The Overlord of Puluo

"Xiuling, something's off," Shen Rongqing whispered to Zhang Xiuling. "Bao Yingchen dragged himself back here with the last of his strength. Couldn't he have at the very least found someone to help him cure the poison?"

With her notebook in hand, Zhang Xiuling was busy recording the details of this touching scene. She gave Shen Rongqing a perfunctory response. "Perhaps the poison he was afflicted with had no cure."

Shen Rongqing shook her head repeatedly. "Even if there was no cure, he had already returned to his own domain. He should have at least found someone to try."

Zhang Xiuling wrote faster and faster. "Perhaps Big Boss Bao had long since become indifferent to life and death."

"What a joke. This concerned his life and death! Everyone only has one life. Who doesn't want to live? Rather than staying here to deliver his final words, he should have at least given himself a chance to survive."

Zhang Xiuling chuckled. "Oh, Rongqing. This is a matter of realm. Do you know what realm we are in right here?"

Shen Rongqing truly could not understand what Zhang Xiuling meant. "Xiuling, tell me, what realm are we in? What realm can make someone disregard their life?"

"Things like realms cannot be explained clearly," Zhang Xiuling said, suddenly lowering her voice. "If you have yet to become indifferent to life and death, then hold your tongue. You are a merchant. You know far too little about the sects. If you keep talking, your life or death will become uncertain."

This was the difference between Zhang Xiuling and Shen Rongqing. Both were talented women, but Shen Rongqing was a merchant, while Zhang Xiuling was the leader of the Hundred Flowers Sect.

Shen Rongqing still did not get it. "Xiuling, don't you want to know the truth?"

Using her Thousand Lines with a Single Stroke ability, Zhang Xiuling wrote several sentences in her notebook and presented them before Shen Rongqing:

Rongqing, facts and truths are not the same. Merchants pay close attention to the real value of goods, while sects only believe what they see. Within the world of sects, what can be seen is real, and what cannot be seen is fake.

Bao Yingchen has died. You saw it happen, so this is real.

Shen Jinzhong shed tears. You saw it happen, so this is also real.

According to the sect rules, the Second Golden Seal must now become the Great Golden Seal. The rules are real, and the Golden Seal is real too.

You have seen all of this. What you see is what is real. It is best not to blindly speculate about things you cannot see.

After reading those lines, Shen Rongqing fell silent.

Everyone present had witnessed what happened just now. That meant it was real. Compared to that, all her suspicions were meaningless. They would only bring her trouble and might even get her killed.

Meanwhile, Shen Jinzhong had two things to do. First, he had to give Bao Yingchen a proper burial. Be it as Bao Yingchen's sworn brother or as his subordinate within the sect, this was Shen Jinzhong's duty. Second, he had to deal with the mole. Bao Yingchen had already spoken of it, and the mole had been identified. It was Dong Kaibin.

Dong Kaibin was still in a daze, not knowing how he should defend himself. Regardless, he did not even need to worry about that, as Shen Jinzhong was not going to give him the chance to explain a single thing.

Several disciples pressed Dong Kaibin onto the table, and Shen Jinzhong raised his knife.

This was part of Li Qi's instructions. Shen Jinzhong could not hesitate, leave room for negotiation, or allow even a moment of argument or delay. After all, Dong Kaibin had cultivation power. He was a level-five Ascetic Cultivator. He also had subordinates. Several of his followers were present.

Dong Kaibin used his abilities to try to escape, but Shen Jinzhong subdued him on the spot. He called out to his followers, but all of them had blades held to their necks.

Dong Kaibin shouted hoarsely, "I knew nothing about what the Chu Family did!"

It was too late. Shen Jinzhong cut off his head with a single strike.

Watching the blood spray out, He Yuxiu felt regretful. What a pity about this pot of fine mutton.

Someone muttered, "Was this really the work of the Chu Family?"

Shen Jinzhong gritted his teeth. "The Chu Family didn't even dare to come. If they weren't the ones who did this, then who was?"

It was true that the Chu Family had not come.

