Chapter 76: The Merchant Guild |
After a burst of commotion, Shi Wenshan led the Pine Breeze Martial Hall disciples as they carried Qu Yaohui and rushed toward the Qingnang Hall.
The pupils of everyone present constricted violently, with sharp glints flickering in their eyes.
Shi Wenshan didn't even utter any harsh words before hurriedly heading to the Qingnang Hall.
Although Qu Yaohui hadn't been completely crippled, he was nearly there.
Pine Breeze Martial Hall could be said to have suffered heavy losses this time. First Gao Sheng was crippled, and if Qu Yaohui was severely injured and left with lingering damage, they would truly have no successors.
"This Chen Qing, he's actually this formidable? Qu Yaohui achieved transforming strength two years ago!"
"Did Qu Yaohui become Chen Qing's stepping stone?"
Discussions rose like a tide of sound.
Everyone present was amazed, and even the transforming strength experts at the scene looked at Chen Qing with changed expressions.
That Qu Yaohui was a long-famous transforming strength expert, yet he had been beaten by Senior Brother Chen Qing to the point where his life or death was unknown?
Deng Feihu, who had remained silent all along, slowly opened his eyes, his gaze falling on Chen Qing as he spoke, "Master Zhou, you've taken in a good disciple."
Zhou Liang first felt a wave of relief in his heart, then modestly added, "Hall Master Deng flatters me. In sparring matches and life-or-death combat, it's five parts skill and five parts luck."
Deng Feihu said nothing more.
Wu Peng and Cao Tieshan, the two witnesses, had expressions that shifted between light and dark, but they quickly returned to normal.
"Ahem." Wu Peng coughed heavily, his voice suppressing all the commotion in the venue.
His expression was stern as iron as he said solemnly, "Fists and feet have no eyes. In Blue Scale Assembly sparring, injuries and deaths are inevitable. The assembly must continue!"
The subsequent matches, though still intense with fist winds and leg shadows accompanied by continuous shouts, appeared lackluster and boring compared to the transforming strength battle between Chen Qing and Qu Yaohui.
The disciples taking the stage all seemed to have gained several degrees of caution and restraint, losing some of their sharpness and edge.
Chen Qing had long since returned to Zhou's courtyard seating area and sat down quietly to regulate his breathing.
Zhou Liang gave him an inquiring look, and Chen Qing shook his head slightly, indicating he was fine.
He closed his eyes to concentrate while carefully chewing over and digesting the experience and insights from his recent battle with Qu Yaohui.
When the final sparring match ended in a somewhat subdued atmosphere, the sky was approaching dusk.
Wu Peng walked to the front of the stage again and exchanged a knowing glance with Cao Tieshan beside him.
Cao Tieshan nodded slightly, a smile returning to his face, though there was also gravity in the depths of his eyes.
"Fellow practitioners!" Wu Peng's voice was resonant, instantly attracting everyone's attention. "Today's Blue Scale Assembly has brought together Gaolin County's martial arts elite for sparring and exchange. This is truly a grand martial arts event for our county!"
His tone suddenly turned heavy, "In these troubled times, our Gaolin County faces difficulties both within and without! Although river bandits have been suppressed, remnants still exist. Trade routes are blocked, and people's livelihoods are difficult! Relying solely on each martial hall and faction fighting separately like scattered sand, we fear we cannot cope with future changes or protect the peace of our region!"
His gaze was sharp as he slowly surveyed the entire venue, especially pausing on the faces of the major martial hall masters and instructors.
"After deep consideration by the family heads of the Zhu and Huang families, they have proposed, and after repeated discussions and deliberations with Manager Cao and myself, we unanimously believe that Gaolin County needs to integrate its forces and work together with one heart to overcome these difficult times!"
Wu Peng's voice suddenly rose, resounding clearly, "We hereby propose the establishment of the 'Gaolin Merchant Guild'!"
As soon as these words were spoken, the entire venue erupted!
"A merchant guild?"
"Led by the Zhu and Huang families?"
"Integrate forces? How would that integration work?"
Discussions arose on all sides, and the expressions of many people from small and medium martial halls and instructor courtyards changed, sensing something unusual.
Chen Qing's brow furrowed almost imperceptibly as his thoughts raced like lightning.
This 'integration' sounded enticing, but it seemed more like a prelude to annexation.
Quite a few people in the venue had likely already formed deep connections with the Zhu and Huang families in secret.
Wu Peng and Cao Tieshan were merely the faces presented openly.
Beneath the surface, who knew how many other faces had already been infiltrated and bought by the Zhu and Huang families, becoming hidden pieces in this grand game.
Thinking of this, Chen Qing's frown deepened.
The Zhu and Huang families' tentacles had apparently already spread silently, forming their own web of heaven and earth.
