Chapter 737: No-Budget Profit

The Cabinet issued a proclamation: Qiao Yi had entered the crucible, reforged his body, and his severe injuries were now fully healed.

The entire city of Chaoge rejoiced.

After being reforged, Qiao Yi was left with only a head, while Zhu Jin and Xie Gong were declared fallen in battle.

This explanation was accepted by most people, though some naturally doubted Qiao Yi's royal lineage because of it.

However, those dissenting voices didn't matter.

Luo Shaojun had said that many in the imperial court wanted Qiao Yi to be emperor, and this description was no exaggeration.

In recent years, how much had the Great Shang suffered at the hands of the Tu Fang Kingdom? Now, Qiao Yi had led troops not only to victory but also to capture thirteen cities from Tu Fang territory.

Such monumental achievements were enough to erect monuments. A legendary figure like this, no matter how many heads he had, was undeniably of royal blood. The royal family's prestige rested on individuals like him, allowing no room for outside doubt.

All the schemes were out in the open, yet once completed, they left everyone speechless. Even Li Banfeng couldn't help but praise, "Qiao Yi played that move brilliantly."

However, one person caught Li Banfeng's attention.

Xi Zhaofu's technique was indeed excellent; cultivators on the ground would find it difficult to discern his true identity, and even cultivators in the clouds would need considerable effort to see through his methods.

Yet, one person shouldn't have been unable to see through it.

Shan Chengjun was the Martial Cultivation Patriarch, a top-tier figure in both Neizhou and Prouzhou. He was the one who injured Xi Zhaofu; surely, he must have realized something was amiss?

If Shan Chengjun had realized the deception and reported it directly to the Saint, it would have become a powerful weapon for the Saint to attack Qiao Yi.

However, Luo Shaojun had people investigate, and there was no movement from the Tu Fang Kingdom. This was a crucial opportunity to bring down Qiao Yi, so why weren't Tu Fang and the Saint seizing it?

Some answers had to come from Qiao Yi. Since Qiao Yi had regained his single-headed identity, Xi Zhaofu's mission was complete, and Li Banfeng needed to bring him back.

Li Banfeng first had Luo Lijun deliver a message that he intended to go to Chaoge to congratulate Qiao Yi.

Qiao Yi gladly accepted, set a time, and had Luo Lijun relay his reply. At the same time, he instructed Nian Shangyou to bring Xi Zhaofu.

Xi Zhaofu no longer needed to impersonate the three-headed Qiao Yi. He had now reverted to his original appearance, looking like a lovely and handsome woman.

Qiao Yi said, "My dear brother, Prince Pingyuan will soon arrive in Chaoge to meet with me. I suspect His Royal Highness will certainly want to take you back to Prouzhou. We have spent much time together, and a certain bond has formed. If you wish to return to Prouzhou, I will not hinder you. If you choose to remain by my side, I will treat you well."

Upon hearing this, Xi Zhaofu immediately bowed to Qiao Yi, appearing so delicate and pitiable that even Nian Shangyou couldn't help but glance at him twice.

"My lord, your kindness is deeply engraved in my heart. However, a loyal minister serves no two masters, and a good woman marries no two husbands. Since I have chosen to follow Seventh Master, I can only repay your great generosity in my next life."

Qiao Yi didn't press the matter: "Pack your bags, and wait for the Prince to take you home."

Xi Zhaofu expressed profound gratitude. After he left, Nian Shangyou said to Qiao Yi, "My lord, Xi Zhaofu knows a lot about us. If we just let him go like this, I fear Li Qi will know everything."

Qiao Yi picked up a brush, dipped it in ink on the inkstone, and praised, "This inkstone truly grinds ink well."

Seeing Qiao Yi didn't respond, Nian Shangyou prompted again, "My lord, you don't really believe Xi Zhaofu's sincerity, do you? If he returns to Li Qi, he'll likely reveal everything."

"It doesn't matter. Let him speak," Qiao Yi said, dismissing the concern. He simply instructed Nian Shangyou, "Bring me the report from the illness cultivators."

