Steam Era: The Lord of 'Puluo' Chapter 965 - 531: Spirit Attribute of the Territory (5)

"In a moment, gather a team of pioneers once more, arrange the offerings, and tomorrow I shall join them for the trials, and by the way, impart some combat techniques to them."

"The cook is truly thoughtful," Li Banfeng expressed his gratitude repeatedly and swiftly summoned the pioneers.

Within a three-mile radius, Li Banfeng amassed a hundred three-headed individuals. The cook, however, shook his head, stating, "Seventh Master, this isn't a situation where more is necessarily better. Should even one of them falter and breach the boundary, all our prior efforts will be in vain. I will select thirty from these hundred; that should suffice."

The cook made his selection, drafted the contracts, and prepared the offerings. Just as He Yuxiu was about to acknowledge them, an approaching man interrupted.

"Miss He, please wait a moment. I have something to discuss with you."

He Yuxiu studied the man for a beat, then inquired, "Are you Feng Chongli?"

On hearing the name, Li Banfeng also turned his attention. Why was Feng Chongli present? Could he also have designs on this territory? He hailed from Snowflake Beach.

He Yuxiu's identification was correct; the individual who had arrived was indeed Feng Chongli.

Feng Chongli removed the top hat from his head and bowed to He Yuxiu. "Miss, it is truly an honor that Feng is remembered by you. I am here today to propose a significant business transaction, one valued at three million Ocean Dollars."

"Three million Ocean Dollars?" He Yuxiu chuckled. "That is no trivial amount; a Hundred Joy Gate is only eight hundred thousand Ocean Dollars. Pray tell, what is this business?"

Feng Chongli gestured towards the ground. "It concerns this expanse of land, a territory spanning hundreds of miles in radius. Feng wishes to offer three million Ocean Dollars for its acquisition."

He Yuxiu promptly shook her head. "It is not for sale."

Feng Chongli produced an abacus. "If you deem the sum insufficient, we can certainly discuss the price further. Name your figure, and I shall recalculate."

He Yuxiu was not one for protracted negotiations. She informed Feng Chongli directly, "There is no need for calculation. I will not sell, regardless of the price."

Feng Chongli manipulated the beads on his abacus and pressed on. "Miss, you truly must give this serious consideration. Calculate the potential gains and losses meticulously. I understand your intention for this land is to ascend Above the Clouds. I can procure another new territory for you; this land will be at no cost to you, it will be gifted. Naturally, the new land I offer comes with an incomplete contract, only a single piece. However, for the purpose of ascending Above the Clouds, one piece is ample; more would merely be a burden. Currently, this territory possesses two contract books, attracting a host of avaricious gazes. I am a businessman prepared to pay for its purchase, but others may not adhere to such protocols. They might forgo payment and even seek your life. Consider the implications carefully."

He Yuxiu had no further interest in conversing with Feng Chongli. "Your words are of no consequence. I will not relinquish this territory. You would be best advised to depart."

"I suspect you are not the one in command here," Feng Chongli shifted his gaze to Li Banfeng. "Li Qi, what is your assessment? Can this deal be finalized?"

Li Banfeng was deep in contemplation. His thoughts were not on the business aspect, but rather on how to confront this situation. Were it someone else, the formidable reputation of Green Flower, coupled with the might of five thousand three-headed individuals, would likely instill caution. However, Feng Chongli appeared unfazed, showing no fear of Green Flower, nor any apprehension towards confronting these five thousand three-headed people.

According to the intelligence provided by An Zongding, Feng Chongli's cultivation realm had already surpassed the level of Above the Clouds. Li Banfeng's personal cultivation, both in his Home and Travelling stages, was approaching the second layer of Cloud Top. He Yuxiu had merely reached Above the Clouds, lacking further advancements and not yet fully recovered. Relying solely on their current strength, they were certainly incapable of defeating Feng Chongli. Even if they marshalled all five thousand individuals for a combined assault, victory remained uncertain.

Li Banfeng was aware that cultivators who had surpassed the Above the Clouds realm were prohibited from directly attacking the Local Deity of a proper land within its territory. He was uncertain, however, if this rule extended to the Local Deity of a new land. Lacking this knowledge, he posed a direct question. "If we are unwilling to sell, what actions will you take if you attempt to compel us?"

Feng Chongli let out a chuckle. "You have surmised correctly. I am resolute in acquiring this land. Whether you agree to sell or not— *cough cough*—sell, whether you agree or not— *cough cough*—you will sell..."

Even as he asserted his dominance, Feng Chongli was overcome by coughing fits, which significantly diminished his imposing demeanor. Li Banfeng, too, found himself curious about the sudden onset of Feng Chongli's coughing spell. It turned out there was a middle-aged man beside him, leisurely smoking a pipe filled with some potent variety of tobacco leaf.

Feng Chongli observed the man continuously smoking from his pipe. Noticing the tobacco in the pipe was almost entirely consumed, Feng Chongli inquired, "Are you finished smoking?"

The middle-aged man tapped the ash from his pipe before packing it anew. "It's still early; I usually smoke three pots!"

Feng Chongli gave a slight nod. "If I'm not mistaken, you must be Elder Ye, the one they call 'Three-pot Smoking Pipe Leaf Yellow'."

"You're mistaken, my surname is Huang, not Ye," Ye Jianhuang replied, lighting his pipe and taking a contented puff.

Feng Chongli offered a bow. "Senior Ye, are you also here regarding this territory?"

Ye Jianhuang exhaled a plume of smoke and shook his head. "I'm not here for the territory. I'm here for my sworn brother, Old Qi. I heard you're starting a new venture, so I came to offer my congratulations!"

Li Banfeng was unfamiliar with Ye Jianhuang, but he recalled a statement previously made by Tang Changfa at the Changsan Book Residence.

The City Master Sun has enlisted the assistance of two individuals: Ah Gui and Ah Huang.

Li Banfeng greeted him with delight. "Brother Huang, I've been eagerly anticipating your arrival!"

PS: In July, the readership of 'Puluo State' has shown consistent growth. Shala extends heartfelt thanks to everyone.

The generosity of our dear readers is truly invaluable. I am writing diligently during the day, and tonight, I will release an additional chapter at midnight as a token of Shala's profound gratitude to all our cherished readers.

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