Steam Era: The Lord of 'Puluo' Chapter 1212 592: Thousand Tael House

Li Banfeng didn't understand why Dou Jiyan insisted on having him as a witness.

"What does this witness need to do?"

Dou Jiyan said, "I agreed with my senior brother Ding Liusan that this competition would be a fair match between us. But my brother's gambling habits are bad; he plays the game but can't take losing. If he throws a tantrum, I hope Brother Seven can speak a word of fairness for me."

Qiu Luoye sneered, "Explain things clearly. This isn't just about saying a fair word to solve the issue. If Ding Liusan refuses to back down, does Old Qi have to fight him?"

Dou Jiyan pursed her lips. Qiu Luoye was right; a fight might actually break out: "Brother Seven, running into Xiao Qianshou today, I didn't back down. You know what level of person Xiao Qianshou is. As long as you say the word, I'll fight him to the death. Brother Seven, you can see these feelings, right?"

Li Banfeng nodded, "I can see the camaraderie, but make things clear. You're a local deity with quite a reputation. You have plenty of capable people to call upon; why did you come to me specifically?"

Dou Jiyan pondered for a moment, "Because Seventh Master is upright and helps the weak, never tolerating injustice..."

"Stop with the nonsense!"

Dou Jiyan sniffed, "Because Brother Seven enjoys high prestige and fulfills his promises. To everyone out there, Brother Seven is a hero..."

"Still nonsense!"

After careful consideration, Dou Jiyan finally spoke the truth: "Because my senior brother runs pawnshops, and forty percent of the pawnshops in Puluo State are in his hands.

Brother Seven is a powerhouse in Puluo State; all major families heed Brother Seven's command. If he falls out with Brother Seven, conducting business will be difficult."

Li Banfeng nodded; this sentence seemed sincere.

Although Ding Liusan's cultivation level had moved beyond Earth Skin, his business was still done on Earth Skin, relying on coverage from different places. He wouldn't easily offend someone powerful like Li Qi, so he wouldn't just flip the table on the gambling table, not to mention in the long run he needed a guarantee.

For Dou Jiyan, it's a long-term guarantee; for Li Banfeng, it's a long-term issue. The terms must be negotiated.

"I can help you with this witness, but we need to draw up a Contract Book. In the future, if I encounter something, you can't just shrug it off."

Dou Jiyan laughed heartily: "Brother Seven, don't talk about Contract Books. Just one word from Brother Seven in the future is enough for me to charge through fire and water..."

"Don't talk about charging through fire and water; if you make sweeping statements, it's hard to back down later. Let's clarify what we can do for each other in detail."

Everyone went to Li Banfeng's house to draft the Contract Book. Dou Jiyan, being a gambling cultivator of note, naturally understood the numbers but wouldn't fuss over the nitty-gritty due to needing Li Banfeng, leaving most decisions to him.

Cui Tiq approached Dou Jiyan, deliberately observing the beautiful woman: "Beautiful lady, you are as beautiful as an angel, let me be your witness; I will give you a fair answer."

Dou Jiyan looked at Cui Tiq, "We have no enmity or grievances; can you not stand so close to me?"

Cui Tiq seemed innocent, "I haven't used any ill intent towards you; I just want to express my goodwill."

Dou Jiyan stuck close to Li Qi, "Keep your goodwill to yourself, I'm committed to Brother Seven."

Cui Tiq shrugged and walked away from the bathhouse, looking at the street scene of Qi Qiu City.

Shui Yongquan was also on the street. The large Qi Qiu City was thriving, making Old Shui catch up to speed.

Returning to the compound, Shui Yongquan said, somewhat unwillingly, "Old Qiu, this place is just too good."

Qiu Luoye snorted, "What's wrong, I'm good and you're not happy?"

Shui Yongquan shook his head, "I'm not happy; I wish I could tear down Qi Qiu City and turn it back to the look of the New Land back then."

Qiu Luoye rolled up his sleeves, "Listening to you talk gets me worked up inside."

Shui Yongquan rubbed his head, "I know I shouldn't say this to you, but I genuinely feel this way. I've long wanted to tear down Qi Qiu City, but I can't bring myself to do it."

Qiu Luoye thought for a while and looked at Li Banfeng, "I think I know his situation."

Li Banfeng said to Dou Jiyan, "Sis, why don't you go out for a bit? Us guys have something to discuss. Old Cui, you should set up a hospital; pick the territory and let me know."

Dou Jiyan was just thinking about taking a stroll in the city, Cui Tiq was also busy with hospital matters, leaving just the three brothers in the house. Li Banfeng asked Shui Yongquan, "Brother Shui, have you lost the ability to lie?"

"Who says I can't!" Shui Yongquan dodged Li Banfeng's gaze, "My mind runs deep; none of you can guess."

Qiu Luoye got closer, "Did you also fancy Zhu Chunhua?"

"I didn't fancy her, but I just don't want you getting married!"

Qiu Luoye wanted to hit him again, Li Banfeng stopped Qiu Luoye, and asked Shui Yongquan: "Brother Shui, for each cultivation level Above the Clouds, you learn one technique, but why did you learn three Cloud Top Techniques?"

"Do I have three Cloud Top Techniques?" Shui Yongquan genuinely couldn't lie anymore and could only pretend to be ignorant.

Li Banfeng said, "Shall I count them for you? You know how to use 'Water Over Water', don't you?"

Shui Yongquan nodded, "I can use it."

Li Banfeng continued, "Reclaimed Water, this is another Cloud Top Technique, isn't it?"

"It is!" Shui Yongquan was still only able to speak the truth.

Li Banfeng further asked, "What's the deal with Cleansing Heart Technique?"

Shui Yongquan said, "What's the deal indeed?"

Qiu Luoye said, "Old Shui, stop pretending to be confused. We're asking what's the deal; you're at the Cloud Top Second Layer, how come there are three techniques?"

Shui Yongquan endured for a long time, then laughed loudly, "Qiu Daxiang, you never expected this, my cultivation is higher than yours. I won't let you get married; I'm determined to bully you at every turn!"