Chapter 483: Where Does He Come From?

Li Banfeng was drawing a map of Jianren Gang in Xiaoyao Wu.

Wan Jinxian knew Li Banfeng had used the "Farewell for a Thousand Miles" technique, which meant he was aware of Li Banfeng's nine-tier cultivation. This was a constant worry for Li Banfeng; he had to find and eliminate Wan Jinxian.

Li Banfeng had sent Wan Jinxian to Daogui Ridge, which was now located in Jianren Gang. Previously, under the influence of the Saint's "Layers of Mountains" technique, Jianren Gang's entrance was hard to find, its exit impossible to locate, directions were disorienting, and the terrain overlapped. Consequently, there was no complete map of Jianren Gang in Pro Province. Now that the Saint was gone, the influence of the "Layers of Mountains" technique had also disappeared. However, Jianren Gang had become the domain of Daolao ghosts, and ordinary people dared not set foot there, making any hope of a map even more remote.

Fortunately, Li Banfeng had previously visited every village in Jianren Gang. With a traveler-cultivator's natural talent for direction and distance, the map's framework quickly took shape. While recalling a few more details, Ma Wu suddenly pushed open the door and entered. "Seventh Brother, we've got a huge deal!" he exclaimed.

"What kind of deal?"

Ma Wu had been stretched thin managing Seven Autumn City and Yellow Earth Bridge. For some unknown reason, he had rushed back to Xiaoyao Wu today.

"A merchant named Chen proactively approached me about doing business," Ma Wu explained. "Seventh Brother, our business is expanding beyond the province!"

Li Banfeng found this perplexing. He had heard that major families had business dealings with other provinces, but what kind of business could truly be conducted between Pro Province and those outside?

Ma Wu clarified, "Other provinces refer to cultivation as 'dark energy,' and magic artifacts, spiritual items, and elixirs as 'dark energy carriers.' All their dark energy carriers are purchased from us. This merchant, Mr. Chen, specializes in this trade."

Li Banfeng frowned. "Isn't this supplying other provinces with weapons?"

Ma Wu shrugged. "Seventh Brother, we're businesspeople. This isn't our concern, and even if it were, we couldn't stop it. If we don't sell, other families will."

Li Banfeng put away the map. "Tomorrow, I'll call all the major families. As of today, this business must cease. Anyone who continues will be opposing me."

"Even if you stop the major families, it's no use," Ma Wu countered, trying to dissuade him. "The Security Bureau is still active; they have their own channels for acquiring magic artifacts and elixirs. Sometimes, they even hire hunters to forage in the New Lands."

While that made sense, the situation felt even more off. "If the Security Bureau has its own channels, why would they conduct business with us through this merchant named Chen? Why use a middleman to profit from both sides? What benefit does that bring to the other provinces?"

Ma Wu explained, "This merchant is unique. He's not from Huan, but from Amikan. Huan has granted him control over Pro Province's trade, and in return, Amikan will open its trade to Huan. This is the outcome of negotiations between several parties."

Negotiations?

In Huan, very few people knew about Pro Province. Before Li Banfeng arrived there, he had been completely unaware of its existence. Pro Province, dark energy, dark energy users – in Huan, these were top-tier secrets. Why would such critical matters be handled through negotiations with a foreign merchant? Li Banfeng felt the whole situation was highly unusual.

"Fifth Brother, this merchant, Mr. Chen, might be a trickster."

Ma Wu nodded. "I suspect deception too, but he's carrying a letter from the Security Bureau, and it's genuine. I checked with an inside contact at the Bureau, and they confirmed the validity of the deal. Seventh Brother, we can't afford to miss out on such a large transaction." As he spoke, Ma Wu glanced around, subtly gesturing to Li Banfeng to check for any hidden devices in the room.

Li Banfeng shook his head. He had thoroughly cleansed the room multiple times using his wife's technique, ensuring there were no listening devices. Ma Wu then whispered, "You're from outside; you understand these matters better than I do. We need to discuss this business together."

Discussing it wasn't out of the question. Li Banfeng had no desire to pursue this deal, but he needed to understand the true intentions of this merchant, Mr. Chen.

Two days later, Ma Wu hosted a banquet at Xiaoyao Wu, specifically to entertain the merchant named Chen. Once all the guests had arrived, Ma Wu began the introductions. "Seventh Brother, this is Mr. Dick Chen, from Amikan."

From his appearance, Dick Chen was a typical East Asian, appearing to be in his mid-twenties. His facial features were remarkably delicate, likely enhanced by cosmetic surgery, and he always wore a subtle, almost mocking, smirk. When introducing Li Banfeng, Ma Wu specifically emphasized, "This is the CEO of our Seven Autumn Group. He will be making the final decisions regarding this business."

CEO? Li Banfeng looked at Ma Wu, perplexed by his new title.

