Yefutidaolu

Chapter 385 Reunion with Li Zoufang

At the alleyway beside the opera house, a small, furry figure darted onto Gao Jian's shoulder like lightning.

"Brilliant! You've finally caught up!" A chattering, energetic voice rang out.

It was Shu Jian, that reliable and adorable adult hamster demon. It had glossy, golden fur, its little paws gripping Gao Jian's collar tightly, and its beady black eyes darting around, full of concern.

"You've caused so many earth-shattering incidents again? I've been listening to all sorts of news in the capital, and my heart was pounding with fear!" Mouse patted her chest with her little paws, looking visibly shaken.

Gao Jian smiled and gently flicked its round little head: "Elder Shu, we've traveled all the way to the capital, isn't it for something important? Otherwise, wouldn't we be wasting Minister Li's six million gold coins?"

As they spoke, they walked through the bustling streets.

Gao Jian ignored the bustling scene. With a clear goal in mind, he led Yuan Lu, who was always by his side, straight through the noisy crowd and headed towards the depths of Yi Su.

Yuan Lu's wide black robe and hood, along with the ethereal aura that made people subconsciously want to stay away, strangely did not seem particularly out of place in this bizarre and colorful place—after all, there were many extraordinary people in the capital.

Mentioning Minister Li, Shu Jian immediately became more serious. It sniffed the air, seemingly to confirm the safety of the surroundings, and then lowered its voice: "Minister Li already knows you're back, and it's inconvenient for him to show himself openly. However, the place has been arranged, right here!"

The little mouse pointed with its tiny paw at the luxurious theater next to it called "Rainbow Skirt": "There's a secret room on the roof of this building. It's a property that Minister Li secretly acquired in his early years. It's absolutely safe and secluded, and it's used to handle things like this. Come with me!"

As he spoke, Shu Jian's small, beady eyes kept glancing at the silent, black-robed figure behind Gao Jian—Yuan Lu.

It keenly sensed something was wrong with Yuan Lu. That aura... was too strange.

But Shujian was a reliable adult mouse, well aware that curiosity killed the cat, so it only glanced at it a few times, suppressing its surprise and instinctive unease, swallowing back the questions that were on the tip of its tongue, and not asking a single more question.

Moreover, the fact that Gao Jian carries it around so confidently suggests that there must be no problem with it.

Gao Jian naturally noticed the mouse's little actions, but he just smiled and didn't explain.

He glanced around. The area in front of the theater was teeming with people, a cacophony of hawkers' cries, cheers, and music. It seemed lively and chaotic, but who knew how many prying eyes were hidden behind this bustling scene? The waters of the capital city are unfathomable.

"Elder Shu, we're speaking so openly, and even going into this building... Won't there be any problems? Are you sure Minister Li is absolutely certain?" he asked.

Shu Jian puffed out his chest and said confidently, "Don't worry! It was all cleaned up before the flying boat landed. Just go ahead. Minister Li is meticulous in his work."

Gao Jian understood. Since Shushu was so certain and there was Li Shangshu's arrangement, he stopped worrying and went inside.

"That's good." Gao Jian nodded, a relaxed smile on his face.

Seeing this lively and reliable mouse really eased my tense nerves, and even the oppressive and complicated atmosphere in the capital seemed to lighten up a bit.

Now, let's take this "Earth Immortal Puppet," which is powerful enough to change part of the capital's landscape, and go meet the unfathomable Minister Li Zoufang!
Guided by Shu Jian, Gao Jian blended seamlessly into the neon-lit and bustling "Ni Chang" opera house with the flow of people. Yuan Lu followed closely behind silently, his black robe disappearing into the dazzling light and shadow of the vibrant scene.

The interior of the theater was far more luxurious and bustling than it appeared from the outside.

Passing through layers of intricately carved corridors, the air is filled with a rich yet not cloying aroma of incense, wine, cosmetics, and the sweet fragrance of various delicate pastries. The sounds of string and wind instruments, sometimes melodious and sometimes stirring, drift from different private rooms and stages, mingling with the cheers, laughter, and clinking of cups from the guests.

What you see along the way is just a glimpse into the glitz and glamour of the capital.

Well-dressed men and women moved among them, some drinking and chatting in private rooms, with beautiful and elegant singers and actresses by their side.

