Chapter 675: Ordered to Suppress the Rebellion

In Hanmo Garden, as the singing and dancing faded, Zhu Jin, Qiao Yi, Xie Gong, and all the three-headed individuals around them fixed their gazes on Li Banfeng.

Zhu Jin, being more straightforward, even wanted to ask Li Banfeng directly. Ever since Li Banfeng arrived in Chaoge, he had been under their surveillance. They had never seen him use any techniques or spiritual artifacts, nor had they heard he was a Glimmering Cultivator. How could he know so much?

Zhu Jin glanced at Xie Gong. Xie Gong suspected there was a spy within Chaoge, but he was a man of deep thoughts, his face devoid of expression, his lips sealed.

Luo Lijun and Luo Shaojun were both astonished. Luo Lijun was still inclined to advise Li Banfeng to watch his words. She had no idea her life hung in the balance.

Qiao Yi remained silent for a moment before smiling. "The wine of Great Shang is rich and potent. Perhaps His Highness Li Qi is intoxicated. Our gathering here today is solely for peace talks. Why, without cause, do you bring up the Holy One?"

Li Banfeng chuckled. "Whether I say it or not, your Holy One will have to appear. From the moment I entered Chaoge, he lost all viable paths."

These words struck a critical point. The Holy One's lineage had long been questioned due to his fewer heads. Now, Li Banfeng had established a new monarch outside. Furthermore, he had painted the Holy One as a usurping Prince. If this accusation were to stick, it would irrevocably sever the Holy One's lifeline within Great Shang.

Li Banfeng looked at Qiao Yi. "Your Holy One did everything possible to prevent His Highness Li Qi from reaching Chaoge. Lord Baoying's previous ambush on me was at the Holy One's command, wasn't it?"

Qiao Yi's face registered surprise. "His Highness Li Qi, are you speaking of Lord Baoying, the Marquis of Boundless City?"

Li Banfeng smiled. "Let's not feign ignorance. Your Holy One had long anticipated that the Luo sisters might use Boundless City as a means to reach Chaoge. He even had Lord Baoying prepare extensively for an assassination attempt in advance. Regrettably, that fool Baoying was ineffective; he couldn't kill me. From the moment I arrived in Chaoge, your Holy One's position became quite perilous. What we've discussed, and the extent of our talks, are entirely beyond his control. If he doesn't act now, he's essentially waiting for death. You, precisely, seized upon this, setting up elaborate ambushes within Triple City, awaiting the Holy One to walk straight into your trap. I'm not mistaken, am I?"

As his words landed, every three-headed individual present immediately shifted their posture, feigning casual conversation amongst themselves. Some spoke of the weather. "Chaoge has been a bit more humid than usual these past few days."

"You're absolutely right. Chaoge is quite different this year compared to previous ones."

Others discussed attire. "Lord Liu, the embroidery on your garments is truly exquisite."

"That would be the work of Yu Guixiang from Second City. The woman has a straightforward disposition, but I genuinely admire her craftsmanship."

Some, finding nothing else to discuss, merely made polite conversation. "Brother Su, look how brilliantly the flowers are blooming today!"

"Indeed, Brother Xu, they are quite vibrant."

Everyone feigned not hearing Li Banfeng's words, precisely because he had accurately pinpointed the true purpose of their banquet. Qiao Yi and the others had arranged this banquet ostensibly to invite Li Banfeng to discuss the matter of the new monarch. However, their true objective was to compel the Holy One to abandon the core of Chaoge and enter Triple City, where they could engage him in battle.

Now that their objective was achieved, should they let Li Banfeng and his companions depart? They were overthinking it!

Li Banfeng knew Qiao Yi would not let them leave. Seeing them continue to feign ignorance, Li Banfeng decided to be even more direct. "You genuinely wish to eliminate the Holy One; that much is true. However, whether you succeed in killing the Holy One or not, you will both be guilty of regicide. You need a contingency plan, and that plan involves me. Should you successfully slay the Holy One, you will pin the crime of regicide on me. How I am dealt with afterward will depend on the prevailing sentiment among the royal family and various lords. If they overlook this matter, you'll allow me to live, though undoubtedly imprisoned for life. If they cannot, I'll be publicly executed. Either way, you remain pristine and utterly blameless. Alternatively, if you fail to kill the Holy One, you can then eliminate me. In that scenario, your position transforms: you become meritorious officials who rid the Holy One of a major threat."