Ma Wu was a young master from a wealthy family. Though he had never traveled to other provinces for various reasons, he wasn't entirely ignorant of their customs. He was striving to communicate in a manner Dick Chen would find familiar. Dick Chen looked at Li Banfeng and gave a slight nod, making no move to shake hands. This suited Li Banfeng, as he also wasn't accustomed to shaking hands. Li Banfeng didn't even nod; he simply observed Dick Chen in silence.

After a few pleasantries, Ma Wu quickly got to the point. "Mr. Chen, we have reviewed your proposed inventory list and prepared a detailed quotation. Naturally, if our cooperation proves successful, we are open to making further price concessions."

Ma Wu was a businessman, but this was far from his usual approach. He had put considerable effort into adapting his style to suit Dick Chen. Dick Chen glanced at Ma Wu's proposal, then casually set it aside. The sneering, playful smile remained on his face. "This is my first time in... in... what's this place called again?"

His secretary promptly supplied, "It's called Pro Province."

"Pro... Province," Dick Chen uttered with some effort. "The name is quite a mouthful. I'll simply refer to it as 'Pro' for now. I trust no one has an objection?"

Ma Wu's cheek twitched at this remark. During their previous meeting, Dick Chen had claimed he couldn't remember the name "Pro Province," and now he was saying it again. Not only could he not remember it, but he had also unilaterally changed the name. The accountant seated nearby felt his pen tip tremble; even he was struggling to contain his irritation.

Unfazed, Dick Chen continued, "I knew Pro was an isolated place, but I didn't realize it was this backward. Mr. Ma, are you presenting a price list right now with the intention of closing this deal in a single negotiation?"

That was precisely Ma Wu's intention, and given that Dick Chen had approached him, it seemed like a perfectly reasonable way to conduct business. Dick Chen disagreed. "This is the era of information and data. I need to cross-reference various pieces of information before I can determine if you possess worthwhile business partnership potential."

"If you believe I have no value," Ma Wu inquired, "why did you approach me for business in the first place?"

Dick Chen spread his hands. "Because there aren't many options in Pro. To be precise, no one here possesses modern business knowledge. I'm forced to pick the least ignorant person from a group of the uninformed. Mr. Ma, if you genuinely wish for your career to advance beyond this isolated place called Pro, I suggest you travel and observe. At the very least, you must grasp the concepts of data and information."

Ma Wu, like every other resident of Pro Province, had only a vague understanding of data and information. Yet, it was these very vague concepts that directly diminished Ma Wu's standing, infuriating him to the point where his veins throbbed, and he was speechless.

Li Banfeng, however, wasn't angered. He simply asked Dick Chen, "How do you typically acquire data and information?"

Dick Chen smiled. "Let's start with the basics. You might not even know about the internet. Through the internet, I can access most of the information I need."

"We also have our own information channels," Li Banfeng stated. "We have newspapers."

Dick Chen shook his head. "That's utterly archaic. Newspapers are a last-century medium that belongs in a museum. Besides, I've seen your newspapers; they contain too much unreliable information, and their credibility is far too low."

Li Banfeng nodded. "The credibility of Pro Province newspapers isn't particularly high; perhaps only three out of ten stories are true. However, with your 'internet,' you might not find a single truthful piece of information out of a hundred. What is there to be proud of in using that as your information channel?"

Dick Chen frowned slightly. "What's your basis for saying that? Have you ever even accessed the internet?"

Li Banfeng chuckled. "In Pro Province, not just anyone is qualified to speak in a newspaper. But in other provinces, any individual can spout nonsense on the internet. How much credibility do you think the internet truly has?"

Dick Chen shook his head. "You seem to have some understanding of the internet, but your thought process astounds me. The fact that you compare newspapers to the internet clearly demonstrates how antiquated and backward your thinking is. My words may be direct, but I mean no offense; I'm simply expressing my honest opinion. Mr. Li, Pro's backwardness and insularity dictate my attitude towards you. This is a reflection of objective facts, not subjective discrimination. Do you understand what I mean?"

Li Banfeng shook his head. "Whoever you are, I still don't understand what you mean."

Dick Chen frowned. "I have a name and a surname. Please don't refer to me as 'whoever.' It's a matter of basic respect."

Li Banfeng asked, with a straight face, "What was your name again?"

Dick Chen's cheek twitched, but he maintained his faint smile. "My name is Dick Chen. I hope you'll remember it."

"So, your surname is Dick?"

Dick Chen's cheek twitched again. "Mr. Li, perhaps you're unfamiliar with other languages. In my culture, the family name typically follows the given name."

"So your surname is Chen?" Li Banfeng shook his head. "That's not a good name; it's neither traditional nor foreign, just awkward. Since you're so eager to be a foreigner, I'll give you a much better foreign name. I'll call you 'Sack Dick.' You don't have any objections, do you?"

