by Fang Xiang
“Charge?” the Head smiled coldly. “Don’t cause trouble for me. The other side is much stronger than our people! Don’t look down on those thirty-six formation battle watchtowers. That thing’s expensive. Even if we sell ourselves, we won’t be able to trade for one of them.”
“That expensive?” the subordinate’s eyes widened as he gaped.
“En, very expensive,” the Head said. “Think about it. Right now, we are worried about ling grains everyday, but the other has the ability to build formation battle watchtowers. Is there a need to fight?”
No one spoke. This comparison was simple and straightforward, able to be comprehended at a glance. In Little Mountain Jie, everyone was in a half-starved state. The rarity of ling grains were something every faction had to face.
“If they don’t lack for ling grains, can we buy some ling grains from them?” the subordinate suddenly asked.
The Head stilled, and thought. He was right. The other had the ability to build such a city, they shouldn’t lack for ling grains. In Little Mountain jie right now, even if you had the jingshi, there was no place to buy ling grains.
Just at this time, several people were seen flying out of Golden Crow City.
They were extremely fast, arriving in front of them in a short while. There were four people, the leader a male xiu that was both tall and thin. Beside him were three guards dressed in golden armor.
Everyone’s eyes were attracted by the exaggerated fire red broadswords the Golden Armor Guards were holding. The three xiuzhe were completely enveloped by the golden armor as they stood coldly. The head’s heart shook. He could not see the true power of these three Golden Armor Guards, but the presence and faint viciousness that spilled out made him smell danger.
———
“This one is Bao Yi, the main manager of Golden Crow City’s businesses.” Bao Yi made an elegant bow. Ever since he had followed Boss, what he had done was watch over the stores. Now, it was finally time for him to go back to his old profession. At this moment, his tears almost streamed over his face.
“Bao Yi?” The Head felt that this name was somewhat familiar but he couldn’t recall it. However, he didn’t let the puzzlement stay long on his face, and filled it with a smile, “Nice to meet Manager Bao!”
The people noted down the name of this city, Golden Crow City.
“My apologies.” Bao Yi’s expression made everyone’s hearts tense.
Detecting expressions were basic techniques that every businessperson had to learn. As one of the best, Bao Yi naturally had great skill. His expression was indifferent, but he was very satisfied inside. Before, he had only been a little black market dealer. Now, he could cause such a large crowd of xiuzhe to feel nervous.
This batch of xiuzhe was about five hundred or so people, and could be considered a significant faction.
He felt satisfied, but he didn’t want to ruin his first business transaction. He put on a friendly smile, “Due to our city being too small, it cannot hold everyone. You can set up camp outside the city. All fighting is restricted within twenty li of the city. If you would like to camp inside this area, you will need to pay a fee, and we will direct you to an area to camp. You can also choose to set up camp outside this twenty li area, and not have to pay any fee. Also, our city has a market inside. It will have many surprises for everyone. If you have any needs, our city will open everyday at sunrise, and close at sunset. We will do our best to provide services for everyone.”
When the Head heard such formal words, he thought inside that this was truly a large faction. Look at the mannerisms, the composure. They were even so skilled in demanding jingshi, to the point you couldn’t get angry.
Swallowing, the Head said, “What do you take in trade?”
Little Mountain Jie was extremely chaotic, all kinds of order had collapsed long ago. Many factions traded in all kinds of weird things.
“Jingshi third-grade and above is accepted. Also, to provide convenience, we have specialized conversion services. Acceptable materials are those third-grade and above, talismans and jade scrolls need to be fourth grade and above.”
Hearing this, the Head was even more shocked. Look at that, they only take in jade scrolls and talismans of fourth-grade and above. In their group, there were only two fourth-grade talismans. Compared to the other, they were so poor they were practically beggars.
His heart feeling even less confidence, his voice became smaller, “Then we will camp outside the twenty li.”
