「The southern breeze kisses our faces softly,

Carrying a strong fragrance of flowers.

The southern breeze kisses our faces softly,

The stars are sparse, and the moon is hazy.

We lean in close and share a kiss, with feelings so deep we talk endlessly.

We lean in close and share a kiss, every word out of our lips comes from the heart… 」

Singing Queen Jiang Mengting was performing in the grand ballroom of the Paramount Club. She wore a sleeveless purple qipao, cinched tightly at the waist. It has a long trailing hem, resembling that of a Western evening gown.

This was a style unique to Puluo, perfectly blending Eastern elegance with Western luxury.

It was just like the song "Take Good Care Tonight." The song was popular in the Outer Provinces as well, but it was performed in a sentimental and melancholic tone. In Puluo, the song was performed in a distinctive jazz style made it lively and playful.

It suited both the dancers' steps and the atmosphere of the Paramount Club. After all, people came to the Paramount Club to indulge and have a pleasant time, not be sentimental.

The pianist swayed gently with the rhythm, while the violinist and flutist exchanged playful looks and teased each other.

The backup female dancers playfully swayed their slender waists and delicate, perky butts. He Haiqin was seated at the edge of the dance floor, eyes glued to the women. Even he felt an urge to go up and give one of the women a smack on the butt.

"Such a fine place, how did it end up in the hands of the Lu Family?" He Haiqin said with a cigarette between his lips, a trace of regret in his expression.

Yang Yanzheng knocked and entered Chu Huaiyuan's room. "My lady, the He Family's eldest master has arrived. Would you like to go out and offer a toast?"

The Paramount Club, Greenwater City's hallmark, was the peak of elegance and worldliness, yet it could not escape the customary rituals of Puluo.

He Haiqin was a distinguished figure in Puluo. Chu Huaiyuan should have gone out to welcome him personally. However, she did not want to leave her room today.

The grand ballroom, the waltz hall, and the private rooms for the performers were all full, yet Chu Huaiyuan felt no joy at all.

Seeing she did not respond, Yang Yanzheng said, "A journalist has arrived and wants an interview with you."

Chu Huaiyuan nodded. "Let them in."

Yang Yanzheng led the journalist into the room. The accompanying photographer set up the lighting for the photographs, then he took photos of Chu Huaiyuan, his camera shutter clicking rapidly.

The journalist asked, "Under your management, the Paramount Club has regained its former glory. What would you like to say about that?"

"What would I like to say?" Chu Huaiyuan said, lowering her head and looking up at the reporter through her lashes.

The photographer stopped taking photos of Chu Huaiyuan. Her expression was rather terrifying.

Chu Huaiyuan continued with a deadpan tone, "Does it matter what I want to say? You'll just write whatever you want anyway."

The photographer glanced awkwardly at the journalist.

The journalist forced a smile at Chu Huaiyuan. "Our articles are, of course, based on facts—"

"Facts?" Miss Chu let out a laugh. "And what

are

the facts? Does the prosperity of the Paramount Club have anything to do with me?"

The journalist fell silent. Even Yang Yanzheng did not understand what Chu Huaiyuan meant.

The Paramount Club was making a profit every day. How could she claim it had nothing to do with her?

***

Ma Wu had returned to Blue Poplar Village.

He raised his wine glass, took a long drink, and spoke to Li Banfeng. "This had nothing to do with me at all! I didn't come up with any clever scheme. I just hosted a singing gala. Back when I was at Freewind Wharf, I organized plenty of galas. Every time, I had to spend a fortune to invite prominent figures just to make it look impressive. This time it was different. I didn't need to prop up the occasion or invite anyone. The elites rushed in on their own.

"So what does that have to do with me? What does it have to do with Miss Chu? It's all because of Monkey Qiu's reputation! Monkey Qiu followed Lu Dongliang for half a lifetime. Outsiders think he's just a subordinate. Only those with discerning eyes know how powerful he truly is!"

Li Banfeng asked, "So you don't intend to serve Miss Chu anymore?"

Ma Wu shook his head. "I never meant to serve her in the first place. The Paramount Club matter is over. It's no longer my concern. I plan to focus on cultivation for a while. Without real strength, schemes alone won't lead to anything great. Take the Paramount Club. If Monkey Qiu wants it back one day, can I stop him? Can Miss Chu?"

Li Banfeng nodded in agreement. "But if you want to cultivate, shouldn't you stay at the Paramount Club? There are plenty of girls there."

