Chapter 542: The Capital of Like Puluozhou (Requesting Monthly Votes)

During the hot pot meal, Zhong'er didn't eat much because he was feeling extremely down.

【1】 When eating hotpot, Zhong'er didn't eat much, because his mood was extremely heavy.

Now that Li Qi said the war was over, Zhong'er was hungry and wanted to treat Li Qi to barbecue.

【2】 Now that Zhong'er heard Li Qi say the war was over, he was hungry and wanted to treat Li Qi to barbecue.

Yuezhou has many barbecue restaurants open until dawn; Zhong'er chose a familiar place, booked a private room, and once the dishes arrived, he pulled out a spiritual artifact that blocked sound.

【3】 In Yuezhou, many barbecue shops stayed open until dawn; Zhong'er picked a familiar restaurant, booked a private room, ordered the dishes, and then pulled out a spiritual item that blocked sound.

"Director Li, thank you for saving me." This fool finally remembered to say thanks.

【4】 "Li Ju, thank you for saving me," the fool finally remembered to say thanks.

Li Qi didn't mind: "I didn't come specifically to save you—many others are paying attention to this war too."

【5】 Li Qi didn't mind: "I didn't come specially to save you; you're not the only one paying attention to this war."

Zhong'er was startled: "Director Li, do you come to Ruirong Textile Factory every day?"

【6】 Zhong'er was startled: "Li Ju, you come to Ruirong Textile Factory every day too?"

Li Li Banfeng nodded.

【7】 Li Li Banfeng nodded.

Zhong'er sighed: "Director Li, do you think I'm really foolish?"

【8】 Zhong'er sighed: "Li Ju, do you think I'm really stupid?"

2

【9】 2

Li Li Banfeng shook his head: "You didn't do anything wrong; you just didn't follow the external province's rules."

【10】 Li Li Banfeng shook his head: "You didn't do anything wrong; you just didn't follow the rules of Waizhou."

Zhong'er looked troubled: "I really don't understand what these rules are—if we have such powerful combat capability, why are we always sent to fight every time there's a dark energy incident?"

【11】 Zhong'er was troubled: "I really don't understand what the rules here are—if we have such strong combat power, why are we always sent to fight whenever there's a dark energy case?"

Honestly, the Dark Star Bureau's combat strength makes me embarrassed—tactics are rigid, field experience is lacking, and combat ability is limited.

【12】 To be honest, the combat power of Anxing Bureau makes me embarrassed—tactics are rigid, field experience is lacking, and combat capability is limited,

If we can resolve a war in just a few minutes, why even maintain this embarrassing Dark Star Bureau?"

【13】 if you can handle a war in just a few minutes, why even have Anxing Bureau, this embarrassing institution?"

Li Li Banfeng said: "Because different incidents require different levels of response—that's the basic rule of the external province.

【14】 Li Li Banfeng said: "Because different incidents require different levels of response—that's the basic rule of Waizhou,

Being able to resolve a war in minutes requires accurate intelligence, massive manpower and resources, a meticulously planned operation, and contingency preparations for unexpected developments.

【15】 the ability to respond to a war within minutes depends on having accurate intelligence, deploying massive manpower and resources, formulating detailed battle plans, and preparing for unexpected scenarios during combat,

If a silkworm suddenly appeared at the textile factory tomorrow and we had to prepare for war, the external province's economic foundation couldn't possibly sustain such enormous consumption."

【16】 if you had to prepare for war every time a silkworm appeared in a textile factory, Waizhou's economic foundation couldn't possibly sustain such enormous consumption."

Zhong'er chuckled bitterly: "Director Li, you know about the silkworm case at the textile factory?"

【17】 Zhong'er chuckled bitterly: "Li Ju, you know about the silkworm case at the textile factory?"

Li Li Banfeng nodded: "I reviewed the security inspection files—it was your first case, and you did quite well, much better than Dengpao's first case."

【18】 Li Li Banfeng nodded: "I read the inspection files—it was your first case, and you did quite well, much better than Bulb's first case."

Dengpao's first case was tailing Li Li Banfeng; all his efforts were wasted on two spicy strips.

【19】 Bulb's first case was tailing Li Li Banfeng; all his efforts were wasted on two spicy strips.

Zhong'er lowered his head: "Looking back now, that case was really embarrassing."

【20】 Zhong'er lowered his head: "Actually, thinking back now, that case was pretty embarrassing."

