Feng Daiku harbors aspirations to become the Local Deity of the Soda Kiln.
This ambition is not novel; within Puluo State, both the Proper Land and New Land often see their Local Deities shift based on who possesses greater capability.
Li Banfeng previously held dominion over the Pine Bridge territory and also claimed the Mountain-Uprooting Master’s New Land. Bei Wushuang’s territory was also acquired at any given time; these three territories were all seized by Li Banfeng.
Now, Feng Daiku intends to claim the Soda Kiln territory but has proactively consulted Li Banfeng, a move that perplexed him, as seeking permission seemed redundant.
Feng Daiku elucidated: "The Soda Kiln territory is unique. Its Local Deity is named Shi Gongxing, a Cloud-top Artisan. He not only governs a Hundred Miles of Land but also secures the Inner State entrance, the very pool we just observed. Consequently, ordinary individuals cannot interfere with this domain, lest they incur the wrath of Puluo State's significant figures."
"Who are these prominent figures you refer to?"
Feng Daiku responded: "The Peddler is one, and Shi Gongxing’s master is another."
Li Banfeng recalled Elder Yao mentioning that the Soda Kiln was initially Grandpa Train’s domain. After Grandpa Train ascended Above the Cloud, he distributed the territory amongst his disciples, with Shi Gongxing being one of them.
Feng Daiku continued: "I am not one to overstep boundaries. If Shi Gongxing can competently guard the Inner State entrance, I would never seize this territory. However, given the current circumstances, as Young Master Li has witnessed, the Inner State and Outside Provinces are on the brink of conflict here, yet the Local Deity is conspicuously absent.
Allowing unqualified individuals to occupy crucial positions will inevitably lead to great calamity for the Soda Kiln, ultimately implicating the entirety of Puluo State."
Her words held truth; a war was imminent in this region, and the absence of a Local Deity was indeed perplexing.
Li Banfeng inquired: "Miss Feng, should you assume the role of Local Deity, how would you manage the Inner State entrance?"
Feng Daiku affirmed: "For Puluo State, I will meticulously maintain confidentiality, preventing any malevolent actors from causing disruptions. Regarding the Inner State, I shall fortify our defenses, ensuring they cannot trespass into Puluo State."
Feng Daiku’s resolute stance deeply impressed Li Banfeng, who pledged his support: "Miss Feng, since you possess the capability, proceed with your plans. Should any inquiries arise, I will convey your intentions accurately."
Understanding Li Banfeng’s agreement, Feng Daiku smiled gratefully before departing to finalize preparations for assuming control of the Soda Kiln.
Li Banfeng and Ma Wu then explored the factory premises. Despite it being his initial visit, Li Banfeng displayed an uncanny familiarity with the factory's layout, readily identifying the workshop, warehouse, and coal depot.
As they conversed while walking, Ma Wu remarked: "Old Qi, I suspect Luo Lijun’s efforts might prove futile; the Outside Provinces have reduced the Inner State People to mere specters, while the Inner State retaliated by sacrificing over fifty outsiders. At this juncture, it appears this conflict is unavoidable."
Li Banfeng halted his steps, surveyed his surroundings, and asked in a hushed tone: "Old Five, do you truly believe the war between the Inner State and Outside Provinces is solely over this dispute?"
Ma Wu appeared startled: "The demise of Inner State People here, isn't that a matter of immense consequence?"
As a native of Puluo State, Ma Wu harbored deeply ingrained prejudices regarding individuals from the Inner State.
Li Banfeng, however, did not attach significant weight to this incident: "Can Inner State People not perish? Is this situation truly as critical as it seems? Haven't you already subdued Luo Lijun? Do you genuinely perceive Inner State People as being so extraordinary?"
Ma Wu recollected the entire ordeal; indeed, dealing with the Inner State People was no simple task: "Frankly, I was hesitant to even engage with her initially. I was quite apprehensive."
Li Banfeng chuckled: "Apprehensive of what? Her appearance, or her formidable presence?"
Ma Wu shook his head: "Her stature is hardly intimidating, not exceeding Yanzi's. I find her appearance quite agreeable as well."
Li Banfeng mused on Luo Lijun’s visage and felt an involuntary shiver.
Ma Wu continued: "My fear stemmed from her identity as an Inner State person. However, Miss Feng consistently urged me, advising that the greater my fear, the less leniency I should show her.
Miss Feng was right; I should not have shown her any mercy. When it came to combat, the more fear I felt, the fiercer my fighting spirit became. The more potent her display, the harder I struck; vanquishing those who intimidated me brought about a profound sense of rebirth."
Li Banfeng contemplated the entire narrative and shuddered once more: "So, you have achieved a breakthrough?"
Ma Wu nodded: "This battle held immense significance for my cultivation. I require a few days to recover and to thoroughly contemplate the experiences gained from this conflict.
But those from the Inner State truly value their kin. The Outside Provinces slew this perch and left it a mere skeleton, a provocation the Inner State certainly cannot overlook."
"And what if they do provoke? If the Inner State possessed the strength, they would have revived this perch long ago."
"Revive?" Ma Wu was taken aback, "Does the Inner State possess such a capability?"
Li Banfeng nodded: "Provided they can reclaim the soul, the Inner State holds methods to restore life. Currently, the soul of this perch resides within its skeleton. The Inner State has not resurrected it, instead allowing it to persist in its spectral state. Do you truly believe Inner State cherishes this fish?"
Ma Wu began to grasp the deeper meaning: "So, the conflict between the Inner State and the Outside Provinces is unrelated to this perch?"
Li Banfeng shook his head: "Not entirely. It's akin to a fuse and explosives; the fuse creates sparks and noise, but it is not the dynamite itself."
Explosives have long been present between the Outside Provinces and the Inner State. The Inner State has consistently sought chances to wage war against the Outside Provinces, and now, with this perch acting as the fuse, they will naturally utilize it significantly to ignite the ensuing explosion."