The Head of the family of the Three Heroes Gang, Bao Yingchen, held a pair of Judge’s Pens, repeatedly caressing them.
The third-in-command, Yang Xingbo, stared at the Judge’s Pens for a moment and then shook his head. "Big brother, not to dampen your spirits, but in my opinion, these are just a pair of weapons that aren’t very handy."
Bao Yingchen held the Judge’s Pens and poured some energy into them. The originally one-foot-long Judge’s Pens instantly stretched to over six feet, transforming into a pair of Crude Iron Spears. The sixty-something Bao Yingchen brandished the Long Spear with a nimble figure and sharp, forceful moves.
The third-in-command praised, "Big brother, excellent skill! But truth be told, these weapons still aren’t that great."
Bao Yingchen withdrew his energy, and the Judge’s Pens returned to their original size. "Old Three, you don’t think these Judge’s Pens are good?"
The third-in-command shook his head. "Weapons that can change size? You’ve seen plenty. Tell me, what’s so special about these? Chu Huaijun’s father, Chu Shaoqiang, is a Craftsman Cultivator. His family has countless weapons like this. Is he trying to fool you with this trinket? I think this shows a real lack of sincerity."
Bao Yingchen smiled and put the Judge’s Pens back in their box. "Xingbo, I don’t think Chu Huaijun is insincere. This is a treasure. Although he couldn’t clearly explain its use, I can feel that it truly is a treasure.
"For years, Chu Huaijun has swallowed his pride, finally enduring until he has a chance to turn things around. If we help him, it aligns with the Border Defense Envoy’s wishes and also solidifies our Gang’s position. Why wouldn’t we do it?"
Yang Xingbo laughed. "Big brother, I’ll do as you say."
Bao Yingchen said, "This time, it’s not just about listening to me; we also have to listen to Chu Huaijun. Chu Huaijun sent over a fine gift, so our return gift must not be inferior.
"As for what to give in return, ultimately, we still need to follow the Border Defense Envoy’s wishes."
Yang Xingbo said, "I suspect the Border Defense Envoy wants a head."
Bao Yingchen nodded. "Whose head do you think they want?"
Yang Xingbo thought for a moment, then said, "He Yuxiu? I heard that crazy old woman is back in Greenwater City. She’s a thorn in the Border Defense Envoy’s side now."
Bao Yingchen shook his head again. "Brave but witless, just a shrew. The He Family was ruined at her hands. She should have died by the Border Defense Envoy’s hand long ago; it’s sheer luck she’s lived this long. Such a person isn’t worth our attention."
"There’s also that Lu Chunying girl," Yang Xingbo added. "She’s been constantly meddling in the Hundred Joy Gate’s affairs, causing Chu Huaijun some embarrassment with the Border Defense Envoy."
Bao Yingchen shook his head. "How much trouble can a young, inexperienced girl cause? She’s just an illegitimate child Lu Dongliang left behind. With her status, she’s not even qualified to remain in the Lu Family."
Yang Xingbo thought again. "That leaves the Ma Family. It depends on how you look at it. Ma Chunting is old and can’t see things clearly anymore. But his son, Ma Junyang, is no pushover."
Bao Yingchen snorted coldly. "Pushover or not, I don’t know, but he certainly knows how to save on food; he nearly starved to death in Blue Poplar Village. That kid won’t be arrogant for long. Does he think he can carve out a territory in Puluo State just by speculating? He’s suffered too little and dreams too much."
Yang Xingbo thought for a long time, shaking his head repeatedly. "Big brother, I can’t think of anyone else."
"Yes, it’s not an easy thing to figure out," Bao Yingchen said, rising. "Why is He Yuxiu still alive? Why is Lu Chunying still in the Lu Family? Why didn’t Ma Wu starve to death in Blue Poplar Village? Whose head does the Border Defense Envoy truly want? We need to think about this carefully."
...
Inside the Portable Residence, Li Banfeng asked the Judge’s Pens very seriously, "In your family... are there any other relatives?"
