In the evening, under the protection of the guards, Qiu Tu boarded his car and headed towards the largest hotel of the Seventh Sanctuary, "Sea Sky Hotel."

Normally, as the host, Qiu Tu should be entertaining Shen Yuzhou. But since tonight was at Shen Yuzhou's invitation, Qiu Tu graciously went to the banquet.

On the way, watching the scenery outside the window quickly retreating, Qiu Tu couldn't help but recall the arrangements he had made for his departure from the "Northwestern Region" in the past two days.

Since deciding to set a trap for the Third Sanctuary, Qiu Tu had settled on a contraction strategy.

Next, as long as he reaches cooperation with the Third Sanctuary, then the Sixth and Seventh Sanctuaries would be handed over to the Third Sanctuary; and the troops of the "Four States" would also retreat back to the "Four States."

However, to make it easier for Qiu Tu to reclaim the two sanctuaries in the future, he left a few pawns in the Sixth and Seventh Sanctuaries.

Figures like Yan Chen, Guan Xiao, Yanyan, and Huang Shangzong are among the most important pawns.

The reason Qiu Tu chose them was not for anything else, but for their independent thinking and ability to get things done.

As Qiu Tu once thought in the car, these people are incredibly smart and have their own ideas. Such people are a double-edged sword; used well, they can become exceptional leaders, but if not, they can harm both the enemy and themselves. (Chapter 597)

Therefore, even when facing them, Qiu Tu needed to stay fully alert, to prevent them from overthinking things and causing well-intentioned mishaps.

But... now the situation has changed. Qiu Tu is going to be away for a few months. At such a time... their strengths are magnified, while their weaknesses are minimized.

Qiu Tu needs their independent thinking and ability to act and their capability to handle things independently.

And since Qiu Tu is not around, it's difficult for them to cause well-intentioned mishaps.

After all... Qiu Tu has little demand for the sold Sixth and Seventh Sanctuaries.

In fact, the more chaotic the Sixth and Seventh Sanctuaries are, the more it benefits Qiu Tu.

Moreover... to train a true Senior Frontier Official, one must let go completely and allow them to grow rapidly in these predicaments.

And once they are truly trained, when Qiu Tu's territory expands in the future, they can be truly utilized.

'Can't lead a team, can only work oneself to death.'

'So let them cause a stir.'

'Hopefully, they can give me a surprise when the time comes....'

Thinking this way, the convoy traveled forward and quickly arrived at the largest restaurant of the Seventh Sanctuary, "Sea Sky Hotel."

Maybe they knew Qiu Tu was coming, or maybe it had already been booked by Shen Yuzhou. Anyway, this best restaurant of the Seventh Sanctuary was deserted, with guards standing vigilantly around.

Soon, the convoy slowly stopped at the entrance of the "Sea Sky Hotel."

At the entrance, a fat man with a beaming smile quickly stepped forward, wanting to come over and open the door.

But before he could get close, the guards who had gotten out of the ten or so accompanying vehicles behind and in front quickly intercepted him.

The fat man clearly wanted to flatter Qiu Tu, so when he was stopped, he immediately broke into a sweat, looking anxious.

Right inside the car, just a window away, Qiu Tu didn't rush to get out.

The reason was simple, just as he was about to get off, Qiu Tu suddenly received a short message.

"If you can't reach an agreement with the Third Sanctuary, you can consider us - Li Feng"

The message was very brief, but the information it contained couldn't be ignored.

If discussions with the Third Sanctuary stall, could they try the Fourth Sanctuary?

One has to admit, the moment he saw this message, Qiu Tu's mind flashed with the fiery image of Li Feng...

It doesn't fit the style of a politician, but... it does fit Li Feng's personality.

However... cooperate with the Fourth Sanctuary?

With this thought, Qiu Tu's mind turned slightly.

The core of the Fourth Sanctuary is Li Feng and her "Iron Maiden Army." Wherever she and the "Iron Maiden Army" are, the Fourth Sanctuary is there.

This also means... they don't actually need a stable territory.

Therefore, the Sixth and Seventh Sanctuaries hold little value for them.

This is the reason why Qiu Tu didn't choose to collaborate with them first.

As for the advantages... there are some. If Qiu Tu remembers correctly, Li Feng's background is not simple.

She is rumored to be the daughter of a high-ranking member of the Second Sanctuary within the "Boundless Heart Sea - Core Region."

Establishing a connection with her is equivalent to connecting with humanity's most powerful force, the "Second Sanctuary."

This is indeed a good option....

With this in mind, Qiu Tu did not reply to Li Feng but put away the communicator. After the car door opened, he stepped out of the vehicle.

Surrounded by others, he went up to the Sky Room on the second floor. Inside, Shen Yuzhou was already waiting there.

Possibly today's topic was unsuitable for Candle Dance to hear, so even she wasn't in the room.

This made Qiu Tu even more cautious about the negotiation this time....

And then....

"Speaker Qiu, we accept all the conditions you proposed. No objections. Let's wish for a pleasant cooperation."

At the dining table, Shen Yuzhou, smiling broadly, raised his glass to toast Qiu Tu.

Qiu Tu was slightly taken aback.

Shen Yuzhou put on such a grand stance, yet he fully accepted the terms of the deal?

One might have thought he was ready for a serious negotiation.

With this thought, Qiu Tu's hand didn't stop; he raised his glass, clinked it with Shen Yuzhou's, and then drank it all in one go.