Chapter 594: Two Wars

Today, Li Li Banfeng heard a new term: the Second Pro War.

When speaking of the concept of the "Second Pro War," Shen Shen Jingye was cautious, constantly observing Li Qi's reaction.

Seeing Li Qi so astonished, Shen Shen Jingye felt a twinge of regret—he hadn't intended to reveal so much classified information.

"Comrade Li Ju, you didn't know about that war over forty years ago?"

How could he answer that?

According to the Frontier Office's understanding, Li Qi was a native of Pro State; if he didn't even know about a war from forty years ago, his identity would be hard to explain.

How could he give a reasonable explanation?

In haste, Li Li Banfeng couldn't think of a suitable reply, so he merely evaded: "I've heard a little from the older generation, but their accounts were vague."

In Li Li Banfeng's view, this wasn't a reasonable explanation—just a temporary delay. If Shen Shen Jingye pressed further, Li Li Banfeng might reveal many inconsistencies.

But who could have imagined the reality was exactly like this?

Shen Shen Jingye nodded: "That's the nature of the Second Pro War—it differs greatly from the First Pro War. Although the Second Pro War lasted longer and was more intense, its battles were scattered,

many people in Pro State knew war was happening, but none could clearly say how it was fought, or against whom—this has created considerable obstacles for our investigation."

Shen Shen Jingye's words revealed two important pieces of information.

First, the outer states also had very limited knowledge of the Second Pro War; contact between outer states and Pro State during the war may have been minimal,

second, there truly was a First Pro War.

What the First Pro War was, Li Li Banfeng couldn't ask—asking would only expose more of his ignorance.

It didn't matter; as long as he held tightly onto Comrade Shen, these questions would eventually be answered.

Shen Shen Jingye continued: "The recording you just heard came from Nie Li Aisha, an early member of the Birch Hermitage. Though his rank wasn't high, he personally took part in multiple battles of the Second Pro War,

he was someone passionate about documenting life, leaving behind many valuable materials—including notebooks, recordings, and visual media—that have provided us with numerous clues for studying the Second Pro War,

we once assumed he experienced the entire war, but this recording suggests Nie Li Aisha likely died in one of these battles; he didn't mention any dates, and we can't pinpoint when this battle occurred."

Li Li Banfeng reread the translation: "According to his account, he and everyone who stayed behind

all died at the hands of a Huang opera performer; in that era, there probably weren't many opera performers in Pro State."

This deduction was certainly correct—forty years ago, even in Ban Yue State, there were barely any opera performers.

Shen Shen Jingye shook his head: "This is a translation issue. Our translators always strive for literal translation

to avoid misinterpretation,

what the Lavsah call 'Pro State opera' is actually our traditional opera; this Huang performer is almost certainly the missing famous actor Huang Huang Yuxian—the legendary Yin Ling of Pro State."

"The Yin Ling participated in the Second Pro War?"

Shen Shen Jingye nodded: "This is one of the biggest findings of this investigation. We desperately want to know Huang Huang Yuxian's final whereabouts—through her, we may gain deeper insight into Pro State."

Shen Shen Jingye left. Li Li Banfeng carefully flipped through the materials he left behind.

The Birch Hermitage's materials were extremely valuable, containing numerous member files, financial records,

and some confidential letters.

But Li Li Banfeng couldn't focus on them.

The name Huang Huang Yuxian haunted his mind.

Thinking of Huang Huang Yuxian reminded him of his wife.

He called Tang Yuan.

Seeing Li Li Banfeng, Tang Yuan was delighted and immediately reported good news: "Young Master,

I've been promoted—I'm now a Level Five Scholar."

Li Li Banfeng: "How did you rise so fast?"

"There've been many missions lately. Director Shen changed the management approach—the Bureau issued a lot of harmonizers. At first I was worried they wouldn't work, but then I found they worked on me too—"

Li Li Banfeng interrupted: "Why didn't the harmonizers work?"

Tang Yuan whispered: "Dengpao always complained the harmonizers didn't work—I actually believed him."

