Chapter 540: Section 327: Bu Quan Delivers a Treasure
“Why would she come to visit?” the Dragon-man youth’s first reaction was one of surprise.
He knew Bu Quan.
She was an outstanding Alchemy Mage with an Alchemy Workshop and business interests in Snowbird Port, making her one of the most prominent figures in the city.
The Dragon-man youth had discussed her with Zi Di.
The Dragon Lion Mercenary Corps was in dire need of alchemy talent, and the Dragon-man youth had considered recruiting her but also knew that a group of their size would struggle to attract such excellent talent.
“She had sent an invitation before, mentioning a mercenary task.”
“Could it be related to this mercenary task?”
The Dragon-man youth speculated in his heart.
He had wanted to visit Bu Quan alone under the pretext of the invitation to establish a preliminary contact. However, plans were thwarted when a mysterious assassin infiltrated and attacked, disrupting the Dragon-man youth’s schedule.
Now, Bu Quan herself had taken the initiative to visit the Dragon Lion Mercenary Corps.
This was indeed strange!
After the Dragon-man youth openly accused the Saber Gang, having intervened in a valiant duel, the conflict between him and the gang had escalated to an intense level.
All the major powers that had once sent invitation letters to the Dragon-man youth were now watching from the sidelines, halting contact with the Dragon Lion Mercenary Corps.
They all realized that it was almost impossible for the Dragon Lion Mercenary Corps and the Saber Gang to coexist in Snowbird Port.
They were waiting to see who would emerge as the victor after this conflict ended.
Compared to these large powers, although Bu Quan had the status of a revered alchemy master, her overall strength was weaker.
Logically, she should stay quiet and watch safely from the sidelines.
“But why did she suddenly come to visit me?” the Dragon-man youth murmured to himself.
Seeing the puzzled look on the face of Long Fu, the City Lord of Snowbird Port immediately smiled and said, “Perhaps, I know the reason.”
“Bu Quan has deep conflicts with the Saber Gang.”
“When she had not yet made a name for herself, she had already demonstrated the talent of a gifted alchemist, which attracted the Saber Gang’s covetousness.”
“The Saber Gang tried every possible means, both soft and hard, to coerce Bu Quan to join their cause.”
“Their aggressive tactics provoked Bu Quan’s disgust, and she adamantly refused to comply.”
“During her escape, her nanny, who raised her, was killed by members of the Saber Gang.”
“Bu Quan was practically brought up by her nanny and had a profound affection for her, much like that of a daughter for her mother.”
“Such a hatred for the murder of her mother, she will surely avenge!”
“After escaping Snowbird Port, Bu Quan took the initiative to go to the Alchemy Guild, where she showcased her talent and flair, successfully earning the Guild’s protection.”
“This freed her from the Saber Gang’s pursuit, and she cleverly concealed her feelings for her nanny.”
“She gradually grew into a universally recognized alchemy prodigy.”
“During this time, the Saber Gang realized her influence and sought peace. Bu Quan is wise; she pretended to accept the Saber Gang’s reparations and settled the past grudges.”
“Once she earned enough contribution and fully repaid the Alchemy Guild, she gained her freedom.”
“She returned to Snowbird Port and established several Alchemy Workshops.”
“She has been covertly searching for and collecting evidence of the Saber Gang’s crimes, which has also been my task. Many times, I deliberately left some evidence for her to find.”
“Thus, realizing her true intentions, I investigated and understood her motive for revenge.”
“Her proactive approach this time is mainly because you, Captain Long Fu, have openly accused the Saber Gang and the irreconcilable differences with them. This has greatly earned her approval. She is here to help an ally!”
“So that’s how it is,” the Dragon-man youth suddenly realized and couldn’t help showing a look of joy.
Upon reflection, the Dragon-man youth turned to the City Lord of Snowbird Port: “In that case, I might as well introduce her to you, City Lord.”
“We all want to deal with the Saber Gang, and comrades should unite together.”
However, the City Lord of Snowbird Port shook his head.
“I would not advise you to do so, Captain Long Fu.”
“Our plan has already been set. You only need to engage Teng Donglang in a valiant duel at the dueling field to keep him occupied.”
“Trust me, I have been preparing for many years, taking down the Saber Gang is not a problem!”
“Before the valiant duel, we need to declare war and buy time. So, although I already have a lot of evidence against the Saber Gang, I have not revealed it.”
“Do not overly provoke the Saber Gang. Let them think that, although the situation is adverse, it is still within their control.”
“I need time for the final step of my arrangements. And Captain Long Fu, you also need to heal your internal injuries, don’t you?”
Saying this, the City Lord of Snowbird Port paused, then added, “To tell you the truth, once I realized Bu Quan’s true attitude towards the Saber Gang, I had thought of raising her as the frontmost banner.”
“She is influential, has a tragic background, and self-motivated achievements, so once her past becomes public, she will inevitably gain a lot of sympathy and recognition.”
