Chapter 682: Autumn's Past

Qin Tianjiu emerged from the vault, holding the head of Shen Jinzhong, the Big Golden Seal.

He walked from the backyard to the main hall, his gaze sweeping over every gang disciple who watched him.

At the entrance to the main hall, he placed the head on the ground, scanning the ranks of people assembled in the courtyard.

Qin Tianjiu said little. He could offer many reasons for Shen Jinzhong's death, but at this moment, the reasons were irrelevant. What mattered was that Shen Jinzhong was dead.

"Don't form ranks; disperse," Qin Tianjiu calmly ordered. "Go make preparations. Set up a memorial hall, then buy some sheep. We'll treat everyone to hot pot mutton."

When Bao Yingchen died, Shen Jinzhong had also hosted a hot pot mutton feast. At that time, Li Qi had to find a way to use a cabbage figure to "borrow a corpse to revive the soul" and smooth things over.

That was no longer necessary.

With Li Qi's current power, Qin Tianjiu could legitimately deal with the situation.

After Shen Jinzhong was buried and the memorial hall dismantled, Qin Tianjiu sent out invitations, hosting a banquet for guests in the Golden Seal Hall.

The old Silver Seal, Yun Yongcheng, felt indignant and wanted to voice his complaints at the banquet.

He muttered repeatedly, "This isn't right. Qin Tianjiu has only been in the gang for a few years. How can he become the Big Golden Seal? He even killed Golden Seal Shen. Such a person won't be popular."

The Silver Seal Tan Jinle chuckled, "What do you consider 'popular'? Take a look at who's here today."

Ma Wu was there, Chu Er was there, and Lu Chunying was there.

Yun Yongcheng remained unconvinced: "These are all mere juniors! Their combined age isn't even as much as mine!"

Tan Jinle lowered his voice, "Any turtle you pull out of the fish pond behind our main hall is older than you. What's so special about being old? These young people can lead a family, and Ninth Master can certainly be the Big Golden Seal." Yun Yongcheng shook his head. "But Golden Seal Shen, he—"

Tan Jinle let out a short laugh. "What about Shen Jinzhong? Do you think he was wronged? How do you think he became the Big Golden Seal? Don't you have any idea? With you old folks in the gang constantly flattering and humoring him, he lost all sense of reality, truly believing himself to be important. He got to where he is today by relying on Li Qi, yet in an instant, he was ready to defect to He Jiaqing. Such a fool — if he doesn't die, who will?"

Yun Yongcheng sighed deeply, "Still, it shouldn't be Qin Tianjiu's turn—"

Tan Jinle rolled his eyes at Yun Yongcheng. "Old Yun, I'm only saying this because I believe you're still a decent person, and I want to help you save your life. If you truly think your life is too long, then I'll keep my distance from you. This outfit I'm wearing is newly made from Yu's Fabric Store; the material is expensive, and bloodstains are hard to wash out."

As they spoke, Li Banfeng entered the main hall. Qin Tianjiu quickly went to greet him, exchanged a few pleasantries, and the banquet immediately commenced.

After the meal, Qin Tianjiu assumed the title of Big Golden Seal, officially becoming the leader of the Three Heroes Gate.

Tan Jinle toasted the Big Golden Seal and was about to offer another toast to Seventh Master. But as he approached with his wine glass, he noticed Li Qi standing under the corridor, casually chatting with someone. This person, dressed in a white changshan, a white top hat, and holding a folding fan, appeared to be He Jiaqing.

It wasn't just an appearance; it truly was He Jiaqing.

How did he get here?

Who invited him?

Was he chatting with Li Qi?

He Jiaqing was indeed chatting with Li Banfeng. "I truly didn't expect Qin Tianjiu to send me an invitation. Did you tell him to do it?"

Li Banfeng nodded. "I was just being polite. I didn't expect you to be so thick-skinned as to actually show up."

"Even if it means sacrificing some dignity, I still have to show you respect. It's rare for us, brothers, to be this close and have a chance for a frank conversation." He Jiaqing smiled, a hint of genuine meaning in his jest.

He had successfully gotten close. At such a distance, if they were to engage in combat, the Thief Cultivators would have a significant advantage.

Li Banfeng chuckled, "Where do we speak frankly? To my face or behind my back?"

A chill ran down He Jiaqing's spine. The voice came from behind him, yet it was identical to Li Banfeng's.

Was the Li Banfeng in front of him real or an illusion?

