Come If You Dare

Huff! Huff!

The train has arrived at Black Stone Slope Station. There have been many trains running these past two days, and the station staff are very busy.

After Cheng Mingke left, traffic in Black Stone Slope returned to normal. Factories of all sizes that were waiting to ship their goods were scrambling for railcars, and large quantities of grain were quickly transported into Black Stone City.

Order has been restored in Black Stone Slope, but what about the previous child abduction incident?

This was done by Jiang Xiang Gang. It was clearly stated in the notice from the Guanfang Hall that they had no dealings with Jiang Xiang Gang and that they would be making a concerted effort to eliminate Jiang Xiang Gang in Black Stone Slope in the future.

Of course, the residents of Black Stone Slope ignored all this nonsense; they only remembered that a man called Benefactor had helped them find their child and had even given them rice to eat.

Black Stone Slope quickly returned to a peaceful and happy life, which was clearly reflected in the newspaper sales. After the newspaper office reopened, the sales of "Ye Lai Xiang" remained high.

But the hatred for Jiang Xiang Gang will not be forgotten, and the denunciation of Jiang Xiang Gang by major newspapers has only just begun.

Many old cases were unearthed, and almost every newspaper had a column about Jiang Xiang Gang.

Stacks of newspapers were placed in front of Xiao Zhengong. After quickly flipping through them, Xiao Zhengong asked Shen Jingye, the director of the Dark Star Bureau, "Why are you showing me this?"

Shen Jingye said, "I want to remind you that the Jiang Xiang Gang is in a precarious situation. If this gang wants to continue to survive in Pro State, it must make some changes."

Xiao Zhengong asked in surprise, "How can we change it? The Jiang Xiang Gang has relied on these kinds of businesses since its inception."

Without these livelihoods, how will we connect with the saints? How will we balance relations between Pro State and Outer State?

"We have our methods, and your traditional approaches must also change."

"Tell me, what changes can possibly occur?"

Shen Jingye said, "The plan is still being finalized. I will notify you once it is confirmed."

Xiao Zhengong had already guessed a thing or two; they were planning to continue to nibble away at Jiang Xiang Gang.

Looking back on the process of using the Balance Seal, Xiao Zhengong has become a laughing stock in the eyes of others.

He sent five branches to the Guanfang Envoy.

Three more sects were destroyed, but it's still unclear who destroyed them.

Jiang Xiang Gang, who originally operated in the shadows, has now been brought into the open and is now universally condemned.

But what did Xiao Zhengong gain?

He only received a lump of flesh and blood, supposedly belonging to He Jiaqing, but the truth is impossible to verify.

The He Family's assets were frozen for a period of time, but Guanfang Envoy pressure, the He Family unfroze them in order to distance themselves from Jiang Xiang Gang.

Is that all there is to it?

It's not over yet.

Shen Jingye said, "We have carefully considered the He Family's attitude towards you, and from your safety perspective, it is indeed necessary to take some necessary actions."

Xiao Zhengong didn't understand. "What does that mean?"

"We have decided to eliminate He Yuxiu in the name of Jiang Xiang Gang. He Yuxiu is currently the head of the He Family. Eliminating her will greatly deter the He Family and provide you with more security."

"Give me a guarantee?" Xiao Zhengong laughed out loud.

Look how artfully you put it!

After He Yuxiu took over as head of the family, she had a constant conflict with the Guanfang Envoy, a fact that Xiao Zhengong was aware of.

"So, you want to get rid of He Yuxiu and then make Jiang Xiang Gang take the blame, right?"

Shen Jingye did not explain, "The restriction period for the Balance Seal has ended. You are now free to move around."

I'll remind you again: you can continue working in the Public Security Brigade, but I advise you to choose another position.

Xiao Zhengong remained silent, got up, and left the office.

Back home, Xiao Zhengong sat on the sofa, where two young women prepared hot water, tested the temperature, and helped Xiao Zhengong take a bath.

Upon arriving at the bedroom, Xiao Zhengong chased away the two women, lay on the bed, and stared blankly at the ceiling.