"Not embarrassing—at least Chen Changrui may not hold you in high regard, but overall, your performance met the external province's standards for such incidents, since you resolved the issue with limited resources."

【21】 "Not embarrassing. Maybe Chen Chen Zhangrui doesn't rate you highly, but overall, Waizhou considers your performance acceptable for this type of incident—you solved the problem with limited manpower and resources."

Zhong'er shook his head: "I think our problem-solving ability is worse than drones."

【22】 Zhong'er shook his head: "I think our problem-solving ability is worse than drones."

"It depends on how many drones. Ruirong Textile Factory exhibits some physical properties foreign to the external province—electromagnetic signals are severely disrupted inside. To precisely control drones, you'd need massive investment, and to ensure mission success, you'd need a large surplus of units.

【23】 "It depends on how many drones—Ruirong Textile Factory exhibits physical properties Waizhou shouldn't have; electromagnetic signals are severely disrupted inside, so accurately controlling drones requires massive cost, and ensuring mission success demands surplus numbers,

Facing enemies who can launch indiscriminate attacks, or hostages requiring targeted rescue, these factors mean costs could be orders of magnitude higher. You can't treat public security issues with warfare tactics,

【24】 facing enemies with indiscriminate strikes, rescuing hostages with targeted operations—these factors mean far higher costs, possibly orders of magnitude higher; you can't use war tactics to handle public security issues,

You can't use high-level methods to handle low-level incidents—that's the external province's rule."

【25】 you can't use high-level methods to deal with low-level incidents—that's Waizhou's rule."

Zhong'er was surprised: "Director Li, you're from Pulu Province—you've only just arrived, yet you understand the rules so clearly."

【26】 Zhong'er was astonished: "Li Ju, you're from Like Puluozhou—you've only been here a short time, yet you understand the rules so clearly."

Li Li Banfeng didn't answer. If he'd lived in Yuezhou his whole life, even another twenty years wouldn't have let him see the rules clearly.

【27】 Li Li Banfeng didn't answer. If he'd lived his whole life in Yuezhou, even another twenty years wouldn't let him see the direction of the rules.

Only after going to Pulu Province and comparing two completely different rule systems could you see the differences between them.

【28】 Only after going to Like Puluozhou and comparing two entirely different rule systems could he see the differences between them.

Zhong'er felt disappointed: "Under these rules, I seem to be the problem."

【29】 Zhong'er felt disappointed: "Under these rules, I seem to be the problem."

Li Li Banfeng offered a metaphor: "The external province is like a fortress—when defending home ground with full preparation, it's nearly impregnable. But if any single component is inadequately prepared, the entire system could collapse.

【30】 Li Li Banfeng offered a metaphor: "Waizhou is like a fortress—when fighting on home ground with full preparation, it's nearly impregnable; but if any single link is inadequately prepared, the entire system could collapse,

That's why the external province excels at prepared warfare but struggles with sudden situations. You have the ability to handle sudden situations and protect this world—that's something to be proud of."

【31】 which is why Waizhou excels at prepared warfare but struggles with sudden situations—you have the ability to handle sudden events and protect this world; that's something to be proud of."

Zhong'er smiled: "When I first joined, I said those stupid things—Director Li, you remember them?"

【32】 Zhong'er laughed: "When I first joined, I said those stupid things—Li Ju, you knew about them too?"

Li Qi nodded: "I remember. Everyone in the bureau remembers. Those weren't stupid words—they were dreams and ambition."

【33】 Li Qi nodded: "I know, everyone in the bureau knows—it wasn't stupid talk; it was dreams and ambition."

After eating enough, Zhong'er remembered something: "Director Li, you just said increasing drone numbers could compensate for signal precision issues—but in Ruirong Textile Factory, gunpowder detonation is also restricted. Was the earthquake-like explosion earlier achieved by increasing gunpowder quantity to overcome detonation probability limits?"

【34】 When they'd eaten enough, Zhong'er remembered something: "Li Ju, you just said increasing drone numbers compensates for signal precision issues—but in Ruirong Textile Factory, gunpowder detonation is also restricted. Was that earthquake-like explosion just a matter of using more gunpowder to overcome detonation probability limits?"

"Probably," Li Li Banfeng wasn't sure.

【35】 "Probably," Li Li Banfeng wasn't sure.

The explosion earlier was so powerful and lasted so long that Li Li Banfeng even doubted it was caused by gunpowder.

【36】 The explosion moments ago was so powerful and lasted so long that Li Li Banfeng even doubted it was caused by gunpowder.

