Strongest Lord by Opening Blind Boxes

Chapter 112: Jin Buhuan

When Wang Yi saw Zhao Mei, he was taken aback.

’She’s a Chaos Lord, yet she’s willing to give me 5,000 Gold Coins. What’s her story? Does she have more money than sense?’

Wang Yi pondered silently.

Zhao Mei’s face was filled with excitement as she said, "I am Zhao Xiyu of the Jinyuan Zhao Family, though my real name is Zhao Mei. Before I crossed over, I was a field reporter. And what should I call you, Brother?"

Wang Yi replied calmly, "Wang Shanhe!"

"Good to meet you, Brother Wang!" Zhao Mei revealed a professional smile. "May I ask, was that giant toad you summoned with a skill?"

"You could say that."

"Chaos Lords have Combat Skills, too?"

"Yes, but they’re rare. Whether you can learn one is a matter of luck!"

"You killed King Dongsheng’s lackeys. Aren’t you afraid of retaliation? Do you think your current strength is enough to oppose King Dongsheng’s Prince Mansion, or even the Jinque Country Court?"

"It’s not a matter of being afraid. What I do know is that if you don’t display your strength, people will bully you. If you’re a pushover, people will try to walk all over you. If you don’t want to be bullied, you have to learn to show your fists."

"That makes sense! But what if your fists aren’t strong enough?"

"Lie low."

"Uh... If I wanted to ask for your protection, what would it cost me?"

"What do you have to offer?"

"My Jinyuan Zhao Family has been a family of merchants for generations. We may not have much else, but we have plenty of gold and silver. I wouldn’t go so far as to say our wealth could rival a nation’s, but we’re certainly the richest in our region. And because of that, a lot of people have their eyes on us."

"Can you speak for the Jinyuan Zhao Family?"

"Yes, I have the full authority to make decisions!"

"Tell me about this Jinyuan Zhao Family of yours..."

Wang Yi and Zhao Mei spoke for a long time, and he learned a great deal about the Jinyuan Zhao Family. His impression was that Zhao Mei yearned for personal strength, but her territory’s development was mediocre. She was seeking his protection and was willing to pay in Gold Coins.

According to Zhao Mei, the Jinyuan Zhao Family had a well-established trading network, complete with their own docks, ships, numerous workshops, and vast quantities of goods. Their business spanned multiple sectors, including overseas trade routes. They were financially strong, but the family lacked a powerful backer. Her father had wanted to seek the protection of King Dongsheng’s Prince Mansion, but their appetite was too large.

Wang Yi figured his Fire Dragon Trading Team could certainly cooperate with the Zhao Family’s.

’Besides, the Zhao Family is in Jinyuan County, upriver. It wouldn’t be a bad idea to develop their location into a forward base.’

In the end, after their discussion, Wang Yi had given up nothing and gained 5,000 Gold Coins. Zhao Mei was also very pleased and went to discuss the trading team collaboration with Pei Zhi.

Meanwhile, Wang Yi went to see the Cyan-robed Swordsman again.

He had been dragged back by Man Datou, held by the scruff of his neck. His face was already bruised and swollen, yet he still shouted, "What do you think you’re doing? Are you really going to rob and murder me in broad daylight?"

Wang Yi was sitting in a bamboo chair, sipping tea he had just brewed with Spiritual Spring Water. Hearing the Cyan-robed Swordsman’s outcry, he said slowly, "You’ve got some nerve, trying to swindle even King Dongsheng’s Prince Mansion."

"What do you mean, swindle? Who are you? What nonsense are you talking about? What crime did I commit? Why did you capture me!"

"You know best whether it was a swindle or not. All I can tell you is that once your rice pot reaches King Dongsheng’s Prince Mansion, your trick will surely be exposed. Have you considered the consequences? Perhaps you could run, but what about your family?"

"I’m all alone, with no ties. What do I have to fear..."

the Cyan-robed Swordsman muttered.

Wang Yi continued, "But you’re caught now. I’m offering you a way to live. Join Eggshell Village and work for me. You’ll have your own Blacksmith Shop, a private workshop where your talents can be put to use. You’ll be given important responsibilities, you’ll be respected, and you’ll want for neither food nor clothing. Are you willing?"

