Chapter 415: The Guest Acts as the Host

Upon hearing his son's suggestion to use the magic formation within their stronghold against Long Fu's group, the Axe Gang leader didn't hesitate before shaking his head.

“The magic formation in our stronghold is indeed powerful and could increase our chances of victory.”

“But we cannot do this!”

“If we kill both Long Fu and Magician Yao Ma within the compound - that would be the best outcome, but even then, it would be troublesome.”

"The Dragon Lion Mercenary Corps is renowned throughout the kingdom, and Long Fu is at the height of his fame. To openly murder them within the city would cause extremely negative repercussions. We are no longer soldiers, merely a local gang, this would be a crime! Even if the Dragon Lion Mercenary Corps isn't native to the kingdom."

“Then, even if the Axe Gang survives, we will have to flee for our lives.”

"There's also the possibility we fail to kill Long Fu and let him escape. Don't forget, they're no ordinary mercenaries, they're backed by transnational arms dealers. During his battle with Teng Dong Lang, Long Fu used a gold level magic scroll. Do you think he might have more scrolls of that caliber?"

"Our base's magic formation is powerful, but it doesn't suppress magic. If he uses a battlefield-class spell scroll, our entire base will be destroyed."

"There's another concern: if the fight becomes deadlocked and Long Fu drags out the battle, what reaction might the acting city lord have?"

“Therefore, to deal with them, we must disguise ourselves and ambush them.”

"Last time in Cold Wind Valley, I underestimated him. I truly didn't expect Long Fu's strength to be so formidable, far surpassing what he displayed in his heroic duel with Teng Dong Lang. That's why I didn't use my full strength or deploy the Blood Vengeance Axe."

"Once they leave Snow Fall City, I'll strike again. This time, I won't just give it my all, I'll also invite allies of equal level. Even if Long Fu can fight above his rank as a silver level against gold level opponents, I don't believe he can withstand two gold levels working together. Two gold level experts might still be risky; there's a chance he could escape. That's why I plan to recruit two gold level reinforcements simultaneously."

“With three gold level experts united, I don't believe a single silver level has any chance!”

Upon hearing his father's plan, Fu Zhao's mouth fell open slightly, his face frozen in utter astonishment.

He hadn't anticipated the Axe Gang leader's ambitions reaching such heights this time.

Recruiting a gold level expert for battle would demand a hefty price. This time, the Axe Gang leader intended to recruit two simultaneously.

All to deal with a single silver level?

Even with the Axe Gang controlling most of Snow Fall City's power, recruiting two gold level experts would drain nearly their entire fortune.

This was no exaggeration.

For an ambush like the one on Long Fu, exposure was unthinkable and extremely risky.

Should Long Fu survive and leak the news, the Axe Gang would face devastating repercussions. Take the Axe Gang leader himself. Even if the gang survived, he would certainly lose his position.

This was essentially staking his entire future on the outcome of the ambush against Long Fu.

The Axe Gang leader had his reasons for doing this. But persuading two gold level helpers to stake their own futures on this? That was far more difficult.

He had to offer a massive sum of money, incurring enormous costs, just to make them consider it.

"Father, is this really necessary? Hiring two gold levels help at the same time, three including you, just to ambush a silver level?"

The Axe Gang leader shot his son a glance and spoke frankly: "If I had more liquid funds, I'd even recruit a third. With the enemy's strength unknown, victory demands maximizing our odds. Never underestimate any foe. To guarantee success, you must pay the price. I'd wager my entire fortune without hesitation."

“You must understand the trouble we'll face if our identities are exposed!”

The depth of the Axe Gang leader's camaraderie with Teng Dong Lang mirrored his hatred for Long Fu.

"However, since Long Fu and Yao Ma have chosen to visit me today, this presents an opportunity we cannot pass up. Go challenge him later to probe his capabilities and trump cards." The Axe Gang leader instructed Fu Zhao.

Fu Zhao immediately looked troubled: “Father, though I'm also silver level like Long Fu, you know well that silver level cultivators vary greatly in strength.”

The Axe Gang leader patted Fu Zhao on the shoulder: “Of course I know. That's why for this battle, I'll allow you to wield the Blood Vengeance Axe!” 

Fu Zhao's eyes lit up instantly, his expression brimming with excitement: “With the Blood Vengeance Axe, I might just stand a chance against Long Fu.”

Moments later. 

Gang members ushered Zong Ge and Zi Di into the reception hall.   Here, the two met the Axe Gang leader. 

"Long Fu, I've long admired your deeds. I am the Axe Gang leader." The Axe Gang leader greeted them warmly.

“I am Long Fu. This is our corps’ Magician Yao Ma,” Zong Ge introduced briefly while sizing up the man before him.

Clearly, the Axe Gang leader was a snow elf. But unlike typical elves, he was exceptionally stocky and towering. Zong Ge was already quite tall, yet the Axe Gang leader stood a full head taller.

The Axe Gang leader was aged, his chin sporting freshly shaved white stubble. The stubble extended outward, reaching the base of his earlobe.

Though his face bore a smile and his demeanor was warm, the sharp gleam that flashed unconsciously in his eyes, along with his shaven head, conveyed his formidable strength.

Intelligence on the Axe Gang leader instantly replayed in Zong Ge's mind.

According to the reports, the leader's ancestry was traced back to an Iceborne Troll.

His bloodline traits closely resembled those of a troll. He possessed the Blood War bloodline. Though its concentration was low, it still granted him extraordinary regenerative abilities.