Li Li Banfeng shook his head: "Dengpao is special. His initiation powder is family-passed down—he's not like you."

Tang Yuan nodded: "I know about that. Actually, I'm not like them either—I took the initiation powder in Pro State. Now I'm no longer a Dark Energy user—I'm a Wu Xiu."

"Took the powder in Pro State? Did you go to the peddler?"

"No, peddlers aren't easy to find. At the time, I was on assignment at the Frontier Office—I couldn't leave Lüshui City without official permission.

I got the powder from Xiaoyao Wu. When Fifth Master heard I had some connection with you—he sent someone to ask what I needed.

Xiaoyao Wu gave me better lodging and raised my salary. I couldn't think of anything else to ask for, so I requested the Wu Xiu powder. Fifth Master sent it right away."

Li Li Banfeng was astonished: "You never told me this?"

Tang Yuan lowered her head: "At the time, I didn't fully trust you. Later, I wanted to tell you, but feared you'd be angry and punish me—"

Ma Wu had mentioned to Li Li Banfeng that this new girl had become a Wu Xiu.

Li Li Banfeng had misunderstood—he already knew Tang Yuan was a Wu Xiu.

"You were a Level Four Scholar, but after taking the Wu Xiu powder, you weren't affected?"

Tang Yuan answered seriously: "There was an effect—I felt pain, real pain. You know my flesh is thick, but I still couldn't walk."

"I'm not talking about pain. Wu Xiu and Scholar are fundamentally different—you should know that."

"I know. So I wanted to truly become a Wu Xiu. After taking the powder, nothing changed at first—I thought I'd suffered for nothing.

But recently, I noticed things were different. Many techniques I couldn't control before, I can now control."

Tang Yuan spoke excitedly, detailing every subtle change. Li Li Banfeng listened clearly—her control over her cultivation base had strengthened, and she truly now resembled a Wu Xiu.

Under these circumstances, the harmonizers still worked, lifting her to Level Five. The guidance agents and initiation powders, the harmonizers and elixirs—there were indeed intricate connections among them.

Listening to Tang Yuan talk about cultivation, Li Li Banfeng nearly forgot everything else.

"Have you heard of the two Pro Wars?"

Tang Yuan looked up at Li Li Banfeng, then lowered her head again.

Her eyes darted around, as if worried about surveillance equipment in the room.

"Don't worry—the surveillance is turned off."

Tang Yuan exhaled: "Young Master, this is top-secret material. I've only seen it once: Pro State endured two major wars. The First Pro War's timing is unknown; the Second Pro War occurred over forty years ago."

"Who were the opponents in these wars?"

"The First Pro War was an internal conflict within Pro State—the combatants were likely the royal family and the common people.

The Second Pro War was extremely complex, with many factions involved: besides the royal family and commoners, external forces also joined, such as Lavsah's Light Seekers and the Birch Hermitage,

both were participants."

"Didn't Da Huan State participate?"

"As far as I know, Da Huan State didn't join the war, but it did participate in post-war reconstruction. It was precisely from the Second Pro War that Da Huan State and Pro State formally established a cooperative relationship.

As for what followed, I don't know—I only saw this top-secret document by pure accident."

"Do you know where I can find similar top-secret documents?"

"You'd have to go to the archives and use very high clearance to access them."

"Archives?" Li Li Banfeng still didn't understand how many archives the Dark Star Bureau had—or which ones contained real materials.

To fully clarify this matter, he'd need to think carefully.

Back at his residence, Li Li Banfeng went to the room on the north side of the first floor.

Xi Zhao Fu was dancing in the room, while a group of spirits watched intently.

To be fair, whether face or figure, Xi Zhao Fu was flawless—even Li Li Banfeng wanted to look longer… what was he doing? He was a man!

Li Li Banfeng cleared his throat. All the spirits returned to their jars. These spirits were bought from Yin Si Niang and usually stayed in the room; as long as they caused no trouble, Li Li Banfeng didn't bother them much.

Li Li Banfeng called Xi Zhao Fu out alone, took him to the living room, turned on the TV, and carefully selected

a drama, pointing at the scene: "This is procurement from the outer states—you must inquire, negotiate, sign contracts. Can you understand the process?"