Qiao Yi began to pay more attention to the illness cultivators; the annihilation of the Tu Fang Vanguard Camp had deeply affected him.

Nian Shangyou found it truly strange. Qiao Yi's attitude was one of complete indifference, just as it was with the thirteen land deeds.

Xi Zhaofu had even seen the crucible, the Great Shang's most vital secret. And Qiao Yi didn't care?

After reviewing the report on the illness cultivators, Qiao Yi picked up his brush and wrote a directive: "Green Water Bow has not shown himself for some time, but his disciple, Cui Tik, has caused quite a stir."

Nian Shangyou knew about this: "That foreigner has carved out a territory for himself in Dao Gui Ling. If he becomes too powerful in the future, he might be difficult to handle."

Qiao Yi shook his head: "No need to wait for the future; he's already a significant force. The Tu Fang Vanguard Camp was very likely destroyed by his hand."

Nian Shangyou was somewhat surprised: "Your humble subordinate thought it was the work of Green Water Bow."

Qiao Yi put down his brush and handed the approved document to Nian Shangyou: "The Peddler does not trust Green Water Bow; he would never let him handle such a matter. Have Shu Wanjuan investigate Cui Tik's movements."

After reviewing the report on the illness cultivators, Qiao Yi then looked at the Tu Fang Kingdom's peace treaty document.

The Tu Fang Kingdom, having stabilized its position and learning that Qiao Yi was not long for this world, had originally prepared for war.

Now, hearing that Qiao Yi had survived, they once again chose to seek peace.

Qiao Yi nodded and said, "The terms for this peace talk show some sincerity. Let's negotiate with them."

Three days later, Qiao Yi received Li Banfeng at his mansion in Sixfold City.

Although the Shadow had previously visited Sixfold City, Li Banfeng still appeared greatly surprised, showing immense interest in every building within the city.

Upon arriving at the mansion, host and guest took their seats. Li Banfeng was there to offer congratulations: first, on the Shang Kingdom's great victory on the front lines, and second, on Qiao Yi's recovery from his severe injuries.

Qiao Yi expressed deep gratitude and didn't forget to return the favor: "With this great victory and the capture of thirteen Tu Fang cities, I, Qiao, wish to offer Water Tile City and Wild Goose Return City to Your Highness. What are your thoughts?"

For the Shang Kingdom to conquer cities from Tu Fang was a historically renowned achievement. Wouldn't Qiao Yi fear criticism for gifting these cities to Li Qi?

He truly wasn't afraid.

He called it a "gift," but once the official documents were drawn, it would undoubtedly be an enfeoffment. As Prince Pingyuan, Li Qi would gain two new fiefs, yet these two cities would still remain part of the Great Shang's territory.

If Li Qi accepted these two cities, it would deepen his exchange of interests with Qiao Yi. The Tu Fang Kingdom would then view Prouzhou as a mortal enemy, even fighting to the death to reclaim their lost territories.

Moreover, Li Banfeng would most likely not want these two cities.

Water Tile City and Wild Goose Return City were already close to the heartland of the Tu Fang Kingdom. If Li Banfeng accepted them, it would be akin to him guarding the Shang Kingdom's borders.

Furthermore, these were cities on the Fertile Land Continent, where territories shifted. One never knew where they might move, and even a slight misstep could lead to being surrounded by the Tu Fang Kingdom.

Li Banfeng indeed refused the two cities: "Brother Qiao, I wish to exchange these two cities for a person."

Qiao Yi had already guessed Li Banfeng's intention; he wanted Grand Eunuch Train: "Regarding the whereabouts of the Grandmaster of the Artisan Gate, I have also been investigating. Some say he is in Chaoge, but I have searched all over Chaoge and have yet to find any clues. I promise that as soon as I have any news of him, I will inform Your Highness immediately. As for the matter of reciprocation, I will keep a record of this debt, and we can discuss it again once Your Highness has made your decision."

Having said this, Qiao Yi had Nian Shangyou invite Xi Zhaofu: "My dear brother, His Highness has come to take you back."

Xi Zhaofu looked at Li Banfeng, his face full of joy and anticipation.

