Steam Era: The Lord of 'Puluo' Chapter 910 - 519: Teacher (This - Is Nuclear)

~6 minute read · 1,475 words
Previously on Steam Era: The Lord of 'Puluo'...
Li Banfeng continues his difficult exercises with Teacher Song feeding him fruit. Meanwhile, magical treasures within Li Banfeng's backpack argue over recorded footage. Later, both Li Banfeng and Teacher Song receive a strange warning about beggars. Teacher Song departs to prepare for an evening class, prompting a call to her father. In an office, Director Du learns that Greenwater Beggar's demands have been met, and Li Qi is to be sent as a 'Balancer,' a role Du believes is a death sentence. Du receives an urgent document detailing the plan for Li Qi and then contacts Shen Jingye.

Li Banfeng accepted the mobile device handed over by the Projector and soon heard Shen Jingye's voice on the line. "Director Li, a creature emanating dark energy has been sighted on Sui Chen Road in Jiacheng District. I'm preparing to mobilize personnel to the location. Could you perhaps proceed to the scene and assess the situation first?"

A frown creased Li Banfeng's brow as he responded, "Little Shen, why the need for me to check the scene initially? Is this precisely my assigned duty?"

Shen Jingye explained, "This particular creature is rather unusual. Based on the descriptions provided by the staff on-site, it strongly resembles a Straw Moth Lady. I fear our Public Security Team may lack the requisite capabilities to handle such a being. Your experience in these matters far surpasses theirs, and your guidance and assistance at the scene would be invaluable."

"Little Shen, you cannot expect me to resolve every conundrum simply because I possess experience. You must cultivate your own initiative, enhance your proactiveness in problem-solving, and divest yourself of this mindset of over-reliance..."

After delivering a lecture that spanned over ten minutes, Li Banfeng finally secured Shen Jingye's repeated affirmations.

As the call concluded, Shen Jingye released a prolonged sigh of relief. "Li Qi, I merely requested for you to take a look; I didn't compel you to go. You can't lay the blame for this at my feet."

...

Jiacheng District, Sui Chen Road.

This locale is truly out of the way.

Li Banfeng harbored a distinct reluctance to venture there, yet he mused that if it indeed was a Straw Moth Lady, the Public Security Team might suffer considerable casualties.

Locating an unassuming, deserted nook, Li Banfeng retreated to his Portable Residence. He changed his attire; it was imperative that he not be observed by the Dark Star Bureau while clad in athletic wear.

The moment he emerged, a shiver coursed through Li Banfeng.

Despite the sweltering heat, why am I experiencing a chill?

It appears this engagement might prove less than straightforward. Could that scoundrel Chu Zikai be planning to interfere once more?

It would be prudent to augment my preparations.

Li Banfeng donned a lengthy trench coat, its interior boasting twelve concealed pockets, meticulously stowing Magical Treasures and armaments before proceeding towards Jiacheng District's Sui Chen Road.

Upon reaching an intersection, a police cordon was conspicuously in place. Li Banfeng's gaze landed upon Dumpling, Light Bulb, and Chuuni.

"What brings you three to this location?" Li Banfeng inquired, his expression betraying a slight frown.

Dumpling responded, "Director Shen tasked us with assisting you in the completion of this mission."

Was he jesting?

Dispatching these three to confront a Straw Moth?

The straw bag employed by the Straw Moth could accommodate three individuals – precisely their number, potentially becoming its offspring.

Light Bulb interjected from the side, "Initially, our assignment was to the Yuezhou Second Hospital. However, it was later determined that our presence wasn't required there. Director Shen then redirected us to Sui Chen Road, stating the work here was comparatively safer."

This location is safe?

What exactly is Shen Jingye implying?

Observing these three positioned near him, is he deliberately orchestrating trouble for them?

This marked a profound misinterpretation on Li Qi's part concerning Shen Jingye's intentions; it was, in fact, a subtle hint from Shen Jingye directed at Li Qi.

Dumpling, Chuuni, and Light Bulb were all privy to the circumstances at Yuezhou Second Hospital. Had Li Banfeng posed but one additional question, he might have inferred the presence of the Greenwater Beggar in Yuezhou.

Yet, Li Banfeng remained silent.

"You three shall remain beyond the police perimeter. Without my express command, you are forbidden from crossing this line!"

Chuuni posed a question, "Director, I understand the Straw Moth Lady is reputed to be one of the most formidable entities within Puluo State. Might we observe from a distance to gain some insight?"

