Feng Daiku presented a substantial gift: "Are you truly denying spreading this news? Even I've heard whispers that a mere glimpse of the Inner State's entrance is possible with a Spiritual Object, and some bypass this requirement entirely with lesser favors. Is this not the truth?"
"Utter fabrication!" Shi Gongxing's fury flared, causing two layers of metallic armor to manifest on his neck, each segment cleanly severed by Feng Daiku's blade.
"You know in your heart whether it's fabrication or not!" Feng Daiku withdrew the saw, idly stroking its serrated edge. "A merchant inquired about this matter just days ago. Shall we summon him and ascertain if I've falsely accused you?"
Shi Gongxing's anger subsided, replaced by a contemplative gaze upon the Spiritual Objects scattered across the table.
After a prolonged silence, Shi Gongxing declared, "Four items fall short. I require ten, all of superior grade."
Feng Daiku countered with a shake of her head, "Ten is an unreasonable demand; such treasures are exceedingly rare. I can offer you no more than two additional items."
"Two is insufficient. There is no room for further discussion..."
An hour later, Feng Daiku emerged from the derelict factory, clutching two Contract Books. Shi Gongxing, holding the third, departed alone towards the New Land.
The affair concluded thus. Li Banfeng marveled at Feng Daiku's skillful negotiation, yet was equally surprised by Shi Gongxing's apparent capitulation.
"He relinquished a parcel of Proper Land without a single struggle?"
Feng Daiku offered a subtle, almost shy smile. "To be candid, Young Master Li, please do not mock me. The Soda Kiln territory has been within my sights for many years. Had I not grasped Shi Gongxing's inherent nature, I would never have dared to target this domain."
"Having secured the Soda Kiln, what are your intentions for it?" Li Banfeng sought clarity on Feng Daiku's underlying motive.
"To gather human Qi and advance my cultivation level!" Feng Daiku responded with unreserved directness.
"Do you intend to abandon the Pants Belt Pit?"
Feng Daiku shook her head. "I will by no means abandon the Pants Belt Pit, but the territory there is regrettably constrained. Lust Cultivation presents inherent challenges to population growth, resulting in a perpetual scarcity of human Qi. To elevate my cultivation, I must secure an additional territory and oversee both concurrently."
"The human Qi here is not particularly potent." As Li Banfeng surveyed the Soda Kiln, his estimation of the local populace fell far short of that in the Pants Belt Pit.
Feng Daiku exuded confidence. "When you and Wulang commenced your ventures, did you not select a desolate locale like Blue Poplar Village?"
Li Banfeng disagreed with this comparison. "Blue Poplar Village is a remarkable place, abundant in resources and populated by upright folk!"
Feng Daiku chuckled heartily. "A naturally advantageous location would not remain unclaimed. However, I possess the ability to transform this area into a flourishing domain. With the right individual managing its affairs, the Soda Kiln may rival Black Stone Slope."
Li Banfeng's eyes widened. "The capable person you refer to, is it Ma Wu?"
"Wulang alone will not suffice. Young Master Li, given your fraternal bond with Junyang and the Soda Kiln's strategically vital position, I am certain you would be amenable to lending Feng your assistance."
Gazing upon Feng Daiku's sincere and captivating smile, it was difficult to reconcile such an image with the label of a "calculating strategist."
Her deliberate approach to seeking out Ma Wu, every action meticulously planned.
Ma Wu's situation could not be disregarded, nor could the matter of the Inner State's entrance. Feng Daiku felt assured that Li Qi would lend her support in managing the Soda Kiln.
Li Qi and Ma Wu's collective experience in governing Qi Qiu City, Loess Bridge, and Bridge Yesong meant incorporating the Pants Belt Pit into their purview was entirely feasible.
Yet, Feng Daiku's calculations held a certain logic. Ma Wu had, after all, once saved Feng Daiku's life, and in return, she had bestowed upon him the gift of Emotional Cultivation Talent. That debt was settled.
Subsequently, Ma Wu had approached Feng Daiku for aid on multiple occasions, and she had consistently provided support, valuing their friendship.
However, reliance solely on friendship in matters of consequence was untenable. While Feng Daiku's assistance to Ma Wu this time was indeed driven by mutual benefit, this benefit was rightfully earned.
Li Banfeng readily assented. "Once Old Five completes his promotion and has had sufficient time to recuperate, we shall visit the Soda Kiln to assess its progress."
Feng Daiku nodded in agreement. "That aligns perfectly with my thoughts. I shall arrange for the demolition of the old factories within the town, clearing the grounds to facilitate your endeavors."
Li Banfeng countered with a shake of his head. "Miss Feng, please retain these factories for the time being; they still hold utility for me. I would request that you familiarize yourself with the territory these coming days. I also have a personal request."
"Please, state your request, Young Master Li!"
"I wish to ascertain the approximate construction date of these factories."
This seemingly minor detail presented an unexpected conundrum for Feng Daiku.
Within Puluo State, the tradition of chronicling history is absent, rendering the verification of dates a formidable challenge.
"I shall endeavor to investigate. Should nothing be uncovered, I pray you, Young Master Li, will not hold me accountable."
Li Banfeng responded, "Miss Feng, please do not fret. Regardless of the investigation's outcome, your diligent efforts will be met with a token of my gratitude."
Following Feng Daiku's departure, Li Banfeng utilized the projector to document the neighboring factories.
The very night Li Banfeng and Chu Zikai engaged in combat, the projector captured images of the Centipede Workshop and the concealed location where the workshop resided, the Hidden Form Space.
Upon returning home, Li Banfeng meticulously compared the photographic records of the Hidden Form Space at the Ruirong Textile Factory with those of the adjacent factories, discovering an uncanny resemblance.
His wife, possessing a deeper understanding of the Craftsmanship Method, gave the images a more thorough examination: "Husband, these two factories appear to have been constructed using identical molds; Little Servant's observation is undoubtedly correct."
Li Banfeng inherently placed great trust in his wife's discerning eye. After a brief period of observation, his wife added, "Husband, do not discard the machinery from the Soda Kiln, as some of the Craftsmanship Methods embedded within them are remarkably sophisticated."
"Despite their sophistication, are these machines not rendered obsolete?"
"By no means obsolete, my dear husband. Such refined Craftsmanship Methods are a rarity even within Puluo State!"