Steam Era: The Lord of 'Puluo' Chapter 917 - 521: Ancestral Master, Just Give In! (Part 2)

The phonograph retracted its needle, its aim set on the gloves, who narrowly evaded the attack. "Boss, I'm unharmed, but I'm simply contemplating whether this intense battle necessitates a proper discussion," the gloves stated.

"A proper discussion is indeed in order," the Portable Residence responded. "During this conflict, Ah Tao rendered invaluable assistance by adapting to the circumstances on the battlefield and devising strategies for Ah Qi. Such significant contributions certainly warrant recognition. Ah Tao, kindly proceed to the Third Room; I have several excellent items prepared for your selection."

The gloves, wagging its index finger, countered, "Old Man, fairness must guide our actions. I harbor no desire for personal merit; my sole aim is to fulfill my responsibilities. In the engagement against the Green Flower, the Tang Sword deserves primary credit, followed by yourself, and then Sister Gourd and the Projector. I am merely a jack-of-all-trades and do not merit any reward."

The Portable Residence mused, "Matters concerning merit and rewards can also be entrusted to Ah Qi; our primary focus should be on dissecting the battle strategy."

The Tang Sword, still reeling from severe injuries, received an elixir refined by Red Lotus, which the Wine Gourd then infused with wine and applied to the sword's wounds. As the conversation shifted to reviewing the battle strategy, the Tang Sword's demeanor brightened: "Today's battle was certainly worthy of contemplation. It was a strenuous fight, and our victory was hard-won. Especially that Green Flower's Begging Bowl, which lured the master and us into The Unnameable Place—it instilled considerable fear in us at that moment!"

The Portable Residence concurred, "Ah Lu speaks the truth. However, have you any idea where that Begging Bowl vanished to?"

The gloves expressed great curiosity, asking, "Indeed, where did it precisely disappear to?"

The Wine Gourd recalled, "Amidst the fierce combat, I distinctly remember Green Flower clutching that bowl without respite. How could it have suddenly ceased to be present?"

The Portable Residence voiced concern, "This also troubles me. If this object is not securely managed, any accidental contact or encounter could precipitate a direct entry into The Unnameable Place, making egress exceedingly difficult. Would you not agree, Ah Tao?"

The gloves vigorously nodded its index finger: "Yes, this situation absolutely demands heightened vigilance. Who, then, absconded with the Begging Bowl?"

A profound silence descended upon the room.

The atmosphere grew palpably tense; Li Banfeng instinctively reached for his wife's hand.

His wife, however, was wholly occupied with tending to Li Banfeng's injuries, leaving her no capacity to address the others.

The clock's pendulum rhythmically whispered a few words to the earrings, which vibrated repeatedly. "Sister, everything unfolded so chaotically; I truly heard nothing," the earrings conveyed.

The Old Man's voice dropped significantly: "Ah Ji, what is your account?"

The projector, after scanning the gloves and their surroundings, responded with a slight tremor in his voice: "I had exhausted all the film at that critical juncture."

The Old Man pressed on, "Sickle, your honesty is unquestionable. Where do you assert the bowl was taken?"

The sickle replied, "My intention was to confront that beggar decisively at the time. However, my combat experience is limited, I had no opportunity to strike, nor did I observe the Begging Bowl's trajectory."

A slight tremor ran through the room; the Old Man's displeasure was evident.

"Wretches, are you unwilling to confess?" The Portable Residence's voice grew hoarse and menacing.

"Old Man, one must apprehend a culprit in the act!" The gloves maintained a steady rhythm of breathing, speaking with composure.

The Portable Residence retorted with indignation: "Apprehend him in the act? Had I not intervened by knocking him over, where would your opportunity have arisen? Are you not speaking with a clear lack of conscience?"

The gloves expressed considerable displeasure: "When you knocked him over, I was still a considerable distance away. How do you presume to know it was I?"

Their argument escalated, while a multitude of onlookers observed in silence.

The Tang Sword stepped forward, attempting to de-escalate: "This matter demands absolute clarity; no one is permitted to waver!"

The Judge's Pen emitted a yawn, glided towards the Ninth Room, settled upon the table, and concealed itself beneath a newspaper.

Following the heated exchange, the gloves conceded: "I took it. However, allow me to clarify: my acquisition was not for personal possession. Its utility is minimal for me; possessing it merely brings forth anxiety and dread."

The bowl had indeed been taken by the gloves, and their statement reflected the truth. Their earlier restlessness and ceaseless pacing were precisely due to the profound fear that the bowl might prove unmanageable.

Should the gloves be transported to The Unnameable Place by the bowl, they genuinely had no concept of how to extricate themselves.

The Portable Residence inquired, "If that is the case, why then did you hesitate to relinquish the bowl?"

The gloves elucidated, "My intention upon taking the bowl was to present it to the boss. If wielded effectively, it possesses the capacity to vanquish adversaries and preserve lives; it is undeniably a rare treasure!"

In essence, the gloves harbored a fear that the Portable Residence might forcibly seize it.

Li Banfeng expressed understanding: "Old Man, the gloves have earned merit, and I place my trust in him."

"As for that bowl, if it genuinely serves a valuable purpose, entrusting it to you is entirely acceptable!"

The Portable Residence considered for a moment then spoke: "Let us retrieve it and examine it."

The gloves, standing before everyone, produced the Begging Bowl. All present stared at it for a considerable time, yet could discern nothing particularly special about its appearance.

After an extended pause, the Portable Residence finally declared: "This item is a key."

Li Banfeng inquired: "Is it the key to Green Flower’s hidden abode?"

The Portable Residence replied: "More than that, it serves as the key to The Unnameable Place."

Li Banfeng expressed confusion: "Are Green Flower’s lodgings not The Unnameable Place?"

The Portable Residence clarified: "The location you recently accessed was not his actual residence; it was merely a fragment of The Unnameable Place situated within the Outer Provinces."

The phonograph then questioned: "Old Man, you claim this bowl can unlock which Unnameable Place?"

The Portable Residence stated: "When utilized correctly, it possesses the capability to unveil any Unnameable Place, irrespective of its geographical location."

A profound silence fell upon the room. While many did not fully grasp the implications, an undeniable sense of its extraordinary nature permeated the air.

The phonograph, sensing the gravity of the pronouncement, asked: "Old Man, Green Flower likely lacks such a profound ability, does he not?"

The Portable Residence responded: "He has acquired approximately thirty percent of the knowledge; there remains a seventy percent mastery he has yet to attain."

Li Banfeng instructed the gloves to convey the bowl to the Third Room: "In that case, let the Old Man dedicate his time to studying it at leisure."

The projector then addressed Li Banfeng: "Seventh Guide, I have accumulated a significant amount of Green Flower’s ashes; how should these remnants be handled?"

Despite being reduced to ashes, it was uncertain if these substances were entirely inert.

His wife pondered for a moment and then advised: "Entrust them to that wretch Red Lotus; she might possess a means to deal with them."