Ma Wu escorted Feng Daiku toward the factory's interior, yet Feng Daiku paused before entering the workshop proper.
Abundant Ghost Needle Grass, its flowers in full bloom, choked the workshop entrance. Feng Daiku gathered a substantial amount, then ascended, releasing the blossoms to the wind; their petals dispersed like a swirling dance.
Upon returning to the ground, Feng Daiku stood still, attentively listening to the cascade of petals striking the earth.
This was an application of an Emotion Cultivation Technique, known as Fluttering Falling Flowers. Merely by this auditory focus, Feng Daiku could ascertain the approximate position of any foe.
She then guided Ma Wu into the workshop, drawing near a large pool within.
The surface of the pool showed faint disturbances. Feng Daiku signaled Ma Wu to halt.
A skeleton, that of a crucian carp, surfaced, undulating its form and inquiring, "Are you here in search of me?"
Feng Daiku responded, "My purpose involves you, though not this piscine remains."
The crucian carp skeleton shifted aside. Soon after, the water stirred once more, and a colossal snail emerged, gliding through the water.
Ma Wu felt a prickle of unease, not from its imposing size—the Straw Moth Lady was similarly large, and Ma Wu was accustomed to formidable bodies.
However, this snail exuded a menacing aura that sent a shiver down Ma Wu's spine.
Feng Daiku inquired, "Might I inquire as to your name, young lady?"
The River Snail Girl's antennae twitched, seemingly assessing the pair, and she asked, "Are you visitors from other provinces?"
Feng Daiku offered a negative shake of her head, stating, "We hail from Puluo State."
The River Snail Girl posed another question, "Are you acting as emissaries for the external provinces?"
Feng Daiku again shook her head, replying, "We are not so cheaply bought."
The River Snail Girl delicately touched Feng Daiku’s cheek with an antenna, murmuring, "If mediation is not your aim, why involve yourselves in this matter?"
Brushing aside the snail's antenna, Feng Daiku declared, "Engage in conflict with the outer provinces as you will; even should all perish, I would not deign to notice.
But this is Puluo State's domain. This conflict is not Puluo State's concern. Take your battles elsewhere; do not bring such conflagration to our doorstep!"
The snail emitted a laugh, a sound laden with scorn, asking, "Are you truly of Puluo State? Since when did the people of Puluo State concern themselves with Puluo State?"
"I am precisely such a person; I genuinely care for Puluo," Feng Daiku's voice was measured, yet held a distinct warning. "Return and convey this clearly to your people: find another arena for your conflict, lest you make an unnecessary enemy."
The snail shifted its gelatinous form, and the ground beneath began to slick over. "Do you possess the capacity to treat with me? Demonstrate it."
"Very well," Feng Daiku agreed with a nod. Turning to Ma Wu, she added, "It is time we show our capabilities."
Ma Wu straightened, his hand moving to his belt, poised to display their strength. Feng Daiku coughed lightly, clarifying, "Not that kind of demonstration; I mean we must engage her in combat."
Ma Wu faltered, realizing that in a conflict of such magnitude, he likely had no role to play.
"Wulang, do not fear!" Feng Daiku pulled Ma Wu away from the treacherous, slick ground. "Join me in battle!"
The snail initiated the assault, its antennae suddenly elongating, thrusting directly towards Feng Daiku's chest.
A sheen of tears welled in Feng Daiku's eyes, causing the snail a moment's hesitation; its antennae quivered and veered off course, missing their mark.
Seizing this opening, Ma Wu focused his intent intently upon the snail. This caused its blood to surge violently, and its twin antennae rapidly distended.
Feng Daiku's brow furrowed. She clasped Ma Wu's hands, intertwining their fingers, channeling their collective fighting spirit through their emotions.
Ma Wu's combat spirit intensified dramatically, amplifying his technique tenfold. The snail emitted a shriek of agony as its pair of antennae detonated on the spot.
The resultant fragments, possessing extreme corrosive properties, began to pit and eat away at the various pieces of equipment, both large and small, within the workshop.
Feng Daiku and Ma Wu executed swift evasive maneuvers, ensuring not a single drop of the snail's ichor made contact.
Severed of its antennae, the snail was temporarily deprived of its sight and sense of smell.
Feng Daiku did not press her advantage further; her intention was not to slay the creature. She stepped onto the snail's broad back and inquired, "Do you concede this battle? If not, we may continue."
"I am not content!" The snail rapidly regenerated new antennae, heaved its massive body, and flung Feng Daiku from its shell. The three combatants continued their engagement amidst the workshop's confines.
...
He Jiaqing remained seated on a campus bench, a vigil that lasted until the breaking of dawn.
He had employed a technique to render himself unseen, making him invisible to the general student body and faculty. However, the concealment was not absolute; Teacher Song noticed him.
At nine o'clock, students with scheduled classes departed for them, while others, unburdened by classes, still slept. Teacher Song approached He Jiaqing, sitting down beside him and offering him breakfast.
He Jiaqing accepted the meal, quickly expressing his gratitude, "Thank you, Teacher."
"Why are you not attending your classes?" Teacher Song inquired.
"Classes?" He Jiaqing let out a bitter chuckle, shaking his head. He assumed Teacher Song was jesting. "I have already graduated; why would I still need to attend classes?"
Teacher Song gazed intently at He Jiaqing, stating, "Your learning journey is far from over; there are individuals who grasp this far better than you do."
He Jiaqing's eyes brightened with recognition. "Are you referring to Li Banfeng?"
Teacher Song gave a slight nod before inquiring, "Did you come seeking him specifically?"
He Jiaqing answered with candor, "Indeed, I wish to find him, but I'm unsure where to begin. There exists some discord between us."
Teacher Song paused for a moment in contemplation, then questioned, "Are you absolutely certain it's merely a misunderstanding?"
He Jiaqing elaborated, "My intention was never to implicate him in this affair. Many unforeseen circumstances transpired, circumstances beyond my influence."
Teacher Song let out a sigh and shook his head. "Given the prevailing conditions, was summoning you also a mere coincidence? Do you have any inkling of the ramifications that single call brought upon him?"
He Jiaqing appeared taken aback. "You are aware of this matter?"
Teacher Song adjusted the frame of his spectacles. "Naturally, I am aware. He dispatched you to the hospital and endeavored countless times to explain to the school administration that a single call from him had resulted in your return. The populace deemed him irrational, dismissed his account as nonsensical ramblings, and even suspected him of causing you harm. Do you comprehend the arduous predicament he found himself in?"