Chapter 308: Chapter 307: Do I Need to Make Myself Even Clearer? (Please Subscribe)
Upon hearing Yan Hao’s words, Hua Jun felt overwhelmed.
He had long anticipated this scene, or rather, this was just the beginning. When he revealed the Chairman’s words later, he expected a far more intense reaction.
However, Li Ping was someone he had desperately tried to retain, and he should be the one to support Li Ping the most within the Association.
With that in mind, he sighed softly and said, "Yan Hao, please sit down first."
Upon hearing this, Yan Hao stared at him with unyielding eyes.
Hua Jun remained silent.
The two Awakeners blocking everyone’s path also stood motionless.
Clearly, without Hua Jun’s permission, no one present could leave.
"Alright, Hua Jun."
Yan Hao said hatefully, "When my brother was around, you didn’t act this way. Now that he’s dead, you can’t wait to show your claws. Fine, fine."
He spoke while sitting down, "Let’s hear it then, why did you call us here today."
Seeing this, the others exchanged glances and sat back down.
"Ahem."
Hua Jun cleared his throat and swept his gaze over everyone present, "What I’m about to say is very important, I hope you all pay serious attention."
"Stop beating around the bush! Say what you need to say!"
"Yeah, Hua Jun, stop pretending here."
"Hurry up, I need to go back to sleep."
A group of people said irritably.
They usually didn’t think much of Hua Jun, and now he was flaunting himself in front of them, how could they not be angry?
"Alright, I’ll get to the point. You all know what situation Anshan City is in now that the City Lord and Chairman are in trouble. It may seem peaceful now, but who knows when chaos will arise? For example, cultists, fugitives, and what if a Beast Tide breaks out again? Do you think we can fend it off?"
His words brought about a sudden silence.
Fear showed in many people’s eyes.
They were not very afraid of cultists and fugitives; Anshan City was big enough that if any cultist sneaked in, it wouldn’t be them who were unlucky.
But a Beast Tide?
That’s definitely disastrous.
"So?"
Yan Hao squinted his eyes and asked.
"So, I invited a powerful Awakener to serve as the Chairman of our Anshan City Awakened Association. His strength among C-level Awakeners is top-tier,
capable of easily killing other C-level Awakeners. Even an Elite-level Fierce Beast like the Fire Scaly Pig is no different from ordinary Elite-level Fierce Beasts before him. This, not only I but other members of the Association know very well."
Saying this, Hua Jun looked at the others.
"Indeed, we have all witnessed it personally. The Chairman’s strength is top-tier among C-level Awakeners."
"It might even be close to a B-level Awakener."
"With the Chairman overseeing, should a Beast Tide break out, we might hold it off."
Several people spoke one after another.
The elderly, women, and children in the crowd relaxed upon hearing this.
So Hua Jun had already thought of a countermeasure, easing their worries for nothing.
However, some young men looked cautious, their instincts telling them that if it was that simple, Hua Jun wouldn’t need to call them all here.
In the next moment, Hua Jun’s words confirmed their suspicion.
"After our persuasion, he agreed to stay and serve as our Chairman, protecting Anshan City, but he has one condition."
Hua Jun took a deep breath and said, "He hopes to buy the vacant land in your hands at market price to arrange housing for people outside the city."
His words were like a heavy stone thrown into a calm lake, causing a huge commotion.
"What? He wants our land?"
"Take our land?"
"No way! Absolutely not!"
The crowd became very agitated, some even stood up, shouting loudly.
Hua Jun frowned deeply and had to shout, "Everyone, calm down, calm down."
It took a while for the noise to subside, but everyone still looked at Hua Jun as if they wanted to tear him apart.
"You misunderstood me."
Hua Jun said helplessly, "It’s not about taking your land, it’s about buying your land at market price."
"Buying is not okay either!"
"That’s right, it’s my land, just because he wants to buy it means I have to sell it?"
"Exactly, even at market price, if I want to sell, I could easily get double or triple the market price from others."
"Hua Jun, you tell that guy to get lost. Just arrived in Anshan City and already targeting our land?"
"Let him scram!"
Everyone was talking over each other.
The entire hall became chaotic.
The Awakeners looked at each other helplessly.
They had foreseen this scene from Hua Jun’s words, as touching their interests is harder than touching their souls, and these people, used to luxury, would never agree to this.
Several minutes passed, and the crowd showed no signs of stopping, even directing their anger towards Hua Chen.
"Hua Chen, you called us here just for this? You traitor, teaming up with outsiders to target our land. Are you even a human?"
"Right, Hua Chen, when Jin Ming was around, didn’t realize you were this scheming. Hmm? Now that Jin Ming is missing, you’re getting bold? I’m telling you, Jin Ming is missing, not dead. When he comes back, you’ll pay for this!"
"Hua Chen, you despicable scoundrel!"
"Hua Chen, you coward, if my Brother Fang were here, would you dare say this to us?"
Hua Jun was being verbally attacked fiercely, his anger rising rapidly.
Although he had anticipated such responses, being cursed to his face felt different.
Still, he restrained his anger and waited for the crowd to throw their tempers before speaking, "Everyone, no matter how much you curse me, it won’t change the reality. The new Chairman has been appointed and his words must be heard by everyone present, including me, Association members, the City Lord’s Mansion, and everyone here. If ignored, the consequences will be severe."
"Hua Jun, are you threatening us?"
The crowd got even angrier.
They thought their attitude would make Hua Jun retreat, instead, things escalated.
"Sigh."
Hua Jun sighed deeply, "You lot occupy over half of Anshan City’s land, what’s the use of that?"
"I can leave it there, what’s the problem?"
"Exactly, it’s our choice."
Hua Jun ignored the comments and continued, "The Chairman’s intention is clear, hoping you can give up the land for those in need, not for free, but at market price. Additionally, he promises your safety in Anshan City. Isn’t this good?"
"Good my ass! We don’t need him to guarantee our safety!"
"That’s right, we’re living well here, no Beast Tide, Hua, stop fear-mongering!"
Hua Jun was greeted with intense curses again.
Hua Jun said helplessly, "Do I really have to spell it out for you?"
Everyone was shocked.
"When the City Lord was around, you could do as you please, even broad daylight robbery with no consequences. But now? Things have changed."
Hua Jun sighed, "The City Lord and Chairman Gao are dead or missing, likely gone. You have no one behind you anymore. Having precious resources while defenseless, knowing what you’ve done,
anyone would target you without rounds of talk. Not just the Chairman, even we could easily deal with you, right?"
The crowd’s faces turned sour.
"So, take Chairman’s olive branch. Though losing land, you’ll gain wealth, ensuring an easy life elsewhere. This is my sincere advice considering past acquaintance."
Hua Jun sighed again.
Honestly, he didn’t want to take it this far.
Despite the harsh earlier words, he held back his anger.
But, firstly, the Chairman’s orders had to be obeyed, and secondly, if this brings the Chairman here...
He didn’t want to imagine further.
His words had an effect.
The chaotic crowd fell silent like quails.
They weren’t stupid, understanding Hua Jun’s undertone.
But they felt reluctant and angry!
In the past, no one in Anshan City dared to touch them, not even a hair strand!
Now, a newcomer wanted their core asset! Who could swallow this insult?
Seeing this, Hua Jun sighed again, "Do I need to clarify further?"
Whispers began among the crowd.
Many looked at Yan Hao, who stayed silent, pretending oblivion.
Someone finally buckled under pressure, tentatively asking, "Chairman Hua, can we get a higher price if we agree to sell?"