Chapter 684: Section 471: Spring Boxer: I am an aspiring future Gang Leader!
“This Silver Level leather armor isn’t bad,” said Spring Boxer, attracted by an item in the Black Market, stopping in his tracks.
But after he inquired about the price, his expression turned somewhat awkward.
He did not have enough money, not even half what the Silver Level leather armor cost.
Accompanying him was a burly man with a triangular head and blue skin.
It was Lan Zao.
Seeing the difficulty on Spring Boxer’s face, Lan Zao offered, “How much are you short? Maybe I can lend you some.”
The two had been through several brutal duels, building quite a rapport.
Their previous joint escapes had laid the foundation for their friendship.
Of course, there was more to it than that.
For Lan Zao, he knew that he was meant to infiltrate the Saber Gang. As an important figure in the Saber Gang, Spring Boxer, being relatively naive, was a perfect target to approach.
Spring Boxer, on the other hand, also wanted to make a good impression on Lan Zao. Recently, they had received a reply from the Axe Gang that confirmed Hen Fa’s background. Ice Eagle had assigned the task of recruiting Lan Zao directly to Spring Boxer. Lan Zao’s recent behaviors had significantly increased his value as a recruit.
Spring Boxer himself greatly admired Lan Zao.
Thus, before heading to the Black Market this time, he had actively sought out Lan Zao and invited him to join.
Hearing that Lan Zao wanted to lend him money made Spring Boxer feel complicated.
He had invited Lan Zao to the market intending to find an opportunity to support him financially as a gesture of goodwill. Unexpectedly, the situation reversed, and it was Lan Zao who ended up offering support.
“But the fact that Hen Fa is willing to lend me money shows he values me!” murmured Spring Boxer to himself.
Spring Boxer had brought a considerable amount of money this time.
This money was primarily for supporting Lan Zao, not for his own use.
He himself did not have enough to buy the Silver Level leather armor.
Spring Boxer felt awkward revealing the true reason and simply shook his head, “Let’s keep looking, maybe we’ll find something better.”
Seeing Spring Boxer’s embarrassment, Lan Zao curiously asked, “You’ve participated in several brutal duels, haven’t you made any money?”
Spring Boxer sighed and said bluntly, “As I’ve told you before, I mainly participate in brutal duels to earn some rare alchemy materials. These are urgently needed by our gang.”
Lan Zao narrowed his eyes, thinking to himself, “Urgently? According to Shuang Tu’s analysis, these are probably intended for a trip to Anqiu.”
Lan Zao then asked, “So, doesn’t the gang give you a bonus? You know, brutal duels are very dangerous!”
Spring Boxer scratched his head, “The old Gang Leader did want to reward me, but I refused it because the gang needs a lot of money for rebuilding. If the money ended up in my hands, I honestly wouldn’t know how to spend it.”
Lan Zao looked at Spring Boxer with an odd expression, “You really are devoted to the gang!”
Spring Boxer ah-ed, his expression odd, opened his mouth as if to explain, but ultimately said nothing more detailed.
In fact, ever since Ice Eagle made it known that he wanted Spring Boxer to be the next Gang Leader, Spring Boxer’s thoughts on the gang had changed a lot. As the future leader, he was placing the development of the gang ahead of his personal development.
Spring Boxer himself was not overly ambitious for power; his motivation stemmed more from Teng Donglang’s legacy.
“So, maybe Shuang Tu’s analysis is right. This guy is likely to be the next Gang Leader of the Saber Gang!” Lan Zao thought to himself.
Shuang Tu was helping Lan Zao, not only in honing his combat skills but also in daily routines by insidiously training his espionage abilities.
Shuang Tu shared a lot of intelligence and his judgments on the Saber Gang with Lan Zao, helping him to more accurately grasp the intelligence of the Saber Gang.
The speculation that Spring Boxer might become the next Gang Leader of the Saber Gang was actually not hard to guess.
Shuang Tu knew that Spring Boxer was Teng Donglang’s Coffin Carrier, this was the clearest relation. These days, Ice Eagle handled gang affairs and in many places consciously supported and educated Spring Boxer, a clear grooming measure.
“Let’s continue looking. Maybe we’ll find other cheaper leather armors,” said Spring Boxer, walking ahead.
Lan Zao followed leisurely.
Before long, Lan Zao stopped at a stall, showing strong interest in a type of alchemy items.
It wasn’t anything else, it was indeed alchemy bullet cores.
“Who would have thought that there could be alchemy munitions that match so well with air bombs!” the Spring Boxer also strongly recommended that Lan Zao buy them.
The vendor said, “It’s not just about matching with air bombs, in fact, these bullet cores can be assembled into any cartridge. On the battlefield, munitions can be flexibly deployed to target the enemy. What do you think? Would you like to buy some, sir?”
The vendor pitched to the Spring Boxer, performing very naturally.
It was actually Shuang Tu’s arrangement.
