Chapter 80: Chapter 76: Chamber of Commerce

After a burst of commotion, Shi Wenshan and the disciples of Songfeng Martial Arts Hall carried Qu Yaohui away, rushing toward Qingnang Hall.

The pupils of everyone present contracted sharply, a glint flashing in their eyes for a brief moment.

Shi Wenshan had left in such a hurry he hadn’t even uttered a single threat.

Although Qu Yaohui hadn’t been crippled, he was close to it.

Songfeng Martial Arts Hall had suffered a heavy blow this time. First, Gao Sheng was crippled. Now, if Qu Yaohui’s severe injuries left him with lasting damage, they would truly have no successor.

“This Chen Qing… he’s actually that strong? Qu Yaohui reached Transmutation Force two years ago!”

“Did Qu Yaohui just become Chen Qing’s stepping stone?”

…

A tide of discussion washed over the crowd.

Everyone present was amazed. Even the gazes of the other Transmutation Force masters in attendance had changed as they looked at Chen Qing.

The disciples of the Zhou Institute felt as if they were in a dream.

’Qu Yaohui was a Transmutation Force master who’s been famous for years, and Senior Brother Chen Qing beat him to within an inch of his life?’

Deng Feihu, who had been silent all this time, slowly opened his eyes. His gaze fell upon Chen Qing as he said, “Master Zhou, you’ve taken on a fine disciple.”

A wave of pride washed over Zhou Liang, but he quickly offered a modest reply, “Director Deng, you flatter me. In a duel to the death, it’s fifty percent skill and fifty percent luck.”

Deng Feihu said no more.

The two witnesses, Wu Peng and Cao Tieshan, had uncertain expressions, but their faces quickly returned to normal.

“Ahem.” Wu Peng cleared his throat loudly, his voice silencing the clamor in the arena.

His expression was as stern as iron as he announced in a deep voice, “Fists and feet have no eyes. In the sparring matches of the Cyan Scale Association, injuries and deaths are inevitable. The event must continue!”

The subsequent matches, though still fierce with flurries of fists and kicks accompanied by constant shouts, seemed lackluster and dull in comparison to the clash between the two Transmutation Force masters, Chen Qing and Qu Yaohui.

The disciples who went on stage seemed more cautious and restrained, having lost some of their sharp edge.

Chen Qing had already returned to the Zhou Institute’s seating area, where he sat down silently to regulate his breathing.

Zhou Liang gave him a questioning look. Chen Qing shook his head slightly, indicating he was fine.

He closed his eyes and focused, carefully processing and absorbing the experience he had gained from his life-and-death battle with Qu Yaohui.

By the time the final match ended in a somewhat subdued atmosphere, dusk was approaching.

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 a grave look lingered deep in his eyes.

“Fellow martial artists!”

Wu Peng’s voice was sonorous, instantly capturing everyone’s attention. “Today, at the Cyan Scale Association assembly, the elites of Gaolin County’s Martial Arts world have gathered to spar and exchange knowledge. This is truly a grand event for our county’s Martial Arts!”

His tone suddenly shifted, growing heavy. “In these troubled times, our Gaolin County faces threats both internal and external! Though the River Bandits have been suppressed, remnants still linger. Trade routes are obstructed, and the people’s livelihood is difficult! If our various martial arts halls and factions continue to fight on their own, like a sheet of loose sand, I fear we will be unable to face the changes to come or protect the peace of our region!”

His gaze was like a torch as it slowly swept across the crowd, lingering particularly on the faces of the directors and masters of the major martial arts halls.

“After deep consideration, the Patriarchs of the Zhu and Huang Families have made a proposal! Following repeated discussions and deliberations with Shopkeeper Cao and myself, we have all reached a consensus: Gaolin County must integrate its strength and work together as one to overcome these difficult times!”

Wu Peng’s voice suddenly rose, ringing with conviction. “We hereby propose the establishment of the ’Gaolin Commerce Association’!”

The moment he spoke, the entire assembly erupted in an uproar!

“A commerce association?”

“Led by the Zhu and Huang Families?”

“Integrate our strength? How would we do that?”

Discussions broke out everywhere. The expressions of many from the small and medium-sized martial arts halls and institutes changed as they sensed something was amiss.

Chen Qing’s brow furrowed almost imperceptibly, his thoughts racing like lightning.

’This ’integration’ sounds enticing, but it feels more like a prelude to an annexation.’

’Many people here have probably been in league with the Zhu and Huang Families for a long time.’

’Wu Peng and Cao Tieshan are just the public faces.’

’Beneath the surface, who knows how many others have already been infiltrated and bought out by the Zhu and Huang Families, becoming hidden stakes in this grand game.’

At this thought, Chen Qing’s brow furrowed even deeper.

’The Zhu and Huang Families… their tentacles have already spread silently, forming their own inescapable net.’

