Chapter Fifty-Six: The Man in Black

Suddenly, a group of people appeared at the East Gate. There were five of them, almost all masked with black scarves. Hua Feihong and Ma Junmei were instantly on guard, their swords drawn and ready.

The three men leading the group were not only tall and powerfully built, with piercing eyes, but they carried no visible weapons, nor did they wear any ornaments or carry any bundles. Zhong Shuman, experienced as she was, immediately sensed these three were not members of her own sect; by their bearing, they must be martial experts from another school.

Such a commanding aura cannot be learned; it is forged only through countless encounters with blade and blood, through battles fought to the very edge of life and death. Yet the fourth man, walking just behind, possessed an even stronger presence. Though shorter in stature, authority and confidence radiated from him. It seemed the first three were mere vanguards, while he was the true leader, the one who held command.

The last, the fifth member of the group, was the one who most surprised Hua Feihong and Ma Junmei. He wore no mask, exuded no aura. His robe was simple blue cloth, and he carried a massive wooden chest on his shoulder, looking for all the world like a wandering medicine vendor of the martial world. Clearly, he was a man who played life by its own rules, but he bore a tag on his chest, openly displaying his merchant credit: "+165 points!"

The world is vast, and wonders abound. Zhong Shuman prided herself on having witnessed all manner of strange events in the Chronicle, yet even she had never seen anything quite like this—a merchant plying his trade in a graveyard. Truly, this was unprecedented.

Upon seeing this merchant, Zhang He stood up with a smile. "Long time no see. Looks like you've made a fortune lately."

Indeed, he had. The last time Zhang He met him in Huima Town, his merchant credit was only 102 points. In so short a span, it had risen to 165—a growth of at least 63 major transactions. Such a merchant was a rare talent in the Chronicle.

Er Leizi bowed politely. "Hope you've been well."

Then the fourth, the black-clad leader, stepped forward and bowed. "Five of Hearts, hope you've been well."

This was Da Niu, the strategist behind the Tang Fortress operation. Clearly, he had been summoned by the Second Sister, and Er Leizi had come along as well. Not only was there business to be discussed, but their presence would also go far in easing Zhang He's concerns.

After brief greetings, Da Niu said, "To be direct, we've come to reclaim the precious box you carry."

Zhang He replied, "How will you take it? By hand or by coin?"

Zhong Shuman was impressed—this young man was born for business. No matter the time or place, he could always find a new angle for profit.

Da Niu’s eyes seemed to flicker with amusement. "Of course, your brother isn’t so easily dismissed. The specifics of the trade are for Second Brother to discuss."

Er Leizi stepped forward. "We are, at present, in the borderland between Chu and E. According to current market values, the eighth section of the Deer-Slaying Blade blueprint remains priceless—an item impossible to obtain even in the imperial capital. If we were to buy it outright, no price would suffice."

Er Leizi was indeed a master merchant. With just a few words, he made the value of the blueprint clear.

"But this blueprint was not obtained by you, but belongs to the Ghost Palace. The Second Sister entrusted it to you, and you have guarded it well, never letting it fall into enemy hands. Thus, what was priceless now has a price." As he spoke, he raised two fingers. "Twenty percent of its value should suffice. What do you think, Brother Wu?"

Zhang He was equally impressed. "Second Brother, your prices are fair and honest."

Er Leizi said calmly, "Brother Wu, you have rendered great service in safeguarding the blueprint. We, who have come to retrieve it, must pay accordingly. At the very least, we are all acquainted; fighting would only sow discord. I am willing to represent the Ghost Palace and resolve this peacefully."

Now Zhong Shuman and her companions understood—they had indeed come to negotiate a business deal. Er Leizi quickly set forth his terms, and they were so favorable that Zhang He’s group could not refuse.

First, Da Niu gifted Zhang He a rare-grade short blade and two martial arts manuals.

The Flowing Cloud Blade (Rare Grade): Requirements—Level 25, Strength 40; Attack Power: 80; Bonus: Strength +15, 10% chance of a critical hit, 3% chance of a perfect strike.

