Chapter 836: Taking Medicine

Mist Prison Valley stretches from north to south, with exits on its east and west sides. One such exit was near Qiao Yi. Many soldiers rushed towards it, only to be impaled by sharp spikes on the rock face, leaving them with bloody wounds.

The battle in Mist Prison Valley continued because the stone forest remained. The persistence of the stone forest indicated that the Peddler was still fighting. Bound by a life contract, his battle dictated the valley's engagement.

The exit Qiao Yi perceived was an illusion crafted by Huan Wuchang. Numerous other exits existed on both the east and west sides, but Qiao Yi neither knew nor cared which one was real at that moment. Huan Wuchang's illusions were indiscernible, and he wasn't the only illusion master among the enemy. Qiao Yi realized he couldn't gamble on illusions; the only correct course of action was to immediately escape the valley.

Qiao Yi ordered his troops to regroup and launch a full-scale assault on Eighteen Wheels and Tou Youlu. However, just as they were about to charge, a stone forest materialized, blocking their path.

Another stone forest? Was this, too, formed from the Peddler's blood?

Qiao Yi glanced at the Peddler, who remained seated beside his cart, eyes open, an extinguished cigarette in his hand. Was he still alive?

Qiao Yi sent a squad of soldiers to scout ahead. They entered the stone forest but quickly became trapped among the stone pillars. Sun Tiecheng squatted atop a stone pillar, chuckling, "Old Qiao, are you coming? These pillars are all fake."

Huan Wuchang clasped his hands, squatting beside Sun Tiecheng and also looking at Qiao Yi. "When truth becomes falsehood, falsehood can become truth. Can you truly distinguish between them?"

Qiao Yi was indeed unable to tell the difference. Even Old Woman Ku, watching from a distance, was astonished that Huan Wuchang and Sun Tiecheng could collaborate so seamlessly. Surrounding them were many Foolish Cultivators brought by Sun Tiecheng. Some collaborated with Sound Cultivators, others with Painting Cultivators, and some even with the Ascetics from Bitter Vegetable Manor. The nature of the Foolish Cultivators remained unchanged; they conflicted with no Daoist sect.

The synergy of Illusion Cultivators, in particular, seemed innate. Zhen Luoming, a Grandmaster of Peering Cultivation, struggled immensely but couldn't discern the reality of this stone forest. The combined efforts of Illusion and Foolish Cultivators proved overwhelmingly deceptive.

Qiao Yi found himself with no escape, trapped. Since deploying his troops, he had never felt such profound despair. But after a moment of despair, he regained his composure. These stone pillars, created by Sun Tiecheng and Huan Wuchang using specific techniques, were vastly different from the Peddler's methods. He immediately ordered a direct assault.

Indeed, these stone pillars proved far more fragile than those created by the Peddler. A single soldier resembling a mole cricket could topple one with a single strike. However, when the stone forest became inundated with molten lava, the soldiers hesitated to advance. This molten lava was neither a Foolish Cultivation technique nor an illusion; it was Old Woman Ku's unique ability, Purgatory Tempering. The lava was real.

The Totem Army couldn't form their Thousand Men's United Effort formation within the stone forest and could only traverse it slowly. No one dared to continuously immerse themselves in the magma. To evade the molten lava, some soldiers employed every possible method to become airborne. Tou Youlu ascended into the air, pulling the airborne soldiers even higher with him. Feng Xuanzhen stretched silk threads taut in mid-air, ensnaring each airborne soldier in a silk net to prevent them from struggling. Tou Youlu then threw them one by one to their deaths on the ground.

Those who survived the fall were engulfed by the lava. In areas not covered by the lava, wine flowed abundantly, which Smoke Cultivators ignited, instantly transforming it into a sea of fire. Flames billowed and smoke permeated the air. The smoke was laden with potent poison, and various wandering spirits flitted through it.

Heroes from various Daoist sects cooperated in battle, linking their foundational techniques in a chain, causing the Totem Army to suffer continuous defeats. This success was entirely due to Eighteen Wheels' recent training. Ordinarily, their cooperation was compelled by Eighteen Wheels' ruthlessness. Today, however, they fought for the man seated beneath the cart.