Luo Lijun's wine cup slipped from her grasp and shattered on the floor. She had never imagined she was invited to Chaoge merely to be a scapegoat. Luo Shaojun discreetly reached for the snail shell at her back, where her weapons were concealed. She was ready to fight to the death.

The group of three-headed individuals ceased their feigned chatter, realizing there was nothing left to conceal. Yet Qiao Yi still had much to hide. He responded to Li Banfeng, "His Highness Li Qi, your words are preposterous. Even if I were to declare myself a meritorious official, how could the Holy One ever trust me?"

Li Banfeng chuckled. "His trust in you isn't determined by his will; it's about the leverage you both possess. As long as you leave no incriminating evidence of regicide, you'll have ample room to maneuver with the Holy One. I'm not mistaken, am I?"

Qiao Yi rose. "I've had a couple too many drinks and feel a bit lightheaded. Your Highness, please remain seated; allow me to excuse myself for a moment."

"Don't move!" Li Banfeng lifted his hat brim, his gaze fixed on Qiao Yi. "Old Qiao, I can remain here for a while longer. However, the Luo sisters should return to Boundless City."

All the three-headed individuals turned their attention to the Luo sisters. They had no intention of letting these two scapegoats leave; after all, there would be many more sins to bear in the future, and one Li Banfeng might not suffice.

Qiao Yi offered a smile. "The Luo family and I are old acquaintances. It's a rare gathering, and to depart halfway through the banquet would surely spoil the enjoyment, wouldn't it?"

"Spoiling the mood is better than spoiling lives," Li Banfeng stated, his gaze fixed on Qiao Yi. "While having more scapegoats is certainly advantageous, it's also wise to leave a fallback option. Should you ever find yourself with no escape, Boundless City could still offer you a sanctuary."

Qiao Yi sighed. "Your Highness is jesting again."

"I'm not joking," Li Banfeng said, pulling his hat brim lower. "Have the Luo sisters leave at once, or I'll ensure *you* depart first."

Several three-headed individuals rose, their hands resting on their weapons. The surrounding guards also drew their blades. Everyone seemed poised to engage Li Banfeng. But Qiao Yi knew perfectly well they were merely putting on a show. Among all those present, not a single one dared to lay a hand on Li Banfeng. Across the eleven states and three thousand nations, no individual warrior could rival Puluo State. Li Banfeng, seated opposite, was a formidable and genuinely powerful figure from Puluo State. Qiao Yi knew he was only a few steps from Li Banfeng and was acutely aware that Li Banfeng could deliver a fatal blow at any moment.

After careful deliberation, Qiao Yi waved his hand, ordering the guards to escort Luo Lijun and Luo Shaojun away. Luo Lijun's legs felt weak, and it took her a moment to stand up. Luo Shaojun resisted leaving, unwilling to abandon Li Banfeng alone. Li Banfeng shot them a cold glare. The faster they left, the better. As long as they could safely return to Boundless City, Li Banfeng would be rid of two burdens. His chances of escaping would be significantly higher.

The two sisters, along with Bai Liangchen and their attendants, departed. Li Banfeng instructed Banfeng Yi and Banfeng Bing to provide covert protection. He then advised Qiao Yi, "Lord Qiao, let us conduct ourselves honorably and not cause trouble for these two women."

Qiao Yi nodded slightly, then turned to excuse himself from the table once more.

"Lord Qiao, hold on!" Li Banfeng raised his wine cup. "It's a rare occasion for us to gather. To leave halfway through the feast, wouldn't that spoil the enjoyment?"

Qiao Yi's expression turned frigid as he sat back down. Zhu Jin cast a look at Qiao Yi, harboring a degree of resentment. He felt that had Qiao Yi departed earlier, he wouldn't have been subjected to Li Banfeng's threats. Xie Gong remained silent. He knew full well that Li Banfeng was no ordinary individual and would never let Qiao Yi out of his sight. In the present circumstances, Qiao Yi was Li Banfeng's leverage for survival. How could Li Banfeng possibly release him so easily?

