Kill to the End

When Zhu YuGui saw Lü Qingfu rushing over, he quickly exhaled a breath of Cold Qi, intending to freeze Lü Qingfu.

Zhu YuGui really went all out with that blast of Cold Qi.

He would rather let Lü Qingfu freeze to death than eat anything from Lü Qingfu's mouth.

This isn't just a matter of disgust; eating this stuff will subject you to Lü Qingfu's control.

Unfortunately, the Cold Qi didn't freeze Lü Qingfu, but it did freeze one of Lü Qingfu men to death.

Lü Qingfu dodged, and before Zhu YuGui could even see where Lü Qingfu was hiding, Lü Qingfu had already hugged Zhu YuGui from behind.

How could he be so fast?

Lü Qingfu is a sixth-level Joy Cultivator; even if he used all his techniques, he couldn't achieve such speed.

Someone is manipulating him.

Suddenly, an ice spike shot out from behind Zhu YuGui, intending to stab Lü Qingfu to death, but Lü Qingfu dodged it again, his speed still astonishing.

At this moment, Zhu YuGui had confirmed the situation. Not only Lü Qingfu had entered the room, but there was another person, who was most likely Li Qi, who was controlling Lü Qingfu at an astonishing speed.

Zhu YuGui knew that Li Qi had come to Three Heads Junction, and he also knew that Li Qi was Travel Cultivator.

As for Li Qi's cultivation level, the official statement is that it is the fifth level. Zhu YuGui knows that this is pure nonsense. Li Qi should have the cultivation level of the seventh or eighth level of the Earthly Realm, and may even have reached the Cloud Realm.

Therefore, Zhu YuGui specifically sought out the Chief of Illusion Cultivators, Huan Wuchang, to deal with Li Qi. Unexpectedly, Li Qi appeared unharmed at the Green Garden Mansion.

Was it that Huan Wuchang didn't make a move, or that he couldn't beat Li Qi?

It's hard to judge this person's stance, but Zhu YuGui's situation is extremely dangerous.

Lü Qingfu appeared around Zhu Yugui from time to time, and every time Zhu YuGui countered, Lü Qingfu easily dodged. Li Qi was able to easily protect Lü Qingfu in front of Zhu YuGui, which was enough to show the difference in strength between the two.

Zhu YuGui was worried that he was no match for Li Qi in a one-on-one fight. He wanted to call for help, but there was no response from outside the door.

It seems that Li Qi has knocked down all the supports on this floor, and the only one we can count on is the advisor Du Zhihuan.

"Old Du, go and give them to me..." Zhu YuGui turned his head and saw one of Lü Qingfu's men feeding Du Zhihuan a mouthful of Golden Fluid Jade Liquid. Du Zhihuan watched the struggling Zhu YuGui with a satisfied smile.

Old Du was out of the question, so Zhu YuGui looked around and used his ultimate move, the Cold Cultivation Technique, Eyes Full of Frost.

Throughout the room, everything within sight—from the walls to the ceiling, from the furniture to the furnishings—was covered in a layer of frost.

Frost covered everyone's bodies, and Du Zhihuan and Lü Qingfu's group of men froze to death on the spot. However, Zhu YuGui searched for a long time but could not find Lü Qingfu himself.

The fact that Lü Qingfu is not dead proves that Li Qi, who is controlling Lü Qingfu, is definitely not dead.

The fact that Li Qi was able to protect Lü Qingfu proves that he may not have even been injured.

Using the Eyes Full of Frost was extremely taxing on Zhu YuGui, who quickly ran out of strength, and the frost in the room gradually faded away.

The technique stopped, which meant that Li Qi could appear at any moment, and Zhu YuGui realized that he could lose his life at any time.

"Li Qi," Zhu YuGui called out, "Let me tell you, once you entered Green Garden Mansion, you already bear Qingyuan's mark. If you dare to hurt me, you'll suffer the consequences yourself!"

Li Banfeng appeared and walked into Zhu YuGui's room from the door. "Tell me, why do marks remain on your body after entering this building?"

