Where Did He Come From?

Li Banfeng is drawing a map in Carefree Dock, a map of Bastard Slope.

Wan Jinxian knew that Li Banfeng had used the Separation of A Farewell of Ten Thousand Miles Technique, which meant that he knew Li Banfeng had Ninth Layer of cultivation.

This matter is a major worry for Li Banfeng; he must find Wan Jinxian and get rid of him.

Wan Jinxian was sent to Knife Ghost Ridge by Li Banfeng. Knife Ghost Ridge is currently located at Bastard Slope.

Previously, due to the influence of the sage's skill in navigating towering mountains, the entrance to Bastard Slope was difficult to find, the exit was hard to locate, the directions were confusing, and the terrain was overlapping. There was no complete map of Bastard Slope in Pro State.

Now that the sage is gone, the influence of the "Layered Peaks" technique has also disappeared, but Bastard Slope has become the territory of DaoLao Ghost. Ordinary people dare not set foot in Bastard Slope, so there is even less hope for the map.

Fortunately, Li Banfeng had traveled to every village in Bastard Slope beforehand, and with Lu Xiu's talent for Travel Cultivator and distance, the framework of the map was quickly formed.

There were still a few details to recall carefully when Ma Wu suddenly pushed open the door and walked in, "Seventh Brother, we've got a big deal!"

"What big deal?"

To manage Seven Autumn City and Yellow Earth Bridge, Ma Wu has been extremely busy lately. Today, for reasons unknown, he rushed back to Carefree Dock.

Ma Wu said, "A merchant surnamed Chen approached me, wanting to do business with us. Seventh Brother, our business has expanded to Outer State!"

Li Banfeng didn't understand this matter. He had heard before that large Lineage had business dealings with Outer State, but what kind of business could they do with Outer State and Pro State?

Ma Wu explained, " In Outer State, cultivation is called Dark Energy, and magical treasures, Spiritual Object, and elixirs are called Dark Energy Carrier. The Dark Energy Carrier in Outer State are all bought from us. This merchant surnamed Chen is in this business."

Li Banfeng frowned and said, "Isn't this sending weapons to Outer State?"

Ma Wu shrugged and said, "Seventh Brother, we are businessmen. This is not our business, and we can't control it anyway. If we don't sell, other Lineage will sell to Outer State."

Li Banfeng put away the map and said, "Tomorrow I will summon all the major Lineage. Starting today, this business must stop. Anyone who continues to do this is going against me."

Ma Wu persuaded Li Banfeng, saying, "Even if we stop the major Lineage, it won't help. The Guanfang Hall is still here. They have channels to obtain magic weapons and pills. Sometimes they even hire hunters to hunt in new lands."

That makes sense, but something's not quite right.

"The Guanfang Hall has its own channels, so why does it need to do business with us through this businessman surnamed Chen?"

Find a middleman to profit from both ends? What benefit does that bring to Outer State?

Ma Wu explained, "This merchant is special; he's not from the Huan Kingdom, he's from Amikan Country."

Huan Kingdom will allow him to handle business in Pro State, and in return, Huan Kingdom Amikan Country State. This is the result of a negotiation among several parties.

Game theory?

In the Huan Kingdom, very few people knew about Pro State. Before Li Banfeng came to Pro State, he had no idea that such a place existed.

Pro State, Dark Energy, Dark Energy User —in the Huan Kingdom, this is a top secret. Why would you ask a foreign businessman to gamble on something so important?

Li Banfeng always felt that this matter was too abnormal.

"Fifth Brother, this businessman surnamed Chen might be a fraud."

Ma Wu nodded and said, "I also suspect it's a trap, but he has a letter from the Guanfang Hall. The letter is genuine. I asked the insider at the Guanfang Hall, and it's true too. Seventh Brother, we can't let such a big deal slip by."

As he spoke, Ma Wu looked around and gestured to Li Banfeng to see if there were any hooks in the room.