Banfeng Chou and Banfeng Mao returned to Li Banfeng's side. These two shadows had been confined to Fourth City, having initially believed it to be merely residential with nothing of interest. However, moments ago, they witnessed the Holy One entering the city with his forces. The pair hastily retreated, but their unfamiliarity with the roads proved a hindrance. By the time they reached Hanmo Garden, the Holy One was already on the verge of breaking into Triple City.

Qiao Yi decided to lay his cards on the table. "His Highness Li Qi, you just spoke of a retreat path. Do you know why we must keep one open?"

Based on the information provided by Banfeng Wu, Li Banfeng had already made a general deduction. "In the teahouse outside the garden, there's a group of people from Puluo State. Their allegiance, however, is not yet clear."

Qiao Yi could no longer contain himself. Li Banfeng not only knew about the ambushes within the city but had also exposed Qiao Yi's most significant underlying concern. Just how many spies were there in Chaoge? How much more did Li Banfeng know? All the three-headed individuals felt a tremor of fear. They couldn't fathom the true nature of this Puluo Crown Prince before them, nor could they comprehend the extent of the foundation he had laid within Chaoge. They exchanged wary glances, suspecting one another, and many sought an excuse to depart the banquet. Qiao Yi would not allow them to leave!

Having navigated court politics for years, Qiao Yi's discernment was sharper than most. He now suspected that among those seated, there were spies planted by Li Banfeng himself!

Li Banfeng asked again, "Lord Qiao, was what I just said correct?"

Qiao Yi nodded slightly. "These individuals, who have ascended to high office, acquired noble titles, or even become regional lords within Chaoge, have all, to varying degrees, benefited from the Holy One's patronage." In other words, the people in the teahouse were more likely to side with the Holy One.

Li Banfeng said, "I have a gift for Lord Qiao that should help stabilize this group in the future." As he spoke, Li Banfeng drew a document from his sleeve. He unfurled it, displayed it to everyone present, and then handed it to Qiao Yi.

This imperial edict read: "The Emperor is currently on an inspection tour abroad. Qiao Yi is hereby appointed as Regent Minister, and all state affairs are to be handled by Qiao Yi as he deems fit."

The imperial edict bore the Imperial Seal. Qiao Yi examined it repeatedly, as did those around him. The seal was genuine!

Wine Gourd secretly whispered to Judge Pen, "I thought we didn't bring the Imperial Seal. Where did that grand seal come from?"

Judge Pen replied, "It's drawn."

Old Teapot felt uneasy. "Can a drawing really work? An expert would simply flip the edict over and immediately know its authenticity!"

Judge Pen yawned. "The back is drawn too."

Wine Gourd gasped in astonishment. "Such a skill exists?"

"Hmph." Judge Pen turned over and drifted off to sleep.

The Projector had recorded the entire meeting. This was the most critical part, and it captured numerous close-up shots of both the imperial edict and Qiao Yi's face. This edict was potentially fatal. It meant Qiao Yi had effectively accepted a promotion from the new monarch.

Qiao Yi's expression abruptly shifted. "Your Highness is leading me into an unrighteous path."

Li Banfeng shook his head. "That's not the way to look at it. If this succeeds, this edict will bring Lord Qiao many benefits. If it doesn't, Lord Qiao need only pretend he never saw it."

Never saw it? Tear up the edict afterward?

Qiao Yi glanced back at those around him. They had all seen it.

Li Banfeng chuckled. "What's there to fear? Aren't they all your own people?"

A long silence fell over Hanmo Garden, broken by the distant cries of battle. The Holy One had arrived with his troops and had begun engaging Qiao Yi's forces.

Banfeng Bing returned. He and Banfeng Yi had already escorted Luo Lijun and Luo Shaojun back to Boundless City. Banfeng Bing came back to report, while Banfeng Yi remained in Boundless City to assist Li Banfeng.

