The Overlord of Puluo

Shanyuan[1] Road, Greenwater City.

Inside a residence, Li Banfeng sat on a sofa wearing a fedora, the brim pulled down extremely low.

Shen Jinzhong, the Three Heroes Sect's Second Boss, was forty-eight years old, bald, and round-faced with a full beard. He was a level-seven Martial Cultivator.

Looking at "Bao Yingchen" beside him, Shen Jinzhong felt waves of unease churning in his gut. He knew the man beside him was not actually Bao Yingchen, but the fear he had felt toward Bao Yingchen over so many years had long since been engraved into his very bones.

Shen Jinzhong said, "Master Qi, there is nothing wrong with this puppet's appearance. But its complexion is a bit off. It looks a little green."

Li Banfeng nodded. "The complexion is easy to fix. We can cover it up later."

Shen Jinzhong continued, "The way he talks and his mannerisms are also quite different from those of our Big Boss. When he spoke, he would only reveal thirty percent of what he wanted to say and hide the other seventy. Even with the thirty percent, he would still speak in a vague and evasive way. When people heard him speak, everyone would feel that what he said made sense. But as for the reason it made sense, very few people would be able to explain clearly."

Shen Jinzhong had described his impression of Bao Yingchen very clearly. However, that made Li Banfeng fall into deep thought. There was no way he could train a cabbage man into a veteran of the jianghu in such a short time.

Since it was impossible to create a cabbage Bao Yingchen who was highly similar to the real thing, Li Banfeng had to think of another solution.

Bao Yingchen liked to speak in a roundabout manner. Just this alone was difficult to handle. They would have to come up with a large number of vague, long-winded lines for him, and if he got even half a sentence wrong, his identity could be exposed. However, the plan would fail if people could not understand him precisely because he strictly followed Bao Yingchen's habit of making everything sound vague and confusing.

That meant the best solution was simply to have the cabbage man avoid talking too much.

Shen Jinzhong asked, "How much do you think he should say, Master Qi?"

"I think three points will be enough."

Shen Jinzhong was stunned. "Can three points explain everything clearly?"

"Add a couple of sentences for the introduction and conclusion. The body of the speech only needs three points. A dozen or so sentences in total should be enough."

Shen Jinzhong felt quite apprehensive. A dozen or so sentences should be enough?

Li Banfeng said, "Whether he says more or less isn't important. What's important is that there needs to be witnesses. Invite people from all the major and minor sects to the Golden Seal Hall. How many you can bring depends on your influence. I will also invite some people. Tonight, you will welcome the Great Golden Seal back home. Before the gathering, you absolutely must not let the news leak out."

Shen Jinzhong looked troubled. "Master Qi, if you won't let me reveal the news that the Great Golden Seal is returning home, how am I supposed to invite people over?"

"That depends on your abilities. I don't think you need to worry about it. Those who are meant to come will come regardless, and those who aren't meant to come—well, they shouldn't come and cause trouble." Li Banfeng took out a sheet of contract paper. "Let's establish the contract first. Everything we discussed before has been written inside."

Shen Jinzhong pricked his finger and pressed his bloody fingerprint onto it.

Li Banfeng rewrote the script, and the two of them carefully rehearsed it several times.

***

Shen Jinzhong returned to the Golden Seal Hall. The Golden Seal Hall was a large residence where the Three Heroes Sect usually discussed important matters.

Despite the Big Boss' seat being empty, Shen Jinzhong sat in the Second Boss' seat. This was Li Banfeng's instruction. Before the matter was settled, the Big Boss' seat had to remain empty. It was a sign of respect for Bao Yingchen and loyalty to the sect.

Shen Jinzhong called several subordinates over and told them to prepare invitations. "I bought twenty sheep from Hundred Herds Plain. Go prepare twenty pots of food. We will hold a banquet tonight."

A subordinate asked, "Who are we inviting?"

"I've written a list. Prepare the invitations."

