Chapter 230: Chapter 173 Breakthrough_2
Monkey Qiu was quite surprised. "Junyang, your cultivation level has grown."
Ma Wu laughed. "You flatter me, Uncle Qiu. My cultivation level isn’t high enough yet; I can’t use the Blood Surge Technique. What I used just now was the Inspiration Technique."
Monkey Qiu, a cultivator at the Seventh Layer of Lust Cultivation, was from the same school as Ma Wu. He observed carefully and confirmed that Ma Wu had indeed used the Inspiration Technique.
The Inspiration Technique was a low-level technique, yet it shared principles with the Blood Surge Technique. Being able to use the Inspiration Technique to achieve the effects of the Blood Surge Technique proved Ma Wu had exceptional talent in Lust Cultivation, which truly impressed Monkey Qiu.
Seizing the chance while Chu Er couldn’t speak, Ma Wu hurriedly interjected, "Uncle Qiu, do you mean that the Hundred Joy Gate should be run jointly by the Lu Family and the Chu Family?"
Monkey Qiu nodded.
Ma Wu could never have dreamed that the seemingly irreversible situation would be resolved in such a way.
Lu Yuanshan looked at Chu Er. "Huai Yuan, Uncle Qiu has given you plenty of face. Shouldn’t you be satisfied?"
Yang Yanzheng kept urging from the side, "Miss, let’s settle it like this."
Chu Er swallowed hard for a good while before she finally caught her breath.
Her mind cleared considerably, and her tone of voice changed. "Uncle Qiu, let’s be clear. Does the Hundred Joy Gate belong to the Chu family or the Lu family?"
This was a key issue. The shares could be split, but who would have operational control?
Qiu Zhiheng said, "It belongs to both the Chu and Lu families. Seeing as you’ve managed it diligently so far, we’ll temporarily leave the management to you. With Junyang helping, the Hundred Joy Gate likely won’t lose money. However, if losses exceed twenty percent, you must hand over management rights. Do you agree?"
Chu Er, though feisty, wasn’t foolish. Monkey Qiu had made such a significant concession, so naturally, she wouldn’t continue to act unreasonably. She immediately had a contract drafted to finalize the matter.
Ma Wu finally let out a sigh of relief and said to everyone, "If Uncle Qiu doesn’t mind, please stay at Mengchun Garden for the night. Tonight, allow this junior to host a dance party as a gesture of my hospitality."
Monkey Qiu nodded. "That sounds good. I was planning to stay a night anyway. We can talk business with Junyang tomorrow."
The heart that had just settled was instantly in suspense again.
What business did Monkey Qiu want to discuss with Ma Wu?
Ma Wu was a clever man; he naturally understood. With the Liu and Si families cut out as intermediaries, Blue Poplar Village was, in the end, still Lu Family territory. For Ma Wu to operate here, he would have to give Hua Hong to the Lu Family. Exactly how much would depend on tomorrow’s negotiations.
Monkey Qiu had brought the matter up first, giving Ma Wu ample time to prepare. From every angle, Monkey Qiu had handled things impeccably.
Now, it all depended on Ma Wu’s sincerity. How much Hua Hong would be appropriate? A fifty-fifty split? Would Monkey Qiu be satisfied? Ma Wu couldn’t accept giving any more.
Brother Li, where have you gone? We need to discuss this when you return.
...
At seven o’clock in the evening, the dance party began. Lu Yuanshan invited Chu Er to dance, but Chu Er wasn’t in the mood; her thoughts had already flown to the Hundred Joy Gate.
Ma Wu, however, had prepared diligently. He invited the most beautiful dancing girls with the best skills from Blue Poplar Village, having them take turns dancing.
Monkey Qiu practiced Lust Cultivation, so theoretically, he should have happily accepted such hospitality.
But he seemed uninterested, sitting alone in a corner drinking. Ma Wu had no choice but to keep dancing with the dancing girls, one after another, to maintain the party’s atmosphere.
Midway through the dance party, Xiao Chuanzi changed the music. Amidst the bustle, he switched to "When Will You Return."
Ma Wu shot Chuanzi a glare. That particular song carried a special implication, suggesting the party was coming to an end.
"Beautiful flowers don’t bloom forever, good times don’t always last; sorrow melts into smiling brows, tears stain the sash of longing. After tonight’s farewell, when will you return..."
As the music played, it was too late to stop it. Ma Wu felt embarrassed, but then he noticed Monkey Qiu had changed his position.
He moved from one corner to another.
There sat a special guest, wearing a black suit and a top hat. The brim was pulled down low, and one could vaguely see a thick beard on his chin.
Li Qi!
Ma Wu hadn’t expected Li Banfeng to be back, nor did he know when he had entered the dance hall.
Monkey Qiu knew; he had sensed Li Banfeng from the moment he entered.
After a silent moment together, Monkey Qiu asked, "Young brother, have you been well?"
He recognized Li Banfeng. As a cultivator at the Seventh Layer of Lust Cultivation, he could, to some extent, counteract a Home Cultivator’s innate tendency to be overlooked. Most importantly, he had not only seen photos of Li Banfeng but had also met him in person. Although he couldn’t see Li Banfeng’s face, he hadn’t forgotten his build.
Li Banfeng nodded slightly. "I’m fine. How have you been recently, Big Brother Qiu?"
"Not so well," Qiu Zhiheng sighed. "Ever since I went looking for you in Greenwater City, it’s been one trouble after another."
"Are you here for me today as well?" Li Banfeng assumed Monkey Qiu had come about the Red Lotus matter.
Monkey Qiu paused for a moment before replying, "Sort of."
Li Banfeng’s hand slipped into his pocket, gripping the key.
Monkey Qiu continued, "I came to you about Blue Poplar Village. This place is still considered Lu Family territory. In the future, some Hua Hong will have to be given."
"Ma Wu and I are just trying to make a living here," Li Banfeng replied softly, without changing his posture. "How much you leave for us will depend on your discretion, Big Brother Qiu."
Earning a living...
Qiu Zhiheng recalled asking Li Banfeng for food on the train. That was in the past, and any favors owed had been repaid. Qiu Zhiheng had no reason to dwell on it.
Not until the music was ending did Qiu Zhiheng finally speak. "If it’s still the two of you managing it, just send a token of appreciation to the Lu Family at the end of each year. However, the Ma Family cannot take over Blue Poplar Village. The Lu Family’s flag still flies here. Otherwise, it’s another matter."