Shen Jinzhong had arranged a mutton hotpot banquet, but he had not invited the Chu Family. How could they have known to come?

However, this was not a time for logic. What mattered now was sentiment and mood. By killing Dong Kaibin and avenging the Big Boss, Shen Jinzhong had shown his loyalty to Bao Yingchen. The mood was just right.

Next came the funeral arrangements. The guests attending the banquet naturally could not violate etiquette, so they went before the coffin to offer their respects one after another.

As for examining the corpse, no one dared mention it. It matched what Zhang Xiuling had said. Bao Yingchen had died, and if he was dead, then he was dead. Nothing would change that.

Dressed in mourning clothes, Shen Jinzhong was devastated with grief and nearly fainted from crying.

He Yuxiu offered incense to Bao Yingchen and said to Shen Jinzhong, "The accomplice has already been dealt with. Are you going to leave the mastermind alone?"

"What are you saying, Big Sis Xiu?" Shen Jinzhong gritted his teeth. "The Three Heroes Sect and the Chu Family are now irreconcilable enemies!"

"Good!" He Yuxiu nodded. "I'll remember those words. If Old Bao has a spirit in the heavens, then he heard them too!"

Amid the coming and going of guests, a man dressed in a suit and a fedora entered the mourning hall. He tapped Shen Jinzhong from behind. Without that tap, Shen Jinzhong would not have known he had arrived.

Shen Jinzhong led him to a corner and greeted him quietly. "Master Qi, I sent people to find the item you wanted. They should be able to bring it over soon."

Li Banfeng nodded. "Did everything go smoothly?"

"Yes. Once Elder Brother is buried, everything afterward will be much easier."

"Don't wait. Keep the funeral arrangements simple."

Li Banfeng was a little worried. If they waited any longer, the cabbage man might have problems.

Shen Jinzhong was anxious too. "Tonight won't work. I've already told the guests. The burial will be arranged for tomorrow."

***

"The burial is tomorrow." Zhang Xiuling closed her notebook and sighed. "Shen Jinzhong really is in a hurry."

Shen Rongqing whispered, "With the funeral arranged so hastily, doesn't anyone suspect something?"

Zhang Xiuling nodded. "There's more than one person who feels suspicious about it. But so what? They can only think about it. And no matter how much they think about it, nothing will help. Perhaps even decades or a century later, some may still not know what happened. But what difference does knowing what happened make? Right now, the Big Boss of the Three Heroes Sect is Shen Jinzhong."

***

Li Qi and Shen Jinzhong were talking in the mourning hall when Ghosthand Sect's leader Xie Juncong entered to offer incense.

Xie Juncong stepped forward and greeted Li Banfeng. "You're Master Qi, aren't you?"

Li Banfeng was quite surprised. There were not many people who could notice him so quickly.

Shen Jinzhong stepped forward to introduce Xie Juncong. "This is the big boss of the Ghosthand Sect, Sect Master Xie Juncong."

Upon hearing "Ghosthand Sect," Li Banfeng really wanted to press this kind-looking old man to the ground and beat him senseless. The timing and place were not appropriate, so Li Banfeng endured it for now.

Xie Juncong sighed and said, "Before Old Bao left, he said that he had acknowledged you as a friend. He was a true hero. I admire him, so from now on, I, Xie Juncong, will also acknowledge you as a friend!"

"Senior Xie, your virtue and prestige are renowned. I have been looking forward to meeting you for a long time..." Li Banfeng replied, appearing deeply moved. His sincere delivery of a few polite lies successfully placated Xie Juncong.

White Crane Gang's leader Bai Wuchuan entered the mourning hall. He had not noticed Li Banfeng at first, but after seeing Xie Juncong speaking with Li Banfeng, he also came over to exchange a few words.

"Master Qi, the White Crane Gang has not had much interaction with you before, but Old Bao's friends are my, Bai Wuchuan's, friends too."

Li Banfeng cupped his fist and bowed in return.

After Bai Wuchuan left, Li Banfeng asked Shen Jinzhong, "What is the background of the White Crane Gang?"

