The two sellers looked at Gou Shi and his goons then stole a quick glance at Yue Fei and Ban Chao.
“I-"
Yue Fei interjected. “I won't do anything if you don't want me to. But just say the word, and you will be under my protection.”
“I-I…”
Gou Shi snapped. “I, I, I, what I? Make your decision now. Hand over your blueprint or seek protection from that idiot. Let me warn you, though, he won’t be able to protect you for long. I won’t be able to touch you today, but you’ll get your dues if you make the wrong decision.
“Choose wisely. This could decide your future in the Chinese community.”
“I... Elder Yue Fei! Please protect me. I beg you.”
“Consider it done.” Yue Fei said with a soft smile as he walked forward until his nose was almost touching Gou Shi’s. “You heard the man. Get lost — or would you rather deal with me?”
Gou Shi glared at Yue Fei for a few moments before turning around.” Men! We're leaving. We don't need that unusable blueprint, anyway. It's not even worth our money.”
As the goons left, the two sellers approached Yue Fei to thank him for his kindness. Yue Fei, Ban Chao, and the two sellers quickly returned to their booths, though, and a surprising amount of customers showed up at Under One Banner’s stall after their encounter with the Vesper faction.
By the end of the day, they’d made over a hundred thousand silver coins.
Not bad for a day’s work.
Chapter 51
Possible Alliance
As the day ended, news of Yue Fei’s encounter with the Vesper faction had spread through the ears of all those who attended the Great Auction. So much so, that related rumors had begun to circulate as well.
“Hey, have you heard? A cocky factionless elder is challenging the Vesper faction.”
“How long do you think it’ll be before he apologizes? It’s not some newcomer, is it?”
“No way that’s going to happen. Didn’t you hear who it is? He’s the one with a sense of justice only second to elder Guan Yu. It’s Yue Fei.”
“What? The famous Yue Fei is actually picking a fight with the Vesper faction? Isn’t he usually cool, calm, and collected? I thought he was a very rational decision-maker.”
“No idea. Maybe the Vesper faction just really pushed Yue Fei too far.”
Conversations like this continued to float around until the members of Under One Banner caught wind. Once they heard of what had happened, they all rushed back to the stall to ask Yue Fei and Ban Chao themselves what had happened.
Being the one assigned to location two, Meng Yi was the first to arrive. Upon being told what the situation was, he waited for the others to arrive before deciding what to do next. As the others slowly drifted back to the stall, Meng Yi became more and more convinced that something needed to be done.
“What happened, Yue Fei?” Baron asked.
He shrugged. “I was just defending someone from the Vespers.”
Baron sighed, as he knew his brother’s nature. “Alright. What was the name of the person you offended?”
Ban Chao interjected.” He goes by the name of Gou Shi, and is a complete scumbag. He’s not even an important person, he’s just a Vespers goon! Who does he think he is, talking to us like he did?”
“Calm down, Ban Chao. No need to get so heated.” Baron patted his friend on the back.
Meng Tian shook his head. “I think Ban Chao is right, actually. We should do something about them. I’ve dealt with them in the past, and each of them is more annoying than the last.”
Baron raised an eyebrow. “I wouldn’t have thought that even you guys had been impacted by them. Have you done something to offend them?”
Meng Tian shook his head. “No, it was my grandfather who crossed them. My grandfather was a blessed soul who had managed to stay true to himself despite his time here. He didn’t tell anyone about his contact with the Vespers, and as one thing led to another, my father’s faction went to war against the Vespers.”
“Really? How did it go?” Baron asked.
“It hasn't gone well. It was actually around the time the war started that my father cast me and Meng Yi out of the faction. My father’s faction and the Vespers are still at each other’s throats to this day.”
“How many factions are Vespers actively suppressing? It's incredible that they are doing this to the Forever Pirates and your father’s faction at the same time.”
Meng Yi answered. “I’ve been keeping tabs on the Vespers, so I know this. There are some men in that faction who are loyal to me and as such, bring me information regarding the faction’s actions. As far as I am aware, the Vesper faction is currently actively suppressing about eighty small-to-midsize factions, and three large factions.”
“How does the Vesper Faction have the resources to suppress so many factions? What rank are they?”
“There isn't an official ranking associated with any faction after the three great factions. But, the Vesper faction is one of the top 15 most powerful factions within the Chinese community. With the growth that they have been experiencing these past few centuries, that number is bound to get lower.”
Baron mused. “So how have you managed to defy them? I’d assumed they’d send higher and higher ranking strategists to pressure you to obey them.” =
Meng Tian shrugged. “Generally they don't bother with us too much as we are still loosely associated with our previous faction. Our father's faction, Men of Meng, is one of the large factions that the Vesper group is trying to suppress. So, showing our badge is usually enough to clear the rabble, and we’re not worth enough for them to send any stronger strategists our way.”
Guan Yu’s ears twitched. “Men of Meng? I've heard of that faction before. Your father’s faction is well known for having strategists who also have strong combat strength. I'm surprised that the Vespers would even consider fighting you guys to begin with. M.O.M. is quite a bit stronger than the Forever Pirates we’re allied with. Last I heard, anyway.”
