Steam Era: The Lord of 'Puluo' Chapter 919 - 521: Ancestral Master, Just Give In! (Part 4)

Li Banfeng solemnly gave his word. Promptly at ten o’clock, a call came from Teacher Song. He retrieved a feather duster concealed within his trench coat.

Startled, Cui Tiq exclaimed, "Why hide such a thing on your person? Just push me..."

With a swift, wide arc, Li Banfeng brought the feather duster down hard upon Cui Tiq’s back.

Knife Ghost Ridge lay so far away; if the propulsion wasn't forceful enough, it might not send him the full distance.

Smack!

The impact was sufficiently powerful this time, eliciting a cry of pain from Cui Tiq as both figures launched into the air simultaneously.

Cui Tiq was propelled a great distance, flying with such rapid velocity that the surrounding scenery became a mere blur.

Upon landing, Cui Tiq instinctively rubbed his back. Without a moment to spare for thought, he immediately activated the latent anomaly within his body, causing his form to expand until he transformed into the grotesque shape of a Knife Labor Ghost.

The situation at Knife Ghost Ridge was fraught with tension.

A considerable contingent of Knife Labor Ghosts was advancing toward the mid-mountain area, their determined stride indicating an imminent engagement.

"Drooh! Drooh! Drooh-drooh-drooh!" A Knife Labor Ghost approached Cui Tiq, its arm, resembling a slab of raw meat, gesticulating to reassure Cui Tiq and urge him forward bravely!

"Drooh-yah-yah! Drooh! Drooh!" Cui Tiq reciprocated with an arm wave, signaling his own lack of fear and his readiness to contest the battle to its bitter end.

He followed a phalanx of Knife Labor Ghosts up the mountainside, arriving at the mid-mountain to witness the Greenwater Beggar, grievously wounded, engaged in a desperate struggle against a horde of Knife Labor Ghosts.

The pustules adorning his body had vanished, and the Greenwater Beggar appeared remarkably clean, a sign that his bodily afflictions were nearing their conclusion.

Concealed beneath his garments was a substantial cache of weaponry, and he was employing martial cultivator techniques to fend off the encroaching Knife Labor Ghosts.

Cui Tiq, positioned amidst the ranks of the Knife Labor Ghosts, felt an overwhelming urge to offer counsel to the Ancestral Master.

Master, why not concede defeat?

What is the purpose of this struggle?

Even the entirety of Sage Peak, under the command of the Saint, cannot withstand this onslaught of Knife Labor Ghosts; how much longer can you possibly hold out? Why not embrace the fate of becoming a contented Knife Labor Ghost?

The Greenwater Beggar, visibly faltering from exhaustion, was met with another charge led by Wan Jinxian at the head of a fresh contingent of Knife Labor Ghosts.

This marked the second such offensive.

Previously, Wan Jinxian had led a wave of Knife Labor Ghosts in an assault, all of whom met their demise. Now, another group followed Wan Jinxian into the fray.

Wan Jinxian commanded considerable authority amongst the Knife Labor Ghosts and harbored a deep-seated animosity towards the Greenwater Beggar.

Where did this resentment originate? Was it rooted in Wan Jinxian’s past recollections?

Had Wan Jinxian somehow retained memories from previous existences?

Cui Tiq discerned numerous facets of the Knife Labor Ghosts that warranted further investigation. Simultaneously, he recognized the necessity of paying close attention to Wan Jinxian. If memories were indeed transferable, it was probable that Wan Jinxian held no favorable regard for Cui Tiq.

...

Li Banfeng materialized inside Teacher Song’s residence, a location he was familiar with from his university days.

Teacher Song betrayed no surprise upon Li Banfeng's arrival. When she had been asked to make the call, the concept of the Thousand Mile In A Step Technique had already occurred to her.

She first attended to Li Banfeng’s injuries, verifying that he had sustained no serious harm, before inquiring about the events of the previous night.

Li Banfeng recounted, "I was misled. I was tasked with confronting a Bagworm Moth, only to find myself facing the Greenwater Beggar instead. Teacher, do you have any knowledge of who orchestrated this deception?"

After a moment's thoughtful pause, Teacher Song responded, "This affair falls outside the purview of the Dark Star Bureau."

Li Banfeng offered a slight nod, refraining from pressing the matter further, understanding that Teacher Song faced constraints.

Teacher Song advised, "The current circumstances are exceptionally complex, and the Balancer's position is exceedingly precarious. I recommend you return to Puluo State to weather this impending tempest."

"I shall give your suggestion careful consideration, but I implore you, Teacher, to maintain the secrecy of our meeting today."

Teacher Song then presented Li Banfeng with her research and lectures pertaining to Dark Energy: "I am uncertain if these materials will still prove beneficial to you."

"They will be of immense value; they are incredibly precious. Thank you, Teacher." Li Banfeng bowed respectfully to Teacher Song.

Teacher Song instructed, "Our telephone communications are not subject to surveillance. Should you find yourself in dire straits, you must contact me. I will undoubtedly offer my assistance."

Following his departure from Teacher Song’s residence, Li Banfeng proceeded to Flower Lake Park.

While a return to Puluo State was indeed necessary, it was not for the purpose of seeking sanctuary.

The Inner State stood on the precipice of war with the Outside Provinces, and Li Banfeng felt compelled to comprehend the underlying causes and potential ramifications of this impending conflict.

Traversing the New Land, he journeyed without delay to the Soda Kiln, reaching the location previously indicated by Ma Wu. It was there that Li Banfeng encountered Miss Luo Lijun.

