With a smile, the Divine Envoy Kaben took out an exquisite box. "Boss, do you know how to use it? Would you like me to help you?"
Li Qiang was surprised that he hadn't mentioned any conditions beforehand, but instead immediately offered the Death-Averting Pill. He couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude. "No need to trouble the Divine Envoy, I will use it." Nashan and the others were also puzzled. Why would a pill have a question of whether he knew how to use it? Why not just feed it to him?
Everyone approached Paben's bedside, only to find his breathing even weaker. Li Qiang gestured for everyone to step back, and he carefully opened the box, taking out a pink elixir, about the size of a pigeon egg, from which a faint sweet fragrance wafted.
Li Qiang gently peeled away the green skin covering Paben's wound, revealing a blackened gash the size of a wine cup, emitting a foul stench. Li Qiang said to the doctor treating the wound, "Clean his wound quickly!"
The doctors were at a loss, and one of them said, "This... how do we clean it...?"
Li Qiang was also taken aback; the doctors here didn't know how to clean wounds. Later, he learned that they used a glowing green substance to treat wounds, but each doctor's green substance was slightly different, some good and some bad. When applied to the wound, most external injuries would heal quickly, while more serious injuries would be much harder to heal.
The medical standards here are not only far worse than those in my hometown, but also far worse than those on the Heavenly Court Star.
Those so-called doctors watched as Li Qiang conjured up many strange and unusual things out of thin air and placed them next to Paben. They then heard him order, "Get me several basins of hot water, boiled, quick..."
The onlookers were confused about what he was doing. Nashan asked worriedly, "Boss, what's going on...? Hurry up and feed the elixir to Paben!"
Li Qiang was overjoyed to have the elixir in hand and patiently explained, " Nashan, this elixir has a unique way of being used. It would be a waste if he were to take it. This time, I'll act as the doctor and show everyone my skills."
Actually, he was just going through the motions, but fortunately he had the elixir as a backup. To save Paben, he couldn't care less about anything else. Nashan wasn't surprised to hear his words; he had seen Li Qiang treat people's injuries in the Black Prison.
A row of medical supplies was laid out on the ground: tweezers, scissors, alcohol, iodine, cotton swabs, and cotton wool, but there was no scalpel. Li Qiang thought for a moment and decided to use the old method: the flying sword.
He took out the four-inch flying sword he had used to operate on Ben in the Black Prison, and gently heated it with Samadhi True Fire: " Nashan, hold down Paben's hands, Hong Qian, hold down his feet, Kubo, hand me the thing, are you ready? Hey... what are you daydreaming about!"
Hong Qian, Kubo, and Kaben were all dumbfounded. They were all discerning people, and when they saw their leader holding a top-quality flying sword and claiming he was going to clean his wounds, they were stunned. After a long while, they came to their senses and hurriedly stepped forward to help.
Li Qiang carefully used his flying sword to remove the blackened, dead flesh. The sword was incredibly sharp, slicing through the flesh with remarkable speed and precision. Paben was not fully conscious; he only let out a few soft groans.
Li Qiang discovered many tiny splinters deep within the wound, so he gritted his teeth and used tweezers to pull them out one by one. Finally, blood flowed out. Li Qiang sheathed his flying sword, divided the elixir in two, and used his True Essence Power to dissolve one half. A pink mist condensed in the air, and the sweet fragrance in the air intensified.
The pink mist slowly melted into the wound, and the bleeding immediately stopped. The wound, the size of a wine cup, visibly shrank rapidly; in the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, it disappeared, leaving only a pink scar. Li Qiang then melted the other half of the elixir and said, "Be careful, Paben is about to vomit up stagnant blood..."
Li Qiang spoke too slowly. Suddenly, Paben opened his mouth and spat out a mouthful of black blood. Everyone around the bed was covered in black blood, and the smell was extremely unpleasant.
Just then, Paben yelled, "It's so stuffy... Ugh..." Taking advantage of his shout, Li Qiang popped the melted elixir into his mouth.
