Chapter 710: New Rule Ascends the Throne

"Are you saying there's an issue with a recent batch of new territories created by the Shang Kingdom?" Zuo Anna once again confirmed the accuracy of the information with Dabo Yinss.

Dabo Yinss nodded and said, "It's an inference."

"What exactly is the problem?"

Dabo Yinss shook his head. "As I said, I don't know. All I can tell you is that the number of cultivated plots in these new territories is unusually high, and Qiao Yi's stay in Haocheng has been longer than usual."

Zuo Anna didn't know how to evaluate such intelligence. "You've only observed abnormal phenomena and drawn a conclusion without substantial results. I'm not sure how valuable this information is."

Dabo Yinss had no intention of offering any explanations or expanding on the existing information. "All I need to do is tell you what I know. You must determine its value yourself."

Zuo Anna summarized the recent messages she had received and relayed them to He Jiaqing.

He Jiaqing was very interested in the information provided by Dabo Yinss. "Although the information is limited, I have a feeling something big is about to happen. Is there any news from Wenyuan Pavilion?"

Zuo Anna replied, "Chaoge has intensified its vigilance around Wenyuan Pavilion; the number of guards is three times the usual."

He Jiaqing offered his first deduction. "This proves that the contracts are still hidden in Wenyuan Pavilion. For some reason, these contracts cannot leave Wenyuan Pavilion. Of course, have you decided on a price? Please finalize the personnel and list; I should also start formulating an action plan."

Zuo Anna felt that He Jiaqing hadn't finished speaking. "Do you have any other inferences?"

He Jiaqing shook his head. "Not yet. I'll investigate the new territories, but don't tell anyone about this before I have the results, to avoid alerting them."

The two discussed a few more things, and then He Jiaqing stood up to leave, reminding her one last time before he departed, "Under no circumstances should you tell anyone about this."

Zuo Anna had initially been confident in her judgment, always believing that the information provided by Dabo Yinss held little value. However, after hearing He Jiaqing's words, she began to doubt herself.

Could there truly be a major crisis approaching that she hadn't yet discovered?

At the very least, she had to inform Cui Tik.

Cui Tik was on Knife Ghost Ridge, recording the changes in the Blade Spirits. They still held rituals daily.

They had also built a statue for Li Qi and designed new dance movements for him periodically.

However, the Blade Spirits loyal to Cui Tik clearly lacked innovation in this regard. Their handling of rituals was perfunctory, and their interactions with Cui Tik became increasingly casual.

At breakfast, Cui Tik complained that the porridge was terrible, and the Blade Spirit responsible for cooking threw down the spoon and left.

What kind of attitude was that?

Cui Tik wrote in his diary, "This must be the difference between divinity and humanity. I'm still too human."

The quill trembled, and a bloodstain appeared on its shaft.

Cui Tik sniffed the blood and wrote on the paper with the quill, "Sister, what do you need me for?"

The quill left Cui Tik's hand and swiftly wrote a message on the paper.

Zuo Anna informed Cui Tik of Dabo Yinss's investigation results.

Cui Tik read it carefully but didn't understand what Zuo Anna was trying to convey.

Was the abnormality in the new territories related to quantity or people?

By telling me this, what kind of problem does she expect me to solve?

Cui Tik exchanged a few more words with Zuo Anna, but she didn't provide more valuable information, only cautioning him to be careful.

Cui Tik responded on the paper, "I don't have the ability to investigate the new territories, and very few people in Pruro Province possess such a capability. I will consider seeking help from others."

Putting down the quill, Cui Tik thought of several names, only to dismiss them one by one.

Among the people he knew, it seemed no one possessed the ability to investigate new territories except for the peddler.

Back in Greenwater City, He Jiaqing summoned Shen Rongqing, Duan Shuqun, and Da Tou, instructing them to gather personnel to investigate the new territories added to Pruro Province three days prior.

Duan Shuqun pondered for a moment. "Jiaqing, 'three days prior' might be difficult to pinpoint, right?"

Da Tou saw no issue. "Isn't 'three days' a clear timeframe?"

Duan Shuqun explained, "Brother, you're not familiar enough with Pruro Province. New territories from three days ago are indistinguishable from those created thirty, fifty, or eighty days ago."

Da Tou looked bewildered, unsure if he genuinely didn't understand or was pretending not to.

Shen Rongqing clarified, "When new territories enter Pruro Province, they essentially look the same for the first year: no grass, no trees, no birds or beasts—just barren land. It's very difficult to determine when they were created."

Da Tou disagreed. "When Inner Province creates new territories, they surely appoint local deities. These newly appointed deities can distinguish their own domains, so we must also have a way to differentiate."

