Ma Wu contemplated for a moment before stating, "Since conflict is unavoidable, we ought to strategize for our next moves. If they genuinely initiate hostilities, which faction should we align ourselves with?"
Li Banfeng regarded Ma Wu, remaining silent for an extended period.
This reflected the characteristic approach of Puluo State: when faced with any predicament, their primary consideration was always about which side to favor.
"Old Fifth, if we lend our support to the Inner States, they won't hesitate to wage war against the Outside Provinces, and they'll undoubtedly designate us as the vanguards. Conversely, if we align with the Outside Provinces, they will employ every tactic to confine the conflict within Puluo State's borders, thereby minimizing their own casualties. Within Puluo State, I am recognized as the celebrated Li Qi; however, in the Outside Provinces, I am merely a 'Balancer,' dispensable at their whim, destined to be either cannon fodder or a shield. This, Old Fifth, is our perceived value in the eyes of both the Inner States and the Outside Provinces."
Only then did Ma Wu truly grasp Li Banfeng's implication, asking, "So, your inclination is to simply observe the unfolding events?"
"Precisely, we will merely observe. As long as we withhold our commitment, they will not precipitate a conflict prematurely, for they remain uncertain whether Puluo State will enter the fray and, if so, on which side. This situation bears a striking resemblance to Feng Daiku's ambition to assume the mantle of Local Deity. I neither aid her pursuit nor overtly obstruct it, but her apprehension that I might disrupt her plans compels her to seek my counsel."
Ma Wu, being inherently astute, managed to extricate himself from the conventional thinking ingrained within Puluo State and swiftly grasped the crux of the matter. Nevertheless, his concern shifted towards Li Banfeng's personal circumstances. "Old Qi, we were unable to reach you the other night; what transpired?"
Li Banfeng responded, "I was betrayed by the Outside Provinces and subsequently encountered Green Flower."
Ma Wu recoiled in shock. "Perhaps it would be prudent for us to abandon this 'Balancer' role altogether. You operate independently within the Outside Provinces; it seems inevitable that you will eventually become ensnared by their machinations."
The prospect of returning to Puluo State, ceasing to act as a Balancer?
"This role of Balancer must persist; there are certain issues that require their direct attention and resolution," Li Banfeng stated, producing five Gold Yuan Pills and offering them to Ma Wu. "You should return to Greenwater City first and focus on your recuperation. Achieving a breakthrough in your cultivation is paramount; once you have recovered, you may consume the Elixirs gradually, without undue haste."
Five Gold Yuan Pills!
Ma Wu's eyes widened in astonishment. "Such potent Elixirs! Old Qi, surely you should retain some for yourself. I cannot possibly accept so many."
...
"There is no need for such politeness; these were prepared for you from the outset," Feng Daiku declared with a gentle smile, arranging four Spiritual Objects before Shi Gongxing: an adze, a chisel, an ax, and a saw – all implements essential for carpentry.
Shi Gongxing kept his gaze lowered, neither reaching for the items nor voicing any objection.
Feng Daiku bit her lower lip, a subtle nervousness betraying her demeanor, and inquired cautiously, "If you deem these insufficient, I am prepared to offer more. However, you must specify a precise number – how many Magical Treasures do you truly desire?"
Shi Gongxing raised his head, his eyes meeting Feng Daiku's. "The territory was bestowed upon me by my master, and I cannot permit it to fall into the hands of others."
Feng Daiku extended her right hand, her slender fingers delicately tracing the surface of each of the four Spiritual Objects. "If the territory could be preserved, then naturally, it should not be surrendered. But at present, your territory is teetering on the brink of becoming a battleground for the Inner States and the Outside Provinces. You can barely safeguard your own life; why, then, cling so tenaciously to the land itself?"
Shi Gongxing surmised that Feng Daiku had already engaged in negotiations with Luo Lijun. "Did you not agree to refrain from initiating conflict within Puluo State?"
Feng Daiku tapped the ax lightly, a faint smile gracing her lips. "Were Soda Kiln my own territory, I would, of course, prevent the Inner States and the Outside Provinces from warring here. However, if Soda Kiln holds no personal significance for me, why should I concern myself with this matter?"
Shi Gongxing lowered his head in silence, realizing that if the Inner States and the Outside Provinces were to clash at Soda Kiln, his own fate as the Local Deity would inevitably be sealed in ruin.
Yet, the thought of simply relinquishing the territory felt deeply dissatisfying, as it represented a piece of Proper Land.
Feng Daiku set aside the ax and picked up the adze. "What I am offering you are items of considerable value; examine them closely. In addition to these Spiritual Objects, I shall also grant you a parcel of territory.
I possess a tract of New Land, inhabited by numerous Strange Monsters, with nearly twenty percent of its area already cultivated by Pioneers. You are to relocate to this territory, where you will maintain your esteemed position and receive an annual allocation of human energy comparable to what you currently receive.
What has Soda Kiln become in its current state? Workers are scarce for factories, and farmers possess meager plots of land. If matters continue along this trajectory, it will inevitably devolve into Old Land.
This situation is not attributable to your shortcomings; the foundational infrastructure of Soda Kiln is insufficient. You diligently study machinery daily, aspiring to revitalize Soda Kiln, yet the populace here lacks ambition. No one contemplates establishing factories; no one considers engaging in commerce.
What inherent value does such a place possess? Rather than remaining here, consumed by anxiety and unrest, why not relocate to New Land and find solace and contentment? Do you not concur that this course of action is the most sensible?"
Shi Gongxing tilted his head up, questioning, "If you believe this place holds no value, then why do you desire this patch of land?"
Feng Daiku picked up the chisel, testing its edge on a stone. Without any exertion of force from his end, the chisel effortlessly sank into the rock. "You might find it hard to believe, but I wish to reshape my reputation. I desire to be known for more than just being a subordinate. Even the flavor of orange soda would be preferable to simply being a subordinate."
A cold sneer escaped Shi Gongxing's lips, "You are concerned with such matters?"
"You doubt me?" Feng Daiku chuckled, then swiftly lifted the saw, positioning its teeth against Shi Gongxing's throat.
Startled, Shi Gongxing instinctively brought forth a layer of chain mail from his collar, safeguarding his neck.
Feng Daiku dragged the saw across the chain mail twice. "I've offered pleasantries, and yet you remain unconvinced. Now, I must resort to less agreeable words. The passage into the Inner State within Soda Kiln was initially concealed, yet now the inhabitants of Puluo State are aware, as are those from other provinces, and even the Chase the Light Group from Lavsha Nation. How do you propose we address this situation?"
"This information was not leaked by me!" Shi Gongxing attempted to engage Feng Daiku in a fight, only to discover that the chain mail had already been severed by the saw.