Xi Zhao Fu nodded: "I understand this. When you're not home, I often watch TV."

Not bad—he was honest.

"I'm now asking you to buy something for me. Do you know how to follow this procedure?"

Xi Zhao Fu thought carefully about the entire process: "Acting is easy, but I don't understand market prices. If I buy too expensively or get the wrong item, I can't guarantee results."

This couldn't be forced—Xi Zhao Fu hadn't even read many books; expecting him to master physics was too difficult.

Moreover, Xi Zhao Fu had another concern: "I've seen on TV that major procurement always requires a company behind it—otherwise suppliers won't trust us."

"You know quite a bit," Li Li Banfeng said, reassured by Xi Zhao Fu's thoroughness. "Company matters are my responsibility. You just need to perform your role well."

That night, Li Li Banfeng found Tang Tang Changfa and asked: "Do you have any connections in the black market to get me a company? I need to buy things under its name."

Tang Tang Changfa laughed: "What connection do you need? We already have a company!"

Li Li Banfeng gave Tang Tang Changfa a skeptical look: "Do you even know what a company is?"

"Of course I do. When you do business, you need your own storefront. A company gives you legitimacy—you can't handle large deals without one."

Li Li Banfeng stared blankly for a long moment. In the time they'd been apart, Tang Tang Changfa had changed dramatically.

"We really have a company?"

"Yes! I paid money and had Lin Fojiao set it up for us—all paperwork is complete. Boss, tell me what you want to buy?"

Li Li Banfeng said: "I want to buy some scientific equipment."

Tang Tang Changfa thought for a moment: "Scientific equipment? That's research stuff, right? We already carry that—just buy it directly!

But I don't understand science at all. We'll need someone knowledgeable to negotiate the deal."

Li Li Banfeng nodded: "I have someone ready to negotiate. You two stay out of sight. Also, keep an eye out—see if you can find any materials on Nie Li Aisha in the black market."

"What? What-fu?"

Li Li Banfeng wrote a note for Tang Tang Changfa.

After reading it, Tang Tang Changfa scratched his scalp: "This is too vague—I'll send Yanhong'er to inquire."

"She's quick with her tongue."

Li Li Banfeng asked: "Tang Changfa, over forty years ago, there was a battle in Pulu Province—have you heard of it?"

Tang Tang Changfa thought a moment: "Battle? Doesn't Pulu Province fight every day? I can't remember."

Ji Yuren City was isolated from the outside world; by the time of the Second Pulu War, it had likely become cut off from all contact.

Tang Tang Changfa said no more and hurried off to attend to matters.

Li Li Banfeng took out the old teapot—he was older and should know more.

"Forty years ago, was there a battle in Pulu Province?"

"Forty years ago—what time was that? Was I still in Kucai Village then?"

This was a common flaw among magic treasures—they had no clear sense of time.

After several prompts, the old teapot still couldn't recall; Li Li Banfeng turned to ask the gloves.

"Forty years ago, I don't think I was even gloves yet—was I even in Ghost Hand Sect back then?" The gloves had suffered severe trauma and had major gaps in memory.

The pendulum Luo Luo Yuni had a faint memory: "I was considered a talented woman back then—I wrote some pieces about the war, but I can't remember what they said."

She likely wrote anti-war poetry and essays; Luo Luo Yuni might know something—once her memory returns, she may provide clues.

Other magic treasures either lacked any sense of time or had no memory of the war. Tang Dao had heard rumors of the conflict, but he spent most of his time wandering the martial world and never fought on the battlefield.

Only one magic treasure was an exception.

The wine gourd.

"Little brother, I fought in battles—I don't remember when, but I definitely fought alongside Yao Lao."

Tang Dao added: "Occasional fights between local gods aren't that unusual, are they?"

"This wasn't occasional fighting—I was on a real battlefield. Back then, Yao Lao had troops under his command; they weren't originally from Yaowang Gully, but when they heard war was coming, they all came. After the war ended, no one knew where they went."