Duan Shuqun said, "They can identify the locations of their domains through Inner Province's intelligence network. If a new piece of land appears between two local deities' territories, they'll certainly notice and then inform Inner Province."

Da Tou suggested, "Then we should also go and inquire with the local deities."

Duan Shuqun remained silent, as some things were better left unsaid to avoid causing friction.

Shen Rongqing didn't spare Da Tou's feelings. "Who do you think you are? Why would a local deity meet with you?"

Da Tou indeed didn't think much of local deities, as he himself had just become one.

He Jiaqing waved his hand, signaling everyone to stop arguing. "Quickly dispatch people to investigate. Call all our available personnel, and remember, maintain strict confidentiality; do not let this news spread."

Duan Shuqun was speechless for a while, and Shen Rongqing left the office expressionless.

After gathering the personnel, Duan Shuqun asked Shen Rongqing, "How exactly are we supposed to do this job? We've called so many people, yet we're not allowed to spread the news?"

Shen Rongqing shook her head. "I don't understand, and I don't want to. Let Da Tou do it. Isn't he capable?"

Da Tou, indeed, didn't hesitate. He took the Hand-Foot Alliance members himself to the new territories to gather information.

Duan Shuqun was right; this matter couldn't be kept secret. Just two days later, Ma Wu received news: "He Jiaqing is investigating newly formed territories. What is he up to?" Ma Wu found it suspicious and wanted to inform Li Qi immediately, but Li Qi was unreachable.

Ma Wu discussed it with Feng Daiku. Feng Daiku thought about previous incidents. "I suspect He Jiaqing wants to steal contracts again, and this time, he's targeting newly appointed local deities."

"Should we get involved in this?" Ma Wu hesitated.

Feng Daiku considered it carefully. "If he's merely investigating, we shouldn't intervene. Some cultivators constantly explore new territories, and Pruro Province's maps are updated by them. This isn't a bad thing, nor does it violate any rules. We should just continue to wait for more information."

After two more days, Ma Wu indeed received news, not from He Jiaqing, but delivered by someone sent by Cui Tik.

"Cui Tik says there's an anomaly with the newly formed territories, and it's related to Inner Province. I think we must tell Old Seven about this." Ma Wu increasingly felt that the matter was not simple.

Feng Daiku was also concerned. "We still can't reach Li Qi. I'll keep an eye on the peddler's movements and find an opportunity to tell him about it."

Before they could find the peddler, Ma Junjiang showed up at their door. "Old Five, Dad told me to let you know that our great-uncle is back. He's now the local deity of the new territories, and he's inviting our whole family to help clear the land.

If you're still a Ma family member, come home with me and take care of this most important Ma family affair."

Ma Wu's great-uncle, Ma Chenxing, was once a nine-level martial cultivator. More than half of the Ma family's fortune was established by him. Ma Chenxing had no children, and in his later years, he passed on the family business to Ma Chunting. Though they were uncle and nephew, Ma Chunting always regarded Ma Chenxing as a father. Therefore, in Ma Chunting's eyes, this was the Ma family's most significant undertaking.

In Ma Wu's memory, Ma Chenxing had died without illness back then. Could he, like Chu Shaoqiang, have reached the tenth level in Inner Province?

Cui Tik said there was an anomaly with the new territories. Could he be referring to Ma Chenxing's return?

Ma Wu did not agree to this. Ma Junjiang sighed, "Old Five, I know you still resent Dad. When you became a local deity, Dad didn't help much. I'll go back and talk to Dad about this. It really can't be blamed on you."

Ma Wu told Ma Junjiang not to be so absolute; he wanted to use this opportunity to investigate the full story.

Feng Daiku reminded Ma Wu, "Junyang, whatever you do, don't get involved before the peddler knows about this."

Ma Chunting had a dark green satin, diagonally fastened robe custom-made at Yu's Cloth Shop. It featured a three-layered 'Three Treasures' collar, adorned with fifty-three rows of lines, and embroidered with cloud patterns using fine needlework. The long front extended to the instep of his shoes, perfectly tailored from head to toe, showing no restraint or excess fabric. Connoisseurs could tell it was top-tier craftsmanship among traditional Pruro Province attire.

After tidying his clothes and neatly trimming his beard and hair, Ma Chunting led his entire family out of the Ma family residence.

Ma Junjiang stood by the gate, secretly admiring the old man's aura today, which truly captured some of the former grandeur of the Ma family patriarch.

