Steam Era: The Lord of 'Puluo' Chapter 942 - 526: Appointment_4

A long sword, capable of slashing and piercing, possesses a lifespan of roughly ten seconds as a genuine weapon before its mana dissipates, turning into smoke carried away by the wind. Alongside it, another long knife is forged in the incense burner, prepared to continue the engagement.

This incense burner serves as An Zongding’s long-range offensive tool. As long as the incense continues to burn, its smoke can perpetually transform into weapons to suppress opponents.

The second magical treasure is a small, ceramic medicine bottle.

Housing about ten highly toxic pills, this bottle, when within sufficient proximity, can launch its contents into an enemy's body, inflicting poison. It functions as An Zongding’s close-quarters combat weapon.

The third magical treasure is a golden bead, whose potency Li Banfeng has already witnessed, enabling An Zongding to move with the speed of an Eighth Layer Traveling Cultivator.

These three magical treasures rested upon the phonograph’s tray rack. The golden bead initiated the conversation: "Master is a Traveling Cultivator; this servant shares the same Sect as you. Should Master ever grow weary of your travels, this servant can assume your duties. If you deem this servant unworthy, you may dismiss me."

Recognizing its limited utility to Li Banfeng, the bead was the first to seek continued protection.

The medicine bottle, confident in its chances of acceptance, spoke with measured tones: "Master, this servant has participated in countless battles. While I cannot claim exceptional martial skill, I have never faltered in combat.

In the future, Master need not fret; merely keep me within your pocket or sleeve, and when the moment arises, this servant will autonomously vanquish the foe."

This capability did not startle Li Banfeng, as all his household magical treasures possessed the ability to engage enemies independently.

The incense burner also asserted its value: "Master, though I cannot boast of countless vanquished foes, I have endured numerous conflicts. As long as this servant is positioned on the battlefield beforehand, no enemy shall approach you – a hundred may advance, and a hundred shall perish!"

The self-referential use of 'servant' by all three magical treasures began to irritate Li Banfeng.

The phonograph, not only annoyed by their words but also detecting an additional anomaly, declared: "Beloved husband, these three possess echoes."

The term "echoes" signified their ability to record sound.

It was highly probable that these three magical treasures, originally assigned to An Zongding from Snowflake Beach, still retained residual influences from that origin.

Such lingering effects were unacceptable, prompting Li Banfeng to raise an eyebrow as his wife absorbed their spiritual attributes.

However, the items retained practical functions, leading Li Banfeng to entrust them to the Lotus Flower.

The Lotus Flower surveyed the assembled treasures and inquired, "Who desires to try something novel?"

Undertaking an experiment with the Lotus Flower was no light matter; a misstep could jeopardize one's very existence.

Furthermore, the precedent set by the gloves served as a cautionary example; while their power had indeed increased, they were now marred by unsightly black spots.

The Clock Pendulum was the first to respond: "Master, I shall attempt it!"

Among Li Banfeng’s magical treasures, the Clock Pendulum was quite experienced, yet its origins were modest, only slightly surpassing the Earrings. Though blood-sucking was an effective technique, the intensity of modern battles left few openings for the Clock Pendulum to act.

Presently, the Clock Pendulum functioned as Li Banfeng's artist, in addition to being a makeup artist. This was not a reflection of the Clock Pendulum's lack of effort, but rather its genuinely humble starting point.

The Clock Pendulum selected the golden bead, belonging to the Traveling Cultivator: "Refine me in conjunction with this; at the very least, I will be able to act with greater speed."

The Copper Lotus Flower assented, drawing both the Clock Pendulum and the bead into its Lotus Heart.

The Earrings, unwilling to be left out, chose the incense burner: "Lord, I have never had the opportunity to engage in combat; grant me this opportunity."

Li Banfeng granted his consent, and the Earrings, alongside the incense burner, were absorbed into the Lotus Flower.

With no other volunteers for the medicine bottle, the slowest of the group, the Music Box, approached the Lotus Flower.

She could record sounds but lacked the ability to speak. Li Banfeng understood her implicit request, placing both her and the medicine bottle within the Lotus Flower.

The Lotus Flower closed its petals, commencing the reforging of the magical treasures.

Li Banfeng retrieved the key, proceeded to his subordinate's teahouse, left the Projector outside his Portable Residence, and then indulged in a deep sleep.

