Chapter 141: Offering an Opportunity
Although it only had four uses left, it was still a magical weapon.
Selling it for just ten taels was practically giving it away.
After all, magical weapons could save your life. No one would pass up such a bargain.
The man with the bull’s head mask quickly bought it.
He had earned the right to stay with his information about Sheng Menghui being Hong Chui’s disciple, but he hadn’t bought anything else, clearly short on funds, just here to observe.
However, since the news about Sheng Menghui’s background hadn’t spread yet, and he had obtained this information from Dark Thunder, he must have close ties to them, perhaps even a member.
With the transaction complete, silence fell over the garden.
The raspy voice from behind the veil asked, “Any other business, or any requests?”
Shi Hao stepped forward.
As he did, everyone instinctively looked at him. It was a strange phenomenon.
Although drawing attention by moving while everyone else was still was natural, this felt different.
It was as if the world around him dimmed, his presence a beacon of light, drawing all eyes towards him.
The young man in the blue robe and Bì’àn mask, his gaze sharp, his voice strong, said, “I’m offering you an opportunity. An investment opportunity.”
The man with the tiger mask asked, “An investment in what?”
“Me,” Shi Hao replied.
“You?” the man with the tiger mask looked surprised.
“That’s right. Me,” Shi Hao said.
He stood there, hands clasped behind his back, circulating the Sacred Heart Clear Mirror Technique, his Primordial Energy radiating outwards, sensing their curiosity, their surprise, their doubt.
His sword intent filled the air, his figure like a sharpened blade piercing the heavens, his confidence unwavering.
He stood there, radiating power and charisma, the center of attention.
A strange feeling, a sense of anticipation, filled the air.
The small woman with the disheveled hair stared at him, her mouth slightly open.
The woman in black forced herself to look away, glancing at the girl with the dragon girl mask, who, in turn, was looking at the young man, her eyes shining with admiration.
Shi Hao said, “Trust me. This is an opportunity. If you want to make a difference in these times, if you seek a wider stage, a brighter future, stay after the gathering.”
He stepped back, and the light around him faded, the world seeming to resume its normal flow.
But the image of that moment, his words, remained, a promise of something new.
Silence. The raspy voice said, “If there’s no other business, the gathering is adjourned.”
Four people remained:
The old man with the lifelike mask.
The tall, thin man with the two-horned demon mask.
The small woman with the disheveled hair.
And Daoist Tie Yu.
The shadowy figure behind the veil also remained.
The old man coughed and looked up at the young man, “How do you propose we ‘invest’ in you?”
Shi Hao removed his mask and robe.
He looked around, “My name is Shi, also known as Chongyun. We’re close to the Ba Mountains and the Hanyang River. You all understand the current situation.
“The Hanyang Gang is expanding rapidly, controlling the upper Hanyang River. Their leader, Huang Facai, is likely a demonic cultivator. They’re forming the Hanyang River Alliance, forcing the Nine Villages of Ba Shan to submit. If they succeed, they’ll control the entire region and threaten even Dàxīng City.”
“But their brutality has also created resentment. This is our opportunity. I’m going to the Ba Mountains to unite the Nine Villages and help them resist the Hanyang Gang.”
“This is your chance. With the Ba Mountains as our base, we can advance north or retreat to West Shu and wait for the right opportunity.”
The old man asked, “What’s your cultivation level?”
“Sixth-rank,” Shi Hao replied.
“And how many men do you have?”
Shi Hao pointed, “Her. And her.”
The old man’s amusement was evident, despite the mask, “Sixth-rank? Even a local gang leader is sixth-rank. And those who control multiple regions are usually fifth-rank or higher.
“Huang Facai is fifth-rank, backed by a demonic sect. And you’re only sixth-rank, with just two young women. He’s already powerful, while you’re still recruiting. And you expect us to invest in you, follow you to the Ba Mountains, and fight the entire Hanyang Gang?”
Daoist Tie Yu, the man with the two-horned mask, and the small woman all looked at Shi Hao as if he were a fool.
Shi Hao, however, smiled faintly, “Because I’m only sixth-rank, because I lack manpower, this is the best time to invest in me.
“I need your help now. Follow me, and I promise you’ll be rewarded. When I’m famous and powerful, surrounded by skilled martial artists, it will be too late. I won’t need you anymore.”
They looked at his serious expression, his aura suddenly intensifying.
The old man muttered, “Are you overconfident, or do you just underestimate everyone else? You have nothing to offer but words, and you expect us to risk our lives? And who knows how long it will take you to become famous?”
Shi Hao said solemnly, “Trust me. It won’t be long.”
The old man laughed, “Very well, I’m an old man with nothing to lose. I’ll join you. Let’s see if you can live up to your boasts, young man.”
His voice became higher as he removed his mask, his back straightening, his figure shrinking, his face now sharp and monkey-like.
Xu Xiaoyan suddenly exclaimed, “Old Monkey, it’s you!”
The “old man” seemed like a different person now, around fifty, not as old as he had appeared.
He smiled, “My name is Hou Bomin. I’m only seventh-rank, barely known as the ‘Monkey Thief.’ I’ve spent my life struggling in the shadows. You’re offering me a chance to rise above. I’ll take it.”
Shi Hao nodded, “You won’t be disappointed.”
He looked at the other three.
The man with the two-horned mask removed his mask and said, “I am He Guangtao, also seventh-rank. He Ya, the leader of Goupan Village, is my uncle. Since you’re helping the Nine Villages, I’ll join you.”
The woman in the grey dress stood up, brushing her hair aside, revealing an oval face. Her features weren’t unattractive, but her disheveled appearance and dark circles under her eyes gave her a strange look. “They… call me… Xiang Gu. Sixth-rank.”
What a strange name, Shi Hao thought.
But sixth-rank was impressive. He looked at her, “Miss Xiang Gu, are you willing to join me as well?”
Xiang Gu looked up, rubbing her hands, her eyes dull with exhaustion, “You seem interesting. I’m bored.”
Shi Hao nodded. A perfectly valid reason.
He looked at Daoist Tie Yu, who chuckled, “I won’t be joining you, but if you need any forging, crafting, or alchemy services, come find me.” He left.
Shi Hao said to the organizer, “Thank you for hosting us.”
He turned to the others, “Let’s go.” He walked away, the others following.
Du Yuejiao and Xu Xiaoyan were stunned. They hadn’t expected him to recruit people like this, with just a few boastful words, and for it to actually work.
They had started with one sixth-rank and two seventh-rank martial artists. Now they had two sixth-rank and four seventh-rank. Their strength had doubled.
After they left, the raspy voice from behind the veil softened, “He’s an interesting young man. Even I’m curious to see what he’ll become. Perhaps… a small investment wouldn’t hurt.”
Shi Hao, with Du Yuejiao, Xu Xiaoyan, Hou Bomin, He Guangtao, and Xiang Gu, left the Wild Zen Forest.
Shi Hao glanced back and saw a woman standing quietly under a tree.
He looked at Du Yuejiao, “She’s waiting for you.”
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