Steam Era: The Lord of 'Puluo' Chapter 953 - 529: Entering the Door (Part 3)

With a nod and a smile, He Yuxiu felt a sense of relief, and all arrangements finalized, Li Qi proceeded to the Soda Kiln.

At the factory premises, Feng Daiku was already waiting outside. "I informed Luo Lijun that the Defense Agency is preparing for relocation," Feng Daiku relayed, "Luo Lijun didn’t quite believe it and wanted to see for herself."

Li Qi, however, shook his head, stating, "That’s not feasible. She absolutely cannot leave the factory building; this rule is unchangeable."

As the two entered the factory, Luo Lijun was observed pacing by the pool. Upon seeing Li Qi’s arrival, she waved her antennae in greeting. "You say I must go out and see? It’s not that I don’t trust all of you. I’ve brought the Contract Book, but I need some form of verification. It can’t simply be based on your word."

Luo Lijun had indeed brought two parts of the Contract Book. Li Qi accepted them, gave them a brief look, and inquired, "These are indeed a pair, aren’t they?"

"Of course, they’re a pair!" Luo Lijun, perhaps fearing Li Banfeng’s disbelief, specifically explained the verification method. "Once the Defense Agency vacates, I will grant you the Land Seal and disclose the location of the new territory. You can then take the Contract Book to this new land and perform a blood verification. Both parts will react, confirming the Contract Book is legitimate."

Li Qi, still harboring some apprehension, pressed further, "We need absolute clarity. This new land will be exclusively mine. You must not leave behind any Curse Techniques or any other hidden methods."

Luo Lijun produced a Paper Contract, declaring, "As soon as the Defense Agency has departed, we will finalize this Paper Contract immediately!"

Examining the situation purely on the surface, the Inner State's approach offered no grounds for criticism.

While Li Qi couldn't permit the River Snail to depart the factory, denying her a chance to verify seemed unfair. "Why not send someone from your side? Don’t you have plenty of people from Puluo State?"

The River Snail Girl pondered deeply, considering who among her associates could be deemed trustworthy.

After a considerable pause, Luo Lijun mentioned a name: "Chu Shaoqiang. Do you happen to know this individual?"

Li Qi nodded affirmatively. "I do."

Feng Daiku also recognized Chu Shaoqiang. "Why would you suggest this person to us? Aren’t you concerned we might cause him trouble?"

Luo Lijun responded, "We are conducting a fair trade, and I wish to be completely transparent. Chu Shaoqiang will arrive at the Soda Kiln within a day or two. By then, it will be impossible for him to evade your notice. Since we are being upfront, I implore you not to harass him."

Her candor was indeed commendable, and subsequent events proved Luo Lijun's strategy to be effective.

Feng Daiku possessed exceptional methods, and given that the Soda Kiln’s territory was not vast, Li Qi could always swiftly ascertain when someone arrived.

Chu Shaoqiang reached the Soda Kiln the very next day. He remained for less than half a day before Feng Daiku detected his presence.

That same evening, Luo Lijun met with Li Banfeng once more, with Chu Shaoqiang also in attendance.

Luo Lijun announced, "Chu Shaoqiang has already assessed the situation. The majority of the Defense Agency’s personnel have withdrawn. I place my trust in you all. Today, we will finalize the Paper Contract, hand over the Land Seal, and reveal the location of the new territory."

She then presented a map, clearly indicating the coordinates of the new land.

It was initially assumed that this new territory would be situated in a highly remote location. However, upon reviewing the map, Li Banfeng discovered it was surprisingly close to Greenwater City.

The entire process seemed to be unfolding with an almost unnerving smoothness.

Both parties affixed their seals to the Paper Contract, and Li Banfeng received the Land Seal; the new land was now officially acquired.

Chu Shaoqiang departed, accompanying Li Qi and Feng Daiku as they exited the factory together.

Before parting ways, Chu Shaoqiang offered Li Banfeng a word of caution: "You must remain vigilant."

Li Banfeng inquired, "Vigilant about what, specifically?"

Chu Shaoqiang glanced around discreetly before lowering his voice to speak to Li Qi, "An entire new territory, complete with both halves of the Contract Book – I’ve never encountered such a situation before. To be perfectly honest, I find myself quite envious.

Naturally, I’m not the sole individual harboring such envy. There are undoubtedly many who desire this new land. Obtaining it is one matter; whether you can retain it ultimately hinges on your own capabilities."

After Chu Shaoqiang’s departure, Feng Daiku also expressed a sense of unease. "Young Master Li, the Inner State might still possess a concealed contingency plan. We must also maintain our guard."

Li Banfeng meticulously re-examined the Paper Contract. "Frankly, I cannot perceive any hidden stratagem that might still be lurking within."

Feng Daiku shook her head, remarking, "If the Inner State operated with such unblemished integrity, their reputation would not be so tarnished. It remains uncertain whether something is concealed here."

Li Banfeng sensed that things were perhaps too easy, yet he couldn't fathom any further schemes the Inner State might employ. After a considerable period of contemplation, Li Banfeng posed a question: "I wish to inquire about a certain skill, Miss Feng. How did you come to know of Chu Shaoqiang's arrival at the Soda Kiln?"

Regarding this particular ability, Feng Daiku's prowess was truly remarkable. Ma Wu had previously mentioned that as soon as he reached the Pants Belt Pit, Feng Daiku would undoubtedly perceive it.

Upon hearing the question, Feng Daiku chuckled, remarking, "Young Master Li, are you interested in learning this skill?"

Li Banfeng understood that such an advanced technique would not be readily imparted to just anyone. "I do not ask favors without offering something in return, Miss Feng. Whatever conditions you have, we can certainly discuss them."

Feng Daiku let out a sigh. "The condition is not a simple one. The reason I am aware of the territory's events is because I have planted Emotional Roots throughout it. If you, Young Master Li, wish to master this craft, you must join my Taoist Sect."

This presented a rather significant hurdle. Li Banfeng was already managing two ventures, and initiating a third seemed fraught with excessive risk.

Moreover, even if a third enterprise were feasible, it could not possibly fall within the domain of Emotion Cultivators.

Observing Li Qi's prolonged silence, Feng Daiku did not press the matter further. "Young Master Li, with the Outside Provinces no longer a factor, the Inner State is left without external checks, making future changes unpredictable. I hope you will maintain a vigilant watch over the Soda Kiln's territory."

After reaching an agreement, Li Qi departed from the Soda Kiln and proceeded to Greenwater City. There, he found He Yuxiu, and they took a tour of the newly acquired land together.

The territory was quite appealing, boasting a towering mountain, extensive forests abundant with timber and stone, and vast fields. In the future, once Farming Cultivation techniques were introduced, the land would also prove suitable for agriculture.