Chapter 674: Brother, You Are Here?

He Jiaqing rapidly exchanged deeds on the bookshelf. Each time he swapped a deed, his cheek twitched involuntarily.

With each twitch, he silently cursed:

"Bah! Shameless!"

"Stealing my things!"

"What kind of hero steals? If you want good things, why don't you get them yourself? Coming here to steal from me is truly shameless!"

Ban Fengyi fled low to the ground, and He Jiaqing didn't dare to make a sound.

He didn't know the origin of this shadow, but he certainly couldn't afford to be caught here with it.

Fortunately, the shadow only stole ten deeds. He Jiaqing took the remaining nineteen.

There was still one deed He Jiaqing hadn't found: Rong Sijiao's.

Rong Sijiao's deed wasn't in Wenyuan Pavilion. Who took it?

Having ten deeds stolen made He Jiaqing feel a pang of loss, and now not getting Rong Sijiao's deed made him even more frustrated.

He Jiaqing always acted cautiously. He had a blank, unengraved fake deed in his pocket, originally intended as a backup.

He scanned the shelf to see if there were any other suitable deeds he could take. Two names caught his eye.

The first name startled him: Chu Yaohan.

"Wasn't Chu Yaoxian's deed already taken? It was in a bag and then stolen by that shadow."

How did another one appear?

He took a closer look. This wasn't Chu Yaoxian's deed; Chu Yaohan differed by one character from Chu Yaoxian.

Who was Chu Yaohan? He Jiaqing had never heard of this local deity.

"I'll take it; it might be useful."

He Jiaqing took Chu Yaohan's deed and placed the fake deed intended for Rong Sijiao back in its original spot.

There was also a deed belonging to Li Furong.

Seeing this name, He Jiaqing remembered a place: the barbecue restaurant in front of Yuezhou University.

At that restaurant, the last time He Jiaqing ate and drank with Li Banfeng, Li Banfeng had mentioned why Old Mrs. Wu from the orphanage called him Li Zisha.

"Because she always made me buy cigarettes for her. During that period, she liked smoking Baisha, so she called me Li Baisha. Before that, she called me Li Hongmei, and even before that, Li Yingchun. There was a time when life was good and her cigarettes were good, so she called me Li Furong."

Li Banfeng said this himself. Could this deed be his?

Li Banfeng's cultivation had long reached the Cloud Realm. He would certainly need the Mortal Realm as support, becoming a local deity in the New Land.

It was perfectly logical.

Of course, there was another person connected to Li Furong: Li Haoyun, the proprietor of Furong Zhai.

Could this deed belong to Li Haoyun?

If this deed belonged to Li Banfeng, it would be extremely useful to take back.

Even if it wasn't Li Banfeng's, Li Haoyun was a significant power in Lushui City, so taking it wouldn't be a loss.

He Jiaqing pulled out the blank fake deed from his pocket and quickly carved Li Furong's name onto it with his ring.

The carving was a bit rough, but it wasn't a major issue; the three-headed guardians of the deeds wouldn't meticulously inspect each one.

With both pockets full, He Jiaqing put the deeds into his robes and silently left the Deed Repository, locking the Unnameable Place from the outside.

After leaving Wenyuan Pavilion, He Jiaqing was still annoyed. In his indignation, he noticed some red ink marks on the ground.

He Jiaqing smiled.

There were only a few drops of ink, but for He Jiaqing, it was enough.

This Shadow Cultivator was unreliable; he didn't know to switch bags.

He Jiaqing had left a mark on his pockets. Once a pocket left his hand, the mark would activate, and these red ink marks were what the mark left behind.

"I'd like to see who this Shadow Cultivator is! I'd like to see how far he can run!"

Ban Fengyi sprinted, carrying the bag. Near the Fifth Gate, the number of guards was too high; forcing his way through was too risky.

The city wall was very thick, and Ban Fengyi's 'Unimpeded Passage' technique wasn't perfected. He wasn't sure if he could pass through it.

He tried once and almost dissipated on the spot. The city wall was not only thick but also contained mechanisms.

He looked at the city gate again, wondering when the guards would change shifts.

If only Ban Fengzi were here. He had a Residence Cultivation talent. Using the 'Shadow Following' technique, he could attach himself to Ban Fengzi to form Ban Fengyizi. Ban Fengzi was easily overlooked, and Ban Fengyi's speed was still sufficient, making the chance of getting through much higher.

As he pondered, Ban Fengyi suddenly sensed danger approaching. Following his instincts, he immediately darted into an alley. He Jiaqing, tracing the ink marks, quickly pursued him to the city gate.