Meng Tian’s eyes lit up. “You would be right, but the situation is dire as of right now and there is a sizable lead between Men of Meng and the Forever Pirates. How are you allied with Madam Zheng? She’s known for refusing alliances of all types, even when others are willing to sacrifice many benefits.”
“Surprisingly enough, she came to me. It was during my first month or so that she requested I go have a chat with her.” Said Baron.
Meng Tian scratched his chin. “That's rather unusual, especially for a person like her — but let’s leave this conversation for later. We need to come up with a solution to deal with the Vesper faction.”
“You said that all you had to do to get rid of them was to show them which faction you belonged to, right?”
Meng Tian nodded. “Yes, but I don't think that will work this time around. At an event this large, there’s bound to be many high-ranking elders of the Vesper faction here. Perhaps we should just pack up and go home. After all, we don’t have the resources or strength to deal with them.”
Just at this moment, Baron noticed a familiar figure walking towards them and he was visibly angry. Baron smiled as he recognized the fellow. “Nice to see you! What brings you to our stall?”
Madam Zheng’s first husband was clearly in a poor mood. “Tch. Don’t get cocky, kid. I’m just here to deliver something to your undeserving hands.” He said as he tossed a small medallion to Baron.
“Oh, is this your faction’s allied badge?” Baron said as he inspected the badge.
“Of course it is, you dimwit. Madam Zheng also told me to tell you that if you need anything from her you can use that medallion to enter location one to request her help. Though, it'll cost you a pretty penny.”
“How thoughtful, really. Thank you for being so kind as to deliver this yourself. How is the research and development over the sea mine coming along?”
Zheng I’s angry countenance finally cracked. “It's proving very useful… but
improving it will take quite a few more years. It’s slow going, as most researchers aren’t willing to offend the Vesper faction by helping us.”
An idea came to Baron mind. “Hey, I have an idea. Why don’t the Forever Pirates ally with the Men of Meng? Your two factions stand to gain from such an alliance, no?”
“Tch. We don’t need their help. Besides, members of their faction are very egoistic. Doing business with them is painful, especially with that Meng Wu. They’re powerful, yes, but they’re so thick-minded that nobody wants to ally with him or his group.”
Baron sighed. “Why don't you at least talk to Madam Zheng about it? If you change your mind regarding an alliance with them, come by to my headquarters and you can chat with Meng Yi and Meng Tian there. I’m sure they can help set up an audience between you and Meng Wu — they’re his sons.”
Zheng I paused before responding. “I'm not sure how you managed to enlist the help of these two since the last time I saw you, but you should know that their aerial prowess is not the only thing they are known for.”
“What do you mean by that?”
“That's all I'll say about that. If I feel like it, then I'll inform Madam Zheng of your proposal. See you kids later.” With that, the first husband of Madam Zheng abruptly left with the confusing words he left behind.
With that, the conversation turned to other topics. What blueprints had been bought today, what treasures they’d seen from other sellers.
Chapter 52
Gou Shi’s Reinforcements
The treasures that they had found while browsing the four locations were numerous. Meng Tian and Meng Yi had spent their own money to obtain a few things that interested them, and then they’d also spent some faction funds to obtain items that would be useful to the faction as a whole. The others also returned with about ten blueprints. All in all, they’d spent about fifty thousand silver coins on the first day alone.
The shared blueprints they had gathered were quite expensive. Some of the most important were an Assyrian battering ram and basic night vision goggles. Not incredible inventions, but incredibly useful if used properly.
By the end of the day, the eight split for a few hours to take care of their own businesses. Baron also had Yue Fei and Guan Yu use their influence to do a few things for him. The Meng brothers also left together. As to what they were doing, nobody knew. Ban Chao left to get some drinks with old friends, while Xu Da tried to complete a certain task before the second day of the Great Auction started.
Meng Tian and Xu Da were the ones to operate the stall on the second day, and due to the buzz from yesterday, they had quite a few customers upon opening. Once the wave of customers passed, though, Xu Da turned to ask Meng Tian something that had been bothering him for the last while.
“What did the first husband of Madam Zheng mean when he said aerial prowess was not the only thing you were known for?”
"... I think it's best if you don't know. My secret is a fairly dangerous one. I'm not even sure how he knows about it in the first place.” Meng Tian said after pausing to think.
"... Alright, forget I asked. Hey, how come you and Meng Yi are so secretive and mysterious?”
“What do you mean by that?” He asked in a rather slow and uninterested voice.
“It's just that even when you two were coaching me in aerial tactics you weren't very talkative.
“I just have a bit of a lax attitude, I guess.”
“Oh, I see. Have you talked to your father lately?”
“No, not really. I have quite a few issues with him as does my brother. I mean, how could he just cast us out once things got tough? As a family, we’re supposed to tackle tough times together.”
Xu Da sighed. “I don't want to sound like an authority on this matter, but perhaps he cast you and your brother out so that if he did lose the fight against Vesper at least you two wouldn't be affected.”
Meng Tian shrugged. “I came to that conclusion some time ago as well. However, I still don't forgive him. Doing so simply means he lacked trust in us.”
“Hm.”
