Chapter 324: We are Victims

Teng Dong Lang nodded lightly, agreeing with Bing Xiao's analysis.

Bing Xiao added: "The Snow Bird Harbor City Lord is our top priority, while the Dragon Lion Mercenary Corps is the second. All our troubles were caused by this external force."

Teng Dong Lang shook his head: "The mysterious culprit was killed yesterday. It is impossible for us to take action against them now."

"Once we do, it'll confirm their accusations towards us, and everyone will think we're trying to silence the victims."

Bing Xiao added: "The dock is already swarmed with city guards. This is the city Lord's arrangement."

"Now is not a good time to get rid of them."

"But we have many ways to deal with this external force. For example, we can tempt them with benefits. If we can get Long Fu to withdraw his accusation, we will be able to ease our predicament to a great extent."

Teng Dong Lang stared at Bing Xiao coldly: "The chance of successfully bribing him is not high."

"He is the victim, and the Dragon Lion Mercenary Corps lost their only two magicians."

"At this crucial time, if he withdraws the accusation, the Dragon Lion Mercenary Corps will develop a negative opinion towards this commander."

"If I were Long Fu, I would not easily withdraw my earlier accusation. Otherwise, my reputation in Snow Bird Harbor will be ruined, and nobody will trust me anymore."

Bing Xiao retorted: Gang Leader, this does seem unlikely, but after close consideration, I have a different perspective."

"Look."

"The Dragon Lion Mercenary Corps is not an ordinary silver level organization. They are arms merchants. They smuggle illegal goods."

"This is not a normal force. Do you think they really have just two magicians? In fact, their only two magicians weren’t even silver level. Is that possible?"

Teng Dong Lang contemplated.

Bing Xiao continued: "Gang Leader, did you notice?"

"Although Long Fu exposed our actions in the heroic duel, he only publicly declared it and did not take out evidence!"

"Does he actually have evidence?"

Teng Dong Lang thought about what he did that day. He had already cleaned up the place and removed all traces of magic power.

The most useful evidence now was the demon hybrid ringleader.

However, how could he accuse Teng Dong Lang of being the culprit?

After thinking, Teng Dong Lang shook his head: "I think Long Fu does not have any evidence."

"He only publicly announced it to show his attitude."

"After all, two magicians in his Dragon Lion Mercenary Corps were assassinated and killed. Seeing such a commotion yesterday, it is obvious he paid a huge price to get the help of the Snow Bird Harbor City Lord."

"If he had proof, he would have taken it out already!"

Bing Xiao nodded: "I think so too."

"He has no evidence, and the mysterious assassin has melted under the disintegration ray. They are far from being able to ascertain our crime."

"In any case, the worst scenario is that he has some evidence of our wrongdoing. Then, why is he not showing it?"

Teng Dong Lang had an idea: "The Dragon Lion Mercenary Corps does not want to fight to the death with us."

"We are the local tyrant here!"

"Long Fu has a mission to accomplish. They want to spread their smuggling business in the Ice Sculpture Kingdom."

"How can he go all out against us, a local force, the moment they arrive?"

"That is illogical!"

Bing Xiao nodded: "This is the same reason why we didn't go all out to eliminate this external force when they first arrived."

"Any sort of conflict carries risks. One loss can mean the end for us!"

"Of course, there is another possibility."

"Long Fu is keeping the evidence and waiting for us to go negotiate with him."

"He wants to extort us using this opportunity. I can already imagine his request. He definitely wants us to relent and cooperate with their arms smuggling business!"

"So, no matter what the situation is, we need to have a good talk with Long Fu."

"If we can convince him to withdraw the accusation, we will cross one hurdle. In the future, if he accuses us again, we can use this bribing incident to our advantage. As long as the people see his true nature, their trust in him will fall drastically!"

Teng Dong Lang thought about it silently for a while before nodding.

"You are right."

"Then, who should we send?"

Teng Dong Lang looked at Bing Xiao and said with deep meaning: "Ban Lan Gen has the brain of a wooden block. He messed up earlier and was defeated by Long Fu in one punch."

"Xiong Ju is rash and simple. He is suitable for combat but not negotiations. I'm afraid they'll start fighting if they meet."

"But if I let Spring Boxer go..."

At this point, a voice spoke out from outside.

"Let me in!" It was Spring Boxer who spoke.

The guard stopped him: "The Gang Leader instructed that nobody is to interrupt him while he's in a meeting."

"Let me in!" Spring Boxer shouted.

The guard held onto the door handle firmly, obstructing him.

"No, I must get an answer on this matter!" Spring Boxer was obstructed so he could only shout loudly, "Gang Leader, are the rumors true?"

"Did we really make a move on Commander Long Fu in the heroic duel?"

"This fellow..." Teng Dong Lang was speechless.

