Feng Daiku successfully negotiated with Shi Gongxing, acquiring the Soda Kiln territory by trading spiritual objects. She plans to use the territory to gather human energy for cultivation, enlisting Li Banfeng's help to manage it alongside Ma Wu. Li Banfeng, however, is more interested in investigating the factories within the territory, finding similarities to previous locations and noting the surprisingly advanced craftsmanship of some old machines.
It seemed the Wife’s intuition was correct; certain machines had indeed been upgraded by Shi Gongxing, yielding craftsmanship far surpassing most of the factory’s current machinery.
Li Banfeng inquired briefly about the functions of these machines before delving into contemplation for his subsequent strategy.
Wife, meanwhile, took up Teacher Song’s lecture notes, immersing herself once more in the studies of Dark Matter and Dark Energy.
After a full day of diligent study, a sudden surge of heat caused flames to ignite within the phonograph’s casing, and a puff of Steam forcefully expelled from the horn’s opening.
Li Banfeng, startled, asked, "Wife, is something amiss?"
"Nothing," Wife responded curtly.
The subject of Dark Matter was genuinely fascinating, a topic Wife found highly engaging. However, the lingering scent on the handouts was a constant source of irritation.
Li Banfeng inquired with a touch of surprise, "My dearest Wife, what has caused your displeasure?"
Wife retorted sharply, "Who is the author of this material?"
Li Banfeng’s expression grew serious as he replied, "He is my nominal master from the Outer Provinces."
"Nominal master?" Within the phonograph’s consciousness, an image of an elderly man with white hair materialized.
She inhaled the scent from the notes again; it undeniably did not carry the aroma of an old man.
Incensed, the phonograph selected a record, placed it on the turntable, and initiated playback.
"So hypocritical, so hypocritical, why lead such a deceitful life..."
Intended as a jab at Li Banfeng, the song, to everyone's surprise, resonated deeply with him.
He humorously grabbed a feather duster and, in sync with Wife’s melody, launched into a spirited dance.
Wife’s teeth gritted as she declared, "You incorrigible Han, you are going to be the death of me!"
Whoosh!
A cloud of Steam billowed out; Li Banfeng’s cheeks flushed crimson. He then exited the premises, resuming his exploration of the factory.
The phonograph returned to her studies of the handouts, and upon reaching the mathematics section, she couldn’t help but let out a sigh, "The arithmetic standards in the Outer Provinces are excessively demanding."
Portable Residence paused for a moment, then murmured, "Liu Fang, no, not Liu Fang, Bafang, it seems to be Bafang..."
The phonograph inquired, "Old Man, what is it about Bafang?"
"There resides someone in Bafang, an Arithmetic Cultivator, and they are not of a low rank."
Upon hearing this, the phonograph’s body levitated and drifted purposefully towards Bafang.
Hong Ying set aside her Rouge, stating, "Xiaowan, hold on a moment, I shall accompany you. I sense a degree of peril in that location."
The two proceeded to Bafang together, where the phonograph addressed the vicinity, "Friend, I have an arithmetic quandary I wish to consult you about."
After an extended period of waiting, a response finally emanated from the vacant Bafang; the voice of a middle-aged man could be heard, "What is the problem? May I examine it?"
The phonograph selected a query from the handouts, inscribed it onto a piece of paper, and placed it on the floor.
The white paper lifted from the ground, hovering within the room momentarily; the occupant appeared to be scrutinizing the problem.
Two minutes later, the voice from within responded, "I can resolve this particular matter. Upon its completion, what remuneration shall I receive?"
The phonograph queried, "What form of compensation do you desire?"
Silence descended upon the room for a brief interlude, followed by, "I shall present you with a problem in return. Should you fail to solve it, I will select one of you two and end that person's life. How does that proposition strike you?"
Hong Ying swiftly drew her Sword from its sheath and brandished it towards the room, declaring, "Emerge and face me if you dare!"
A palpable wave of murderous intent permeated the chamber.
Hong Ying’s hair flailed wildly; her entire being radiated a potent aura, completely dispelling the menacing intent.
A sigh echoed from within the room, "If you are unwilling to engage, then let it be. I have no intention of assisting you with your problem either."
The phonograph readily agreed, "I accept this wager. You shall solve the problem first, and afterward, you will present yours. If we prove incapable of answering it, we shall concede to your terms as stated."
...
Feng Daiku had unearthed some critical intelligence: "The factories within this domain were not erected simultaneously; some were established earlier, others later, with intervals spanning several decades.
The precise completion dates for each factory are no longer ascertainable. The most ancient factory is believed to be the one situated at the Inner State entrance, its construction dating back over a century. The exact number of years beyond a hundred, however, cannot be determined."
Over a hundred years ago.
According to the data compiled by Light Bulb, the Ruirong Textile Factory was finalized at the commencement of the preceding century, which also places its age at over a hundred years.
A significant portion of the factories in the Soda Kiln shared a design fundamentally identical to that of the Ruirong Textile Factory. Could there be an underlying connection?
Observing Li Banfeng lost in deep thought and remaining silent, Feng Daiku experienced a pang of guilt, stating, "Young Master Li, this is due to my own shortcomings in handling the matter. Should any further information surface, I shall apprise you immediately."
Li Banfeng repeatedly waved his hands. "This is already more than enough. I have already contacted my Servants, and they will get the first factory operational as swiftly as possible."
Feng Daiku felt a surge of happiness, yet she was also aware of the inherent challenges. "Between the construction of the plant and acquiring the machinery, I suspect it will consume a considerable amount of time, won't it?"
Unfolding a map, Li Banfeng stated, "Our initial approach will be to locate an existing, albeit old, factory structure and perform necessary renovations. This current locale is unsuitable; its proximity to the Inner State entrance is too great. We must select a site situated farther away."
"There are numerous excellent machines in this vicinity. I've pinpointed their locations on this map; the next step is to devise a method for relocating them."
A spark of surprise ignited in Feng Daiku's eyes. "These machines are still functional?"
"Indeed, they are. Once refurbished, they will be exceptionally good machines. Utilizing pre-existing equipment will undoubtedly be a far more expeditious path than procuring new ones."
Li Banfeng eventually selected an old factory building within the town. Though Feng Daiku presented a delicate and frail image, her physical strength was quite remarkable. She single-handedly moved over a dozen pieces of equipment, each weighing several tons. It was the first time Li Banfeng had witnessed a Local Deity exhibit such eagerness for a factory's opening.
After the arduous task of relocating the machinery was completed, the pair settled at a roadside stall, enjoying glasses of soda. Feng Daiku's gaze frequently drifted towards the factory, a silent wish for its opening by the following day gracing her expression.
Li Banfeng offered a gentle reminder. "Even with the factory operational, achieving prosperity for the Soda Kiln is not an endeavor that can be accomplished overnight. Transforming it into a metropolis akin to Black Stone Slope is an even more distant prospect."
Feng Daiku nodded in agreement. "I understand the inherent difficulties, but Pants Belt Pit was developed by my own hand, piece by piece. I firmly believe this place will, in the future, rival Black Stone Slope in its prominence."
The proprietor of the soda stall approached them and remarked, "I couldn't help but overhear your mention of Black Stone Slope. Perhaps you're unaware, but in days past, our settlement was even more prosperous than Black Stone Slope. Do you happen to know the reason behind our region being known as the Soda Kiln?"