This short blade, resembling a nail file, was in fact a small treasure. Its attributes surpassed even the Azure Frost Sword that Zhong Shuman had once gifted.

The two martial arts manuals were "Stone-Crushing Kick" and "Qi Recovery Break Gold"—one external skill, one internal method, both requiring Level 30 to learn.

Next, Er Leizi traded 150 taels of gold each to Hua Feihong and Ma Junmei and finally gifted Zhong Shuman a Chivalry Medal, a badge of experience that could grow in power.

The Ghost Palace’s offer might not mean much for major deals, but Er Leizi had precisely identified what each of the four needed.

Zhang He's equipment was adequate, but martial arts for non-sect players were rare indeed. The manuals were just what he needed to progress, and Da Niu and Er Leizi clearly understood his cultivation path.

Hua Feihong and Ma Junmei, both heirs of Shushan, possessed profound martial knowledge; manuals were useless to them, but money was in short supply—especially for Ma Junmei, the greedy little woman whose eyes lit up at the sight of gold and immediately agreed.

Zhong Shuman lacked neither skills nor wealth; what moved her was the tokens and medals for chivalrous cultivation. Er Leizi could not obtain a token—those were granted by the system—but the medal was a great temptation.

Thus, the secret of business is sometimes summed up in a single phrase: meet their needs, let everyone get what they desire.

The transaction was completed swiftly. The precious box containing the Deer-Slaying Blade blueprint was transferred to Er Leizi. Ma Junmei could hardly believe it—she had come to Iron Duke’s Mausoleum expecting only scenery, but ended up with such rewards. Compared to the austere life of Shushan training, it was like a dream come true.

Ma Junmei resolved secretly that during this journey to Chen Prefecture, she must stick close to Brother Wu. Following him promised a bright future.

Seeing the mission accomplished, Da Niu was in high spirits. "A pleasure working with you! I hope we have another chance next time."

"Then we’ll take our leave," said Zhang He. The hot potato was finally handed off, and he knew lingering in this dilapidated tomb would accomplish nothing.

"Wait!" a coarse voice interrupted. Zhang He looked up; the leader of the three black-clad men said, "It wouldn’t be right to let them leave so easily."

Da Niu asked, "Oh?"

The black-clad man replied coldly, "The advantage is in our hands now."

Da Niu said, "Yes."

The man continued, "And we are in the most dangerous core area of Iron Duke’s Mausoleum."

Da Niu nodded. "Indeed."

The man went on, "Unless we leave the core area, we cannot use a Return Scroll to go back."

Da Niu hesitated, then agreed, "Correct."

The man continued, "There are countless enemies outside, and quite a few of these sect members in the core as well."

Da Niu’s face darkened, but he said, "That’s true."

...

This exchange left Zhong Shuman and her companions bewildered. Ma Junmei whispered, "What’s that supposed to mean? The deal’s done, but they won’t let us leave? Changed their mind?"

Zhang He chuckled. "Let me explain the puzzle for you."

His laughter echoed through the empty chamber; it was impossible not to hear him. Everyone turned to stare.

Zhang He pointed at the black-clad men. "Do you know why our friend here just said so much nonsense?"

Hua Feihong bowed. "We’d like to hear your insight."

Zhang He smiled. "Aside from this room, everywhere in the core area is likely swarming with people hunting us. Outside, more are probably coming. Whoever tries to take the box out will face serious trouble."

Zhong Shuman nodded; Zhang He’s reasoning was almost certainly correct.

He continued, "Now that we’ve traded the box to them, those outside probably don’t know. They still think we have it. If we want to leave safely, we’ll have to tell them the box is no longer with us—it’s been taken by these three gentlemen. So, what should we do?"

Ma Junmei answered bluntly, "Simple—just let them come here and look for these three!"

"Precisely!" Zhang He clapped, "But if they do, there’ll be a bloody battle right here."

Hua Feihong asked, "And then?"

"These three gentlemen will naturally fight off ten at a time, wiping out the intruders with ease." Zhang He winked at the black-clad men. "What do you say, my friend? Am I right?"

The black-clad man’s tone was icy. "Go on."