Qiao Yi's expression was grim. There was no definitive word from the teahouse, making it impossible to predict the battle's trajectory. Li Banfeng chuckled. "Lord Qiao, don't dwell on retreat paths. Why not simply take the imperial edict and head to the teahouse? Success or failure hinges on this moment!"

While Qiao Yi was still deliberating, Li Banfeng abruptly vanished. Had he escaped? Qiao Yi's face paled in shock. He quickly ordered his guards to surround him. He feared Li Banfeng would harm him using the "Roving Horse Viewing Flowers" technique. The other three-headed individuals scattered, all terrified of being targeted by Li Banfeng's gaze. After a considerable wait, everyone realized they were unharmed. Li Banfeng hadn't attacked them. He simply couldn't bring himself to kill them. If he had truly killed them, who would fight against the Holy One?

Qiao Yi shouted, "Pursue him, quickly!"

Zhu Jin interjected, "Why bother pursuing him? The new monarch's edict is right here. We should go directly to the teahouse and, by imperial decree, quell the rebellion!"

Xie Gong agreed with Zhu Jin's reasoning. "Brother Zhu is right. Opportunity lost is never regained. Take the imperial edict to Shu Wanjuan; with legitimacy, the matter will be settled!"

Qiao Yi shook his head. "While the matter must be handled, Li Banfeng cannot be allowed to escape. Without him as a witness, certain matters would be difficult to explain clearly in the future."

Xie Gong frowned slightly. At such a critical juncture, how could one be so hesitant? Qiao Yi immediately issued orders for Li Banfeng to be pursued. Zhu Jin urgently advised, "We shouldn't divide our forces right now." He was right; all efforts should be concentrated on dealing with the Holy One.

Qiao Yi stated, "Only deploy the hidden forces from First City and Second City to pursue Li Banfeng. The soldiers of Triple City will focus all their might on encircling and eliminating the rebel!" As he was in command, Zhu Jin and Xie Gong could do nothing but acquiesce.

Qiao Yi, holding the edict, considered going to the teahouse but hesitated. The Holy One, leading his forces, had by now reached the vicinity of Hanmo Garden. Xie Gong grew anxious. "Brother, you can't hesitate any longer. Have you forgotten that the Holy One also clawed his way up from Puluo State?"

After much consideration, Qiao Yi took the edict and headed to the teahouse.

Li Banfeng swiftly ran towards the Second City gate. It was tightly shut, heavily guarded by soldiers atop the wall. Banfeng Zi reminded him, "Master Jia, Banfeng Yi mentioned just now that there are mechanisms within the city walls."

"Then I'll fly over!" Li Banfeng declared, employing the "Riding the Wind and Clouds" technique to soar into the sky. The soldiers on the city wall cranked their ballistas, sending hundreds of crossbow bolts hurtling towards Li Banfeng. Li Banfeng evaded, but the bolts pursued him through the air. He landed and sought cover behind a large rock, which was then struck by the arrows and shattered to pieces. Li Banfeng used "Carefree Freedom" to evade, and the crossbow bolts passed through his chest without inflicting any injury.

But to his surprise, the bolts flew a short distance, then curved back. They had been aimed at Li Banfeng when fired, and they would not stop until they struck their target! If such weaponry were brought to Puluo State, how many troops could possibly withstand a single ballista like this? With nowhere left to hide, Li Banfeng simply stopped dodging. Over a dozen ballistas targeted Li Banfeng, and arrows rained down.

Suddenly, a pavilion materialized, enveloping Li Banfeng. The arrows struck the pavilion, becoming trapped within its protective barrier, unable to break free. Dwelling and journey, though seemingly opposing, are inherently intertwined. Li Banfeng had used "Traveling a Thousand Mountains" to summon the Jadeite Pavilion. This was his dwelling, and though it only appeared for a fleeting moment, it was sufficient to shield Li Banfeng from a lethal blow.

The Jadeite Pavilion, laden with arrows, vanished. Li Banfeng sprang into the air again, preparing to clear the city wall, when a sudden, ominous chill coursed down his spine. He couldn't fly. There were other mechanisms on the city wall, specifically designed to counter those who could fly. Li Banfeng didn't know what kind of mechanism it was, but the chilling sensation confirmed that it had been triggered and its power was astounding.

