Chapter Sixty-One: A Peculiar Idea

Page (1/3)

These matters had once been discussed by the chief and the other leaders, but they never found the right opportunity; day after day, the issue was postponed, lasting four or five years without resolution.

Now, the fortress had survived a disaster and was poised for fortune; to handle these affairs at this moment was truly a matter of heaven's favor and earth's advantage. With the addition of the captive descended from a merchant family, it could be said that the conditions were now right, especially with Ye Zihan, their great benefactor.

Chief Song Tielin already regarded him as the benefactor of Liuguang Fortress, the bringer of luck and prosperity.

"I believe it's not appropriate," the man, who spoke of commerce, suddenly shed the fear on his face and transformed into a different person entirely. This surprised both Ye Zihan and the chief, and they nodded silently, recognizing his deep understanding of business.

"I think we shouldn't start with inns and pharmacies. We should begin from what benefits Liuguang Fortress most. Now that Qingshui Fortress has been destroyed, the two passes from Zhimai Mountain to Qingshui Mountain are ours. We should open a security escort agency here, specializing in this route. With our escorts, no one would dare to intercept us, and business would surely flourish."

"After that, we should open a pharmacy, followed by an inn. The pharmacy is not primarily for profit, but to supply medicines for the escort agency; injuries are inevitable during escort missions. The inn serves to accommodate our important guests. These three businesses must be situated on the same street, which will benefit us even more."

After speaking, the man smacked his lips twice, furrowed his brow, and continued to ponder.

Ye Zihan and Song Tielin exchanged a knowing smile. This man truly understood the ways of business, laying out both advantages and disadvantages. Escorting goods through the passes of Zhimai and Qingshui was notoriously dangerous, a fact well known to all.

Most customers avoided this route, choosing to go around and paying several times more. If Liuguang Fortress could open this path, the escort agency's business would be unprecedented, and other agencies would risk the dangers to use it. Then, Liuguang Fortress could profit handsomely by robbing these escorts.

"Furthermore..." the captive spoke up, "nowadays every city has a hiring guild, so most clients go there. Only those with large shipments choose escort agencies. There are also groups of wandering cultivators doing similar work. We must consider this carefully."

"So, do you think we should open the agency or not?" the chief asked in his usual cold tone.

"Of course we should! Let everyone do business; whoever excels, the public will know. Liuguang Fortress’s strength far surpasses ordinary wandering cultivators. My point is that when these cultivators take on escort jobs, Liuguang Fortress should rob them."

As he said, there were indeed groups of wandering cultivators doing such work, but since they were unaffiliated, few fortresses bothered to rob them. The captive’s suggestion gave the chief a new perspective.

Exactly—given Liuguang Fortress's strength, robbing them would be easy. With his mid-stage Five Elements cultivation, he was unmatched even by some successful clans and sects. Plus, there were several leaders at the Four Symbols and Three Talents realm.

Ye Zihan nodded slightly, his lips curling in approval. This man not only understood business but considered matters broadly.

After a moment of reflection, the chief said, "Your suggestions are excellent." He paused, then his eyes flashed coldly and he spoke sternly, "Let me ask you—are you willing to join Liuguang Fortress?"

Page (2/3)

Seeing a glimmer of hope, the man would not let it slip. Moreover, Liuguang Fortress wanted him to handle business affairs, which had been his childhood dream. How could he refuse? He solemnly swore, "I, Zhang San, swear to the heavens: I will join Liuguang Fortress, never regret it, never betray it. If I do, may I be struck by lightning and die."

"Good, let me warn you: should you ever do anything to harm Liuguang Fortress, no matter where you run, our pursuit will never end!" The chief glared, his words ringing with authority.

Ye Zihan added, "If you ever betray us, I will be the first to hunt you down. No need for divine retribution—I’ll make sure you die without a grave!" Since he had brought up the matter, it was his duty to take responsibility.

Terrified by the threatening tone and killing intent, Zhang San trembled, sweating profusely, his teeth clenched, barely able to stand.