The Peddler's eyes remained open, still watching. Amidst the smoke, Qiao Yi frantically consumed various herbal medicines, still directing his soldiers to counterattack. A figure in a black suit appeared before Qiao Yi. The moment he saw Li Qi, Qiao Yi lowered the herbs in his hand. All the surrounding soldiers were fighting, yet not a single one noticed Li Qi.

Qiao Yi called for soldiers to advance and support him, but dozens were cut down by Zhao Xiaowan and Ban Feng's shadows before they could even get close. The remaining soldiers no longer advanced to offer support. The past two days in the valley had been utterly grueling; they now wished only to fight for themselves, to carve out a bloody path.

Li Qi lifted his hat brim, looked at Qiao Yi, and asked, "Do you have any last words?"

Qiao Yi looked at Li Banfeng and said, "Killing me is pointless. Puro Province is powerless to alter this decline; it's the inevitable course of events."

Li Qi smiled. "I truly wish I could show you what an inevitable course of events looks like, but even if you saw it, it would be futile. You'd remain stubbornly defiant."

As he finished speaking, Li Banfeng swung his saber, severing Qiao Yi's head. Then he wiped away a tear from the corner of his eye. Watching the dust fall, Li Banfeng gritted his teeth. Turning to see the Peddler seated by the cart, Li Banfeng quickly wiped away his tears. He couldn't cry now.

"Healer Cultivators!" Li Banfeng shouted. "Are there any left? Come here, all of you!"

The Healer Cultivators had already arrived. They examined the Peddler's injuries, and all shook their heads.

"No wonder you're all useless!" Lu Qianjiao cursed, tears in her eyes. "A hundred Healer Cultivators are less effective than a single Illness Cultivator!"

"Where are the Medicine Cultivators?" Li Banfeng called out again.

Many Medicine Cultivators attempted to apply various healing concoctions, but it was unclear if they had any effect. From all indications, the Peddler appeared to be gone. Others dared not tell Li Banfeng the truth. Zhao Xiaowan, however, spoke up from the side, "My dear, perhaps we should summon the Nightmare Cultivators to try."

Song Qianhun and Gui Jianchou were already waiting nearby. After a long wait, both shook their heads repeatedly. They couldn't locate the Peddler's soul.

Sun Tiecheng squatted on the ground, sighing deeply. "He risked his life to uphold the life contract. You always claimed the Peddler owed you. What do you say now? I ask you, what exactly did he owe you?"

Everyone remained silent, dispatching the enemy in silence. Few Totem soldiers remained. With the terrain extremely unfavorable, their commander fallen, and heroes from all sides united with high morale, the Totem Army was almost entirely annihilated an hour later. Approximately twenty individuals survived, following Nian Shangyou to hide deep within the mountains.

Nian Shangyou now clearly understood that revealing himself would mean certain death, as would going directly to the Ink Fragrance Shop. He resolved to remain silently hidden in the deep mountains until he was forgotten by all; perhaps then, there would be a glimmer of hope.

Li Banfeng sat beside the Peddler, his expression momentarily dazed. From within the Portable Residence, Bronze Lotus's voice echoed, "Let me see him, just once. I beg you." Li Banfeng remained silent.

The old man told Bronze Lotus, "Don't make things difficult for Old Seven. The moment you step outside, you'll radiate heavenly light. Who could withstand that?"

"There's a way. Don't make me go out in this body. This body is a false Red Lotus I created. I made it to deceive the outer states, to fool Old Locomotive, and to escape from the Dark Star Bureau. It bears a spirit seal. Just let me change bodies; Gourd Village can block spirit seals."

The old man sighed. "If I allow you to change bodies, who knows what you might do?"

"I won't do anything. I just want to see him once. I'll draw up a contract for you, using the Peddler's contract paper. I beg you!" Bronze Lotus's voice grew hoarse as she pleaded.

Li Banfeng returned to the Portable Residence and picked up Bronze Lotus. After a moment, he pushed open the door. Outside the door was a house in Gourd Village, situated among the clouds. A Yu was inside, cleaning a wound on her chest.

"Are you injured?" Li Banfeng asked.