After about ten minutes, the Judge’s Pens replied, "HMPH."
Literally, this meant... Li Banfeng couldn’t figure it out.
The Phonograph, however, offered a suggestion. "Hey, husband, who cares if they’re relatives of our cheap pens or not? Since Old Luo found out, just get them first and we’ll see. If they turn out to be as useful as our Judge’s Pens, then we’ve scored another pair of supreme treasures!"
Li Banfeng nodded. "That’s what I was thinking. It’s just that taking something from the Great Elder of the Three Heroes Gang might not be easy."
"Husband," the Phonograph said, "you overestimate the Three Heroes Gang. That Gang does have some foundation, but their three leaders might not have very high cultivation levels. You have a Seventh Layer cultivation level and are active in two domains; you could even fight someone at the Eighth Layer. You don’t need to be afraid of him."
Li Banfeng chewed his fingernails. "Yes, I have two House Spirits. I’m not afraid of him."
"Husband," the Phonograph continued, "the key is to choose the right time to strike. Dealing with one Gold Seal isn’t difficult, but taking on the entire Three Heroes Gang is another matter."
Ma Wu was preparing to entertain a guest in the outer residence. Normally, guests were entertained at Xiaoyao Lodge, but this guest was special and couldn’t easily show his face.
"Old Qi," Ma Wu said, "the friend we’re meeting today is Shan Baowen, from the Defense Agency. In the past, when we sent people to the Defense Agency for Guide Tokens, it would take less than an hour, all thanks to his help. He’s coming to see me today, and it’s definitely about money. If he asks for a high price, don’t be stingy."
"That money should be spent," Li Banfeng said, sitting in a corner of the room, intending to gauge the visitor’s cultivation level. "No need to consult me."
Soon, the guest arrived. He appeared to be in his late forties, of medium build, slightly thin, wearing glasses, and had a scholarly look.
Ma Wu rose to greet him, while Li Qi remained seated. If Shan Baowen noticed Li Qi, it would indicate he had a decent cultivation level, and Ma Wu would immediately introduce them. However, Shan Baowen didn’t notice Li Qi at all.
After exchanging greetings and sitting down, Shan Baowen wiped his sweat. "I rushed all the way here, didn’t even have time for a sip of water."
Ma Wu quickly poured tea for Shan Baowen. "Brother Baowen, yesterday my men went to you for Guide Tokens. You said you had something urgent to tell me. I was so anxious I couldn’t sleep all night."
"It’s nothing major," Shan Baowen smiled. "My son started a factory but didn’t manage the business well. He lost quite a bit of money and didn’t dare tell me. I only found out yesterday when the debt collectors showed up. That kid is just not cut out for business. I scolded him a little, but he wouldn’t listen. Young people these days... no ability, but plenty of temper. It really got me worked up."
Ma Wu laughed. "Brother Baowen, you shouldn’t say that. Business skills are honed through experience. After a few losses, he’ll gradually learn the ropes."
Shan Baowen shook his head. "It still depends on talent. He’s about your age, but his abilities are far inferior to yours."
"You’re too kind. How much does he owe?"
"I’m almost too embarrassed to say. The business has only been open for two months, and he’s lost a full five hundred Ocean Dollars."
"Is that all?" Ma Wu smiled. "I’ll cover it. Consider it tuition fee for my young brother."
"How could I possibly accept..."
"Don’t be so formal with me!"
After a few more pleasantries, Shan Baowen lowered his voice. "Yesterday, I went to deliver documents to the Chief Envoy and happened to find him entertaining a guest. Guess who it was?"
Ma Wu shook his head. "I couldn’t possibly guess."
"The Chu Family’s eldest, Chu Huaijun. As I was going in and out, I overheard a fragment of their conversation. They’re planning to eliminate someone and intend to act in the next few days."
Ma Wu was startled. "Who?"
"That I don’t know. I only heard that much as I passed by."
Ma Wu stroked his chin, his brow furrowed.