Li Banfeng shook his head. He had washed this room several times using his Wife's techniques, so there were definitely no hooks. Ma Wu whispered, "You're from Outer State, so you know more about things Outer State than I do. We need to discuss this business together."

Talking is not out of the question. Li Banfeng doesn't want to do this business, but he needs to know what this businessman surnamed Chen is up to.

Two days later, Ma Wu hosted a banquet at Carefree Dock to specially entertain this businessman surnamed Chen.

Once all the guests had arrived, Ma Wu first introduced them to each other, "Seventh Brother, this is Dick Chen from Amikan Country."

Judging from his appearance, this man named Dick Chen is a typical Asian. He looks to be only about twenty-five or twenty-six years old, with delicate features, suggesting he may have had cosmetic surgery. He always has a slight smile on his face.

A slight, slightly teasing smile.

When introducing Li Banfeng, Ma Wu emphasized, "He is the president of our Seven Autumn Group. This business deal is to be decided by our president."

President?

Li Banfeng looked at Ma Wu, not understanding why he had this title.

Ma Wu is a rich young man. For various reasons, he has never been to Outer State, but he is not completely ignorant about things in Outer State. He communicates in a way that Dick Chen can adapt to.

Dick Chen looked at Li Banfeng and nodded slightly, but did not shake hands with Li Banfeng. This was appropriate, as Li Banfeng did not have the habit of shaking hands.

Li Banfeng didn't even nod; he just silently looked at Dick Chen.

After a few polite words, Ma Wu quickly got to the point. "We have already calculated the list of goods proposed by Mr. Chen, and we have provided a price quote. Of course, if the cooperation goes smoothly, we are also willing to make some concessions on the price."

Ma Wu is a businessman, but this is not his usual way of doing business. Ma Wu put in a lot of effort to adapt to Dick Chen.

Dick Chen glanced at Ma Wu's proposal, casually placed it on the table, and still wore a contemptuous and mocking smile, "This is my first time here. What's this place called again?"

His secretary chimed in, "This place is called Pro State."

The secretary-general was quite impressive. She had fair skin, a full face, short hair that reached her ears, and frameless glasses. Her plump, round breasts only touched the seat about a third of the way. She possessed the unique competence and aloofness of a professional woman.

"Province," Dick Chen with some difficulty, "This name is really a bit of a mouthful."

I'll just call it Puzhou for now, I hope everyone agrees?

Upon hearing this, Ma Wu's cheek twitched.

The last time we met, Dick Chen said he couldn't remember the name of Pro State, and he said the same thing again this time.

Not only could he not remember it, he also changed his name.

The accountant sitting to the side trembled slightly at the tip of his pen; even he could hardly contain himself.

But Dick Chen didn't see anything wrong with it. He continued, "I know that Puzhou is a very isolated place, but I didn't expect it to be this backward."

Mr. Ma, are you listing out the price list now in the hopes of closing this deal through this negotiation?

Ma Wu did indeed think that way, and he was right to do so. It was Dick Chen who took the initiative to approach him, so business should be discussed in this way.

Dick Chen, however, disagrees. "We live in an age of information and data. I need to compare different pieces of information to determine whether you are a business partner."

Ma Wu asked, "If you thought I had no value, why did you ask me to do business with you in the first place?"

Dick Chen spread his hands and said, "Because there aren't many people to choose from in Puzhou, to be precise, no one here has modern business knowledge. I can only find someone who isn't so ignorant from a group of ignorant people."

Mr. Ma, if you truly want to make a breakthrough in your career and break out of this isolated place, Puzhou, I suggest you go out and see the world. At the very least, you need to understand the concepts of data and information.

Ma Wu's concept of data and information is vague, and so is that of every Pro State resident.

But it was precisely these two vague concepts that directly lowered Ma Wu's status, making him so angry that Ma Wu veins throbbed and he couldn't speak.

Li Banfeng wasn't angry. He asked Dick Chen, "What methods do you usually use to obtain data and information?"

