Chapter 729: Withering Technique and Thirteen Blades

"Li Qi, you don't know how deeply entrenched this old man is in the Shang Kingdom. Moving one thing would affect everything. If you want to gain a foothold in the Shang Kingdom, you absolutely must not touch me!"

"Brother Yu, if you had told me you were so deeply entrenched, I wouldn't have hanged you. I would have buried you alive."

"This old man possesses innumerable assets. Just spare my life, and they will all be yours!"

"Brother Yu, you underestimate me. Even if I don't spare your life, those assets will still be mine!"

Li Banfeng hanged Yu Yunqiu outside the imperial city gates. His wife seized the opportunity to collect Yu Yunqiu's soul.

Yu Yunqiu's body could not be sent home yet; it had to be displayed there for many people to see.

Returning to the imperial city, Li Banfeng and Ba Suan calculated Ao Shuangqian's escape route. His wife then shielded the palace and said to Li Banfeng, "Projector has a problem. He can now refine elixirs."

Li Banfeng couldn't help but exclaim, "A-Ji's art has finally bloomed! When Glove asked me for the key, he mentioned finding an elixir, and I thought he had just picked it up."

Glove waggled his index finger. "Master, Projector truly refined it himself, and the quality is quite good."

Li Banfeng nodded. "Since A-Ji refined it himself, then he should eat it himself."

Glove praised him, "Master is truly generous!"

His wife seemed a little helpless, unsure if Li Banfeng was joking or serious. "It's not about who eats it; it's the fact that Projector can refine elixirs, which defies all logic."

Li Banfeng disagreed. "Projector's 'Wither' technique has always been somewhat similar to how Red Lotus eats."

Zhao Xiaowan had never noticed this. She knew Projector possessed the 'Wither' technique, but she rarely saw him use it.

Li Banfeng, however, had seen it often. "Actually, I've long suspected he could refine elixirs; it's just that this particular elixir emerged a bit late."

Glove pondered this. "That's true. This kid has eaten plenty of good things, so why did he only spit out one elixir?"

Li Banfeng offered an explanation. "It's not possible for Projector to use everything he eats for alchemy. He needs to grow too. This time, he simply ate too much, which is why an elixir came out."

Glove nodded. "Master is right. Living under one roof, who doesn't have a little self-interest? As the saying goes, 'If the cook doesn't steal, the harvest won't be gathered!'"

The two brothers burst into laughter. Zhao Xiaowan interjected, "Then let's carefully calculate just how much the cook stole."

Li Banfeng waved his hand. "Let's not dwell on that. How much could our A-Ji possibly steal?"

Glove chimed in, "Master is right. We're all family; we don't care about such things."

"My dear husband," his wife said, "I wasn't talking about A-Ji."

Glove stopped laughing. "Madam must be talking about Red Lotus, then. She's been sneaking food for years; it must add up to a lot."

Li Banfeng's expression turned serious. "Now that you mention it, Red Lotus eats so much, and she really has gained a lot of weight over the years."

Glove asked earnestly, "Has she really gained weight? I certainly haven't touched her!"

Li Banfeng thought carefully. "I think she has. When I carried her from Outer State to Prosa State back then, I could barely lift her now!"

Glove and Li Banfeng laughed together again.

After their laughter subsided, both men grew serious once more. Li Banfeng asked, "Did Projector learn his 'Wither' technique from Red Lotus?"

Glove stood before Li Banfeng, wagging his index finger. "Master, Projector developed his 'Wither' technique himself. I can vouch for him on this. He was quite angry once because he missed a meal, and he spent every day in the Fifth Chamber with Fifth Maiden pondering techniques. There was indeed a slight rift between him and you, Master. But if you're suggesting he secretly colluded with Red Lotus behind your back over this, I don't believe it. There's no one like that among us brothers!"

Glove's words were reasonable, and Li Banfeng trusted Projector. However, his wife couldn't let this matter go.

