Steam Era: The Lord of 'Puluo' Chapter 1274 606: Cloud Gate Skill 3

Zhang Xiuling nodded: "This indeed makes sense; I've written it in a pretentious way."

Ma Wu stood at the door, looking at Li Banfeng in surprise.

He had indeed heard rumors that Li Banfeng had guided Zhang Xiuling in her writing.

But Ma Wu never believed it. How many people in Puluo State are qualified to guide Zhang Xiuling?

Indeed, Old Qi was guiding Zhang Xiuling; he wasn't uttering some nonsense, he was genuinely guiding her in terms of writing style and structure.

"Sister Xiuling, are you afraid of our Old Qi, so whatever he says, you listen?" Ma Wu truly couldn't understand the reasoning behind this.

Zhang Xiuling laughed: "What Seventh Master says is reasonable, so naturally, I must listen."

"I don't believe it," Ma Wu shook his head repeatedly, "Speaking of the logic of fists, Old Qi makes it clear; but when it comes to literary logic, is there anyone in Puluo State who speaks clearer than you?"

Zhang Xiuling shook her head: "Imperfect things, no matter how adorned with elegant writing, cannot conceal that pretentiousness. From Seventh Master, I can learn real purity."

Li Banfeng read the twelfth volume of "Jade Fragrance Record" word by word.

By the latest chapter, Zhang Xiuling had moved out of the Hundred Flower Garden and into an outside residence, and the overall quality of the story had dropped significantly.

After weighing it over repeatedly, Li Banfeng offered a suggestion: "Leaving Hundred Flowers Gate is not a big deal; you should go to He Jiaqing and get the Hundred Flower Garden back."

Zhang Xiuling bowed her head, blushing, and said softly: "I'm afraid."

"I'll lend you courage. Some of He Jiaqing's businesses have been sealed by the Defense Agency, so tomorrow, you go take over these businesses and let He Jiaqing use the Hundred Flower Garden to exchange for them. If he feels the exchange is unfavorable, tell him on the spot that the Defense Agency can further seal a few of his businesses, and then negotiate the exchange."

Zhang Xiuling could hardly believe it.

She knew Li Qi was closely related to the Defense Agency and had a high status in the Outside Provinces, but what kind of existence is the Defense Agency? All People of Puluo State have a common understanding that the entire Puluo State is controlled by the Defense Agency; how could a person of Puluo State casually control the Defense Agency?

Li Qi, however, didn't see it as anything special: "Zihui is rather loyal; no need to worry about such trivial matters."

The next day, Zhang Xiuling still wanted to discuss the business takeover with Li Qi, but as soon as she reached Li Qi's door, she noticed a haze of smoke surrounding the door.

"Master Wu, something's wrong, Seventh Master's room is on fire again."

"Fire again..." Ma Wu, not fully awake, groggily reached Li Qi's door, finding Li Qi wiping black ash from his face with a towel.

"Smoking in bed again?"

"Uh-huh!" Li Banfeng couldn't provide a reasonable explanation, he really couldn't understand why when he thought of clouds, smoke always followed.

This matter wasn't urgent; practicing once a day was enough.

After confirming some details with Li Banfeng, Zhang Xiuling immediately took over the sealed businesses and conveyed the information to He Jiaqing.

He Jiaqing didn't want to let the Hundred Flower Garden go, but discussing this with Zhang Xiuling was useless; He Jiaqing knew these were Li Qi's tactics.

Going to Li Qi was equally futile; if he didn't return the Hundred Flower Garden, the businesses sealed would remain inaccessible through Li Qi.

Could he bypass Li Qi?

He Jiaqing hosted a banquet at Qian Yue Tower, inviting Liao Zihui for dinner.

Liao Zihui arrived on schedule, conducting himself with courtesy and decorum in their conversation.

Furthermore, Liao Zihui took great care of the young man, settling the bill as soon as they began dining.

He Jiaqing felt awkward: "Chief Envoy Liao, I'm treating you to dinner; how can I let you pay?"

"A meal isn't costly; I just offered a rough price. Later, you can have the kitchen calculate it accurately and adjust it if needed."

If He Jiaqing truly accepted Liao Zihui's payment, he couldn't expect Liao Zihui to handle anything.

But if Qian Yue Tower didn't take the payment, Liao Zihui would refuse to eat the meal.

With things at this point, He Jiaqing simply asked directly: "Can one word from Li Qi shut down He's business? That's not reasonable, is it?"

Liao Zihui shook his head: "Young Master He, what does this mean? Your business was closed due to irregular dealings; what does that have to do with Bureau Chief Li?

Bureau Chief Li has made tremendous contributions to Puluo State's peace efforts. As for the Defense Agency, any unwarranted accusations or slanders against Bureau Chief Li are unacceptable."

He Jiaqing furrowed his brows slightly: "This is the strength of a Balancer, right?"

Liao Zihui nodded slightly: "Knowing Li Qi is a Balancer, you should also understand the responsibilities and missions of a Balancer. Some things cannot be done; some things cannot even be said."

Realizing that Liao Zihui refused to act, He Jiaqing spoke without further reservation: "Can't even be said? Has Li Qi's status reached such levels? Hasn't he used the Equilibrium Seal?"

Liao Zihui earnestly answered He Jiaqing's question: "All Balancers throughout history have used the Equilibrium Seal, except Li Qi, he hasn't used it,

The Equilibrium Seal is often not worth it; perhaps Li Qi won't use it in the future either."

He Jiaqing nodded: "No wonder you all say he's the best Balancer; but if I were a Balancer, I might do even better."

"Perhaps?" Liao Zihui shook his head, "There cannot be a perhaps; if you do poorly, what should I do? Kneel and beg Li Qi to come back?

Anyone can utter pretty words, but Li Qi has accomplished several impressive things, and they are significant matters,

Speaking of significant matters, I've heard some are secretly manipulating the Boundary; are you aware of this?"

He Jiaqing shook his head: "This matter has nothing to do with me."