The ink marks were still there. He Jiaqing didn't stop and went straight into the alley.

Ban Fengyi dashed through the alley, fleeing frantically, with He Jiaqing hot on his heels.

"How did he catch up?"

Ban Fengyi realized the bag might be problematic, but he couldn't switch bags now; He Jiaqing was too close.

"I need to find someone to help, otherwise he'll snatch this bag of deeds back."

"Where's Ban Fengzi?"

Ban Fengzi was lingering in front of the Sixth Gate.

He had almost memorized all the official buildings within the Fifth Gate and wanted to see what the Sixth Gate was like. However, the Sixth Gate had twice as many guards as the Fifth Gate. Even if one guard noticed an extra shadow on the ground, it would be difficult for Ban Fengzi to escape.

He couldn't just sneak in directly; he needed someone as a cover.

A three-headed man slowly walked towards the city gate. Ban Fengzi saw his tall stature and his long shadow stretching on the ground. Taking advantage of the man's inattention, Ban Fengzi slipped directly into his shadow and moved forward, clinging to it.

Surprisingly, this three-headed man was perfect for Ban Fengzi. He walked steadily with few erratic movements. Ban Fengzi, hidden within his shadow, was practically flawless as long as his speed didn't falter.

After sneaking into the Sixth Gate with the three-headed man, Ban Fengzi still didn't dare to act rashly.

Inside the Sixth Gate, numerous palaces appeared. Guards patrolled the streets. Looking up, pavilions and towers stood in dense rows, illuminated by bright vermilion-lacquered, glazed-tile lights.

"Is this the Imperial Palace?"

"Chaoge has nine gates, and we're already at the Imperial Palace just by reaching the Sixth Gate?"

"This three-headed man can enter the Imperial Palace. What's his background?"

He watched as the man walked slowly down the street, seemingly without a particular destination, moving with such calm and composure as if all of Chaoge were under his control.

"Could he be a Saint?"

"Since when did Saints grow three heads?"

It was hard to say. Perhaps the Saint learned that San Tou Cha had a new monarch and, to address his own lineage issues, forced himself to grow two more heads.

The man passed through several main streets, occasionally greeting pedestrians he encountered.

After walking for a long time, the pedestrians on the street gradually thinned out, the lights dimmed, and the patrolling soldiers were no longer visible. Ban Fengzi prepared to disengage.

He didn't want to wander aimlessly with the three-headed man. He wanted to quickly scout out the Sixth Gate and then find an opportunity to venture into the Seventh Gate.

The three-headed man stood silently on a street for a moment.

This street was different from other places; it was completely empty of people, and the lights were very sparse.

There were also buildings on both sides of the street, uninhabited. Although the red bricks and green tiles were present, they seemed to be covered by a layer of hazy gray fog, appearing desolate and lifeless.

Seeing that this place was suitable for disengaging, Ban Fengzi carefully emerged from the shadow. Just as he was about to leave, sticking close to the ground, a cold wind suddenly blew, pushing him slowly deeper into the street.

"What kind of wind is this? Why is it so strong?"

Ban Fengzi gripped the ground forcefully, but his body still slid forward, leaving several scratch marks.

Although his Travel Cultivation talent wasn't exceptional, Ban Fengzi possessed techniques for avoiding danger. The street had no visible end, but Ban Fengzi could sense immense peril approaching.

"I can't go forward!"

Ban Fengzi struggled with all his might, but to no avail.

Low moans echoed in his ears, as if countless people were crying out.

Wisps of phantoms drifted before his eyes, seemingly many others also struggling.

Ban Fengzi was about to lose strength. His body was on the verge of lifting off the ground, about to be swept away by the gale along with a group of phantoms.

The three-headed man stepped forward and pulled, grabbing Ban Fengzi.

"This is the Path of the Departed. Keep going, and you'll enter the Crucible," the three-headed man said, bringing Ban Fengzi to the side of the street.

Away from the strong wind, Ban Fengzi steadied himself. Having narrowly escaped death, his body heaved continuously, as if gasping for breath.

The three-headed man, with six eyes, stared at Ban Fengzi.

The left head asked, "Why are you breathing so heavily?"

Ban Fengzi replied, "I was terrified."

The middle head asked, "Can you really breathe?"

Ban Fengzi nodded. "I can."

The right head asked, "Then are you still my shadow?"

Ban Fengzi didn't know how to answer.

His identity had already been exposed, so why was the other party asking such questions?

Was this torture or humiliation?

Whatever the other party's intention, one thing was certain: the three-headed man was extremely powerful. Ban Fengzi couldn't fight him and had no chance to escape.

