Returning to his residence, Li Banfeng wanted to find a different way to communicate with Feng Yuqiu, but after trying many methods, Feng Yuqiu still couldn’t express himself well enough.
By evening, Li Banfeng wanted to visit the black market again for direct information from Yin Si Niang. Suddenly, Luo Zhengnan called: "Seventh Master, what’s your address?"
Li Banfeng gave the address, and Luo Zhengnan replied: "I’ll be there in an hour."
"Old Luo, where are you now?"
"I’ve already arrived in Yuezhou, there’s something I need to discuss with you in person."
Luo Zhengnan arrived in Yuezhou?
Wasn’t he in Bridge Yesong the day before yesterday?
Li Banfeng found it perplexing, yet after more than thirty minutes, Luo Zhengnan arrived.
Seeing him drenched, unsure if it was sweat or water, Li Banfeng hurriedly handed him a set of dry clothes to change into.
Luo Zhengnan said: "Seventh Master, about Yin Si Niang, I inquired for you, and Zuo Wugang has no idea of any such sister, nor does he know where she came from."
Li Banfeng nodded: "Any news on Qin Tianjiu?"
Luo Zhengnan said: "It seems Qin Tianjiu encountered some problem half a month ago, suddenly disappeared from the Three Heroes Gang, and no one has heard from him since."
Li Banfeng frowned and said: "Why was I not informed earlier?"
"I find it strange too, even had someone specially inquire about it. When Qin Tianjiu first disappeared, Shen Jinzhong with the Great Gold Seal tried to tell you, but never had the chance because Xia Shumin’s issues weren’t resolved at that time, and you were stuck at Bridge Yesong,
Later, when things were sorted, you visited many places and met many people but never asked about Qin Tianjiu. Shen Jinzhong assumed there might be some misunderstanding between you and Qin Tianjiu, so he didn’t inform you. Meanwhile, he continued searching for Qin Tianjiu, yet found no trace."
Li Banfeng frowned: "Always guessing when things happen, Shen Jinzhong’s thoughts are never on the right path."
Before leaving, Li Banfeng indeed forgot Little Fatty, simply because Little Fatty held a high position in the Three Heroes Gang and carried an Intestinal Wheelworm, his cultivation level rapidly improving, leaving Li Banfeng with nothing to worry about.
Unexpectedly, this brother really did run into trouble.
Li Banfeng said to Luo Zhengnan: "Contact Ma Wu and have him send someone to look for Qin Tianjiu, and notify me immediately with any news."
Luo Zhengnan nodded in agreement and then pulled out a map, which was sealed with a special pocket and not wet.
"Seventh Master, these Windy Sand Lands I found at Bridge Yesong are all marked on the map,
I’ve traveled through many places in Puluo State, frequently searching for Windy Sand Lands. Some Windy Sand Lands exist across all territories, yet I’ve never seen as many as at Bridge Yesong,
I believe Bridge Yesong might be quite special, fearing unforeseen incidents during my investigation, I decided to hand this map over to you lest I work in vain with nothing to show for it."
Li Banfeng received the map and handed Luo Zhengnan a Land Deed: "Old Luo, don’t investigate for now. Hearing what you say, I’m concerned about your safety,
There will be plenty of opportunities in the future. Once I return to Bridge Yesong, we’ll investigate together and support each other,
I previously acquired a restaurant in Greenwater City, but haven’t had time to open it, so it’s yours."
Luo Zhengnan thanked him profusely and asked: "Seventh Master, do you wish to rest or go for a stroll?"
Knowing that Luo Zhengnan had something to say, Li Banfeng replied: "The night is young; a stroll sounds good."
Luo Zhengnan said: "This time is perfect for a park visit; the night view is beautiful and it’s quiet."
Deep into the night, Luo Zhengnan led Li Banfeng to Flower Lake Park: "Seventh Master, how’s your swimming skill?"
"Not bad."
"Then follow me!"
Luo Zhengnan walked beside a villa and took out a portable generator from his waist pouch, started powering it.
Approximately five minutes passed, and Li Banfeng noticed the ground beneath them changing, from hard cement to gradually softening.
The Silk-pulling Earrings cautioned: "Sir, something is stirring."
Li Banfeng faintly heard crying.
Before he could identify the source of the cries, Luo Zhengnan increased the current, and the ground quickly became a lake surface.
Luo Zhengnan fell into the lake, followed closely by Li Banfeng.
Diving to the deep waters, Luo Zhengnan continued generating electricity underwater.
A koi fish and a dark green crab watched curiously nearby.
The current suddenly intensified, causing the koi fish to faint, belly up as it surfaced.
The crab was still curious, swimming along with Luo Zhengnan to the center of the lake.
A whirlpool was present at the lake’s center, sucking Luo Zhengnan and Li Banfeng in, while the crab regretting its decision tried to resist.
But the whirlpool’s pull was too strong, and after a brief struggle, the crab was drawn in too.
At the whirlpool’s center, currents continually surged upward, elevating the crab to the lake surface.
In a nearby bush, a spotted crab faced it.
This was peculiar.
All fellow crabs seen before were green, why was this one spotted?
The crab from Flower Lake Park inspected its surroundings and realized its habitat had changed.
Li Banfeng wiped water from his face and gazed at the thickly fogged nighttime sky, asking Luo Zhengnan: "Is this New Land?"
Luo Zhengnan nodded.
"Does New Land exist Outside Provinces too?"
After catching his breath, Luo Zhengnan answered: "I’ve yet to understand this. Five years ago, I visited Iron Gate Fort for hunting in a New Land,
Iron Gate Fort’s New Land had a blue-skinned persimmon, with notable magnetism. Jumping in from Peach Blossom Lake, I spent a day seeking this persimmon yet unexpectedly encountered an unexpectedly aggressive persimmon tree, taking two days and nights to escape,
Upon escaping, I reached New Land’s depth, where I found Wind Sand Soil, the Hidden Form Space you mentioned,
With subpar equipment, it took me two full days to open this Windy Sand Land. Initially, I wanted to look from outside but dared not enter for fear of being trapped, but the persimmon tree chased me again, leaving no escape but into Windy Sand Land, wandering there for half a month and consuming every edible item, nearly starving there,
Eventually, I discovered a lake with an exit detectable inside. Surprisingly, it led Outside Provinces,
When Outside Provinces, people assumed I attempted suicide, rescuing and counseling me, when I merely fell into the lake due to hunger. A kind soul bought me bread and water, so famished I devoured them, raising my head only to find the kind soul gone, never able to repay the favor.
Later that night, I bought more food, returned to the lake bottom, unlocked the exit, and re-entered New Land, navigating back and taking nearly a month to reach Iron Gate Fort.
The two New Lands connected, one leading to Outside Provinces, the other to Iron Gate Fort, yet never comprehended this enigma, nor shared with anyone,
Seventh Master, I previously mentioned, no need to worry about Iron Gate Fort. At my pace, it’s a day’s walk; at yours, no more than half a day."
"Half a day," Li Banfeng looked into the distance, "Old Luo, you’ve achieved a great deed."
As his words fell, the lakeside bushes rustled.
Li Banfeng asked: "Are there Strange Monsters here?"
Luo Zhengnan nodded: "Yes, and they’re of good quality."
"If there are Strange Monsters, are there Local Deities here?"
Luo Zhengnan pondered and said: "There should be."
Li Banfeng mused and asked again: "Where do these Local Deities come from? Are they indigenous, or appointed by the Inner State?"
PS: Outside Provinces might not be as safe as imagined.