"Boss, isn't holding a grand banquet inappropriate at this time?"

Shen Jinzhong frowned. "We're just eating mutton hotpot. How does that count as a grand banquet? I'm inviting these people here to help us find our Big Boss."

The subordinate looked at the list of guests. They were all influential figures in Greenwater City, and these people were not easy to invite.

"Two days ahead is an invitation, one day ahead is a request, but asking them on the same day is practically dragging them over. Boss, if we invite them now, they might not be willing to come," the subordinate commented.

Shen Jinzhong replied impatiently, "Those who are meant to come will certainly show me some respect and attend the banquet. Those who aren't meant to come can stay away and avoid causing trouble. Go!"

At 6 PM, guests began arriving one after another.

The earliest arrivals were members of the Three Heroes Sect. Several elders had been invited over. Leaving the Big Boss' seat empty, Shen Jinzhong sat in the Second Boss' seat and invited Elder Dong Kaibin to sit in the Third Boss' seat.

Dong Kaibin had the support of the Chu family and had already taken over the position of the Third Boss of the Three Heroes Sect. The only thing he lacked was the official title.

When Shen Jinzhong invited him to take the Third Boss' seat, Dong Kaibin politely declined a few times. "Boss, it isn't appropriate for me to sit here. My title isn't right."

"What is there to fear?" Shen Jinzhong smiled. "Today's banquet is precisely to establish your position."

"There's still no news of the Big Boss. This trivial matter of mine is hardly worth mentioning..."

"We still have to continue looking for the Big Boss, but your matter also needs to be handled. Elder Brother, just sit here without worry."

Seeing Shen Jinzhong's attitude, Dong Kaibin understood. He's planning to yield, but he's certainly not yielding to me. He's yielding to the Chu Family.

The Chu Family was at the height of power. Shen Jinzhong yielding to the Chu Family was equivalent to yielding to the Border Controller. The key point was the extent to which he was yielding. If Shen Jinzhong obediently remained as the Second Boss, then there was no need to rush things. Dong Kaibin could let him stay for a few more years. If Shen Jinzhong wanted to fight for the Big Boss' seat, then there would be no negotiation. He would either be driven out of the sect or lose his life.

Most of the important figures from the Three Heroes Sect had arrived, and figures from other sects also gradually appeared.

Han Yaomen, the leader of the Azure Cloud Society, cupped his fists toward Shen Jinzhong. "Golden Seal Shen!"

He then cupped his fists toward Dong Kaibin. "Elder Dong."

Shen Jinzhong smiled. "Brother Han, you can't call him Elder Dong anymore. He is now Golden Seal Dong."

Han Yaomen chuckled, swept aside his robe, and sat down in his chair. He did not say a word more. Golden Seal Dong? He's just a lapdog wagging his tail before the Chu Family. Does someone like him deserve to be called a Golden Seal?

The leaders of various sects arrived in succession. Among them included: Zhang Xiuling, the Hundred Flowers Sect's leader; Bai Wuchuan, the White Crane Gang's leader; Li Haoyun, the Hibiscus Studio's leader; and Xie Juncong, the Ghosthand Sect's leader. When they saw Dong Kaibin, a few called him Elder Dong, while others simply ignored him. Not a single person acknowledged him as a Golden Seal.

On the outside, Dong Kaibin looked quite embarrassed, but on the inside, he remained calm. His position had yet to be made official, so he had expected to be treated this way.

The broth in the pots has begun boiling. Why are the guests that Li Qi invited still not here?

Just as Shen Jinzhong was becoming anxious, Li Banfeng's guests arrived. The first to arrive was Lu Chunying, accompanied by Tan Fucheng and Lu Yuanxin.

Despite being targeted by the Border Controller too, the Lu Family had managed to retain their prominent status in Puluo. Everyone was quite surprised that a simple mutton hotpot banquet could bring the Lu Family there.

