sneered, "Do you still consider yourself a member of the Luo family?"

Bao Yingjun sighed, "When I was fifteen, I was sent to the Bao family. This wasn't my choice. I haven't changed my name to this day, and the Luo family has always been in my heart! When I heard sister was in distress, I did everything I could to take control of Boundless City, precisely because I feared our Luo family's legacy would be seized by others. Sister, if you don't believe me today, just kill me on the spot. Your brother offers his life to you, considering it repayment for the Luo family's nurture!"

Bao Yingjun extended his neck, waiting for Luo Lijun to kill him.

Luo Lijun dared not act, not because she was reluctant to part with Bao Yingjun.

If she were to act, it would be tantamount to killing a regional lord. How would she explain it to Qiao Yi? And how would Qiao Yi help the Luo family recover in the future?

Luo Lijun first offered a softened remark, "Yingjun, your sister isn't trying to seize your title. I just want to borrow Boundless City to escort His Highness Li Qi to Chaoge."

Bao Yingjun nodded, "With those words from sister, even if I am broken to pieces, I must escort my sisters to Chaoge!"

The siblings had reconciled!

At least, it looked good for now!

The others in the Hall should also express their stance.

Bai Liangchen knelt on one knee and said, "The bond of kinship is like the cornerstone of towering mountains. As long as the bloodline endures, the mountains stand firm. Sibling reconciliation is truly joyous and something to celebrate!"

All the Grand Masters offered their congratulations.

Lu Mosheng remained prostrate at the doorway, saying nothing.

It was too early for congratulations. There was no telling what might happen next, or who would ultimately be the master.

The siblings conversed for a moment, then Bao Yingjun lowered his voice. "This is not the place to talk. The Grand Masters here have their own thoughts. Our family matters cannot be overheard by outsiders; we should discuss them privately at home."

Luo Lijun looked at Li Banfeng, unsure if they should leave the Hall of Clarity.

Li Banfeng nodded slightly.

Everyone followed Bao Yingjun to the back garden of the mansion. Bao Yingjun found a secluded pavilion to speak with his sisters.

This pavilion was called Jade Green Pavilion. Li Banfeng, seeing that its environment was quite pleasant, walked around both floors.

Bao Yingjun's heart was in his throat; he feared Li Qi would notice something amiss.

After taking over the Marquisate Mansion, he had remodeled the Jade Green Pavilion, installing a first-grade weapon inside.

This weapon had sentience and could distinguish friend from foe. At the right moment, with a command from Bao Yingjun, it could eliminate Li Qi and all five Luo sisters.

The timing wasn't ideal now; Li Qi was too close to him.

He had heard that Li Qi was a journey cultivator and knew that the journey cultivators of Puro State were extremely fast. But Li Qi's move in the Hall just now had still frightened Bao Yingjun.

He needed to find a way to get rid of Li Qi, or at least get him further away. Otherwise, Li Qi could seize the initiative and take his life at any moment.

But how could he get Li Qi away?

Bao Yingjun was still contemplating a plan when Li Banfeng suddenly yawned. "This journey has truly exhausted me. You all discuss here; I need to find a place to rest."

Li Banfeng was indeed tired. Being on edge and fighting for his life the whole way was certainly not easy.

Bao Yingjun was overjoyed. The moment had finally arrived. "Your Highness Li Qi, other places aren't safe. Please rest upstairs. I'll have someone prepare a room for you."

Luo Lijun groaned inwardly. This Li Qi was truly carefree. At a time like this, could he still sleep?

Everyone was currently on tenterhooks. If Bao Yingjun turned hostile, the consequences would be unimaginable.

But seeing Li Qi's weary appearance, Luo Lijun felt a pang of sympathy.

She was also familiar with Jade Green Pavilion. When they were young, she and her sisters often played there. Resting there for a bit shouldn't be an issue. "Young Master Li, just listen to Yingjun. Don't go far; rest here."