Is controlling drones really just about increasing numbers? That's only Li Li Banfeng's speculation.

【37】 Is controlling drones really about increasing numbers for redundancy? That's just Li Li Banfeng's speculation.

Whatever method they used, the external province's technology has already broken through Ruirong Textile Factory's restrictions—will their next breakthrough be against Pulu Province's limits?

【38】 Whatever the method, Waizhou's technology has already broken through Ruirong Textile Factory's limits—will their next step be breaking through Like Puluozhou's?

If they can overcome electromagnetic and gunpowder restrictions in Pulu Province, how will Pulu Province respond?

【39】 If they can break through Like Puluozhou's electromagnetic and gunpowder restrictions, how will Like Puluozhou respond?

Zhong'er asked another question: "The external province is a fortress with strong combat power but poor response to sudden situations—what's Pulu Province like?"

【40】 Zhong'er asked another question: "Waizhou is a fortress, strong in combat but weak in handling sudden situations—what's Like Puluozhou like?"

He truly longed for Pulu Province.

【41】 He longed for Like Puluozhou—truly longed for it.

But this question left Li Li Banfeng speechless.

【42】 But this question left Li Li Banfeng speechless.

What is Pulu Province like?

【43】 What is Like Puluozhou like?

Pulu Province is a scattered pile of sand.

【44】 Like Puluozhou is a pile of loose sand.

In responding to sudden situations, every individual in Pulu Province excels—a handful of sand thrown in an enemy's eyes can cause prolonged discomfort.

【45】 In handling sudden situations, every piece of Like Puluozhou excels—a handful of sand thrown in an enemy's eye can make them suffer for a long time.

But what if the enemy prepares thoroughly and launches a full-scale war?

【46】 But what if the enemy prepares thoroughly and launches a full-scale war?

The internal province at least has an army—what does Pulu Province have?

【47】 Neizhou has at least an army—what does Like Puluozhou have?

The next morning, Shen Shen Jingye called Zhong'er into his office and gave him a severe reprimand.

【48】 The next morning, Shen Shen Jingye called Zhong'er into his office and gave him a severe reprimand.

Zhong'er's stakeout at Ruirong Textile Factory was detected by surveillance systems around the factory; this incident needed an explanation. Shen Shen Jingye's wording was harsh, demanding Zhong'er write a self-criticism.

【49】 Zhong'er had gone to stake out Ruirong Textile Factory; the surveillance system around the factory detected it, and something had to be explained—Shen Shen Jingye's wording was harsh, demanding Zhong'er write a self-criticism.

But Zhong'er's punishment was ultimately only writing a self-criticism.

【50】 But in the end, Zhong'er's punishment was only writing a self-criticism.

The punishment was mild for two reasons.

【51】 The punishment was mild for two reasons.

First, they won the battle.

【52】 First, they won the battle.

Second, Shen Shen Jingye was about to be promoted.

【53】 Second, Shen Shen Jingye was about to be promoted.

Of course, others were promoted too—Director Du and other senior officials.

【54】 Of course, he wasn't the only one promoted—Director Du and other senior figures were too.

But this required one condition: the war had to end quickly.

【55】 But this required one condition: the war had to end quickly.

The internal province differs from other countries—it refuses any form of communication with the external province, making it hard to get clear answers to post-war issues, or even determine whether the war has truly ended.

【56】 Unlike other countries, Neizhou refused any form of communication with Waizhou, making it hard to get clear answers on postwar issues—even whether they were truly in a postwar phase was uncertain.

If the internal province starts another war tomorrow, promotions will be postponed.

【57】 If Neizhou started another war tomorrow, promotions would be postponed.

"Director Li, you'll need to handle this—get at least one clear statement from the internal province: we believe this war should end."

【58】 "Li Ju, you'll need to put in extra effort on this—at least get a statement from Neizhou saying we'd better not fight anymore."

When it came to promotion, Shen Shen Jingye's work attitude was still very serious.

【59】 When it came to promotion, Shen Shen Jingye's work attitude remained proper.

Li Li Banfeng nodded: "I'll go ask the internal province."

【60】 Li Li Banfeng nodded: "I'll go to Neizhou and ask about it."

Shen Shen Jingye smiled: "Then I'll leave it to Director Li."

【61】 Shen Shen Jingye smiled: "Then I'll leave it to you, Li Ju."

"No need to be polite!" Li Li Banfeng served tea and signaled for him to leave, but Shen Shen Jingye didn't leave immediately.