Dick Chen smiled and said, "Let's talk about the basics. You may not know the concept of the Internet. On the Internet, I can get most of the information I need."

Li Banfeng said, "We also have our information channels; we have newspapers."

Dick Chen shook his head and said, "That's too outdated. That's a media medium from the last century; it should have been sent to a museum long ago."

"Furthermore, I've seen your newspapers; the information there is mostly exaggerated and unreliable."

Li Banfeng nodded and said, "The newspapers in Pro State aren't very reliable; maybe only three out of ten news items are true. But on the internet, as you're saying, perhaps not one out of a hundred pieces of information is true. What's so great about using it as an information channel?"

Dick Chen frowned slightly. "What's the basis for your statement? Have you ever used the internet?"

Li Banfeng laughed and said, "In Pro State, not everyone is qualified to speak in the newspapers."

But once you get to Outer State, anyone can spout nonsense online. How credible do you think the internet is then?

Dick Chen shook his head and said, "You seem to have some understanding of the internet, but your way of thinking shocks me. You actually compared newspapers to the internet, which shows how outdated and backward your thinking is."

My way of speaking may be a bit direct, but I don't mean to offend you. I just want to express my true thoughts.

Mr. Li, the backwardness and isolation of your Puzhou region determines my attitude towards you. This is a reflection of objective facts, not my subjective discrimination. Do you understand what I mean?

Li Banfeng shook his head and said, "That guy, I still don't understand what you mean."

Dick Chen frowned and said, "I have a name, please don't call me 'so-and-so,' it's the least you can do to respect me."

Li Banfeng asked very seriously, "What's your name again?"

Dick Chen's cheeks twitched slightly, but he maintained a faint smile, "My name is Dick Chen, I hope you can remember it."

"Your last name is Di?"

Dick Chen's cheek twitched again. "Mr. Li, perhaps you haven't been exposed to other languages. In my language, the surname is usually placed after the given name."

"So your surname is Chen?" Li Banfeng shook his head and said, "This name isn't good; it's neither traditional nor modern, it sounds incongruous."

Since you're so eager to become a foreigner, I'll give you a nicer-sounding foreign name. I'll call you Sack Dick. You don't mind, do you?

Dick Chen stopped laughing. Sack Dick, in a vulgar way, said, "Mr. Li, I don't know if your words just now were intentional or unintentional?"

"I meant it," Li Banfeng said frankly. "I didn't intend to offend you; I'm humiliating you. Can't you tell, Saq?"

Dick Chen clenched his fists, about to slam them on the table.

Li Banfeng warned, "If you smash the table, I'll chop off your hand."

Dick Chen's fists tightened, and Li Banfeng laughed, "If you punch me again, I'll chop off your hand. I'm not targeting you; Pro State is just that direct in its dealings."

Dick Chen released his fist, got up and left with his secretary.

Ma Wu booked a private room and drank one glass of wine after another in silence.

He wasn't upset about business matters; he was annoyed by his own behavior earlier.

"Seventh Brother, I really should go see Outer State like. I've realized that I know nothing outside of Pro State."

Today, Dick Chen about data, information, and the internet. I've heard of all these terms, but I've never actually seen them.

I originally planned to study in Outer State, but my father wouldn't allow it. Later, I heard that the Outer State only allowed men to marry one wife, so I didn't want to go anymore.

Although Dick Chen has a sharp tongue, he's right. I need to go out and see the world; I need to learn some real skills.

Li Banfeng picked up his glass, took a sip, and nodded, saying, "It's only right to go to Outer State to learn some skills, but that Dick guy isn't from Outer State; he's from Pro State."

Ma Wu testified. "What makes you say that?"

Li Banfeng said, "This all started with you. You are the fifth young master of the Ma family, not an ordinary person. The reason he can disgust you like this is because he knows where the people of Pro State's most vulnerable spot is."