Paben was trembling all over, his body stiff and rigid, shaking for a while. To everyone's surprise, he sighed, turned over, and fell fast asleep, soon snoring away.
Everyone sighed in unison, "Ah..." They looked at each other, and a relieved smile appeared on their faces.
Kubo wrinkled his nose. "It stinks..."
Nashan muttered under his breath, "Stinky... it's fucking stinky... boss... does it stink...?"
Li Qiang slapped him across the face. "You're the one who's forgetful! You're the one who's stinky!"
Hot water arrived just in time; Li Qiang hadn't expected it to be so fast, and they didn't even have a chance to use it. He took out a few towels and handed them to everyone. "Everyone, take a shower and change your clothes. Kubo, find someone to wipe Paben down too. It would be best if everyone could take a bath."
Nashan, rubbing his Baldy and grinning, said, "Hey, boss... By the way, back in my hometown there's a huge public bathhouse where dozens of people can soak at the same time. It's so lively! Hey, Kubo, is there a place like that around here? Take the brothers there and have a good time!"
Kubo, who had never left Tanbang Star, shook his head and said, "We don't have any large bathhouses here."
Nashan exclaimed in surprise, "Ah... this is terrible, there's not even a bathtub. Boss, this towel is so soft, it's a good thing, I'll take it." After washing his face, he stuffed the wet towel directly into his clothes.
Li Qiang chuckled and said, " Nashan, when we get back to your hometown, invite me to take a bath together. We have those things there too."
Nashan immediately became excited. "Of course! I'll definitely invite you! I'll definitely invite you!" Amidst the laughter and chatter, Tange, Zhao Hao, and the others walked in.
Tange laughed, "Hehe, it's so lively here. Boss, we're back."
Zhao Hao happily stepped forward and bowed, saying, "Master, all the brothers have been taken care of."
President Sitingdan of the Grand Alliance said, "Please come to Radiant Court for a short visit."
Divine Envoy Kaben also said, "Yes, don't disturb the patient."
Li Qiang's heart sank slightly, thinking that he hadn't even mentioned his conditions yet. He nodded and said, "Okay, let's go together."
Radiant Court was the secret meeting place of the Grand Alliance. The group descended underground layer by layer, with tight security along the way.
As Nashan walked, he muttered to himself, "Boss, boss, why do we keep having to go underground in this place? Everywhere we go, we have to go underground. It's so suffocating..." Although Li Qiang didn't say anything, he agreed with Nashan's words.
This was a round room, very clean and elegant. After entering, everyone sat down cross-legged.
Sitingdan smiled and said, "It's quiet here, and there won't be any disturbances. It's perfect for a conversation." After he finished speaking, he looked at everyone and they fell silent. For a moment, the room was quiet, and no one spoke.
A long silence followed. Divine Envoy Kaben a smile, his expression unchanged. Li Qiang lowered his head, seemingly lost in thought. Nashan looked around constantly. Sitingdan looked at everyone strangely, wondering: What are they all thinking? Why aren't they saying anything? Zhao Hao and Tange were also unsure of the situation, so naturally they didn't say anything.
Finally, a snoring sound startled everyone. Nashan was sitting cross-legged on the ground, his bald head lolling to one side, mouth agape, drool dripping down his back – his sleeping posture was extremely unsightly, and his snoring grew louder and louder. He was simply too tired; once it quieted down, he couldn't help but fall asleep.
Tange chuckled. He stood up, intending to shake Nashan awake, but Li Qiang quickly stopped him, saying, " Tange, don't wake him. He's been too tired these past few days." Kubo got up and helped Nashan lie down to sleep.
Divine Envoy Kaben remained silent, smiling as he looked at Li Qiang.
Li Qiang inwardly sighed at the old fox, then cupped his hands in a salute and said, "Thank you for your help, Divine Envoy."
Kaben knew Li Qiang wouldn't renege on his promise, so he said with a grin, "No need to thank me, it's just a condition in exchange."