【62】 "No need to be polite!" Li Li Banfeng served tea and signaled dismissal, but Shen Shen Jingye didn't leave right away.

"Director Li, when exactly will you depart? I need to coordinate with Ambassador Liao."

【63】 "Li Ju, roughly when will you depart? I need to coordinate with Director Liao."

"Depart?" Li Li Banfeng blinked, "Where to?"

【64】 "Depart?" Li Li Banfeng blinked. "Where to?"

Shen Shen Jingye pursed his lips: "Didn't we just agree? You'll communicate with the internal province to clarify the next steps."

【65】 Shen Shen Jingye pursed his lips: "Didn't we just agree? You'll communicate with Neizhou to clarify both sides' next steps."

"Did we just agree?" Li Li Banfeng was astonished. "When you talked to Zhui yesterday and said he had great potential—was that an agreement too?"

【66】 "That's 'agreed'?" Li Li Banfeng was astonished. "Yesterday you talked to Zhui and said he still had plenty of room for advancement—is that 'agreed' too?"

Shen Shen Jingye's cheek twitched—how did Li Qi know about his talk with Zhui? Who told him?

【67】 Shen Shen Jingye's cheeks twitched—how did Li Qi know everything? Who told him about my talk with Zhui?

"Zhui has performed exceptionally well recently; he'll definitely have promotion opportunities ahead," Li Li Banfeng nodded. "We've shown the internal province our strength—I believe they won't consider using force against us in the short term."

【68】 "Zhui has performed exceptionally well lately; he'll definitely have promotion opportunities in the near future," Li Li Banfeng nodded. "We've shown Neizhou our strength—I believe they won't consider using force against us in the short term."

Shen Shen Jingye frowned: "'Short term' is too vague."

【69】 Shen Shen Jingye frowned: "'Short term' is too vague."

Li Li Banfeng smiled: "Do you think 'future period' is any clearer?"

【70】 Li Li Banfeng smiled: "Do you think 'future period' is any clearer?"

Shen Shen Jingye said: "I told Zhui that to boost frontline morale."

【71】 Shen Shen Jingye said: "My purpose in speaking to Zhui was to boost frontline morale."

Li Li Banfeng nodded: "I told you that to calm your nerves before your promotion."

【72】 Li Li Banfeng nodded: "My purpose in telling you this is to calm your nerves before your promotion."

Shen Shen Jingye looked embarrassed: "That's not how it works—"

【73】 Shen Shen Jingye looked embarrassed: "That's not how it is—"

"Still want to keep blabbering?" Li Li Banfeng chuckled. "Then let's chat slowly—I'm not in a hurry for promotion."

【74】 "Still want to keep talking nonsense?" Li Li Banfeng chuckled. "Then let's chat slowly—I'm not in a hurry for promotion."

Shen Shen Jingye understood: empty talk was just talk.

【75】 Shen Shen Jingye understood Li Li Banfeng's meaning—empty talk was just nonsense.

Identifying the enemy's attack location was Li Qi's achievement.

【76】 Identifying the enemy's war initiation site was Li Qi's achievement.

Li Qi didn't seek promotion and still hasn't received any reward; talking about next steps now, Li Qi clearly wouldn't cooperate.

【77】 Li Qi doesn't seek promotion and hasn't received any reward yet; at this point, talking about next steps means Li Qi won't cooperate.

"Let's stop hiding things," Shen Shen Jingye ordered all surveillance and listening devices in the room turned off. "Director Li, what are your conditions? Just name them."

【78】 "Let's stop hiding things," Shen Shen Jingye ordered all surveillance and listening devices in the room turned off. "Li Ju, state your conditions outright."

"Little Shen, you need to adjust your attitude. It's not that I have conditions—I fulfill my duty as a balancer. Everything I do is for the development and stability of all sides.

【79】 "Little Shen, you need to adjust your attitude—it's not that I have conditions; everything I've done is to fulfill my role as a balancer, everything I've given is for the development and stability of all sides,

I've quietly shouldered many burdens, but some things are beyond one person's capacity. The internal province just lost; to compensate for losses, they may turn their attention toward Pulu Province. Before further negotiations, I must ensure Pulu Province's safety."

【80】 I've quietly shouldered much for my duty, but some things I can't bear alone—Neizhou just lost a battle and, to make up for losses, they'll likely turn their attention toward Like Puluozhou; before further negotiations with Neizhou, I must ensure Like Puluozhou's safety."