And what was the origin of the Li Banfeng behind him?

"Banfeng, what level has your cultivation reached?"

Li Banfeng pondered for a moment. "That's difficult to gauge. When you entrusted me with the Red Lotus, what level did you believe I had attained then?"

He Jiaqing stroked the wine glass in his hand. "Regardless, I pointed you toward a good path, a better one than you'd find outside the state. Let's settle our past grievances another time. Could you release my third uncle first?"

Li Banfeng countered, "Can you agree not to harass Li Banling?"

He Jiaqing nodded. "I promise you, I will never harm your friends from outside the state again."

Li Banfeng then asked, "How much is your promise worth?"

"If you don't trust a mere promise, we can sign a formal contract." He Jiaqing had already prepared the document.

Li Banfeng read the contents of the contract; it seemed quite sincere.

He Jiaqing's proposal was that neither side should harm the other's relatives or friends in the future, nor use hostages as leverage.

Li Banfeng returned the contract to He Jiaqing. "I just checked the almanac today. It's not a suitable day for signing agreements. Let's discuss it another time."

He Jiaqing took the contract back. "Don't worry, I've written this agreement, and whether you sign it or not, I will adhere to its terms from now on. Let's talk business today. You took ten of my contracts; could you sell them back to me?"

Li Banfeng considered this. "It's not out of the question. Tell me your price first, then I'll check the almanac again to see if today is suitable for business."

He Jiaqing replied, "That depends on what you want—money, business, elixirs, magic artifacts. As long as there's a price, we can negotiate."

Li Banfeng said, "You propose a suitable price first."

He Jiaqing asked, "If I find it suitable, will you sell?"

Li Banfeng countered, "As long as you think it's suitable, I'll pay double to buy your remaining twenty contracts. What do you think of that deal?"

He Jiaqing raised his eyebrows, a smile still on his face. "Banfeng, as brothers, could you perhaps cut me some slack for once?"

"Of course!" Li Banfeng raised his wine glass. "The mutton today is excellent. Eating and drinking well isn't that comfortable enough?"

"On such a good day, do you really have to be so absolute?"

Li Banfeng chuckled. "If it weren't for this exceptionally good day, do you think you'd still be standing here talking to me?"

With that, Li Banfeng turned and walked away.

He Jiaqing left the Golden Seal Hall, fiddling with the buttons on his clothes. "The talks collapsed. Arrange personnel; prepare to head to the Dark Star Bureau."

After the banquet concluded, Li Banfeng returned to Xiaoyao Dock and took out the contracts that Li Banfeng Beta had brought back, examining them one by one.

Aside from Chu Yaohan's contract, Li Banfeng recognized none of the other names.

He copied down the list, planning to find an acquaintance another day for introductions.

Just as he put away the contracts, a knock sounded at the door. Li Banfeng opened it to find a person in a black suit and black top hat standing at the entrance.

Without a closer look, one might have mistaken them for a smaller version of Li Banfeng.

"Miss Chu Er, what brings you here?"

Chu Er rolled her eyes upwards, looking at Li Banfeng. "May I come in?"

Li Banfeng invited Chu Er inside.

Chu Er continued to roll her eyes, looking at Li Banfeng. "I heard you became a prince in Neizhou. Is that true or false?"

Li Banfeng pressed down on Chu Er's hat, covering her face. "It's true. What about it?"

Chu Er lifted the brim of her hat, gazing up at Li Banfeng. "It doesn't affect me. Whatever your status, to me, you're the same as always. I'm worried about your second aunt. She's getting on in years, and her temper is becoming increasingly eccentric. I don't think she's too pleased about you becoming a prince."

Li Banfeng pulled out a chair for Chu Er. "How could you tell she was unhappy?"

Chu Er explained, "She said that Shu Wanjuan and Shan Chengjun, after struggling for so many years in Neizhou, only managed to become marquises. But you, with your ability, went to Neizhou once and were immediately granted the title of prince."

Li Banfeng puffed out his chest. "Isn't that a compliment to me?"

Chu Er nodded. "I thought it was a compliment too. I even added that Li Qi clearly has the makings of someone who can achieve great things."

Li Banfeng was pleased. "What did your second aunt say?"

Chu Er's face crumpled in a wronged expression. "She didn't say anything, then she found an excuse to beat me up. She hit me really hard."

Li Banfeng rubbed his chin. "Surely not, she was that angry?"