Red Lotus's refinement ability was coveted by everyone in the world. If Projector could independently discover such a powerful technique, then Red Lotus's value wouldn't be so high.

Zhao Xiaowan knew Li Banfeng never suspected those close to him, so she found it difficult to speak too directly. She decided to keep her thoughts to herself for now.

Li Banfeng was still discussing with Glove how to find Ao Shuangqian. Glove pulled out a cage. "Master, this is a good item. Although I don't know how to use it, I can see its value. Such a valuable item certainly isn't carried by an ordinary person. If you can make him speak, you might find Ao Shuangqian's whereabouts."

Li Banfeng praised him, "Brother, I always trust you to get things done. This horse looks a bit familiar."

His wife said, "It is familiar. That's the horse that set fire to the great hall that night!"

"What a find!" Li Banfeng chuckled. "We must take it back and interrogate it thoroughly."

Just as Li Banfeng was about to take the cage back to his residence, his companion, Banfengzi, quietly burrowed under his feet.

He presented everything he had seen and heard, scene by scene, to Li Banfeng.

Li Banfeng put down the cage and looked at Zhao Xiaowan with a serious expression. "Madam, where is Fifth Maiden?"

Phonograph replied, "She's ambushed near the shipyard. I sent her there. She's meticulous and has good eyesight. Did she catch Ao Shuangqian?"

Li Banfeng nodded. "Yes, she caught him."

His wife asked, "Is he alive? A corpse would also suffice. Ao Shuangqian, like Yu Yunqiu, can cause quite a stir in Xuandu."

"Whether he's alive or not, it's hard to say. There's definitely no corpse left," Li Banfeng glanced at Projector and then said to Zhao Xiaowan, "Madam, if Fifth Maiden has also learned the 'Wither' technique, would you believe it?"

Glove was stunned. This was easy to explain. "He was indeed researching the technique with Fifth Maiden at the time, but she shouldn't have taught him this technique..."

His wife wasn't surprised at all; some things were slowly connecting. "My dear husband, don't mention this matter. When we get home, act as if nothing happened, and let me handle it."

Li Banfeng said, "All household matters are entrusted to you, Madam. But I still need to inquire about external affairs. The origin of this 'Brotherhood Alliance' is quite intriguing. If He Jiaqing is merely a member of the Brotherhood Alliance, then who is its true leader?"

He Jiaqing had just finished his shift, left Wenyuan Pavilion, and looked for a place to rest.

For days, he had stayed in Wenyuan Pavilion, changing identities several times, and daily joining the guards on duty, all to steal the deed.

The deed was hidden in an unnamed place. He Jiaqing had been there twice and was very familiar with the route, but the lock on the door had been changed, and He Jiaqing couldn't open it no matter what.

This was to be expected. He Jiaqing had already tried to steal it twice; if Qiao Yi didn't replace it with a better lock, it would truly be a joke.

But no matter how good the lock was, He Jiaqing intended to steal what he wanted.

He decided to go all in and simply moved into Wenyuan Pavilion.

Although the unnamed place couldn't be opened, the personnel on duty inside would surely rotate shifts. He could seize the opportunity to sneak in during a shift change.

However, after waiting for so many days, he hadn't seen anyone change shifts. Could it be that there was no one on duty inside the unnamed place anymore?

Perhaps it wasn't a person on duty, but something else.

He Jiaqing continued to wait. The imperial court couldn't possibly neglect these deeds; they would surely send someone to inspect them.

His guess was correct. Qiao Yi did want to send someone to inspect the deeds. He still owed Li Banfeng ten pairs of deeds, and if they weren't returned within ten days, he would have to add an extra pair.

But these deeds needed to be carefully selected, and Qiao Yi hadn't gotten around to it yet.

It was as his wife said: "If you can't afford clothes, don't think about hats; if you can't afford pants, don't think about socks."

He currently had too many matters to handle, leaving him overwhelmed day and night.

In the morning, "Three-Headed Qiao Yi" was besieged by officials in the imperial court.

