Chapter 517: Outside State Is So Fun

In Fool's City, Sun Tiecheng cradled a teapot and drank directly from its spout. He hummed a couple of lines from a ditty: "West of Ink Fragrance Shop City, the willows are green. There's a beauty named Bai Junying, skilled in painting with clever brushwork. This fair lady, nineteen winters old, her husband diligently studying in the south, as April draws near..."

The ditty was called "Painting a Fan." Before Sun Tiecheng could finish, the Smiling Ghost King Gui Jianchou arrived. "City Lord," he announced, "I've found out what happened. At Soda Kiln, a giant snail appeared. It strung over fifty outsiders together, leaving only bones, stripped clean of flesh and blood, and hung them neatly at the entrance."

Sun Tiecheng took another sip of tea and asked, "What's the background of those fifty-odd outsiders?"

"They all have significant status, comparable to those in the Border Defense Office. This incident will surely lead to a conflict in the Outer State, a dog-eat-dog fight. Who knows how many will die!"

Sun Tiecheng let out a laugh. "Let's see how much blood will flow this time."

Ye Jianhuang, standing nearby, asked, "City Lord, aren't we doing something inhumane by doing this?"

Sun Tiecheng glanced at Ye Jianhuang. "Weren't the things you did in Fool's City inhumane back then?"

Ye Jianhuang lowered his head. "Haven't I changed? For years, I've regretted those past deeds. I've decided to turn over a new leaf. As they say, 'Lay down the butcher's knife, and salvation is at hand.'"

Sun Tiecheng retorted angrily, "You committed all sorts of evils in Fool's City, and now you're talking about laying down the butcher's knife? Besides, that's not how you use that saying! The original phrase is 'Lay down the butcher's knife, and be an honest fellow!'"

Ye Jianhuang said, "Let's not talk about the original words; let's just talk about the meaning."

"Don't talk to me about meaning! You're uneducated, yet you pretend to be a scholar!" Sun Tiecheng was furious. He turned to Gui Jianchou and ordered, "Ah Gui, apply the family punishment!"

Gui Jianchou pulled out a stick and asked, "City Lord, where should I strike?"

With a wave of his hand, City Lord Sun commanded, "Strike the eggs!"

Hearing this, Ye Jianhuang turned to flee, but Sun Tiecheng roared, "You can't run! You can't move!"

Ye Jianhuang remained in a running posture, but indeed, he couldn't move.

Gui Jianchou approached, stick in hand. Ye Jianhuang cried out repeatedly, "Old Gui, we're friends! We're on the same side! You can't lay such a cruel hand on me! We still have a future..."

Gui Jianchou delivered a single blow, striking upwards.

Ye Jianhuang convulsed, his legs snapped together, and he collapsed to the ground in a crouch.

Sun Tiecheng was very satisfied. "See? Isn't this 'laying down the butcher's knife and being an honest fellow'!"

Ye Jianhuang kept his head down, tears welling in his eyes, and sobbed for a long while.

Sun Tiecheng assigned him a task: "Go tell all the local deities in the various regions to mind their own business and not interfere where they shouldn't!"

Li Banfeng put on a simple, clean tracksuit, shaved his beard, and tried his best to look youthful and naive before returning to Yuezhou University.

Yuezhou had changed significantly in the past two years, but Yuezhou University seemed largely the same.

It was the eve of the new semester, and the campus was bustling. As he reached the east gate, two students approached, hawking phone cards. Li Banfeng himself had once done this kind of business. Hearing them call him "handsome," which he found rather pleasant, he actually bought one.

Behind them, there were vendors selling washbasins, mosquito nets, thermoses, immersion heaters, and rechargeable desk lamps. All of them called out to Li Banfeng, trying to attract his business.

"You're seriously selling this rechargeable lamp for fifteen? Do you take me for a freshman?" Li Banfeng was quite displeased with the price.

The lamp vendor was a junior student, who sized up Li Banfeng with a hint of disdain in his eyes.

Li Banfeng had indeed tried to appear more youthful, but they shouldn't have mistaken him for a freshman!

However, thinking about it, he had indeed made mistakes typical of freshmen, such as buying a phone card right after entering the school gate.

And his attire, for example.

