Steam Era: The Lord of 'Puluo'-Chapter 822 - 499: Soul Stabilization (Part 4)

Clearly, Xia Shumin had caught onto something: "How come I heard that this matter also involves Li Qi?"

Zheng Siyi replied: "Commander Xia, why have you been asking about Li Qi’s matters all day today?

The on-duty personnel abandoned their posts without authorization, which is my responsibility. I will investigate clearly.

As for Li Qi’s matters, you should ask him; I don’t know anything about them."

Xia Shumin nodded: "You’re right, I should ask him. Old Zheng, during this period, I hope you and your men will temporarily stay at the Defense Agency. I don’t want the news to leak out prematurely."

Back in his office, Zheng Siyi sat in his chair, spacing out for a while.

He really wanted to send a message to Li Qi, but given the current situation at the Defense Agency, even going out was very difficult.

Li Qi is a smart person; he should know that under such circumstances, he absolutely should not come to the Defense Agency. Once in Xia Shumin’s hands, any charge could be pinned on him.

However, avoiding coming was also very difficult; Xia Shumin was going all out this time.

...

Li Banfeng rested for a few days, and his mobility gradually recovered, but his combat strength hadn’t yet returned. If it came to a fight, he could manage a small one. The technique Trample Over Thousands of Rivers could be used with difficulty, but his stamina would hit its limit within twenty seconds.

Ma Wu went to the Defense Agency every day to negotiate, hoping that the Defense Agency would let them return to Greenwater City first.

The Defense Agency did not refuse, only saying they were still going through procedures and told Ma Wu to wait for news.

At dusk, Ma Wu came out of the Defense Agency, hired a ferry, and prepared to return to the residence. After about ten minutes, the boat did not dock at the designated place but followed the Qingtian River downstream.

Ma Wu frowned: "Where are you going?"

The Boat Master answered: "Sending the guests on their way."

Zuo Wugang stepped forward and pinned the Boat Master down, while Zhen Jincheng kept an eye on the Second Shipmate and the two boatmen, and Cao Zhida grabbed the oar, rowing the small boat directly towards the shore.

The Boat Master wasn’t flustered, and as the small boat reached the shore, it suddenly vanished, causing several people to fall into the water.

The Boat Master and the group of boatmen jumped into the water, relying on their good swimming skills, they successively trapped Cao Zhida, Zhen Jincheng, and others.

Zuo Wugang reacted quickly, grabbed Ma Wu, stepped on the riverbed rocks, and jumped onto the riverbank.

As soon as he landed, dozens of people on the bank rushed up and surrounded Ma Wu and Zuo Wugang in the middle. 𝕗𝐫𝚎𝗲𝘄𝐞𝕓𝐧𝕠𝘃𝕖𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝚖

The leader, wearing a sleeveless vest and a felt hat, looking like a laborer, smiled at Ma Wu: "Young Master Wu, we didn’t mistake you for someone else, did we?"

Ma Wu said: "What instructions do you have for me?"

The man said: "It’s not about instructions; we want to climb a high branch and make friends with Master Wu. Ahead is the Hundred Varieties Restaurant, where we’ve set up a table of wine. We invite Young Master Wu for a drink. I wonder if Young Master Wu would do us the honor."

Ma Wu clasped his hands: "Thank you all for your kindness. I have urgent matters today, so I will visit another day."

Opposite, someone sneered: "Young Master Wu, since you won’t honor us, don’t blame us for being discourteous!"

Zuo Wugang didn’t waste words, picked up a bamboo pole from the ground, and began fighting directly.

Ma Wu launched a technique, disrupting the enemy’s formation while assisting Zuo Wugang in the fight.

In the water, Zhen Jincheng exerted great effort and took down the Boat Master, prompting Cao Zhida to shout: "Hurry up and go!"

Zhen Jincheng said: "We must leave together!"

Cao Zhida, holding the Second Shipmate, said: "You go quickly and report!"

Zhen Jincheng climbed up the riverbank and, without joining the battle on the shore, ran directly to Xiao Yeci’s residence.

Once at the residence, Zhen Jincheng explained what had happened. Li Banfeng wanted to see what was going on, but He Yuxiu said: "Old Qi, you’re not fully recovered yet, stay at home. I’ll go take a look first to see who dares to trouble Old Five."

Who could it be?

It certainly wasn’t water bandits, and it couldn’t be a local gang. Who would dare to offend someone of Ma Wu’s status?

Could it be people from the Defense Agency?

Wanting to use Ma Wu to lure Li Qi over?

Li Banfeng instructed He Yuxiu: "If you can save Ma Wu, that’s enough; don’t linger in battle with them."

He Yuxiu nodded: "Don’t worry, I know what to do."

He Yuxiu had just left for about ten minutes when the Silk-pulling Earrings suddenly sent a message: "Sir, there’s movement!"

Li Banfeng followed the sound outside, just in time to meet the panicked Support running inside: "It’s bad, the Defense Agency has sent people to surround our house!"

Lu Yuanxin heard the news and scattered some bait in the yard, and a swarm of insects gathered at his feet.

Li Banfeng listened to the sounds outside, estimating that there were probably over five hundred people.

Xiao Yeci remained relatively calm and asked in a whisper: "What are they going to do?"

Li Banfeng turned and said: "Yuanxin, take the mother and daughter back to the room, and don’t come out unless you hear from me."

Lu Yuanxin nodded and took Xiao Yeci and Lu Chunying back to the room.

Before long, Xia Shumin entered the yard, surrounded by dozens of guards.

"Li Qi, we meet again." Xia Shumin said grimly, looking at Li Banfeng.

Li Banfeng tipped his hat, glanced at Xia Shumin, and politely asked: "What was your name again?"

Xia Shumin sneered: "You’re really arrogant, daring to provoke me now. I suspect you’re involved in the Red Lotus theft case. Please come with us to the Defense Agency for investigation."

Li Banfeng calmly replied, "What if I don’t go?"

Xia Shumin ordered the people to set up the steam machine gun: "If you refuse arrest, I will shoot you on the spot."

"You would want to shoot me? Are you serious?" Li Banfeng lowered his hat brim.

PS: Banfeng hasn’t fully recovered; this fight will be tough!