Chu Er looked even more aggrieved. "I just told myself I was taking that beating for you; that's the only way I gritted my teeth and endured it."

Li Banfeng took out two Golden Yuan Pills and handed them to Chu Er. "You suffered on my behalf. Take these elixirs to replenish your strength."

"Who needs your elixirs? My family has all sorts of them!" she retorted, but still accepted the pills.

She was reluctant to consume them; she wanted to keep these elixirs.

Li Banfeng poured Chu Er a cup of tea. "What else did Granny Ku say?"

Chu Er recalled, "While hitting me, she kept repeating that those who can't endure hardship and only seek enjoyment will never amount to anything."

Li Banfeng sighed. "Why seek hardship when there is none? If I enjoy myself, does it displease her? She wants me to go to Bitter Vegetable Village. Forget it; I'm absolutely not going."

Chu Er then remembered something else. "She also said that if I follow you in the future, I'll have to be your servant and always kneel when I serve you. Will I really have to kneel?"

Li Banfeng frowned. "Nonsense! When have I ever made anyone kneel?"

Chu Er smiled triumphantly. "I knew she was just confused in her old age! I knew you weren't that kind of person!"

*Knock! Knock!*

A knock sounded from outside. Li Banfeng opened the door and saw Chu Shaoqiang kneeling at the entrance.

"Your humble subordinate greets Prince Pingyuan!"

Chu Er immediately covered her face.

Li Banfeng grabbed Chu Shaoqiang. "Get up!"

Chu Shaoqiang entered the room but remained standing, not daring to sit.

Chu Er's face flushed crimson. "Dad, I don't even know what to say to you—"

Chu Shaoqiang glared at Chu Er. "How dare you be so impudent in front of the Prince! Go outside and reflect on your behavior!"

Chu Er stormed out indignantly.

Chu Shaoqiang apologized again. "My unruly daughter is reckless; it's all due to my lack of proper discipline. Please forgive her, Your Highness."

Li Banfeng waved his hand. "Enough with these pleasantries. Get to the point!"

Chu Shaoqiang stated, "The Cabinet has appointed me General Pingyuan. Henceforth, I shall serve by Your Highness's side."

Li Banfeng was not satisfied with the answer. "What exactly do you mean by 'serve by your side'? Be more specific."

Chu Shaoqiang replied clearly and concisely, "I will serve you tirelessly, through any peril, at Your Highness's every command!"

The fact that he didn't foam at the mouth when saying these words proved his sincerity!

This time, Li Banfeng was satisfied. "So, from now on, you are officially one of my people!"

Chu Shaoqiang's cheeks flushed slightly. He turned to the door and said, "Huaiyuan, I'm finished speaking. You may now converse with His Highness."

Chu Huaiyuan entered. Just as Chu Shaoqiang was about to leave, Li Banfeng called him back.

"I have a list here. Can you tell me if you recognize any of these individuals?"

Chu Shaoqiang took the list and glanced at it. "Yes, I recognize them. These are all local earth gods of the New Land."

"Do they have any particular distinguishing features?"

Chu Shaoqiang examined it closely but couldn't discern any patterns.

Li Banfeng asked, "What is their attitude towards Neizhou?"

Chu Shaoqiang pointed to names on the list. "Shi Tiegu and I have a good personal relationship; he is intent on aligning with the imperial court. Gu Wuyan, however, holds a deep resentment toward the court, and I've had several disputes with him. These two have entirely opposite attitudes toward the imperial court. The others are ambiguous, with no particular distinguishing features."

Their common characteristic isn't here. Where else could it be?

Li Banfeng then asked, "What about their combat prowess?"

Chu Shaoqiang looked at the list repeatedly. "Cultivation levels are tricky to inquire about. From what I recall, three of them should be at Cloud Level Two, while the rest are at Cloud Level One. Their combat strengths vary significantly."

Li Banfeng frowned. "Is there truly nothing they have in common?"

Chu Shaoqiang thought for a long time.

Their Daoist paths varied: martial cultivators, literary cultivators, poison cultivators, cold cultivators, rhythm cultivators—there was no commonality there.

As for the duration of their service as local earth gods, some had served for a decade or so, others for over a century; the lengths varied.

In terms of temperament, some were gluttonous, some greedy for wealth, some lecherous, and some ascetic.