Dick Chen's smile vanished. "Sack Dick" was an insult. "Mr. Li," he said, "was your last remark intentional or unintentional?"

"Intentional," Li Banfeng replied candidly. "I wasn't trying to offend you; I was explicitly insulting you. Didn't you pick up on that, Sack-er?"

Dick Chen clenched his fists, ready to pound the table.

Li Banfeng warned, "If you break the table, I'll cut off your hands."

As Dick Chen's fists tightened further, Li Banfeng chuckled. "If you raise your fist at me again, I'll also cut off your hands. I'm not singling you out; this is simply how things are done directly in Pro Province."

Dick Chen unclenching his fists, then stood up and left with his secretary.

Ma Wu retreated to a private room, where he sullenly drank glass after glass. He wasn't upset about the business deal; he was frustrated by his own performance.

"Seventh Brother, I really should go see the other provinces," he lamented. "I've realized that outside Pro Province, I know nothing. All those terms Dick Chen mentioned today—data, information, the internet—I've heard of them, but I've never seen any of them in person. I originally intended to study abroad, but my father forbade it. Then I heard that in other provinces, a man can only have one wife, so I lost interest myself. Dick Chen, for all his venomous remarks, was right. I have to go out and see things for myself. I need to learn some real skills and bring them back."

Li Banfeng took a sip from his glass and nodded. "It's certainly a good idea to go out and learn new skills. However, that 'Dick' character isn't from another province; he's from Pro Province."

Ma Wu looked stunned. "What makes you say that?"

"It starts with you," Li Banfeng explained. "You're the Fifth Young Master of the Ma family, not just anyone. The reason he was able to provoke you so much is because he knows the biggest weaknesses of Pro Province people. When I threatened to cut off his hands, he immediately backed down, all his previous arrogance and haughtiness vanishing. This is because he's familiar with how things are done in Pro Province."

Ma Wu remained stunned for a long moment. "Then what was his purpose in seeking us out? Was it not for business?"

"That's what we need to investigate," Li Banfeng said, draining his glass. "And we must get to the bottom of it."

In a secure room at the Security Bureau, Dick Chen was reviewing Li Qi's file. "Li Qi's real name is Song Zhuowen," he read. "He studied abroad and indeed has some understanding... His logic is sound. As for the other details, just have Tang Yuan investigate them." Having said that, Dick Chen handed the documents to Tang Yuan.

Tang Yuan, like Deng Bao, was a trainee sent by the Dark Star Bureau. Her primary assignment was to assist Dick Chen. Earlier, at Xiaoyao Wu, she had posed as Dick Chen's secretary. Tang Yuan was eager to investigate Li Qi. Unlike Deng Bao, she hadn't come to Pro Province to simply pass the time; she genuinely wanted to achieve something significant and acquire valuable skills.

However, Liao Zihui had no intention of giving Tang Yuan this opportunity. He told Dick Chen, "Little Chen, someone of Li Qi's caliber isn't suitable for You Xuehan to investigate alone."

Dick Chen shook his head and chuckled. "In my opinion, Li Qi is hardly a formidable figure. He lacks composure, sufficient astuteness, and patience. At our first meeting, he threatened to cut off my hands merely over a few verbal disagreements. Someone who so readily displays anger isn't worth my time or effort."

Seeing Dick Chen's dismissive attitude toward Li Qi, Liao Zihui grew somewhat displeased. "Your understanding of him is insufficient. I hope you can dedicate a bit more time..."

"My time cannot be wasted on such individuals," Dick Chen interrupted Liao Zihui directly. "Having worked in Pro Province for so long, you should understand the concept and value of a 'Balancer.' As a Balancer, I must reconcile various interests. My list of tasks is miles long, but Li Qi isn't on it. He's simply not important enough."

Liao Zihui said no more and left the secure room.

Dick Chen then looked at Tang Yuan. "Miss You, from now on, you are no longer required to assist me in my work."

Tang Yuan stiffened. "My assignment was given to me by the Chief Security Officer. Until I receive a direct order from the Chief, I must..."

"You will receive the Chief's order, perhaps today, or by tomorrow morning at the latest. Until then, I'm giving you leave. You're free to do anything you wish – perhaps some shopping, or just browsing. Those activities seem much more suited to you."

Tang Yuan frowned. "I don't understand what you mean."

"Was I not direct enough?" Dick Chen stated. "My meaning is, you are not suited for this task. Your capabilities are clearly insufficient. Today, at the dining table, you displayed tension and fear, which could easily put me in an unfavorable position. I don't understand why the Dark Star Bureau and the Security Bureau sent you here. I have no obligation to help you improve your abilities, nor do I wish to be hampered by you in my work. Miss You, please go do what you excel at. In the Dark Star Bureau, those without significant ability often find themselves in better positions. I believe you'll find a path more suitable for you."