Li Qiang nodded. "I still have to thank you. After all, you saved my brother's life, and that's something that can't be bought with any conditions."
A hint of appreciation flashed in Divine Envoy Kaben he chuckled, "Boss, I went to the Banshou Trading House specifically to discuss this matter. None of their main leaders knew about it, and they promised to investigate it thoroughly in the next few days. Please, Boss, bear with me no matter what, okay?"
Li Qiang smiled slightly and said, "Alright, but I need the Banshou Trading House to hand over a person named Bu Jigong."
He understood that the Divine Envoy Kaben was trying to smooth things over. Anyway, he now had three Grand Masters from the Banshou Trading House under his control, whose status and position were all higher than that Bu Jigong. He wasn't worried about them not complying, so he was very confident.
Divine Envoy Kaben puzzled. Bu Jigong? He had never heard of this person before. Judging from the name, he should be from the Western Continent. How could he have offended a cultivation master like Li Qiang? He was truly baffled.
Kubo couldn't help but interject, "Divine Envoy, what conditions will you offer in exchange for the Death-Averting Pill our leader?" He was getting anxious.
The atmosphere in the room suddenly became tense, everyone wondering what the Divine Envoy Kaben would say.
Kaben's expression turned serious. "Everyone knows about the war between the Bangqining Kingdom and Tante Kingdom. In fact, the countries of the Western Continent have also gotten involved. Tante Kingdom currently allied with the Fan Kingdom of the Western Continent and received their promise that once the Wind of Fear subside, they will send a group of skilled beast tamers to help Tante Kingdom establish a military beast corps. Ordinary soldiers will find it difficult to resist the Combat Beast of the Western Continent, so we must stop them..."
Hong Qian asked, "Does the divine messenger mean we should kill these beast tamers?"
Kaben shook his head and said, "No, we have no way of knowing when these beast tamers will arrive, and they've made meticulous arrangements. I need the boss's help to send something to the Western Continent."
Everyone breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this, but Li Qiang had a gut feeling that this wasn't a simple matter, and asked, "Where should we send it?"
Kaben hesitated slightly before saying, "Cross the Wild Plains... to Heavenly Halberd Peak."
Hong Qian and the other locals were taken aback, and even Chairman Sitingdan exclaimed in shock, "Ah... the Wild Plains?"
Li Qiang asked, "What Wild Plains?"
Hong Qian didn't know how to explain. Sitingdan said, "Although I've never been to the Western Continent, I've heard a lot about the Wild Plains. I've heard that it's full of swamps and wastelands, teeming with monsters, most of which are incredibly ferocious. Combat Beast there must travel in packs; those that are alone will quickly be hunted down by even more ferocious monsters. That place is not for humans."
Li Qiang wasn't too concerned about the monster; he had a lot of confidence in his men. "Oh... it's alright, not too difficult. Kaben, what's the connection between delivering this item and the beast-taming expert from the Fan Kingdom?"
Divine Envoy Kaben hesitated for a moment before saying, "This... is mainly about an alliance. Once they obtain this item, they can naturally resolve the issue of the Fan Kingdom."
Hearing his insincere words, Li Qiang knew the truth was far more complex than it seemed, but he didn't want to get too involved. He smiled and said, "Since the Divine Envoy is unwilling to say more, then let's leave it at that. We've accepted the mission; once the goods are delivered, we'll be even. What do you think, Divine Envoy?"
Divine Envoy Kaben visibly relaxed; he really couldn't say much more.
Li Qiang laughed, "How big Wild Plains? I can just fly there with the supplies, right... Hmm? No, that shouldn't be that easy..."
Hong Qian smiled wryly, "Uncle- Wild Plains, I know about the Wilderness. My master used to cultivate near the Wild Plains. There are Azure Transparent Falcon in the skies above the Wild Plains, which are very terrifying creatures. Moreover, the central area of Wild Plains is High Antiquity battlefield, and there are still some terrifying things there. It's very mysterious."