The White Clothes hanging on the hanger said, "Senior brother, you didn't have to go to such lengths. You should have listened to me at the hospital and gotten rid of He Jiaqing."

Now that you've used the Balance Seal, you've suffered a major blow. The Jiang Xiang Gang has lost a large portion of their strength to Outer State; you've lost a fortune on this deal.

Xiao Zhengong replied, "That's all the skill I have. Go report back to your master. Anyway, He Jiaqing is already dead."

The White Clothes sighed, "I will certainly tell the truth, but whether Master rewards or punishes me is not up to me."

The next evening, the White Clothes quietly left the mansion, and Xiao Zhengong drove to the Dark Star Bureau.

He never shows up for work on time, but today is special because it's his shift.

Today, the student on duty with him was still in the Chuunibyou. Xiao Zhengong knew he couldn't get rid of him, so he ignored him and just sat in his office.

It was almost midnight Xiao Zhengong lit a cigar. The strong smell of smoke wafted over, Chuunibyou rubbed his nose, but didn't seem too bothered.

Amidst the swirling smoke, Xiao Zhengong's figure had already floated to the stairwell.

Chuunibyou didn't see this scene; in his line of sight, he saw Xiao Zhengong still sitting in his office.

Xiao Zhengong went up the stairs to the archives again, searched several shelves, and finally found the document, the document about boundaries.

Jiang Xiang Gang will soon no longer belong to Xiao Zhengong.

So what?

Is Jiang Xiang Gang very important?

He Jiaqing was right in front of them, the Sage was right behind them, and the White Clothes was personally overseeing the battle. This matter needed to be addressed.

But Xiao Zhengong didn't want to seek an explanation himself; he didn't want to lose his position in the Public Security Brigade.

The use of the Balance Seal was a performance for the sake of the sage.

Whoever controls the boundaries controls everything in Pro State.

Li Banfeng ordered a bowl of Mutton Noodles at the noodle shop. This shop was affordable, with plenty of noodles and meat. Many workers came here to eat after work. A bowl of noodles, a mutton bone, and a bowl of wine were a reward for the workers who had worked hard all day.

It may not have been a lavish meal, but it was delicious. I could never get enough of Black Stone Slope.

After eating and drinking his fill, Li Banfeng strolled around the city. Passing by a jewelry stall, Li Banfeng squatted down and picked out a few pieces of jewelry.

The Jade Bangle was made of stone, and the gold necklace was made of copper. I bought more than a dozen pieces for less than a hundred yuan.

Li Banfeng knew the quality of these things, but his Wife liked them.

Previously in Green Water City, Li Banfeng spent two hundred Golden Hairpin for his Wife. His Wife picked them up with a needle and threw them directly into the storage cabinet, complaining that they weren't bright enough.

The items at the roadside stalls were brightly colored and beautifully made. Even if they were damaged, it didn't bother the Wife. She could play with each item for a long time.

Hong Ying always joked that her Wife was vulgar.

So what if it's a bit tacky? Li Banfeng finds the bright red and green colors quite pleasing to the eye.

After selecting the items, Li Banfeng tried to pay, but the jewelry seller refused to accept the money.

Why not accept it?

The girl stared at Li Banfeng for a long time, then lowered her voice and said, "You must be my Benefactor. My family has eaten your rice."

Li Banfeng threw down two Huan Country Notes, picked up his things, and left.

We can't stay at Black Stone Slope any longer. If people find out that our Benefactor is Night Boss, things will get complicated.

Back at the newspaper office, Li Banfeng asked Bai Qiusheng to help him get his Travel Permit, and went to the Train Station that very evening.

When they reached the ticket gate, Li Banfeng came out again.

Today, the Travel Permit checks were very strict; everyone had to be asked their name repeatedly.

Why ask for my name repeatedly?

Could it be that there is some kind of Virtue Cultivation Magical Treasure?

Li Banfeng never uses his real name to obtain travel Travel Permit. If he were to encounter Virtue Cultivation Magical Treasure, he would be in big trouble.

It seemed that the previous incident was not completely over. Not long after leaving the Train Station, Li Banfeng felt that he was being watched.

Why are they targeting me?

