Chapter 88

The news that he was about to be promoted to Helm Leader of the Yulong Gang could not be concealed.

Su Wangchuan logged out on his own initiative and contacted Instructor Yu to report the matter.

Instructor Yu did not sound surprised.

Over the phone, he said,

“Actually, Lin Xun has already told me.”

“Yang Feiyue has sent a carrier pigeon message, informing Lin Xun and Hall Master He, ordering them to consolidate the water stronghold and construct defensive fortifications. Helm Leader Song has also sent two boatloads of men over there. They are preparing to make a grand move.”

“Since you now possess Martial Artist strength, it is only natural that you have caught Yang Feiyue’s attention. The Yulong Gang truly lacks manpower, and with a new hall being established, you were bound to take an important position.”

Instructor Yu’s tone was light.

“I just did not expect the Yulong Gang to act so quickly.”

“Are we still planning to seize the water stronghold on our side?” Su Wangchuan asked cautiously. “If something happens, will Elder Lin Xun be wanted? And what about me? I was recommended into the Yulong Gang by Elder Lin Xun. Will I also be in danger?”

When it concerned his own safety, he had to consider everything thoroughly.

After all, he needed to survive.

Instructor Yu chuckled.

“The plan to attack the water stronghold has been canceled.”

“Since the Yulong Gang has already entered the game, we have lost the initiative.”

“…What?”

Su Wangchuan was stunned.

Instructor Yu explained,

“Though the Yulong Gang is only a small gang, it stands behind the Caobang—the number one power over the waterways. They connect upward to the highest authorities and manage over a hundred branch gangs below. Attacking a water stronghold under the Yulong Gang’s control would be suicidal.”

“Moreover, once matters escalated, the authorities would intervene. The only outcome for our three studios would be destruction and being placed on wanted lists.”

“Two hours ago, the three major studios jointly decided to abandon the plan. You can rest easy.”

Instructor Yu’s explanation enlightened Su Wangchuan at once and lifted a weight from his chest.

“I see.”

“Thank you, Instructor Yu. Then I need not worry. I will head back in.”

“Wait.”

Instructor Yu stopped him and laughed.

“Wangchuan, since you are becoming a Helm Leader in the Yulong Gang, take good care of our studio’s gold-farming group.”

At the dock, goods flowed endlessly each day. Loading and unloading involved both NPCs and players from various studios.

Instructor Yu informed him that the Warring States Game Studio had fifteen members stationed at the Yulong Gang dock. Their daily earnings averaged around two hundred Copper Coins. Occasionally there were night-shift tasks, but players rarely managed to secure them.

In the future, as long as Su Wangchuan gave advance notice, the studio members could log in collectively and potentially double their earnings.

Instructor Yu added that if he agreed, the studio would consider increasing his monthly fixed salary—

From ten thousand to fifty thousand.

Su Wangchuan agreed at once.

“No problem.”

“However, Instructor Yu, I still have to oversee the Weapon Room. I lack manpower. Could you assign a few clever and steady people to help manage the dock?”

“Done. I will arrange it.”

Instructor Yu readily agreed.

The next day.

The Yulong Gang held a high-level meeting within the hall.

The atmosphere was solemn.

Yang Feiyue announced three major decisions.

First, the gang’s foundation would shift from the dock hall to the former site of the Nu Tao Gang water stronghold. They would establish their headquarters there.

For the foreseeable future, half of the gang’s disciples would be stationed at the new headquarters.

Hall Master He, Elder Lin Xun, and Elder Fang Kui would all be stationed there, responsible for security over fifty li of waterways—and collecting protection fees.

The second decision was the promotion of Helm Leader Song Minshu to Hall Master of the dock hall. He would take over Hall Master He’s previous duties, overseeing all cargo escort operations in Huishui County, guarding the dock hall, and managing the Inner Disciples there.

At the same time, Weapon Room Room Master Wangchuan would assume Song’s former responsibilities as Helm Leader of the dock branch. He would coordinate dock shipping operations and manage all Outer Disciples at the dock.

The third decision: recruitment.

With a new hall established and increased responsibilities, manpower was insufficient. They must recruit more members to reinforce each hall and branch.

The dock hall’s Inner Disciples had been reduced to twenty and needed to at least double.

Many Outer Disciples from the dock branch had been transferred to the new headquarters. They too needed rapid replenishment.

After the meeting, everyone sprang into action.

Yang Feiyue led Lin Xun and others to the water stronghold to formally take up residence.

Hall Master Song Minshu set up a recruitment table at the dock hall.

As Helm Leader of the dock branch, Su Wangchuan approached Hall Master Song to seek advice on management.

Song Minshu had long managed the dock branch and knew its operations intimately. He imparted numerous details and precautions.

“Wangchuan, these Outer Disciples are straightforward. As long as you are fair and just, they will maintain order and security on their own. They will not cause trouble for you.”

“Every month, they will voluntarily present you with a bit of silver.”

“It may not compare to the hall’s income, but the branch does have some benefits. It is not bad.”

Song Minshu knew Su Wangchuan was now a true Martial Artist who had slain six Nu Tao Gang remnants. He no longer treated him as merely a blacksmith. His tone was courteous and sincere.

After all, they would now work side by side at the dock hall. Su Wangchuan was his closest subordinate—and the only formal Martial Artist there. He had to cultivate the relationship.

“As for voluntary offerings, that is secondary. Regarding recruitment—are there any precautions? Could there be Nu Tao Gang remnants among them?” Su Wangchuan continued to consult him.

Song Minshu snorted softly and laughed.

“There are not so many remnants left. Even if there were, they would not join the Outer Disciples as laborers. Outer Disciples do not have access to secrets.”

“In these times, everyone is simply trying to earn a meal. Recruit boldly. I will back you.”

With Song’s assurance, Su Wangchuan felt more confident.

He instructed Chen Ergou to set up a table at the dock and began recruiting Outer Disciples.

The monthly base pay for an Outer Disciple was two hundred Copper Coins. They would also receive priority placement for dock work. For laborers scraping by at the docks, this was attractive.

Soon, a long line formed.

To qualify as an Inner Disciple, one had to pass two out of three attribute thresholds.

For the Outer Disciples, it was simpler—good health and the ability to hold a stone lock with arms extended for ten seconds.

Halfway through recruitment, he noticed three men standing nearby.

Each wore a cloth belt tied at the waist—the agreed signal with Instructor Yu.

Studio members.

Su Wangchuan understood immediately and beckoned.

“You three, come here.”

“Helm Leader!”

“Greetings, Helm Leader!”

The three approached respectfully.

“Your names?”

“This subordinate is Zuo Song.”

“Lu Huixiang.”

“Chen Ping.”

Their replies were crisp.

“There is little cargo at the dock today. Stay here and help maintain order. Follow Chen Ergou’s instructions. I must return to the Weapon Room to oversee matters.”

“Yes!”

The three answered in unison.

“We respectfully see off the Helm Leader.”

Chen Ergou rose proudly.

He now had three subordinates of his own.

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