Unable to pinpoint anything, Chu Shaoqiang even considered their appearances: "Mei Aohan is handsome, Ye Qiushuang is also beautiful, Yu Qingcheng looks a bit unique, but it's hard to say what special characteristics the others have—"

Chu Er suddenly exclaimed, "I've seen it!"

Chu Shaoqiang frowned. "Don't interrupt carelessly. What good is having seen something? His Highness asked us to find their commonality."

Chu Er continued, "I saw Ye Qiushuang and Yu Qingcheng on the same day; they live very close to each other."

"Very close?" Chu Shaoqiang mused, suddenly recalling something.

He pulled a map from his sleeve and began marking locations one by one.

"Mei Aohan and Gu Wuyan's territories are connected, and so are Ye Qiushuang and Shi Tiegu's. The remaining plots, though not directly connected, are all very close."

Li Banfeng added Chu Yaohan's territory to the map. "What if we fill in the gaps with some more plots to connect them all?"

Chu Shaoqiang roughly outlined it. "Are these people forming an alliance? I'll go ask them another day."

Li Banfeng shook his head. "First, ask Chu Yaohan. Don't alarm the others."

Chu Er nodded. "Chu Yaohan is easy to approach; she's my aunt."

Chu Shaoqiang glared at Chu Er, then turned to Li Banfeng and said, "Chu Yaohan is a distant relative of our family—" As he said "relative," Chu Shaoqiang foamed at the mouth.

Li Banfeng frowned. "Shaoqiang, you're mistaken. That relative isn't *that* distant, is she?"

Chu Shaoqiang wiped the foam from his mouth and said to Li Banfeng, "I will handle the inquiry with Chu Yaohan, but there's something else I need Your Highness's help with."

"What is it?"

"It's about Bai Wuchuan." Chu Shaoqiang glanced at Chu Er.

Chu Er raised an eyebrow. "Why are you looking at me? He just danced at the Bailemen, without eating, drinking, or staying overnight. I have no idea what happened to him."

Chu Shaoqiang frowned. "Bai Wuchuan disappeared at the Bailemen. People are practically blockading your main entrance. Do you really think saying 'I don't know' will suffice?"

Chu Er was about to protest, but Li Banfeng interjected, "This matter originated with me. Huaiyuan was acting on my behalf, so I will handle it."

Chu Shaoqiang was indeed shrewd; though he hadn't been in Puluo State for many years, he saw things clearly.

The White Crane Gang was coming to the Bailemen every day demanding his return and had even contacted their Internal Master, Bai Wusong, to demand an explanation.

Bai Wusong arrived; it would have been unseemly for him not to. Chu Er was prepared, knowing Bai Wusong possessed considerable strength. She was ready for a fierce confrontation.

However, Bai Wusong didn't approach Chu Er; he went directly to Li Qi.

Li Qi had intended to try and persuade Bai Wusong, but to his surprise, Bai Wusong didn't need convincing. He saw the situation clearly.

"Wuchuan intended to harm Fifth Master and hand the Three Heroes Gate over to He Jiaqing. He brought this upon himself; it's already his good fortune that he didn't implicate the entire gang. My reason for coming to Seventh Master today is to request something else. This time, upon visiting the gang, I found that more than half of our halls have been taken over by He Jiaqing. Many of them have abandoned their own businesses to serve as He Jiaqing's enforcers. I want to reclaim these halls, but they refuse to listen to me at all. Many hall masters have accepted positions in the Brotherhood Alliance and rarely concern themselves with White Crane Gang affairs. If this continues, the White Crane Gang will cease to exist."

Li Banfeng was very familiar with this process; both the Azure Cloud Society and the Hundred Flowers Gate had met the same fate. Useful individuals were kept, useful items and valuable businesses were retained, while the remaining members were left in the hollow shell of the gang, left to fend for themselves.

Li Banfeng asked Bai Wusong, "How do you plan to handle this situation?"

Bai Wusong explained, "A few days ago, I sent a batch of new recruits from San Tou Cha, thinking they could help reform the White Crane Gang's culture. However, to my surprise, after less than a month here, all the new recruits joined the Brotherhood Alliance."

Li Banfeng said, "Bai Wuchuan introduced all of them to He Jiaqing. Now that he's gone, this trend should be reversible."

Bai Wusong shook his head. "It can't be reversed. In Green Water City, the White Crane Gang's reputation is utterly ruined. I want to move to a different place and re-establish our name."

"Have you chosen a new location?"

"Yes, I have. I plan to seek refuge with an old friend and want this friend to become the White Crane Gang's External Master."