I threatened to cut off his hand, and he immediately cowered. All his previous arrogance and haughtiness vanished. This was because he was familiar with the ways and procedures of doing things in Pro State.

Ma Wu was stunned for a long time before saying, "Then what is his purpose in contacting us? Isn't it to do business?"

"This is something we need to investigate," Li Banfeng said, finishing his drink. "And we must get to the bottom of it." Inside the secret room of the Guanfang Hall, Dick Chen was reviewing Li Qi's file. "Li Qi's real name is Song Zhuowen. He studied in Outer State..."

He does have some knowledge of Outer State, which is logically correct. As for other information, let Tangyuan investigate.

After saying that, Dick Chen handed the documents to Tangyuan.

Like the Light Bulb, Tangyuan was a trainee sent by the Dark Star Bureau. Her main task was to assist Dick Chen in his work.

Just now at Carefree Dock, she disguised herself as Dick Chen's secretary.

Tangyuan was eager to investigate Li Qi. Unlike Light Bulb, she didn't come to Pro State to just coast along. She wanted to make a real difference and learn some skills.

But Liao Zihui didn't intend to give Tangyuan that chance. He said to Dick Chen, "Xiao Chen, someone like Li Qi is not suitable for You Xuehan to investigate alone."

Dick Chen shook his head and laughed, "In my eyes, Li Qi is nothing special. He's not calm enough, and he lacks sufficient shrewdness and patience."

On our first meeting, he threatened to cut off my hand over a few words. Someone who so easily shows anger isn't worth my time.

Seeing Dick Chen's disdain for Li Qi, Liao Zihui was somewhat dissatisfied. "You don't know him well enough."

I hope you can spend a little more time.

"I can't waste my time on people like this," Dick Chen interrupted Liao Zihui directly. "You've worked in Pro State for so long, you should understand the concept of Balance Person and their values."

As the Balance Person, I need to balance the interests of all parties. There are many things I need to do; the list could be several meters long. But Li Qi isn't on that list; he doesn't deserve it.

Liao Zihui said nothing more and left the secret room.

Dick Chen looked at Tangyuan: "Miss You, you no longer need to cooperate with my work."

Tangyuan 1: "This is a mission assigned to me by the General Envoy. Before receiving the General Envoy's orders, I must—."

"You will receive the General Envoy's orders, perhaps today, or at the latest tomorrow morning."

Before that, I'm giving you time off. You can do whatever you want—go shopping, buy things—these things are perfect for you.

Tangyuan frowned and said, "I don't understand what you mean."

"Wasn't I being direct enough? What I mean is, you're not suited for the current task," Dick Chen. "Your abilities are clearly insufficient. Today at the dinner table, you showed tension and fear, which could easily have put me in a difficult position."

I don't understand why the Dark Star Bureau and the Guanfang Hall sent you here. I have no obligation to help you improve your abilities, and I certainly don't want to be a burden to my work.

"Miss You, go do what you're good at. In the Dark Star Bureau, those who lack ability often get better positions. I think you should be able to find a path that suits you."

Tangyuan bit her lip, about to leave the secret room, when Dick Chen picked up a stack of documents on the table. "Take all of Li Qi's things away. From now on, this will be your job. I don't want to waste a single moment on either you or him."

Tangyuan stormed back to the office in a rage.

Bang! She slammed the documents on the table.

The Light Bulb jumped in fright. "What are you doing? Have you eaten poison?"

Tangyuan, Big Head, and Light Bulb share an office. Big Head goes out on fieldwork, while Light Bulb spends his time in the office every day.

Sitting at her desk, Tangyuan held her forehead and remained silent for a long time.

She couldn't figure out what the point of her coming to Pro State was.

She felt that she was working hard every day, but the result was similar to that of Light Bulb, which was equivalent to just wasting her days.

"What happened?" Light Bulb stepped forward to offer a word of comfort.

"Nothing much," Tangyuan sighed and began organizing the documents.

