Steam Era: The Lord of 'Puluo' Chapter 900 - 517: He Said He Came with Goodwill (Part 3)

Now that we have provided the address of the renowned General Zhao Xiaowan and the passage to the Inner State, is this not sufficient explanation?

After considerable thought, Da Boyins initiated a daring maneuver.

This undertaking carried immense risk, yet Spider Bin proceeded nonetheless.

Utilizing the cover of nighttime silence, he positioned the famed General Zhao Xiaowan at the entrance of the Defense Agency.

The Explosive Tiger Spear, possessing overwhelming might, was detected as soon as Spider Bin reached the Defense Agency by Zheng Siyi, the Border Defense Envoy of Bridge Yesong, who promptly led a contingent to investigate.

The lengthy spear was thrust into the ground at the Defense Agency's entrance, its shaft intricately entwined with spider silk.

Zheng Siyi swiftly relayed the intelligence to Liao Zihui, who expressed his frustration, saying, "Why inform me? This does not fall under your purview; hasten to notify Envoy Xu!"

Xu Shouming, upon receiving the notification, was greatly pleased.

His deputy envoy, Hou Haitao, offered a suggestion: "The celebrated General Zhao Xiaowan serves as the spiritual emblem of Puluo State. This formidable spear has presumably ensnared her soul; it ought to be dispatched to Yuezhou without delay for thorough examination."

Xu Shouming let out a sigh, querying, "Xia Shumin met his demise in Puluo State. What crucial lesson did you glean from this unfortunate event?"

Hou Haitao pondered for a moment before replying, "The most significant lesson learned is the folly of overestimating one's own capabilities; with his meager cultivation, he foolishly dared to provoke Li Qi."

Xu Shouming nodded in agreement. "Your assessment is accurate. Is there anything else?"

Hou Haitao considered further and then stated, "Within Puluo State's military command, one must refrain from charging too far ahead during engagements; it offers no tactical advantage and merely burdens one's subordinates. Mishandling such situations could even result in the loss of one's life."

Xu Shouming chuckled, remarking, "Given Xia Shumin's limited prowess, a forward charge would indeed have been tantamount to suicide; your observation is perceptive as well. Anything further?"

Hou Haitao shook his head, unable to recall any other pertinent points.

Xu Shouming then declared, "There remains one critical lesson: one must resist the urge to undertake tasks that even Liao Zihui actively avoids.

The acquisition of the Mysterious Red Life Lotus was attributed to sheer luck, while its subsequent transfer demanded exceptional finesse, far beyond the ordinary. Liao Zihui himself deemed the task beyond his capabilities, hence his sudden feigned illness to evade responsibility.

Even Liao Zihui hesitated, yet Xia Shumin obstinately insisted on proceeding. Do you truly believe he stood any chance of success?"

Hou Haitao contemplated this statement and inquired, "Envoy, do you intend to entrust Zhao Xiaowan to Liao Zihui?"

Xu Shouming's expression turned grave. "Speak judiciously; there is no definitive confirmation that this is indeed Zhao Xiaowan."

Hou Haitao countered, "The prowess of the long spear is undeniable..."

"Merely possessing power does not equate to Zhao Xiaowan. Did you witness it vocalize or engage in any lethal actions?"

Hou Haitao deliberated and responded, "Our current equipment is insufficient; we must still dispatch it to the Outer Provinces for expert analysis to ascertain the truth."

Xu Shouming sighed again. "The prerequisite, of course, is that you possess the capability to transport it to Yuezhou. While this long spear may not be overtly potent, its reputation is considerable. Should it be misplaced under our custodianship, it would effectively become the lost Zhao Xiaowan, plunging us into dire straits.

Should Liao Zihui succeed in delivering it to Yuezhou, the commendation would still reflect upon us, and at most, we would share a portion of the credit with him. Is this not a more prudent course of action?"

Hou Haitao's eyes widened in sudden comprehension, grasping the subsequent course of action.

The long spear remained at the Defense Agency, and Zheng Siyi, employing his customary ruse, meticulously prepared the transfer documentation, even ensuring the readiness of cameras and recording devices, anticipating Xu Shouming's imminent retrieval.

However, Xu Shouming had no intention of personally collecting it, consistently delegating the responsibility to Hou Haitao for all dealings with Zheng Siyi.

Faced with this impasse, Zheng Siyi had no recourse but to contact Liao Zihui once more.

Liao Zihui, equally perplexed, could only instruct Zheng Siyi to maintain vigilant surveillance over the artifact for the time being.

The purported "Zhao Xiaowan" had been secured, thus fulfilling one of the three designated objectives.

Envoy Xu Shouming of the special task force subsequently issued an order for the resumption of transportation services in Bridge Yesong, albeit with stringent regulations for the inspection of all travelers.

Deputy Envoy Hou Haitao expressed his reservations regarding the swift reinstatement of transit: "Restoring transportation so readily seems a rather transparent invitation for Spider Bin to effect his escape, does it not?"

Xu Shouming let out a wry laugh. "We are, in effect, allowing him to depart, but not in a manner that is overtly conspicuous. Bridge Yesong falls under Li Qi's jurisdiction, and Li Qi is known as a formidable Balancer, as well as being notoriously ruthless within Puluo State. Extreme caution is warranted in these circumstances.

We have already secured Zhao Xiaowan, thereby demonstrating tangible progress. The prompt restoration of transit serves as a signal to Li Qi that we harbor no intention of provoking conflict.

If Spider Bin possesses even a modicum of wisdom, he will undoubtedly facilitate access to the Inner State's entrance. Once we locate it, we shall cease our investigation entirely, permit passage, and the matter concerning Bridge Yesong will be considered concluded."

Hou Haitao blinked in surprise and asked, "Envoy, are we not pursuing the capture of Spider Bin?"

"Why should we apprehend him? Is his capture of such paramount importance? We have already obtained what we sought; why needlessly provoke him into a corner? Are you cognizant of the repercussions of pushing an individual from Puluo State beyond their limits?

"We have been assigned three tasks; completing all of them would minimize the perceived difficulty. However, completing the two crucial ones while foregoing the third would showcase our thorough research and the difficult choices we had to make, thereby emphasizing the significance of this mission!"

Hou Haitao regarded Xu Shouming, finding him somewhat unrecognizable.

Having served under Xu Shouming in the Outside Provinces for more than ten years, he had never witnessed his superior dedicate so much mental energy to any single matter. The Puluo State was distinctly different; it was only within its borders that Xu Shouming displayed his genuine capabilities.

Xu Shouming's foresight proved exceptionally accurate. On the very first day that transportation was reestablished at Bridge Yesong, the Defense Agency was presented with an anonymous letter. This letter contained a map of the Soda Kiln, pinpointing the precise location of a factory.

Without delay, Xu Shouming issued an order to cease the stringent inspections of individuals passing through, reinstating the prior state of affairs at Bridge Yesong.

As a token of his appreciation, he presented the Contract Book for reduced freight charges to Bai Wuchuan. Furthermore, he extended an invitation to Ma Wu for a meal, intending to make amends for any disruptions experienced by Bridge Yesong and even offering compensation for any business-related losses incurred."