Chapter 26: Paying a Visit to the Local Bandits

"Boss Zhang, it has been a long time. How have you been?"

"The way you handled the identity documents for my two brothers from Black Wind Village—that was a masterful piece of work. I have kept that favor in mind, and I am truly grateful."

Chen Tong had sought out Boss Zhang once again. Upon meeting, he immediately stepped forward, clasped his hands in a deep bow, and spoke with an expression of profound sincerity.

Boss Zhang looked Chen Tong over, the corners of his mouth curling into a knowing, enigmatic smile. "Scholar Xie, you are too kind. It was all within my power. I wonder, what brings you here today? Is there something else you need my help with?"

Chen Tong sighed softly, his expression turning solemn. "To be honest, while our Black Wind Village now has plans to purchase land and walk the straight and narrow path, there are still dozens of brothers in the village whose status remains unresolved."

"They all long for legitimate identities so they can live in peace and stability. So, I must trouble you once more to exert your influence and help them secure their documents."

Boss Zhang listened, gently rubbing his chin. After a moment of contemplation, he said, "Scholar Xie, this request of yours is not easy."

"Handling the identities for so many people involves many hidden complexities and risks."

Chen Tong quickly pulled a heavy pouch of silver from his robes and handed it to Boss Zhang. "Boss Zhang, please accept this small token of my appreciation."

"Your network in this city is vast, and your capabilities are immense. As long as you can resolve the status of my brothers, I, Chen Tong, will never forget your kindness."

Boss Zhang took the pouch and weighed it in his hand, a satisfied look appearing on his face. "Scholar Xie is indeed a man who understands the ways of the world. Very well, I accept. You may rest easy."

A few days later, Boss Zhang acted with swift efficiency, successfully finalizing everything and handing the prepared documents to Chen Tong in perfect order.

Chen Tong took the papers, his eyes glinting with excitement, and handed over a few more ingots of silver. "Boss Zhang, your efficiency is truly reassuring. This is just a small gesture; you must accept it."

After some token resistance, Boss Zhang accepted the silver. He pulled Chen Tong aside, leaning in close with a conspiratorial air, and whispered, "Scholar Xie, now that you have land, the days ahead may not be peaceful."

"This world is chaotic, and bandits run rampant. Who is to say your fields won't be targeted one day?"

"I will introduce you to a few bandit leaders. They hold some sway in this area. If you encounter them in the future, it will be easier to negotiate and find some support."

Upon hearing this, a flash of surprise crossed Chen Tong’s eyes, and he quickly bowed in thanks.

"Boss Zhang, you are incredibly thoughtful! I, Chen Tong, will never forget this debt of gratitude."

The next day, Chen Tong made careful preparations. Accompanied by Xie Hu, he followed the address provided by Boss Zhang to visit the bandits.

The two arrived at a secluded mountain stronghold, surrounded by dense forests, a place easy to defend and difficult to attack.

At the entrance, several guards brandishing long blades stopped them, shouting vigilantly, "Who are you? What are you doing here? Do you have a death wish?"

Chen Tong remained calm, unhurriedly cupping his hands in a bow. "I ask that you brothers please pass on a message: Chen Tong of Black Wind Stronghold is here to pay a visit to discuss an important matter."

"This is a small token for your trouble. I hope you will accept it."

As he spoke, Chen Tong produced a few pieces of broken silver from his robes and offered them. The guards exchanged glances; one of them took the silver, weighed it, and a satisfied smile spread across his face. "Fine, wait here. I will go report this."

Before long, the guard returned and led them into the stronghold. In the main hall, a burly man sat in the seat of honor.

The man’s face was thick with flesh, with a hideous scar stretching from the corner of his eye to his mouth. His eyes were as sharp as blades as he looked Chen Tong and his companion up and down.

The man frowned, puzzled. "Black Wind Stronghold? I heard Boss Zhang mention a 'Black Wind Village.' What exactly is your background?"

Chen Tong quickly explained, "Brother, to be honest, we are originally from Black Wind Stronghold, but we wish to use the opportunity of purchasing land to completely turn over a new leaf."

"When Boss Zhang helped us with our identities, we wanted to avoid trouble, so we identified ourselves as Black Wind Village."

"But we are open and honest people. We come today to build ties with you in the name of Black Wind Stronghold."

Upon hearing the words "Black Wind Stronghold," the man’s expression darkened instantly. He let out a cold snort. "Hmph, Black Wind Stronghold? I have heard of you."

"In this region, you are considered old-school bandits. What? Now that you want to wash your hands of the past, do you think you can look down on us smaller outfits?"

Xie Hu, upon hearing this, flew into a rage. He stepped forward and shouted, "What did you say? Our Black Wind Stronghold has always acted with integrity. When have we ever looked down on anyone?"

"We came here today with sincerity—don't throw away our goodwill!"

A subordinate beside the leader jumped out, pointing at Xie Hu and cursing, "How much territory did your Black Wind Stronghold seize in the past? How many people’s livelihoods did you ruin? And now you have the nerve to pretend to be good people?"

The atmosphere instantly turned tense, the air thick with the scent of gunpowder. Chen Tong quickly reached out to stop Xie Hu, his face maintaining a smile.

"Brothers, please, there is no need for such anger."

"Our Black Wind Stronghold did indeed engage in banditry in the past, but that is all in the past."

"Now, we are committed to reforming. We have bought land and simply wish to live honest lives."

"We came today in the hope of turning hostility into friendship."

As he spoke, Chen Tong took a bag filled with silver from his robes, placed it on the table, and pushed it toward the leader.

"Brother, this is a small gift of introduction. It is not much, but I hope you will accept it."

"From now on, we are friends, and friends should naturally support one another."

The leader glanced at the silver but did not reach for it immediately. He kept his face cold. "You think you can dismiss us with this pittance?"

"The past deeds of your Black Wind Stronghold won't be wiped away so easily."

Chen Tong’s expression grew serious, his tone steady and firm. "Brother, surely you have heard about the government troops from some time ago."

"They attempted to surround and annihilate our Black Wind Stronghold, but in the end, their entire force was wiped out."

"We do not seek trouble, but if anyone forces us into a corner, we will not sit idly by and wait for death."

"We have come to you in good faith today because we sincerely hope for peace and coexistence, so that we may all live well."

"If someone insists on being our enemy, then we have no other choice!"

As these words fell, the stronghold went silent, and the bandits looked at one another in shock.

The leader’s expression shifted slightly. He had naturally heard about the death of the government troops, but he had not expected it to be the work of Black Wind Stronghold.

At this moment, Liu Er, who had been silent until now, stepped forward and said...