Chapter Thirteen: When You Have Money, It's Time to Start Buying!
“I suggest we return to the village first.”
After dispatching the liaison, Chen Tong took a deep breath and continued, “We’ll reinforce the defenses at Black Wind Stronghold just enough to mislead the authorities. Then, we’ll go back to the village.”
“There, we can focus on developing our productivity in peace. For example, we can cultivate more farmland and plant crops, ensuring a steady supply of food so we won’t have to worry about hunger.”
“At the same time, we can make use of the village’s terrain to establish some workshops to produce farming tools and simple weapons.”
“Our brothers can also learn skills like carpentry and blacksmithing, enhancing our overall strength.”
As Chen Tong spoke, he gestured with his hands to help everyone better understand his plan.
Xie Qingshuang nodded slightly, pondering Chen Tong’s words with a hint of approval shining in her eyes.
The other bandits began whispering among themselves, discussing the feasibility of the proposal.
“I think Brother Xie’s right. I used to farm back home, so I’m good at cultivating land!” Tieniu said, patting his chest with a sincere smile.
“But, if we make weapons, won’t the government find out?” a worried bandit asked, his face full of anxiety.
Chen Tong patiently explained, “We can build the workshops in concealed locations and assign sentries to keep watch. Initially, we’ll mainly produce farming tools, gradually accumulating materials and skills. Once we’re confident, we can start making weapons.”
“This way, we can stay under the radar while steadily increasing our strength.”
Hearing this, the bandits found the plan reasonable, and their worried expressions gradually eased.
“So once we’re back in the village, how do we organize the division of labor?” another bandit asked.
Chen Tong thought for a moment before replying, “We’ll assign tasks based on everyone’s skills and preferences. Those good at farming will handle land cultivation and crop planting. The strong ones can cut wood and transport materials to prepare for the workshops. Those interested in carpentry or blacksmithing can learn from experienced masters. Everyone will have their role, working together.”
Xie Qingshuang listened carefully to Chen Tong’s arrangement and silently admired his thoroughness.
She stood up and declared loudly, “Brothers, Brother Xie’s plan is comprehensive. This is our best way forward right now. If we stand united, no obstacle is insurmountable! Who’s confident?”
“Yes!”
The bandits shouted in unison, their voices echoing through the assembly hall, filled with resolute faith.
...
After deciding to return to the village, Xie Qingshuang quickly began a thorough inventory of Black Wind Stronghold. She moved among the crowd with focused seriousness, carefully recording everyone’s status. When she finished, her brow furrowed deeply, her heart heavy with worry.
“Brother Xie, the situation isn’t looking good,” she said to Chen Tong anxiously. “Including the elderly, women, and the brave souls we rescued, there are barely over forty people. Our labor force is severely insufficient; future development will be extremely difficult.”
Chen Tong’s expression darkened as he pondered for a moment, then said, “Chief, given the circumstances, we must find another way. I have an idea that might help us out of this urgent situation.”
The group gathered around, eyes filled with hope.
Chen Tong continued, “I want to ask everyone to contribute some copper coins. I have a way to exchange them for things that will be extremely useful.”
Murmurs rose among the crowd.
“Young Master Xie, these copper coins are what we’ve painstakingly saved. What can they be exchanged for?” one bandit asked with puzzlement.
“Yes, Young Master Xie, you need to explain clearly,” another chimed in.
Chen Tong smiled mysteriously and said, “Rest assured, I won’t let you down. I have a special method to turn these copper coins into food, seeds, and tools so that we’ll have sufficient supplies to develop.”
Though still doubtful, out of trust in Chen Tong, the bandits began handing over their copper coins.
Soon, a pile of coins lay before Chen Tong.
He looked at them and took a deep breath before retreating alone to a room and closing the door.
With a serious expression, he opened the system interface, the familiar glow instantly brightening the dim room.
He carefully placed the copper coins into the system’s pawn area, his hands trembling slightly as his eyes fixed on the screen.
The system immediately began recognition; a dazzling light flashed, and the interface displayed the value of the ancient coins converted into modern system currency.
[Ding!]
[Recognizing...]
[Authenticating...]
[Successfully authenticated ancient coins...]
[Value: 500 each...]
[Quantity: 200...]
[Authenticating...]
The numbers flickered and climbed like lively notes before settling at 50,000 system coins.
“Excellent!” Chen Tong couldn’t help but smile.
He quickly searched the system’s exchange marketplace.
In the food section: rice bags sold at 200 system coins each.
...
“These supplies should sustain us for a while,” Chen Tong murmured.
Next, he selected seeds—corn, wheat—and also grabbed some safety helmets and work clothes.
[Ding!]
[Successfully added to cart...]
[Proceed to checkout?]
After choosing, Chen Tong confirmed the purchase.
[Ding!]
[System coins deducted successfully...]
[Items are being delivered...]
[Please wait...]
In an instant, a beam of light flashed, and the items appeared before him.
Looking at the mountain of supplies, Chen Tong’s heart swelled with accomplishment.
When Chen Tong presented the goods to everyone, they were stunned.
“Young Master Xie, you’re like a god descended to earth!” one bandit exclaimed excitedly.
“Yes, Young Master Xie, with these things, we finally have hope!” another agreed.
The Black Wind Stronghold bandits gazed at Chen Tong with admiration and gratitude, already seeing him as a savior.
Xie Qingshuang watched all this, thoughts swirling.
She finally understood the true meaning behind Chen Tong’s earlier words:
“In this world where demons and heroes rise alike, though I seek no throne, I know the suffering of the people and only wish to cleanse the land and protect a corner of this fleeting world.”
She approached Chen Tong softly and said, “Brother Xie, thank you. Having you here is a blessing for Black Wind Stronghold.”
Chen Tong smiled and shook his head.
“Chief, I only want to fulfill my dream.”