Translator: AnubisTL
As the most powerful and influential family in Blackrock City, the Yan Family's patience even surprised Li Qing and Tian Long.
For nearly three days, the Yan Family did not make any move to demand the person from the Righteous Gang, as if they were unaware that Li Qing had been captured by the gang.
After three days, even Tian Long himself began to feel restless. During this time, he visited the prison cell several times, contemplating whether to bring up the matter proactively and send Li Qing to the Yan Family, letting them handle it.
However, Li Qing shook his head and rejected the proposal. He only gave Tian Long one word in response: wait! As an immortal, he had far more patience than anyone else. After all, he still had over a hundred years of life ahead of him, and he could afford to wait patiently.
During this period, Li Qing exuded the demeanor of an experienced hunter, quietly waiting for his prey to take the bait.
"I know exactly what that second young master of the Yan Family is up to. He simply wants me to suffer a bit more here before stepping in to rescue me from my predicament. Only then can he truly win me over," Li Qing sneered, keenly discerning the other party's intentions.
He understood the principle of offering help in times of need better than anyone.
After all, a blacksmith who knew some martial arts and possessed considerable strength was still quite valuable in Blackrock City.
The Yan Family had no reason not to be interested, and this was the greatest pillar of Li Qing's plan—his high confidence in the value he had displayed.
After waiting for another two days or so, Li Qing and Tian Long finally received the long-awaited news they had been anticipating.
Following the instructions of the second young master of the Yan Family, Yan San paid a visit to the headquarters of the Righteous Gang.
Sitting majestically in the main seat, Tian Long's eyes briefly flashed with wild joy before quickly returning to normal.
"Zhao Kou, go and bring that Yan San in," Tian Long ordered.
A pale and frail-looking young man with a sinister gaze nodded and replied, "As you command, Gang Leader!"
This young man was the same person who, a few days ago, had expressed his desire to join the Righteous Gang but was struck down by Tian Long with a single slash.
He had miraculously survived the horrific injury and, as a result, had naturally joined the Righteous Gang, earning Tian Long's trust.
Soon, Yan San entered. His expression was quite smug, for with the backing of the Yan Family, even the notorious Righteous Gang dared not do anything to him.
This was the confidence that being a lackey of the Yan Family gave him!
"Hahaha, greetings, Gang Leader Tian Long. The second young master sends his regards," Yan San said with a cheerful smile as soon as he entered, performing a respectful fist salute.
However, the smugness in his eyes was impossible to hide, which greatly displeased Tian Long, who sat high on the main seat.
Immediately, Tian Long made up his mind that after wiping out the Yan Family, he would first deal with this lackey!
"Haha, I'm doing quite well. It would be even better if I could eat my fill every day!" Tian Long continued with a forced smile, "So, what brings you to our Righteous Gang?"
"Gang Leader Tian Long, the second young master sent me here to inquire about that blacksmith you captured a few days ago. I wonder how he's doing now?" Yan San got straight to the point.
Upon hearing this, Tian Long sneered and said, "Hmph, our Righteous Gang doesn't have extra food to feed idle people. This blacksmith has been unwilling to serve me, and I was just planning to turn him into a human stick in a few days!"
At these words, Yan San's forehead broke out in a cold sweat, thinking to himself that he had arrived just in time.
"Ahem, Leader Tian Long, the Second Young Master sent me here to ask for that person. Please show some mercy!"
Bang! Tian Long's expression turned completely cold and stern. He said, "Yan Gui'an wants the person, and he just gets him? Where does that leave the face of our Righteous Gang?" Yan San wiped the sweat from his forehead and quickly added, "Leader Tian Long, the Second Young Master isn't asking for this person without offering something in return. Recently, the Yan Family has obtained some Blood Jade Mushrooms. He is prepared to exchange half a catty of Blood Jade Mushrooms, ten catties of White Meat Mushrooms, and fifty catties of Dark Wheat Mushrooms for him!"
Hearing this offer, Tian Long's expression gradually softened, and he burst into laughter:
"Hahaha, Second Young Master Yan is too kind. Since that's the case, keeping Li Qing here is of no use to me. I will personally escort him to the Yan residence later!"
Yan San couldn't help but sneer inwardly, though he continued to wear a polite smile on his face.
After exchanging a few more insincere pleasantries, the conversation came to an end.
Once Yan San had left, Tian Long couldn't help but smirk.
Everything was going according to plan, perfectly so. Li Qing had truly foreseen everything.
Originally, sending Li Qing to the Yan Family would have only required dispatching a few subordinates. For the leader of the gang to go personally would have been somewhat out of place.
But after some bargaining, the Yan Family would surely promise benefits, allowing him to legitimately deliver the person and receive the goods in one go.
Feeling excited, Tian Long couldn't help but reflect on his performance just now.
Assured that there were no flaws, he finally relaxed.
"Zhao Kou, go and get some bundles of hemp rope, the more the better."
"Wei Tian, come with me to the cell where Li Qing is being held."
Wei Tian and the ruthless young man both responded, "Yes, Leader!"
Inside the Righteous Gang's prison, the air was filled with the stench of mold and decay.
To keep up the act, Li Qing had been enduring this foul smell for days, not wanting to give away any hint of abnormality.
Suddenly, a hearty laugh echoed from outside the cell: "Hahaha, Brother Li Qing, you truly foresaw everything! Today's events unfolded exactly as you predicted!" Tian Long walked into the cell, laughing as he spoke to Li Qing.
Li Qing looked up and saw Tian Long's shiny bald head entering, followed by Wei Tian.
"Don't celebrate too soon; the main event is still to come," Li Qing said, showing little joy but instead a serious expression.
"Regardless, the current situation is very favorable for us," Tian Long remained ecstatic.
Being straightforward by nature, he rarely used such schemes, preferring to solve problems with force—fighting when he could and conceding when he couldn't.
Originally, he had planned to rally Li Qing to his side and then immediately call upon his gang brothers to wage war against the Yan Family, without considering the finer details.
Now, Li Qing had presented a seemingly flawless plan. If executed successfully, it would not only significantly increase the chances of success for this operation but also effectively reduce unnecessary casualties. It was simply the best possible scenario.
"Alright, have someone bring the materials over and make me look like I'm on the verge of death," Li Qing instructed.
(End of the Chapter)
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