"Absolutely not!" Li Banfeng's voice was exceptionally stern. "I reiterate, you are not permitted to cross the police line unless I explicitly order it!"

Li Banfeng proceeded onto Sui Chen Road, leaving Chuuni with a palpable sense of unease. "Did we come here for naught?"

Light Bulb offered from the side, "Prior to our departure, Director Shen had instructed us, and Captain Chen echoed those directives, that we must adhere to all of Director Li's commands. If Director Li prohibits our entry beyond the police line, we must comply; it is imperative that we do not impede Director Li's efforts."

Dumpling nodded in agreement. "We shall await Director Li's orders. Reinforcements from the bureau are expected shortly. When combat becomes necessary, we must be prepared."

Sui Chen Road presented as a desolate stretch of disused roadway, flanked on either side by abandoned construction sites. Li Banfeng could not recall the specific reason for its abandonment, but it had been many years.

During his freshman year, Li Banfeng had frequented this very site for manual labor, transporting bricks. Nearly all salvageable materials had long since been removed. Numerous years had elapsed, and the area had become heavily overgrown with weeds, appearing entirely forsaken by Yuezhou.

Why would a Straw Moth Lady manifest in such a desolate locale?

The sole plausible conjecture is the presence of a New Land entrance here, providing a connection to the New Land of Puluo State. It is likely that the Straw Moth Lady, in its wandering, stumbled upon this passage and found its way to the Outside Provinces.

The Straw Moth Lady possesses a predilection for beauty and adorns itself with numerous fragrant blossoms. Employing the Hundred Flavors Delicate Skill, Li Banfeng is confident he can swiftly ascertain its location.

Under ordinary circumstances, the combat power of a Straw Moth Lady would not surpass eighty percent. One can only wonder about the caliber of this particular Straw Moth Lady. If Ma Wu were present, perhaps he could sidestep the confrontation and directly...

Li Banfeng’s heart clenched tightly. A pungent odor, a mixture of dust, acidic sweat, and decay, assailed his nostrils.

This is not the Straw Moth Lady.

Li Banfeng slowly turned, his gaze falling upon the Greenwater Beggar standing behind him.

The Greenwater Beggar, clutching his Begging Bowl, flashed a smile and inquired, "Did you not expect it to be me? Did you not anticipate my arrival in the Outside Provinces? And certainly, you never foresaw that I specifically sought you out, did you?"

Li Banfeng stared at the Greenwater Beggar for a moment before posing the question, "Why are you looking for me?"

The Greenwater Beggar chuckled and replied, "Ah, that story is rather lengthy, but I implore you to bear with me. I have a disciple named Cui Tiq, and a friend named He Family..."

Suddenly, Li Banfeng vanished from sight.

The Greenwater Beggar recoiled in shock as his chest abruptly ruptured, spewing forth a torrent of pus and blood.

Passing Glance?

He had already moved?

How could such power be wielded?

This individual is definitely not at the Earth Skin Fifth Layer!

Even if he concealed his cultivation level, it should not possibly reach...

Li Banfeng’s figure flickered once again, then disappeared once more.

Bam!

The Greenwater Beggar’s left arm disintegrated.

Pus and blood splattered indiscriminately. Just as the Greenwater Beggar attempted to gather the expelled fluids from the ground, Li Banfeng materialized swiftly behind him, launching a kick that embodied the technique 'Trample Over Thousands of Rivers'.

Boom!

The Greenwater Beggar staggered, struggling to regain his balance, a gaping hole now present from his back to his front chest, a direct result of Li Banfeng's forceful kick.

"Excellent!" the Greenwater Beggar exclaimed, admiration clear in his voice, "I truly admire your swift decisiveness!"

He fixed his stare upon Li Banfeng, determined to prevent any further use of 'Passing Glance' or falling victim again to Li Banfeng’s 'Trample Over Thousands of Rivers'.

From within his chest, he withdrew a sloshing mass of internal organs, preparing to hurl them at Li Banfeng. The intention was clear: the mere splash of a single drop of blood onto Li Banfeng would be enough to inflict severe illness.

Clutching the visceral mass, the Greenwater Beggar aimed precisely at Li Banfeng’s anticipated trajectory as he moved. Just as he was about to unleash his attack, a Tang Sword pierced directly into the Greenwater Beggar’s brain from behind.

"Green Flower, do you recognize this old man as your grandpa?" The Tang Sword twirled menacingly within the Greenwater Beggar’s skull. "Three slashes before the battle, a beheading with every blow, your demise is sealed!"

PS: This is a fierce battle, a true clash among the fiercest.

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