Ma Wu held up his glass and shook his head repeatedly. "Girls alone won't do the trick."

Li Banfeng took half a step back. "Then what do you plan to rely on?"

Ma Wu drained his glass and set it down. "I want to go to the New Land."

The New Land?

Li Banfeng had already planned to cultivate in the local New Land, but what could Ma Wu even do there?

Ma Wu explained, "Miss Feng taught me a few cultivation methods. I can only put my fists and feet to full use in a New Land."

Fists and feet? Since when did you ever punch or kick?

Li Banfeng thought.

Nevertheless, he did not press further. Feng Daiku's secret techniques were likely not something to be shared lightly. "Going to the New Land is fine. I've already successfully activated a plot there. We have a foothold now. You can activate a plot of your own. If danger comes, the local land deity will offer protection."

That aligned perfectly with Ma Wu's plan. He moved into action at once; he acquired supplies and decided to bring along a helper this time.

Originally, he had intended to bring Little Chuan. As an Artificer Cultivator, Little Chuan could begin planning the next phase of construction once the land was activated.

However, Little Chuan still had to manage the business at Blue Poplar Village. After careful consideration, Ma Wu chose to bring Little Gen instead.

At first, Little Gen refused.

"Master Wu, I shouldn't object to your orders, but if I go with you, what about my cultivation?"

Other matters were manageable, but golden essence was hard to come by. The New Land had too few people.

Ma Wu chided, "You fool. Must you obtain golden essence from humans? The New Land is full of aberrant creatures. There are fine resources all over in that place. How could you possibly lack what you need?"

After thinking it over, Little Gen realized Ma Wu was right. He could not limit himself to one cultivation resource. Golden essence from aberrant creatures might even prove more effective.

Li Banfeng, Ma Wu, and Little Gen set out that very day. They had walked this route often enough that they were now familiar with it.

Ma Wu obtained a better pair of shoes from Chu Huaiyuan and gave his old pair to Little Gen.

The road ahead was a decent walk, but the most challenging obstacle still awaited them—the Iron-Thread River. Ma Wu had yet to obtain a flying enchanted artifact, so it was a big problem.

When they made camp that night, Ma Wu specifically warned Little Gen, "Tomorrow, you follow Master Qi's instructions. If you fall into that river, there won't even be bones left of you."

Little Gen glanced at Li Banfeng's tent and whispered, "Where did Master Qi go? I don't think he's in there."

"Master Qi likes his quiet. Whatever you do, do not disturb him. We should head to bed early. Long road ahead tomorrow."

"You go on ahead. I can't sleep yet. You claimed there were fine resources all over the New Land. But after walking all day, I only found two pieces."

Ma Wu knew cultivation was never easy to do, so he just reminded him, "Don't wander too far. Don't stay out too late. Search nearby. If you can't find anything, forget it. I'll cover you with pills."

At noon the next day, Li Banfeng, Ma Wu, and Little Gen reached the Iron-Thread River. They stood there for a long moment in silence.

The Iron-thread River was gone. All that remained was a bare riverbed. Not a single iron-thread insect was in sight.

"Master Wu, do you think the insects are underground?" Little Gen asked, poking the riverbed with his ladle.

The soil was loose.

Li Banfeng did not dare step onto the riverbed rashly. Ma Wu had no idea what had happened either.

A large egret[1] strolled across the riverbed and dropped a steaming heap of poop. Then it flapped its wings and flew away gracefully.

"Good stuff!" Little Gen exclaimed excitedly.

𝒻𝓇𝑒𝘦𝘸𝑒𝒷𝓃ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝒸ℴ𝘮

One glance at the shape of the poop told him the quality was excellent. He rushed over to it with his ladle.

Ma Wu failed to stop him and ultimately just yelled, "Don't be reckless! Watch your footing!"

Little Gen skillfully scooped the heap into his bucket. His feet pressed into the riverbed, leaving clear footprints. However, no insects appeared.

Are the iron-thread insects truly gone? Could it be that they fear Little Gen?

Impossible. Those iron-thread insects are ferocious. Why would they fear a level-one Gold Cultivator?

Li Banfeng cautiously stepped onto the riverbed. He did not sense any danger. He crossed the riverbed successfully. Ma Wu followed right behind him and made it across as well.

Little Gen held up his ladle and grinned. "They all say this path is hard. We walked it just fine!"

Li Banfeng could not help but sigh inwardly. This fellow's luck was remarkable.