"This is the Work Method, the Work Method left by our boss for the Green Garden Mansion." Zhu YuGui was very nervous. He could see Li Qi's face clearly, but under the brim of Li Qi's hat, there was a murderous aura that terrified him.

Zhu YuGui concealed his fear deeply, his expression and tone still carrying his usual domineering air. "Li Qi, you have no idea who our boss is. You've messed with someone you can't afford to offend. Now, I only need to lift a finger..."

Bang!

Li Banfeng kicked him in the face, and Zhu YuGui fell backward to the ground, blood gushing from his nose and mouth.

Zhu YuGui didn't rush to get up. He lay on the ground and clenched his fist tightly. Li Banfeng felt a dull pain in his chest.

He really does have some skills.

"Does it hurt now?" Zhu YuGui slowly stood up, smiling at Li Banfeng. "It only hurts a little now. Just wait a little longer, until the mark is firmly implanted in your body, and I can kill you with a single clench of my fist."

Li Banfeng asked with a smile, "Will it take a little longer to kill you?"

Zhu YuGui understood the situation. "No need. You are indeed quite capable; killing me would be a piece of cake for you. But even if you kill me, it won't matter. The mark will still be on you. Next time you see our boss, or some other big shot, they won't even blink an eye at killing you."

"Things have come to this point, why make things worse? You've made a mistake, and you can only accept your bad luck. Don't mess with us again, and we definitely won't make things difficult for you."

Li Qi remained silent.

Zhu YuGui observed Li Qi's position, planning his next move.

If Li Qi leaves now, then Zhu YuGui will be lucky.

If Li Qi wanted to kill Zhu YuGui in a fit of anger, then he was simply unlucky.

If Li Qi wanted to negotiate, Zhu YuGui would agree to any conditions, as long as he could stall for an hour. Then the mark would take root in Li Qi's body, and at that point, he could clench his fist and make Li Qi suffer excruciating pain.

Even if it only lasts for half an hour, and the mark is halfway in place, it can still cause Li Qi immense pain and will most likely force Li Qi to retreat.

With that in mind, Zhu YuGui took the initiative to negotiate. "You came to the Underground City to do business, so tell me how much territory you want. As long as it's not too big, I can make the decision directly. I can give you half of the Human Market's business."

Li Qi shook his head and said, "Half is not enough, I want it all."

"You can have it all. I'll give you the seal right now, and the Human Market will be yours from now on."

Li Qi still shook his head. "Just having the seal isn't enough."

"You want more money, huh?" Zhu YuGui pulled out the vault key. "The vault is right next door, it's full of gold and silver dollars. Take as much as you want, the whole vault is yours now!"

Li Qi shook his head again. "Even the treasury isn't enough."

"Then what else do you want?" In the building, Zhu YuGui has a legal wife and twenty-two concubines. He would give them all away if Li Qi just said the word.

"I have a friend who wants you." Li Banfeng waved his hand, and Lü Qingfu suddenly appeared and hugged Zhu YuGui.

How come Lü Qingfu is moving so fast?

Wasn't he always under Li Qi's control?

Isn't Li Qi right in front of us?

Who exactly is controlling Lü Qingfu? Is there someone else in this house?

Zhu YuGui didn't have time to resist; he was too exhausted.

Lü Qingfu hugged Zhu YuGui and kissed him, feeding him the first mouthful Golden Fluid Jade Liquid his Zhu YuGui.

Zhu YuGui struggled for a short while, then a smile appeared on his face.

Time is of the essence now, Zhu YuGui will obey Lü Qingfu's orders in a very short period of time.

Lü Qingfu spoke up, "Tell me, how do I remove the mark?"

Zhu YuGui replied, "I don't know."

He wasn't lying; having taken the first sip of the Golden Fluid Jade Liquid, he couldn't possibly be lying now.

Lü Qingfu then asked, "Who is your employer?"

"I don't know his name."

"What does he look like?"

I've never seen what he looks like.

"What sect does he belong to, and how high is his cultivation level?"

"I have no idea."

