Chapter Ten: A Visit to Jingbao Pawnshop!

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“Young Master Xie, this tactic does indeed sound ingenious, but Black Wind Stronghold is our home. Here are our brothers and family. How can we simply abandon it and resort to guerrilla warfare in these forests?” Chen Tong looked at her with understanding and sighed.

“Chief, I understand your concerns, but the situation is dire. If we don’t adopt this plan, I fear Black Wind Stronghold cannot be preserved.”

“We are only leaving temporarily. Once we repel the government troops, we can return to rebuild our homeland.”

Just then, that familiar yet vexing system prompt suddenly sounded in Chen Tong’s mind.

[All inhabitants of Black Wind Stronghold cannot leave the stronghold, eventually engaging in a bloody battle with the government troops. In the end, Black Wind Stronghold falls, Chen Tong is captured, and perishes in prison after enduring great humiliation…]

Chen Tong’s expression darkened instantly. Clenching his fists, he cursed into the air.

“You damn system! You’re giving me problems again! I refuse to believe I cannot break this deadlock!”

Xie Qingshuang hurriedly asked upon seeing his reaction, “Young Master Xie, what’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell again?”

Chen Tong waved his hand helplessly. “Chief, it’s not a matter of health.”

“It’s a premonition—I sense that if we don’t change our strategy, the people of Black Wind Stronghold will be unwilling to leave, leading to a bloody battle with the government troops and inevitable defeat.”

“I absolutely cannot allow that to happen!”

Upon hearing this, Xie Qingshuang’s eyes gleamed with determination.

“Young Master Xie, though I am reluctant to leave Black Wind Stronghold, I recognize the urgency and priorities.”

“Let’s discuss this thoroughly. We will surely find a way to both preserve Black Wind Stronghold and repel the government troops.”

In the tense atmosphere of the council hall, the air seemed to freeze.

Chen Tong furrowed his brows deeply, eyes fixed intently on the map before him as his mind raced.

Suddenly, he slammed his hand on the table, causing the teacup to tremble, and spoke loudly.

“I’ve thought of a plan that might solve our immediate crisis!”

The heads that had been bowed rose instantly, all eyes turning toward Chen Tong, filled with hope and urgency.

Xie Qingshuang straightened and urged eagerly, “Young Master Xie, please share it with us!”

Chen Tong stood and paced slowly around the council hall, speaking deliberately.

“We can adopt a tactic of dividing into smaller groups.”

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“Look, the government troops are focusing their siege on Black Wind Stronghold—it’s like a glaring target. So we turn this on its head by temporarily sending our brothers back to their respective villages.”

“Black Wind Stronghold retreats into the shadows, and everyone operates from their villages.”

“After all, most of the people in our stronghold originally come from these villages. This shift won’t be difficult; it’s like returning from the mountain to their homes below. And the stronghold itself will not dissolve—we still have our roots.”

Iron Ox scratched his head, puzzled. “Brother Xie, if we go back to the villages, what exactly do we do? We can’t just wait idly, can we? It feels uneasy.”

Chen Tong approached Iron Ox, smiling as he patted his broad shoulder.

“Big Brother Iron Ox, don’t worry. After returning, we must keep a low profile and live like ordinary villagers. But we must also keep a close watch on the government troops—that’s crucial.”

“We can organize small-scale training sessions during the off-season, using concealed spots to improve our skills.”

“For example, practicing hand-to-hand combat in the woods behind the village, or quietly honing weapon skills in our own yards.”

“Meanwhile, we’ll use the village’s resources to prepare for the counterattack.”

“The village blacksmith can make simple weapons, and farmers can store grain as logistical support.”

“When the time comes, we regroup and strike the government troops with decisive force.”

At this, a worried bandit spoke up.

“But, Young Master Xie, what about Black Wind Stronghold? This is our old nest. If the troops find it empty, won’t they destroy it? What will we do then?”

Chen Tong pondered briefly, eyes narrowing as he envisioned various responses.

“That indeed is a thorny issue.”

“We can leave some people behind in the stronghold, disguised as ordinary mountain folk, continuing their daily lives—farming, chopping wood—so the troops believe Black Wind Stronghold is unresisting.”

“At the same time, we set up simple early warning devices around the stronghold.”

“…”

Hearing Chen Tong’s detailed plan, the group began whispering among themselves. Soon they all nodded in agreement.

Xie Qingshuang stood, her gaze resolute as she scanned the group and spoke loudly.

“Brothers, Young Master Xie’s plan is our best option right now. Though we must leave Black Wind Stronghold temporarily, it is to better protect our home and loved ones.”

“Think about it: if we stay and resist here but lose to the government troops, Black Wind Stronghold will be slaughtered and our families harmed.”

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“By returning to our villages, we preserve our strength and protect our families. When the time is right, we will return to restore the glory of Black Wind Stronghold! Everyone, go prepare and get ready to act according to the plan!”

“Yes, Chief!”

The bandits answered in unison, the previously oppressive atmosphere now invigorated.

As Chen Tong and the others hastened to implement the divide-and-conquer strategy, the cold, mechanical voice of the system sounded unexpectedly again in Chen Tong’s mind…

[Beep!]

“Hmph, what nonsense is this time?” Chen Tong frowned.

[Because the government troops failed to eradicate Black Wind Stronghold, to report success to their superiors, they will carry out limited destruction in the area and execute death-row criminals at Black Wind Stronghold, disguising this as having completed the operation.]

[During this process, the host survives successfully…]

[Beep!]

[System upgrade successful—Pawnshop function unlocked. The host can pawn items from the current world; the value obtained can be exchanged for modern currency, which can be used to purchase modern items in the pawnshop.]

After hearing this, Chen Tong was momentarily stunned, then a gleam of delight crossed his eyes.

“This system upgrade is a good thing, but the troops’ methods are despicable! We must act quickly.”

Chen Tong hurriedly found Xie Qingshuang and told her everything he had learned.

Xie Qingshuang clenched her silver teeth in anger upon hearing it.

“These corrupt officials! Such despicable tactics! Young Master Xie, we cannot stand idly by!”

Chen Tong nodded. “Chief, rest assured, I have some ideas.”

“If they intend to cause destruction, we must first transfer important supplies from the stronghold and hide them in the villages.”

“As for those death-row prisoners, we cannot just watch them die unjustly; we must find a chance to rescue them.”

“But that won’t be easy—the troops will guard them closely,” Xie Qingshuang worried.

“Where there’s a will, there’s a way. First, we observe the troops’ movements and wait for the right moment.”

Chen Tong said firmly.