Hearing this, Shen Shen Jingye immediately contacted Du Du Wenming—he would never meddle in Pulu Province matters.

【81】 Hearing this, Shen Shen Jingye immediately contacted Du Du Wenming—he would never rashly interfere in Like Puluozhou's affairs.

Du Du Wenming came to the Dark Star Bureau on his own, even more eager than Shen Shen Jingye.

【82】 Du Du Wenming came to Anxing Bureau on his own initiative—his urgency was even greater than Shen Shen Jingye's.

After previous interactions, Du Du Wenming understood Li Qi's habits—he got straight to the point, no theory: "Protecting Pulu Province's safety has always been our core responsibility and the original purpose of establishing the Border Defense Bureau.

【83】 After prior contact, Du Du Wenming understood Li Qi's habits—he got straight to the point, no reasoning: "Protecting Like Puluozhou's safety has always been our key duty and the original purpose of establishing the Guanfang Bureau,

We can increase combat strength at our border posts, but that will also increase economic pressure. We don't seek greater profits in Pulu Province, but our earnings there must at least cover our basic costs—so freight rates will rise slightly."

【84】 we can increase combat strength at all Guanfang Bureaus, but that will also increase our economic burden—we don't seek more profit in Like Puluozhou, but our earnings there must at least cover our basic expenses, so freight rates will rise somewhat."

Li Qi interrupted Du Du Wenming: "Director Du, you misunderstood me. I don't want you to protect Pulu Province—I'm going to protect it myself. I need my own technology and power."

【85】 Li Qi interrupted Du Du Wenming: "Director Du, you misunderstood me—I never meant for you to protect Like Puluozhou; I intend to protect it myself, and I need my own technology and power."

Du Du Wenming tried to extend his argument: "Our methods may differ, but our goal is the same—we both want Pulu Province's safety. Starting with the Border Defense Bureau is the optimal solution."

【86】 Du Du Wenming still wanted to extend his logic: "Our approaches may differ, but our goal is the same—we both want Like Puluozhou's safety; starting with the Guanfang Bureau is the optimal solution to current problems."

"That's your optimal solution," Li Li Banfeng smiled. "You gained huge advantages on the battlefield—don't look for more bargains in Pulu Province. How many bargains are there in the world? Now it's time for you to invest."

【87】 "That's your optimal solution," Li Li Banfeng smiled. "You've already gained so much on the battlefield—don't look for more advantages in Like Puluozhou. How many free lunches are there in the world? Now it's time for you to put up your capital."

Li Li Banfeng spoke so bluntly that Du Du Wenming had to change tactics: "Then tell me your specific demands."

【88】 With Li Li Banfeng speaking so bluntly, Du Du Wenming could only change tactics: "Then state your specific demands."

Li Li Banfeng spoke even more directly: "To maintain peace in Pulu Province, I need combat-capable personnel. I need to borrow 20,000 heads from Santou Pass to fight the internal province."

【89】 Li Li Banfeng spoke even more directly: "To maintain Like Puluozhou's peace, I need combat-capable personnel—I need to borrow twenty thousand men from Santou Cha to fight Neizhou."

"You mean the Santou people?" Du Du Wenming's face darkened.

【90】 "You mean the Santou people?" Du Du Wenming's face darkened.

"Yes—the Santou people from Zui Ren City," Li Li Banfeng continued. "To sustain them, I also need more financial support—my future business operations will pay only base freight."

【91】 "Correct—the Santou people from Zui Ren City," Li Li Banfeng continued. "To sustain them, I also need more financial support—henceforth, my operations will pay only base freight."

Base freight meant just transportation cost—in other words, Li Li Banfeng would pay only the railway rental fee to the Border Defense Bureau.

【92】 Base freight meant transportation cost—in plain terms, Li Li Banfeng would pay only the cost of renting trains from the Guanfang Bureau.

Du Du Wenming's face grew even darker.

【93】 Du Du Wenming's face grew even darker.

Li Li Banfeng continued: "Due to boundary constraints, my actions in Pulu Province are severely limited, which harms peacekeeping. I need technology to control boundaries within a certain range."

【94】 Li Li Banfeng continued: "Due to the boundary's constraints, my actions in Like Puluozhou are severely limited, which harms peacekeeping—I need technology to control the boundary within a certain range."

"That's impossible!" Du Du Wenming stood up. "None of your three demands are acceptable. We're the victors of this war—you should be the ones making demands!"

【95】 "Impossible!" Du Du Wenming stood up. "None of your three demands are acceptable—we are the victors of this war; the ones who should be making demands are us!"