Li Banfeng nodded slightly towards Qiao Yi. Indeed, talking to Qiao Yi saved effort; many things didn't need to be said, as he could guess them.

In front of Xi Zhaofu, Qiao Yi once again tried to keep him: "Your Highness, this dear brother has been by my side day and night, handling countless matters, big and small, for me. Now that he is about to leave, I find myself lacking a close attendant. Would Your Highness be so kind as to allow him to stay by my side for a few more days? I am just recovering from severe injuries and still have many important affairs that require his assistance."

Qiao Yi claimed he couldn't do without Xi Zhaofu. Since Xi Zhaofu had become Qiao Yi's attendant, he could certainly help Li Banfeng gather a lot of information. Leaving him behind seemed like a good thing for Li Banfeng.

However, Li Banfeng had no such intention: "Brother Qiao, I also cannot do without this dear brother. Originally, it was an emergency, which is why I let him assist you. Now that Brother Qiao has regained his identity and can act with legitimate authority, my brother should return home with me."

Qiao Yi nodded: "How could I dare ask Your Highness to part with him? Very well then, dear brother, you may return with His Royal Highness."

And just like that, Xi Zhaofu was returned.

Qiao Yi also left a deed, owing Li Qi two cities, which Li Qi could discuss with him at any time.

Li Banfeng took Xi Zhaofu to Boundless City. Luo Shaojun arranged a residence for them, and once they were alone, Xi Zhaofu immediately spoke of the crucible.

He had many things he wanted to say; he knew many of Qiao Yi's unknown secrets, including his diet, daily habits, and various quirks, but he felt the matter of the crucible was the most crucial.

"Qiao Yi took me to Ninefold City and showed me the crucible. I thought he was going to refine me, but he didn't. He said he showed me the crucible out of trust, hoping I would stay by his side and continue to help him."

Li Banfeng had always been interested in the Shang Kingdom's crucible. It was the source of first-class weapons, the origin of the Shang people's special bodies, and arguably a crucial reliance for the Shang Kingdom's survival to this day.

"What does the crucible look like?"

Xi Zhaofu gestured as he spoke: "That thing is so big, it takes up the entire room, and that room is also huge, bigger than an ordinary person's house..."

Xi Zhaofu's description was very fragmented, and Li Banfeng found it somewhat difficult to follow.

In truth, Xi Zhaofu's observational skills were excellent, but when observing the crucible, he was in a state of fear and tension, causing his thoughts to be somewhat disorganized.

Rather than listening to Xi Zhaofu's description, it would be better to directly access Banfeng Yin's memories. From the first time Xi Zhaofu impersonated the three-headed Qiao Yi, Banfeng Yin had been hidden in Xi Zhaofu's shadow, knowing everything Xi Zhaofu saw and heard.

However, Banfeng Yin had not returned to Li Banfeng's side.

Li Banfeng could sense Banfeng Yin's presence, but for some reason, Banfeng Yin ignored Li Banfeng's summons.

Had something happened to Xi Zhaofu, and Banfeng Yin didn't want to tip off their opponents?

After describing minor details for about ten minutes, Xi Zhaofu finally got to the crucial point: "The crucible can open, piece by piece, like a blooming flower. The core can blow wind and suck in all the surrounding souls, but this thing just didn't suck me in, nor Qiao Yi."

Li Banfeng stared at Xi Zhaofu for a long time.

He felt Xi Zhaofu's description referred to the Mystic-Born Red Lotus.

The details he described were very similar to how the Mystic-Born Red Lotus fed, perhaps with the sole difference being that the Red Lotus didn't consume living beings, while the Shang Kingdom's great crucible consumed everything.

What was the relationship between the Red Lotus and the crucible?

Li Banfeng didn't want to beat around the bush; he wanted to go back and ask the Red Lotus directly.

Stepping outside, Li Banfeng found a quiet spot and was about to take out his key when his hand stopped in his pocket.

Two things in front of him were unclear.

First, why would Qiao Yi let Xi Zhaofu see the crucible and then allow him to leave Chaoge alive? This certainly wasn't out of trust for Xi Zhaofu. He was clearly intending to inform Li Banfeng about the crucible's condition. What was his purpose in doing this?