"Just a minor injury. Didn't A Yi go to battle at Three-Headed Fork? I went to assist. The fight was truly difficult; the enemy was too fierce. The Quenching Camp was even stronger than the Sharpening Edge Camp this time…" A Yu looked up and saw Li Banfeng holding Bronze Lotus. A Yu froze for dozens of seconds, speechless. "You… you're going to…"

Li Banfeng said, "Let her see the Peddler once."

"They… they cannot meet." A Yu wasn't sure why, but despite having always longed for the Heavenly Maiden's soul to return to her body, seeing Bronze Lotus brought no joy. At that moment, however, she felt a profound sense of helplessness.

Bronze Lotus broke free from Li Banfeng's grasp and leaped to the Heavenly Maiden's side. She unfurled her lotus petals, then closed them again. She tried several times, but perhaps due to her extreme eagerness, she couldn't return to her own body.

A Yu asked Li Banfeng, "What happened to the Peddler?"

Li Banfeng lowered his head, his hat brim obscuring his face. "Just… let them meet once."

A Yu surmised what had happened. She looked at Bronze Lotus and sighed, "Go on, fuss. You've bickered with him your entire life. Now, with life and death decided, he's gone. Are you satisfied?"

Bronze Lotus, covered in dewdrops, unfurled her petals and frantically clawed and scratched at the Heavenly Maiden's body. A Yu, using some unknown method, aided the Heavenly Maiden, allowing her soul to return to her body. The Heavenly Maiden on the bed struggled to rise. Perhaps from prolonged inactivity, she struggled to walk, stumbling unsteadily with each step.

She rushed towards the door, desperate to leave, but couldn't open it. Turning back, she grasped Li Banfeng. "Help me, help… help me…" The Heavenly Maiden's speech was slurred, her articulation awkward. Li Banfeng understood her meaning and, using the Connected Chambers and Cave Abode, brought her back to the Portable Residence.

Mist Prison Valley was being cleaned up. Zhen Luoming and Old Woman Ku were discussing matters. "The Peddler is gone, but Puro Province cannot be without a leader."

"That's true," Old Woman Ku said, looking at everyone.

Song Shu worried that such talk was inappropriate for the occasion. Sure enough, Lu Qianjiao was the first to flare up. "Oh, so the leader is still here, and you're already plotting to divide his inheritance!"

Old Woman Ku eyed Lu Qianjiao. "I did have disputes with the Peddler in the past, but now I have no selfish motives; I'm acting solely for the good of Puro Province."

Sun Tiecheng folded his arms. "How exactly are you acting for Puro Province? Tell us, who could possibly take over the Peddler's position?"

Ye Jianhuang, holding his pipe, said, "You're not suggesting He Jiaqing, are you? Who is he to be considered? The battle has progressed this far, and we haven't even seen him!"

Huan Wuchang said, "Jiaqing also fought numerous battles in the new territories, against people sent by Qiao Yi. So, it cannot be said that Jiaqing did not participate in the war. Of course, I'm not defending Jiaqing; I'm merely clarifying a fact!"

Gui Jianchou chuckled, "Is this what you call participating in the war? This is just guarding his own doorstep! To put it plainly, wasn't it all for those thirteen new territories? In the end, wasn't it entirely for himself? What contribution has he made to Puro Province?"

Song Qianhun declared, "He Jiaqing wants to be the leader? I absolutely refuse to agree to this."

Qiao Wuzui, raising his wine pot, said, "Neither do I!"

Tang Shijiang snorted coldly. "Some statements are truly shameless. Can someone like him even be compared to the Peddler?"

Song Shu observed everyone's demeanor and felt utterly awkward. He Jiaqing, chosen by the Brotherhood Alliance as the Lord of Puro, was nevertheless deeply unpopular among the people of Puro Province. This was no one's fault but his own; even Song Shu herself disliked He Jiaqing.

Old Woman Ku shook her head. "Brothers and sisters, I never said I wanted He Jiaqing to lead. I did say that Puro Province should have a new leader, but I never specified it should be someone like him." A murmur ran through the crowd. Song Shu was also stunned. Hadn't the Brotherhood Alliance always stated their intention to establish a new order in Puro Province? Wasn't He Jiaqing supposed to represent this new order? Why did Old Woman Ku's attitude differ today?