Upon venturing out the following morning, Li Banfeng was alerted by the Projector: "Seventh Guide, someone is attempting to reach you via that simple phone."

The term "simple phone" referred to the device Luo Zhengnan had previously gifted to Li Banfeng.

Li Banfeng returned the call to Luo Zhengnan, who then directly connected him to Ma Wu.

"Old Qi, Luo Lijun has returned with conditions, requesting a personal meeting for negotiation."

Li Banfeng embarked for the New Land and arrived at the Soda Kiln factory, where he encountered Luo Lijun.

A palpable shift had occurred in Luo Lijun’s demeanor since their initial encounter; his attitude was considerably more accommodating. "I have conferred with my clan. Warfare is not an absolute necessity this time. As long as Puluo can provide assurances that the Outside Provinces will cease offending the Inner State in the future, this dispute can be laid to rest."

Li Banfeng pondered this, stroking his chin. "When you say the Puluo State should vouch, what exactly do you mean by that? Puluo is without a recognized leader; how can it possibly give you its word?"

Luo Lijun had anticipated this very question. "My investigations indicate that you are regarded as the foremost leader within Puluo State. Provided you draft a contractual agreement, guaranteeing that the Outside Provinces will cease any further transgressions against the Inner State, this matter will be resolved. Should any further offenses transpire, Puluo State will bear the brunt of our retaliation first."

Li Banfeng let out a peal of laughter. "What exactly are you and your clan attempting to achieve? Are you merely seeking a pretext to initiate hostilities against Puluo State? Your quarrel with the Outside Provinces, what bearing does it have on Puluo State? Why should Puluo State shoulder the responsibility of guaranteeing this for you?"

"Because Puluo State occupies the strategic position between the Inner State and the Outside Provinces. Only by maintaining peace between them can the populace of Puluo State ensure their continued survival on this land; this is the inherent advantage Puluo State derives from providing this guarantee!"

Li Banfeng, however, remained unconvinced. "I do not share that perspective. The people of Puluo State inherently possess the right to exist on this land; this right is not a gift bestowed by either the Outside or Inner States, nor can it be construed as a benefit."

Luo Lijun inquired, "Then, what is your proposed solution?"

Li Banfeng articulated his proposal clearly: "My proposition is to resolve this matter directly. I am capable of securing the safety of this particular entrance. Within the confines of the Soda Kiln territory, I can guarantee that individuals from the Outside Provinces will not infiltrate the Inner State through this gateway. However, this assurance comes at a cost; the Inner State must compensate us for this service."

The River Snail Girl’s antennae twitched incessantly. "For the mere guarantee of a single entrance, you expect us to incur an expense?"

Li Banfeng affirmed with a nod. "Indeed, for this one entrance alone. You are at liberty to decline my offer of a guarantee. However, should the Outside Provinces launch an invasion through this passage, Puluo State might adopt a stance of indifference, or worse, may even join forces with them in the assault. At that juncture, your losses would extend far beyond that of a mere Gatekeeper."

A lengthy silence ensued from the River Snail Girl. "What, precisely, do you demand as the price for our compliance?"

Li Banfeng responded, "I require a portion of the New Land."

The River Snail Girl considered this for a moment. "That is a straightforward request; indicate the territory you desire, and I shall instruct the local deities to comply with your designation."

Li Banfeng, with a shake of his head, clarified. "You have misinterpreted my intention. I do not seek New Land that is already under the jurisdiction of a local deity; I seek a tract of unclaimed New Land."

The River Snail Girl appeared perplexed. "What significance does that hold? Even if we cede New Land to you, a local deity would inevitably be assigned to it by us in due course."

Li Banfeng’s expression turned grave. "And therein lies the crux of the matter. The local deity for this territory must not be appointed by you; you are to provide me with both components of the contractual agreement."

"That is utterly unacceptable!" the River Snail Girl exclaimed, her voice rising. "We shall not consent to such terms, nor will we tolerate such an affront!"

"You see, you are acting too hastily," Li Banfeng chuckled. "Return and deliberate with your clan. Seek out members who are less prone to impulsive reactions, and take your time. I am confident that among your ranks, there exist individuals of wisdom who will ultimately agree to my stipulations."

PS: The authority to appoint local deities is of paramount importance.