Second, why did Banfeng Yin consistently not respond? Where exactly was the problem?

Li Banfeng paced the courtyard with his hands in his pockets. The first possibility he considered was a hook.

Xi Zhaofu had a hook on him, and Banfeng Yin didn't want to emerge, fearing exposure because of the hook.

Qiao Yi showing Xi Zhaofu the great crucible meant he had calculated that Li Banfeng, after hearing the description, would inevitably associate the crucible with the Red Lotus.

If Li Banfeng were to seek out the Red Lotus now, Qiao Yi could use the hook to discover the Red Lotus's whereabouts.

Wait.

This didn't seem like Qiao Yi's style.

Xi Zhaofu couldn't follow Li Qi indefinitely. If Li Qi left Xi Zhaofu aside and went to find the Red Lotus alone, Qiao Yi still wouldn't be able to get news of the Red Lotus.

Qiao Yi was always cautious; he wouldn't do something so rash. The hook was most likely not on Xi Zhaofu.

On Banfeng Yin?

Qiao Yi discovered Banfeng Yin?

Li Banfeng prepared to use the Linked Bridal Chamber technique to bring out the Seven Chambers for inspection.

His hand still in his pocket, Li Banfeng didn't take out the key but instead prepared to pull out a dagger, prick his fingertip, and sprinkle blood.

After fumbling for a moment, Li Banfeng didn't take out the dagger.

Was there a difference between Banfeng Yin and Xi Zhaofu?

There was a difference, but it wasn't significant.

Banfeng Yin didn't necessarily have to follow Li Banfeng either.

Just like now, if Banfeng Yin didn't come out, Qiao Yi still wouldn't see the Red Lotus.

Qiao Yi surely could have considered all these problems. If he truly attached a hook, on whom would it be?

Li Banfeng suddenly shivered.

Could it be on himself?

Did he attach the hook during their meeting just now?

Attaching a hook to Li Banfeng wasn't so easy. Li Banfeng had a Cloud Dual Four cultivation. A Peering Cultivator attempting to act against him would find it very difficult to escape his perception.

Furthermore, Li Banfeng was extremely wary of Qiao Yi. During their meeting just now, his Insightful Spirit Voice, Hundred Flavors Exquisite, and Golden Eye Keen Perception were all activated to their limits. A Peering Cultivator would have had no opportunity to get close.

Could the hook be attached through other channels?

Li Banfeng suspected Qiao Yi was currently observing him.

He wanted to use his hand-cranked phonograph to test, but it was in his Portable Residence.

If he entered the Portable Residence now, it would be exposed to Qiao Yi.

Even if he used Linked Bridal Chamber to retrieve the phonograph, Li Banfeng being a House Cultivator would be revealed to Qiao Yi, and Qiao Yi's only cost would be the loss of one hook.

That old fox, always trying to make a huge profit with no investment.

With his hand still in his pocket, Li Banfeng didn't pull out the dagger but instead took out a simple phone.

He found a side room in the residence and made a call.

In Neizhou, Luo Zhengnan's simple phone couldn't make calls, but Li Banfeng still spoke into it: "Tell Shan Chengjun to send Red Lotus to the old place. I have something to ask."

Qiao Yi sat in his mansion's study, staring at a porcelain basin on the desk.

The porcelain basin held half a basin of water. Through its reflection, Qiao Yi could see Li Banfeng's current situation and hear sounds, even the faint footsteps of Li Banfeng in the courtyard.

Upon hearing the name "Shan Chengjun," Qiao Yi's cheek twitched.

Nian Shangyou quickly stepped forward: "My lord, I will immediately send someone to watch Shan Chengjun."

"No rush!" Qiao Yi stopped Nian Shangyou. "Don't fall for that fellow's trick. Let's just wait here. I want to see if Shan Chengjun comes or not."

While he waited, Li Banfeng didn't. After hanging up the phone, Li Banfeng lay down on the bed and fell asleep.

He slept for several hours, and Qiao Yi indeed watched for those several hours. Seeing that Li Banfeng remained asleep, Qiao Yi called Nian Shangyou: "Get a few people to take turns monitoring Li Qi."