This wasn't occasional fighting—I fought on a real battlefield. When Master Yao still had troops, they weren't originally in Yaowang Gou; when they heard war was coming, they all came. After the war ended, no one knew where they went.

"A group of foreigners. At first, they came to Yao Lao's home and said many things—I didn't pay much attention. Yao Lao flew into a rage—they caused chaos in his home. Yao Lao killed two of them; the rest fled in terror."

"Two days later, a group of soldiers arrived. They said nothing, just set up camp on the mountain, taking all orders from Yao Lao."

"That's when I realized war was a complicated thing—completely different from ordinary brawls. Yao Lao had to find food and weapons for the soldiers, and assign troops based on Yaowang Gully's terrain."

"When the fighting actually began, I remember we fought over thirty battles—I went to all of them."

Back then, I realized war was a complex thing, utterly different from everyday brawls. Master Yao had to find food and weapons for these soldiers, and allocate troops according to Yaowang Gou's terrain.

"Many soldiers were wounded—I was in charge of preparing medicinal wine for them. Some drank it and survived; some didn't make it; some died before they even got to drink it."

"At first, I wanted to charge with Yao Lao to the front, but later I was terrified—I'd tremble all over just hearing the word 'battle.'"

"On the day the last battle ended, Yao Lao told me we'd won. He brought out all the good wine in the courtyard and threw a victory feast. Everyone got drunk and passed out. When we woke up, none of them were there."

"Yao Lao was just as before—singing operas, drinking wine, gathering herbs on the mountain—as if nothing had ever happened."

On that day, after the final battle, Master Yao told me we'd won. He brought out all the good wine in the courtyard, held a victory feast, and everyone got utterly drunk. When I woke up, none of them were there.

Which side was Yao Lao on in the Second Pulu War?

And who were these foreigners?

The only plausible guess is that Yao Lao and Huang Huang Yuxian belonged to the same side, and the Lafusha people were their common enemy.

Go to Pulu Province first and look for clues.

Li Li Banfeng took out paper and pen and wrote a list—these people had all likely experienced the war and might know something about it.

But piecing together a coherent narrative from scattered fragments wouldn't be easy.

To uncover the truth, one needed at least a rough outline.

He'd have to find a way through Xiao Shen.

Xi Xi Zhao Fu put on a suit and went with Tang Tang Changfa to negotiate a deal.

Tang Tang Changfa even hired specialists on the black market to arrange meeting venues, offices, landlines, and mobile phones—all handled in just one week, and they brought back the electromagnetic device.

The device cost over thirty-nine million—relatively cheap compared to other equipment in the lab.

Li Li Banfeng wasn't short on money, but the sum still startled him. No wonder Xuehua Pu had been drained dry—scientific research was truly a money-sucking endeavor.

His wife, delighted with the new equipment, hurried off to the lab—once she went in, no one knew how many days she'd stay.

The Portable Dwelling reminded him: "Aqi, you've been running back and forth to Qiqiu City too often lately."

"I can't help it—the lab's in Qiqiu City."

"That's exactly the problem. Don't think having an Unnameable Place means you're safe. There are many ways to enter an Unnameable Place, and many people want to know its secrets—don't be careless."

The old man was right—he needed a safer way to hide the lab.

What other option was there?

A formation!

Set up a Three Gates, Three Openings Formation at the lab's entrance?

First, this formation lasted only a short time.

Second, anyone passing by the lab's entrance would be instantly expelled—clearly signaling that something valuable was inside.

This formation wouldn't work—he needed to learn a new one.

Li Li Banfeng went to Room Nine—the room was in chaos.

"What happened here?"

The girl of Room Nine pouted: "Younger brother, I was just chatting with Did Honglian Sister when she suddenly got the urge to spar with me."

"I thought, after all these years, I haven't stretched my muscles—I agreed to two rounds. But she was brutal and injured me."

Did Honglian snapped: "Where are you hurt? Show me!"

The girl of Room Nine looked wounded: "This room is my flesh and blood. Look at that wall—that's my back. That brick? My bone. That table? My arm."