At this moment a group of people walked up to the booth. Lo and behold, it was Gou Shi, flanked by three others. For what it was worth, Gou Shi was sporting an even crazier haircut and set of attire than the day before.
“Hey, idiots. I’ve been told this booth is where Yue Fei is selling his wares. Where is that disgrace of an elder? Did he run with his tail between his legs?”
Xu Da’s temple vein pulsed. “Do not speak of Yue Fei in such a manner.” Xu Da said through clenched teeth.
“Oh? So you know him. Well, why don't you call him here? These people have some things to discuss with him.”
“Why would I? He doesn't need to be here to hear your paltry insults. By the way, did your barber die?”
“Wait, what?”
“Your hair is an absolute eyesore. Please leave.”
“You...” Gou Shi was visibly fuming now, and the three behind him couldn’t contain their laughter. This only added to Gou Shi's embarrassment. “What did you say about my hair?”
“I believe I’ve spoken. Besides, I was trying to spare your feelings. I wouldn’t cover my grandma with those hideous clothes you’re wearing if she was lying naked in the street. I couldn’t bear bringing that level of shame to my family.” ”
At this, the three behind Gou Shi could not hold it in anymore and started to laugh as if no one was around. Even the mellow Meng Tian gave out a little chuckle as soon as he saw how Gou Shi was about to explode from anger.
“Listen here you little punk. Get Yue Fei to come out or else I'll ruin you and your reputation forever.”
“Oh, I don’t think so. And judging by how confident you are in them, those three behind you must be higher ranked than you, yes? Let’s introduce ourselves.”
One of the three figures came up and introduced herself. She had a very thin figure but her outfit consisted of many mismatched items of armour all around her body.
“Greetings, I am Ho Yang. I am an outer disciple of the Vesper faction, and we wish to request an audience with elder Yue Fei. Also, we expect your apology to Gou Shi. We can’t allow you to get away with insulting our members, can we?”
“Gou Shi I am truly sorry...” Xu Da said in a flat, monotone voice.
“Thank yo- "
"... that I thought your outfit was hideous. I mean, look at this girl here. What the hell is this patchwork armor? Did you find spare metals from the rubbish bin and tie them together?”
“This is my most powerful armor and weaponry. Who are you to judge me about style? What does style matter on the battlefield?”
“What does style matter on the battlefield you say?” Xu Da sighed in an exaggerated manner. “You may be right. If I saw you on the other side of the battlefield, I would be forced to resign immediately or I’d die of shame of being associated with someone who’d wear such garbage and call it armor.”
“Why you little- "
“Oh, and one more thing, little lassie. Don't try to be all buddy-buddy with us when your friend was just threatening us moments ago. Nobody on this planet is stupid enough to fall for your shenanigans.”
Now it was Ho Yang's turn to be fuming. No one, not even Gou Shi was saying or doing anything. They were all waiting for Ho Yang to react to all the jabs that Xu Da had just done to her.
Ho Yang exploded with anger. “Listen here, you little shit. I tried to be nice and settle this on friendly terms, but you should know. I’m not just an outer disciple. I also have connections to the inner disciples and even an elder — so watch what you’re saying!”
“Spoiled brat.” Xu Da didn’t bother antagonizing the girl anymore, and instead pulled out the medallion that Madam Zheng's husband had given to them the day before.
Ho Yang’s face blanched. “A Forever Pirate’s medallion? Of the highest level? Where did you get this!”
“I don’t believe you’re important enough to know.”
"...”
“What's wrong? At a loss for words?”
By this point, there was already a large group gathering around the stall. The tension in the air could be cut with a knife. Many of the stall owners, and even the customers hated the Vesper faction, so to see some of their members being insulted, unable to retaliate was a glorious sight to behold.
Ho Yang abruptly turned around. “We’re leaving.”
“But- ” Gou Shi wasn’t ready to leave yet. After all, with how impressively he’d arrived, how could he leave just like that?
“Now!” Ho Yang screamed at Gou Shi loud enough for everyone to hear and stormed out.
They departed, surrounded by chants of mockery, countless jeers and insults.
With the end of the altercation, the crowd descended upon the stall to browse Meng Tian and Xu Da's blueprints. It was an appreciative gesture of sorts, that many people felt was the least they could do to support such brave souls. Once again rumors spread, but the other six didn’t return until the event was about to close for the day.
Xu Da explained to everybody what had happened with Gou Shi and Ho Yang and all the insults he’d thrown their way. Everyone laughed throughout the retelling and couldn’t help but continue to laugh even after the story was finished.
It was Meng Yi who brought the team back down to earth. “They’ll return with more reinforcements soon. Are you all sure you want to continue down this path?” Meng Yi said with concern.
“Not to worry, my friend. We can't show weakness, or when we become an official faction we’d be a laughingstock.” Said Baron.
Meng Tian thought for a bit before pulling a badge out from his pocket. “While we may only be temporary members, my brother and I still need to get those other blueprints from you later. I think it would be best if I left my badge here, so that you have it as backup along with the one from the Forever Pirates.”
Chapter 53
A Wild Elder Appears
Warfare's Ultimate Frontier 1 Page 22