Wu Peng raised his hand to suppress the discussions and continued, "The merchant guild's purpose is to coordinate and manage all matters concerning river transport, land transport, commerce, and security within Gaolin County!”
“By concentrating resources and sharing what we have, we can respond to river bandit harassment with powerful combined strength, ensure unobstructed trade routes, and maintain peace for the local people!”
“All fellow practitioners who voluntarily join the merchant guild," he deliberately emphasized the word 'voluntarily', "can share in the guild's vast resource channels, receive priority in undertaking profitable escort and transport duties, and obtain low-priced, high-quality medicinal materials and excellent weapons and equipment through the guild's unified purchasing."
The conditions sounded quite tempting, especially for small factions lacking resources and struggling to make ends meet but words like 'coordinate' and 'concentrate' made many people's alarm bells ring in their hearts.
"This is a great plan that benefits the county and its people, accomplishing merit in the present age and bringing blessings for the long term!"
Cao Tieshan stepped forward at the right moment, smiling as he added, "The Zhu and Huang families understand righteousness well and are willing to contribute substantial funds while opening some of their core trade route channels as a solid foundation for the merchant guild's launch! Head Escort Wu's Far-Sight Escort Agency, with its great strength and rich experience, will also be an important pillar of the merchant guild!”
“This is a once-in-a-thousand-years opportunity. I hope all fellow practitioners will consider it carefully and not miss this excellent chance!"
Wu Peng swept his gaze over the silent crowd, "What do you all think? Are there any fellow practitioners willing to join this Gaolin Merchant Guild that benefits county and people?"
After a brief silence, the air seemed to freeze.
"My Guangchang Martial Hall is willing to join the merchant guild!"
A slightly aged but still clear and powerful voice was the first to break the silence. It was Liu Suifeng.
He stood up and cupped his fists toward Wu Peng and Cao Tieshan.
Guangchang Martial Hall's strength was much less than before, and Liu Suifeng was old and declining in vigor.
With the Zhu and Huang families leading and Far-Sight Escort Agency supporting it, this large ship was an olive branch he could hardly refuse.
His stance also represented the thoughts of many declining or resource-hungry small and medium factions.
"My Tianju Martial Hall agrees!"
Zhao Kaishan also stood up immediately after, his voice resonant as a bell.
Some martial courtyards that had already aligned with or intended to rely on the Zhu and Huang families voiced their agreement one after another, and for a time the venue filled with supporting voices.
"Zhang has grown accustomed to a leisurely life and now only teaches disciples and transmits martial arts. I won't participate in merchant associations." Zhang Shicheng stood up.
Following this, several more people stood up to refuse.
Cao Tieshan said with a chuckle, "No problem. Since several of you are unwilling, we won't force you."
His gaze turned to Deng Feihu, Lin Hongyu, and others.
Deng Feihu looked around, his gaze briefly pausing on Wu Peng and Cao Tieshan before he spoke, "River bandits cause trouble and disturb the people's peace, which is indeed not a long-term solution. Since the merchant guild aims to protect our territory and people while safeguarding the region, Deng and Jinghong Martial Hall are willing to contribute our part."
Immediately after, Lin Hongyu also stood up, "Lin also believes that working together is better than fighting separately."
Several major martial halls had agreed to join, so if she disagreed, she would appear isolated instead.
Deng Feihu and Lin Hongyu were both notable experts in Gaolin County.
Wu Peng and Cao Tieshan quickly exchanged glances, feeling quite relieved.
Their agreement greatly exceeded expectations and instantly shifted the atmosphere in the venue.
Liu Ze's expression changed uncertainly. With Liu Nianbo's future uncertain and no disciples of excellent qualifications in his courtyard, he truly needed to consider Liu's courtyard's future but the merchant guild led by the Zhu and Huang families and supported by Far-Sight Escort Agency had waters that were too deep, and he dared not easily place his bet.
He took a deep breath, stood up and cupped his fists, saying, "Head Escort Wu, Manager Cao, this matter is of great importance. Liu needs to consider it before I can give an answer."
Zhou Liang furrowed his brow and also stood up, cupping his fists, "Head Escort Wu, Manager Cao, establishing a merchant guild is a major matter involving various parties' interests. Zhou's courtyard has always maintained poverty and self-discipline. This matter concerns the martial hall's future direction, and Zhou dares not make decisions arbitrarily. I need to return and discuss it carefully with my disciples before we can deliberate further."
Shen Zhenzhong also casually found an excuse and declined for a while.
Cao Tieshan smiled, "No problem. This Gaolin Merchant Guild will always keep its doors open for you all."
The commotion and undercurrents of the Blue Scale Assembly came to an end with the final pleasantries and polite refusals.
The people present had various expressions and countless thoughts as they gradually dispersed.