This extraordinary regenerative ability proved highly practical, greatly enhancing his recovery capabilities. Many injuries could heal completely on their own given enough time, even without healing from a priest.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Zong Ge stated directly, “Honorable Axe Gang leader, the purpose of our visit is to propose a partnership with your gang.”

The Axe Gang leader inquired with curiosity, "Oh? How might we collaborate?"

Zong Ge shifted slightly, turning his head to signal Zi Di beside him with a glance.

Zi Di stepped forward, bowed respectfully to the Axe Gang leader, then began speaking eloquently.

First, she expressed gratitude for the Axe Gang becoming the largest purchaser of the dragon rider potion. Therefore, Zi Di proactively offered that for any dragon rider potions purchased by the Axe Gang at her potion shops over the next three years, they would receive a 10% discount.

Secondly, Zi Di wished to recruit several members from the Axe Gang. After brief training, these individuals would become shop assistants at her medicine shops.

Finally, Zi Di proposed a three-year escort contract with the Axe Gang. When merchant caravans departed Snow Bird Harbor and approached Blood Kin City, the Axe Gang would provide security.

After listening carefully, the Axe Gang leader broke into a smile, “So you're the ones producing the dragon rider potion.”

"Your group's capabilities are truly impressive. I hadn't realized you had this capability. I must say, the dragon rider potion is remarkably effective."

"I am, of course, very open to such a partnership. In fact, the entire Axe Gang welcomes it. However, the specific details require careful consideration."

Following this, the Axe Gang leader and Zi Di proceeded to negotiate the specifics of the collaboration.

What surprised Zong Ge and Zi Di slightly was that the Axe Gang leader proved far more articulate than they had anticipated.

Though outwardly rough-hewn, he possessed a shrewd side, often spotting crucial points within the partnership terms.

Moreover, he possessed a formidable personality. Once he latched onto certain terms, he wouldn't budge, not even an inch.

"I'm a gangster, not a merchant. I don't haggle. What I insist on is my bottom line!" He frequently used this line to pressure Zi Di into concessions.

However, Zi Di didn't find herself at a disadvantage.

Her business acumen was remarkable, and she possessed extensive negotiation experience, having faced opponents like this before.

Whenever the Axe Gang leader dug his heels in on certain terms, Zi Di would feign concession. She would then find ways to modify other clauses or introduce new conditions, deliberately framing these terms in complex language.

How could the Axe Gang leader possibly grasp these new clauses as well as their creator, Zi Di?

After all, he was a retired soldier, no match for someone like Zi Di, born into a merchant family.

He needed more time to grasp them, and soon his attention became fully absorbed, his brow furrowing deeper and deeper.

He was forced to ask Zi Di direct questions to help him understand these new clauses. But this was precisely what Zi Di wanted to see. Under her verbal tactics, the Axe Gang leader gradually lost his negotiating leverage.

Zong Ge might lack diplomatic skills, but he possessed keen battlefield intuition. After listening for a while, he gradually realized: the Axe Gang leader resembled the defender, while Zi Di was the attacker.

Earlier, the defender had stubbornly held the line, making it difficult for the attacker to achieve any gains. But soon, the attacker feigned retreat to create space on the battlefield. She then continuously split her forces into left and right wings, drawing the defender's attention. The defender's lines were severely disrupted, allowing the main attacking force to advance layer by layer. The defender had already lost ground without even realizing it!

“That's impressive.” Fu Zhao, hiding behind the scenes, shared the same observation as Zong Ge.

As an observer, Fu Zhao had been eavesdropping on his father's conversation with Long Fu.

The Axe Gang leader was already thoroughly confused. Fu Zhao couldn't bear to listen any longer. He stormed into the reception hall, shouting impatiently, “Father! I heard Commander Long Fu has arrived!”

The Axe Gang leader immediately glared at his son, “What's with all the shouting? What do you want?”

After scolding him, he finally snapped to attention, glancing at Zi Di with lingering fear.

“To find him, of course!” Fu Zhao's face was twisted with impatience. His burning gaze locked onto Zong Ge. "You're Commander Long Fu! I've seen your battle footage, it's incredible. Come on, let's have a heroic duel!"

The Axe Gang leader's face darkened as he scolded, "Scoundrel! Commander Long Fu and Magician Yao Ma are guests of our Axe Gang. Get out of here, you brat."

But Fu Zhao didn't even glance at his own father. He waved him off dismissively: “Don't stop my heroic duel! Not even you, my own father, can stop me!”

“You brat...” The Axe Gang leader stood up, clearly furious.

He was about to continue his scolding, then put on a show with Fu Zhao, ultimately resigning himself to it. But the next moment, he heard Zong Ge say: “I accept your challenge.”

Father and son froze, both turning to stare at Zong Ge.

Zong Ge added, “Because I've been wanting to challenge the leader myself.”

The Axe Gang duo looked utterly stunned.

The ghost girl was equally bewildered, inwardly groaning: "Again?"

This wasn't part of their plan before arriving.

It was Zong Ge's own initiative.

Earlier, in the Cold Wind Valley, he'd acted similarly, setting off without hesitation, never wasting words.

This time, accompanying Zi Di to visit the Axe Gang was also a spur-of-the-moment decision, driven by his desire to challenge the Axe Gang leader, a gold level expert.

According to the customs of the Ice Sculpture Kingdom, a heroic duel was nearly impossible for outsiders to intervene in. Such a challenge was sacred and inviolable.

As long as both parties consented, not even a father could stop it.

However, Zong Ge's acceptance came with conditions.

He would accept Fu Zhao's challenge, but only on the premise that the Axe Gang leader would also accept his!