Ma Chunting waved his cane, signaling Ma Junjiang not to block the way. There must be many reporters waiting for interviews, and Ma Chunting had already prepared his speech, intending to say a few words shortly.

Ma Junjiang quickly moved aside. Ma Chunting looked around for a long time but didn't see a single reporter.

He glared at Ma Junjiang. How was this arranged?

This was indeed not Ma Junjiang's fault; he had informed the newspapers long ago, but they hadn't shown up.

Ma Chunting was furious. "That brat Junyang has truly made an enemy of me! He doesn't come himself, nor does he let the newspapers come! Our Ma family is opening up a ten-mile territory this time; this is a groundbreaking event. I refuse to believe there won't be news in tomorrow's papers!"

Ma Junjiang dared not speak. In truth, this wasn't Ma Wu's fault either; Ma Wu hadn't said anything about not allowing the newspapers to come. It was the newspapers themselves who didn't consider the news significant.

A decade or more ago, reclaiming a ten-mile territory would undoubtedly have been huge news, especially since even the Lu and Chu families combined had failed to do so back then.

However, in the past year or so, Li Qi had frequently acted on new territories, making the reclamation of ten-mile territories commonplace. Major newspapers were not in the mood to sensationalize it, merely intending to report the results once the reclamation was successful.

Ma Chunting watched as the carriage, carrying over a hundred people, headed towards the new territory. Upon reaching the boundary, they performed a sacrificial ritual, and immediately, there was a response.

That evening, Ma Chenxing personally sought out Ma Chunting. "Chunting, are you still in charge of family affairs?"

Ma Chunting, bowing low and with his head down, respectfully replied, "I am in charge, but Old Five's business has grown so large that I can barely keep him in check."

Ma Chenxing smiled. "I heard about Junyang. He followed Prince Pingyuan and accomplished great things; this is an honor for our Ma family. Another day, inform him that I miss him. It's fine if he doesn't want to come clear the land, as long as he comes to see me."

These words brought tears to Ma Chunting's eyes. "That beast Junyang has disheartened you, respected elder. I'll tie him up and bring him here if I have to."

Ma Chenxing shook his head. "Don't speak of these things for now. You must prepare thoroughly for tomorrow's land clearing. A ten-mile territory is no small matter. Even if I wish to look after our family, I cannot overstep the bounds and violate my duty as a subject!"

Hearing this, Ma Chunting wiped away his tears, knelt on the ground, and bowed his head with a resounding thud. "Father, your kindness to me is as heavy as a mountain."

Ma Chenxing stepped aside. "My child, you cannot bow to me like this."

Ma Chunting felt a bit awkward too, as they weren't biological father and son.

But Ma Chenxing's next words made Ma Chunting's tears fall once more. "My child, this bow must be for Chaoge. Our Ma family can never repay this immense kindness, not for generations!"

Ma Chenxing and Ma Chunting, tears streaming down their faces, knelt on the ground and bowed several times. After rising, Ma Chenxing spoke of two important matters:

First, he had arranged a path for Ma Chunting. After Ma Chunting ascended to the tenth level, he could smoothly continue his cultivation in Chaoge, and his path would certainly not be too difficult.

Second, the land reclamation needed to be expedited, and more personnel were required, striving to transform this new territory into established land within half a year.

This was not something easily achieved with a few words. Land reclamation required capital. When Qiqiu City was first opened,

even Ma Wu found it financially tight. To truly open up an entire new territory, depleting all of Ma Chunting's old savings might not even be enough.

Ma Chenxing offered a suggestion: "First, rely on our family's ancestral assets. If the expenses become unmanageable, then ask Junyang for help."

The two settled on their plan. The next day, preparations began, and three days later, the ten-mile territory was successfully developed, and the news spread.

Shen Rongqing reported the news to He Jiaqing. "Jiaqing, I think this is the new territory we've been looking for.

Ma Chenxing clearly came with a mission from Inner Province; he intends to use the Ma family's financial resources to transform this new territory into established land."

He Jiaqing offered no comment, only stating, "I saw this in the newspaper. You don't need to worry about Ma Chenxing; continue investigating the new territories."

Shen Rongqing didn't understand. "Investigate what else?"

He Jiaqing frowned. "Investigate the new territories I asked you to find."

Shen Rongqing left. In the afternoon, Duan Shuqun came again. "Jiaqing, I think the matter with Ma Chenxing is confirmed. If you want to take his territory, just eliminate him. For someone like him, if he dies by your hand,

the peddler won't blame you."

He Jiaqing sighed. "Rongqing is confused because she's experienced too little. But how could even you be confused? Can Ma Chenxing truly transform new territories into established land by leveraging the Ma family?"