"Nonsense!" Did Honglian growled. "That table was just bought—did you not have arms before?"

The girl sighed: "Younger brother, you heard her—she's so unreasonable. I spoke to her politely, and she immediately started arguing."

Did Honglian snapped: "Who wanted to talk to you? I live here for peace—who can stand your constant chatter?"

The girl of Room Nine sniffed: "Oh? My mouth is mine—I don't need to eat. If not for talking, what else could I do with it? Why shouldn't I speak?"

Did Honglian was nearly furious; Li Li Banfeng moved her to Room Eight.

When he returned to Room Nine, the girl was still upset: "Younger brother, she was the only one who kept me company—you took her away, are you trying to suffocate me?"

Li Li Banfeng said: "I'm here to keep you company now. I've been practicing formations—Three Gates, Three Openings—I've mastered it thoroughly."

"Younger brother, mastering one is enough. You're not trying to mooch off me again, are you?"

Li Li Banfeng pulled up a chair and sat in the center of the room, explaining patiently: "Hua Jiuer—"

"Call me Senior Sister! What's 'Hua Jiuer'? Someone hearing that might think you're my concubine."

"Senior Sister Ji, among all living disciples of our Dao sect, I'm the only one left. The Dao sect's formations are a lost art—won't you pass them to me? Who else could you pass them to?"

"Younger brother, I could teach you—but once the student learns, the master starves. If I teach you all my true skills, what if one day you turn on me, decide I'm useless, and send me to dust with 'Ironclad Evidence'? Where would I go to plead my case?"

"That was all in the past—do you still hold a grudge?"

"I'm just a petty person—I'll never forget this."

"You were the one who attacked my wife first—wasn't your fault?"

"That's true—my wife is family. What was I doing meddling? Go learn formations from your wife!"

"Senior Sister Ji," Li Li Banfeng sighed, "to be honest, I care about my dignity—I don't want to argue with you. But what else can I do? To protect Ji Yuren City, I've angered countless people. Now I'm hiding everywhere, barely able to guard my own home. I just want to set up a formation at my doorstep to buy time against enemies—but when I beg you for advice, you refuse. Fine—if you won't help, I'll pretend I never asked. No one cares if I beg too much—I'll figure it out myself."

Li Li Banfeng stood to leave—then an invisible hand brushed his back, soothing him into sitting again.

"Younger brother, I was just teasing you—why take it seriously? Whatever technique you want to learn, I'll teach you."

"Really? You truly mean it?"

"You're so good at whining and groaning—I couldn't possibly refuse to teach you."

That's true—your wife is family; what am I, an outsider, doing butting in?

It didn't matter—so long as she'd teach.

"Senior Sister Ji, I want to learn the Tight-and-Slow Formation."

This formation was perfect—like Ji Yuren City's own, it only opens at a precise speed: too fast or too slow, and you can't enter. Ideal for the lab.

The girl of Room Nine thought a moment: "Younger brother, this won't work—not because I'm dodging you, but you can't yet grasp the timing of tight and slow."

"How can I not? I've mastered the balance between tight and slow."

"What balance? Just now, when you whined and groaned—you just kept pushing harder, never caring whether I could take it. Where's the tight-and-slow rhythm there?"

"You're too impatient. This formation isn't for you. Listen to your sister—choose another."

"Sister, you really mean to teach me?"

"You're so good at complaining and whining, how could I possibly refuse to teach you?"

She saw through me.

Even if she saw through me, it doesn't matter—as long as she's willing to teach.

"Ninth Sister, I want to learn the Array of Tight and Loose Harmony."

This array is perfect—it's like the magic arrays of Fool's City, where the entrance only appears at a specific speed: too fast won't work, too slow won't work, ideal for use in a laboratory.

The Ninth Chamber girl pondered a moment: "Younger Brother, this one won't do. I'm not just brushing you off—your timing with the tight and loose rhythms isn't ready yet."

"How can I not learn it? I've got a very good sense of the pace between tight and loose."