Nian Shangyou asked, "How should we handle Shan Chengjun's side?"

Qiao Yi thought for a moment and said, "Send someone to check the situation, but be careful not to alarm him."

Shan Chengjun was in a secret chamber in the royal palace, meeting the King of Tu Fang.

The reason for meeting in a secret chamber was that the King of Tu Fang didn't want the Saint to know about this matter.

He had invited Shan Chengjun to celebrate with wine: "Marquis Shan, a warrior like you should have been enfeoffed as a king long ago under my rule."

Shan Chengjun also exchanged a few pleasantries: "I, Shan, am unworthy of such favor from Your Majesty; I am truly overwhelmed with gratitude."

The King of Tu Fang said, "We speak the truth. If Marquis Shan had not gone alone to the enemy camp and severely wounded the enemy leader, our clan would not know how much territory we would have lost in this battle. Marquis Shan, it is our clan's good fortune to have met you."

For a monarch to speak to this extent truly gave Shan Chengjun ample face.

Shan Chengjun also had to express his stance: "Thank Your Majesty for your great kindness. It is only regrettable that I, Shan, was too unlucky to have met Your Majesty sooner!"

The King personally raised his goblet and said, "It's not too late now!"

The two exchanged toasts, their conversation growing more fervent. Shan Chengjun did not emerge from the secret chamber all night.

Spies inquired everywhere, but no one knew Shan Chengjun's whereabouts. Nian Shangyou reported the news to Qiao Yi: "My lord, Shan Chengjun might truly have a change of heart."

Qiao Yi said nothing more, only instructed, "Investigate further."

Zhao Xiaowan was at the Jadeite Pavilion, discussing plays with Jiang Ling'er. When they talked about "Mu Ke Zhai," Jiang Ling'er looked at Hong Ying's figure and praised, "If Yingying were to play a martial role, she would be no less impressive than Xiaowan."

Hong Ying was quite pleased: "Do you have any costumes? Dress me up!"

Jiang Ling'er didn't actually have a martial role costume, but it wasn't difficult. She took out needle and thread and, within minutes, made a complete opera costume for Hong Ying, complete with helmet, feathers, and back flags. When Hong Ying put it on, both sisters praised how good it looked.

Hong Ying picked up a long spear, intending to perform a short routine, but then saw Banfeng Zi, hugging the ground, enter the room.

"First Madam, Second Madam, Outside Madam, something has happened to Lord Jia. It seems someone has attached a hook to him."

Zhao Xiaowan found it strange: "Who could possibly have the ability to place a hook on my husband? No matter, I'll go and clear it."

"You mustn't!" Banfeng Zi stopped Zhao Xiaowan. "If First Madam goes, and they see her with the hook, wouldn't your identity be exposed?"

Zhao Xiaowan had another method: "I'll carve a record, and you find a phonograph to play it. That can also remove the hook."

"That won't work either!" Banfeng Zi dissuaded her. "This hook was placed by Qiao Yi. That cunning fellow is so shrewd that he might deduce your identity."

Hong Ying angrily said, "That old villain is so treacherous! Let's go back to Chaoge now, and we sisters will rush in and kill Qiao Yi!"

Banfeng Zi shook his head helplessly: "We must first confirm whether Lord Jia truly has a hook on him, and what kind of hook it is."

Zhao Xiaowan thought of a solution: "Do you have the key? I'll find a way to bring out the Seven Chambers."

Banfeng Zi handed the key to Zhao Xiaowan, but then had a thought: How would Zhao Xiaowan bring out the Seven Chambers?

If she returned to the Portable Residence, Zhao Xiaowan herself wouldn't be able to get out.

Hong Ying didn't think much of it: "Just have Seventh Young Master use Linked Bridal Chamber to swap it out!"

Zhao Xiaowan frowned: "You truly don't use your head, girl. If we really used Linked Vast Bridal Chamber, the secret of the House Cultivator would be leaked. You two wait here; I have a way."

Back in the Portable Residence, Zhao Xiaowan summoned Pineapple and went to the main room's door, but it wouldn't open.