Not only had Old Woman Ku's attitude shifted, but Huan Wuchang's was also unusual. "Who will lead this family still requires careful deliberation. Jiaqing is too young; neither his status nor his seniority warrants him taking the leadership position."

Song Shu was aghast. Why was Huan Wuchang suddenly discussing status and seniority? This was a complete departure from his previous stance! She looked at Yuan Miaoping. Yuan Miaoping, chewing bubblegum, rolled her eyes at Song Shu. "Why are you looking at me?"

"Ancestor, won't you say something?" Song Shu still regarded Yuan Miaoping as an important member of the Brotherhood Alliance.

Yuan Miaoping scrutinized Song Shu. "What am I supposed to say? Haven't I told you already? I'm with the Portable Dwelling Gang; I have no connection to your Brotherhood Alliance anymore."

Song Shu shook her head. "Ancestor, you can't say such things now…"

"What kind of talk do you want from me?" Yuan Miaoping snorted coldly. "Knowing I'm your ancestor, stop dragging me into this useless chatter! To drag me into these trivial matters at a time like this… if it weren't for the crowd, I'd apply Daoist sect family law directly: pull down your pants and spank you!"

"Hit me?" Song Shu was utterly bewildered, unsure who was truly at fault.

Yuan Miaoping brushed back her bangs and blew a bubble. "If not you, then who? You're so foolish, don't you deserve a beating? Do you truly believe the Brotherhood Alliance intends for He Jiaqing to be the Lord of Puro? What they need is a shield! Do you think I joined the Brotherhood Alliance for the ideals you speak of? When I was pursuing ideals, you were still in diapers! I was forced, do you understand?"

Song Shu turned back to Old Woman Ku, whose expression remained stern, avoiding her gaze. Huan Wuchang, Feng Xuanzhen, Shang Yuzhi – none of these core members of the Brotherhood Alliance looked at her. Song Shu felt a wave of dizziness.

Yuan Miaoping suddenly spoke. "If we're choosing a leader, I think our gang leader is the most suitable."

Gui Jianchou frowned. "Who is your gang leader?"

Yuan Miaoping said, "The renowned Seventh Master. Don't you know him?"

Gui Jianchou's brow relaxed. "That's right. If anyone is to be the leader, it must be our Old Seven!"

Ye Jianhuang nodded. "I also agree that Old Seven is the most suitable!"

Qin Xiaopang shouted, "We, from the Three Heroes Gate, declare that from now on, the paramount leader of Puro Province shall be our Seventh Brother!"

Zhen Luoming grew angry. He looked at Qin Xiaopang and said, "Who are you? What is your cultivation level? What is your seniority? Do you have the right to speak here?"

"Why don't we have a say?" Ma Wu looked at everyone. "We didn't back down during the war, did we?"

Sui Chanxin, Grandmaster of Charm Cultivation, said, "We didn't back down either! We're talking about seniority now. Your seniority isn't sufficient, nor is Old Seven's!"

Chu Er chuckled. "My lotus pond at home has many turtles. They're all quite ancient. Do you think their seniority is sufficient?"

Sui Chanxin was enraged. Just as he was about to strike Chu Er, he glanced at Old Woman Ku. "Old woman, your disciple has quite a temper. She speaks to me like this; are you going to intervene or not?" Old Woman Ku remained silent.

Feng Daiku looked at Sui Chanxin. "If you wish to be seen as a senior, then act like one. These individuals before you have fought and struggled on the battlefield; they're not here to listen to your grandstanding!"

Bing Suling, Grandmaster of Cold Cultivation, snorted. "What exactly do you mean by that? We won the battle in Mist Prison Valley, didn't we?"

Qiao Wuzui sneered. "Have some dignity when you speak. More than half of this battle was won by the Peddler! And the Ancient Wasteland was secured by Old Seven leading these youngsters!"

Bing Suling said, "Didn't the Ancient Wasteland also rely on the Iron Bone Seed?"

The arguments among the crowd continued endlessly. Eighteen Wheels stood up and declared, "If the Peddler truly cannot recover, Puro Province should be entrusted to Old Seven." For days, this group had followed Eighteen Wheels' commands. Hearing him speak now, a flicker of fear ran through them.

