Chapter 121: Dark Scheme
Yang Kun’s reaction was within Xu Sanhu and Lin Tianlang’s expectations; the two showed no change in their expressions.
Lin Tianlang merely raised his gaze, and beside him, Xu Sanhu grinned, “Old Fox Yang, don’t be so dismissive. Our presence here already demonstrates the Little Mountain Association’s sincerity; we just wish to meet the Great Leader Feng.”
Feng Ruohan’s name has gradually spread throughout the Greenwoods.
The destruction of San Die Stream has had a considerable impact on the entire Greenwoods and even Yun Cang Town.
Upon hearing Feng Ruohan’s name, Yang Kun’s expression slightly eased, but he remained stern.
“What is the matter?”
Yang Kun neither denied nor affirmed, simply staring at Xu Sanhu and the other man as he inquired.
Lin Tianlang said coldly, “Two True Intent realm martial artists come calling, and you won’t even deign to meet them? How arrogant.”
He showed displeasure. After losing an arm, although Liang Ying had compensated him, within the Little Mountain Association, everyone’s attitude towards him had subtly changed, which was plainly visible.
Now that Yang Kun had also slighted him, he was even more displeased.
Xu Sanhu frowned imperceptibly, secretly displeased with Lin Tianlang’s impulsiveness.
However, he didn’t speak up to embarrass his companion.
“Grindstone Stockade has occupied San Die Stream and opened up the roads. Cooperate with our Little Mountain Association, and any medicinal herbs and feral beast materials you obtain in the desolate mountains can be exchanged for pills and armor through us. Our Little Mountain Association will also share profits with you for using the San Die Stream waterway. What do you say?”
Cooperating in material development and enhancing the exploration of the desolate mountains through the waterway.
The Little Mountain Association’s proposal indeed had some feasibility. If the waterway could be utilized, their development of the desolate mountains would undoubtedly reach a new level.
And Grindstone Stockade, as an underworld force, would gain a relatively ‘clean’ source of resources, gradually legitimizing itself.
Yang Kun’s eyes narrowed slightly as he pondered the feasibility of the plan.
‘The Little Mountain Association’s approach likely aims to achieve cooperation, probe the Great Leader’s identity, and negotiate with him.’
“Instructor Xu’s plan is indeed good, but how will manpower for river transport be allocated? How will the Tianhe Gang be dealt with? And how will the profits be divided?”
A hint of disdain flashed in Xu Sanhu’s eyes. He swept his gaze over Yang Kun’s old face and said leisurely, “Profits are easy to discuss. However, Old Fox Yang, for the deal to be settled, shouldn’t your Great Leader come out? Your standing isn’t enough.”
His words were rather blunt, offering no room for Yang Kun to mediate.
Unexpectedly, Yang Kun broke into a smile. He leaped from the stockade wall, using the height to spring down onto the mountain path.
The stockade gate behind him slowly opened, and the warriors of Grindstone Stockade poured out, brandishing their weapons.
Xu Sanhu’s eyes flickered slightly, thinking, ‘What exquisite footwork. This Old Fox Yang is likely not at Spirit Nurturing Great Accomplishment, but at least Half-step True Intent.’
With his elder brother Yang Kun at Half-step True Intent, his younger brother Yang Lun would naturally not be far behind. It wasn’t surprising that the two of them, working together, could establish such a reputation without Feng Ruohan appearing.
“Yang Kun, what are you trying to do? Do you really think True Intent realm martial artists are so easily dealt with?”
Xu Sanhu’s expression was subtle, his words carrying a veiled threat.
Even though he was only Half-step True Intent, they could speak with him like this because they wanted to probe the background of Feng Ruohan, who had suddenly appeared behind Grindstone Stockade.
Now, Yang Kun’s behavior was bordering on overstepping.
Yang Kun bowed slightly, his expression calm, and said indifferently, “It is not discourtesy, but I believe I am qualified enough.”