Duan Shuqun calculated. "That depends on whether Ma Wu is still considered a Ma family member. If Ma Wu is willing to help, the financial resources would indeed be sufficient."

He Jiaqing grew impatient. "What are you talking about, financial resources? This isn't about money. If it were that simple, would Chu Shaoqiang's situation be so dire?

Ma Chenxing wouldn't be able to accomplish this, nor would Inner Province send him out for such a major undertaking. He's a scapegoat released by Inner Province. How could you fall for it? Go back to your real duties."

Duan Shuqun was filled with indignation, but upon reflection, He Jiaqing's words made sense. Ma Chenxing had caused such a stir that no conspiracy could be discerned from his actions.

What exactly was Inner Province's scheme?

He Jiaqing continued to investigate the new territories, while Ma Wu kept inquiring about the peddler's whereabouts. After several days of waiting without news from the peddler, Feng Daiku brought news from Luo Lijun.

"Luo Lijun wants to see Li Qi and insists on meeting him today."

Ma Wu laughed in exasperation. "I also want to see Old Seven. Is he someone you can just 'see' whenever you want? What does she want?"

"She says she must discuss this matter with Li Qi in person."

Ma Wu truly didn't believe it. "I'll go find her right now and see if she talks."

Upon arriving at the Soda Kiln, Luo Lijun initially remained stubborn and refused to speak. Ma Wu had Feng Daiku close the main gate, then he negotiated with Luo Lijun alone for over two hours. Finally, Luo Lijun revealed, "Qiao Yi has invited the New Monarch back to Chaoge to preside over the government."

Hearing this, Ma Wu was stunned.

It wasn't panic, but rather confusion. The New Monarch of the Shang Kingdom had been established by Li Banfeng, and Ma Wu had only assisted, not participating in many of the crucial details. He didn't even know where the New Monarch currently was.

Qiao Yi was pressing hard, and Luo Lijun's side had to give an answer. But with Li Qi unreachable, who could make the decision?

Only one person could make the decision: Qiu Zhiheng.

Ma Wu took Luo Lijun to San Tou Cha and found Qiu Zhiheng.

Qiu Zhiheng knew the full story and the New Monarch's location.

After hearing Ma Wu's description and learning that Li Qi was unreachable, Qiu Zhiheng made an immediate decision. "Tell Qiao Yi that the New Monarch is still on patrol and it's not appropriate for him to return to Chaoge at this time."

"So, you're refusing?" Luo Lijun's expression became somewhat displeased.

"Yes, we refuse!" Qiu Zhiheng's expression was even more grim than hers.

Allowing Juanzi and the others to go to Chaoge now would either make them puppets in Qiao Yi's hands or lead to their needless demise.

Qiu Zhiheng's stance was firm, and Luo Lijun couldn't persuade him, so she could only relay the message to Qiao Yi.

Qiao Yi had already anticipated this outcome. He immediately sent a reply to Luo Lijun: it was acceptable for the New Monarch not to return to Chaoge, but Qiao Yi would come to San Tou Cha to meet the monarch and report on state affairs.

Luo Lijun returned to San Tou Cha to find Qiu Zhiheng. This put Qiu Zhiheng in a difficult position; he had no suitable excuse to parry. Qiao Yi's reasoning was sound; as a minister, seeking an audience with the New Monarch to report on state affairs was inherently unobjectionable.

"This old scoundrel is truly troublesome!" Unable to devise a plan, Qiu Zhiheng called in Tan Jinxiao and Luo Zhengnan to discuss countermeasures.

Luo Zhengnan also had no counter-strategy. "How about this, Master Qiu? You find a way to stall for time, and I'll try to contact Master Seven every day. Once we find Master Seven, we can deal with Qiao Yi."

Qiu Zhiheng said, "I also want to stall, but the key is to find a suitable excuse."

"Any excuse will be useless!" Tan Jinxiao exclaimed. "I say, both of you, you know too little about Inner Province. This matter cannot be stalled. That old geezer Qiao Yi said he's coming, and he could arrive at any moment, maybe even tomorrow!"

Qiu Zhiheng frowned. "He shouldn't dare, should he? He's a pure-blooded Inner Province native. If he doesn't have permission,

and dares to step foot into Pruro Province, he'd be breaking the rules, and the peddler wouldn't let him off."

Tan Jinxiao slapped his thigh. "Master Qiu is right, we absolutely cannot let him off!

Master Luo, you find a way to locate the peddler. Whatever it takes, you must bring him here.