He knew that if he did not respond, Spring Boxer would not stop making a scene outside until he got an answer.

Thus, Teng Dong Lang shouted: "Of course not."

"Commander Long Fu has misunderstood."

"Don't worry, this misunderstanding will be resolved in some time."

"This is not something you should be concerned about. Go back and do your job now!"

Although Spring Boxer was scolded, he got the answer he wanted. He smiled sheepishly and replied: "I knew it was like this."

"Gang Leader, I'll leave now. Hehe!"

The outside became quiet again.

Teng Dong Lang looked at Bing Xiao and sighed helplessly: "I've spoiled this brat too much."

Bing Xiao laughed: "He has a pure heart. It is a rare thing."

"He is the successor you nurtured. How enviable. Don't act like you're not happy about it!"

Teng Dong Lang had a solemn expression most of the time, but now he showed a slight smile.

But soon, this smile disappeared and was replaced by seriousness.

Teng Dong Lang said: "Even a ringleader like him is uncertain. We can imagine the situation in our gang now."

"Although the Bayonet Gang is huge and has many members, we can't find a proper person to go negotiate with."

Bing Xiao laughed as he knew Teng Dong Lang's intentions in saying so.

At the next moment, Bing Xiao took on the duty: "Then let me go."

"This..." Teng Dong Lang pretended to be hesitant.

Bing Xiao said: "The person who is going to negotiate has to have status. Right now, the six ringleaders have status, but their personality and abilities are not meant for this."

"As the gang leader, you cannot go personally. You are the pride and dignity of our gang. We must make sure you can deal with future situations that occur."

"Only I, a silver level and also the previous gang leader, can go. Most importantly, the reason why Long Fu had a conflict with us was due to me."

Saying this, Bing Xiao sighed as he looked up, sighing deeply: "I did not expect it to turn out like this."

"Had I known this, I would've politely given that intelligence potion to Long Fu."

Teng Dong Lang shook his head and consoled: "It is not your fault."

"The Dragon Lion Mercenary Corps has a heavy responsibility. As newcomers, they will definitely choose a target to flex their muscles and show their strength. This is the only way to pave the way for their arms business."

“Old gang leader, you just happened to run into them by chance.”

“I don't think the Dragon Lion Mercenary Corps really wants to clash with our Bayonet Gang.”

"If Long Fu had evidence, why didn't he point it out during the duel with Xiong Ju? Even if he didn't notice it during the duel, he should have publicly accused us after reflecting on the battle."

"He originally wanted to control the scale of their conflict with us. But last night’s events happened too suddenly.   He was caught off guard!” 

Teng Dong Lang was pleased and grateful that Bing Xiao had voluntarily taken on the matter. 

Bing Xiao was indeed the best choice for negotiations. 

But Teng Dong Lang couldn’t directly order him to go. 

On one hand, Bing Xiao was the former gang leader, and both were military men. On the other hand, if Bing Xiao went to negotiate, he might be insulted. 

Only if Bing Xiao volunteered to go would he not harbor resentment toward Teng Dong Lang after being mocked or humiliated.

Based on Teng Dong Lang's understanding of Bing Xiao, he was confident that Bing Xiao would volunteer. 

The situation unfolded exactly as he had anticipated.

Bing Xiao stood up: “There's no time to waste. I'll prepare and depart as soon as possible.” 

“I'll explain to Long Fu that last night's assassination had nothing to do with us.” 

“He won't believe it, but this isn't an explanation for him—it's our explanation to the people of Snow Bird Harbor!” 

Teng Dong Lang stood up to see him off.

“I will have the other three ringleaders surrender voluntarily and urge Long Fu to engage in a heroic duel with me as soon as possible!” 

“At that time, in the arena, I will personally take Long Fu's life.” 

“This dragonman has caused us great trouble, plunging the Bayonet Gang into a crisis of survival. I cannot ease my hatred unless I kill him!”

"Of course, if circumstances permit, such as if he has already secretly reached an agreement with us. Then I will spare his life to demonstrate the magnanimity of the Bayonet Gang." 

Bing Xiao nodded: “It's time to teach this scoundrel a lesson.” 

“This plan to resolve the issue is well-thought-out.” 

"Teng Dong Lang, you are a more suitable leader than I am. You have always put the interests of the gang first. You've done better than me."

“For the sake of the Bayonet Gang, what does it matter if I sacrifice my reputation and suffer some sarcasm?”

Teng Dong Lang sighed, “The Dragon Lion Mercenary Corps took the initiative to frame us, and the outside world misunderstands us too much.”

“We are the real victims.”

At the same time, on the Love Triangle.

There were only two people in the cabin.

The Snow Bird Harbor City Lord: “Commander Long Fu, I carefully selected these pieces of equipment for you.”

"With them, your chances of winning against Teng Dong Lang will greatly increase!"