Ma Wu, however, was not deeply acquainted with Xu Shouming's background, leaving him uncertain about the ideal rental location.
Luo Zhengnan proposed a solution: "Master Wu, why don't we offer the main hall of the Jiang Xiang Gang and observe Chief Envoy Liao's reaction?"
Ma Wu appeared taken aback. "Old Luo, isn't the Jiang Xiang Gang's main hall considered your territory? How can you simply offer it to them?"
Old Luo dismissed the concern with a wave of his hand. "If Chief Envoy Liao finds it to his liking, I will gladly cede it to him. I have no desire to remain there even for a single day."
Luo Zhengnan spoke the honest truth. Ever since he learned that Xiao Zhenggong had miraculously returned to life, the sight of the Jiang Xiang Gang's main hall consistently sent shivers down his spine.
However, was it truly appropriate for the task force envoy from the Outside Provinces to be housed at the former site of the Jiang Xiang Gang?
Ma Wu discussed the matter with Liao Zihui, fully expecting a refusal. To his surprise, Liao Zihui was exceedingly pleased. "Junyang, it is settled then. We shall use Jiangxiang Manor!"
Ma Wu reminded him, "Chief Envoy Liao, you have committed to this. If Envoy Xu later blames us, you must take responsibility."
"Who would he blame?" Liao Zihui scoffed. "He has come to Puluo State on a mission, bringing over a hundred individuals with him. He desired his own territory and a plaque, and we have provided all of it.
With such a large contingent, finding suitable accommodation is naturally challenging. We have identified a remarkably fitting location for him; what reason would he have to blame us?
All of this is fundamentally connected to Xiao Zhenggong, the current Gang Leader of Jiang Xiang Gang. Utilizing the original headquarters of the Jiang Xiang Gang is simply the most fitting, is it not?
Junyang, ensure you collect the rent from him without the slightest deduction. Do not be overly polite. If you feel hesitant to ask, I shall gladly assist you!"
Liao Zihui's reaction made their relationship quite clear, and Ma Wu now understood how to proceed with Envoy Xu.
Indeed, Xu Shouming did not contest the location and even expressed his gratitude to Ma Wu. Once his entourage was settled, Xu Shouming did not immediately commence his investigation. Instead, he invited several old acquaintances for drinks and conversation to reminisce.
He had, in fact, cultivated numerous friendships within Puluo State, including Shen Jinzhong of the Great Gold Seal from the Three Heroes Gang, Han Yaomen, the esteemed head of the Qingyun Society, and Bai Wuchuan, the respected leader of the White Crane Gang; his relationships with these individuals were quite cordial.
During the banquet, Xu Shouming addressed the gathering with polite sincerity. "I, Xu, have returned to Puluo State bearing a mission. Whether it can be successfully fulfilled hinges entirely upon your support.
My objective is to apprehend the private detective known as Spider Bin. All these recent incidents are intertwined with him. Should any of you catch sight of Spider Bin, I implore you to inform me immediately."
The assembled crowd readily agreed. "Envoy Xu, rest assured. The moment we have any news regarding that impostor, the Foreign Devil, we shall notify you without delay."
This assurance, however, was merely a formality, akin to saying, "I'll treat you to dinner another day," equally lacking in genuine commitment.
Xu Shouming had not summoned his old friends merely for pleasantries. He produced a contract, stating, "Whoever can uncover clues pertaining to Spider Bin, even mere hints, not necessarily the individual himself, shall be granted this Contract Book. With this Contract Book, all transportation fees within Puluo State will be reduced by half!"
Upon hearing this proposition, the crowd could no longer remain passive.
Within Puluo State, only transactions involving Li Qi and Ma Wu benefited from halved transportation fees. Others seeking to economize on shipping costs were compelled to utilize their services, incurring additional expenses along with the necessity of cultivating favorable relations to secure assistance.
Now, presented with such an unprecedented opportunity, each individual began to seriously contemplate taking decisive action.
The White Crane Gang, in particular, was a prominent Body Cultivation Gang. It was known that Spider Bin had once been a disciple of theirs, and some of his established networks originated from within the White Crane Gang.
However, Bai Wuchuan harbored a degree of concern: Was this Contract Book truly legitimate?
He was aware that the relationship between Xu Shouming and Liao Zihui was less than amicable, and the ultimate authority over matters of transportation fees rested with Liao Zihui.
Yet, there was an undeniable truth to Xu Shouming's offer. Even though Liao Zihui controlled the fees, at this critical juncture, if Xu Shouming were to make a request, Liao Zihui would undoubtedly be compelled to comply. He could not afford to obstruct Xu Shouming on the issue of transportation fees, lest he face severe repercussions.
Fueled by the allure of significant benefits, it took less than three days for Bai Wuchuan of the White Crane Gang to deliver crucial information: someone had indeed spotted Spider Bin near Pine Bridge.
Pine Bridge fell under the jurisdiction of Li Qi and Ma Wu. Without haste, Xu Shouming first informed Ma Wu: "Junyang, I intend to apprehend an individual at Pine Bridge. Traffic will need to be halted for a duration of two days. Would you be able to facilitate this?"
Given Xu Shouming's direct request, Ma Wu found himself unable to refuse and readily agreed to the arrangement.
Xu Shouming then proceeded to seal off Pine Bridge, though no immediate searches or arrests were made. Subsequently, through the intermediaries of the White Crane Gang, he disseminated a specific message to the outside world.
The circulated message declared that while Spider Bin himself might evade capture, all possessions and wealth under his control were to be seized.
What implications did this directive carry?(Spider Bin acknowledged his own situation.)
Indeed, he was in Pine Bridge. From the moment traffic was completely sealed off until this very moment, he remained concealed within the city, too fearful to reveal himself.
Was he afraid of fleeing? Did he not possess the opportunity to break through to New Land?
Yes, he did, but Spider Bin dared not take the risk. Should he fail and fall into the Defense Agency’s custody, he was absolutely certain of his demise.
His intention was to outlast the Defense Agency, yet upon receiving the message from the task force, Spider Bin began to falter.
"What’s in hand" alluded to the legendary General Zhao Xiaowan, whose long spear he had indeed acquired, but to this day, he remained ignorant of its proper use.
"What’s in the pockets" referred to the gateway to the Inner State. Xu Shouming’s personal arrival was for this very reason, as whispers of it had reached Spider Bin’s ears previously.
If it were merely the Defense Agency pursuing him, Spider Bin would have continued to hold his ground. The traffic lockdown would have placed immense pressure on the Defense Agency, eventually rendering them incapable of managing the situation, causing the case to simply fade away.
However, the task force was not the Defense Agency; they would not depart with an unresolved case. This matter could not be swept under the rug. Given Xu Shouming’s presence, he would undoubtedly have to provide the Outside Provinces with an explanation.