“The more the public sympathizes and recognizes her, the more they will loathe and resent the Saber Gang.”
“But in the end, I chose you.”
“Because desecrating a valiant duel is a far more serious crime than what the Saber Gang did to Bu Quan. Even other city gangs would scorn and detest the Saber Gang.”
“Another reason is interest.”
“Bu Quan is a Snow Elf and an alchemy master who holds connections and backgrounds in the Alchemy Guild.”
“If I partnered with her and emerged victorious in eliminating the Saber Gang, the rewards I would receive, including political influence, would be significantly shared by her.”
“In comparison, Long Fu squad leader, you are truly someone I would prefer to partner with.”
This address touched the Dragon-man youth on the spot.
“Thank you for your honesty, your sincerity, and wisdom both impress me deeply!” the Dragon-man youth bowed slightly to the City Lord of Snowbird Port.
Learned!
The choices, actions, and considerations of the City Lord of Snowbird Port exposed the Dragon-man youth to the political aspects of a mature struggle.
He had never encountered this in his past experiences.
Struggle was never just about fighting and killing.
The Dragon-man youth was eager to learn and skilled at reflection.
The exchange with the City Lord of Snowbird Port taught him much that he lacked.
The conversation pointed him to the path ahead—he could become a more seasoned leader.
“If you understand, nothing could be better,” the City Lord of Snowbird Port patted the Dragon-man youth’s shoulder affectionately.
Of course, he wouldn’t speak so plainly in normal times.
But what he understood more clearly was that the trust built between him and the Dragon-man youth was not to be broken over any matter.
This trust was hard-earned, secured only after he had slain a Golden Level.
It was the opportunity he had waited for, for many years!
“Go quickly,” said the City Lord of Snowbird Port, “Bu Quan’s visit is to reinforce you.”
“She will bring equipment or potions for you.”
“Perhaps there will also be evidence of the crimes of the Saber Gang. However, that’s unlikely, given the lack of deep trust between you.”
“The key point is; simply relying on this evidence will not topple the Saber Gang. If you defeat Teng Donglang, perhaps it would be a different matter.”
“Speaking of which, Bu Quan is particularly adept at creating surveillance-type alchemy equipment.”
“During her growth at the Alchemy Guild, she created an Alchemy Diagram. It’s a telescope that can uniquely mark targets in the field of view based on the level of threat—very inventive.”
“The first telescope she crafted herself earned her the seventh place in the Warm Snow Cup Alchemy Competition.”
“Don’t just consider it the seventh place; the Warm Snow Cup is the highest Level Alchemy Competition in our Kingdom. The top ten of each event carry tremendous prestige!”
The Dragon-man youth took his temporary leave from the City Lord of Snowbird Port, exited the cabin, and went to the ship’s railing to greet Bu Quan.
Bu Quan possessed the exquisite beauty of a Snow Elf.
But what was even more memorable was the pair of black-rimmed glasses she always wore.
“Long Fu squad leader, please forgive my presumptuous visit,” Bu Quan said politely upon seeing the Dragon-man youth, without the arrogance of an alchemy master.
Elsewhere, it might be different, but in Snowbird Port, she was considered the foremost in the field of alchemy.
The Dragon-man youth hastily replied, “Master Bu Quan, your visit is a pleasant surprise. Though we meet for the first time, I have long admired your renowned name.”
“To be honest, after receiving your invitation, I planned to visit you.”
“Regrettably, that plan was disrupted.”
Bu Quan consoled, “Long Fu squad leader, you are a follower of the God of Justice. I believe that justice will prevail in your hands.”
“Your courage is admirable.”
“The Saber Gang is steeped in crime, and you are the first to stand up and openly accuse them!”
“I respect your character and also have a deep-seated old grudge and enmity against the Saber Gang. Therefore, do not be surprised by my visit. I am here to lend you assistance!”
Bu Quan also spoke frankly, stating her purpose clearly.
The Dragon-man youth quickly gave his thanks, then led her into the Captain’s room at the ship’s stern of the flagship for hospitality.
The first item she took out was a pair of ski goggles.
The glasses were wide enough to cover half of the Dragon-man youth’s face.
“I modified these for you overnight, Long Fu squad leader.”
“These goggles can automatically mark targets by danger Level, which are white, green, yellow, red, and purple.”
“White signifies no threat.”
“Green means a minor threat, but not to be underestimated.”
“Yellow indicates a target presents a certain threat and should be taken seriously.”
“Red denotes a strong threat, necessitating extreme caution.”
“Purple is the highest level of threat, often harboring strength greatly surpassing yours. A tactical retreat is the wisest move.”
Lastly, with a hint of pride in her voice, Bu Quan said, “This equipment is my original creation and has not yet been announced.”
“Even the Alchemy Guild hasn’t been notified.”
“Long Fu squad leader, I gift it to you, believing it will be of significant help to you.”