Steam Era: The Lord of 'Puluo' Chapter 939 - 526: Appointment

Li Banfeng unveiled his true identity, and An Zongding came to the realization that this individual was none other than Li Qi himself.

“Why exactly are you investigating me?” Li Banfeng inquired once more.

An Zongding vehemently shook his head in denial. “We have never conducted any investigation into you…”

Riiiip~

Old Teapot unceremoniously dumped a kettle of boiling water, causing An Zongding to writhe and yelp in agony on the floor.

Having been An Zongding's companion for a considerable duration, Old Teapot acted on certain matters with an initiative that required no explicit command.

Gazing upon An Zongding's wretched state, Old Teapot let out a sigh. “Even after reaching the Above the Clouds stage, the physique of a Nightmare Cultivator is truly quite unimpressive.”

A faint smile played on Li Banfeng's lips as he observed An Zongding. “Still unwilling to divulge the truth?”

“I… I’ll talk,” An Zongding wheezed after a prolonged bout of panting. “This was an order from Lord Feng.”

“Which Lord Feng are you referring to?”

“Lord Feng Chongli. His standing within Snowflake Beach considerably surpasses mine. Whatever he commands, I am compelled to execute.”

A knot of unease tightened in Li Banfeng’s chest. He pondered why Feng Chongli would have any reason to investigate him.

The sole interaction he had ever experienced with Feng Chongli involved the purchase of a pair of Iron Rulers, which, unbeknownst to Feng Chongli, served as the tracks for the Portable Residence.

Could it be that Feng Chongli had discerned the true purpose of the Iron Rulers, and that this realization had prompted him to focus his attention on me?

Contemplating this possibility, the situation grew decidedly perilous.

Up to this juncture, the Portable Residence and all its contents constituted the very cornerstone of Li Banfeng's continued existence. If any individual harbored intentions towards the Portable Residence, that individual was an immediate threat to be neutralized. Likewise, if an entire organization set its sights on the Portable Residence, that organization too must be eradicated.

“Where can I find Feng Chongli?” Li Banfeng queried.

An Zongding responded with unvarnished honesty. “He is presently at the Greenwater Beggar’s abode.”

“And why did he seek out the Greenwater Beggar’s residence?”

“To seize the Greenwater Beggar’s Contract Book. The intelligence regarding this was conveyed to him by Hundred Flowers Fine Painting, Mu Yuejuan.”

Hong Ying interjected from the side, her voice sharp. “I am acquainted with Hundred Flowers Fine Painting. That conniving woman who ensnared my second brother. Qi Lang, bring that vixen to me. I wish to personally ascertain just how captivating this woman truly is.”

Li Banfeng harbored a similar intention himself.

“From which Daoist Sect does Feng Chongli hail, and what is his cultivation level?”

An Zongding truthfully replied, “Feng Chongli is a Business Cultivator, and his cultivation has already ascended to the Above the Clouds realm.”

“And what of Mu Yuejuan?”

“She too has achieved the Above the Clouds stage.”

This development cast a shadow of considerable complication over the situation.

Recalling Feng Chongli's age, he could not have yet reached sixty. To attain the Above the Clouds realm at such a young age indicated a truly remarkable individual.

“What is their objective at Green Flower’s residence?”

“They intend to secure Green Flower’s Contract Book and forcibly annex the territory of Greenwater Bay.”

“And for what purpose do you desire Greenwater Bay’s territory?”

An Zongding elaborated, “Greenwater Bay stands as the most affluent region within Puluo State. Its stewardship by the Greenwater Beggar all these years has been a lamentable waste of potential—akin to boiling a crane merely for its soup or burning a zither for firewood, truly casting pearls before swine, a squandering of heaven’s bounty. It represents a profound misfortune for Puluo State.”

Li Banfeng delivered a sharp kick to An Zongding. “Cease this incessant use of elaborate metaphors!”

An Zongding hastily rephrased his statement. “Greenwater Bay is such a valuable locale. To leave it in Green Flower’s possession is analogous to placing a precious blossom atop a pile of dung.

We aim to bestow a brighter future upon Greenwater Bay, and by extension, upon Puluo State itself. Therefore, we intend to liberate Greenwater Bay from the Greenwater Beggar’s inadequate control.”

“Nonsense!” Li Banfeng delivered another forceful kick.

Greenwater Bay had never been anything remotely resembling a delicate flower; it was, in fact, a haven for vagrants.

While it was true that Greenwater Beggar was Li Banfeng’s adversary, Li Banfeng had never once doubted the Greenwater Beggar’s competence or capabilities.

“So, you are suggesting that your annexation of Greenwater Bay is purely for financial gain?”

An Zongding shook his head. “We are not lacking in financial resources. Snowflake Beach has never experienced any shortage of wealth.”

“Then why do you abduct Souls from Puluo State and traffic them to the Outer Provinces?”

An Zongding sighed, offering an explanation. “These Souls possess knowledge they ought not to. Their continued presence in this world is untenable, yet they have not committed any grave transgressions. To allow them to simply vanish into nothingness would weigh heavily upon our consciences. Therefore, transporting them to the Outer Provinces offers them a chance at continued existence. This is what is termed as employing formidable actions with the compassion of a bodhisattva.”

Li Banfeng instructed Teapot, “Scald his entire bodhisattva heart for me!”

Teapot promptly began heating water, while Sickle advanced, drawing his blade to slash open An Zongding’s abdomen.

“I am speaking nothing but the truth!” An Zongding cried out.

Li Banfeng delivered a swift kick to An Zongding's face, exclaiming, "Your actions are no different from those of human traffickers, yet you dare speak to me of a Bodhisattva's compassion?

Since you are affiliated with Snowflake Beach and hold responsibility for minting money, why must you resort to selling Souls to the Outside Provinces for profit? Do you comprehend my inquiry? "

After a moment of contemplation, An Zongding responded, "Snowflake Beach is not exactly lacking in funds, but there are times when our coffers run thin. We also need to supplement our own... "

According to his explanation, he was merely serving Snowflake Beach.

The organization itself did not suffer from a lack of wealth, but it was necessary for them to generate additional income on the side. This justification, he felt, was quite sound.

"Was Chu Zikai also one of Snowflake Beach's operatives?"

An Zongding put on a show of surprise, asking, "And who might this Chu Zikai be?"

Li Banfeng's brow furrowed, and he threatened, "Do you truly believe I won't turn you into a Guokui?"

"Ah, you mean that Sound Cultivator from the Outside Provinces," An Zongding feigned recollection. "He is indeed one of Snowflake Beach's people. We maintain quite a number of operatives scattered throughout the Outside Provinces as well."

An Zongding's thoughts then turned to using Snowflake Beach's influence to intimidate Li Qi. However, Li Qi's focus remained fixed not on Snowflake Beach's power, but on Chu Zikai's circumstances.

As a member operating within a clandestine organization, it seemed peculiar for him to be so conspicuously high-profile, to the point of being a singer.

Furthermore, his personal involvement in black-market dealings suggested that a mere supplementary income was hardly his sole motivation.

Could it be that working for Snowflake Beach offered such meager compensation?

Li Qi fixed his gaze upon An Zongding and inquired, "Are you genuinely recounting the truth to me?"

An Zongding nodded emphatically, assuring, "Every word I have spoken is the absolute truth, without a shred of falsehood."

Li Banfeng produced a blank sheet of paper and a writing instrument, offering them to An Zongding. "Write down the names of every Snowflake Beach member you know on this paper."

An Zongding glanced at the paper and pen, offering a silent assent.