"Which old friend?"

"Qiu Luoye, the local earth god of Seven Autumn City."

Li Banfeng smiled. "You want to establish the gang in Seven Autumn City?"

Bai Wusong nodded vigorously.

"That's easy enough. I'll go inform Brother Qiu."

Bai Wusong stopped Li Banfeng. "Seventh Master, this matter isn't so simple. Qiu Luoye has a long-standing feud with the White Crane Gang."

At home, Qiu Luoye was holding a pumpkin. He took a bite, gnawing off half, chewed it a few times, swallowed, then started scooping out the pumpkin pulp. He loved eating pumpkin, even swallowing the seeds along with the flesh.

Tiger entered the room and informed Qiu Luoye, "Seventh Master is here."

Qiu Luoye quickly put away all the pumpkins and laid out beef and mutton. In his haste, he choked on a pumpkin seed and coughed for quite a while.

When Li Banfeng entered, Qiu Luoye rose to greet him. Seeing the man in white beside Li Banfeng, Qiu Luoye burst into laughter. "Little Songzi, you've come too!"

Bai Wusong chuckled, "Brother Qiu, it's been many years."

"Quickly, sit down and have a cup of hot wine!" Qiu Luoye urged, ushering them to sit. He picked up a piece of beef, took a symbolic bite, and then drank with them.

After the pleasantries, they turned to business. Qiu Luoye asked Li Qi, "Old Seven, you still remember how to come home, eh? Why did you bring Little Songzi with you? Did something happen?"

Bai Wusong looked at Li Qi, who gave a slight nod.

He explained the situation, and Qiu Luoye set his wine cup down.

"Little Songzi, I acknowledge our friendship. If you ever feel bored in the future, come to my place for food, drink, and entertainment, and I'll keep you company. But the matter of the White Crane Gang is not to be mentioned again."

Bai Wusong found himself unable to speak, so he could only look to Li Qi for help.

Li Banfeng said, "Brother Qiu, the White Crane Gang intends to undergo a complete transformation this time—"

Qiu Luoye waved his hand. "I don't care about their transformation. Ask him how the White Crane Gang treated me back then, and how they still have the nerve to approach me today."

Li Banfeng said, "I asked, but he won't tell me!"

Bai Wusong lowered his head in silence, while Qiu Luoye sneered repeatedly.

*Gurgle, gurgle.*

Shui Yongquan emerged from the wine jar and sat beside Li Banfeng. "Old Seven, there's a crazy old woman named A Yi. She rarely shows herself, so you might not know her."

Li Banfeng nodded. "I know her. A Yi is a prominent figure; I've met her before."

Qiu Luoye frowned. "Don't speak of this matter!"

Shui Yongquan smacked his lips. "Old Qiu, you're in the wrong here. You brought up old grievances with Old Seven, but you're not explaining the full story? What if this damages harmony? Old Seven, back then, that crazy old woman A Yi wanted to annihilate the White Crane Gang. Not a single member could resist her. Qiu Daxiang, being acquainted with A Yi, interceded on behalf of the White Crane Gang, which is how they were saved."

Li Banfeng looked surprised. "Brother Qiu could save the White Crane Gang with just a word? Does Brother Qiu have that much influence?"

Shui Yongquan chuckled, "Influence alone isn't enough; it required true commitment. Qiu Daxiang was A Yi's 'wife' for three years!"

The room fell silent for a long moment.

Qiu Luoye roared in anger and lunged at Shui Yongquan.

Shui Yongquan quickly dived back into the wine jar. It took considerable effort from both Li Banfeng and Bai Wusong to calm Qiu Luoye down.

Li Banfeng knew A Yi's demanding nature towards her 'wives,' and understood the deep heartache associated with this situation. He looked at Bai Wusong and said, "That's no small favor."

Bai Wusong nodded. "I know. I've always wanted to repay that kindness, but at the time, my position in the White Crane Gang was too humble; I had no authority to speak."

"Little Songzi, that matter is in the past. I never blamed you." Qiu Luoye's eyes were a little red, as recalling those three years still made him feel wronged.

Li Banfeng asked Bai Wusong, "What I don't understand is why, afterwards, when Brother Qiu sought your help, you didn't offer a hand?"

Bai Wusong remained silent, and Qiu Luoye waved his hand. "Don't ask any more."

*Gurgle, gurgle!*

Shui Yongquan emerged from the