Master Qiu, let's gather our best fighters. Anyone who can fight, get ready. If that bastard dares to come, he mustn't leave alive! If we can handle him, we'll kill him ourselves. If not, we'll wait for the peddler to arrive and then kill him!"

Qiu Zhiheng said nothing.

Luo Zhengnan said, "Master Tan, if we do this, we'll be completely at odds."

Tan Jinxiao gritted his teeth. "What's wrong with being at odds? Do we need to save face for someone from Inner Province?"

Luo Zhengnan advised, "Master Tan, let's not speak in anger. The key is, if Qiao Yi truly comes, he'll surely have masters with him. I fear we won't be able to defeat him."

Tan Jinxiao's voice grew louder and louder. "That's why I'm telling you to find the peddler! I'm risking my life today.

We'll stall for as long as we can. When the peddler arrives, we'll leave no one alive and rip off all their heads!"

Luo Zhengnan couldn't dissuade him and turned to look at Qiu Zhiheng.

Tan Jinxiao also looked at Qiu Zhiheng, knowing he ultimately had to make the decision.

Qiu Zhiheng pondered for a long time before setting his plan. "Master Luo, find the peddler as quickly as possible. This matter is of great importance and the peddler must be informed.

During this time, we must also try to contact Old Seven. As long as we can stall, it's best to let Old Seven make the decision.

Master Tan also makes a good point; this matter might not be stallable. If Qiao Yi comes uninvited, we must be prepared for battle.

First, let Juanzi put on a grand display, showcasing the New Monarch's prestige to awe Qiao Yi and his group. Then, we'll finalize our deployment. If we have to fight, we must seize the initiative.

Bulb also invited a master, who is staying with Juanzi's group. As long as we are well-prepared, this battle might not be unwinnable."

Tan Jinxiao grew excited, rubbing his hands together. "This is the right path! Master Qiu, if I may ask, what is the background of that master?"

Qiu Zhiheng shook his head. "That senior isn't willing to reveal their identity, but Bulb says they are an extraordinary master, unfathomably profound."

Tan Jinxiao was a little skeptical. "That brother Bulb is too handsome. People who look that good aren't always truthful."

Qiu Zhiheng was also uneasy. "I'll go visit that master and check on Juanzi and the others. We don't want the situation to become uncontrollable then, making things difficult to handle."

That afternoon, Qiu Zhiheng went to Juanzi's residence. Upon meeting Bulb, he first inquired about the senior.

"The senior is currently in meditation and is not convenient for visitors." As he spoke, Bulb lowered his head, his fair cheeks turning crimson.

Qiu Zhiheng looked at Bulb, who didn't seem like someone who would lie. He decided not to disturb the senior for now.

He was about to go check on Juanzi when Xiao Yeci stopped him.

"Brother Qiu, Juanzi and the others are sick, they can't get out of bed. It's better not to go see them."

As she spoke, Xiao Yeci's face also turned red, and she avoided Qiu Zhiheng's gaze. Seeing Xiao Yeci's evasiveness, Qiu Zhiheng concluded that something was definitely amiss!

Ignoring Xiao Yeci's attempts to stop him, he went directly into Juanzi's room and found Juanzi lying in bed, tightly wrapped in a blanket, her face covered in sweat.

Not only was her face sweaty, but Mengzi's and Xiaoshan's faces were also drenched in sweat.

Qiu Zhiheng walked to the bedside and asked, "Juanzi, I heard from Miss Xiao that you're sick. Have you seen a doctor? What kind of illness is it?"

Juanzi softly replied, "It's typhoid."

"Typhoid causes this much sweat?"

Xiaoshan replied, "It's night sweats."

Qiu Zhiheng ran a pharmacy and understood pharmacology, possessing some medical knowledge. Looking at Juanzi and the others, their condition didn't resemble typhoid at all.

"What exactly is going on?" Qiu Zhiheng looked at Mengzi. Mengzi was a straightforward person who wasn't good at lying, so he turned his face away and remained silent.

The blanket was lumpy, likely hiding something. Qiu Zhiheng's eyebrows shot up, and he pulled back the blanket.

What he uncovered stunned him.

Three people were lying under the blanket.

Mengzi stood up first, followed by Juanzi, and finally Xiaoshan.

Qiu Zhiheng pursed his lips and slowly asked, "How did you... separate?"

Xiaoshan dared not speak, Juanzi remained silent, but Mengzi couldn't help but speak up. "Brother Qiu, it's not our fault.

A few days ago, a master came and kept telling us to practice 'sliding cultivation.' We didn't know what 'sliding cultivation' was, but we followed him and learned every day. As we practiced, the three of us just... slid apart."