With a questioning tone, Li Banfeng inquired, "How many more traps like this are there?"
Shen Jingye responded by shaking his head. "I haven't precisely tallied them yet. Our preparations and deployment comprehensively cover all angles, leaving no blind spots..."
Shen Jingye felt at liberty to speak more vaguely, considering Li Qi’s office lacked any Virtue Cultivation Spiritual Objects.
However, as Li Banfeng set down his teacup, his hand moved beneath the table's edge, making a gesture that suggested he was pressing a switch.
A distinct 'click' echoed.
Shen Jingye caught the faint sound of a switch being engaged.
What switch could he possibly have activated?
Could a Judge’s Vessel be present in this very room?
Who was responsible for installing it for him?
Did he bring it with him?
Does Puluo State possess any comparable devices?
Shen Jingye's tension immediately escalated. Li Qi, remaining unperturbed, stated, "Little Shen, there's no need for nervousness. I wish to hear about the specific work undertaken. Aside from Han Mingqi, did you uncover any other findings during this operation?"
"Currently, no other..."
"Little Shen, be truthful," Li Qi's intense gaze fixed upon Shen Jingye, his solemn reminder sending a chill down Shen Jingye's spine.
After a moment of contemplation, Shen Jingye amended his answer: "Regarding findings, there are some related to Puluo State. Xiao Zhenggong has been apprehended."
He then glanced at Li Qi.
Li Qi’s expression conveyed genuine surprise. "Which Xiao Zhenggong are you referring to?"
"The very Xiao Zhenggong you killed," Shen Jingye remarked with a slight smile. "Isn't it strange? He clearly met his end by your hand, and everyone affirms it, yet he is now alive again."
"Where is he presently?"
"At the General Defense Office, under the supervision of Chief Envoy Liao."
...
Liao Zihui questioned, "Are you suggesting that you infiltrated the Dark Star Bureau's archive room and discovered the method for constructing the Magnetic Quake Cannon?"
Xiao Zhenggong casually picked his nose with his thumb, a hint of disdain in his expression. "I am speaking the truth. I possess unique Magical Treasures and Spiritual Objects capable of bypassing cameras and unlocking the archive room."
"Do you know how to access the required materials?"
"I'm not entirely certain; the Magical Treasure locates them on its own."
"A Magical Treasure with the ability to find items is exceptionally rare. What is the origin of your Magical Treasure?"
"It's a black glove, rumored to have been transformed by Yu Zhongbao, the former Sect Leader of the Ghost Hand Sect."
"Yu Zhongbao..." Liao Zihui mused for a moment. "Yu Zhongbao's tenure as Sect Leader appears to have lasted less than two years."
Xiao Zhenggong placed his foot on the office desk and stated leisurely, "In the second year of his leadership, the Ghost Hand Sect planned a significant undertaking. However, the details were leaked, and Yu Zhongbao walked into an ambush, perishing during that endeavor. The previous leader, Xie Juncong, who had already retired, was compelled to return to the forefront and reassume command of the organization."
Liao Zihui studied Xiao Zhenggong, sensing an incongruity.
While the individual was undoubtedly arrogant, the genuine Xiao Zhenggong would not have provided such straightforward answers.
Noticing Liao Zihui's silence, Xiao Zhenggong continued, "My black glove is extraordinarily potent; I could effortlessly breach the Dark Star Bureau's archive room with it. Regrettably, the glove is now missing; it has likely fallen into Li Qi’s possession..."
"Are you Xiao Zhenggong!" Liao Zihui suddenly exclaimed, cutting off Xiao Zhenggong mid-sentence.
Xiao Zhenggong flinched and hastily withdrew his foot from the desk. "I... I am!"
"Are you truly?"
"I am," he affirmed.
Liao Zihui paused, then inquired, "Were you not killed by Li Qi? How are you alive?"
Xiao Zhenggong found himself unable to provide a clear explanation and resorted to recounting his experience: "It felt as though I merely took a nap. Upon waking, I found myself alive. This recovery is thanks to Spider Bin's Inner State spell."
"The Inner State possesses such spells?" Liao Zihui expressed marked interest. "I presume you possess some knowledge of this particular spell?"
Xiao Zhenggong vigorously shook his head. "I am unfamiliar with it."
"Aside from Spider Bin, surely others are aware of it, are they not?"
"I do not know."
Liao Zihui's displeasure became evident. "As it is an Inner State spell, there must be Inner State individuals who understand it, correct? You were once a Balancer; you should be capable of offering some guidance. Previously, I inquired about your acquaintances within the Inner State, but you were ill-tempered and always refused to disclose anything. Now, your demeanor seems to have improved; could we perhaps discuss this matter? If you encounter difficulties, simply arrange a meeting with a few of these Inner State individuals. We do not expect their spells gratuitously; we will offer them valuable compensation. I shall speak with them cordially, and perhaps this business venture can truly come to fruition."
Did Liao Zihui genuinely intend to conduct business with individuals from the Inner State?
The situation was considerably more complex than it appeared.
In the past, Liao Zihui had sought to utilize the Balancer to forge a steadfast communication link with the Inner State. However, the previous two Balancers had been lost, preventing the establishment of such a channel.
Presently, Liao Zihui felt a strong desire to verify if his original concept held any validity.
Upon hearing Liao Zihui's words, Xiao Zhenggong's imposing aura reasserted itself. He shifted back in his seat, tilting his head as he spoke, "Chief Envoy Liao, my connection to the Inner State is through Sage Peak. If you place your trust in me, let us proceed to Sage Peak immediately..."
Liao Zihui remained silent for a beat, then leveled a gun at Xiao Zhenggong's forehead. "What was that you just said? You mentioned Sage Peak? Do you truly believe you're such an amusing individual that I'm enjoying this charade with you?"
Xiao Zhenggong flinched, attempting to withdraw his forehead from the gun's muzzle. He was utterly bewildered as to what had transpired at Sage Peak.
Liao Zihui observed Xiao Zhenggong's defiant expression, recognizing it as a hallmark of his personality.
Yet, as he noted the man's trembling form, he saw that Xiao Zhenggong's bravery was significantly less than his outward display.
What precisely was the condition of Xiao Zhenggong following his revival?
This condition was quite peculiar. The genuine Xiao Zhenggong was a frequent visitor at the Defense Agency and held the Border Defense Envoy in utter contempt.
Conversely, Mountain Bandit Yu Dacheng had never set foot in the Defense Agency and quaked in the presence of the Border Defense Envoy.