The Cyan-robed Swordsman lowered his head, as if in thought. Man Datou roared, "The Master is kind and merciful! He’s giving you a heaven-sent opportunity and you don’t even know enough to appreciate it? Or should I try and talk some sense into you!"

"No, no, no!"

The Cyan-robed Swordsman shuddered at his words and hurriedly bowed before Wang Yi. "I am Jin Buhuan! I greet you, my Lord! I am willing to join Eggshell Village!"

"Jin Buhuan? Good! From this day on, you are under my protection. I’ll have you registered under the Intelligence Department. Big Head, take him aboard the little train and give him an introduction to Eggshell Village."

"Yes, Master!"

Man Datou cupped his hands in acknowledgment, then hauled Jin Buhuan away.

A moment later, Wang Yi arrived at the small, square city on the mountaintop. With a wave of his hand, he constructed a batch of luxurious shacks within it.

By the time he returned to the port at the foot of the mountain, Pei Zhi was already rushing over, his face alight with joy. "Boss, that Miss Zhao is fantastic! We can collaborate extensively with her. The Jinyuan Zhao Family is quite famous, and they control numerous workshops producing silk, tea, porcelain, and woodcrafts. They do a massive amount of trade! Our Fire Dragon Trading Team can use the Zhao Family’s channels to expand our market!"

Wang Yi nodded at his words but said, "Don’t rush to expand. Let’s focus on establishing the Black Stone Mountain Market first. In the future, I want this place to be more than just a large port—I want it to be a center of trade."

"I understand, I understand! I get it!"

Wang Yi then pointed to the Shanhai Pass Ancient City atop Black Cliff. "From now on, this Shanhai Pass Ancient City will be called Black Stone City. It still needs a lot of construction: plank roads, mountain paths, warehouses, various defensive structures, and so on. We’ll station troops in Black Stone City in the future. It will be the foundation for the Fire Dragon Trading Team’s foothold here. I’m putting you in charge of it all!"

Pei Zhi quickly cupped his hands and said, "It is my honor to serve you, Boss!"

In truth, he felt a great sense of accomplishment today. He’d never been part of anything this momentous in his entire life.

"Good. You’ve performed well today, Pei Zhi, and you deserve a reward. Tell me, what would you like?"

Pei Zhi was about to politely decline when he saw Wang Yi take out a wooden box. Without waiting for a reply, Wang Yi said, "Then I’ll just reward you with a new leg!"

"Huh?"

Pei Zhi was stunned.

’A regenerated leg?’

His left leg had been hacked off five years ago by Luo Jiu, the Big Boss of the Black Mountain Stronghold, also known as the Rolling Python. Afterward, he could only use thirty percent of his Martial Arts skill and had to close his Escort Agency. He’d thought that was how the rest of his life would be, but hearing Wang Yi’s words, a warmth spread through his chest.

’Could a leg that’s been gone for five years really grow back?’

He soon discovered that it really could.

He was stunned by the power of the Ghost Gate Thirteen Needles. In just twenty minutes, his left leg had actually grown back. It was pale and tender, but a little frail.

"Regrowing a limb will leave your body weak for a while, but it shouldn’t be for too long!"

Wang Yi stood up and looked toward the little train. "I’m heading back to Eggshell Village. The Fire Dragon Vehicle makes several round trips each day, so keep in touch if anything comes up."

"Safe travels, Master!"

"That won’t be necessary."

Wang Yi waved his hand and left.

A moment later, under the watchful gaze of countless onlookers, the little train flared with brilliant flames. It circled Black Stone Mountain once before re-entering the Li River and speeding away like a bolt of lightning.

A short hour later, Wang Yi was back in Eggshell Village.

’It feels good to be back on my own turf!’

Wang Yi stretched, then strolled back to Eggshell Castle. He took out the [Free Market Pass Token] he had brought from Mengbai Island, along with a blue blind box.

’I’ll open the blind box first, then head to the Free Market. Hopefully, this blue blind box has a nice surprise inside!’

Wang Yi straightened his clothes and, full of anticipation, clasped his hands and bowed to the blue blind box.