The three heads spoke together: "We just asked you something, and you haven't answered yet. Are you still my shadow?"

Ban Fengzi gave an ambiguous answer: "I am indeed a shadow."

The three heads then asked together: "I have three heads. Since you are my shadow, why do you only have one head?"

Ban Fengzi thought of another ambiguous answer: "Because I am not a three-headed person."

The left head exclaimed in surprise, "Our shadow isn't a three-headed person?"

The right head was stunned: "Then are *we* still three-headed people?"

The middle head gasped, "It seems not!"

After saying this, the three heads burst into laughter: "Hahahahaha!"

After laughing, the three heads merged into one.

That person's hair turned white, and his beard also turned white.

His eyes grew larger, and his cheeks became rounder.

A memory surfaced before his eyes. Ban Fengzi was stunned for a long time, then suddenly cried out, "Elder Brother!"

Train Granduncle smiled, just as he had when they parted: "Brother, what brings you here?"

Ban Fengzi was Li Banfeng; he possessed all of Li Banfeng's memories.

He had so much to say to Train Granduncle, but he couldn't think of what to say.

Staring at Train Granduncle, Ban Fengzi finally spoke after a long moment: "Elder Brother, your younger brother promised to come and rescue you."

Train Granduncle laughed, "Foolish boy, you actually came. It must have been hard cultivating all this time, hasn't it?"

Ban Fengzi nodded, "It was a bit hard."

Train Granduncle sighed, "I could tell you've had it tough just by looking at you. You're so tanned."

Ban Fengzi pondered for a moment, then said, "I am indeed a bit dark, but it's not from tanning; I am a shadow."

Train Granduncle thought for a moment: "Are you really a shadow?"

"I really am."

"Then make an oath!"

Ban Fengzi made the oath on the spot.

Train Granduncle still couldn't understand: "Since you're a shadow, why aren't you with my brother? How can you run around on your own?"

Ban Fengzi wanted to mention the 'Solitary Shadow' technique, but he remembered another issue: Train Granduncle detested Residence Cultivation.

"Actually, it's because I also cultivate Shadow Cultivation," Ban Fengzi found a suitable excuse. Even if Train Granduncle investigated later, Ban Fengyi also knew Shadow Cultivation techniques, and this was indeed the truth.

Train Granduncle watched Ban Fengzi for a moment, then suddenly asked, "Why do you also cultivate Shadow Cultivation?"

From Train Granduncle's eyes, Ban Fengzi detected a hint of chill.

Did he also dislike Shadow Cultivation?

"I was thinking at the time—" Ban Fengzi was still pondering how to answer.

Train Granduncle's voice suddenly turned deep and hoarse, and his joyful smile vanished instantly: "I, a great man of Travel Cultivation, why would I also cultivate Shadow Cultivation? I treat you like a true brother, how could you do this to me?"

Ban Fengzi hadn't expected the problem to be so serious: "Elder Brother, please listen to my explanation. The Saint said—"

"The Saint?" Train Granduncle stared at Ban Fengzi. "The one I hate most is the Saint. Why do you bring him up to me? What do you mean by that?"

Ban Fengzi didn't know what to express at that moment. He only knew that the chill in Train Granduncle's eyes had vanished, replaced by killing intent.

"You've made me furious," Train Granduncle said, word by word. "I'm going to kill you!"

Ban Fengzi was at a loss.

"Aren't you scared? If you are, run quickly," Train Granduncle advised. "If you don't run now, I'll really kill you."

Ban Fengzi turned and ran.

Train Granduncle chased closely behind: "Run faster! I'm about to catch you. Once I do, I'll definitely kill you."

Ban Fengzi accelerated with all his might, reaching an intersection ahead.

Train Granduncle shouted, "Don't go straight! That's still the Path of the Departed. Turn left to escape!"

"How could it still be the Path of the Departed ahead?"

"Wasn't the Path of the Departed behind me?"

Train Granduncle shouted, "Chaoge's terrain has shifted! You've turned around!"

Ban Fengzi quickly turned left.

After running half a street further, Train Granduncle suddenly grabbed Ban Fengzi. "Why are you running?"

Ban Fengzi replied, "I'm afraid you'll kill me."

"Why would I kill you?"

"Because I also cultivate Shadow Cultivation."

Train Granduncle laughed, "What's wrong with that? I also cultivate Artisan Cultivation. Dual cultivation isn't a sin."

"If that's the case..."

Ban Fengzi said with a trembling voice, "Elder Brother, you can't scare me like that. I'm just a shadow. You scared me so much just now, I almost disintegrated."