What if he couldn't fly over? Should he try to force his way through the wall's mechanisms?

Li Banfeng was merely twenty or thirty paces from the city wall. He activated his "Clearing the Path" technique. A fissure ripped open in the city wall, and colorless, invisible, high-temperature, high-pressure steam surged forth. Li Banfeng activated his "Generous Heart" technique, charging forward through the steam, simultaneously engaging his "Single-Minded Pursuit" technique, causing his cultivation to surge. "Clearing the Path" intensified, and finally a passage opened in the city wall. Li Banfeng squeezed through it.

The city defenders pivoted their ballistas and continued to fire arrows. Li Banfeng seized two feathered arrows, planting one at his feet and another dozens of paces away. A travel cultivation technique: "Traversing a Hundred Paces." The feathered arrows pursued Li Banfeng, flying swiftly and persistently, yet they simply could not catch him. By the time the feathered arrows lost their potency and fell to the ground, Li Banfeng had long since vanished without a trace.

Having burst through the Second Gate, Li Banfeng assumed the remaining dangers lay within the First Gate. He was mistaken. Something else awaited him in Second City. The bronze horns that had previously lined the welcoming road were sounded once more.

Oooooom!

This single blast made every bone in Li Banfeng's body tremble. It was no illusion; if those bronze horns continued to blow, his bones would truly shatter. Without his wife by his side, Li Banfeng couldn't borrow her sound cultivation technique. He carried a few records, but playing them would be futile; their meager volume would be instantly overwhelmed by the bronze horns. "Generous Heart" and "Traveling a Thousand Mountains" could not be reused so soon. Without a dwelling nearby, "Closing the Doors" and "Expanding Territory" were also unavailable. Li Banfeng reviewed his techniques, but he truly couldn't conceive of any method to counter so many bronze horns.

Should he try the "Foolish Cultivation Technique"? With so many horns, which one would he even attempt to affect? The bronze horns' sound intensified, and Li Banfeng gritted his teeth, enduring the assault.

Suddenly, a steam whistle sounded in the distance, interspersed with a fragment of song.

"Across the plains, through mountains we speed, puffing smoke, with coal and water, we're on our way. Once the train runs, its power knows no bounds. Over bridges, through tunnels, iron wheels roll through treacherous passes. A thousand trials, a myriad dangers, we fear not, come wind or rain, through countless rivers we ride."

*The Train Ballad*!

Li Banfeng was overjoyed; Grandfather Train had arrived! The ballad, accompanied by the whistle, echoed, shattering the previously uniform sound of the bronze horns. Li Banfeng, relieved, ran as fast as he could, hearing Grandfather Train's voice. "Brother, slow down; I'll open the gate for you!"

He Jiaqing was still waiting near the First Gate. With too many defenders on the city wall, he hadn't found an opportunity to leave the city. Should he use the "Scaling Walls and Leaping Houses" technique to climb directly over the wall? No. If there were fewer people on the wall, he might attempt it, but with so many defenders, weapons, and mechanisms on Chaoge's city walls, if he left any trace while climbing, he'd be trapped atop the wall. What about climbing over the wall elsewhere, not near the city gate? That wouldn't work either. Chaoge's landscape was constantly shifting. Aside from the fixed city gates, mountains, rivers, and even buildings could change their positions. Although He Jiaqing had visited Chaoge and knew how to navigate its directions, if he were to lose the city gate — his most crucial reference point — and exit the city elsewhere, he might get lost. Having come this far, He Jiaqing was unwilling to risk it. He decided to wait patiently beneath the wall, knowing that no matter what transpired, the guards would eventually rotate shifts.

As He Jiaqing waited patiently, Grandfather Train's voice suddenly echoed in his ear. "What are you still waiting for?"

Why was he here again? He Jiaqing replied, "I'm waiting for a chance to exit the city."

