Steam Era: The Lord of 'Puluo'

Chapter 392 - 270: Challenge the Arena

The elders of the Strict Law Society are divided into two categories: Literature Elders and Martial Elders.

Tang Peigong is a Literature Elder.

Wu Decheng is a Martial Elder.

The main difference between them is that Martial Elder Wu Decheng has cultivation levels.

Wu Decheng is a Sixth Layer Mental Cultivator and a top-tier master in the city of Black Stone Slope.

Li Banfeng had Ma Wu conduct a detailed investigation of the Strict Law Society. He knew of Wu Decheng’s presence within the Black Stone Slope branch of the Strict Law Society and had taken ample precautions against him. However, he hadn’t expected Wu Decheng to fail to appear in front of the cinema.

There were some hidden details that Li Banfeng was unaware of.

At the beginning of the year, an argument erupted between Tang Peigong and Wu Decheng, during which Tang Peigong publicly reprimanded Wu Decheng. Unable to tolerate the loss of face, Wu Decheng retreated to his estate outside the city to recuperate for a while.

Both were elders of the Strict Law Society, and Wu Decheng also possessed a cultivation level, so why could Tang Peigong reprimand him?

This was a unique tradition of the Strict Law Society.

There were distinctions in status among elders; an elder’s status was determined not by their cultivation level but by their virtue and ability.

Although Tang Peigong had no cultivation level or other special skills, he possessed both virtue and talent, and his status was higher than Wu Decheng’s. Therefore, it was appropriate for him to scold Wu Decheng.

Tang Peigong hadn’t expected to get a face full of Golden Juice when he only intended to smash a cinema. With no other choice, he had to ask Wu Decheng to intervene and deal with the Night-blooming Jasmine newspaper.

But with so many newspapers and magazines publishing the same story, why was Tang Peigong convinced that Night-blooming Jasmine was the culprit?

It was because only that newspaper had announced the movie screening.

Following this lead, Tang Peigong investigated further and discovered a mysterious figure—Boss Ye.

"It’s this fellow, Ye! He bought Sanfu Cinema, showed those corrupting films, and even slandered me in the newspapers! The ambush we suffered at the cinema entrance was clearly orchestrated by this scoundrel."

Wu Decheng didn’t stand on ceremony. After finding out the full story, he went alone to the Night-blooming Jasmine newspaper office.

When he arrived, Wu Decheng first sent a worker inside to announce, "Wu Decheng of the Strict Law Society is here to see Boss Ye."

Ma Wu reminded, "Elder Wu has arrived."

Li Banfeng asked, "How many people did he bring?"

The worker replied, "Just one."

Li Banfeng nodded. "According to the rules of Jianghu, fairness is key. Since he has come alone, I will meet him alone. You all lie in ambush. Wait for my signal, then all of you attack together. We can’t let him say we ganged up on him."

Zuo Wugang didn’t understand. "We all attack together, but we don’t let him say we ganged up on him?"

Li Banfeng said, "I meant we don’t let him *speak*, not that we won’t gang up on him!"

Ma Wu had a factory room specially cleaned. Li Banfeng and Wu Decheng sat inside to talk.

"Boss Ye, I hear you’re new to Black Stone Slope?" Wu Decheng began.

Li Banfeng nodded. "My business has just started, so I haven’t yet had the opportunity to pay my respects to Elder Wu."

Wu Decheng chuckled. "You don’t strike me as someone in this line of business."

Li Banfeng paused. "What makes you say that?"

Wu Decheng felt his mouth go dry. He picked up a teacup, sniffed it, then set it back on the table. Looking at Li Banfeng, he said, "This tea is poisoned."

Li Banfeng explained, "The poison was just added; it hasn’t been stirred in properly."

Wu Decheng sighed. "I came here with sincere intentions."

"My apologies, my apologies. I’ve mishandled this. I’ll get Elder Wu a fresh cup of tea right away."

Soon after, a worker brought another cup of tea.

Wu Decheng said to Li Banfeng, "Boss Ye, I’m here today to discuss two matters with you, and they can only be discussed between us."

Li Banfeng replied frankly, "It’s just me here."

Wu Decheng sighed softly. "I’m a Mental Cultivator."

The Taoist Sects of Literature Cultivation, Virtue Cultivation, and Mental Cultivation are very similar. However, while the Perception of Literature and Virtue Cultivators isn’t particularly strong, that of Mental Cultivators is excellent.

Wu Decheng could clearly sense the thoughts of those nearby. "Boss Ye," he continued, "I truly come with sincerity and have no intention of harming you."

Li Banfeng shouted to the surroundings, "Did you hear that? Elder Wu comes with sincerity! Everyone, move further away, somewhere you can’t hear our conversation!"

Slight sounds of movement came from around the factory room.

Zuo Wugang, who was outside the wall, left.

Ah Qin, who was on the roof beam, left.

The Swearing Woman, who had been pretending to clean, also departed.

Perceiving that the others were now far enough away, Wu Decheng lowered his voice and said to Li Banfeng, "The first matter: can you stop showing the ’Blood Gun Detective’ movie, and can you stop publishing the ’Night-blooming Jasmine’ newspaper?"

Li Banfeng shook his head. "The movie will continue to be shown, and the newspaper will continue to be published. This is non-negotiable."

This was within Wu Decheng’s expectations.

"Then let’s discuss the second matter. We’ll fight three bouts."

Li Banfeng was surprised. "What do you mean, ’three bouts’?"

"It means we’ll have a contest, best two out of three. We’ll fight three times. For the first match, let me win to make a strong showing. For the second, you win. And for the third, we’ll call it a draw. This way, I gain enough face at the Strict Law Society, and you secure your benefits in Black Stone Slope. What do you say, is this negotiable?"

Li Banfeng pondered for a moment. "It’s negotiable, but I must win the first match."

Wu Decheng frowned. "This is a gentleman’s agreement. Why haggle over such details?"

Li Banfeng retorted, "If you’re not haggling, then let me win the first match."

Wu Decheng said, "I volunteered to represent the Strict Law Society in this fight. If I don’t win the opening battle, it will be hard for me to answer to them."

Li Banfeng countered, "My momentum is strong right now. A sudden, crushing defeat would severely damage morale!"

Wu Decheng looked displeased. After a long silence, he said, "Fine. As you wish. You win the first match."

Li Banfeng nodded. "Shall we sign a Contract Book?"

Wu Decheng waved his hands dismissively. "No, no Contract Book."

Li Banfeng knew he wouldn’t sign a Contract Book. Arranging predetermined outcomes for arena fights, essentially rigging the matches—such things couldn’t be revealed to others.