When they reached the Little Yellow Spring, Ma Wu grew even more cautious. Similarly, Li Banfeng remained vigilant, not daring to loosen his grip on the feather duster for a single moment.

On the other hand, Little Gen remained calm and walked at the very front, with his ladle in hand.

Initially, a cluster of wandering spirits had been hovering around Li Banfeng, protecting him. However, when they saw Little Gen approach, they dispersed.

It was not that they could not fight him. They simply had no desire to provoke him.

The rest of the journey went even more smoothly. Before long, the trio arrived at the plot Li Banfeng had already activated in the New Land.

A tiny ray of bright light shone down from the sky overhead. Beneath the ground, spring water flowed softly.

Ma Wu smiled. "You truly succeeded in activating it."

He quickly set up an offering table, placed the offering on it, and chose a spot adjacent to Li Banfeng's land. He was preparing to activate a new patch of wasteland.

The offering was still just a single bottle of liquor.

Li Banfeng frowned. "You're being stingy. Put out a few more bottles. Let's claim a bigger plot!"

Ma Wu shook his head. "I'm not greedy. A diameter of five hundred meters is enough."

"Just listen to me. Leave the land activation to me."

Seeing that Li Banfeng was so confident, Ma Wu wavered. Just as he was about to take out more bottles, he noticed that the bottle of liquor on the offering table was already empty.

The local land deity has taken the liquor. Does that mean he has agreed to the contract? But the contract hasn't been burned yet!

Ma Wu looked around. The land had not lit up.

Has the local land deity not arrived yet? Did something else steal the offering?

Ma Wu was about to speak when Li Banfeng signaled for silence.

The local land deity was standing right beside the offering table. Li Banfeng could see him clearly.

Li Banfeng removed his fedora and gave a slight bow. "You've accepted the offering. Shouldn't you give him the land now?"

A cluster of green flames circled him twice in silence. There was no response from the local land deity.

Li Banfeng frowned. "You took an offering without giving anything in return. How's that fair?"

The local land deity drifted above his head and spat, "

Bah!

Shameless!"

Ma Wu did not have the ability to hear the speech or see the forms of local land deities, so he heard nothing and saw nothing except for a sudden drizzle falling over Li Banfeng's head.

Li Banfeng wiped his face. "Still holding a grudge? Fine. What exactly do you want?"

The local land deity issued his decree. "I can give out the land, but three conditions must be met!"

The first condition was that Li Banfeng was forbidden from claiming or activating any land.

The second condition was that Ma Wu's plot of land could not be adjacent to Li Banfeng's.

The third condition was that during the activation process, Li Banfeng could not appear within a diameter of fifty kilometers of the plot.

Li Banfeng snapped, "Just how deep is your grudge against me?"

Why was the local land deity so guarded against Li Banfeng? Because he feared Li Banfeng might help Ma Wu cheat.

He had no idea what method Li Banfeng had used last time. He only knew that for three full days, he had not sensed Li Banfeng's presence at all.

A person like Li Banfeng had to be kept far away from anyone activating land. Otherwise, the plot of land might as well be given away for free.

After relaying the three conditions to Ma Wu, Li Banfeng said, "Let's just forget it this time. On your own, you probably won't succeed in activating the land."

Ma Wu hesitated for a long while. "Brother Li, I want to try."

Little Gen held up his ladle, smiling in support of Ma Wu. "Master Qi, I'll be with Master Wu. Don't worry."

Li Banfeng turned to look at him. "You've only just reached the first level, haven't you? If something happens, how much can you really help?"

Little Gen puffed out his chest. "I've saved Master Wu's life before. I've got skills too."

Ma Wu stood firm. "Brother Li, just let the two of us try. If it doesn't work, we'll run. The worst that happens is failure."

Li Banfeng considered it for a moment. "Did you bring signal flares?"

Little Gen pulled out five of them. "Got them. Just don't know if they'll light."

In Puluo, gunpowder did not work reliably.

Li Banfeng urged, "If something happens, run to my plot. The moment I see a flare, I'll rush back to it."

Ma Wu agreed.

Li Banfeng truly did not understand why Ma Wu was so obsessed with the New Land. The thing that puzzled him more was how Ma Wu planned to cultivate there.

Regardless, that was Ma Wu's decision. Li Banfeng could not make decisions for Ma Wu, no matter how close they were.

So, Li Banfeng left.

Five kilometers away, Ma Wu set up the offering table again. This time, he placed no offerings. Too many offerings could cause trouble.

Instead, he burned the contract straight away. A plot with a diameter of half a kilometer lit up.