The main reason for this assault on Qiao Yi came from Xuandu. The news that Li Banfeng had abolished the system of servitude in Xuandu had spread.

Those who disseminated the news were half exiled nobles from Xuandu and half from the propaganda of the Luo sisters.

Several ministers surrounded "Three-Headed Qiao Yi" in the imperial court, preventing him from leaving.

"Xuandu is the former capital of Great Shang; how can it be granted to an outsider?"

"The system of servitude is an ancestral law of Great Shang; how can it be lightly abolished?"

"Li Qi's reckless actions have led to widespread unrest among indentured servants in various regions, and countless numbers are fleeing to Xuandu. If this is not dealt with soon, the foundation of the state will be difficult to preserve!"

There were many other arguments, but the most crucial was the third point.

Whether it was ancestral law or the former capital, these were superficial matters. But indentured servants were all fleeing to Xuandu, including those from the ministers' fiefdoms. This was a truly painful loss, something that couldn't be tolerated.

Furthermore, this wasn't alarmist talk. Xuandu's abolition of the servitude system had caused widespread panic throughout the Shang Kingdom, an impact far greater than the events at Haocheng Altar. It truly threatened the very foundation of the Shang Kingdom.

"Three-Headed Qiao Yi" offered no response. He couldn't respond, as he was impersonated by Xi Zhaofu.

But with no response, the ministers wouldn't let him leave, so Xi Zhaofu could only hold on steadfastly.

Being scolded was one thing, but several imperial family members eagerly rushed forward and threw punches, causing Xi Zhaofu to suffer a significant loss.

Fortunately, Nian Shangyou, being a martial artist, relied on his good skills to rescue Xi Zhaofu.

Back at the residence, upon seeing the real Qiao Yi, Xi Zhaofu cried, "I'm absolutely not going to tomorrow's court assembly!"

Qiao Yi was furious. "If you don't go, who will?"

Xi Zhaofu was the substitute arranged by Li Banfeng, and he had signed a deed.

Qiao Yi couldn't harm him or dismiss him; he could only use him. He had spent so much effort training him to be convincing during this period, and now that he was trying to quit, where would Qiao Yi find someone else?

But Xi Zhaofu refused, throwing off his official robe and weeping loudly.

When toughness didn't work, Qiao Yi resorted to gentleness, kindly advising him, "My dear brother, disputes are inevitable in court. As a minister, who isn't wronged from time to time? Some matters don't need to be taken to heart; just go through the motions, and it will pass."

Xi Zhaofu wiped his tears and asked, "Tell me, how exactly do I 'go through the motions'?"

"Haven't I taught you all the evasive phrases?"

Qiao Yi had indeed taught him, putting in great effort. Different types of government affairs had different responses, not for substantive resolution but to show some attitude. Every word and phrase was deeply nuanced.

But Xi Zhaofu was unconvinced. "What you taught me is useless! They're hitting people; how am I supposed to 'go through the motions' with that?"

Qiao Yi sighed. "This bad habit indeed needs to change. How can ministers brawl in court? What sort of decorum is that? My dear brother, tomorrow's court assembly requires the issuance of a new decree. You must prepare carefully."

"I won't prepare, and I won't go!" Xi Zhaofu was truly angry.

"My dear brother, don't act on impulse..." Qiao Yi persuaded him for over an hour, finally calming Xi Zhaofu down.

The decree to be issued this time was indeed important. Qiao Yi intended to dispatch troops to set up defenses along the border with the Tufang Kingdom.

Every autumn, the Tufang would raid the Shang Kingdom; this had become a custom between the two nations.

In the past, as long as they weren't too excessive, they were allowed to plunder.

But this time was different; Qiao Yi intended to dispatch troops in advance.

Xi Zhaofu had impersonated Qiao Yi for quite some time and had gained some insight. After reading the decree, he couldn't help but feel nervous. "Are you going to war?"