The second arrival was Shen Rongqing, who represented the Ling Family's film company. The Ling Family's status in Puluo had fallen after being involved in many incidents. Nevertheless, Shen Rongqing's reputation remained. She was still considered one of the most talented women in Puluo.

Shen Rongqing happened to sit beside Zhang Xiuling. With two remarkable women gathered in one place, Shen Jinzhong gained an even better reputation.

The third arrival was He Yuxiu. The guests tensed up at the sight of her.

Why did he invite her here? Has Shen Jinzhong gone mad?

He Yuxiu had killed the Three Heroes Sect's Third Boss, Yang Xingbo! Of course, this was only a rumor and had not been confirmed. The fact that He Yuxiu dared to attend the banquet perhaps meant there was another explanation for Yang Xingbo's death.

Nonetheless, even if that was the case, Shen Jinzhong still should not have openly invited her here. He Yuxiu was currently a thorn in the Border Controller's side and could lose her life at any moment. Was Shen Jinzhong unafraid of being implicated by inviting her to a banquet?

Despite their surprise, everyone stood up as He Yuxiu walked into the hall.

She was, after all, the He Family's eldest daughter. She was one of the most prominent figures and also the person with the strongest backbone in Puluo. In her early years, she faced the Ma Family. Then during her prime, she faced the Lu Family. Now, she faced the Border Controller. No matter what kind of opponent she faced or what kind of situation she encountered, He Yuxiu had never yielded or bowed her head.

Everyone present—regardless of age, status, or position—had to respectfully call He Yuxiu "Big Sis Yuxiu" when they saw her!

He Yuxiu pulled out a chair and sat down beside Lu Chunying. She smiled at Shen Jinzhong and said, "Old Shen, my coming to eat here at your place won't bring you trouble, will it?"

"Big Sis Xiu, what are you saying? It's an honor that you came! I'm glowing in your presence!" Shen Jinzhong exclaimed enthusiastically. Then he had someone bring over a jar of wine and personally poured a cup for He Yuxiu.

Beside them, Dong Kaibin's expression darkened. "Big Sis Xiu, could you confirm if our Third Boss is truly—"

"Who are you?" He Yuxiu looked at Dong Kaibin. "Do I know you?"

Dong Kaibin looked toward Shen Jinzhong, waiting for him to say something on his behalf.

Shen Jinzhong acted as if he had heard nothing. He finished pouring He Yuxiu a cup of wine and even specially prepared a dipping sauce for her. "Big Sis Yuxiu, have a taste! I learned this from a famous chef."

He Yuxiu asked, "Is everyone here? If they are, I'll start eating!"

Shen Jinzhong smiled. "Big Sis Yuxiu, there's no need to be polite. You're here now. You're the last guest we were waiting for. There's no need to wait for anyone else."

He Yuxiu picked up a piece of mutton with her chopsticks and smiled. "Old Shen, why is the Big Boss' seat still empty? Aren't you the leader of the Three Heroes Sect?"

Shen Jinzhong waved his hand, dismissing the idea. "The Big Boss' seat belongs to our Great Golden Seal. No one else can touch that seat!"

As everyone began eating, Dong Kaibin felt that something was off about the situation and looked for a chance to leave.

Right then, someone arrived at the door and said, "Everyone's here. It's quite lively."

All the people present turned toward the voice and saw Bao Yingchen, the leader of the Three Heroes Sect, walking into the hall slowly, step by step, with his hands clasped behind his back.

Everyone put down their chopsticks. All members of the Three Heroes Sect immediately stood and saluted the Great Golden Seal. The other guests rose to their feet as well.

He Yuxiu gritted her teeth. "Bao Yingchen, I've been fucking looking for you. Where the hell is our Old Qi?"

Sensing an impending fight, many of the Three Heroes Sect disciples drew their weapons.

"Don't rush," Bao Yingchen replied. He sat in the Big Boss' seat and looked at everyone for a moment. Then he said slowly, "I was away from home for a few days and only returned today. You have food and drinks here, so it seems you've been living quite well without me."