Upon hearing this, even Xu Sanhu and Lin Tianlang showed surprised expressions. Lin Tianlang then said, “Success makes you arrogant. Half-step True Intent is not True Intent…”
Before his words could fall, Yang Kun’s true essence began to manifest, rising with a powerful aura. A spirit beast, approximately ten feet long and as tall as a person, its form shrouded in mist, with a worm’s head and a sheep’s body, its aura eerie, appeared.
“Insect Mist Ghost Sheep, Yang Kun, greetings to you both.”
True Intent Realm?!
The Old Fox Yang had actually broken through to the True Intent Realm?
For a moment, confusion and disbelief filled Xu Sanhu and Lin Tianlang’s eyes. Their previous assumptions were almost overturned in their minds.
Could Feng Ruohan be nothing more than a decoy, a puppet pushed to the forefront by him?
Suddenly, a sinister glint flashed in Lin Tianlang’s eyes. His true essence surged, and he instantly transformed into a ferocious black giant wolf, lunging at Yang Kun.
His attack was particularly sudden; even Xu Sanhu didn’t have time to stop him.
A black claw mark shot out with the black giant wolf. Yang Kun on the opposite side let out a cold snort, and the Insect Mist Ghost Sheep spat out countless mist-like worm shadows, completely engulfing the black giant wolf’s attack.
After a probing strike from both sides, the black giant wolf leaped back behind Lin Tianlang.
“Lin Tianlang, what is the meaning of this?”
Yang Kun questioned coldly. Lin Tianlang, however, snorted indifferently, “Just testing your skills. I didn’t expect you to have broken through to the True Intent Realm. But Yang Kun, you are only one person. Do you truly not take us seriously?”
Xu Sanhu’s eyes flickered. Following Lin Tianlang’s lead, he advised, “Brother Yang’s breakthrough to the True Intent Realm is indeed great news. However, for the cooperation between these two factions, it might be better for the Great Leader Feng to personally appear, to avoid future disputes and misunderstandings.”
“If I were to join, would you two gang leaders be willing to negotiate?”
At this moment, Yang Lun, who had been secretly listening from the forest for a long time, emerged and leaped into the fray.
Behind him was also an Insect Mist Ghost Sheep, its aura no less potent than his elder brother’s.
The pressure from two True Intent realms instantly made Lin Tianlang and Xu Sanhu’s expressions grim.
Even if they were to fight, they would only have two True Intent realm martial artists on their side. Lin Tianlang, having just recovered from serious injuries, was not as strong as before, and it was uncertain if he could truly contend with the Yang brothers.
“As expected of the Old Fox Yangs; you’ve managed to deceive everyone. Well done.”
Xu Sanhu praised them, using the opportunity to retreat. “It’s not that we can’t negotiate. What are your opinions regarding the river transport in and out of the Desolate Mountain River?”
“Feral beasts will attack; you deal with them yourselves. I will pacify the Greenwoods forces along the route. The docks are yours to use, and I will protect you on the journey. However, I want forty percent of the profits.”
“Hmph, you can’t just name your price. With forty percent of the profits, our Little Mountain Association would be working for free.”
Even though the Little Mountain Association took sixty percent, they bore the brunt of the expenses. They provided the manpower and prepared the goods. If anything went wrong, leveling out the profits, that sixty percent wouldn’t be very profitable.
“Twenty percent.”
Xu Sanhu flatly rejected the offer, his tiger-like eyes wide and his thick cheeks set like a tiger’s. “For the sake of Great Leader Feng and your brotherhood, we will offer an additional half percent compared to our usual cooperation in the mountains.”
The Little Mountain Association had always cooperated with mountain bandits, but they were always the dominant party due to their superior position.
“Thirty percent.”
Yang Kun firmly stated his price. Xu Sanhu narrowed his eyes and began to ponder.
“Thirty percent, and Grindstone Stockade’s outgoing goods must have the Little Mountain Association take an additional half percent of the profit…”
The four of them haggled and finally settled the matter.