Sophomore boys prioritized looking presentable, often wearing some branded items.

Junior boys emphasized individuality, often with a touch of artistic flair.

Senior boys focused on a certain "realm" or wisdom; in this weather, a simple outfit of a basketball jersey, loose shorts, and slippers could convey the demeanor of an elder.

Li Banfeng, in his simple, clean tracksuit, clearly looked like a raw freshman.

It wouldn't be right to visit Teacher Song empty-handed, so Li Banfeng bought a washbasin, a mosquito net, and a pair of slippers before finding her in the College of Science's office building.

University professors don't always stay in their offices, so it was quite fortunate to find Teacher Song there.

Teacher Song was a math teacher, and Li Banfeng didn't intend to consult a math teacher about dark matter. He only hoped Teacher Song could recommend an expert in the field of dark matter.

Unexpectedly, Teacher Song had extensive research experience in dark matter, with numerous scientific achievements and international awards.

Li Banfeng did not reveal his identity; he simply stated he was a diligent and ambitious student.

Teacher Song enthusiastically explained the latest findings in dark matter research to Li Banfeng. She didn't over-elaborate on the complex derivations and calculations but conveyed the research results in a more direct manner.

"Dark matter generally doesn't interact with electromagnetism and isn't involved in strong interactions. This was once an unshakeable law in dark matter research. However, it's highly likely this law will be broken. Dark matter barely interacts with photons, which is why it's essentially non-luminous. But there are still some disordered changes within it, though these changes interfere with each other, making them almost impossible to observe."

Teacher Song meticulously explained her research findings for over three hours.

Li Banfeng filled two full notebooks. As the session concluded, he pulled a thick wad of cash from his pocket and pressed it into her hand.

"What are you doing?" Teacher Song's brows furrowed slightly, and her eyes held a hint of warmth, indicating she was angry.

Li Banfeng bowed deeply to her. "Thank you, Teacher."

Teacher Song handed the cash back to Li Banfeng. "Which class are you from?"

"I'm from Class Seven," Li Banfeng mumbled perfunctorily, then turned and left.

He truly wanted to tell Teacher Song that he was Li Banfeng.

But doing so would cause Teacher Song a lot of trouble.

Teacher Song called out, "At least leave me your contact information!"

Leave contact information?

Did she recognize me?

Anyone who could recognize Li Banfeng was no ordinary person.

Li Banfeng thought for a moment and then gave Teacher Song a phone number.

It wasn't the Dark Star Bureau's number; it was from the phone card Li Banfeng had bought at the school gate.

Teacher Song looked at the number and immediately dialed it. "Don't try to fool me; I'll see if it connects!"

"Wait a moment." Li Banfeng inserted the phone card into his newly purchased phone, and the call connected.

Teacher Song smiled; her dimples were still as lovely as ever.

Li Banfeng bowed once more and silently left the campus.

As soon as he returned to his residence, the Projector promptly informed Li Banfeng, "The Dark Star Bureau called; they have an urgent mission for you."

The call was from Shen Jingye. Li Banfeng called him back, and Shen Jingye was clearly frantic. "It's a workday today. Not only are you not at your post, but why aren't you answering your phone?"

"Xiao Shen, mind your tone."

At Li Banfeng's reminder, Shen Jingye's tone softened considerably. "Director Li, here's the situation: we've established a certain level of contact with the Inner State. On the basis of mutual benefit, we want to deepen our cooperation with them, so we need a 'Balancer' to play an active role in this process..."

Li Banfeng remained silent, but Shen Jingye felt chills emanating from the receiver.

This was Li Banfeng's way of reminding Shen Jingye to get straight to the point.

"In short, we hope you can go to Soda Kiln as soon as possible to lay a good foundation for the next negotiation."

Li Banfeng asked, "What exactly do you want to negotiate with the Inner State?"

"The specific content of the negotiation hasn't been determined yet. The primary purpose of this negotiation is to demonstrate our sincerity and expectation for mutual benefit and win-win cooperation..." Shen Jingye knew Li Banfeng disliked such pointless chatter, but he had no choice but to continue. The Soda Kiln incident was currently under strict confidentiality, and even someone at Shen Jingye's level didn't know the exact details.

