However, these elements were ethereal, visible but intangible, existing in a separate dimension.
The question arose: why this peculiar phenomenon?
When Li Banfeng clashed with the Greenwater Beggar on Sui Chen Road in the Outer Provinces, he too was drawn into a Dark Dimension Space, a realm of pure darkness. Yet, why did this current scene mirror the external world so precisely?
Because this was an entirely different Dark Dimension Space.
The Dark Dimension Space encountered on Longmen Road served as Green Flower's domain, whereas the one on Sui Chen Road was merely a temporary battlefield provisionally selected by Green Flower.
Li Banfeng groped around beneath a streetlamp, unable to make physical contact with the pole, yet he seemed to brush against a table.
He then fumbled near the teahouse, unable to locate a door, but his hand seemed to encounter a ceramic jar.
Green Flower's abode was exceedingly peculiar, and Li Banfeng found himself at a loss on how to navigate it.
While his eyes suggested he stood in the middle of the road, his nose detected what smelled alarmingly like the contents of Green Flower's chamber pot.
Stumbling blindly forward was hardly a viable strategy. Green Flower was known for his cunning and insidious nature, making it impossible to predict what unpleasant surprises might lie in wait.
Li Banfeng retrieved his projector, initiating a recording of the immediate surroundings. He planned to scrutinize the footage later, back in the safety of his Portable Residence, hoping to glean some crucial insights.
As the projector diligently recorded, Gloves suddenly exclaimed, "Boss, there's treasure here."
"Where is this treasure?"
"I can't be entirely sure, friend. This place is incredibly disorienting. Let me go scout it out again."
...
He Jiaqing stood on the balcony of his private room, his gaze fixed upon a lamppost below.
The Greenwater Beggar he had encountered on the roadside earlier had vanished in an instant; undoubtedly, he had returned to his own realm.
A question nagged at He Jiaqing: why had Li Banfeng allowed Green Flower to depart? Having deployed the Thousand Miles In A Step Technique, why hadn't he sent the Greenwater Beggar to a far more perilous location?
Upon further reflection, He Jiaqing perceived a troubling inconsistency.
During the confrontation with Li Banfeng, the Greenwater Beggar had been insistent on retrieving his begging bowl.
At that moment, Li Banfeng was poised to enact the Thousand Miles In A Step Technique, and it appeared the Greenwater Beggar's bowl was already lost.
Yet, during their recent encounter, the Greenwater Beggar had possessed a bowl in his hand. When had he managed to retrieve it?
Could it be that the individual he encountered wasn't the true Greenwater Beggar after all?
The Greenwater Beggar was the last person He Jiaqing wished to confront. Contemplating the potential risks, he decided against venturing onto Longmen Road for the next few days, opting for caution.
Later that night, he felt a vibration from the button on his chest. It was He Haisheng, signaling his arrival in Greenwater City.
He Jiaqing promptly arranged wine at their designated meeting spot to welcome his Third Uncle.
Observing the prepared feast, He Haisheng gave a slight shake of his head. "Jia Qing, let's just have a simple meal. I intend to return to Yuezhou tonight."
He Jiaqing inquired, "Is there an urgent matter?"
He Haisheng sighed deeply. "Han Mingqi has been apprehended by the Dark Star Bureau. Big Head was also detained. Although Zhu Junlong and the others managed to relocate in time, Han Mingqi possesses a great deal of sensitive information. Should he divulge it, we will require extensive contingency plans."
He Jiaqing shook his head grimly. "I share your concerns. Therefore, I strongly advise against your immediate return to Yuezhou. I fear the Dark Star Bureau might be actively seeking you."
He Haisheng offered a reassuring smile. "Worry not, my nephew. I have spent many years in the Outer Provinces; finding me won't be that straightforward. However, there is one matter you must answer truthfully: is Green Flower truly dead?"
He Jiaqing let out a heavy sigh. "At this precise moment, I cannot be entirely certain."
He Haisheng's expression darkened. "You scoundrel, are you genuinely uncertain, or are you deliberately withholding the truth?"
He Jiaqing managed a strained smile. "Uncle, do you not even trust me? My very life is at stake; how could I possibly deceive you?"
He Haisheng appeared visibly concerned. "If you are unsure, it would be best to distance yourself from Green Flower as much as possible. Everyone who has had dealings with him knows the Greenwater Beggar harbors grudges and seeks retribution. Unless he is definitively deceased, the previous incident will inevitably lead to further repercussions."
The uncle and nephew shared a few more drinks. He Haisheng remained resolute in his decision to return to Yuezhou, and He Jiaqing, unable to dissuade him, ultimately bid him farewell.
Upon returning to the Film Industry Company, He Jiaqing proceeded to his office. It was past eleven at night when Zhang Gunli entered the room with quiet footsteps.
"Have you prepared the necessary items?" Zhang Gunli bypassed pleasantries, took a seat, and produced an abacus from his chest.
To borrow a life, what is the repayment?
The most straightforward repayment is with one's own life.
Zhang Gunli had lent He Jiaqing one month of his life. He had provided twenty-seven days. Accounting for the accrued interest, He Jiaqing was obligated to return thirty-nine days of life.
This rate of interest was exorbitant, yet it was Zhang Gunli's established practice. They had already signed an IOU; all terms were settled, leaving no room for sentimentality.