Xu Sanhu and Lin Tianlang then led their team away. A group of swordsmen disappeared into the forest, gradually vanishing from the Yang brothers’ sight.
In the forest, Xu Sanhu and Lin Tianlang’s faces were grim. The outcome of their probing today had completely exceeded their expectations.
“Sanhu, do you think this Feng Ruohan who suddenly appeared is merely a target put forth by these two brothers, or a hidden mastermind?”
Lin Tianlang couldn’t help but ask Xu Sanhu beside him. He kept replaying the events in his mind; Yang Lun’s sudden appearance prevented them from further probing.
“Feng Ruohan definitely exists, and he is above them both.”
Xu Sanhu’s tone was certain. He recalled the details and said, “The Old Fox Yang brothers might not have seen much, but Cai Peng and Ding Meng beside them were not acting. When Feng Ruohan was mentioned, they didn’t show the slightest hint of contempt.”
If Feng Ruohan were a puppet, and the Yang brothers were the ones who subdued Ding Meng and Cai Peng, then they would never have paid so much attention to Feng Ruohan.
But the opposite was true; even the Old Fox Yang brothers seemed to regard Feng Ruohan with considerable importance.
A look of seriousness flashed in Lin Tianlang’s eyes. “So, Grindstone Stockade has at least three True Intent realm martial artists. Such power is not inferior to the forces in the city.”
Even one True Intent realm martial artist made for an unignorable force.
While perhaps not enough to easily enter Yun Cang Town and vie for more resources, they would certainly possess a certain degree of influence.
Two or three True Intent realm martial artists would essentially place them among the latter tier of first-class forces in Yun Cang Town.
Excluding official powers, the Lin family, and the Little Mountain Association, which had martial arts masters at the second level of True Intent, Ruyi Stage.
A force with three True Intent realm martial artists would essentially rule Yun Cang Town.
“Indeed. This probing of ours will likely have to be taken seriously.”
Xu Sanhu’s voice was low, and Lin Tianlang understood his meaning.
With such power, and being an underworld force in the desolate mountains,
cooperation would bring immense benefits. Otherwise, if conflict arose, the Little Mountain Association’s actions in the desolate mountains would likely encounter much unnecessary trouble.
“But that Feng Ruohan and Pang Tianfeng, are they truly unrelated?”
“Hard to say, but the probability is likely not that high.”
Xu Sanhu’s eyes flickered, and he sighed, “Third Boss, this matter can only be decided by the Great Leader. However, I imagine there will be a conclusion, especially since Long Qidao is also probing.”
According to intelligence, Pang Tianfeng’s cultivation was at most at the Spirit Nurturing Realm. Even if he had miraculously broken through to the True Intent Realm,
he certainly wouldn’t have the ability to pull the Old Fox Yang brothers along to the True Intent Realm and have them so obedient.
Originally, they suspected Feng Ruohan was Pang Tianfeng’s alias, a specialized force he had gathered after his breakthrough to collect treasure plants, spirit herbs, and feral beasts.
However, today’s events had greatly reduced that suspicion.
The two stopped talking and quickened their pace.
As Xu Sanhu said, the true situation of Grindstone Stockade and how to proceed with future cooperation ultimately required Liang Ying to make the final decision.
——
Golden Ape Martial Arts School
Su Yan’s mind was completely immersed in the Insect Realm Space within his room.
After several more days of feeding, the White Bone Poison Centipede and Red Armored Mad Scorpion had gradually reached their growth limits with the support of a large number of Beast Essence Pills.
“It’s almost time. There were only seventy-two Beast Essence Pills in total, with a stable output of four per day. After this meal, they will be gone.”
Although dozens of Beast Essence Pills were refined, if only one insect tamer was being fed, they would last for one or two months.
But Su Yan was different; he had four insect tamers to feed, and the daily consumption of Beast Essence Pills and Blood-Strengthening Pills was not a small number.