Wu Peng raised a hand to quiet the discussions and continued, “The purpose of the Commerce Association is to coordinate all matters within Gaolin County, including river and land transport, commerce, and security! We will centralize resources, share what we have, and use our combined strength to deal with the River Bandits, ensure our trade routes are clear, and protect the peace for the common people! Any fellow martial artist who voluntarily joins the Commerce Association,”

He deliberately emphasized the word “voluntarily.” “…will be able to share the association’s vast network of resources, receive priority for lucrative jobs like guarding and escort missions, and obtain high-quality medicinal herbs and fine Weapons procured in bulk by the association at low prices.”

The terms sounded quite tempting, especially for the smaller factions that were short on resources and struggling to survive.

But words like “coordinate” and “centralize” set off alarm bells in the minds of many.

“This is a grand plan that will benefit the county and its people, a meritorious deed for our time with blessings that will extend far into the future!”

Cao Tieshan stepped forward at the right moment and added with a smile, “The Zhu and Huang Families, understanding the greater good, are willing to contribute a vast sum of money and open up some of their core trade routes to serve as a solid foundation for the Commerce Association! Chief Wu’s Wangyuan Escort Agency, with its formidable strength and rich experience, will also be an important pillar of the association! This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I hope all of you will consider it carefully and not let this golden chance slip by!”

Wu Peng scanned the silent crowd. “What are your thoughts? Are there any among you willing to join this Gaolin Commerce Association, which will benefit both the county and its people?”

A brief silence fell. The air seemed to freeze.

“The Guangchang Martial Arts Hall is willing to join the Commerce Association!”

A voice, slightly aged but still clear and strong, was the first to break the silence. It was Liu Suifeng.

He stood up and cupped his fist toward Wu Peng and Cao Tieshan.

The Guangchang Martial Arts Hall was not as strong as it once was, and Liu Suifeng himself was old and his strength was fading.

With the Zhu and Huang Families taking the lead and the Wangyuan Escort Agency backing it, this great ship was an olive branch he could hardly refuse.

His declaration also represented the thoughts of many small and medium-sized factions that were either in decline or desperate for resources.

“Tianju Martial Arts Hall seconds the motion!”

Zhao Kaishan also rose to his feet immediately after, his voice booming like a bell.

A number of martial arts institutes that had already pledged allegiance to or intended to side with the Zhu and Huang Families spoke up in agreement. For a moment, voices of assent rose and fell across the arena.

“I have long been accustomed to an unfettered life. Nowadays, I only teach my disciples and pass on my art; I will not participate in the affairs of merchant associations,” Zhang Shicheng said as he stood.

Following him, a few others stood up to refuse as well.

Cao Tieshan chuckled. “No matter. Since you are unwilling, we will not force you.”

His gaze shifted to Deng Feihu, Lin Hongyu, and the others.

Deng Feihu looked around, his gaze pausing briefly on Wu Peng and Cao Tieshan, before he spoke. “The River Bandit scourge, which disturbs the peace of the people, is indeed not a long-term solution. Since the Commerce Association aims to protect our territory and its people, I and the Jinghong Martial Arts Hall are willing to do our part.”

Immediately after, Lin Hongyu also stood up. “I also believe that joining forces is better than fighting alone.”

’With several of the major martial arts halls agreeing to join, I’ll seem isolated if I refuse.’

Both Deng Feihu and Lin Hongyu were renowned masters in Gaolin County.

Wu Peng and Cao Tieshan exchanged a quick glance, a sense of great relief passing between them.

Their agreement had far exceeded expectations and instantly shifted the momentum in the arena.

Liu Ze’s expression flickered with indecision. With Liu Nianbo’s future uncertain and no other talented disciples in his institute, he truly had to consider the Liu Institute’s future.

But the waters of an association led by the Zhu and Huang Families and backed by the Wangyuan Escort Agency ran too deep. He didn’t dare place his bet so easily.

He took a deep breath, stood, and cupped his fist. “Chief Wu, Shopkeeper Cao, this matter is of great importance. I will need to consider it before I can give you an answer.”

Zhou Liang’s brow was tightly furrowed. He also stood and cupped his fist. “Chief Wu, Shopkeeper Cao, establishing a commerce association is a monumental affair that involves the interests of all parties. The Zhou Institute has always kept to itself in humble means. This matter concerns the future of my martial arts hall, so I dare not make a decision alone. I must return and discuss it in detail with my disciples. We can speak again later.”

Shen Zhenzhong also found a random excuse to decline for now.

Cao Tieshan smiled. “No matter. The doors of the Gaolin Commerce Association will always be open to you.”

The clamor and undercurrents of the Cyan Scale Association came to a close with these final pleasantries and deferrals.

With various expressions on their faces and a hundred thoughts racing through their minds, the people in attendance gradually dispersed.

…

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