Entrusting Li Qi to me is a good thing; I need to set a good example and let them see.

The Light Bulb sat beside Tangyuan, watching very carefully.

He saw Li Qi's file and a proposal, Ma Wu's price quote.

"How did this price quote end up in her hands?" Li Banfeng pondered for a moment and said, "Describe what Tangyuan looks like."

"No need for description, I have his photo." The Light Bulb took out a group photo of the team from his wallet.

"The one with the round face and glasses is Tangyuan."

Although her makeup had changed, Li Banfeng recognized her at a glance; this woman was Dick Chen's secretary.

Why would a senior agent from the Dark Star Bureau, sent to the Guanfang Hall for further training, disguise himself as a businessman's secretary?

What is the true identity of this Dick Chen?

As night fell, Dick Chen arrived at Fuwang Wine House and entered a private room.

Chu Shaoqiang was drinking alone in a private room when he saw Dick Chen. Chu Shaoqiang put down his glass and tapped it lightly on the rim.

This is a warning to Dick Chen.

Dick Chen stood at the door, not approaching Chu Shaoqiang. He knew that there were many magical treasures and Spiritual Object in the room that were already aimed at him.

Chu Shaoqiang asked, "Did Inner State send you to find me?"

Dick Chen shook his head and said, "If it were Inner State that sent me to find you, I wouldn't have come in through this door. I would have ambushed you somewhere. Brother Chu, you've already become a sinner in Inner State. I'm here to help you."

Chu Shaoqiang smiled, "How will you help me?"

"You shouldn't have to bear the burden of Ge Jun's matter alone, and the incident at Sage Peak wasn't your fault either."

You've been subjected to too many unwarranted accusations; you need someone to give you justice.

Chu Shaoqiang laughed, "Your fake foreigner's tone is actually quite pleasant to listen to. You say you want to give me justice? What do you have to offer?"

"Give me something important, and I'll help you gain a higher status."

"What's important?"

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

Three days later, Dick Chen arrived at the Soda Kiln, bought a bottle of orange-flavored soda from a soda stall, didn't drink it, opened the cap, picked up the bottle, and went into the alley.

He knocked on a door, and the scent of orange perfume wafted into the yard through the crack in the door.

The door opened, and the spiderwebs on the floor were drawn back into the room one by one.

Dick Chen crossed the yard, entered the house, and smiled, "Dabo Ensi, my good friend, I've come to visit you."

Detective Dabo Ensi removed his top hat and bowed deeply. "My mentor, my guide, I have been waiting here for your arrival."

Dick Chen patted Dabo Ensi on the shoulder. "We're like-minded comrades now, you don't need to be so polite with me anymore. How's the former Balance Person doing?"

Dabo Ensi glanced around the room and said in a low voice, "His mental state has basically recovered, but some of his memories seem to have been completely lost."

Dick Chen entered the room and saw Xiao Zhengong locked to the railing.

Xiao Zhengong's eyes flashed coldly, and he sneered, "Another fake foreigner? Do you fake foreigners have a gang? What exactly are you trying to do?"

Dick Chen squatted down and said, "We'll do something for you, something you weren't able to finish while you were alive."

Xiao Zhengong frowned and said, "You think I'm dead?"

Dick Chen laughed and said, "You can think you're alive, and you can live forever, provided you tell me some important secrets, secrets about boundaries."

Xiao Zhengong shook his head and said, "When I was in the Dark Star Bureau, I did study some things about the boundary, but the Outer State were too well hidden and the information was hard to find, so in the end I couldn't come up with any results."

Dick Chen explained earnestly, "You've found the results, but you don't know it yourself. You've hidden some important information. You don't need to tell me the exact location; you just need to provide some clues."

P. S.: This chapter is a bit short. I had Salad cough and couldn't hold on any longer. My apologies to all the readers.

Thank you to the guild leader, DianDianMiao, for living a long and healthy life, and thank you for your strong support of Salad and this work.