Steam Era: The Lord of 'Puluo' Chapter 898 - 517: He Says He Comes with Goodwill

Within the confines of his Portable Residence, Li Banfeng meticulously analyzed the provided documents, delving into the theoretical underpinnings of the Magnetic Quake Cannon.

As per Shen Jingye's account, Xiao Zhenggong had been apprehended by Liao Zihui for encroaching upon the boundary line.

Li Banfeng remained unaware of the exact circumstances of Xiao Zhenggong's survival, yet the method of his capture was public knowledge. Newspapers throughout Puluo State had extensively covered the incident, some even displaying photographs. Upon receiving news that Xiao Zhenggong was still alive, Luo Zhengnan was greatly alarmed and promptly contacted Li Qi.

From Old Luo's narration, Xiao Zhenggong's ordeal bore a striking resemblance to Li Banfeng's own past experiences, with the sole difference being that the luminous halo generated by their home cultivation techniques now served as the demarcation between territories.

Xiao Zhenggong found himself ensnared by the boundary, which then erupted in a radiant glow, inadvertently illuminating him as the most conspicuous individual in Puluo State that particular night.

The Magnetic Quake Cannon's purpose was neither to deactivate the boundary line nor to amplify its existing functions. Its sole operational capacity was to manipulate the trajectory and luminosity of the boundary, leading to an unavoidable consequence: the capture of anyone wielding the device.

Considering the considerable effort and resources invested in its creation, Li Banfeng couldn't help but feel a sense of waste.

The Portable Residence, however, expressed no such regret: "Ah Qi, since this contraption serves no practical purpose, dismantle it without delay, destroy its components, and ensure no further complications arise."

Li Banfeng countered with a shake of his head, stating, "It cannot be deemed entirely without merit."

Setting aside other considerations, this device demonstrated the ability to alter the boundary, and furthermore, to modify the light halo produced by home cultivation techniques. This strongly suggested that the fundamental essence of the boundary shared a profound kinship with, or perhaps was even identical to, the light halo of home cultivation.

Could it be that the boundaries observed in Puluo State were, in fact, the remnants of territories established by a collective of potent home cultivators?

Did a cataclysmic home cultivation war once transpire, leading to fierce conflicts among numerous high-level home cultivators, ultimately resulting in the demarcation of their respective domains, which have since evolved into the present-day boundaries?

If such a conflict had indeed occurred, his wife would surely have mentioned it, and even if she had deliberately omitted it, other magical artifacts should have retained some record.

Perhaps the immense passage of time had led to the lapse of memory for both his wife and the inhabitants of Puluo State.

However, if every parcel of Proper Land was historically contested and seized by home cultivators through warfare, then how did the local deities in each region, who were cultivators from other Daoist Sects, manage to wrest control of these territories from the original home cultivators?

While the historical complexities remained beyond current investigation, the Magnetic Quake Cannon undeniably possessed a certain utility; at the very least, it had induced a significant alteration in the boundary.

The question lingered: could the method of transformation be further refined, necessitating in-depth research?

Li Banfeng continued his serious perusal of the documents. The Portable Residence interjected, "There's no need to scrutinize further; what is recorded here pertains to the craftsmanship methodology, not the fundamental theoretical principles."

Indeed, the text constituted little more than an engineering manual detailing construction techniques, offering scant explanation of the underlying principles.

Without access to the core principles, self-realization became the only recourse. Yet, academic challenges involving concepts like dark matter were hardly within the purview of a mere undergraduate student.

Who, then, possessed the capacity to comprehend this specialized field of knowledge?

Li Banfeng emerged from the Portable Residence, stepping onto his home's balcony. His gaze was drawn to the magnificent sunrise adorning the eastern horizon.

A beautiful sunrise...

His thoughts drifted to a person as radiant as the dawn, his Teacher Song.

While Teacher Song's expertise lay in mathematics, perhaps she could facilitate an introduction to an expert in dark matter research.

...

Liao Zihui personally journeyed to the train station to escort Special Case Envoy Xu Shouming to the Defense Agency. The subsequent phases of their operation, encompassing the involvement of private investigator Spider Bin, the clandestine internal gateway of Soda Kiln, and notable cases linked to Zhao Xiaowan, would fall under Envoy Xu's direct supervision. Liao Zihui's primary responsibility would be to provide complete cooperation to Envoy Xu in executing these tasks.

Xu Shouming harbored a degree of familiarity with Puluo State; he and Liao Zihui had both served there for numerous years, each aspiring to the position of Chief Defense Envoy. Liao Zihui had ultimately achieved this prestigious role, while Xu Shouming was subsequently reassigned to the Outer Provinces.

Tang Huanjie, cognizant of the subtle history between the two men, expressed concern that lingering animosity might complicate matters.

Personal grievances did indeed exist, yet Liao Zihui maintained his composure: "The past is behind us; Xu Shouming is not that sort of individual."

Upon arrival at the Defense Agency, Xu Shouming unequivocally declared: "We must present a united front and collaborate fully to accomplish this formidable undertaking."

Liao Zihui responded with open assurance: "Be it manpower, resources, or financial backing, Envoy Xu has but to speak the word, and the Defense Agency will commit its utmost efforts!"

Xu Shouming offered a placid smile: "A dedicated fund has been allocated for this operation, and I am aware the Defense Agency's budget is currently constrained. How could I possibly impose upon Chief Envoy Liao?"

This statement served as a clear intimation to Liao Zihui that the financial burden of the operation would not fall upon his department's coffers.

Liao Zihui’s face held a natural expression as he repeatedly nodded. Xu Shouming went on to say, “The Defense Agency is swamped with our official duties, and it’s tough to spare any manpower. It would be difficult for me to request personnel assistance from Chief Envoy Liao.” His intention was plain: he didn't need support in terms of people.

This time, Xu Shouming had assembled a considerable team, numbering 126 individuals, complete with specialists from various sectors. Liao Zihui offered a smile, nodding frequently. Xu Shouming continued, “The higher-ups are extremely concerned about this particular operation and have supplied a multitude of equipment. This gear requires special safeguarding, and I observe that we lack sufficient space at the Defense Agency. Therefore, this matter still requires the attention of Chief Envoy Liao.”

This declaration conveyed a twofold message. Firstly, resources also did not require any backing from Liao Zihui. Secondly, Xu Shouming was in need of dedicated office space; he desired for the task force to possess its own distinct identity and domain, preferring not to operate within the confines of the Defense Agency.

Liao Zihui readily assented, initiating contact with Ma Wu for assistance. He arranged for a spacious mansion to be rented for Xu Shouming within Greenwater City. Ma Wu found himself in a quandary, recognizing his obligation to help. Through numerous past dealings, Liao Zihui and he had established a degree of familiarity. Moreover, Liao Zihui had explicitly stated that the rental costs would be fully covered, without any attempt at haggling or seeking discounts from Ma Wu.