By having Lan Zao purchase here, it would perfectly explain the origin of the alchemy bullet cores in Lan Zao’s hands.
This time, the Spring Boxer had actively invited Lan Zao to the Black Market, and Lan Zao was more than eager. Now, the Spring Boxer was his best witness.
The Spring Boxer shook his head, “I don’t need these items.”
He still wanted to recruit Lan Zao, and competing with Lan Zao for purchases would only damage their friendship.
The Spring Boxer then asked, “How about it, Lan Zao, do you have enough money? Although I don’t have enough to buy a Silver Level leather armor, I can still sponsor you a bit.”
Lan Zao shook his head, “Thanks, but I have enough money.”
The Spring Boxer was somewhat disappointed, missing this opportunity to make a good impression on Lan Zao.
“You’re really lucky. I’m looking forward to seeing you use the air bombs in a duel.” the Spring Boxer expressed his envy.
“Let’s keep looking around, maybe there are other good items.”
The Black Market was huge, and they had only covered a third of it so far. The Spring Boxer was looking for opportunities to sponsor Lan Zao.
Lan Zao’s main purpose for this trip had already been achieved. Seeing the Spring Boxer’s behavior, a sudden thought flashed through his mind, “Could it be just as Shuang Tu guessed? Is the Spring Boxer trying to sponsor me to make a good impression, to recruit me again by building up goodwill?”
Lan Zao was not Cang Xu, nor was he as tactful as Zi Di, realizing this only now.
His mood became a bit weird.
He really wanted to tell the Spring Boxer directly, “Quick, recruit me, I can’t wait to join the Saber Gang and head to Anqiu with you!”
Lan Zao knew that this matter should not be rushed, and could only suppress his strange emotions.
Boom boom boom…
Just as they were about to move forward, the entire underground space suddenly shook violently.
The location of the Black Market was in an underground cavern.
Large chunks of rock fell from above their heads.
There was a lot of shouting in the Black Market.
The law enforcement team immediately took action, shouting loudly and working hard to maintain order in the Black Market.
Fortunately, the shaking came quickly and left just as fast; the underground cavern calmed down again.
“What in the world happened?” Everyone was somewhat panicked.
A Silver Level stepped forward, loudly reassuring everyone, saying it was crustal shaking, which was normal.
The trading in the Black Market continued, not stopping.
However, some people were not reassured and walked out, coming up to the surface.
Lan Zao and the Spring Boxer were among them.
The people around them were discussing.
“There’s a battle going on!”
“That direction, isn’t that Master Cai Jing’s alchemy room?”
“Could it be that Ba Qi has returned? I haven’t heard any news about the Haunted Pirate Group.”
“Wait, this aura?!”
Everyone was shocked.
Qian Xing’s Holy Domain Level aura spread along with his attacks, in a way that even in the black market, it was still palpable.
Spring Boxer and Lan Zao’s faces showed shock.
Holy Domain Level!
That was indeed a major figure.
Spring Boxer looked towards the direction of the fierce battle and sighed, “It seems that the rumors about the inheritance of the Prosperous-Mixed Master are not false. Even a Holy Domain Level existence has been attracted. Master Cai Jing is truly formidable to be able to contend with a Holy Domain Level fighter!”
Lan Zao said, “He is a Gold Level Mage, a level just below Holy Domain Level. Don’t forget, Master Da Bei from the Alchemy Guild has also joined him.”
This news had long been spread across Flower Skirt Island and had been confirmed.
With a flicker in his eyes, Lan Zao thought, “Even though my Bloodline has been purified and I am certain to become Silver Level in the future, it is only Silver Level. Gold Level, Holy Domain Level… such levels are only reachable by leaders like our squad leader.”
Thinking of this, Lan Zao’s expression grew complex, and he said to Spring Boxer, “Clashes between such major figures are not something we can partake in. Even watching them is life-threatening. Let’s go back to the black market and continue shopping. It’s more practical to buy suitable equipment than staying here to discuss.”
Spring Boxer nodded, feeling that Lan Zao made a lot of sense.
The inheritance of the Prosperous-Mixed Master was definitely valuable, but they were not eligible to participate. In this story, Gold Level and Holy Domain Level were the protagonists; Spring Boxer and others didn’t even qualify to take the stage.
At their level, they could only look up, and this battle would be a rare, thrilling moment in their lives to reminisce in old age or boast about during dull moments to others.
In reality, however, they were just watching from a far distance. The so-called battle scenes would only be hearsay afterward.
The two went back down to the underground cave.
Before long, Lan Zao stopped at a stall.
The stall reeked of a strong fishy odor.
The stall owner was a fishmonger, mainly selling Magic Beast level sea fish.
The stall owner enthusiastically greeted Lan Zao and Spring Boxer.
After several barbaric duels, the two had gained a small reputation in the circle of Transcendents on Flower Skirt Island.
Lan Zao was an emerging dark horse, recognizable by his physique and appearance.