Train Granduncle said with a serious expression, "We're quite destined, you and I. I'm a shadow too!"

Ban Fengzi looked up. "Really?"

"I'm not lying! I'll even swear an oath for you: I really am a shadow!" Train Granduncle somehow produced a handful of sand and a handful of lime, rubbed them in his hands, and formed several glass lenses.

Ban Fengzi asked, "Elder Brother, where is your true form?"

"My true form can't get out. If it could, I'd have run away long ago." Train Granduncle took a few bamboo stalks, quickly prepared them, inserted the lenses, and made a monocular telescope.

"Brother, come with me." Train Granduncle led Ban Fengzi to the top of a pavilion, extended the telescope, and took a look.

"Brother, do you know who that is?"

Ban Fengzi took a look. He actually knew this person.

The Saint!

The Saint, with a contingent of people and horses, was approaching the street from a distance.

The contingent was a bit mixed: cavalry, infantry, three-headed soldiers, flying beasts, machines, and normal single-headed people.

Train Granduncle said, "These people were just assembled. That old fellow is truly desperate!"

Ban Fengzi was very nervous: "Elder Brother, are they coming for you?"

Train Granduncle shook his head: "Not for me, but for you."

"I'm just a shadow—"

"Not a shadow, but your true form," Train Granduncle said. "Hurry back and send a message to your true form."

Ban Fengzi said, "I'm afraid it's too late."

Train Granduncle was also anxious: "Walking, you definitely won't make it in time. Take a ride."

"Where's a car?"

"Whoosh! Choo! Choo!" Train Granduncle whistled twice, put Ban Fengzi on his back, and rushed out of the city wall, transforming into a train. Even his voice changed, from an old man to an intellectual woman: "The next station is Fifth Gate Station. Passengers, please gather your belongings and prepare to disembark."

Train Granduncle placed Ban Fengzi next to Ban Fengyi.

Ban Fengyi, having contended with He Jiaqing for a long time, was utterly exhausted. Seeing Ban Fengzi, he was overjoyed.

"Quick, let's go find Old Jia. I have good things for him."

Ban Fengzi nodded, "I'm looking for him too. I have something important to tell him!"

Train Granduncle handed Ban Fengyi a stick. "You probably learned this Shadow Cultivation technique from Second House, didn't you?"

Ban Fengyi nodded.

"Wait."

"Who is this old man?"

"How does he know about Second House?"

There were some memories Ban Fengyi hadn't recovered yet.

"That person from Second House is a bit affected, but his skills are indeed good. Go learn a few more tricks from him. If he refuses to teach, just hit him with this stick. One hit will make him behave. Chaoge's terrain changes constantly, but the gate locations generally remain the same. Be careful." After saying this, Train Granduncle vanished.

Ban Fengyi was still in a daze: "Just now, that person was—"

Ban Fengzi said, "First, let's find Old Jia and explain the situation. It's extremely urgent."

Ban Fengyi used the 'Shadow Following' technique to attach himself to Ban Fengzi. Using both Residence and Travel talents, Ban Fengyizi rushed out of the Fifth Gate and ran towards the Third Gate.

Just as He Jiaqing was about to give chase, he heard someone call from behind: "What are you doing here?"

Hearing the voice, He Jiaqing shivered, quickly turned around, and bowed. "Senior, I finally found you."

Train Granduncle didn't reveal his form; only his voice could be heard: "You came here to find me?"

He Jiaqing nodded. "I came here to rescue you, Senior."

"You came to rescue me, but why are you carrying two bags of deeds?"

Train Granduncle had already seen they were deeds, so further excuses would be futile. He Jiaqing said, "I was passing Wenyuan Pavilion, and I just happened to—"

Train Granduncle sighed, "Truly a disciple of Old Smile-Pincers. You almost lost your life in Wenyuan Pavilion, yet you still dared to steal things. You truly don't learn from your mistakes!"

He Jiaqing said, "Senior, I truly intended to rescue you—"

Train Granduncle smiled, "Even caught red-handed, you still refuse to admit it. In this, you're unlike Old Smile-Pincers. Hurry and leave. Something big is about to happen in Chaoge. At this critical moment, don't trouble my brother."

"You have a brother here?" He Jiaqing suspected he had misheard.

Train Granduncle said, "Just run. Don't ask about anything else."

With that, Train Granduncle's voice vanished.

He Jiaqing rushed all the way to the First Gate, only to find the city gate tightly shut, with various machines deployed on the city wall.

He had been to Chaoge before and knew these machines were unusual. To escape, he needed to seize the right moment.

