Li Banfeng escorted Lu Dongjun to the Third Room. That night, free from any disturbances at home, the Old Man engaged in a lengthy conversation with Lu Dongjun.
The following morning, the Old Man roused Li Banfeng, saying, "Ah Qi, let's have a talk."
Li Qi entered the Third Room, only to find Lu Dongjun absent.
The Old Man explained, "He's still within our residence. There are certain matters we must conceal from him, and some memories we must erase. However, for specific purposes, his presence remains necessary."
"What purposes are those?"
"He bears a hidden mark, concealed most profoundly."
Li Qi murmured, "A profoundly hidden mark... Old Man, how did you discover it?"
Portable Residence replied, "That detail is secondary. What truly matters is that it's a mark originating from the Inner State. Once we reach the Inner State, we can utilize the Inner State map and this mark to pinpoint a specific location.
The sole reason I permitted Lu Dongjun to remain alive thus far is my belief in the significance of this mark. Ah Qi, who do you surmise is responsible for leaving this mark?"
Li Banfeng ventured, "I suspect it was imprinted by that exalted figure who liberated him from the Inner State."
"Ah Qi, who do you believe this exalted figure to be?"
Li Banfeng declared, "My conviction is that this figure is none other than Grandpa Train."
Portable Residence remained in silence for an extended period before responding, "You share this belief as well?"
"I once ventured into the Inner State, not through physical means, but within a dream."
As Li Banfeng recounted this, Portable Residence recalled a related memory. Li Banfeng had been in a state of disorientation at Black Stone Slope, wandering aimlessly for three days after refusing to return home.
Portable Residence commented, "At that time, I had the inkling that you encountered Old Train within the Inner State."
Li Banfeng affirmed, "It was indeed he who extricated me from the Inner State, pulling me from the fractured remnants of the dream. Lu Dongjun also escaped through similar fissures; their methods bear such striking resemblance that I am certain it was Grandpa Train."
"It is him, you concur that it is him..." Portable Residence trembled slightly, causing all thirteen rooms to quiver. "If this mark was indeed placed by Old Train, upon our entry into the Inner State, we can achieve his rescue."
Li Banfeng stated, "I gave Grandpa Train my word that I would undoubtedly find a way to bring him back from the Inner State. My intention is to commence my investigation into this matter, beginning with the singing hall located in the Underground City."
"What specific inquiry do you intend to conduct at the singing hall?"
"There resides an individual of formidable capabilities within that establishment. I harbor suspicions that this person has a connection to Lu Dongjun, though Lu Dongjun himself has never alluded to him.
This individual must possess vital clues, clues intrinsically linked to Grandpa Train. Through him, we might potentially uncover the gateway to the Inner State."
Just as Li Banfeng prepared to depart, Portable Residence urgently called out, "Ah Qi, do not leave yet."
"What is the concern?"
"During your excursion to the Underground City, I accompanied you. Though we are strangers in a sense, the methods employed by that individual suggest a ruthless nature, and it would be unwise to provoke him at this juncture.
I also inquired with Lu Dongjun, and he possesses no knowledge of this person. It is prudent for us to gather further details before seeking him out."
Li Banfeng contemplated for a moment before saying, "I shall first investigate the Wizards Association. They summoned Lu Dongjun utilizing a Contract Book. This cannot be mere happenstance; there may be machinations orchestrated by Grandpa Train behind this."
A handsome man and a man named Jun – the names might seem coincidental, but upon deeper reflection, a more profound significance emerges.
Grandpa Train discovered Lu Dongjun within the Inner State, in a place akin to a kiln. He recognized Lu Dongjun's latent potential, imparted some of his power, and subjected him to a trial.
Lu Dongjun successfully navigated the challenges, broke free from the kiln, and fled to a place of relative safety.
At that juncture, Grandpa Train, with the assistance of intermediaries from the Outer Provinces, made arrangements for Lu Dongjun's summoning through a specialized ritual.
Lu Dongjun carries Grandpa Train's positional coordinates, a crucial element in the eventual rescue of Grandpa Train.
Naturally, all these cogitations stem from Li Banfeng's own deductions. To ascertain the veracity of these hypotheses, the investigation must commence with the Chamomile Wizards Association.
As Li Banfeng was about to proceed to the Dark Star Bureau, he was once again halted by Portable Residence: "This might indeed be an arrangement by Old Train, but it's equally possible it's a ploy from the Inner State. They could be attempting to lure you, Ah Qi; you must not fall into their trap."
"Old Man, what has possessed you? Why this sudden timidity? Do you no longer wish to rescue Old Train?"
"My desire for his rescue burns stronger than anyone's, yet I cannot risk your safety in pursuit of Old Train's freedom."
Li Banfeng was taken aback: "You hold me in such high regard?"
"My concern for you is profound, just as my concern for Old Train is," Portable Residence suddenly smiled. "I cannot even fathom why you warrant such care. A peddler made a poor bargain and offered me to you as restitution. I remain unaware of the origins of our connection."
A moment of silence passed, and then both Li Banfeng and Portable Residence erupted in laughter.
Once their amusement subsided, Li Banfeng made his way to the Dark Star Bureau. There were matters requiring investigation, and indeed, taking precautions was essential.
The detained members of the Chamomile Wizards Association were still held at the Bureau. Li Banfeng posed several questions to them, most of which were trivial. However, one query held critical importance: "From where did you obtain the Contract Book used to summon the Lost Soul?"
After several days of confinement within the Dark Star Bureau, Chairman Cheleviko's demeanor had significantly mellowed. He no longer offered resistance during interrogations and responded truthfully to most of Li Banfeng's inquiries. "I have already stated this before. The Contract Book was transferred to me from another Wizards Association within our nation."
As he recounted it, the affair appeared to be a significant undertaking, implicating numerous factions across various countries.
However, Li Banfeng harbored doubts. He perceived that Cheleviko was intentionally omitting certain details. "When you say transferred, do you mean you purchased it?"
Cheleviko gave a nod.
This response left Li Banfeng feeling rather unsatisfied. "You had best provide more specifics. Was this item acquired from the Lavsha Nation, or was it obtained within the Huan Country?"