Shen Jingye had bought Li Banfeng a train ticket for that evening, hoping he would depart immediately for Soda Kiln.

Li Banfeng flatly refused. "With no substantial information, what am I supposed to do there? Am I supposed to go there to make a fool of myself, or to be a scapegoat?"

Shen Jingye was embarrassed. In the afternoon, he went to Li Banfeng's office again to discuss the departure time.

Li Banfeng was reviewing dark matter materials. Shen Jingye prattled on beside him for a long time, but Li Banfeng didn't even lift his head.

"Director Li, when exactly will you depart? You have to give a definite answer."

Li Banfeng finally looked up. He glanced at Shen Jingye and said, "Once you've thoroughly investigated the matter, then we can talk about departure."

Shen Jingye said, looking helpless, "The matter involves classified information; this is all I know for now."

Li Banfeng said earnestly, "Precisely because there's so little useful information right now, you need to investigate. The purpose of investigation is for you to find information, not for information to come looking for you. This is a task the Bureau has given you; you must raise your awareness and understanding of it..."

Shen Jingye took out a small notebook and meticulously wrote down every word.

However, no matter how carefully he wrote, it was useless. Relying on Shen Jingye, it would be difficult to uncover the full story. Li Banfeng instead contacted Ma Wu to inquire about the situation at Soda Kiln.

Xu Shouming had sealed off information, so Ma Wu hadn't heard of any specific problems at Soda Kiln, but he could tell that the situation was not simple.

"Old Qi," he said, "don't rush back yet. The moment you return, you'll be fully entangled. I'll go to Soda Kiln to check things out first."

Ma Wu went to Soda Kiln, while Li Banfeng remained where he was, refusing to depart no matter how much Shen Jingye urged him. Cui Tike, meanwhile, had identified the operator of the Night Jasmine News Agency. This was easy to do, as the core members of the Night Jasmine News Agency all called the owner "Seventh Master."

Based on this, Green Water Bow confirmed something: while Li Qi appeared to have a grudge against He Jiaqing on the surface, they were actually covertly looking out for and protecting each other. He even made a bold speculation: the Saint and the Imperial Seal were both in Li Qi's possession.

"Li Qi has become a Balancer, residing in the Outer State," Green Water Bow said, taking half a biscuit from his begging bowl and chewing it. "Do you know his recent situation in the Outer State?"

Cui Tike let out a dry laugh. "Grandmaster, you're not planning to send me to the Outer State to investigate this, are you?"

Green Water Bow looked at Cui Tike. "Do you expect me to go myself? I've given you so much cultivation; don't you think you should do something for me?"

Cui Tike agreed, obtained his travel permit that very day, bought a train ticket, and prepared to go to the Outer State.

As he was packing his bags, a man covered in bandages entered his room.

Cui Tike stared at the man, sizing him up. "I truly didn't expect you to hold on for so long. Your life force is far more tenacious than I imagined."

He Jiaqing adjusted the bandages on his face to speak. "Even the most tenacious life has its limits. I'm here to seek an opportunity for cooperation with you."

"Forgive my intrusion," Cui Tike said, dabbing some pus from He Jiaqing's face and tasting it. "Your condition is not optimistic. The chances of preserving this body are negligible."

He Jiaqing didn't deny his condition. "That's why I desperately need your help."

Cui Tike folded a tie and placed it in his suitcase. "I appreciate your honesty, but any cooperation is based on value. What value do you still hold for me in your current state?"

He Jiaqing was prepared. "That depends on your definition of value. I possess many invaluable magical artifacts and spiritual objects, as well as assets with more direct monetary worth."

Cui Tike shook his head slightly. "I'm not interested in your assets. It's not that I dislike money; it's that I'm highly unlikely to obtain it. Even if you converted all your assets into pure gold and silver, you'd surely find a way to prevent me from getting them. As for your magical artifacts and spiritual objects, I am indeed very interested. However, compared to your life, the value of the two sides is not equivalent. Furthermore, I have a better idea: I could immediately summon the Grandmaster back, have him kill you, and then figure out how to take your magical artifacts, spiritual objects, and assets. What do you think of this approach?"

He Jiaqing blinked. "I believe you shouldn't be such a heartless person."