Zhu YuGui, as the head of the Human Market, was a person of status under his master, but unexpectedly, he knew so little about his master.

Where is your employer located?

"He has reached the Three Heads Junction, but not yet the Underground City."

"Isn't he usually at Three Heads Junction?"

"No, he's traveling all over Pro State. He came back this time mainly because he's short of money."

What did he do with the money?

"I, I, I don't know..."

Zhu YuGui's thinking began to stagnate, and the time for his Golden Fluid Jade Liquid was running out.

Lü Qingfu quickly assigned Zhu YuGui a crucial task. "Agui, the rent needs to be changed."

Zhu YuGui nodded. "I also think we charged too little; I've already raised the price."

Snap!

Lü Qingfu slapped Zhu YuGui: "It's not that you accepted too little. I'll help you change the rules. Listen to how they've been changed first, and I'll give you something good to eat later."

Zhu YuGui smiled and agreed, "Okay."

Lü Qingfu assigned Zhu YuGui the task of revising the rent, and then fed him a sip of Golden Fluid Jade Liquid. For the next month, Zhu YuGui would strictly carry out this task; this was the effect of the second sip of Golden Fluid Jade Liquid.

With the matter settled, Li Banfeng waved his hand, and a dark shadow emerged from Lü Qingfu's body.

Li Banfeng exclaimed, "I must say, this new technique you've learned is quite useful."

The shadow remained silent.

"Doesn't it feel disgusting?" Li Banfeng asked Banfeng Yi.

Banfeng Yi made a spitting gesture. "Why shouldn't you do this kind of thing?"

Li Banfeng shook his head and said, "I really can't stand this smell."

"If you can't stand it, then leave now!"

"Don't rush, some things haven't been cleaned up yet." Li Banfeng summoned a group of shadows.

Banfeng Yi was very dissatisfied. "Every additional shadow that appears is another mark, and I already have a mark on me!"

This building is truly special; everyone who enters is marked with a symbol.

"It's alright, let's clean this up first, then we'll deal with the rest together."

Li Banfeng waved his hand and gave the order to the shadows, "Mad Cultivator Technique, Rivers of Blood."

Dozens of dark figures flew past Li Banfeng.

"You make it sound like a technique, but all you're doing is making us brothers do the work, right?" Banfeng Yi killed Lü Qingfu first, and then followed Li Banfeng to the vault.

Fifteen minutes later, Zhu YuGui was the only living person left in the Green Garden Mansion.

He personally wrote dozens of notices, dressed himself neatly, took the notices, went to the storeroom to find a bronze gong, and went downstairs.

Upon reaching the street corner, he posted the notice, banged on a gong, and shouted, "This month's rent is completely waived, and from now on, the rent will be halved. I, Zhu YuGui, was a scoundrel for raising prices before; I apologize to everyone for my mistake!"

Zhu YuGui repeated these words more than twenty times.

The onlookers were stunned.

"Who is this?"

"You don't recognize him? This is the big boss of the Human Market, Uncle Gui!"

"What's wrong with him?"

"Who knows what's wrong with him? The day before yesterday he said he was going to raise the rent, and today he said he would halve it, and that it would be free this month. He's said so many things, I don't know what he really means."

"Let's take another look at the notice in a bit; it seems to be written very clearly there."

"Did I hear that right? Zhu YuGui actually made a mistake?"

"That bastard Zhu YuGui, I'll believe him if he ever admits he ate shit, but I really don't believe him if he admits he's wrong."

"Don't tell me you don't believe me. Just smell him. It's like he really ate shit."

Zhu YuGui, carrying the gong and the notice, arrived at another intersection.

Tan Jinxiao watched from the sidelines, muttering, "This Li Qi isn't afraid of offending people; he's determined to fight his boss to the bitter end."

Xiao Yeci stood to the side, a hint of pride in her eyes. "I don't know who the owner here is, but our Benefactor isn't afraid of him!"

"This is a complicated matter!" Tan Jinxiao shook his head slightly. "This boss has all sorts of tricks up his sleeve, both overt and covert, black and white."