The local land deity prepared his trial for Ma Wu, and Ma Wu prepared to activate the land.

Deep in the forest, a massive wild boar was gnawing on a sambar deer.

Suddenly, the local land deity's voice rang beside the wild boar's ear. "You suffered last time. Don't say I don't look after you. Someone's activating land tomorrow. Don't be late."

The local land deity told the wild boar the time and place. The wild boar was greatly excited. During the last trial of worthiness with Li Banfeng, he had stayed on the plot in the freezing cold for an entire day and night and had not seen a single person.

It seems the local land deity is still fair. He thought of me first this time!

After he was done eating the sambar deer, the wild boar went to sleep early. However, he still overslept the next day.

He ran over to the plot, but before he even reached it, he saw that the centipede woman had already entered it first.

The wild boar stamped his hooves in anger. "Woman, you just had to take advantage of me!"

The centipede woman sneered. "First come, first served. How am I taking advantage of you?"

This time, the centipede woman truly lucked out. Ma Wu neither hid nor ran; instead, he stood right in front of her. He was a piece of delicious fatty meat that was delivered straight to her mouth.

The centipede woman looked at Ma Wu and smiled. "Little brother, you're quite handsome. Take my advice and leave quickly. I don't want to take your life."

Still holding a ladle and carrying a bucket on his back, Little Gen stepped in front of Ma Wu, shielding him from the centipede woman. "If you want to touch Master Wu, you'll have to get past me first."

The centipede woman frowned deeply. "What are you trying to do? Disgust me into leaving? You think I'm afraid of your little tricks?"

Ma Wu said to Little Gen, "Go wait for me farther away."

Little Gen turned back to look at Ma Wu. "Master Wu, I can't leave you!"

Truthfully, Little Gen was terrified. He had never seen a monster like the centipede woman before. Seeing the numerous limbs lining the sides of her body, Little Gen couldn't tell whether she was an insect or a person.

But even if he was afraid, he couldn't abandon Ma Wu!

"Not listening to me?" Ma Wu reprimanded him angrily.

Little Gen gritted his teeth and retreated behind Ma Wu.

Ma Wu stared at the centipede woman, sizing her up from top to bottom.

The centipede woman grew angry. "What are you looking at?"

Ma Wu looked straight at her and said slowly, "You're really pretty."

The centipede woman sneered. "What do you mean by that? So what if I'm pretty? You want to sleep with me?"

Ma Wu nodded. "If I could spend a night with you, I'd die without regrets."

The centipede woman said nothing. After several dozen seconds, she was trembling all over.

The wild boar was stunned. "What happened to you?"

He suspected Ma Wu had used an ability.

However, Ma Wu had not used one. His abilities as a Hedonism Cultivator were too low-level to deal with the centipede woman.

He used an innate skill, the one Feng Daiku had passed on to him.

They had spent many days together, with Feng Daiku relying on his essence to heal her injuries. To repay him, she helped improve his physique and even gave him a Love Cultivator's innate skill.

When Ma Wu's gaze locked onto that of the centipede woman, the centipede woman felt her heart stir to life. She fell in love with Ma Wu.

"Keep staring at me, and I'll gouge your eyes out!" the centipede woman exclaimed, but there was no bite to it. Her voice was trembling. She tried to avoid Ma Wu's gaze, but she could not escape it.

Ma Wu looked at her with a loving gaze. "Are you afraid of me now?"

The centipede woman shouted angrily, "Why would I fear you?"

"If you're not afraid, then sleep with me."

"Why would I—"

"If you're not afraid, then come!" Ma Wu said, stepping toward her.

With every step Ma Wu took, the centipede woman took one step back. "W-why should I—"

"If you won't come, that means you're afraid of me!"

"I'm not afraid…"

"If you're not afraid, why are you hiding?"

"I-I'm not hiding. I've slept with more men than you've ever even seen. Why would I fear you?"

The centipede woman had no idea what she was saying. If she heard what she had just said, she would die of embarrassment.

Little Gen was stunned.

The wild boar was stunned as well.

They watched as Ma Wu walked straight into the centipede woman's embrace.

The wild boar shouted, "Shameless woman, I'll tell your mother!"

The centipede woman's heart trembled in fear.

My mother is still waiting at home for me.

She hesitated for a moment, but soon after, she became resolute.

I'm all grown up. Why should I fear my mother?

This man is so bold.

This man has such great assets!

Why is he so handsome?

Why is he so wonderful?

1. A heron (a bird). ☜