Angered, Luo Lijun’s massive form retreated back toward the pool.
Feng Daiku, standing nearby, inquired, "Young Master Li, I've never witnessed anyone dare to address the Inner State people with such boldness. Are you not concerned about instigating a significant conflict?"
Li Banfeng merely chuckled, shaking his head. "If a few words could ignite a war, then what distinguishes such a conflict from a mere brawl? This war won't commence; neither the Inner State nor the Outside Provinces desire it. However, one matter piques my curiosity: why does the Inner State shun direct engagement with the Outside Provinces? Miss Feng, do you happen to know the reasoning behind this?"
Feng Daiku responded, "I have pondered this question myself. From what I understand, the people of the Inner State perpetually view the Outside Provinces as adversaries. They adhere to stringent clan regulations that prohibit casual interaction with individuals from other provinces. Even exchanging a few extra words can carry the penalty of death."
Clan rules? This was the first Li Banfeng had ever heard of such a thing.
Li Banfeng spent the night at the soda kiln, utilizing the time to assess the factory's construction progress.
The following day, just as Li Banfeng was preparing to depart for Greenwater City, Feng Daiku brought fresh tidings: Luo Lijun had reappeared.
The previous day, Luo Lijun had vociferously declared that neither she nor her clan would ever acquiesce to Li Banfeng's terms, nor would they tolerate his provocations. Yet today, Luo Lijun had experienced a change of heart.
"After deliberation with my clansmen, we are amenable to your proposed terms. We shall commence with securing the entrance to the soda kiln. Our hope is that this area will no longer be subjected to disturbances from individuals of other provinces, including the Border Defense Envoy."
Li Banfeng prompted, "Could you perhaps state your intention more plainly?"
Luo Lijun clarified, "The soda kiln should no longer be under the jurisdiction of the Defense Agency."
Feng Daiku observed Li Banfeng, perceiving this demand as exceedingly difficult. She anticipated his refusal, but to her surprise, he agreed.
"I shall negotiate with the Outside Provinces on this condition, advocating for the removal of the Defense Agency. How will you address the terms I put forth?"
Luo Lijun's tentacles quivered slightly as she replied, "We consent to designating new land, encompassing a hundred miles of territory, and will provide a complete set of contractual documents."
Li Banfeng immediately nodded. "I shall convey news to you as swiftly as possible."
Departing the factory, Feng Daiku harbored considerable anxiety regarding the current situation. "The Outside Provinces would never agree to relinquish a single Border Defense Envoy from their territory. If they were to do so, it could potentially disrupt the transportation to the soda kiln. I fear these conditions may not be met."
"Whether they are met hinges entirely on the attitude of the Outside Provinces," Li Banfeng stated, standing at the factory gates, lost in contemplation. "Currently, the stance of the Inner State remains truly perplexing to me."
Feng Daiku suggested, "Should we attempt to probe them further?"
Li Banfeng nodded. "We must probe, but I will entrust that task to you. I need to journey to the Outside Provinces; other matters await my attention there, and numerous individuals are anticipating my arrival."
Feng Daiku appeared taken aback. "What individuals are you referring to?"
"Many people, many..." Li Banfeng gazed into the distance, offering no further clarification.
Observing Li Banfeng's profile, Feng Daiku drifted into a moment of introspection, reflecting on his arrogance and commanding presence before the Inner State representatives—a man, she mused, perhaps unparalleled in this world.
"Young Master Li, what type of woman do you find appealing?" Feng Daiku inquired, a slight flush tinging her cheeks.
"Women who can sing," Li Banfeng replied without hesitation.
Feng Daiku smiled. "I am capable of singing a few tunes myself. Young Master Li, what melody would you prefer to hear?"
Li Banfeng paused for a moment before responding, "When you sing a tune, can you produce smoke?"
Feng Daiku looked puzzled. "What sort of smoke?"
Li Banfeng stated with earnestness, "Like a train, emitting white smoke."
"That... seems rather unlikely..." Feng Daiku found herself unable to comprehend Li Banfeng's line of reasoning.
"Then never mind," Li Banfeng declared, shaking his head, and walked away.
Feng Daiku returned to her quarters, leaning against a corridor pillar, her gaze unfocused as she stared into empty space.
She retrieved a bronze mirror and examined her reflection intently.
Feng Daiku was esteemed as one of Puluo State's foremost beauties, an Emotion Cultivator hailing from Above the Clouds.
For any man to gaze upon her more than casually, what man in this world could possibly resist?
Yet, he had inquired if she could emit smoke?
What kind of logic was that?
...
Mu Yuejuan and Feng Chongli navigated the river by boat for three full days. Finally, a heavy rain descended upon the previously tranquil river's surface.
With this shift in the climate, it became evident that a new environment had been discovered, and Mu Yuejuan located a fresh scroll.
Ahead lay a bamboo forest. Feng Chongli steered the small boat towards the shore, and as he disembarked, he even felt a sense of lightheadedness.
Through a period of diligent exploration, Feng Chongli had begun to discern a pattern: "In recent days, I've been contemplating—if I were to step into one of your paintings and randomly choose a direction to proceed, would I eventually find myself within another scroll?
If I were to continue walking, could I possibly complete a journey through all of your paintings?"
Mu Yuejuan scoffed, "Don't ask me; try it for yourself and see if you possess the life force to emerge unscathed."
Emerging from the bamboo grove, a pavilion came into view. A gaunt man exited the pavilion, his gaze fixed on Mu Yuejuan with palpable excitement.
"You've arrived..." the man declared, hastening his steps to meet her.
Mu Yuejuan retrieved a bamboo stalk from the ground, then approached the man with evident joy.
"How long have you been awaiting my arrival?" Mu Yuejuan gently caressed the man's emaciated face.
"I have waited for you for three full days," the man confessed, his eyes welling with tears. "I simply held the unwavering conviction that I would be able to wait for you."
"Why must you be so foolish?" Mu Yuejuan tenderly wiped away the tears from the man's eyes.
Adjacent to the pavilion stood a bamboo structure. The man clasped Mu Yuejuan's hand, guiding her towards the bamboo building. As they walked, Mu Yuejuan inadvertently stumbled.
"Ah~" Mu Yuejuan emitted a soft exclamation. The man swiftly steadied her.
"Let me examine you. Are you injured?" The man stooped, cradling Mu Yuejuan, and carried her inside the bamboo building.