Juanzi chimed in, "Our Seventh Master isn't afraid, he's never been afraid!"

Liang Wu asked, "Where did Seventh Master go?"

The Liang Cai, "Didn't we agree to meet here? Let's wait a little longer."

Tan Jinxiao frowned and said, "I told him not to go to Green Garden, but he wouldn't listen. This time, he must have been marked."

Portable Abode, Li Banfeng and a group of shadows stood ramrod straight.

They tilted their heads back, clenched their fists, exerted all their strength, and their bodies trembled in waves.

Hong Ying was very nervous. She asked the record player, "Xiao Wan, is childbirth like this too?"

The record player smacked Hong Ying: "Why are you asking me? I've never given birth!"

After a full twenty minutes, Li Banfeng exerted his strength and vomited out a Copper Coin.

The shadows exerted their strength and spat out the Copper Coin.

Since Li Banfeng learned the skill of "Carefree Sleep," this has become the most difficult thing he has ever encountered.

The glove picked up a Copper Coin from the ground. Judging from its material, it was made of brass; judging from its shape, it was round on the outside and square on the inside.

It's just an ordinary Copper Coin; the glove wouldn't mistake it for anything else.

"But why did this Copper Coin become a mark?" the glove exclaimed with a sigh. "I remember that Smiling Thousand Hands also left marks on people, but I don't remember what his marks looked like."

Copper Coin.

The shape of the mark reminded Li Banfeng of someone.

Master Kong Fang.

Zhu YuGui said that his employer was short of money, and Master Kong Fang was also short of money.

Li Banfeng withdrew all the shadows, leaving only one shadow at his feet.

The Wife collected the Copper Coin scattered on the ground, sealed them with steam, and planned to study them later.

"My dear Wife, what exactly are these marks?"

"My dear husband, it's hard to say..."

After pondering for a long time, she still couldn't give a definition for the symbols, so she could only give examples to explain to Li Banfeng:

"For example, a scholar's mark is usually a character, which contains the spirituality given by the scholar. Therefore, the scholar can always sense the location of the character. Such a mark can help the scholar find people or objects, but there are not many scholars who know how to use marks."

The marks used in espionage are like hooks. Once a mark is attached, the espionage practitioner can monitor the other person's actions. These marks are the foundation of this Daoist practice.

The marks used by sorcerers are the root of all evil; their marks are far more useful than anything else, as the casting of Curse Art relies almost entirely on these marks.

The Mourning Gate Formation used by the monk also employs symbols. My husband has encountered the Mourning Gate Formation before; this formation is extremely difficult to break, and these symbols are far too complex for Little Slave to explain.

After pondering for a long time, Li Banfeng asked, "Aren't there any markings for House Cultivator?"

The Wife replied, "Of course there are. The bloodstains left next to the house are the marks."

"Isn't the mark left for others to see after House Cultivator?"

The Wife laughed and said, "House Cultivator reaches a certain level, they become too lazy to even glance at outsiders. Their own blood is naturally reserved for their own home; how could they bear to leave it for outsiders?"

The concept of symbols is indeed too complex.

Li Banfeng looked at Hong Ying again. "Does the Travel Cultivator have any markings?"

After asking the question, Li Banfeng didn't expect to get an answer. As a crude and uncouth woman, Hong Ying probably wouldn't know the concept of symbols.

This time, however, Li Banfeng underestimated Hong Ying.

"Travel Cultivator uses markings. My grandfather's method for repairing train stations was also based on markings. Want to learn? I can teach you!"

"I'd like to..." Li Banfeng hesitated for a moment before saying, "Well, I'd like to borrow it for a bit."

Hong Ying sneered, "It's been so long, and you still don't dare admit you're Travel Cultivator. You and Xiao Wan are just joking around like this every day, is it really that interesting?"

The record player laughed and said, "How can it be boring? My husband and I love this."

Hong Ying put down the Powder Puff, turned to look at Li Banfeng and said, "If you call me 'good Wife,' I will teach you how to use the marking technique."

Li Banfeng shook his head. "That won't do, I only have one Wife!"