Some stood in front of the spacious viewing platform, cheering loudly for the famous actors on stage, their sleeves flowing gracefully. Others, in quiet rooms decorated like small studies, discussed history and current events with seemingly delicate yet eloquent women beside them, ranging from border military affairs to court factional struggles. The woman spoke wittily, her eyes focused, sometimes frowning in thought, sometimes smiling in agreement, perfectly capturing the listener's emotions. This drew frequent nods and a smug look from the middle-aged man opposite her, dressed in plain clothes but unable to conceal his official air.

It really delivers maximum emotional value.

Gao Jian understood perfectly. For people at this level, simple physical pleasures have long lost their appeal. They seek a higher level of satisfaction—the illusion of being understood, worshipped, and unconditionally supported. Here, as long as you're willing to spend money, you can buy the most exclusive "confidants" and "followers." Whatever you say, you'll receive the most flattering and supportive responses, satisfying that vanity and sense of control that's hard to find in cold reality.

These places are indeed very "professional".

Gao Jian, without glancing to the side, carried Yuan Lu and the rat on his shoulder, straight through this place of debauchery and extravagance.

Yuan Lu's black robe and elusive aura attracted the attention of some perceptive performers and guests, but in this bizarre and colorful place, it only added a touch of mystery, which was quickly overwhelmed by the new excitement.

They avoided the main staircase and, through an inconspicuous hidden door, ascended a narrow spiral staircase used only internally. The higher they went, the quieter the noise became, the simpler the decorations, and the more pronounced the aura of the isolation array. Finally, on the seventh floor, they stopped before a seemingly ordinary wooden door.

Shu Jian gently tapped the door a few times with her little paws.

The door slid open a crack without a sound. Gao Jian slipped inside, Yuan Lu following closely behind.

The door closed gently behind me, instantly shutting out all the noise from downstairs. Inside was a small room, simply furnished to the point of being deserted.

A small table, two cushions, a tea set, and an incense burner with wisps of smoke rising, releasing the calming scent of sandalwood. The only "luxury" was probably the huge glass window that overlooked the brightly lit Winged Floating Island below.

Li Zoufang, the Minister of Revenue, was kneeling on a prayer mat, his expression calm, as he skillfully brewed a pot of fragrant tea.

He was dressed in casual clothes, his face was thin, his temples were already frosted with white, and his brows carried the composure of someone who had long been in charge of the empire's finances and a hint of weariness that was not easily detected.

Hearing the door open, he didn't look up, but focused on the teapot in his hands, the water flowing into the teacup, making a pleasant sound.

"You've arrived? Have a seat." Li Zoufang's voice was calm, as if he were simply greeting an ordinary junior.

However, when his gaze inadvertently swept over the silent black-robed figure behind Gao Jian— "Clang!"

Li Zoufang's hand holding the teapot trembled violently! The scalding tea spilled out instantly, soaking half the table and wetting his sleeves! His composure froze instantly, replaced by incredulous astonishment! His eyes fixed on Yuan Lu, pupils contracting sharply, their depths screaming, "Why did you bring him here?!"

Li Zoufang, after all, was a seasoned veteran of the officialdom, and his astonishment lasted only a moment.

He forced down his turbulent emotions, casually put down the teapot, wiped the water stains on the table with his sleeve, forced a slightly stiff smile, stood up, and bowed to Yuan Lu:

"Mr. Yuan! What brings you to this capital city? Please have a seat!" His tone was deliberately warm and respectful, but his gaze was fixed on Yuan Lu, trying to discern some clues.

However, all he got in response was dead silence.

Yuan Lu stood there silently, like a lifeless ornament. His face, hidden in the darkness beneath his hood, showed not a trace of emotion.

Just as Li Zoufang was filled with doubts and his vigilance reached a high point, Gao Jian, who was standing next to him, suddenly burst into laughter!
"Hahaha! Minister Li, don't be nervous! Don't be nervous! Don't worry!"

While laughing, Gao Jian walked forward and casually pushed Yuan Lu's shoulder!
"Huh?" Li Zoufang's heart jumped into his throat!
Who is this old devil Yuan Lu? How could he allow a junior to be so rude and disrespectful?
However, nothing happened.

Yuan Lu's body remained motionless, like a rock rooted to the earth.

Gao Jian's strength, enough to move a thousand-pound boulder, seemed to vanish into thin air when it struck Yuan Lu. But even more strangely, Yuan Lu remained completely unresponsive! There was no anger, no rebuke, not even the slightest hint of being offended! He simply stood there, letting Gao Jian shove him as if he were pushing a cold stone statue.