The timing wasn't right yet, so He Jiaqing hid near the city wall, quietly waiting for an opportunity.

The shadow that stole the deeds looked a bit familiar, as if it were Li Banfeng.

"When did he start dual-cultivating Shadow Cultivation?"

"Why is the First Gate locked? Who is this for? What exactly is happening?"

Inside the Third Gate, in a teahouse, Ban Fengwu was still lying on the ground, listening to a storyteller. The storyteller clapped his wooden block, smiled at the crowd, and said, "That's all for today's story! Thank you all for your support!"

The listeners were unwilling to leave. A three-headed man shouted, "Don't be in such a hurry! I was just getting into it, and you're leaving already?"

Everyone below the stage joined in the clamor. The storyteller cupped his fist and said, "Distinguished guests, I am old and truly cannot bear it anymore. After speaking for so long, my throat is hoarse. Please allow me to rest for a while."

A three-headed man said, "Nonsense! Your throat is fine. If you can't tell a long story, a short one will do!"

The more the storyteller declined, the more the audience clamored, and many even threw reward money onto the stage, simply refusing to let him leave.

Having no choice, the storyteller returned behind his table and addressed the audience below, "Since you distinguished guests are so supportive of me, I will tell one more segment today. Guests, please listen carefully!"

As the wooden block clapped again, the teahouse fell silent.

Those who were cheering had their mouths open, but no sound came out.

Those applauding had their hands extended, but couldn't clap.

Those eating melon seeds had the shells in their mouths, unable to spit them out.

Those pouring tea had water overflowing from their cups, flowing down the table, with their teapots still held aloft, unmoving.

All the guests were frozen, including Ban Fengwu on the ground; none could move.

The storyteller walked off the stage, came over to Ban Fengwu, and crouched down, saying, "This technique is rare now. Is it Shadow Cultivation or Residence Cultivation?"

The old man waved a hand, and Ban Fengwu could move. He tried to escape but found that only his head could move; everything below his neck was like stone.

"Did you hear what I just asked? I asked if you were a Residence Cultivator or a Shadow Cultivator?"

Ban Fengwu remained silent.

The storyteller asked again, "Are you Li Qi?"

Ban Fengwu still didn't speak. Despite his usual lazy demeanor, his character was quite strong-willed.

"You've listened to my story for so long, given no reward, and still won't answer my questions. I'll have to leave something on you and have you deliver a great gift for me."

The storyteller extended his right hand, about to write on Ban Fengwu's face, when he suddenly heard someone laugh, "Sour Scholar, do you have some great gift for me?"

Hearing the voice, the storyteller withdrew his hand and stood up, saying, "Old Train, whose side are you on?"

Train Granduncle's voice echoed in the teahouse again: "I'm not on anyone's side. I just want to watch you fight. If you can both end up severely wounded, I might find a chance to escape."

The storyteller sighed, "You won't escape. No matter who wins, they won't let you go."

Train Granduncle chuckled, "It's fine if I don't leave; this place isn't bad. I just want you to do me a small favor and let my little brother go."

The storyteller felt it wasn't quite right: "You send a mere shadow to find me, and you call that giving me face?"

Train Granduncle's tone was very helpless: "My true form can't come over. Otherwise, I would definitely come to catch up with you."

The storyteller hesitated for a moment, then waved his hand at Ban Fengwu. "Go."

Ban Fengwu's body could move again, and he ran towards Hanmo Garden at top speed.

The run was not easy. The teahouse wasn't far from Hanmo Garden, but Ban Fengwu had gotten disoriented and had to run in circles a few times before getting back.

By the time he reached Li Banfeng, Ban Fengyi and Ban Fengzi had already returned.

In the Plum Blossom Forest, Qiao Yi first arranged a banquet, then song and dance, interspersed with discussions about peace talks.

"The area around San Tou Cha has been occupied by external states for many years, and its people have suffered greatly. I've heard about some of Prince Li Qi's heroic deeds in San Tou Cha, bringing peace and order. The day before yesterday, I selected a batch of top-grade machinery, intending to send it to San Tou Cha. This act is for the benefit of the people and also to contribute a small part to your Highness's foundation. What are your thoughts on this?"

Li Banfeng remained silent for a moment, then looked up and said, "Now that the pleasantries are over, let's talk about something serious."

Qiao Yi was taken aback. "Your Highness, why do you say that? Isn't a peace talk between our two families a serious matter?"

Li Banfeng said, "You invited me here and talked so much nonsense. Isn't it just to lure the Saint here? With so many ambushes inside and outside the garden, how many are for him, and how many are for me?"