Li Li Banfeng lowered his hand: "Little Du, don't get so agitated. If the war is over, we're all victors. If it's not over, who's the victor is still uncertain."

【96】 Li Li Banfeng pressed his hand downward: "Little Du, don't get so agitated—if the war ends, everyone is a victor; if it doesn't end, who wins is still uncertain."

Du Du Wenming stormed out of the Dark Star Bureau. Li Li Banfeng pulled out three silver coins from his pocket and spun them between his fingers.

【97】 Du Du Wenming stormed out of Anxing Bureau; Li Li Banfeng pulled out three silver coins and spun them twice between his fingers.

The external province's stance remains clear: they don't want the war to continue.

【98】 Waizhou's stance remained clear—they didn't want the war to continue.

They won—so why don't they want to keep fighting?

【99】 They won—why not keep fighting?

This isn't cowardice—they're buying time. The external province's technological advancement terrifies Li Li Banfeng.

【100】 This isn't cowardice—they're buying time. The speed of Waizhou's technological advancement terrified Li Li Banfeng.

The Waizhou could never agree to all three conditions—how many would they accept?

Two silver dollars landed in Li Li Banfeng's hand; one fell onto the table and kept spinning.

"Guess whether this silver dollar shows heads or flowers?"

Ma Wu pressed a silver dollar onto the table and stared at Luo Su Lijun and Luo Luo Yanjun.

Luo Su Lijun guessed heads; Luo Luo Yanjun guessed flowers. Luo Su Lijun grew angry: "Why is it always different from what I guessed?"

Luo Luo Yanjun said: "If you guess wrong, you get punished. Since we guessed differently, one of us will always escape."

Luo Su Lijun snapped: "What good is escaping one? In the end, doesn't it all benefit Ma Ma Junyang?"

Ma Wu opened his palm and revealed the answer: "Heads. Su Lijun got it right."

Luo Su Lijun hissed: "Fine, you didn't listen to me—go ahead and flip it open yourself!"

Luo Luo Yanjun smiled: "A bet's a bet—I won't cheat. Five, don't rush to grab your tools yet—I've got a trick to show you."

"What trick?"

Luo Luo Yanjun retreated into her shell and waited about two and a half minutes.

When she emerged, her entire form had changed drastically.

Her bulky body vanished, replaced by a slender, graceful waist.

Her sticky flesh vanished, replaced by soft, delicate skin.

The massive snail shell lay aside; from within stepped a woman of exquisite features.

She wore a sapphire-blue silk qipao, smooth as water, perfectly tailored, with the collar falling just right to reveal her long, pale neck.

The dark gemstone buttons seemed peeled straight from the snail shell.

Her waist was cinched tightly, accentuating her supple figure, while the qipao's hem just brushed her ankles, swaying with each step to subtly reveal her elegantly shaped legs.

Luo Luo Yanjun walked up to Ma Wu and gently touched his face: "Five, do you like it?"

Luo Su Lijun was furious: "You little witch—what are you trying to do, looking like this?"

Luo Luo Yanjun sneered: "If you're jealous, go change yourself."

Luo Su Lijun retorted: "I don't have your talent."

Ma Wu stared quietly at Luo Luo Yanjun's face and brushed her hair.

Two strands were unusual. Luo Luo Yanjun tried to dodge, but Feng Daiku exposed her: "Five, those two hairs are her antennae—she can't transform them properly, so she hides them in her hair."

Luo Luo Yanjun looked wounded: "I can't transform them well, but my sister can—her antennae are completely invisible."

Luo Su Lijun grew even angrier: "Don't talk nonsense! I can't transform at all!"

"No need to hide your antennae—it's uncomfortable," Ma Wu pulled out Luo Luo Yanjun's antennae.

Luo Luo Yanjun hugged Ma Wu: "Five, I did all this for you."

"Mm." Ma Wu murmured.

"Five, if you like it, I'll do anything," Luo Luo Yanjun leaned in to kiss him—but Ma Wu turned his head away.

"What's wrong, Five?" Luo Luo Yanjun was stunned.

Ma Wu paused, then said: "Can you change back to how you were?"

"Huh?" Luo Su Lijun gaped, speechless for a long moment.

Feng Daiku couldn't help laughing.

Ma Wu saw nothing funny about it.

If he wanted stunning beauty, who could rival Feng Daiku?

He liked these sisters precisely because of how they originally were!