Tang Yuan bit her lip, about to leave the secure room, when Dick Chen picked up a stack of documents from the table. "Take all of Li Qi's files," he instructed. "This will be your task from now on. I have no more time to waste on either you or him."

Tang Yuan stormed back to her office. *Thud!* She slammed the documents onto the desk.

Deng Bao flinched in surprise. "What's wrong with you? Did you swallow gunpowder?"

Tang Yuan shared an office with Da Tou and Deng Bao. Da Tou was usually out on field assignments, while Deng Bao spent his days idling in the office. Seated at her desk, Tang Yuan leaned her forehead against her hand, remaining silent for a long time. She couldn't fathom the purpose of her assignment in Pro Province. She felt as though she worked hard every day, yet her results were much like Deng Bao's, effectively just passing the time.

"What exactly happened?" Deng Bao asked, stepping forward to offer comfort.

"Nothing," Tang Yuan sighed, and began organizing the documents. Being given Li Qi's case was a good thing. I needed to prove myself and show them what I could do.

Deng Bao watched beside Tang Yuan, observing very closely. He saw Li Qi's file, as well as a proposal: Ma Wu's quotation plan.

"How did that quotation proposal end up in her hands?" Li Banfeng pondered for a moment. "Describe Tang Yuan's appearance."

"No need to describe," Deng Bao replied, pulling a team photo from his wallet. "The one with the round face and glasses is Tang Yuan."

Though her makeup had changed, Li Banfeng immediately recognized her: this woman was Dick Chen's female secretary. A senior agent from the Dark Star Bureau, sent to the Security Bureau for training, why would she disguise herself as a merchant's secretary? What was Dick Chen's true identity?

As night fell, Dick Chen arrived at Fuwang Restaurant and entered a private room. Chu Shaoqiang was drinking moodily in the private room. Upon seeing Dick Chen, he set down his glass and gently tapped its rim. This was a warning to Dick Chen. Dick Chen stood at the doorway, not approaching Chu Shaoqiang. He knew that numerous magic artifacts and spiritual items in the room were already aimed at him.

"Did the Inner Provinces send you to find me?" Chu Shaoqiang asked.

Dick Chen shook his head. "If the Inner Provinces had sent me, I wouldn't have walked through that door. I would have found a place to ambush you. Brother Chu, you've become a criminal in the Inner Provinces. I'm here to help you."

Chu Shaoqiang chuckled. "And how do you propose to help me?"

"The matter of Ge Junma shouldn't fall solely on you, nor was the Sage Peak incident your fault. You've endured too many baseless accusations; you need someone to give you justice."

Chu Shaoqiang smiled. "Your pseudo-foreigner accent actually sounds quite pleasant. You say you want to give me justice? With what?"

"By offering you something important that can help you achieve a higher standing."

"What important thing?"

"Once you agree to cooperate with me, I'll tell you the answer," Dick Chen replied.

Three days later, Dick Chen arrived at Qishui Kiln. He bought a bottle of orange-flavored soda from a stall, opened the cap, and carried the bottle into an alley without taking a sip. He knocked on a house door, and the scent of orange essence drifted into the courtyard through the cracks. The door opened, and strands of spider silk on the ground successively retracted into the house. Dick Chen walked through the courtyard and into the house, smiling. "Daboyins, my good friend, I've come to visit you."

The renowned detective Daboyins removed his top hat and bowed deeply. "My mentor, my guide," he said, "I have been awaiting your arrival here."

Dick Chen patted Daboyins on the shoulder. "We are now like-minded comrades. There's no need to be so formal with me anymore. How is the former Balancer doing?"

Daboyins glanced at the inner room and lowered his voice. "His mental state has largely recovered, but some memories seem to be permanently lost."

Dick Chen entered the room and saw Xiao Zhenggong, who was chained to a railing. Xiao Zhenggong's eyes gleamed coldly. He sneered, "Another pseudo-foreigner. Do you 'pseudo-foreigners' have some sort of organization? What exactly do you want?"

Dick Chen crouched down. "We're here to help you complete something you couldn't finish when you were alive."

Xiao Zhenggong frowned. "You think I'm dead?"

Dick Chen smiled. "You can certainly believe you're alive, and you can continue to live, provided you tell me some important secrets – secrets about the boundaries."

Xiao Zhenggong shook his head. "When I was with the Dark Star Bureau, I did research matters related to boundaries. However, other provinces concealed their information too well, and data was hard to come by. Ultimately, I couldn't reach any conclusive findings."

Dick Chen explained earnestly, "You *did* find results; you just don't realize it. You hid some crucial information. You don't need to reveal the exact location, just provide some clues."