Chapter 31: Prepare Two Bulletproof Vests for the Meeting

"Can't we brothers come out for a stroll just because we're in a good mood today?"

The leader of the government soldiers squinted at Chen Tong, let out a drunken hiccup, and spoke with an air of complete indifference.

Chen Tong plastered on a smile and replied, "Of course, of course, absolutely. It's just that our village is small and there isn't much to entertain you with. If you gentlemen need anything, just say the word."

Another soldier leaned in, grinning. "We heard you've had a lot of new people arrive here lately. Are you hiding something good?"

Chen Tong felt a jolt of alarm, but he maintained a composed facade and said, "You're joking, sir. We are just honest, simple farmers; what kind of valuable things could we possibly have?"

The soldiers wandered around the village a bit more, and realizing there was truly nothing to be gained, they left while grumbling and cursing.

Watching their retreating figures, Chen Tong’s expression turned grave. Although the soldiers were merely drunk and looking for amusement this time without causing any major trouble, if this continued, the identities of the Black Wind Stronghold members would inevitably be exposed. Once their identities were revealed, all the efforts made so far would be in vain, and it could even bring mortal danger to his brothers.

Chen Tong went straight to Xie Qingshuang's quarters. She was busy organizing some sundries inside. Seeing Chen Tong enter, she set aside her work and asked with a smile, "Brother Xie, you look hurried. Has something happened?"

Chen Tong sighed and relayed the encounter with the soldiers and his concerns to her in detail.

"Qingshuang, although we have land now, at this rate of development, it is far too slow. Plus, with the soldiers wandering by every few days, our identities are bound to be exposed sooner or later."

Xie Qingshuang’s expression darkened as she listened. After a moment of contemplation, she said, "Brother Xie, you are right. We must find a way to accelerate our growth while ensuring the safety of our brothers."

Just then, a knock at the door was followed by Xie Hu’s gruff voice. "Qingshuang, are you in there?"

Xie Qingshuang quickly replied, "Second Chief, come on in."

Xie Hu pushed the door open, the wooden frame creaking loudly under his forceful shove. He strode in and paused, slightly surprised to see Chen Tong there. He scratched his head and said, "Brother Xie is here too? Perfect, I have something to tell you both."

Chen Tong and Xie Qingshuang exchanged a look, and Chen Tong asked, "What is it, Second Chief?"

Xie Hu walked over to a stool and sat down with a thud, his face showing a mix of surprise and emotion.

"Do you know?" he began. "The two largest strongholds in the Huaijiang Mountains are the Fierce Tiger Stronghold and the Flying Eagle Stronghold."

"The Fierce Tiger Stronghold alone has over two hundred able-bodied men fit for battle, all strong and skilled in martial arts. Their Great Chief, 'Sky-Soaring Tiger' Wang Meng, wields an eighty-pound broadsword; he has immense strength and is said to be able to charge in and out of a hundred-man formation unscathed. Furthermore, their stronghold is built extremely sturdily, equipped with watchtowers and traps on all sides, making it easy to defend and hard to attack."

Chen Tong and Xie Qingshuang listened intently, and Xie Hu continued.

"The Flying Eagle Stronghold is no slouch either. They have over one hundred and fifty battle-hardened brothers who specialize in light-body techniques and archery, scaling walls and leaping over roofs as if they were walking on flat ground. Their Second Chief, 'Divine Archer' Li Fei, can shoot down a bird from a hundred paces away; every shot hits its mark. Their stronghold is built on the edge of a cliff, accessible only by a single narrow path, making the terrain extremely treacherous."

After saying this, Xie Hu looked troubled and frowned. "Now, these two major strongholds have joined forces and invited all the other strongholds to a meeting to form a 'Stronghold Alliance.' But even though our Black Wind Stronghold has upgraded our equipment, our manpower remains severely lacking. After several battles, the whole stronghold has only forty-some people left, and among them are a dozen or so elderly, weak, and women. If we go, we will appear far too weak in front of those large strongholds. Won't we be looked down upon?"

"I fear that instead of gaining any benefits, we will just be bullied."

Chen Tong pondered for a moment, then spoke with firm resolve. "Second Chief, I understand everything you've said. While our Black Wind Stronghold is an established name, our current foundation is indeed lacking. However, it is precisely because of this that we must attend this meeting."

"In this world, going it alone is too difficult. Joining the Stronghold Alliance might bring us some opportunities. We don't need to show off our strength immediately; we should keep a low profile and observe the situation. If we can find opportunities for cooperation within the alliance, we can slowly build up our own strength."

Xie Qingshuang nodded, her eyes reflecting her agreement. "Brother Xie makes a valid point. If we keep working in isolation, our development will certainly be slow. By leveraging the power of the alliance, perhaps we can open up a new situation."

Hearing their words, Xie Hu felt his worries ease, though he remained cautious. He nodded and said, "Very well. Since you both say so, let us prepare properly to attend the meeting."

After a heated discussion, the three decided that Chen Tong and Xie Hu would attend the alliance meeting together. Returning to his room, Chen Tong immediately summoned the system’s Jingbao Pawnshop interface.

Chen Tong typed "bulletproof vest" into the search bar. Instantly, various styles of bulletproof vests appeared on the screen. He carefully screened and compared the performance and price of each model. Finally, he selected two vests that were lightweight yet offered excellent protection. These vests were made of a special fiber material, appearing thin and soft, yet they were incredibly tough, capable of effectively resisting slashes from blades and attacks from standard arrows.

Chen Tong did not hesitate to exchange his system credits for the two vests. With a flash of light, they appeared before him.

The next day, Chen Tong gave one of the vests to Xie Hu. Xie Hu took it, looking thoroughly puzzled. He touched the material, feeling its softness and an indescribable resilience.

"What is this thing?" Xie Hu couldn't help but ask.

Chen Tong smiled and explained, "Second Chief, this is called a bulletproof vest. Wearing it can provide great protection when you encounter danger."

Xie Hu’s eyes widened as he examined the vest more closely. He tried to pull at it, only to find that it did not budge in the slightest.

"It's that powerful?" Xie Hu exclaimed, his face filled with shock.

After settling things with Xie Hu, Chen Tong found Xie Qingshuang. He checked his remaining system credits and said to her with a grave expression, "Qingshuang, please work hard during this time to organize the brothers in collecting copper coins. These can be exchanged for many useful things from the Immortal, which will be of great use later."

Xie Qingshuang nodded and said earnestly, "Brother Xie, don't worry. I will make the arrangements."

Chen Tong added, "Also, keep everyone calm during this time. If you encounter government soldiers, avoid them if you can; do not engage them head-on. Our top priority now is to preserve our strength and wait for an opportunity to grow."

Xie Qingshuang said firmly, "I understand, Brother Xie. You and the Second Chief be careful at the meeting, too. We are all waiting for your safe return."