Chapter 32: Heading to the Meeting, Opening the Market Once More

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Several days later, Chen Tong and Xie Hu made meticulous preparations and set out for the meeting.

Along the way, they kept speculating about what opportunities this gathering might bring to Black Wind Stronghold.

When they arrived, they found themselves facing a broad mountain valley where the forces of numerous strongholds had already gathered.

Temporary tents stood in orderly clusters across the open ground. The banners of the various strongholds whipped and snapped in the wind.

Leading their horses, Chen Tong and Xie Hu slowly entered the valley, immediately drawing the attention of many onlookers.

Following the instructions they had been given, they made their way toward their assigned position.

As a medium-sized stronghold, Black Wind Stronghold had been placed somewhere in the middle.

All around them were many smaller strongholds.

Most of their members were refugees fleeing famine or nameless hunters from the mountains.

Their clothing and equipment varied wildly. Some were dressed in rags, while others carried crude weapons.

Before long, the meeting officially began.

The leaders of several larger strongholds rose one after another, speaking solemnly about the proposed alliance.

They described the hardships of the current age and emphasized how vital an alliance would be to the survival and development of every stronghold.

Yet after the discussion had gone on for some time, everyone’s attention gradually focused on the leaders of the two most powerful strongholds.

At last, “Flying Tiger” Wang Meng suddenly rose to his feet. His voice rang across the entire valley like a great bronze bell.

“Brothers! In times like these, the strength of a single stronghold is simply too weak.”

“After repeated discussions with Leader Li, I have decided that our two strongholds will join forces first.”

“As for the rest of you, feel free to make your own choices. If you are willing to work with us, then we shall stand shoulder to shoulder and carve out a vast world of our own.”

“If you are unwilling, we will not force you!”

The moment he finished speaking, the entire gathering erupted.

The people from the various strongholds leaned together, whispering among themselves as their voices rose and fell. Some gestured excitedly, as though they could already see the bright future the alliance would bring.

Others frowned deeply, their faces full of concern, afraid that they would lose the independence of their strongholds.

Seeing this, Chen Tong hurriedly said to Xie Hu in a low voice, “Second-in-Command, it seems the alliance is practically a foregone conclusion. We must think carefully about what path Black Wind Stronghold should take.”

Xie Hu furrowed his brow, his face filled with conflict. He spoke helplessly.

“Brother Xie, this has all happened too suddenly.”

“If we join them, I am truly worried that Black Wind Stronghold will have no voice in the alliance and will merely be at their mercy.”

“But if we refuse, I fear the days ahead will become even more difficult. Our Black Wind Stronghold may not be able to survive in these troubled times.”

Just as they fell into deep thought, the leader of a nearby small stronghold approached them with a broad smile.

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“Brothers, do you think this alliance can really succeed?”

“Those two leaders certainly look formidable. If we follow them, perhaps we really can live better lives.”

Chen Tong smiled and replied politely, “It is still difficult to say. We should wait and see.”

“But whatever happens, we are all striving to secure a stable future for our brothers.”

At that moment, another stronghold leader with a fiery temper shouted loudly, “Hmph! I have no interest in forming an alliance with them!”

“Why should we follow their orders? Our stronghold should be governed by us!”

For a time, the voices around them grew increasingly heated as all manner of opinions collided.

Chen Tong and Xie Hu, however, remained seated in silence, sinking into even deeper thought.

By then, several leaders of the larger strongholds had gathered together. Sitting in a circle, they discussed solemnly how the alliance would develop in the future.

To them, the people from the smaller strongholds seemed almost irrelevant. Their attention was focused entirely on combining the strengths of the various factions and expanding the alliance’s core power.

Xie Hu glanced at the leaders of the larger strongholds, then looked at the members of the smaller ones arguing all around them. He nudged Chen Tong’s arm and said quietly, “Brother Xie, look at them. They do not take any of us from the smaller strongholds seriously.”

Chen Tong smiled. “That is only natural. In their eyes, strength is all that matters. But we have plans of our own.”

“Second-in-Command, take me around and introduce me to the people from the other strongholds. We may be able to find some opportunities.”

Xie Hu nodded and led Chen Tong through the gathered strongholds.

They came to a small stronghold called Clear Wind Stronghold, where several men were sitting together, drinking and chatting.

“Brothers, this is Chen Tong, the leader of Black Wind Stronghold,” Xie Hu said warmly as he introduced him.

The men raised their heads and studied Chen Tong, their eyes filled with curiosity.

One of them, a burly man with a thick beard, asked, “You look unfamiliar, brother. I have never seen you in these mountains before. Where did you come from?”

Chen Tong smiled and cupped his hands.

“I was once a scholar from Huai County. Unfortunately, I was framed by the soldiers and driven into desperate straits. With nowhere else to go, I came to Black Wind Stronghold.”

Hearing this, the men showed sympathy.

Chen Tong continued, “Now that I am in Black Wind Stronghold, I also hope to find a way forward for our brothers.”

“I have business connections with several wealthy merchants who are very interested in mountain products and well-aged medicinal herbs.”

“I wonder whether any of you have such goods on hand. If you do, we can work together. I guarantee that all of you will earn money.”

The men immediately became interested.

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Another man, tall and thin, said, “There are certainly plenty of mountain products here, and we have some medicinal herbs as well.”

“But what exactly do you mean by working together?”

Chen Tong patiently explained, “All you need to do is gather the mountain products and medicinal herbs. I will purchase them at a fair price.”

“My merchant contacts have extensive connections and will have no trouble finding buyers.”

At that moment, several people from other strongholds gathered around as well. After hearing Chen Tong’s words, they began discussing the matter among themselves.

Seeing that they were still somewhat hesitant, Chen Tong had an idea. He took several steel knives and some clothing from the bundle he carried with him.

The steel knives had razor-sharp blades that gleamed coldly in the sunlight. Their handles were finely designed and remarkably comfortable to hold.

The clothing, meanwhile, looked sturdy and thick, yet remained soft to the touch.

Everyone’s attention was instantly drawn to the items, and they crowded around.

The bearded man snatched up one of the steel knives and gave it several experimental swings. Astonishment appeared on his face.

“Good heavens, this blade is truly sharp! It is far better than the weapon I have!”

The tall, thin man also picked up a piece of clothing and rubbed the fabric between his fingers.

“This is certainly sturdy. It must be warm and durable when worn.”

Chen Tong smiled.

“Brothers, these are the goods my merchant contacts can provide. If we cooperate, supplies like these will no longer be a problem.”

The men’s eyes filled with envy and anticipation.

Those who had still been hesitating now began expressing their willingness to cooperate. A younger bandit spoke up.

“Leader Xie, after seeing goods like these, we trust you! We are in!”

The people from the other strongholds nodded as well, and the atmosphere at once grew lively.

Watching them, Chen Tong was secretly delighted. He knew that the first step had succeeded.

Just then, Xie Hu leaned close to Chen Tong’s ear and whispered, “Brother Xie, that was a brilliant move.”

“But where did you get these things?”

Chen Tong gave him a mysterious smile.

“Second-in-Command, do not concern yourself with that. So long as it benefits Black Wind Stronghold, that is all that matters.”

Xie Hu scratched his head and laughed.

“Very well. So long as it helps our brothers live better lives, I will trust you.”