Whether it was the prolonged period spent in Ma Wu's company or the encounters with Ge Junma and the Centipede Workshop, Li Banfeng found himself acting with remarkable ease and naturalness in the presence of this sizable River Snail Girl.

"Miss Luo, is it possible for me to meet the gatekeeper?"

"For what purpose do you wish to see him?" Luo Lijun’s voice was as cold as ice. "Do you intend to mock him further?"

Ma Wu’s brow furrowed. "Are you expressing dissatisfaction?"

Luo Lijun lowered her head, moving with a slight tremor towards the edge of the pool, her antennae gently stroking the water’s surface.

Before long, the complete skeletal remains of a crucian carp gracefully ascended.

Remarkably, this skeleton possessed the ability to move and even bite, its maneuverability exhibiting surprising agility.

Li Banfeng observed the spectacle for a period, employing his Golden Gaze Autumn Hair Technique. He confirmed that the crucian carp’s bones held no vitality; it was undeniably deceased. Yet, a faint green luminescence pulsed between the skeletal fragments.

The presence of this green light, he deduced, indicated that the soul remained. The fish was utterly dead, and its soul’s refusal to depart strongly suggested the application of some Taoist Sect cultivation technique.

"Could this be a Nightmare Cultivation Technique?" Li Banfeng inquired.

Luo Lijun responded, "You harbor too low an opinion of others. If it were merely a simple possession by a departed soul, how could I fail to discern it?"

Possession by a Dead Soul was indeed the most fundamental method within Nightmare Cultivation, making its identification relatively straightforward.

However, if it was not a Nightmare Cultivation Technique, then what form of technique was it?

Noticing Li Banfeng’s silence, Ma Wu elaborated from his position. "Initially, I too suspected it to be a Nightmare Cultivation Technique. But the ghost servants employed by Nightmare Cultivators are all aware of their deceased status. This particular fish, however, consistently believes itself to be alive, and it doesn’t appear to be feigning.

Consistently believing itself to be alive…

This peculiar detail caused Li Banfeng’s thoughts to drift to a specific location.

Fool’s City.

Every single inhabitant within Fool’s City harbored the unshakeable conviction that they were still alive.

Could this phenomenon be the result of a Foolish Cultivation method?

To the best of Li Banfeng’s knowledge, the Outside Provinces did not possess any Foolish Cultivation techniques.

This led him to question if the technique originated from outside the provinces.

There were no living Foolish Cultivators. Sun Tiecheng had only accepted two outer disciples – one being himself, and the other whom he had unfortunately killed.

Considering these facts, could Sun Tiecheng be responsible for this?

What could possibly be his objective in orchestrating such a situation?

Luo Lijun then addressed Li Banfeng. "I learned from Ma Junyang that you hold the position of Balancer for the Outside Provinces. If your intention is to act as a negotiator for the Outside Provinces, I advise you against wasting your breath. Do not entertain the notion that this conflict can be resolved with mere words."

Li Banfeng, shaking his head, replied, "My objective is not to resolve this war. You and the Outside Provinces are free to engage in conflict as you see fit, but not within the confines of Puluo State."

Luo Lijun stated, "Ma Junyang also discussed this matter with me. All I can do is exert my utmost effort to persuade my kin, aiming to minimize the destruction within Puluo State."

Li Banfeng reiterated his stance, shaking his head once more. "I am not here to negotiate with you. I am informing you that you are forbidden from waging war within Puluo State. I hold no concern for the thoughts of your kin, but should they dare to set foot in Puluo State, they will be compelled to pay with their lives."

Luo Lijun’s antennae twitched subtly. "The war between us and the Outside Provinces is inevitable. Puluo State lies situated between our respective territories, making it the only conceivable location for confrontation."

Li Banfeng countered, "That is not necessarily the case, is it? Does the Inner State not possess alternative channels through which to engage with the Outside Provinces? You would do well to clarify this matter."

Luo Lijun failed to grasp the full implication of Li Banfeng’s words, and he offered no further clarification.

A new territory had emerged within the Outside Provinces. The appearance of entities such as the Centipede Workshop served as undeniable proof that the Inner State and the Outside Provinces had already established contact. If hostilities were to erupt, surely another suitable location could be found.

"Purebred Inner State individuals, should they appear within Puluo State, you are aware of the repercussions," Li Banfeng remarked, casting a glance towards the factory. He continued, "This factory stands at the demarcation between the two lands. If your operations remain confined within its premises, it may be overlooked. However, the moment you step beyond the factory’s boundaries, you must be prepared to forfeit your lives."

The River Snail Shell vibrated momentarily. Luo Lijun’s anger flared. "Are you addressing the people of the Inner State in such a manner?"

Li Banfeng affirmed with a nod. "This is how I have always conducted myself. You and your kin would be wise to learn to adapt."

Feng Daiku interjected from the side, adding his own declaration. "I too shall leave my words here. Should any Inner State individuals make an appearance within the Soda Kiln, I shall personally eliminate every single one I encounter."

There was a distinct undertone to Feng Daiku’s declaration, hinting at a potential special connection between the Soda Kiln and himself.

Luo Lijun moved back towards the pool’s edge. "I shall convey your sentiments to my kin."

With those words, she plunged into the water.

Feng Daiku then turned to Li Banfeng. "Young Master Li, I too have a matter I wish to discuss with you. I intend to assume control of the Soda Kiln and embrace the role of its Local Deity."

Li Banfeng expressed his surprise with a momentary pause. "Does this matter indeed require discussion with me?"