Grandfather Train materialized beside He Jiaqing. "Now is a good opportunity. I'll draw the attention of the guards on the wall, and you go pry open the city gate!" As he spoke, Grandfather Train pulled a palm-sized, swallow-shaped kite from his robes and tossed it into the air. The kite soared, spreading its wings in mid-air. What was initially palm-sized rapidly transformed into a colossal entity, ten feet long and twenty feet wide. One kite became two, then two became twenty. These twenty kites swarmed onto the city wall, engaging the defenders in battle. Grandfather Train, holding over twenty kite strings, called out to He Jiaqing, "What are you standing around for? Quickly unlock it!"

He Jiaqing saw that the opportunity was indeed excellent. He used "Foot Concealment" to reach the city gate, where he unlocked the gate. He unbarred the outer gate. Just as he pushed it open, he heard Grandfather Train shout, "Brother, run!"

"Thank you, Senior!" He Jiaqing lifted his leg to run, only to see Grandfather Train already fleeing with Li Banfeng.

Was Grandfather Train calling Li Banfeng "brother" just now? When did he meet Grandfather Train? Was Grandfather Train already trapped in Neizhou before Li Banfeng came to Puluo State? Did Li Banfeng have previous ties to Puluo State? So Li Banfeng really came to Chaoge. Was it truly him who stole the contract from me earlier? He Jiaqing was filled with doubts, but now was not the time to ponder such matters. The kites on the city wall had vanished. He Jiaqing needed to escape quickly.

Li Banfeng burst through the city gate, only to find his path blocked by a group of white horses. The white horses lining the path were indeed more than just a ceremonial escort; they were armed. Though none were highly ranked, their sheer numbers could force a stalemate.

*Boom!* Li Banfeng had no time for a standoff. He activated "Breaking Ten Thousand Rivers," stomping forward, causing several white horses to collapse. A path cleared before him.

Grandfather Train sighed. "Brother, how did you learn these techniques? 'Breaking Ten Thousand Rivers' and 'Roving Horse Viewing Flowers' are cornerstone skills of our Daoist sect. Is *this* the extent of your mastery?" He truly wished he could demonstrate the full potential of "Breaking Ten Thousand Rivers" to Li Banfeng again, but unfortunately, this shadow was too far from his true form to possess such power.

Li Banfeng pursed his lips. "Brother, once we return to Puluo State, I'll properly refine my techniques with you."

"Puluo State..." Old Train hesitated, as if on the verge of speaking.

The two sped on, reaching the very edge of Chaoge. A mountain lay ahead. Once they crossed it, Li Banfeng would be out of Chaoge.

"Brother, take care."

Li Banfeng paused. "Brother, aren't you coming back with me?"

Grandfather Train's form began to fade. "Didn't your shadow tell you? I am but a shadow myself." Time was short, and Banfeng Zi had prioritized relaying only the most crucial memories to Li Banfeng. Some memories, Li Banfeng was only just beginning to process.

"Brother, tell me where you are!"

Grandfather Train chuckled. "No need to rush." He wouldn't say, fearing Li Banfeng might act recklessly. He feared this impetuous younger brother would refuse to leave. He had so much he wanted to tell his younger brother, but after a moment's pause, only a long steam whistle sounded. The pursuing white horses were startled by the whistle, temporarily hesitant to approach.

"Remember to seek out Second Mistress more often and properly learn shadow cultivation techniques," Grandfather Train said, raising an eyebrow at Li Banfeng with a smile before his form vanished.

Li Banfeng stood at the foot of the mountain, gazing into the distance for a moment before he too smiled. Grandfather Train was doing well!

"Brother, wait for me! I'll definitely rescue you!"

Li Banfeng crossed the mountain ridge and descended into the valley. The mountain peaks slowly converged, and the colossal worm closed its maw, vanishing into the deep sea.

Ten minutes later, He Jiaqing, battered and bruised from his skirmish with the white horses, finally reached the shore. Where was the entrance? Where was Sui'an Town? That untrustworthy woman abandoned me here!

Li Banfeng walked along the slick path, a persistent sense of unease gnawing at him. The environment here felt remarkably similar to Boundless City, yet there was a subtle, almost imperceptible difference.

"You're back."