Zhao Xiaowan whispered a few words, no one heard what she said clearly, and after a few more tries, the door opened.

In fact, she had repeatedly said only one phrase: "Old man, be accommodating."

Leaving the Portable Residence, the Lady and Pineapple came near the residence, not entering, but standing close to the outer wall of a side room, quietly eavesdropping.

After listening for a few minutes, Pineapple gestured for Zhao Xiaowan to talk in a different place.

The two returned to Jadeite Pavilion. Pineapple said to Zhao Xiaowan, "Madam, Seventh Master has been afflicted with a living hook."

"What's a living hook?" Hong Ying had never heard of such a thing.

Not only had he not heard of it, but Zhao Xiaowan hadn't either.

But Jiang Ling'er knew: "Living hooks are an extremely rare type among Peering Cultivator hooks. These hooks can move, transferring from one person to another."

Banfeng Zi understood.

This hook was indeed placed on Xi Zhaofu. Banfeng Yin knew there was a hook on Xi Zhaofu, so he didn't dare to move.

While Li Banfeng was bringing Xi Zhaofu back, the hook transferred to him.

Hong Ying scoffed, "You make it sound so mystical. Is it even still a hook? What caliber of Peering Cultivator can use such a thing?"

Pineapple said, "Miss Jiang is right, this hook is extremely unusual. My master once used it; one hook could travel through more than a dozen people. He never taught me this technique, saying my talent wasn't enough and I definitely wouldn't learn it."

Hong Ying said to Pineapple, "Never mind whether you can learn it, tell me if you can help Seventh Young Master remove the hook?"

Pineapple wasn't confident.

Zhao Xiaowan shook her head: "There are many ways to remove hooks, but the key is not to let Qiao Yi notice anything unusual. If he uses a hook to probe our family's secrets, we will suffer a huge loss."

Hong Ying finally understood: Qiao Yi's investment was too small, but his gains were too large.

For a moment, no one could think of a plan.

Banfeng Zi said, "Since there are no other good methods, we can only use Lord Jia's way. The key is whether I can run fast enough."

Hong Ying said, "If you're not fast enough, let Banfeng Yi come; he has good legs."

"Idiot!" Zhao Xiaowan cursed. "Dare Banfeng Yi emerge from Husband's side? Can he evade that hook? Try to find Ayi and see if she can give Banfeng Zi a ride."

Finding Ayi wasn't difficult; Li Banfeng had a jade pendant on him.

But once they arrived, whether others would be willing to help was another matter.

Shan Chengjun stayed in the royal palace for an entire day, finally emerging. Upon returning to his mansion, he didn't bother to meet the Saint, as the Saint was now always gracious and no longer demanding.

He wrote a letter to Shu Wanjuan, and after finishing it, he burned it with a candle. The ashes flew out the window and disappeared, and Shu Wanjuan would soon receive it.

The spy saw the ashes fly out the window and quickly reported the news to Nian Shangyou. Nian Shangyou knew this was a method of sending messages and immediately asked Qiao Yi for instructions: "Shan Chengjun just sent out a letter. Should we intercept it?"

Qiao Yi shook his head: "We mustn't ruin a major affair just because of a single word from Li Qi. Continue to have the spies monitor him. Do not offend Shan Chengjun, and do not create further complications."

Shu Fangjuan, ordered to investigate Cui Tik, had just arrived at Jianren Ridge when he suddenly received a letter from Shan Chengjun.

The paper ashes gathered, and a patch of text appeared in his palm. After reading it, Shu Fangjuan shook his head repeatedly.

The letter's content stated that Shan Chengjun was greatly valued in the Tu Fang Kingdom and had also conceived new ideas.

"Old Shan, you're going to be the death of me eventually!"

Shu Wanjuan had signed a deed with Shan Chengjun, so he couldn't very well refuse. He wrote a few words with his finger, indicating his agreement, then rubbed off the ashes from his hand and continued his journey.

Cui Tik had prepared for battle in the mountains. Today, he had just received news from Zuo Anna that a powerful enemy was soon to arrive at Dao Gui Ling.

