The group discusses the recent perilous battle and who deserves credit. The Portable Residence wants to reward "Ah Tao" (Gloves), but Gloves deflects, crediting others first. The discussion turns to the mysterious disappearance of the Green Flower's Begging Bowl. After some questioning and argument, Gloves admits to taking it, intending to give it to the Portable Residence for safekeeping and strategic use. The Portable Residence reveals the bowl is not just a tool but a key capable of opening any "Unnameable Place."
Red Lotus observed the ashes with a hint of distaste but consumed a small portion, detecting a peculiar flavor. "This substance can be utilized in alchemy, though the elixirs derived from it will not enhance one's cultivation level; they can only induce illness." Li Banfeng contemplated for a moment before stating, "Then let's refine it." The projector entrusted all the ashes to Red Lotus, instructed Gourd to cleanse the film container, and then took his mobile and satellite phones to stand guard outside the Portable Residence. Within the confines of the Portable Residence, only the projector possessed the capability to communicate with the Lady of the Fifth Room, both internally and externally. Furthermore, he had the necessary equipment to thwart any tracking or surveillance efforts. With him maintaining his vigil outside, Li Banfeng felt a profound sense of security.
After spending the night within the Portable Residence, Li Banfeng's injuries had largely mended. Upon emerging, the projector presented four mobile phones, remarking, "Seventh Guide, numerous individuals have attempted to contact you, but I did not engage any of their calls." The mobile devices and phones provided by the Dark Star Bureau were all issued to personnel within the bureau. Shen Jingye had made a single call, while Light Bulb, Chuuni, and Dumpling had each placed over ten calls. On another private phone, only Teacher Song's name appeared, having initiated more than thirty calls. Li Banfeng intended to return Teacher Song's call when the projector interjected, "This particular phone received an even greater number of calls." The simple handset, crafted by Luo Zhengnan, according to the projector, had practically been in constant use throughout the previous night. Li Banfeng decided to call Luo Zhengnan back first. Old Luo sounded quite anxious, stating, "Seventh Master, I was unable to reach you all night; did something occur?" Li Banfeng responded, "I had a confrontation with Green Flower last night." Old Luo was silent for a considerable duration before cautiously inquiring, "Which Green Flower?" "Who else but Green Flower, the Greenwater Beggar, the very Local Deity of Greenwater City." Luo Zhengnan was somewhat taken aback, finding it hard to believe that Seventh Master had actually contended with the Greenwater Beggar. He must have misheard. Li Banfeng then urged, "First, apprise me of your circumstances." Luo Zhengnan shook his head to clear his thoughts, replying, "Seventh Master, Master Wu dispatched a message; he had an encounter with the Inner State People." Li Banfeng was startled, asking, "How is Old Five's condition?" "Master Wu is unharmed; I will arrange a private conversation between you two shortly." Li Banfeng exhaled a long breath of relief; so long as Ma Wu was safe. Soon, the phone rang again, and Luo Zhengnan facilitated the connection, allowing the two to converse privately. "Old Qi, the situation has become clear now." "You genuinely startled me; you weren't injured, were you?" "I sustained some minor wounds, nothing significant. The Inner State possesses an access point at the Soda Kiln, which was guarded by a carp. This entity, stripped of its flesh and reduced to a mere skeleton by the Outside Provinces, yet it persisted in life. The Inner State People seek retribution and consequently eliminated over fifty individuals from other provinces. Prior to their demise, these individuals identified themselves as members of the task force, operating under the command of Task Force Envoy Xu Shouming." What was Xu Shouming's background? Why had he targeted the Inner State People? Li Banfeng couldn't fathom the motive, but Ma Wu continued, "The Inner State People are undoubtedly intent on revenge, and this conflict cannot be averted. I am currently deliberating on this matter with Luo Lijun; my primary concern is their potential actions within Puluo State; if hostilities erupt, Puluo State will be finished." "Who is Luo Lijun?" "An Inner State Person, a pureblood." "A purebred Inner State Person, discussing matters with you?" "Initially, she was unwilling to engage in discussion, but with Miss Feng's assistance, we managed to subdue her." River Snail Girl interjected beside him with a snort, "Not convinced!" Ma Wu turned and glared at River Snail Girl, asking, "What is that supposed to imply?" River Snail Girl lowered her head, mumbling, "Just not convinced." Feng Daiku, with a frown, stated, "That brat still requires a good thrashing; I shall discipline her later!" Luo Lijun's tone was one of clear grievance as she declared, "If you have the courage, send them one by one; I am not afraid." Ma Wu scoffed, "Such bravado, I shall deal with you first and see if you remain so defiant." "You had better not..." River Snail Girl displayed a hint of apprehension towards Ma Wu, "I am absolutely not afraid of Feng Daiku!" The call remained connected, leaving Li Banfeng bewildered by their exchange. "Old Qi, I intend to undergo advancement within the next few days. If you can spare the time, please return for a visit; you still need to confer with Luo Lijun regarding Inner State affairs, and Miss Feng also has matters to discuss with you." After concluding the call, Li Banfeng found himself thoroughly perplexed. A battle with the Inner State People, and Ma Wu is advancing? How does this advancement process function? The logic simply doesn't align! Li Banfeng then placed a call to Teacher Song, who sounded immensely relieved upon hearing Li Banfeng's voice.
"Did you run into the Greenwater Beggar? Are you hurt? Did you catch his affliction? What’s your condition now? Where are you? I’m about to call Kang Zhenchang; he must have a way to treat it!"
Teacher Song’s words came out in a rush, not very clearly articulated. Li Banfeng quickly soothed him, "Breathe deeply and calm yourself. I’m alright; nothing happened."
"Don't fret over me. My health has been quite robust for a considerable time," Teacher Song took a moment to regain his breath, his tone returning to normal. "Where are you now? Can I come meet you? Rest assured, no one can eavesdrop on this call."
"At ten o'clock, pick a suitable spot and give me a call. Ensure no one notices me, and then I shall come to meet you."
Li Banfeng proceeded to the Qingzhou Road Garden Community, a place once inhabited by a Nightmare Cultivator whose Ghost Servant overuse led to a string of murders.
Nowadays, the majority of the few remaining residents have relocated, leaving the area surrounding the community deserted and barren.
Cui Tiq had been waiting there for a considerable duration. "Finding this place was truly difficult, even more so than last night's rendezvous point."
Li Banfeng responded, "There will be numerous Dark Star Bureau agents scouring the scene on Sui Chen Road; this location is comparatively safer."
Cui Tiq stretched his limbs, getting ready. "I am prepared and can head to Knife Ghost Ridge whenever. However, seeing as we are friends, could we discuss something? Would it be possible for you not to use your feet?"
