Chapter 38: The Vision of Blackwind City

"Black Wind City?" Xie Qingshuang widened her eyes in surprise. "Brother Chen, this is no small undertaking. Can it really be done?"

Chen Tong spoke with firm conviction. "I am certain of it!"

"Furthermore, once Black Wind City is built, I intend to become its lord. When that time comes, we can collect taxes from passing merchant caravans and the surrounding populace."

Xie Qingshuang pondered for a moment before replying, "Brother Chen, this plan is certainly visionary. However, building a city is no simple feat; it requires immense manpower, resources, and time. Moreover, the matter of taxation must be handled with caution to avoid inciting resentment among the people."

Chen Tong nodded in agreement. "I have considered all of that. We can reinforce Black Wind Stronghold while slowly preparing for the construction of the city. As for the taxes, we shall discuss that in the future."

Looking at Chen Tong’s resolute gaze, Xie Qingshuang felt a surge of trust. "Very well, Brother Chen, I believe in you. As long as it is for the growth of Black Wind Stronghold, I will support you with all my might!"

Through the day and night efforts of Chen Tong and his brothers, the construction of the Black Wind Stronghold walls was completed in its initial form. The newly built walls were tall and thick; under the sunlight, the concrete surface shimmered with a cold, hard luster, as if silently testifying to its own sturdiness. The once dilapidated stronghold, now encircled by these walls, resembled a beast awakened from slumber, exuding an air of solidity and majesty.

Just then, a chaotic sound of footsteps approached from afar. The various mountain strongholds that had previously sought to trade with Black Wind arrived in a grand procession, carrying baskets and poles laden with wild yams and animal hides.

The bandits at the head of the group saw the transformed walls of Black Wind Stronghold from a distance and stopped dead in their tracks, as if struck by a paralyzing spell. Their faces were etched with shock and curiosity.

"Good heavens, what in the world is this? How is it so sturdy?" A bandit with a goatee, his eyes round as copper bells, hurried to the wall in a few strides and slapped it hard, muttering to himself. "It doesn't feel like stone, so why is it so hard?"

"Indeed," a burly bandit beside him chimed in, his bushy beard trembling as he spoke. "I’ve traveled far and wide for many years and have seen all sorts of city walls, but this is truly the first time I’ve seen anything like this."

The second-in-command, Xie Hu, joined Chen Tong in stepping forward to welcome them. Seeing everyone’s reaction, Xie Hu wore a proud smile. "Brothers, this is a method our chieftain devised. The wall is built with a special material, and it is incredibly solid. With these walls, any petty thieves would never be able to get near our stronghold."

Chen Tong stepped forward, cupping his hands in a respectful salute. "Brothers, thank you for coming from so far away. Please, come inside, and we shall discuss things in detail."

As the group entered the stronghold, they kept glancing back at the walls, clicking their tongues in admiration. Upon reaching the trading grounds, they laid out the wild yams and hides they had brought. The yams were thick and smooth-skinned, clearly carefully selected, and the hides were dense with lustrous, shining fur.

"Chieftain Chen, what do you think of our goods?" a young bandit asked, his face betraying a hint of nervousness and anticipation. He knew well that this trade was crucial for their own stronghold; a successful deal would secure many much-needed supplies.

Chen Tong crouched down to examine the items, pinching the yams and stroking the hides, before nodding with satisfaction. "Excellent. These yams are of high quality and look fresh; their medicinal potency will surely be top-notch. These hides are thick as well; they will surely be warm to wear in winter. You brothers are truly men of your word and honest folk."

At this, the goat-bearded bandit could no longer restrain his curiosity. He leaned in toward Chen Tong and asked, "Chieftain Chen, do tell us, what exactly is this wall built from? Don't keep us in suspense; we are dying to know."

Chen Tong smiled but did not answer directly. "It is a very special material I happened upon. The production method is quite complex and difficult to explain in a few words. However, rest assured, with these walls, our Black Wind Stronghold is much safer."

Although the group remained skeptical, they felt it improper to press further. "Chieftain Chen, you are truly capable to have found such an extraordinary material," one bandit remarked.

Chen Tong waved his hand modestly. "You are too kind. In truth, as long as one is willing to use their brain and ponder, many things can be accomplished. But let us return to the matter of trade."

"This time, we have brought many fine goods: workwear, socks, and rubber-soled shoes. All are made of quality materials with fine craftsmanship; I guarantee you will be satisfied."

And so, the bargaining began.

"Chieftain Chen, the workwear looks good, but can the price be lowered? It is not easy for us; these hides were obtained by hunting at the risk of our lives," one bandit said with a sincere, furrowed brow.

Chen Tong smiled. "Brother, my prices are already very fair. Look at the craftsmanship and the fabric of these garments; you won't find better quality anywhere else. How about this: if you buy in larger quantities, I can offer a further discount."

At this moment, Liu Meng, the chieftain of Eagle Beak Stronghold, Chen Feng of Clear Wind Stronghold, and Zhao Laoqi of White Cloud Stronghold stepped out from the crowd.

Liu Meng stepped forward and smiled at Chen Tong. "Chieftain Chen, since we are partners, we should communicate more. Your Black Wind Stronghold has changed quite a bit recently; your men are so full of energy, it makes me envious."

Chen Tong quickly bowed in response. "Chieftain Liu, you are too kind. It is an honor to have you all here. Today, I must fulfill my duties as a host. Our Black Wind Stronghold is only just beginning, and there is still much we must learn from all of you."

Chen Feng chimed in with a laugh, "Chieftain Chen, you are too modest. Just looking at these new walls and the bustling construction scene, it is clear that Black Wind Stronghold has a bright future ahead."

Xie Hu added warmly, "Chieftains, please, come inside. Let us head into the stronghold to talk properly and share a meal. It is always more enjoyable to discuss business while dining."

The group followed Xie Hu into the stronghold. Along the way, they continued to marvel at the new developments, and seeing the houses under construction and the busy laborers, their curiosity about the future of Black Wind Stronghold only grew.