Li Zoufang was completely dumbfounded.

Then, something even more chilling happened.

Gao Jian withdrew his hand and clearly uttered a single word to Yuan Lu:
"sit."

This word was not ordinary speech. Li Zoufang clearly felt a peculiar "spirit" with an indescribable rhythm emanating from it, like an invisible ripple that instantly swept across the primordial rhythm.

Then, under Li Zoufang's wide-eyed gaze—

The primordial rhythm has begun.

He sat cross-legged on the spot, in a posture that resembled meditation.

Li Zoufang stared wide-eyed at the bizarre scene, his mind completely blank.

Gao Jian crossed his arms and leisurely watched the complex expressions on Li Zoufang's face, from shock to bewilderment, and his smile deepened.

Li Zoufang is, after all, Li Zoufang.

After a brief moment of distraction, he took a deep breath and forced himself to calm down. He didn't ask immediately, but stared intently at Yuan Lu sitting on the floor, then at Gao Jian with a smile on his face. His brows furrowed, and his mind raced, trying to find any reasonable explanation.

But after only a few breaths, Li Zoufang abandoned his futile contemplation. He abruptly turned to Gao Jian, his eyes sharp as knives, his voice trembling slightly, and asked decisively:

"What happened?!" These four short words contained so much surprise and disbelief.

Gao Jian walked to the small table, sat down on an empty futon, picked up the teapot that Li Zoufang had poured halfway, poured himself a cup, took a slow sip, and then leisurely spoke:
"The perfect man has no self; Heaven and Earth are indifferent, Minister Li."

These eight words, like a thunderclap, instantly exploded in Li Zoufang's mind!

With his profound cultivation and extensive knowledge, he naturally understood the terrifying meaning behind those eight words!
"You—!" Li Zoufang pointed abruptly at Gao Jian, his finger trembling slightly, his voice rising with extreme shock, "How did you do that?! He... that old devil Yuan Lu is cunning and cold-blooded, his mind is like a demon, extremely difficult to deal with! How could he... how could he allow you to refine him into a Dao weapon?!"

This is simply a fantasy! Even if Gao Jian had extraordinary abilities, it would be impossible for him to forcibly turn a powerful expert who was about to break through to the Earth Immortal realm into a mindless puppet!
"How could I possibly have refined it?" Gao Jian put down his teacup, chuckled, and shook his head. "Minister Li thinks too highly of me. How could I possibly have such extraordinary abilities? Even if he stood still and asked me to refine it, I couldn't do it."

He paused for a moment: "He refined it himself. This is the method he chose to break through to the Earth Immortal realm. He used his own myriad transformations to return to the origin of heaven and earth, becoming one with heaven and earth. Now, he is a part of the workings of heaven and earth."

Gao Jian leaned forward slightly, looking at Li Zoufang's speechless face in shock, and asked with a smile, "Minister Li, now do you think that your six million taels of gold were worth it? So, do you need me to repay the money?"

"Worth it! It's totally worth it!!" Li Zoufang almost shouted.

But he held back.

But the shock on his face was instantly replaced by an indescribable ecstasy! It was the ultimate ecstasy of a gambler who had won a massive bet, or a politician who had obtained the ultimate trump card! He slapped his thigh and burst into laughter, the sound echoing in the quiet chamber, causing the incense smoke from the burner to sway.
"Hahahaha! No need to pay it back! No need to pay it back! Not a single cent! Brilliant idea! You really...you really gave me a huge surprise! A huge surprise indeed! Hahahaha!"

He laughed so hard he almost fell over, tears even welling up in his eyes, as if he wanted to release all the pressure, scheming, and forbearance he had been suppressing all these days.

With this "Earth Immortal" in hand, Li Zoufang has so many more options to play in this game of the capital!

After laughing for a while, Li Zou finally managed to stop and wiped his eyes with his sleeve.

After seeing that the other party had calmed down, Gao Jian said leisurely, "So, Minister Li, is there something you want to talk to me about?"

Minister Li said with great relief, "There was a problem before, but now that we have this, there is no problem!"

"Even if there are still things to do, they're minor! It's just a matter of testing the quality and usage of this thing, but that's a matter for later! Anyway, now that we have it, we don't have to worry about anything! Hahaha!"

(End of this chapter)