"What pace? Forget other things—just now, when you complained and whined, you just charged ahead one after another, never caring whether I could take it. Where's any sense of tight or loose there?"

"You're too impatient. This array truly isn't suitable. Listen to Sister—pick another."

What should I switch to?

"Then learn the Confusing Bloom Array," Sun Sun Tiecheng said. He had used this array before: stick two twigs into the ground, and it could hide the location where Li Li Banfeng buried the contract. The array looked sloppy, but it worked well—Ye Ye Songqiao's contract had never had any issues.

But the Ninth Lady still refused to teach: "Young brother, I've told you before—the Confusing Bloom Array is hard skill. Without ten or eight years, you truly won't master it."

Li Li Banfeng grew displeased: "You won't teach this, you won't teach that—what am I supposed to learn?"

"Young brother, are you angry again? Fine, I'll teach you the Confusing Bloom Array. Do you remember how Sun Sun Tiecheng set up the array?"

"He just stuck two twigs in—"

"The key to sticking those two twigs is choosing the right direction, the right depth and force, to tear open an indescribable fissure, and from that fissure release indescribable power, thereby confusing others' vision."

"So the array's essentials are threefold: direction, depth, and force. Young brother, find someone and try sticking them in."

Li Li Banfeng brought over two wooden sticks: "Where?"

"Here."

A flowerpot landed before Li Li Banfeng, inside which grew a rose, blooming vividly.

The Living Quarters had seen no sunlight for years, yet this flower still bloomed—it was grown from seeds bought from Zhang Wanlong. In this new land, where no sunlight reached, Zhang Zhang Fanglong's crops still grew.

The Ninth Lady dipped her brush in cinnabar and made two marks on the soil of the pot: "I've chosen the direction for you. Now, judge the depth and force. I'll close my eyes. When you're done, tell me."

"If the array succeeds, when I open my eyes, I shouldn't see this rose at all."

Judge the depth and force.

She didn't clarify what rules to follow.

Li Li Banfeng could only rely on instinct, trying several times—but the rose remained visible. The Ninth Lady made new marks on the sticks: "I've fixed the depth for you too. Now, just control the force. Try again."

Direction and depth were set. Only force remained. It shouldn't be hard.

After several attempts, the Ninth Lady urged: "Done yet?"

Li Li Banfeng felt it was close enough: "Sister, open your eyes and see."

The room fell silent for a moment. Li Li Banfeng asked: "Sister, can you see it?"

The Ninth Lady replied coldly: "Do you think I'm blind? I can't see such a big rose? After teaching you all this time, what have you learned?"

They said Li Li Banfeng was impatient, but the elder sister's temper wasn't any better.

After a full day of study with no progress, and driven to the brink by his sister's scolding, Li Li Banfeng went to the laboratory.

His wife wasn't in good spirits either—she'd run into trouble herself. Several experiments had stalled: "Husband, please let me stay a few more days. If I don't fully understand this matter, my heart will remain unsettled."

Since his wife asked, Li Li Banfeng naturally agreed. For safety's sake, he left Tang Dao and the old teapot in the laboratory—offense and defense together, guarding her safety.

Li Li Banfeng returned to Waizhou and went to the Dark Star Bureau.

He summoned Shen Shen Jingye to his office and poured him a cup of tea.

Shen Shen Jingye didn't dare drink: "Director Li, what exactly do you want?"

1

Li Li Banfeng asked earnestly: "Little Shen, how many archives rooms does the Dark Star Bureau have?"

Shen Shen Jingye looked awkward: "Director Li, this concerns classified information. Are you really asking me so directly?"

Li Li Banfeng pushed the teacup toward Shen Shen Jingye: "Aren't we real friends?"

PS: In September, The Lord of Prolo's performance continues to grow steadily. I, Yumian Shala, am deeply grateful for the readers' support.

During the Ten-Day Festival, Yumian Shala will continue regular updates. To show my thanks, I'll add an extra chapter tonight at midnight. Dear readers, please give Yumian Shala your guaranteed monthly votes—with your support, I'm confident I can fight again for the top spot on the monthly vote chart!