Hong Qian solemnly added, "These are all manageable. The most terrifying thing is that crystal weapons become significantly less powerful in the Wild Plains, performing less than one-tenth of their intended function, even less effective than some good melee weapons. The restrictions on cultivators are also considerable; it seems the entire Wild Plains is shrouded in a strange shroud. Long ago, my master warned his disciples that they should never enter the Wild Plains before reaching the Nascent Soul Realm, and even if Nascent Soul Realm, it was best to avoid it."
Li Qiang was secretly alarmed. Nascent Soul Realm cultivators generally possess armor for defense, and their defensive capabilities are beyond the reach of ordinary people and beasts. It seems this Wild Plains is indeed a bit strange.
Divine Envoy Kaben said, "Hmm... it's quite difficult to traverse, which is why we asked the leader to go. There aren't many things, about ten boxes, and more than thirty people..."
Li Qiang was startled. "People? You mean there are people besides things?"
Kaben nodded with a smile. Li Qiang couldn't help but smile bitterly to himself. This old fox was too cunning; he only said half of what he meant, and Li Qiang knew he couldn't get away with it this time.
Li Qiang said unwillingly, " Kaben... Divine Envoy!"
Kaben laughed, "What? Boss!"
"Well, as you know, we've ended up on the Tanbang Continent penniless. Hehe, since we have such a big and dangerous mission, and you see we lack a lot of equipment and supplies, as the saying goes, even an emperor doesn't starve his soldiers. Hehe, could the Divine Envoy perhaps sponsor us some money?"
Everyone was taken aback. Did this really come from their leader? Why was he trying to blackmail the Divine Envoy?
Kaben was also taken aback for a moment, then laughed and said, "Of course, no problem."
Li Qiang chuckled and said, "Hehe, that's enough with the Divine Envoy's words. Hmm, let the Grand Alliance cover the cost first." He was determined to make Kaben spend a fortune, no matter what.
Sitingdan found it very amusing; it was the first time he had ever seen someone dare to overcharge the Divine Envoy. He laughed and said, "No problem, the Grand Alliance can afford this amount."
Li Qiang exclaimed, "I don't want the Grand Alliance to pay, I want the Divine Envoy to pay! Hehe, the Divine Envoy's money is so much fun to spend!" He added, "I also want to soak up some of the Divine Envoy's divine aura... hehe."
Knowing what Li Qiang was thinking, the Divine Envoy Kaben chuckled, "Don't try to save money for me, spend it as much as you can... hehe."
Li Qiang felt discouraged, knowing that the amount of money was insignificant to Kaben, and with his cultivation level, he shouldn't be bothered by the money.
He found it amusing; there was no need to argue with him. So he asked, "Divine Envoy... Kaben, who is the recipient?"
"It's an envoy from the Ladu Kingdom..."
Before Kaben could finish speaking, Li Qiang exclaimed, "Could it be Princess Lanqiu?"
Divine Envoy Kaben extremely surprised. "Huh... Boss knows her too?"
Li Qiang nodded and said, "I know her, and we're quite familiar with each other." He chuckled inwardly, then added, "Yes, Divine Envoy, rest assured, we will definitely escort Princess Lanqiu safely to Tianji and *Tu*Shu Peak."
Tange couldn't help but burst out laughing. The Divine Envoy Kaben Tange a strange look, not understanding what he was laughing at.
Tange dared not hide anything from the divine envoy, saying, "Our leader has already promised Princess Lanqiu that he would protect them on their journey to the Western Continent."
Divine Envoy Kaben was truly stunned, stammering, "Ah... Boss... this... sigh! How could I not understand..."
Li Qiang and Hong Qian, along with a few others who knew the truth, couldn't help but burst into laughter.
Divine Envoy Kaben chuckled wryly, "The boss is indeed the boss; he's practically omnipresent."