Qiao Yi nodded. "Tufang has gone too far; we must engage in some conflict with them."

Xi Zhaofu shook his head. "How dare I announce such a decree? Won't I be beaten to death?"

Qiao Yi said, "Don't worry, among the ministers, not many will oppose this decree, but quite a few will support it."

"Why is that?"

This matter was difficult to explain. Regarding the attitudes towards Prosa State and Outer State, there were two factions: pro-war and pro-peace. The same applied to the Tufang Kingdom. These factions intersected and ran in parallel, making the situation very complex.

Qiao Yi didn't intend to explain to Xi Zhaofu. "You don't need to understand the reasoning behind this. I will be meeting Prince Pingyuan in a few days, and he will certainly agree with my stance."

Upon hearing that Li Qi was involved, Xi Zhaofu naturally paid attention.

He had no choice but to pay attention, as Xi Zhaofu had signed a deed with Li Qi.

Qiao Yi entrusted all the essential points of the decree to Xi Zhaofu, who then went to practice on his own.

Nian Shangyou reminded him, "My Lord, you cannot go empty-handed to meet Li Qi."

The thought made Qiao Yi's heart ache, but the pain was useless.

He produced a list. "This is a list I compiled based on past intelligence reports. Due to time constraints, it hasn't been thoroughly reviewed. Take it and verify it first."

Nian Shangyou quickly took the list. Qiao Yi entrusting him to verify a list he himself compiled was a sign of great regard and trust.

Qiao Yi then instructed, "If the verification is correct, gather the deeds within three days and accompany me to Xuandu."

Nian Shangyou pursed his lips, speechless for a long moment.

How was this "verification"?

To be given only three days to gather the deeds meant he was being sent to kill people.

Nian Shangyou carefully examined the list. Fortunately, these individuals were relatively loyal to the Shang Kingdom, making it easier to deal with them. If he encountered rebels, he might not even be able to kill one in three days.

Qiao Yi also assigned over a dozen assistants to Nian Shangyou, and Nian Shangyou departed for Prosa State that very day.

Three days later, Nian Shangyou returned with ten deeds. Qiao Yi inspected them and, finding no errors, instructed Nian Shangyou to retrieve the other half of the deeds from Wenyuan Pavilion.

Nian Shangyou went to Wenyuan Pavilion. He Jiaqing was patrolling the courtyard, and he couldn't miss such a good opportunity.

He put a bracelet on his wrist and silently followed Nian Shangyou into the library. Nian Shangyou had over a dozen attendants with him, and not one of them noticed He Jiaqing.

This bracelet was a magical artifact with a 'House Cultivation' foundation, which He Jiaqing had bought at a high price before coming to Inner State.

Inside the library, Nian Shangyou took ten deeds and turned to leave. The unnamed place was locked up again.

He Jiaqing didn't leave. In that brief moment of opening and closing, He Jiaqing figured out the unlocking method. After Nian Shangyou left, He Jiaqing began to search for the deeds.

His previous conjecture was correct: the reason no one had changed shifts was because no one was on duty in the deed library at all.

Now he was the only one in the library, but he must not lower his guard. There were definitely still mechanisms and traps here.

The names of the thirteen local gods were ingrained in his mind. He Jiaqing was familiar with Wenyuan Pavilion's sorting rules, and combined with his rogue cultivator talent, finding these deeds was not difficult.

He first found Liu Bufei's deed, but just as he touched the iron token, He Jiaqing felt a chill down his spine. A sharp knife entered his back and emerged from his chest.

What kind of mechanism was this, so well-hidden?

Qiao Yi had paid special attention to these thirteen deeds, assigning a first-grade weapon to guard them.

This first-grade weapon recognized no one but Qiao Yi. Even if Nian Shangyou had touched one of these thirteen deeds just now, this weapon would have killed him without hesitation.

The most troublesome part was that this weapon possessed 'House Cultivation' attributes. A house cultivator guarding a building was not only astonishingly powerful but also suppressed rogue cultivators. He Jiaqing, caught completely off guard, was severely wounded on the spot.