Shen Jinzhong explained, "In Puluo, the White Crane Gang is a major sect. Every one of its members is a Physique Cultivator, and within the sect there are two factions, Transformation Physique Cultivators and Incarnation Physique Cultivators."

Li Banfeng did not know much about Physique Cultivators, so he asked, "What are Transformation Physique Cultivators and Incarnation Physique Cultivators?"

"Simply put, Transformation Physique Cultivators are humans who become beasts, while Incarnation Physique Cultivators are beasts who become humans. Bai Wuchuan is a Transformation Physique Cultivator. He only took over the gang last year. Actually, the position of gang leader should not have been given to him.

"He had a senior brother who was an incarnation Physique Cultivator, a celestial crane who had transformed into a human. It was said that he had cultivated in seclusion for twenty years and achieved great success. A year ago, this senior brother emerged from seclusion and was preparing to take over as the gang leader, but he unexpectedly disappeared in the Medicine King Gully."

A celestial crane disappeared in Medicine King Gully...

Li Banfeng thought that sounded familiar, like he might have seen this person before.

I think that person crashed into the regional border and was reduced to ashes! To be able to become a gang leader, that person's cultivation level must have been extraordinary.

It seems that in the future, I should avoid cultivating in seclusion as much as possible. Remaining in seclusion for too long can cause people to do some crazy things.

While he was thinking, Li Haoyun, the leader of Hibiscus Studio, entered the mourning hall. He had just seen Bai Wuchuan speaking with Li Banfeng, so he too came over to greet Li Banfeng.

"Master Qi, we share the same surname; we're part of the same clan. Please look after me in the future!"

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Li Haoyun left. Li Banfeng asked Shen Jinzhong, "What business does Hibiscus Studio do?"

Shen Jinzhong raised his eyebrows at Li Banfeng's question. "Literary Houses. Thirty percent of the Literary Houses in Lushui City belong to Hibiscus Studio. Hibiscus Studio also has quite a few businesses in Girdle-Slipping Hollow."

Hibiscus Studio, Li Haoyun.

For some reason, Li Banfeng felt this person was rather familiar too.

A few more guests arrived.

Then one of Shen Jinzhong's subordinates came to him and handed him a rosewood box. Shen Jinzhong sent his subordinate away and handed the rosewood box to Li Banfeng.

Shen Jinzhong said quietly, "Master Qi, the item you wanted has been acquired."

Li Banfeng took the box and opened it, revealing the pair of Judge's Brushes sitting inside.

Is this the precious item Chu Huaijun gave Bao Yingchen?

Li Banfeng picked up the Judge's Brushes and examined them. They were indeed fine weapons. The craftsmanship and materials were both exquisite.

But after listening carefully for a moment, Li Banfeng did not hear any sound from the Judge's Brushes. He possessed the ability Perceiving the Spirit's Melody. If he could not hear anything, it meant these Judge's Brushes had no spirit essence.

"These two weapons alone were what Bao Yingchen risked his life for?" Li Banfeng muttered, finding that hard to believe.

Seeing that Li Banfeng did not seem pleased, Shen Jinzhong hurriedly said, "Master Qi, we need to make this clear. I gave this item to you the moment it was found. I never touched it."

Li Banfeng looked toward the courtyard and saw Xie Juncong walking toward the exit.

"What is the relationship between the Three Heroes Sect and the Ghosthand Sect?" Li Banfeng asked.

Shen Jinzhong sighed. "With a sect like that, how should I put it... Offending them easily causes trouble for us, but getting too close to them brings even greater trouble. We just get along as best we can. We won't turn against each other, and that's about it."

After Shen Jinzhong's explanation, Li Banfeng took two steps to arrive behind Xie Juncong. He asked, "Senior Xie, are you leaving? Shall I see you off?"

Xie Juncong shook his head. "I am not leaving tonight. I will see Old Bao off on his final journey."

He said he's not leaving. Could it be that he's not the one who took the item?

Li Banfeng did not ask any further questions and turned away.