"Five, I did all this for you—how can you treat me like this?" Luo Luo Yanjun wept uncontrollably, wishing she could crawl back into her shell—just then, Li Li Banfeng arrived.

"Li Qi, you tell me—is this look bad?" Luo Luo Yanjun stepped up to Li Li Banfeng.

Li Li Banfeng sized her up, then asked: "Miss, who are you?"

"I'm Luo Luo Yanjun—I changed into this for Five, and now he wants me to go back!"

Li Li Banfeng looked from the snail shell several meters away to the woman before him, who bore no resemblance to it, and after a long silence, asked seriously: "How did you do it?"

"I won't tell you!" Luo Luo Yanjun wiped her tears and turned away.

Luo Su Lijun added: "It's just a cheap illusion."

Luo Luo Yanjun protested: "If this is cheap, my sister's got real power."

Li Li Banfeng turned to Luo Su Lijun: "Can you change too?"

Luo Su Lijun approached Li Li Banfeng, her antennae swaying: "Forget these trivialities—Li Young Master, you saved me at great risk. I'm deeply grateful. Please accept this token of my thanks."

Luo Su Lijun pulled out two pairs of contracts, along with land seals and maps, and handed them all to Li Li Banfeng.

Li Li Banfeng took the maps and contracts, his expression calm: "Miss Luo, it seems you've been reinstated."

Luo Su Lijun sighed deeply: "Rank doesn't matter. The court is overrun with petty schemers, whispering lies, pushing for total war with Waizhou. In truth, they only seek fame and profit—they never consider the strength disparity or the safety of the realm."

Li Li Banfeng listened, his thoughts seeming distant.

Luo Su Lijun quickly shifted focus: "The army's defeat has temporarily silenced them. Please, Li Young Master, mediate—urge Waizhou to prioritize the greater good and end this war."

Li Li Banfeng gave a slight nod: "Fine."

Luo Su Lijun had prepared an additional contract: "You once said, Li Young Master, that dealing with matters as they are brings clarity. I've reflected on your words in prison and found them wise. I'll follow your example—I leave this contract behind. Let us settle this war on clear terms."

The contract was placed in Li Li Banfeng's hands; Luo Su Lijun and Luo Luo Yanjun departed.

Li Li Banfeng held the contract, expressionless, and walked out of the workshop.

At Feng Daiku's residence, Feng had prepared a full feast; the three shared a few cups.

Ma Wu smiled: "No more war—we've gained two territories. Everyone wins!"

Feng Daiku offered congratulations, but Li Li Banfeng remained expressionless.

"Old Seven, something on your mind?" Ma Wu asked. "You've been distracted since the workshop."

Li Li Banfeng asked: "Why did Luo Luo Yanjun suddenly turn into a woman?"

Ma Wu explained: "I was teasing the sisters—Luo Luo Yanjun turned into a beautiful woman to please me. I know she meant it sincerely, but after the change, I truly didn't like it."

Li Li Banfeng nodded: "Yes, she meant it sincerely—I don't doubt that. But Luo Luo Yanjun never speaks plainly. I think there's deeper meaning in her words."

"Deeper meaning?" Ma Wu pondered. "I really didn't like it. How deep it is—I can't say."

"She turned human—I saw no flaw," Li Li Banfeng said seriously, staring at Ma Wu. This mattered deeply to him—he had just used Jin Qing Qiu Hao on Luo Luo Yanjun and still detected nothing amiss.

"Pure-blooded Neizhou people are forbidden from entering Like Puluozhou—that's the rule set by the Peddler," Li Li Banfeng said, looking at Ma Ma Junyang and Feng Daiku. "If Luo Luo Yanjun entered Like Puluozhou like this, could we tell?"

Ma Wu stayed silent—he could tell, but his method was too unique.

Feng Daiku shook his head slightly: "Unless I'd carefully examined her hair, I'd never have spotted those two antennae. If she changed her attire and brushed past me, I might never know she's from Neizhou."

Among the pure-blooded Neizhou people Li Li Banfeng had encountered, one resembled a clam, another a factory, and the sisters a snail—all easily identifiable by form.

Now the snail had become human—and Li Li Banfeng couldn't tell.

That meant Neizhou could infiltrate Like Puluozhou. And this wasn't even Luo Luo Yanjun's unique skill—she'd clearly said her sister could transform too.

Out of gratitude to Li Qi and Ma Wu, Luo Luo Yanjun had given them a warning: this was a technique Neizhou was mastering.

Li Li Banfeng pulled a document from his robe and handed it to Ma Wu.