The knife twisted and turned among his internal organs. He Jiaqing could vaguely sense a man behind him, but the man's precise location was impossible to determine.

He Jiaqing attempted to use the 'Stealing from Under the Eaves' technique to break free from the man's blade, but he tried several times without success.

The knife was stuck in He Jiaqing's body and wouldn't dislodge no matter how he tried to shake it off.

Unless the deed thief died, this first-grade weapon would absolutely not stop.

He Jiaqing's consciousness gradually blurred, but his eyes remained fixed on Liu Bufei's deed.

What to do?

What could he do if he couldn't get rid of this knife?

He Jiaqing clutched the deed, rolled his eyes, and collapsed to the ground, lifeless.

The deed thief was dead, and the first-grade weapon ceased its attack.

This first-grade weapon was indeed a man, of average height and ordinary appearance, almost indistinguishable.

After waiting for over a minute, a slit about an inch long opened on He Jiaqing's belly.

The first-grade weapon remained oblivious; it would not react to a deceased person.

The slits grew larger and more numerous, extending down to his toes and up to his head.

The first-grade weapon still stood silently.

He Jiaqing's body completely shattered, and another He Jiaqing crawled out of the broken shell.

He hadn't died. He had used the 'Golden Cicada Metamorphosis' technique of rogue cultivation, forming a layer of cicada molting on his body. After pupation, he appeared as good as dead.

Now, he used 'Golden Cicada Sheds Its Shell' to emerge from the molted skin.

His injuries remained, and He Jiaqing's steps were wobbly.

Still, it wasn't in vain. At least he got Liu Bufei's deed.

He Jiaqing held the deed and walked towards the door. After passing two rows of shelves, He Jiaqing stopped.

He saw Xin Rushuang's deed.

Xin Rushuang was also one of the thirteen local gods. Should he take her deed?

He Jiaqing looked at the man standing by the wall,心里一阵盘算.

If he touched another deed, would it trigger the first-grade weapon again?

Probably not.

This weapon had already been activated once. Now that it confirmed the deed thief was dead, it shouldn't activate a second time.

Besides, even if it wanted to move, he could keep an eye on it. He Jiaqing was a rogue cultivator of the 'Beyond the Clouds' realm; he was confident in his eyesight.

He Jiaqing skillfully maneuvered and immediately took Xin Rushuang's deed.

The cold iron token in his hand made He Jiaqing's heart run cold.

The man standing by the wall was gone.

He Jiaqing's prediction was wrong. He touched a second deed, and as a result, received a second stab.

This stab was right beside the first one. The blade also remained in the wound, twisting and turning.

He Jiaqing's vision went black, and he fell to the ground.

More than ten minutes later, the unnamed place was opened. Nian Shangyou walked in, followed by a disguised Qiao Yi.

Once the first-grade weapon was triggered, Qiao Yi would receive a message. He immediately checked the thirteen deeds. After examining them, he no longer had to worry about the deeds.

Because all thirteen deeds had been stolen; not a single one was left.

Qiao Yi was now very worried about the local gods. He immediately instructed Nian Shangyou to contact Shu Fangjuan to fully protect the safety of these thirteen local gods.

Who stole the deeds?

Nian Shangyou saw no bloodstains, nor any signs of struggle.

He saw the first-grade weapon standing silently in the library.

The first-grade weapon seemed to have never moved, and the knife in its hand was perfectly clean.

Who possessed such masterful skill to steal the deeds right under his nose?

Outside First Layer City, He Jiaqing lay on a coal pile, breathing with difficulty.

He had thirteen holes in his body.

He had used the 'Golden Cicada Metamorphosis' technique thirteen times, enduring thirteen stabs, each striking a vital point.

After stealing the thirteen deeds, He Jiaqing used the rogue cultivation technique 'Smoke and Ash to Nothing' to erase all traces, especially his own bloodstains.