Everyone fell silent. Old Woman Ku looked at Eighteen Wheels. "Old Locomotive, you can't be the sole decision-maker in this, can you?"

Eighteen Wheels turned to Old Woman Ku. "Then who do you believe can make the decision?"

Old Woman Ku said, "That statement seems a bit unclear."

Zhen Luoming nodded. "I also find it unclear. How about we settle this with a fight? Whoever wins gets to decide, to ensure no one feels unconvinced."

Eighteen Wheels looked at Zhen Luoming. "You want to fight me? Are you even worthy? Go take a piss and take a good look at yourself."

Zhen Luoming, possessing self-awareness, said, "I certainly can't do it alone, but several of us here are capable fighters. If you're truly a hero, then come and contend with us!"

Tou Youlu sighed. "I simply prefer not to associate with your sort of people."

Sun Tiecheng shouted, "What in the world are you thinking? Is the war over already, and you're turning on each other?"

Zhen Luoming said, "Sun Tiecheng, don't stir up trouble. This isn't infighting. To fight, there needs to be a leader. We need to determine who in Puro Province can make… make… make decisions…" The Grandmaster of Peering Cultivation's speech suddenly became slurred.

Li Qi arrived. What truly frightened him was not Li Qi, but the two individuals trailing behind him. One was A Yu, who was relatively manageable. The other, however, was a different matter entirely. Although that person wore only a plain white robe, with disheveled hair obscuring her face, Zhen Luoming was a Peering Cultivator and could clearly discern the woman's appearance even through her hair. He retreated with extreme speed, positioning himself behind Old Woman Ku.

Old Woman Ku's expression was severe as she asked Li Banfeng, "Old Seven, who is this person?" Before Li Banfeng could respond, a gentle breeze swept through the valley, parting the woman's hair. Everyone who had been arguing moments before fell silent. Everyone simultaneously stepped back, creating a large empty space around the Heavenly Maiden.

Only Old Locomotive did not retreat. He glared at the Heavenly Maiden. "What do you want? Who allowed you back in Puro Province?"

The Heavenly Maiden glanced at Old Locomotive, her expression serene, indicating no hostility. She said nothing, slowly walking towards the Peddler. Tou Youlu turned to leave, but Sun Tiecheng stopped him. "What's the rush? Go ask this young lady; she might just be interested in you."

"Even if she were interested in me, I wouldn't want her!" Tou Youlu's stance was resolute. "This woman is utterly detestable!"

The Heavenly Maiden stumbled haltingly towards the Peddler, her feet still uncoordinated. Her mouth was open as if to call a name, but no sound emerged. She tripped on a vine, falling to the ground face-first. Li Banfeng found the scene too heartbreaking and lowered his head.

Sun Tiecheng grumbled from behind, "Old Seven, why did you bring her here?"

A Yu came to Sun Tiecheng's side and sighed, "She just wants one last look at the Peddler. Let her have it."

Sun Tiecheng sobbed. "They should not have met."

A Yu sighed, "Since the Peddler is already gone, this doesn't violate the original contract."

"Who knows what she intends to do."

"She can do nothing. Just trust me."

Sun Tiecheng nodded. "I trust you."

The Heavenly Maiden picked herself up from the ground and continued to stumble towards the Peddler. Tears streamed down her face, though she could make no sound. She ran faster and faster, only to suddenly encounter a stone pillar directly in her path, striking her face. The Heavenly Maiden fell again.

Sun Tiecheng said with a trembling voice, "Why prolong this suffering!"

A Yu looked at Sun Tiecheng. "This isn't right, is it?"

"Oh, I told you not to let her come," Sun Tiecheng said, sobbing uncontrollably.

A Yu lowered her voice and asked Sun Tiecheng, "How did that stone pillar suddenly appear?"

Sun Tiecheng said, "It didn't just appear; it was already there!"

"Others might not see it, but can't I?" A Yu's voice dropped even lower. "Is he truly dead?"

Sun Tiecheng clasped his hands together, squatting on the ground and weeping. "How can I even talk to you? We simply can't get along. Your heart is too malicious. He's already in such a state; what more do you want?"

A Yu kicked Sun Tiecheng, then looked down at his face. "You've been crying for so long, yet you don't have a single tear! Who are you trying to fool?"