Once Li Banfeng was some distance away, Xie Juncong took out a white glove from his sleeve.

This glove was something he had taken from Li Banfeng. He did not know what use the glove had, but Thievery Cultivators had methods for recognizing treasures, and he could tell this was an extremely valuable enchanted artifact.

Xie Juncong sighed inwardly, "Young man, it seems that you're quite quick-witted, seeing as you suspected me. But the fact that you dared to casually come over and test me shows you still lack experience."

He checked the time. After waiting until a little past 2 AM when everyone was tired, he found an opportunity and left the Golden Seal Hall.

When Thievery Cultivators made their move, everything depended on timing. What kind of timing was most suitable?

The Three Heroes Sect's Golden Seal Hall was heavily guarded. Under normal circumstances, even Xie Juncong would not dare claim he had complete confidence in sneaking inside. But today, Shen Jinzhong had invited him to eat mutton hotpot, allowing him to openly walk into the hall. It had been the perfect opportunity for him to act. As for whether Shen Jinzhong would settle accounts afterward, that was hard to say.

Nevertheless, Xie Juncong had clear priorities. The task that He Jiaqing had assigned him was more important. As the saying went, evidence was necessary to catch a thief. Without proof, even if they came to him, Xie Juncong would never admit anything.

Besides, Shen Jinzhong had only just become the Great Golden Seal and had not yet established his footing. Xie Juncong was not afraid that Shen Jinzhong would break ties with the Ghosthand Sect.

After returning to his old residence beside the Houtang City God Temple, Xie Juncong took out a pair of Judge's Brushes. Just as he was preparing to contact Wan Jinxian and hand the enchanted artifact to He Jiaqing, he suddenly felt that the Judge's Brushes he held looked a little familiar.

It was not merely that they looked familiar. These were the Judge's Brushes he had gotten someone to make, the very Judge's Brushes he had used to switch the ones in the Golden Seal Hall!

How did they get switched back? Where have the real ones gone?

Xie Juncong froze for a moment. He touched his inner chest pocket and realised that the glove he had taken from Li Banfeng was gone as well.

***

Within the Pocket Dwelling, the Glove spat out the Judge's Brushes and sneered. "This old bastard dared to just take anything he wanted. He has lived for such a long time, yet he still acts so carelessly."

He turned to Li Banfeng. "Boss, take a look. How is the quality of this item?"

Li Banfeng smiled. "You are the expert. Anything you have your eye on definitely cannot be bad."

Holding the pair of Judge's Brushes, he went to his own Judge's Brush and softly called out, "Hey, Brush, your two brothers have come to visit you. You all look exactly the same, so I won't give you separate names. From now on, this one will be called Second Brush, the other will be called Third Brush, and you will still be called Despicable Brush. How does that sound?"

The Judge's Brush was sleeping and ignored Li Banfeng.

The Judge's Brush in the second position took the initiative to switch places with the one in the third position. It did not want to be called Second Brush.[1]

After waiting a long while, the two new brushes seemed to have no reaction with the original Judge's Brush.

Li Banfeng frowned. "What is the meaning of this?"

Buzz~

The Pocket Dwelling suddenly said, "Qi, bring those things to the third room and let this old man help you take a look."

Li Banfeng brought the Judge's Brushes to the third room.

The Pocket Dwelling spoke in a serious tone. "Qi, put the brushes down first. Let this old man examine them carefully!"

The Glove became quite nervous. "Put them down..."

"Glove, do not speak so much!" the Pocket Dwelling exclaimed, his tone becoming even more serious.

Li Banfeng placed the pair of Judge's Brushes on the ground.

"Good stuff!" the Pocket Dwelling exclaimed and laughed loudly. "Mwahahaha!"

The pair of Judge's Brushes instantly melted, seeped into the ground, and disappeared.

Li Banfeng was stunned for a long while, then he shouted angrily, "You old thief, are you openly robbing me?!"

1. I think this is probably because “two”(direct translation is “two brush/brush two”) means “stupid” in Beijing dialect. So, it doesn’t want to be called “stupid brush”. ☜