Li Banfeng nodded, "No need to have anyone prepare the room. I just went up and saw there's a bed and blankets, all quite clean. I'll just go up and sleep."

Luo Shaojun was uneasy. "Brother Qi, I'll accompany you!"

Luo Yujun frowned, "You're a grown girl. Don't you have any shame? Why would you accompany a man while he sleeps?"

Bao Yingjun chuckled, "My sister has grown up; I can't control her. Let Shaojun go with him."

As he spoke, Bao Yingjun picked up a handkerchief from the side table, seemingly to wipe his hands, but actually clutched it tightly in his hand.

Go on. As soon as you go upstairs, I'll unleash the first-grade weapon.

Then Luo Shaojun and Li Qi will die upstairs, and everyone else will die downstairs.

Li Qi, you've forced me to this point; you are quite formidable. No wonder you're so renowned in Puro State.

It's a pity you fell into my hands. You can only blame yourself for choosing the wrong opponent.

If there were a medicine for regret in this world, I assure you, you would never dare to act so presumptuously before me your entire life. Oh, Li Qi, you truly are—

Where was Li Qi?

Li Qi was just about to go up the stairs when his figure suddenly vanished.

Bao Yingjun froze for a moment, then began to tremble all over in fright.

He tried to shout the name of the first-grade weapon, but before he could open his mouth, with a bang, his body exploded into a bloody mess.

Bao Yingjun exploded!

Li Banfeng had also been waiting for an opportunity – a chance to take Bao Yingjun away in a way that made it easy to manage the aftermath.

It certainly wasn't suitable in the main hall earlier; there were too many people.

This Jade Green Pavilion was quite suitable, and Bao Yingjun had even chosen it himself.

Luo Lijun wiped the blood from her face and said in a daze, "It's like a fleeting glance—"

The crime of killing a regional lord was now confirmed!

The five sisters looked up and saw Li Banfeng descending the stairs step by step.

Luo Lijun gasped, "How could you kill him? How are we going to explain this to Qiao Yi?"

"Explain, explain? Why so much explaining?" Li Banfeng returned to the table and poured some tea. The teapot was large, and so was the teacup; there was enough tea in one bowl for Li Banfeng to wash his face.

He actually did wash his face with the tea, leaving his face covered in water. He even dabbed some water droplets around his eyes.

Luo Lijun didn't know what he was doing. Li Banfeng, with a face full of "tears," asked, "Your brother is dead. Aren't you going to cry?"

"I cry—" Luo Lijun was utterly bewildered.

Li Banfeng said, "Yes, you must cry. Tell all the Grand Masters in the hall that they all must cry. After crying, Boundless City will still belong to your Luo family!"

"The Luo family's—" Luo Lijun still hadn't processed it.

"Still standing there stunned?" Li Banfeng urged, "Go reclaim your own territory! Cry while you reclaim it!"

Luo Shaojun was the first to snap out of it. "Brother Yingjun, you just died like that?"

Luo Yanjun said, "Crying here is useless. Go cry in the main hall!"

The sisters went to the main hall together. Luo Yujun still hadn't figured it out. "Why exactly are we crying?"

Luo Xiujun said, "Why are you asking so many questions? If Master Qi says cry, then cry!"

Li Banfeng crossed his arms, squatted down, and looked at Bao Yingjun's corpse.

"Oh, Yingjun, you were always so headstrong as a child. Seeing you explode like this, my heart aches." Li Banfeng sobbed twice, shedding tears.

As his tears fell, a flurry of ashes also drifted down. Bao Yingjun was truly, completely dead now.

Li Banfeng wanted to find something to wipe his tears. There was a silk handkerchief on the corpse.

Li Banfeng picked up the handkerchief, wiped away his tears, and incidentally looked at the writing on it.

There were only three characters on the handkerchief, written in a wild, unrestrained style. It took Li Banfeng a long time to recognize them.

"Jiang Linger!"

"Yes!"