Was it because I suddenly left just before the ticket check?

This action is indeed suspicious, but as a seven-story House Cultivator, it wouldn't normally attract attention unless someone happened to see it.

Is there another possibility that my outfit aroused suspicion?

A black suit, a black top hat, the brim pulled very low— the Guanfang Hall may have its eye on people dressed similarly.

I need to change my clothes.

Li Banfeng found a quiet place and returned to Portable Abode.

Once inside, Li Banfeng pondered which outfit would suit him best.

White suit? Gray suit?

It's best not to wear a suit in Black Stone Slope anymore.

He once had a blue-green long gown custom-made in Green Water City, but later found it troublesome to wear and left it in the third room, where it was hardly ever touched.

Upon arriving at the third house, Li Banfeng changed into a long gown, put on a greyish-white top hat, threw his suit jacket on the ground, and pondered his next move.

Should we go back to the museum and hide for a while?

No.

The newspaper had previously clashed with the Guanfang Hall, so it's likely they're being watched now.

Should we go back via New Land?

It's quite difficult.

Yao Lao's map did not indicate the location of Black Stone Slope, and Li Banfeng did not know how to get there after arriving at the new place.

Moreover, the new land in Black Stone Slope left a deep shadow on Li Banfeng. Last time, while looking for a new place, he accidentally entered the Dream Tether Tower.

Are there any other approaches?

Make a package yourself and have someone from the newspaper deliver it.

This approach seems safe, but it's not suitable now.

Having considered it beforehand, it was highly likely that the newspaper office was already being watched. If the newspaper staff arrived at the station but didn't board the train and their package was confiscated, Li Banfeng's situation would be dangerous.

Just as I was pondering this, I suddenly heard a rustling sound coming from inside my suit.

Li Banfeng thought it was a glove, but when he lifted his suit jacket, a small metal box slid out of his inner pocket.

The metal box contained the screws given to him by Brother Tang. Li Banfeng had no shortage of hidden weapons, so he always carried this thing with him and never needed it.

Unexpectedly, the box disappeared from the ground the moment it touched the ground.

Li Banfeng asked in astonishment, "Old man, what are you doing with my screw?"

"Great stuff!" Portable Abode exclaimed in admiration.

"What's so good about it? What's the use of this thing?"

Portable Abode did not respond.

The things given by the local deity at Black Stone Slope should be considered treasures, but they were swallowed up by the train.

It's fine to swallow it; I don't need it myself anyway, and it doesn't benefit anyone else.

Having furnished the house with good things, your luck is likely to improve.

While pondering, Li Banfeng noticed that another item had slipped out of his suit.

The mechanism was obtained from Jiang Xiang Gang's Hall Master when they fought.

Is this thing useful?

Li Banfeng came up with an idea!

Late at night, Li Banfeng, carrying a map of Black Stone Slope, wearing a blue-green long gown and a gray-white top hat, sped northward toward Black Stone Slope.

After walking for more than three hours, passing through the city and crossing the suburbs, Li Banfeng reached the border of Black Stone Slope.

Like the familiar border line, it's a line that stretches out in both directions, with no end in sight, and nothing grows around it.

Li Banfeng took out the mechanism, grabbed the lever and pulled it, but there was no reaction on the border line.

He threw a branch over, and the branch turned to ashes the instant it crossed the border.

It seems like I'm overthinking it.

Boundary lines and border lines don't seem to be the same thing; at least this remote control isn't universal.

Back at Portable Abode, Li Banfeng continued to think of a solution when he suddenly heard an old voice whisper in his ear, "Come to the third room, I'll help you make some changes."

It is the sound of Portable Abode.

What should be changed?

Remote control?

Will he change this again?

Li Banfeng entered the third room and placed the remote control on the floor.

Just like the screw, the remote control was quickly swallowed by the ground.

After waiting for more than an hour, the remote control reappeared from the ground.

Li Banfeng picked it up and looked at it; it was exactly the same as before.

"Could this be used on the border?"

The voice of Portable Abode Ju rang out again. "That depends on whether you have the guts."

P. S.: If you dare, let's give it a try!