The friendly smile hung on Bao Yi’s face. “No problem.” He then handed the Head a paper crane, saying, “If needed, you can contact me at any time. Everyone, you have had a long trip, I will not disturb you, goodbye.”
Finishing, he bowed courteously before taking the three Golden Armor Guards and flying back to the city.
———
When Bao Yi left, this Head instantly asked, “Who has jingshi?”
There were many that kept some, but the total was pitifully small. At this time, a subordinate reminded him, “Head, don’t we have a batch of White Bone Stone? We can sell to them.”
The Head hit his head. Right! White Bone Stone was shaped like white bone, hence the name. It was a rare third-grade material. Instantly feeling that his wallet wasn’t so empty, the Head instantly was lively. “En, we will go look around the city tomorrow, and see what things we can buy.”
At this time, the subordinate suddenly remembered. “Boss, I remember now!’
“Remember what?” the Head turned his face.
“Bao Yi!” this subordinate said. “Bao Yi is a black market dealer. He had went to Nan Sheng Village, but the Chief Elder of the Outer Hall had enmity against him. Don’t you remember? At that time, you even told me to never go to him to buy anything so the Outer Hall wouldn’t hold a grudge against us.”
“I remember!” After this reminder, the Head instantly recalled it. “It seems he caught onto a big tree this time, and struck it rich! The owner of this city is really daring to not even give face to the Outer Hall.”
“Boss, say, could it be that it was this group that did Nan Sheng Village?” the subordinate said in a quiet voice.
The Head shook and jumped in fright. He instantly reprimanded in a low voice, “Don’t speak nonsense! You can’t say these things, you can be killed for this!”
“Yes yes yes!” The subordinate’s face was slightly pale as he nodded continuously.
Waving his hand to push the subordinate to the side, the Head couldn’t help but think. For some reason, what the subordinate just said whirled through his mind like a ghost haunting him.
Had it been this group who did that?
Before today, he had never thought there could be any faction in Little Mountain Jie that could be this powerful. Even the Outer Hall couldn’t compare. Everyone had already discussed in depth what happened at Nan Sheng Village, and had come to a consensus.
The attacking side’s abilities were not smaller than the Outer Hall!
If it really was them … …
The more the Head thought, the more scared he was. It was fated that he would have a sleepless night.
———
Golden Crow City, Zuo Mo worked as he asked, “How was it?”
Bao Yi stood respectfully at the side. “They don’t seem to have too much jingshi.”
“No problem,” Zuo Mo said, “we can loan them some.”
“Loan?” Bao Yi was very shocked. “Then wouldn’t it be unprofitable for us?”
“Loan it to them, and they can then sell to other people.” Zuo Mo clearly had great enthusiasm towards jingshi. He even stopped doing his work and snickered. “As long as there is jingshi to be earned, they will work harder than anyone else.”
“But what if they take the stuff and run?” Bao Yi said, full of worry.
“What are you afraid of?” Zuo Mo was unconcerned. “Where can they run to? They won’t run. Here, they can continuously make jingshi!”
Seeing Bao Yi was goi
ng to speak, Zuo Mo waved his hand and said. “Even if we lose, it won’t be a lot. Other than making jingshi, it is more important to sell the Black Processing Meditation mat.”
Bao Yi was confused.
“With the Black Processing Meditation mat, do they still need ling grains?” Zuo Mo asked.
“They don’t need it.” Bao Yi shook his head.
“That’s the point,” Zuo Mo patiently explained. “If they don’t need ling grains, they will not be controlled by Clear Sky Sect. In the future when we are fighting Clear Sky Sect, they would not be pressured to help Clear Sky Sect. This is more important to us. Jingshi is much easier to get than ling grains.”
“If Clear Sky Old Forefather comes, they wouldn’t dare … …” Bao Yi said.