Hong Ying snorted and said, "What else is there to say? Go learn marking from your Wife!"

Li Banfeng was quite straightforward. "Fine, if you don't want to teach me, that's fine too. It's not like I have to learn this."

Li Banfeng stormed off in a huff, and after complaining to Hong Ying a couple of times, he felt a surge of smugness in his heart.

After leaving Portable Abode, Li Banfeng found the other people.

Tan Jinxiao said, "Were you also marked? You shouldn't have gone to Green Garden; you handled this matter too hastily."

Li Banfeng said, "Is there a rush? The matter is already settled. It's too late to talk about anything else now. Are all your men here?"

"Is there anywhere we can use them?"

"I've moved Zhu YuGui's vault out. You arrange for the brothers to distribute the money. Since you promised to waive the rent for this month, you have to keep your word. As for how to collect rent in the future, we'll see when the time comes."

Tan Jinxiao nodded repeatedly. "Alright, Seventh Master, I admire you. What are your plans for the next step?"

"I'll wait here until their boss comes over, and then we'll talk to him and get him to give up the Underground City."

"This matter is not that simple."

Li Banfeng said, "Nothing in this world is simple. Let's do it first. After losing so much rent, their landlord will definitely not sit still. I estimate that their landlord will show up in the next day or two."

Tan Jinxiao sighed, "I just wanted to show you around the Underground City, but I didn't expect you to fight your way through!"

Li Banfeng chuckled, "What's wrong, man? Got scared?"

Tan Jinxiao shook his head and said, "I'm not a coward, Seventh Master. If I lose my life this time, please write a message on my grave saying that Tan Jinxiao is a man who has never backed down in his life. When our general sees this grave in the future, he will recognize it at a glance as mine!"

General?

Li Banfeng found it strange when Tan Jinxiao mentioned the war last time.

"Who is your general?"

"What are you saying, General?" Tan Jinxiao looked blank, unsure whether he was genuinely confused or just pretending.

The Simple Phone rang, Li Banfeng answered it. It was Luo ZhengNan calling.

"Seventh Master, Liao Zihui is here to see you. He says something has happened at the Dark Star Bureau."

"What happened?"

"He said there was a man named Chen Changrui who was reported for abusing his power to Harmonizing Agent 'Harmonizing Agent,' which are pills from Outer State that are strictly regulated there. You must know about this."

"Chen Changrui is currently under investigation, and it's estimated that he'll be dismissed from his post, and the Dark Star Bureau might also lose its footing."

Li Banfeng hung up the phone, his brows furrowed.

Chen Changrui distributed the Harmonizing Agent to his subordinates, an action tacitly approved by Li Banfeng.

Who reported Chen Changrui for this?

This matter must be addressed. We cannot let Old Chen suffer this injustice, nor can we allow the Dark Star Bureau to lose its reputation.

Li Banfeng said to Tan Jinxiao, "You stay here and keep an eye on things for a couple of days. I have urgent business to attend to in Outer State."

Tan Jinxiao was somewhat surprised. After thinking for a moment, he nodded and said, "Seventh Master, you should come back soon."

Li Banfeng explained the situation, then boarded a Small Train, preparing to leave the Underground City.

The carriage was filled with cardboard boxes of various sizes. Li Banfeng sat on a box, pondering a solution. As they approached the cave entrance, the shimmering sunlight outside reminded him of something.

He remembered the flashing lights in the dance hall.

"General Wang, have another drink!"

Li Banfeng frowned and sat up from a pile of boxes.

Who reported Chen Changrui?

Who exactly is General Wang?

When Li Banfeng heard this in an underground karaoke bar in Outer State, he glanced at Deputy Director Wang.

Deputy Director Wang said that this was not him.

Just because he says no, does that mean it really isn't?

If I leave now, will this employer show up immediately?

Li Banfeng jumped off the train and took out Simple Phone.

"Lao Luo, tell General Envoy Liao that I'm negotiating with the people from Inner State and can't leave for the time being. Have him pass on two things to Gao Yina."

The first thing to do is to get her to prepare for defenses; war could break out in the Inner State at any time.