Currently, to accelerate the growth progress of the White Bone Poison Centipede and the Red Armored Mad Scorpion, this consumption had been further increased.
He released the remaining few Beast Essence Pills into the Insect Realm Space and then ordered the White Bone Poison Centipede and the Red Armored Mad Scorpion to devour them.
Soon, the two insects ingested them and began to continuously convert the contained energy.
【 White Bone Poison Centipede: 0/3 (Metamorphosis Stage ）】
【 Molting Material: Blood Bone Flood Dragon Fish, Hundred Poisons Blood Pool, Bat-Winged Eagle 】
【 Red Armored Mad Scorpion: 0/3 （ Metamorphosis Stage ）】
【 Molting Material: Crimson Flame Fine Gold, Essence Flame Armored Beast, Small Fine Iron Ore Vein 】
Su Yan’s face was full of joy, but when he saw the molting materials, his expression changed slightly.
“Six molting materials, and not one of them is simple. This is more difficult than the Blood Fiend Mother Worm.”
He examined them carefully, his expression troubled. The nature of the Hundred Poisons Blood Pool gradually became clear to him: one hundred types of poisonous substances, one hundred types of feral beast essence blood, gathered into a three-thousand-pound blood pool, constituting the Hundred Poisons Blood Pool.
This item was relatively easier to obtain; with his skills, collecting it was not too difficult, though the process was tedious.
However, the Blood Bone Flood Dragon Fish and the Bat-Winged Eagle were different. The former was a genuine Second-order Feral Beast, and although the latter consisted mostly of First-order Perfection Feral Beasts, they were rare and not without individuals that had broken through to the Second-order.
This meant that completing the White Bone Poison Centipede’s metamorphosis would require him to defeat one Second-order Feral Beast, or even two.
“The Red Armored Mad Scorpion is also troublesome. Essence Flame Armored Beasts are often found in extremely hot regions. I have no idea where to find them in the Yunling Mountain Range, and they are also Second-order Feral Beasts.”
“Crimson Flame Fine Gold might still be found from those fellows at Tian Feng Weapon Shop. As for the Small Fine Iron Ore Vein, a single vein is a business worth two to three hundred thousand taels of silver. Buying it is out of the question; I need to think of a way.”
Su Yan knew that the further he progressed, the more difficult it would be for his insect tamers to metamorphose.
However, if he wanted to become stronger, these difficulties had to be overcome one by one.
His gaze sharpened, and he had an idea.
“I must attend the Exchange Meeting, and I need to find a way to get useful items from those second-generation heirs. First, I’ll head to Grindstone Stockade.”
He made up his mind and quietly informed Bai Yun and Bai Changlin.
Then, he quietly left the Golden Ape Martial Arts School, concealed his presence, and headed straight for Grindstone Stockade after leaving Yun Cang Town.
Among the six molting materials, at least three or four had no leads. The remaining ones, like the Small Fine Iron Ore Vein and the Hundred Poisons Blood Pool, also required manpower for reconnaissance and resource gathering.
Relying solely on himself, it would likely be too late to collect everything even if he joined the Beast King Sect.
This matter required Grindstone Stockade’s assistance.
He rushed as fast as he could, using the Blood Fiend Mother Worm for flight, and finally arrived at Grindstone Stockade as night fell.
Grindstone Stockade was currently on alert due to the Little Mountain Association’s visit earlier that day.
Yang Kun himself was guarding the stockade walls. As Su Yan approached, he immediately sensed something was amiss.
He looked up and saw the Blood Fiend Mother Worm, immediately bowing respectfully, “Yang Kun welcomes Mister.”
Seeing him there, Su Yan showed a surprised expression. “Why are you here?”
“Replying to Mister, your subordinate happened to have something to report. This morning, the Little Mountain Association’s chief instructor and vice leader visited simultaneously, seeking cooperation with us. I request your decision, Lord.”