Cui Tike smiled. "My emotions depend on your value."

He Jiaqing was silent for a long time. With his face covered in bandages, Cui Tike couldn't see his expression.

"Actually, I originally didn't want to come to you. I intended to find an old friend," He Jiaqing began. "I haven't seen that old friend in a long time. Did you kill him?"

"Are you referring to my senior martial brother Wan Jinxian?" Cui Tike frowned slightly. "My senior brother's whereabouts are unknown; I'm also very worried. If you try to pin this on me, you'll be trampling on what little friendship we have left."

He Jiaqing coughed twice, a large amount of pus blocking his trachea, making it difficult for him to breathe. "I didn't say Old Wan's death was related to you. I was just thinking, Old Wan is gone. If Green Water Bow were also gone, you would be the only 'Plague Cultivator' left in this world. Would that further enhance our friendship?"

Cui Tike closed his suitcase, but with too much luggage, the latch wouldn't close. "Does such a hypothesis have any meaning? If you could truly kill him, you wouldn't be in such a sorry state yourself."

He Jiaqing helped Cui Tike press down the suitcase. "But we have the same goal: I must eliminate Green Water Bow. This goal concerns my life, and I will give it my all. If you can help me control the disease slightly, I can offer more value in this cooperation. With more value, our friendship will deepen. You shouldn't be able to refuse such seamless logic."

Cui Tike successfully latched the suitcase, straightened up, and clapped his hands. "Your logic is impeccable, but I refuse to cooperate with you. I am unwilling to work with others, and I don't want to place my hopes in anyone else."

He Jiaqing looked at Cui Tike and asked, "If I'm not mistaken, you once cooperated with Li Qi at the Ink Fragrance Shop. Was he an exception?"

Cui Tike nodded. "That's right, he was an exception."

He Jiaqing asked again, "If he's also willing to join, would you consider our cooperation?"

Cui Tike looked at He Jiaqing expressionlessly. "I'll say it again: don't make meaningless assumptions."

He Jiaqing left Boundless Hospital.

Not long after he left, Green Water Bow's figure materialized at the hospital entrance.

He Jiaqing had come to Boundless Hospital and met with Cui Tike, yet Cui Tike hadn't informed Green Water Bow.

Green Water Bow was unsure how to react to this outcome.

He then considered the seemingly unclear but highly synchronized interactions between Cui Tike and Li Qi.

"I sent Beggar-Cultivator Foxtail to ambush Li Qi and had Cui Tike monitor the situation. But Cui Tike reported that Foxtail was dead, and the killer's identity was unknown. I sent Cui Tike to the Ink Fragrance Shop to investigate the local deity's condition. Cui Tike said the local deity was in poor shape, but he didn't see the deity. Instead, he encountered Inner State people, fought a bitter battle, gained nothing, and I even got injured. Later, I heard Li Qi was also at the Ink Fragrance Shop at that time. Was this incident related to him? I asked Cui Tike to go with him to Sage's Peak. For the first half of the journey, I don't know where Cui Tike went, and for the latter half, I didn't see Cui Tike take any action. He didn't offer me any assistance, but later I heard that Li Qi had sent all those scoundrels from Scoundrel's Ridge to Yellow Earth Bridge. Did Cui Tike go help him? Then Wan Puxian went to Yellow Earth Bridge and also disappeared without a trace. Could he also be one of Li Qi's people?"

As he pondered, Green Water Bow suddenly chuckled.

"Could everyone around me be Li Qi's people? Should I go to the hospital and kill Cui Tike right now?"

After much deliberation, Green Water Bow did not go to kill Cui Tike.

"Thinking the worst of everything can turn even good people into villains. If Cui Tike truly was Li Qi's man, killing him would only mean Li Qi lost a pawn. But if Cui Tike wasn't Li Qi's man, killing him would be a great loss for Green Water Bow."

Grabbing a handful of dirt from the ground, Green Water Bow sniffed it. This was He Jiaqing's trail; there was a trace of pus here.

Green Water Bow concealed his presence and continued tracking He Jiaqing.