Bao Yingchen's vague way of speaking, saying only thirty percent and leaving seventy unsaid—that requirement was cleared.

Shen Jinzhong hurriedly explained, "Elder Brother, I called everyone here so they could help look for you. We haven't heard from you at all these past few days. You really frightened us—"

Bao Yingchen waved his hand to interject. "No need to explain. I'm glad you've all been doing well. I came back to say three things. First, bring me my Golden Seal."

Shen Jinzhong hurried into the back room and brought out Bao Yingchen's Golden Seal.

The introduction was finished. Now, it was time for the body of the speech. The body only had three points, but they were the most crucial part of all.

The broth in the pots bubbled and rolled. Shen Jinzhong's forehead was covered in sweat.

Bao Yingchen said, "Firstly, friends must be valued. Li Qi is my friend, and he is a friend of our Three Heroes Sect. This must never be forgotten."

Everyone was startled, then their gazes turned toward Zhang Xiuling. They had all thought the woman had fabricated the story, but they never expected that the Great Golden Seal and Li Qi had truly become friends.

Zhang Xiuling looked at Shen Rongqing rather complacently.

Meanwhile, Shen Rongqing kept staring at Bao Yingchen's face and said quietly, "His complexion is off. He looks like he has been poisoned."

Bao Yingchen's face was pale with a greenish tint. He really did look poisoned.

Bao Yingchen continued, "Second, blood debts must be repaid. The Chu Family bought out someone in our sect, turning them into a mole and getting them to ambush me. I was poisoned. I returned to this hall with the last of my strength just to tell you all to remember... this grudge must be avenged!"

Everyone's gazes moved away from Zhang Xiuling and focused on Elder Dong Kaibin instead.

With the support of the Chu Family, Dong Kaibin was about to become Third Boss and might even compete for the position of Big Boss. Now that the true leader had returned, did that not mean the mole he spoke of was Dong Kaibin?

Bao Yingchen's gaze also turned toward Dong Kaibin.

Dong Kaibin, however, was in shock and had no idea what was happening. The Chu Family plotted against Bao Yingchen? Is that possible? Even if it's true, this has nothing to do with me!

He stood up to explain, but Shen Jinzhong pushed him back into his chair. "Don't move! Wait until Elder Brother finishes speaking!"

Without giving Dong Kaibin a chance to defend himself, Bao Yingchen picked up the Golden Seal and placed it in Shen Jinzhong's hands. "Third, someone needs to take care of the sect. I'm not going to make it. According to sect rules, the Great Golden Seal will be handed to Second Chief Shen Jinzhong to hold from now on."

"Elder Brother!" Shen Jinzhong cried out tearfully, his voice trembling with emotion. "Don't say such ominous things. I'll have someone remove the poison from you right now."

"No need!" Bao Yingchen stopped Shen Jinzhong with a smile. "I've said everything I needed to say. Everyone, I thank you all for honoring me by gathering here. Please enjoy your food and drinks."

Then he picked up his chopsticks and grabbed a piece of mutton. However, before it even reached his mouth, he went still.

He Yuxiu looked at Bao Yingchen and nodded. "Old Bao, you've got guts!"

Han Yaomen, the leader of Azure Cloud Society, shed a tear. "Elder Brother Bao, may you have a safe journey."

Lu Chunying raised her wine cup. "Old hero, this junior offers you a toast."

Shen Rongqing felt that something was wrong. Many things did not add up. But the disciples of the Three Heroes Sect were all in tears, and the other guests were also tearing up. It seemed inappropriate to raise doubts about the situation at this moment.

Shen Jinzhong hugged Bao Yingchen. "Elder Brother, Elder Brother, answer me... Elder Brother, you can't leave..."

He broke into a sob, weeping bitterly.

Still, he had not forgotten Li Banfeng's warning. He absolutely could not overact this scene.

1. Translates to something along the lines of "mountain origin". ☜