The second thing is to ensure the Dark Star Bureau is protected, both in terms of personnel and organization; it must be kept stable.

Luo ZhengNan thought for a moment, worried that there were some things he might not be able to convey properly. "Seventh Master, what exactly do you mean by 'stability'?"

"Let Liao Zihui figure it out himself. He understands, Gao Yina understands too, and they know the consequences of doing the wrong thing."

Li Banfeng hung up the phone, returned to Human Market, and found Tan Jinxiao.

Tan Jinxiao was taken aback. "Seventh Master, is the matter in the Outer State finished?"

"More or less."

"You arranged this way way too quickly!" Tan Jinxiao slapped his thigh. "I thought you'd be gone for at least three to five days. Now I'm really worried!"

Li Banfeng said, "I don't need to go out for the next couple of days. I'll wait here for my employer to come over, and I'll also check if any old friends are looking for me."

Tan Jinxiao asked, "What if the employer doesn't come?"

Li Banfeng didn't answer; instead, he asked Tan Jinxiao, "Why did you become my guide?"

Tan Jinxiao smiled and said, "Xiao Songzi said that Seventh Master is a tough guy, so I took the opportunity to come and see."

"From the day you agreed to be my guide, were you prepared to risk your life?"

Tan Jinxiao shook his head and said, "I wasn't planning to risk my life at first. My life may be cheap, but it's still a life, and I have to see if it's worth risking it on you!"

"So, do you think it was worth it now?"

Tan Jinxiao was silent for a moment before saying, "Whatever you say, we'll do. Like I said, I've never backed down in my life."

Li Banfeng said, "Let's stay in the Human Market for a few more days. If the boss comes, we'll take care of him here. If he doesn't come, we'll go to the Earth Market. If he still doesn't come, we'll go to the Sea Market."

Liang Wu looked at Li Banfeng and said, "Seventh Master, shall we go back to our old place? Although that night was cold, the memories are vivid."

Xiao Yeci sensed something was wrong. "What happened that night? Why was I the only one left when I woke up? Where did you all go?"

Juanzi walked to Li Banfeng's side and said in a low voice, "Seventh Master, we want to join the Daoist sect."

Li Banfeng nodded and said, "Alright, I'll guide you into the Dao tonight."

Tan Jinxiao looked somewhat agitated; he was prepared for a desperate battle.

And then there's Huan Wuchang, maybe he can help...

Li Banfeng glared at Tan Jinxiao and said, "What are you thinking about? Hurry up and settle down where to eat and stay. We're all hungry."

That evening, a figure ran into the second room. Zhao Xiaowan opened her eyes and listened quietly to the sounds coming from inside.

"Brother, your 'Shadow Follow Like Shadow is indeed effective, but he is Travel Cultivator in the clouds. Once I prepare my technique, he can sense my malice and doesn't give me a chance to make a move. In fact, he has been on high alert against me these past few days."

"Brother, I told you long ago that this matter cannot be rushed, but you just wouldn't listen."

"Brother, are there any other techniques to avoid Auspiciousness and Avoiding Calamity and seek good fortune? Please teach me a couple more."

"How can you so easily Auspiciousness and Avoiding Calamity and seek good fortune? That's the lifeblood of Travel Cultivator! Let's think about this carefully. If you keep causing trouble like this, I'll get dragged down with you sooner or later."

"Brother, teach me some other tricks, or I'm about to turn against him. The die is cast, and I have no choice but to act!"

The record player's nose trembled, its lips quivered, and it almost couldn't hold back its laughter.

He faintly heard Portable Abode's voice. "It seems like there are many Seventh Brothers, but there's actually only one Seventh Brother. Don't worry."

The argument was still going on in the second room. Shadow was getting angry. "Brother, let's get this straight. We discussed this together. Now you want to back out? That's not right of you!"

Zhao Xiaowan was taken aback.

Who taught him that accent? Why does that accent sound so familiar?

PS: Portable Abode Ju makes a lot of sense. It looks like there are many Salad, but there's only one Salad that can be written!