He Jiaqing traveled north to Guangming Town. From Guangming Town, he entered the New Land, walking until dawn, reaching Wuyouping. After spending most of the day at Wuyouping, he re-entered the New Land. By dusk, emerging from the New Land, He Jiaqing had reached Iron Gate Fortress.

At Iron Gate Fortress, he descended to the lake, then re-entered the New Land. He Jiaqing trekked for a full day, finally arriving at Flower Lake Park. He had come to Yuezhou hoping for Li Banfeng's help, as only through Li Banfeng could he gain Cui Tike's trust.

But how could he convince Li Banfeng? How could he get him to join this cooperation?

He Jiaqing couldn't think of a reason to approach him.

Perhaps someone could help him.

He pulled up his coat collar, trying his best to conceal the bandages on his face, and walked towards Yuezhou University.

A few hours later, in the waters of Flower Lake Park, a drop of bloody pus trembled gently. More and more pus gathered, forming a viscous floating mass on the lake's surface.

As the floating mass coalesced, a face covered in festering sores emerged.

"This is the Outer State," the face on the lake's surface declared, opening its eyes and surveying its surroundings.

The floating mass gradually gathered into a human shape, transforming into Green Water Bow, clad in tattered clothes.

Green Water Bow climbed onto the lake's bank and took a couple of steps along the shore when he suddenly heard someone call out from behind him, "Where are you from? What are you doing?"

Green Water Bow turned and saw a man approaching.

"I asked what you're doing! Are you deaf?" the man shouted, demanding an answer.

Green Water Bow shook the bowl in his hand. "I'm a beggar."

"Who allowed you into this park? Get out immediately! Or I'll arrest you right now!" The man stepped forward and gave Green Water Bow a shove, sending him stumbling back.

Green Water Bow stared blankly at the man. "You pushed me?"

The man glared at Green Water Bow. "What's wrong with me pushing you?"

Green Water Bow had a martial cultivation foundation, and he was pushed off balance purely because he was unprepared.

This man seemed to have a significant background. If one were to compare him to someone from Puluo State, he would likely be a figure from the Border Defense Office, wouldn't he?

"Superiors are coming to inspect soon, and now there's a beggar here. Isn't this just asking for trouble? Where are the security guards? How did he get in?" The man looked around but saw no security guards, only Green Water Bow standing rooted to the spot, dazed.

"Aren't you leaving yet?" The man stepped forward to push Green Water Bow again, but this time, he couldn't exert any force.

His hand felt numb and weak.

It was truly soft; from his elbow downwards, most of his forearm hung limp, as if it had no bones.

"Ugh, gurgle..." The man opened his mouth, trying to call for help, but his voice was choked by bloody pus. His jaw also dropped, unable to close.

His face instantly collapsed, and his head, like a fleshy ball, sagged to his chest. Various viscous liquids flowed from his mouth and nose.

It wasn't just his face collapsing; the bones throughout his body were being frantically eaten away by the disease, creating countless holes, loosening, becoming brittle, until they turned into a pile of dust. The disease within the dust would continue to corrode his body until he became a puddle of pus on the ground. Under the corrosive effect of the bloody pus, his clothes also dissolved into sludge, seeping into the soil along with the pus.

Green Water Bow ignored the puddle of blood and pus. He held his begging bowl and continued strolling through the park.

Upon leaving the park, Green Water Bow observed the traffic and crowds on the roadside and couldn't help but exclaim, "The Outer State actually has so many people! More than Green Water City. I can kill as many as I want; it won't even..."

A man from behind shoved Green Water Bow again, once more sending him stumbling back.

"Who told you to beg here? Get out immediately! Or I'll arrest you right now!"

Pushed me again?

Green Water Bow turned his head. Behind him stood a man and a woman who didn't seem old but appeared to have significant status. Balloon sellers, sausage vendors, and cotton candy hawkers all seemed afraid of them.

The man, with his hands behind his back, shook his head and angrily shouted repeatedly, "I'm talking to you! Who told you to beg here?" He looked somewhat like a constable, but constables weren't this arrogant. They might also be from an influential family.

Green Water Bow asked with a smile, "Which family are you from?"

The man paused, then raised an eyebrow. "Why are you asking that? Is it any of your business?"

Green Water Bow exclaimed admiringly, "People in the Outer State are truly something! In my region, there are very few who would dare to push me."

