Steam Era: The Lord of 'Puluo'

In the Portable Residence, the Phonograph was spewing Steam, blissfully Soul Sucking.

On the second floor of the wooden house, Li Banfeng was holding a mop, miserably cleaning blood.

This blood was really stubborn. Of those four, only the eldest brother seemed to understand the situation, as he didn't leave a blood trail. It's said that someone like him could become a leader because he possessed such awareness.

After cleaning up all the blood, Li Banfeng still had to deal with the pair of leather shoes.

The leather shoes were firmly stuck to the floor; a knife couldn't pry them off. Left with no choice, Li Banfeng could only cut off the uppers, leaving the two soles behind. He then found some miscellaneous items to cover them.

According to Ma Wu, the Glue Mud would dry out after a day and a night. It would be best to dispose of it then.

Just as he finished tidying up, he suddenly heard someone at the door. Li Banfeng went downstairs and found Landlord Wei.

"What are you doing here? The rent isn't due yet."

Landlord Wei said, "Didn't I tell you both? You don't have to pay me rent for staying here. I heard gunshots just now and came to see if everything was alright with you."

Li Banfeng feigned surprise. "You heard gunshots too? I was asleep and the noise woke me. I thought I was dreaming! Who was shooting?"

"I thought it was your place! Well, as long as you're alright, I'm relieved. Where's Young Master Ma?"

"He went to the Ji Qing Group to have some fun."

"Good to know you're alright. See you later."

Landlord Wei left.

Li Banfeng stood at the door, staring at Landlord Wei's departing figure for a moment.

The gunshots had been half an hour ago. Yet, he only came now.

「...」

About ten minutes later, Ma Wu returned. "Brother Li, how did it go?"

Li Banfeng said calmly, "The matter has been resolved."

"What about those men?"

"They've gone elsewhere and probably won't be back for a while," Li Banfeng said, rather vaguely.

"Brother Li, did you find out who sent them?"

"I asked. The leader said the Ma Family's Eldest Daughter sent them."

Ma Wu pursed his lips. "Eldest Sister... I really didn't expect it to be her."

Li Banfeng said, "Don't misunderstand. I said the leader *claimed* the Ma Family's Eldest Daughter personally dispatched them. We still don't know who truly sent them."

Ma Wu was taken aback. "Brother Li, are you saying he lied?"

"I'm not sure. I don't know how your prominent family deals with such matters, but I doubt people of their status would ever have the chance to meet your elder sister."

Li Banfeng didn't believe what the man in gray had said was true. Everything the man said at the time was merely a stalling tactic. As for the supposed grudge between the Ma Family's Eldest Daughter and Ma Wu, it was likely something he fabricated on the spot.

Prompted by Li Banfeng, Ma Wu also began to think more deeply about it.

He was quite a cosmopolitan man, never putting on the airs of a rich young master, and he had many dealings with the people of the Jianghu.

But his elder sister was not that kind of person. She was a proper, well-bred young lady. How could she possibly meet with these people of the Jianghu herself?

Ma Wu couldn't figure out the intricacies of the situation. Li Banfeng prompted him, "Think carefully. Have you made any enemies?"

"Enemies?" Ma Wu thought hard. "Setting aside trivial spats, I don't believe I have any deep-seated grudges with my brothers or sisters."

Li Banfeng frowned. "Stop focusing on your siblings. They probably don't want to kill you. You can't inherit the family business anyway. Killing you would be of no use to them."

Ma Wu rubbed his forehead, his thoughts becoming clearer.

Li Banfeng was right. I've always been suspicious of my family members, but they really have no reason to drive me to my death.

Given my current situation, pressuring me further wouldn't benefit my siblings at all.

"But as for making enemies with outsiders... I don't think I have any..."

Li Banfeng gave a wry smile. "Then this is tricky. I think we can ask Landlord Wei. He heard the commotion and came to find me half an hour later. His place is less than a two-minute walk from here. We could shout from outside our door, and he'd hear us in his house. If he were truly concerned about us, he would have come much sooner. If he was afraid of trouble, he shouldn't have come at all. Yet, he dared to show up half an hour later. He seems more like he came to scout things out."

Ma Wu's eyes flashed, and he nodded repeatedly. "Brother Li, you make sense. I'll go ask him to clarify things."

Li Banfeng shook his head. "Brother Ma, if you go to him like this, I'm afraid you won't learn anything. Landlord Wei is a clever man. He's undoubtedly prepared by now. Although he didn't seem very strong during that chaotic fight, he managed to survive that free-for-all in the wilderness. He likely has other tricks up his sleeve. You might fall into his trap."

Ma Wu knew Li Banfeng's reasoning was sound, but he couldn't think of a countermeasure at that moment.

Li Banfeng hinted, "Baiting and hunting—that's what you're best at. As for what bait to use, that depends on what Landlord Wei wants."

After pondering for a moment, Ma Wu had an idea.

「...」

Late at night, Landlord Wei sat silently on a recliner, gripping a revolver.

Staggering footsteps approached from outside, followed by a frantic knock on the door.

Landlord Wei placed his hand on the trigger. "Who is it?"

Ma Wu's voice drifted in. "It's me... Save me..."

His voice was extremely weak. Landlord Wei, revolver in hand, opened the door a crack. He saw a battered Ma Wu standing there, looking as if he was about to collapse.

Landlord Wei quickly supported Ma Wu, holstered his revolver, and helped him into the bedroom. "Young Master Wu, what happened?"

Ma Wu sighed. "I've been set up again. I just made a little money these past few days, and now it's all been stolen."

Landlord Wei smacked his lips. "Who the hell did this? Are they even trying to let people live? What about that associate of yours you're living with? I'll go get him."