Li Banfeng filled up two whole notebooks with notes, then, at the conclusion, he produced a thick roll of cash from his pocket and pressed it into the teacher’s hand.
"What is this?" Teacher Song’s eyebrows knitted slightly, a hint of displeasure flickering in her eyes—she was clearly annoyed.
Li Banfeng offered a deep bow to his teacher: "Thank you, Teacher."
Teacher Song pushed the money back towards Li Banfeng: "Which class are you in?"
"I’m from Class Seven," Li Banfeng replied casually before turning to depart.
He strongly considered revealing his identity to Teacher Song.
However, such a revelation would undoubtedly bring significant trouble upon Teacher Song.
Teacher Song called out, "At least leave me some contact information!"
Contact information?
Could it be she had recognized him?
To recognize Li Banfeng, one would need to be no ordinary individual.
Li Banfeng mused for a moment before leaving Teacher Song with a phone number.
This was not a number belonging to the Dark Star Bureau, but rather from a prepaid phone card Li Banfeng had purchased at the school entrance.
Teacher Song examined the number and promptly dialed it: "Don't fool me, let’s see if this connects!"
"One moment." Li Banfeng inserted the phone card into his recently acquired mobile phone, and the call went through.
Teacher Song smiled; her dimples were as captivating as ever.
Li Banfeng bowed once more, quietly exiting the campus grounds.
The instant he returned home, his subordinate Projector hurried to inform him: "The Dark Star Bureau contacted us. They stated there's an urgent assignment for you."
The call originated from Shen Jingye, prompting Li Banfeng to return the call. Shen Jingye sounded genuinely exasperated: "It's a weekday, and while it's one thing you're not at your post, why aren't you answering your phone?"
"Watch your tone, Little Shen."
With Li Banfeng's gentle admonishment, Shen Jingye's tone softened considerably: "Director Li, here’s the situation: We've managed to establish a degree of contact with the Inner State, and on a mutually beneficial principle, we aim to foster deeper cooperation. To that end, we require a stabilizing force to play a crucial role..."
Li Banfeng remained silent, yet Shen Jingye felt an icy sensation through the receiver.
This silence served as Li Banfeng’s subtle reminder for Shen Jingye to get straight to the point.
"In essence, we hope you can hasten to the Soda Kiln and proactively pave the way for the upcoming negotiations."
Li Banfeng inquired, "Precisely what is it you intend to discuss with the Inner State?"
"The specific details of the negotiations have yet to be finalized; the primary objective this time is to showcase our sincerity and our aspiration for mutual benefit..."
Shen Jingye understood Li Banfeng’s aversion to such vague pronouncements, but it was the extent of his knowledge. The Soda Kiln affair was currently under extreme confidentiality, and even someone of Shen Jingye's standing was unaware of the precise details.
Shen Jingye had secured a ticket for Li Qi for that evening, hoping he would depart immediately for the Soda Kiln.
Li Banfeng flatly rejected the idea: "Without any concrete information, why should I go? To become a laughingstock or to shoulder the blame?"
Feeling rather embarrassed, Shen Jingye visited Li Banfeng’s office that afternoon to discuss the departure schedule.
Li Banfeng was engrossed in reviewing documents pertaining to Dark Matter, while Shen Jingye hovered nearby, talking at length without even looking up.
"Director Li, when exactly will you be departing? Kindly provide a direct answer."
Li Banfeng finally lifted his gaze and met Shen Jingye's eyes: "Let's talk about departure once you’ve thoroughly investigated and clarified everything."
Shen Jingye responded with a sigh of helplessness: "This matter involves classified information; this is all I currently possess."
Li Banfeng offered sincere counsel: "Precisely because the current intelligence is so scarce, your focus should be on investigation. The objective is for you to seek out information, not for information to find you; this assignment was entrusted to you by the Bureau, and you must elevate your understanding from an ideological standpoint..."
Shen Jingye produced a notebook and meticulously jotted down every word.
However, regardless of how diligently he recorded the information, Shen Jingye's capacity to uncover the full context of the affair was limited. Consequently, Li Banfeng reached out to Ma Wu to ascertain the situation at the Soda Kiln.
Xu Shouming had taken measures to seal off information; Ma Wu had not received any updates regarding the Soda Kiln but could sense that the situation was far from straightforward.
"Old Qi, don't rush back just yet. If you return now, you'll be completely ensnared. I'll head to the Soda Kiln first to assess the circumstances."
Ma Wu proceeded to the Soda Kiln, while Li Banfeng remained put, deliberately delaying his departure despite Shen Jingye's persistent urging.
...
Cui Tiq successfully identified the individual operating the Night-blooming Jasmine Newspaper Agency; the investigation was surprisingly straightforward, as key members within the agency consistently referred to their leader, Boss Ye, as Seventh Master.
From this, Greenwater Beggar ascertained a crucial fact: Li Qi, despite apparent clashes with He Jiaqing, secretly provided mutual support and protection.
He even ventured a daring hypothesis: Li Qi was in possession of both the Saint and the Jade Seal.
"Li Qi served as a mediator, stationed in the Outer Provinces," Greenwater Beggar produced half a loaf from his Begging Bowl, taking a few bites. "Do you grasp his present circumstances in the Outer Provinces?"
Cui Tiq let out a dry chuckle. "Ancestral Master, you aren't suggesting I travel to the Outer Provinces to investigate this, are you?"
Greenwater Beggar fixed his gaze on Cui Tiq. "Unless you desire me to undertake the journey myself? I have bestowed upon you considerable cultivation advancement; surely you owe me some service in return?"
Cui Tiq acquiesced. That very day, he finalized the details for his Guide Token, secured his passage, and made ready to depart for the Outer Provinces.
While he was engaged in his preparations, a man swathed in bandages entered his chamber.
Cui Tiq closely observed the newcomer. "I am astonished you have endured this long; your tenacity for life surpasses my expectations."
He Jiaqing adjusted the bindings around his face to facilitate speech. "Even the most tenacious life has its breaking point; I have arrived here seeking an opportunity for collaboration with you."