“A single jindan ruling a jie, have you ever heard of it?” Zuo Mo asked. Then he answered his own question, “I’ve never heard of it. Why is everyone so afraid of Clear Sky Sect? It is not Clear Sky Old Forefather, but the ling grains. Without the threat of ling grains, everyone will think, I can’t defeat you, but you can’t do anything if I stay away from you. I don’t need your help.”
“In other words, Little Mountain Jie is still a cage, but inside the cage, people won’t have to worry about their cultivation collapsing in the short term,” Zuo Mo said. “No one likes Clear Sky Sect. In the short term without the threat of ling grains, they won’t help Clear Sky Sect when we fight against Clear Sky Sect.”
Bao Yi finally realized and then asked, “Will they help us? If we get rid of Clear Sky Sect, it would be of benefit to everyone!”
“No,” Zuo Mo’s answer was clean. “You aren’t giving jingshi to them, why will they help you? They also have to consider ‘what if we are defeated?’ They still have to stay in this cage.”
Bao Yi was silent. He knew that Boss wasn’t wrong, but for some reason, he was slightly disappointed by this answer.
Zuo Mo knew Bao Yi’s emotions and comforted. “It’s alright, we hadn’t been planning on depending on them in the first place. We rely on ourselves.”
“En! Boss, I know what to do.” Bao Yi nodded his head firmly, a undetectable cold light flashing in his eyes.
His heart was full of enthusiasm for battle. As a successful black market businessperson, he decided to use the truth to tell them why he could establish himself in the black market, and the difference between black market businesspeople and normal businesspeople. It was all one word
–– Black!
* * *
Translator Ramblings: Zuo Mo brings his own unique perspective of the state of Little Mountain Jie. It is not the complete truth, nor is it completely “accurate” but I guess that Fang Xiang’s skills shine through here as he is able to keep the plot happenings and the perspective of the main character separate yet have them join together when necessary. Zuo Mo’s ignorance is deliberately written and it is a long journey to see him “enlightened.”
It is also deliberate but I still find it ironic that Zuo Mo’s running into trouble because of ling grains considering his profession as a ling plant farmer.
Chapter 280: Prelude
Outside of Nan Sheng Village.
“Hee hee, they definitely would never expect that we would return,” Lei Peng looked at the newly rebuilt Nan Sheng Village, his bearded face snickering.
The other people all had strange expressions.
No one had expected that Lil’ Miss would sneak all the way to Nan Sheng Village.
However, they were full of enthusiasm about destroying the enemy’s main base again. Everyone was drooling while staring at Nan Sheng Village, howling as they charged at Nan Sheng Village.
Hopelessness floated on to the faces of the enemies.
———
Golden Crow City.
“We have all kinds of talismans for all types of xiuzhe, the offensive type, the defensive type, the supporting type. You can see them all. A good talisman can save your life at a critical moment, and they are not expensive … …”
“This is a special product of our city, fourth-grade Golden Crow Fire. I think that I don’t need to introduce this. If you have enough jingshi, we can provide you with an unlimited amount. Of course, something as good as this needs a price suitable for it … …”
“What you see right now is a top-secret talisman, Black Processing Meditation mat. When you possess this, you do not need to worry about relying completely on ling grains. What? You don’t believe me. Oh oh oh I can understand! No matter, what can be more effective than personally experiencing it? Out of consideration for our customers, we provide trial service. Please come with me … …”
“You do not have enough jingshi? Oh, I need to consider this. You know that all of our merchandise are good items that are in high demand. No xiuzhe would be able to refuse this Golden Crow Fire. Black Processing Meditation mat, oh, this definitely is an mighty talisman! Yes, it is not outrageous to use mighty to describe it. It can help you get rid of your reliance on ling grains … …”
“Oh, so it’s like that! I can understand your difficulties. Since you are so sincere, we can both move back a step. You can first borrow a batch of merchandise from our city, but it will not be a huge amount. I trust that you have the abilities to quickly sell all of it with your power. We will not interfere with how much you sell it for. I feel that the large profit involved is enough for your purchasing power to quickly increase in a short time.”