Spring Boxer was at Silver Level.
This Extraordinary Level was considered skilled in most interactions among Transcendents. In most cases, the powerful individuals they came across in daily life were of this level.
Compared to Silver Level, the number of Gold Level powerhouses was much fewer.
Not to mention the Holy Domain Level.
The appearance of Master Cai Jing, Master Da Bei, Ba Qi, and Qian Xing on Flower Skirt Island was purely provoked by the inheritance of the Prosperous-Mixed Master.
Under normal circumstances, Flower Skirt Island, a neutral small island, wouldn’t be sufficient to keep a Gold Level resident.
Lan Zao had no interest in the dead fish sold there. He usually ate Beast Meat provided by Shuang Tu. The latter not only provided ample food but also specially designed nutritionally balanced side dishes for Lan Zao.
Most crucially, Lan Zao didn’t have to pay!
Lan Zao had no interest in either live or dead fish; he pointed to a fishing net filled with a pile of dead fish and asked, “How much for this piece of equipment?”
“Hen Fa sir, this is my main livelihood, and I’m not planning to sell it,” the stall owner said.
It was a Black Iron Level piece of equipment.
Coming from a fishing village, Lan Zao had spent years at sea and was an expert at net casting.
He was quite interested in this net, “If I’m not mistaken, this is an Elastic Black Silk Fishing Net. I’m offering almost twice the market price. What do you think?”
The stall owner was tempted, but after hesitating for a while, he eventually shook his head.
Upon seeing this, Spring Boxer took the initiative to help Lan Zao by willing to contribute funds to raise the bid again.
But the stall owner had already made up his mind and was not willing to sell at any price.
The reason was quite understandable. This was his livelihood equipment. If sold, it would be difficult to quickly find a suitable replacement.
This period had greatly affected his fish-catching efficiency. Selling it could earn him some money, but if he couldn’t find a suitable replacement, it might delay his fishing and even lead to losses.
Spring Boxer shook his head, helpless.
Lan Zao had no choice but to leave with regret.
On the way, he curiously asked Spring Boxer, “If I joined your gang, could we rob him?”
Spring Boxer suddenly showed difficulty, “Well…”
He thought for a moment and decided to tell the truth, “Our Saber Gang is indeed a gang. Robbery and bullying aren’t uncommon for us.”
“But I don’t participate in that.”
“You might not be aware, but I once served in the regular army of the Ice Kingdom.”
“Even though I’m now a gang member, I have my own principles. I hope, Hen Fa, that you won’t do such things.”
“Once certain things start, there’s no turning back.”
“You might think I’m hypocritical since I’m a gang member but stick to such principles, which might seem ridiculous.”
“But I feel that having these principles makes me feel somewhat better.”
Lan Zao quietly looked over Spring Boxer.
He could feel the sincerity Spring Boxer was showing.
Combining this with the information Lan Zao had, he was sure that Spring Boxer was telling the truth—that’s the kind of person he was!
“His military life shaped his foundation and character. Even as a gang member, he hasn’t degenerated.”
In this, Lan Zao greatly admired Spring Boxer.
He saw the shadow of his own squad leader in Spring Boxer.
“Squad leader is also such a man.”
Spring Boxer, who was initially nervous, calmed down after speaking honestly.
Lan Zao chuckled, breaking the silence between them, “Spring Boxer, sir, you truly impress me.”
Spring Boxer smiled genuinely, “I’m so glad you understand me!”
He had investigated Hen Fa, who had been a guard in the past and hadn’t committed any major crimes. His so-called crimes involved only compelled self-defense, resulting in accidental homicide due to anger.
Spring Boxer looked at the numerous vendors in the Black Market, “Let’s say, if someday I take charge of the Saber Gang, I would choose to maintain order here and collect some protection fees, instead of oppressing them.”
“I trust you, Spring Boxer, sir,” said Lan Zao.
But just then, the Black Market shook again.
This time, the tremor was much more intense. A large chunk of the ceiling collapsed down.
Countless debris fell, dust billowed around, and the enforcement team also fell into chaos, unable to maintain order.
The panicked crowd ran about, rushing through the exits towards the surface.
And at this time, a group of people went against the flow, running downward, entering the Black Market.
Leading them was Xiong Ju!
Xiong Ju spotted Spring Boxer immediately and yelled, “Quick, there’s Mithril for sale in the Black Market. We urgently need it—we must seize it!!”
Lan Zao: ?!
Spring Boxer: ??!!
Xiong Ju bellowed again, “What are you waiting for?! This is an express order from the old gang leader; it must be completed immediately!!”
Spring Boxer’s expression drastically changed. Ice Eagle was aware of his position but had still issued this command. What could have happened?
Concerned about a significant gang issue, he immediately pushed his personal principles to the back of his mind.
Without any hesitation, he turned and ran, shouting, “Follow me; I know where the Mithril vendor is!”