Although he hadn't discovered the identity of this powerful enemy, characters who could make the White Falcon Alliance raise its guard were rare.

Just as the order for battle preparation was given, the entrance to Gourd Village suddenly appeared before Cui Tik's eyes. It was fortunate that Banfeng Zi emerged from within; otherwise, Cui Tik would have immediately acted against Gourd Village.

"My friend, why have you appeared at this time? Where is your main body?"

Banfeng Zi said, "My main body cannot come over; he is under surveillance. I need your help with something; I'd like you to write a letter for me."

After hearing Banfeng Zi's description, Cui Tik was somewhat troubled: "I cannot leave Dao Gui Ling right now because I have encountered a powerful enemy."

"What kind of enemy?"

Cui Tik thought for a moment and said, "Friend, this time I do not intend to ask for your help; I will face this enemy myself. I can offer you assistance, but since I cannot be present, the help I can provide is very limited."

Before long, Banfeng Zi returned to Gourd Village, holding a letter.

Ayi asked, "Whose letter is this?"

Banfeng Zi said, "It's for Lord Jia."

"Who is Lord Jia? Let me see it."

"It concerns secrets; others cannot see it!"

Ayi scoffed, "What's so special about it? Why wouldn't that foreigner come?"

"He said he encountered a powerful enemy but wouldn't reveal the enemy's identity."

Ayi chuckled, "Doesn't he even trust you?"

Banfeng Zi sighed deeply: "Some things are unpredictable. 'When the sky wants rain, and the mother wants to marry,' just let him be."

Ayi exclaimed in surprise, "You know my mother?"

Banfeng Zi was startled: "Where did you hear that?"

Who had leaked this information?

Ayi excitedly said, "My mother is called 'When the Sky Wants Rain and the Mother Wants to Marry'!"

Li Banfeng was honing his techniques in Boundless City. As Hong Ying found it inconvenient to appear, he honed them with Luo Shaojun.

Luo Shaojun, with a snail shell on his back, slammed into Li Banfeng with full force. This level of attack posed no threat to Li Banfeng at all, and his One-Track Mind technique couldn't even be unleashed.

After dozens of rounds of practice, Luo Shaojun was exhausted: "Seventh Brother, I can't take it anymore."

As the two rested, someone delivered a letter to Li Banfeng.

Nian Shangyou, seeing this scene through the hook, quickly called Qiao Yi.

Li Banfeng examined the envelope; there was no writing on it. Yet, Li Banfeng was very cautious, dismissing everyone before finally opening the envelope.

Qiao Yi realized the letter's origin was highly unusual. He also dismissed Nian Shangyou and others, staring alone at the water basin in his study.

If this letter truly concerned Shan Chengjun, then how to deal with Shan Chengjun would indeed be a difficult problem.

The letter was densely packed with content, but as Li Banfeng held it, his gaze wasn't focused on the words.

Qiao Yi observed very carefully through the hook. The sender's identity was unknown. The letter's general content was that Shan Chengjun had betrayed them and handed over the Red Lotus to the King of Tu Fang, urging Li Banfeng to prepare early.

Qiao Yi reread the letter several times from beginning to end, feeling as if every character on it was stinging his eyes.

It wasn't out of anger; Qiao Yi still doubted the letter's authenticity, but the characters genuinely hurt his eyes, and they began to bleed.

The characters on the letter gradually dissipated, a sign that the illness-source had spread.

Li Banfeng estimated the time was right. He sprinkled blood on the ground and activated his Peace of Mind technique.

The hook was easy to find, and not difficult to neutralize.

As Li Banfeng removed the hook, Qiao Yi collapsed to the ground in pain.

Nian Shangyou and others rushed into the room and helped Qiao Yi up.

Qiao Yi asked, "How is Li Qi?"

The hook had already been removed. Nian Shangyou stared at the clear water in the basin for a long time, shaking his head repeatedly: "My lord, I can't see anything."

"Can't see?" Qiao Yi fumbled on the table for a while, finally finding the water basin.

"I can't see—" Qiao Yi couldn't see; his vision was completely black.