Ma Wu read it, thrilled: "Waizhou waived all our shipping fees! Our business will explode now!"

Li Li Banfeng had proposed three conditions; Du Du Wenming had only agreed to this one.

Waizhou would never budge on the border issue.

They had no intention of allowing the Three-Headed Ones to pass.

"Sometimes the peacemakers are more dangerous than the war-mongers," Li Li Banfeng murmured.

Ma Wu asked: "Old Seven, what do you mean by 'peacemakers are more dangerous'?"

Li Li Banfeng looked at Ma Wu: "Do you know what an arms race is?"

Ma Wu thought: "I've heard it somewhere—probably a Waizhou term?"

Li Li Banfeng said: "Waizhou and Neizhou are locked in an arms race. What does Like Puluozhou have?"

Ma Wu didn't understand. Li Li Banfeng looked troubled: "Waizhou and Neizhou each have their own methods. What does Like Puluozhou have?"

"Everything you need is here, Master—take a look!" Gui Gui Jianchou laid out the spoils one by one before Sun Sun Tiecheng.

Sun Sun Tiecheng grabbed a handful of silver dollars, impressed: "Good work. This loan-sharking bastard hoarded all this wealth—ended up leaving it all for me."

Gui Gui Jianchou quickly added: "Half was taken by Mu Yuejuan. I told Ah Xiong to deal with her, but he's not strong enough—he couldn't capture her."

"No rush," Sun Sun Tiecheng said cheerfully. "Let her hold onto it a few more days—I'll deal with her later. Ah Gui, I reward fairly. You didn't work for nothing—Zhang Zhang Gunli's soul is yours."

Gui Gui Jianchou thanked him, but added: "Thank you, Master, but his soul is layered with protections—I can't touch it yet."

Sun Sun Tiecheng nodded: "Zhang Zhang Gunli left himself a backup. As long as his soul remains, he has a way to return—though I don't know if it's tied to Neizhou. Doesn't matter—I'll handle it. He'll be your ghost servant. Name him Ah Gun. And besides him, I have another reward."

Gui Gui Jianchou thanked him profusely. Sun Sun Tiecheng opened a drawer and pulled out Did Honglian.

As it neared Zhang Zhang Gunli's corpse, Did Honglian sensed for a moment, then opened its petals and absorbed flesh and bone alike.

It absorbed them—but no glow appeared on the petals.

Sun Sun Tiecheng frowned, lifting Did Honglian: "What's wrong? Why isn't it refining the pill?"

Did Honglian waved its lotus leaves and whispered softly into Sun Sun Tiecheng's ear.

Sun Sun Tiecheng blinked: "You need an ingredient? And it's got to be Golden Thorn Peach? That's rare stuff—"

I took it in, but no halo appeared on the petals.

Sun Sun Tiecheng frowned, picked up the Red Lotus, and asked, "What's wrong? Why aren't you refining the elixir yet?"

The Red Lotus waved its lotus leaves and whispered a few words into Sun Sun Tiecheng's ear.

Sun Sun Tiecheng blinked and said, "You need auxiliary ingredients too? And they have to be Golden Thorn Peaches? You're asking for something pretty rare."

This thing isn't easy to find, A Gui—I remember, prickly peaches only grow on Sage Virtue Peak, right?

A Gui, where are you going? A Gui! Stop right there!

Gui Gui Jianchou tried to slip away quietly, but Sun Sun Tiecheng spotted him.

"A Gui, why are you running off? Hong Hong Lian told me Zhang Zhang Gunli can refine three Xiao Xuan Yun Pills—these are priceless treasures, and I was planning to give you one! Don't tell me you don't want it?"

Gui Gui Jianchou shook his head repeatedly. "Lord Mayor, I dare not accept such a precious elixir, and I dare not go to Sage Virtue Peak."

"What's there to fear? Didn't you just go there a few days ago?"

Gui Gui Jianchou waved his hand. "Things are different now—Sage Virtue Peak has become the domain of Dao Dao Laogui. If you send me there, you're asking for my life."

Sun Sun Tiecheng clasped his hands and squatted on the ground. "What do we do now? We can't skip refining such a fine elixir, and we can't avoid going to such a fine place!"

Gui Gui Jianchou's face twisted in bitterness. "Then find someone else suitable to go."

Sun Sun Tiecheng lifted his egg-beating stick. "There's no one more suitable."

PS: How come Hong Hong Lian needs ingredients to refine elixirs?

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