"What about me pushing you—" Before he could finish, the man began to cough repeatedly.

At first, she thought he was just choking on the wind, and the woman beside him didn't pay it much mind, still urging Green Water Bow to leave quickly. The man coughed more violently, his body trembling ceaselessly. He looked as if he was about to collapse but still couldn't stop. The woman stepped forward to support him and saw that his face was bruised and purple, his eyes bloodshot, and he was still coughing incessantly. She had no idea what to do.

Green Water Bow turned and walked away, smiling as he went. "This place isn't bad. The people are quite interesting, and there aren't any peddlers here. Once I've dealt with Li Qi, I'll have a good few days of fun."

Ma Wu arrived at Soda Kiln, first renting a residence to settle in, then immediately gathered a group of friends to gather information. The Azure Cloud Society and the Hundred Flowers Sect had a dispute that resulted in deaths. This was the only significant event that had occurred in Soda Kiln recently. But this matter alone wouldn't warrant a Balancer's intervention.

Ma Wu went to ask Yan Song'an, the Border Defense Envoy of Soda Kiln, but Yan Song'an was evasive and refused to speak. The more he refused to speak, the more it proved the gravity of the situation. In such circumstances, Ma Wu definitely couldn't let Li Qi come to Soda Kiln.

That evening, as Ma Wu was pondering other ways to gather information, he suddenly heard a retainer announce that Border Defense Envoy Yan Song'an wished to see him.

Ma Wu quickly ushered Yan Song'an into the main hall. "Brother Yan," he said, "I sought you out during the day, and you brushed me off with platitudes. Now you've come knocking alone at night. What exactly is the meaning of this?"

"There's only one meaning: I want to find a suitable place to speak with you," Yan Song'an replied, looking around and deeming the living room unsuitable.

Ma Wu invited Yan Song'an into the study. Yan Song'an lowered his voice. "Something has indeed happened at Soda Kiln. I can't say how serious it is, but I do know where it occurred."

Yan Song'an told Ma Wu the location of the abandoned factory.

Ma Wu felt some hesitation. He wanted to see it, but he wasn't sure if he should go to such a place. If he simply told Old Qi the location, Old Qi would still find it difficult to make a decision. But if he forced his way in, he would also have to gauge his own strength. Ma Wu was currently a fourth-level "Joy Cultivator," accompanied by several guards whose cultivation levels were all at the fifth or sixth level. Dealing with minor figures was no problem, but even the Border Defense Envoy didn't know the full details of this matter. The person in the abandoned factory was certainly no minor figure.

Ma Wu deliberated for half the night. Around two in the morning, he suddenly caught a whiff of fragrance.

It smelled like rouge. Whose scent was it?

A'qin was asleep, and Huoling was also asleep; they didn't use this kind of rouge.

No, it wasn't rouge; it was body fragrance.

Ma Wu quickly got up and embraced the woman standing behind him.

The woman in Ma Wu's arms playfully chided, "Fifth Lord, how heartless of you to have forgotten me."

Ma Wu kissed Feng Daiku's cheek and softly said, "Indeed, this is my fault. I should be properly punished."

Feng Daiku had arrived at Soda Kiln. While Ma Wu was with her, he wondered: Feng Daiku was the local deity of Kudai Kan. How could she just come to Soda Kiln like this? Would the local deity of Soda Kiln simply ignore it?

Feng Daiku patted Ma Wu's cheek. "Why did you stop? Do you have something on your mind?"

Ma Wu shook his head. "It's been many days since we last met; I simply want to savor this moment."

"Savor what?" Feng Daiku chuckled. "Could the taste have changed? Quickly, tell me what's on your mind." Just as Ma Wu was about to elaborate, Feng Daiku patted his cheek again. "Why did you stop again?"

"You're deliberately testing me." Ma Wu didn't stop. He narrated the entire incident with steady breaths.

Feng Daiku wiped the sweat from Ma Wu's face and softly asked, "Fifth Lord, do you truly want to go?"

Ma Wu nodded. "I really want to go and see."

Feng Daiku and Ma Wu switched positions. She playfully hooked Ma Wu's nose and said, "Since you want to go, I'll accompany you."