Erasing bloodstains prevented both tracking and Inner State's curses.

He Jiaqing tried to stand up from the coal pile, but he couldn't muster any strength.

He couldn't stay here for too long; this coal was food for the people of Inner State.

He Jiaqing knew the habits of Inner State people: they could consume grains, fruits, and vegetables, as well as wine and tea, but their staple foods were coal and grease.

Soon, Inner State people would come to transport the food, and He Jiaqing would surely be exposed. He had to leave the coal pile as quickly as possible.

He took out the thirteen deeds and counted them carefully. With each count, he became a little more clear-headed.

"I made a fortune," He Jiaqing said, blood foaming in his mouth, but he still chuckled. "Brotherhood Alliance, how many generations of virtue did you accumulate to find me? Give me the name of the Brotherhood Alliance; you've struck gold!"

In the residence, Zhao Xiaowan touched Fifth Maiden's face and praised, "Look how charming this girl is. Of all the puppets Red Lotus has made, Fifth Maiden is the most beautiful."

Luo Yuni leaned close to Zhao Xiaowan, swaying her skirt. "Madam, don't you think I'm beautiful?"

Zhao Xiaowan smiled without speaking. Ninth Maiden, who was braiding Hong Ying's hair, looked at Red Lotus and complimented, "Beautiful, everyone is beautiful. Red Lotus's craftsmanship is indeed excellent."

Hong Ying snorted. "What good is excellent craftsmanship if, in the end, it's not even your own body?"

Zhao Xiaowan sighed. "We can't compare to you. Having a puppet body gives a kind of spiritual solace. Red Lotus, please make a few more puppets."

Red Lotus spread her lotus leaves. "No problem. I ate well this meal, so making a few more is no trouble."

It was rare for Red Lotus to be so generous. Zhao Xiaowan said, "That's good. Let's reward based on merit. We'll make one for everyone, in order. Glove's contribution is significant, so he should be first."

Glove wagged his index finger. "Thank you for your kindness, Madam. I don't want to become human yet. Being a glove is quite good; I'm flexible and it's convenient for tasks. When I decide I want to be human, I'll discuss it with you, Madam."

"Ungrateful! By the time you want to be human, Red Lotus might not even bother with you," Zhao Xiaowan glared at Glove. "Brother A-Ji, do you want a human body?"

Projector's lights flickered as he seriously considered the question. "Madam, I still wish to explore more paths in art."

"You go on and explore then; you're all so thoughtless," Phonograph glanced at the wine gourd. "Sister Gourd, you have the best figure in the house. Do you want a puppet?"

Gourd chuckled, "Sister, you flatter me. How can my figure compare to yours? You can travel all over Life State, and you won't find anyone with a better figure than you."

Everyone was stunned.

Zhao Xiaowan asked, "What is Life State?"

"What Life State?" Gourd was also taken aback. "I misspoke; I meant Prosa State. Sister, you misheard. Since you're thinking of me, I'll brazenly accept. I want this puppet."

"Excellent!" Zhao Xiaowan raised her voice. "That one from the Seventh Chamber, do you want a body?"

That one from the Seventh Chamber replied, "Since Madam is rewarding based on merit, and I have no merit, I cannot accept the reward. So I do not want it."

Zhao Xiaowan said, "You've also earned quite a few merits recently."

"Have I?" The Seventh Chamber's tone was rather disdainful. "I merely helped Madam distinguish a weapon. It's not a major matter, and I truly cannot accept this reward."

Ba Suan whispered a reminder, "Brother, don't argue so much."

Zhao Xiaowan smiled. "Being able to identify that radio indeed helped my husband immensely. Please accept this puppet body."

The Seventh Chamber remained stubborn. He simply did not want to give Zhao Xiaowan this courtesy. "I cannot accept it. I truly am unworthy."

Hong Ying put down her powder puff and walked towards the Seventh Chamber. "It seems I've been too polite to you lately."