Li Qiang suppressed a laugh, "My lord, this mission can be disregarded. I don't want to take advantage of this situation; things just happened too coincidentally." He knew that Kaben couldn't change anything now, and saying a few words about toothache wouldn't matter. Everyone found his self-serving yet ingratiating demeanor amusing.
Divine Envoy Kaben lowered his head and pondered for a moment, then smiled and said, "No need. To be honest, this mission is not so easy to complete. The journey will be fraught with difficulties. Princess Lanqiu is the seal maiden of the Brahma Dhyana Heaven, and her status is very special. Boss, you must protect her safety no matter what."
Li Qiang scratched his head and muttered to himself, "Yin Nu... Yin Nu? Strange, where have I heard of her before... Yin Nu..." He suddenly slapped his thigh and said, "That's right, Yin Nu Lu Runyu... Princess Lanqiu Lu Runyu Yin Nu Lu Runyu, isn't she!" He remembered what Nanadun had said after returning from his investigation. He hadn't paid much attention to it at the time, but now that Yin Nu was mentioned, he remembered.
Divine Envoy Kaben realized he had underestimated Li Qiang. This guy, seemingly calm and collected, seemed to know everything, even the original name of the woman from the Indian tribe. He had no idea about Li Qiang and his companions' embarrassing incident at the restaurant. He only knew that Li Qiang hadn't been on the Tanbang Continent for long, yet he seemed to know everything, which truly surprised him. However, Kaben felt much more at ease, believing he had entrusted this mission to the right person.
A small green orb hanging at Sitingdan's waist glowed, and he stood up apologetically, saying, "Someone is looking for me outside. I'll be right back. Divine Messenger, Senior, please have a seat."
Li Qiang thought to himself, "Huh, there are such things? I think I've heard someone mention them before. Tanbang Star also has communication tools similar to Earth's. We should find a way to equip ourselves with them."
Zhao Hao asked in a low voice, "Master, after we go to the Western Continent, will we come back here? Will all the brothers go?"
Reminded by him, Li Qiang thought for a moment and said, "Hmm, they probably won't be coming back. After finding the Sea Agate and escorting Princess Lanqiu, we'll go straight to the ancient teleportation point and return to your hometown. By the way, you go back immediately and discuss with the brothers. Take those who are willing to come with us, tell them about the dangers, and don't force them. We'll arrange for those who stay to join the Grand Alliance; they'll have to live on the Tanbang Continent from now on."
Kubo was excited. "Boss, the Grand Alliance wants all these people. I guarantee they'll live well here." He knew these were a group of rootless people, and with the boss's guidance, they would definitely be of great use. Hong Qian shook his head dismissively; he knew what his precious apprentice was thinking.
Zhao Hao got up to take his leave, but Kubo grabbed him, grinning, and said, "Uncle-Master, I'll go with you..."
Zhao Hao glanced at Li Qiang, who nodded slightly, and then smiled and said, "Okay, this place is all winding and turning, it'll be good if you lead the way."
"I'll kill you... damn it... ugh... you dare..."
Everyone was startled by the shout, but Nashan just rolled over, smacked his lips, and continued snoring.
Tange laughed and scolded, "This Old Na, he can't even sleep peacefully."
Li Qiang stood up and said, " Divine Envoy Kaben, this matter is settled. I still need to go see Paben..."
Sitingdan rushed in and said, "Senior, the head of the Banshou Trading House Bazhong Dekong arrived. He insists that we kidnapped their lord." His face was ashen with anger. He added, "That's utter nonsense! I told them that the Divine Envoy Kaben was also there, and they demanded to see the Divine Envoy."
Divine Envoy Kaben chuckled, " Chairman Siting, don't be angry, Kaben will handle it..."
Li Qiang said with a grin, "That's right, I did capture those three Grandmasters. It has nothing to do with the Grand Alliance; I did it all by myself."
He took the blame upon himself, trying to distance himself from the Grand Alliance. But Kaben and Sitingdan heard it differently: he casually mentioned that he had arrested three people, and all three were cultivators.
They simply couldn't figure out just how capable Li Qiang was.