Shan Baowen said, "Junyang, I still have things to do, so I must get back quickly."
Ma Wu immediately stood up and prepared five hundred Ocean Dollars for Shan Baowen. He didn’t dare see him all the way out, only accompanying him to the top of the stairs before they said their goodbyes.
Back in the room, Li Banfeng asked Ma Wu, "Did he tell you everything?"
Ma Wu thought for a moment. "I think so. The man is greedy. If he knew more, he would have demanded more money. Shan Baowen is from Puluo State and holds no significant post. In the Defense Agency, people at his level are the only ones we can afford to bribe. Liao Zihui is having Chu Huaijun eliminate someone. Who could it be?"
Li Banfeng looked at Ma Wu. "What do you think?"
"Either He Yuxiu or Lu Chunying. They should go hide in the New Land."
Li Banfeng lit a cigarette. "Could it be you?"
Ma Wu pondered for a moment. "It shouldn’t be me. Apart from the newspaper incident, I haven’t really clashed with the Border Defense Envoy."
"But you’re helping He Yuxiu and Lu Chunying. Their businesses rely heavily on you."
Ma Wu pressed his lips together, his cheeks twitching involuntarily.
"Old Qi," Ma Wu said, "you leave for the New Land immediately. I’ll sort out business matters and join you as soon as I can. If I can’t get away, you must look after our business. Don’t let it go. With our business, we have a foundation. We can seek revenge later."
Li Banfeng laughed. "Who can’t get away? You or Chu Huaijun?"
"Definitely me. How could it be him?" Ma Wu was stunned, then asked, "You want to deal with Chu Huaijun? With the Border Defense Envoy supporting him, it’s hard to tell how strong he is now."
Li Banfeng took a drag from his cigarette. "No matter how strong he is, we know they’re going to make a move and who they’re targeting. This is our chance; we can’t let him off."
Ma Wu shook his head. "It’s still unclear who he’s targeting."
Li Banfeng said, "He Yuxiu, Lu Chunying, or you. It’s bound to be one of you three. You should all gather together. You move into Lu Chunying’s place now, and bring Ah Qin, Huoling, and Old Zuo. I’ll recruit more people to clear land in Zhengjing Village. I’ll talk to Shui Yongquan about bringing some skilled fighters from the New Land. We’ll concentrate all our firepower in one place.
"No matter how many men Chu Huaijun sends this time, we won’t let a single one escape. If Chu Huaijun comes personally, we’ll take him down too. If the Border Defense Envoy comes, we’ll take him down as well."
"Even the Border Defense Envoy..." Ma Wu felt Old Qi was becoming reckless again. "Let’s reconsider. I feel like we’re being too hasty. If we all gather in one place and a fight breaks out, aren’t we just waiting to be wiped out all at once?"
Li Banfeng shook his head. "One pot won’t be enough to cook us all. If they could have wiped us out, they would have done so already. They don’t have a big enough pot."
Ma Wu said, "At least let Lu Chunying hide in Zhengjing Village. Her cultivation level is too low, and she can’t fight. She’ll only be a burden if she stays."
Li Banfeng shook his head again. "If we do that, we’ll be playing right into their hands. That’s exactly what they want—to pick us off one by one!"
Ma Wu said, "But it seems safer."
Li Qi still shook his head. "If we were going for the safest option, you should be the one hiding in Zhengjing Village, since you’re not much of a fighter either. But if you hide, would Ah Qin, Huoling, and Old Zuo still fight? Who would they risk their lives for?
"If Lu Chunying hides, who would Tan Fucheng, Lu Yuanxin, and the others fight for? If we all hide, He Yuxiu will be left alone. After He Yuxiu falls, the Border Defense Envoy will just target the next person.
"With this one despicable trick, they’ll keep a stranglehold on our lives. If you’re content to be under their thumb, go to Zhengjing Village now. If you’re not, pack your things and go to Lu Chunying’s place."
Ma Wu took a drag on his cigarette and looked up. "Old Qi, I’ll do as you say."