“But considering that we do not have a history of cooperating together, you need to provide a guarantee. Anything can work, I see that your fourth-grade flying sword appeared very good … …”
“Oh, a gentleman will not take another’s items. Since it is so meaningful to you, then this one will not demand it. Then we only have one option, a lien through people. You only have to provide one hundred people as collateral… …”
“We will have a great relationship!”
When the Head came out of Golden Crow City, he shook his slightly inflated head. That slender bamboo rod really knew how to talk. Those good items still seemed to be swaying in front of his eyes. The cold wind that blew against his face cleared his mind. Looking at the faraway mountain peak, he took a deep breath. He knew an outrageously good opportunity was in front of him!
If he could catch this chance, his strength would quickly go up a few levels!
———
Shu Long carefully listened to the voice that came out of the necklace. However, the person who was speaking this time seemed to be arguing with someone.
“They can only cultivate mo, they can’t do what the yao do.” Shu Long was very familiar with this voice that was always slightly scornful. It was this one that had taught them how to cultivate.
Boss’ subordinate was so mysterious, he had never shown his true face.
However, he didn’t dare interrupt. This daren’s temper was not good.
“Oh, you aren’t wrong. The boy is even more outrageous now. We can’t let him continue to be so smug. We are people of status.”
“Okay, we can try what you suggest.”
Listening to this daren talk to himself, Shu Long perceptively stayed silent.
“Shu Long,” The necklace passed through the daren’s call.
He hurriedly responded, “This one is here.”
“From today onwards, the cultivation plan is being changed.”
“Yes.” Shu Long did not argue or object. They would cultivate whichever way Daren said to. Before this, they didn’t know anything about cultivation.
Daren listed all the places that needed to be modified in detail. Shu Long noted all of them down. When he met places he did not understand, he would ask for clarification.
Pu Yao clearly was very satisfied with Shu Long’s attitude, but he still added, “Oh, you need to supervise them. With your turtle speed, when will you even cultivate to an acceptable level?”
“Yes!” Shu Long seriously answered.
“Especially that [Crow Fiend Mo Killing Formation], y
ou need to rehearse it well.”
———
In the tunnel, Zuo Mo wiped the sweat off his forehead, a satisfied expression on his face. The four sides of the tunnel had to be carved with formations to create a complete formation. The amount of work Zuo Mo had to complete this time was vast. The nine formation belts interlocked together, each of them with a fourth-grade formation as the core, and thirteen third-grade formations set up in the perimeter.
Nine fourth-grade formations, one hundred and seventeen third-grade formations. He almost didn’t even dare to think about it.
But he still gritted his teeth and started!
If he couldn’t charge out of here, he would die in here sooner or later.
He had struggled greatly when setting up these formations. Every day, his ling and spiritual power were greatly used exhausted.
However, his labor hadn’t been wasted. He had finished one-third of it. Thinking about it, he felt it was impossible. He had never completed so much before.
Releasing a long breath, the golden threads of fire flying in the air were as mischievous as pixies and flew in front of him.
In the fire light, he looked at the female xiu nearby.
She stood there motionlessly like wood. There was a mask on her face again. Zuo Mo had reforged a black mask for her. Her eyes were grey and empty, only flashing with the purple light when she was fighting. This woman who was covered in mysteries!
Looking at her, Zuo Mo’s thoughts wandered.
Who are you!
He shook his head hard and threw away these stray thought. Right now, he needed to think how to finish the big formation. For him, he had never thought of such a large formation belt before.
From the planning to fruition, it had been all completed by him. Every time he thought of it, his blood heated up.
When ge gets this done, what Hero’s Pass, what sect jinzhi, all of that is nothing.
He gathered one hundred and twenty percent of his mental effort and went back to his work.
———
In the forging division, Sun Bao wiped away the sweat and said with a grimace to Ji Wei, “Boss’ pace is too astonishing, we really have it hard.”