Sun Tiecheng sobbed, "My tears dried up long ago!"

Jiu'er, standing nearby, also felt like crying, but Sun Tiecheng's glare made her tears retreat.

The Heavenly Maiden made her way to the Peddler's side, only to be met by Lu Qianjiao's cold arrow. Lu Qianjiao drew her bowstring. "What are you doing here? Are you looking for death?"

The Heavenly Maiden pointed at the Peddler, then at herself. "He… I…"

Lu Qianjiao kicked the Heavenly Maiden to the ground. "Get lost, or I'll take your life!"

The Heavenly Maiden lay prone on the ground, still crawling towards the Peddler. Lu Qianjiao shot an arrow at the Heavenly Maiden; the arrowhead pierced her back. The Heavenly Maiden shivered, then continued crawling towards the Peddler. Lu Qianjiao drew her bow again, an arrow nocked on the string, its tip aimed squarely at the Heavenly Maiden. The Heavenly Maiden ignored it, continuing to crawl towards the Peddler. Lu Qianjiao closed her eyes, put away her engraved bow, and sat to the side.

The Heavenly Maiden crawled to the Peddler's side and cupped his face.

A Yu asked Sun Tiecheng, "Why are his eyes closed?"

Sun Tiecheng replied with a serious expression, "Shouldn't they be closed?"

A Yu said, "They were open all this time!"

Sun Tiecheng's expression remained serious. "Then he closed them! If you didn't see it, it doesn't count as meeting, right? I've trusted you, so why can't you trust me?"

The Heavenly Maiden touched the Peddler's cheek, speaking with difficulty. "I… came… it's me…" She held the Peddler in her arms, embracing him tightly, repeatedly murmuring, "I've come, it's me…" She held him so tightly, as if fearing someone would snatch him away. Her face was drenched in tears, but she couldn't make a sound.

Late into the night, Li Banfeng brought the Heavenly Maiden back to the Portable Residence. The others found places to rest, preparing to head to Three-Headed Fork for reinforcements the next day. They agreed to obey Li Banfeng's command. Although many privately harbored reservations, with the Peddler gone and the Heavenly Maiden no longer having an adversary, any dissenters had to endure it.

In the dead of night, only Lu Qianjiao remained by the Peddler's side. Li Banfeng said to Lu Qianjiao, "Sister-in-law, find a place to rest for a while." Lu Qianjiao shook her head. "I'm not tired."

Li Banfeng said, "Could you let us brothers have a moment alone?" Lu Qianjiao glanced at Li Banfeng and nodded slightly.

Once Lu Qianjiao was out of earshot, Li Banfeng sat beside the Peddler. He first took out a cigarette and offered it to the Peddler, but the Peddler showed no reaction. He then poured a cup of wine for the Peddler, but still received no reaction.

"Senior Brother, I know you're gravely injured this time. I've sought out renowned physicians, and they've prescribed a remedy. They say this formula can heal your wounds." Li Banfeng took out a collection of bottles and jars and began to prepare the medicine for the Peddler. "The loach from Medicine King's Gully has stiff whiskers, a strong fishy odor, and is especially sticky. You'll have to bear with it for a bit." The Peddler remained unresponsive.

Li Banfeng took out the second ingredient. "These are earthworms from Iron Wire River. There are no horsehair worms there anymore. I dug for quite a while and only managed to unearth about twenty earthworms. It's winter, so they're hard to find. Each one is three inches long and extremely slippery." The Peddler still remained unresponsive.

Li Banfeng took out the third ingredient. "Flies from Iron Bowl Ridge, green-headed ones. I caught sixteen, every single one carrying larvae!" The Peddler's cheek twitched.

The three ingredients were placed in the medicine pot. Li Banfeng said, "I know this medicine is difficult to swallow. I've also prepared some medicinal guides. Old Xu is fighting at Three-Headed Fork, so I had Tan Jinxiao prepare these, both yellow and white varieties." Li Banfeng placed the medicine in the jar and shook it thoroughly. He took a funnel from the cart. "Senior Brother, I'm going to feed you the medicine now!"

"You dare!" The Peddler opened his eyes, glaring fiercely at Li Banfeng.