The chief suddenly broke into a grin, saying, "From now on, we are brothers." He stepped forward and patted Zhang San’s shoulder, startling him, then filling him with emotion.

Balancing kindness and intimidation, the chief's move was masterful.

Afterwards, Zhang San elaborated on his business insights, earning silent praise from Ye Zihan and the chief. As outsiders, they could never have devised such business strategies.

"Alright, you may go rest," said Chief Song Tielin, waving his hand.

Zhang San dared not disobey, bowing respectfully, "Thank you, Chief. Thank you, Young Master Ye."

Once he had left, Ye Zihan chuckled and praised, "He truly is a descendant of merchants—his words are clear, and he has even considered the worst possibilities."

The chief nodded in agreement. "This man has a sharp business mind. Once again, you have greatly helped Liuguang Fortress, Ye. I truly don’t know how to thank you."

"Song, you’re joking. This map is the best reward I could ask for."

"Hahaha... Since you say so, I won’t stand on ceremony. By the way, Ye, I have a question. You want the map to Demon Prison—are you planning to go there for adventure?"

Ye Zihan shook his head. "To be honest, Song, I do intend to go to Demon Prison. Adventure is part of it, but my true purpose is to seek a forbidden method to resurrect the dead."

"A forbidden method to resurrect the dead?" The chief exclaimed, then frowned. "Such a method really exists?"

"Oh? Have you also heard similar tales, Song?"

"Yes, I’ve heard others mention it. Many have gone to Demon Prison in search, but the exact location is unknown. Over the years, none have returned alive. I fear... I fear it’s a trap, a scheme devised by the demons of Demon Prison to lure humans and beasts in."

Page (3/3)

"You mean those demons use this rumor to attract humans and beasts, then devour them to grow stronger?" Ye Zihan frowned, uncertain and troubled. He had discussed this with Yan Chen, who was well-read, but even he couldn’t confirm the truth of the legend.

The chief nodded. "Those demons are extremely cunning. What wouldn’t they do? I advise you—"

He was cut off, "No matter if it’s true or not, I must investigate." As Ye Zihan spoke, his black eyes flashed with determination. He would never give up resurrecting Master Hongyan and Master Lanyu.

"I noticed you were looking at some drafts earlier. Are you planning to build a new fortress?" Ye Zihan shifted the conversation from the heavy topic.

The chief walked to the table and said, "Yes. Our fortress was breached so easily because our defenses were lacking. I want to strengthen the gates and surrounding areas."

"Ye, look: Now that Zhimai Mountain and Qingshui Mountain are ours, I plan to build a front gate here, and a rear gate at Qingshui Mountain. I’m not sure whether to invest heavily in the rear gate."

Ye Zihan took the drafts and looked them over, admiring the chief’s talent for design. The architectural plans were unprecedented. He noticed a flaw, picked up the brush, and sketched at one spot. "Song, look—build a north gate here, connect it to the road going this way, then..."

As he explained, Song Tielin’s eyes lit up, nodding and laughing. "Yes, how did I miss that? Ye, you truly are a genius. So young, yet so capable, with such strategic vision—I deeply admire you."

"I just took your brilliant drafts and added a finishing touch," Ye Zihan replied modestly. He dared not boast; there was nothing to flaunt.

In truth, he harbored a private ambition—to build his own force. The power of the Divine Illusion Hall could not be overthrown by a few individuals alone. There were many subordinate forces; they could easily destroy Ye Zihan and render him powerless.

Only by building his own force, slowly gathering strength, could he one day challenge the Divine Illusion Hall and avenge his teachers.

The chief saw Ye Zihan deep in thought and did not interrupt. He took the brush and continued to mark the drafts, striving for perfection.

"Song, there’s something I want to tell you." Ye Zihan made a decision, biting his lip, his eyes resolute.

Song Tielin, seeing his serious expression, set down his brush. "Ye, please speak."

"I have an idea—I want to build a force of my own!"