Su Wan had prepared three options for him:
A complete set of intelligence on Second-Rank Martial Artists;
Intelligence on all forces surrounding the Yulong Gang and all ranked Martial Artists;
And an opportunity to elevate one martial art from âPractice Makes Perfectâ to âEntry-Level Mastery.â
Su Wangchuan answered without hesitation.
âI choose the third.â
To him, the full intelligence on Second-Rank Martial Artists would become known sooner or later. As for hostile forces around the Yulong Gang, most had already been wiped out. The Qingyi Sect had quieted down. This was the Yulong Gangâs most dominant period. For the time being, neither his hall nor his own safety was under serious threat.
Since the third piece of intelligence was time-sensitiveâan opportunity that could slip away in an instantâhe naturally had to seize it.
Moreover, raising any martial art to âEntry-Level Masteryâ would grant three attribute points and provide a clear advantage in combat due to realm superiority.
Such a chance was rare. There was nothing to hesitate about.
âWise choice.â
Su Wan flashed a playful smile, picked up her phone, and swiftly dialed a number.
âCaptain Dalong, I have found you a new helper. Come and pick him up.â
Su Wangchuan froze.
Captain Dalong? Could that be Monk Dalong?
After hanging up, Su Wan smiled.
âYou are not unfamiliar with Blackwind Stronghold, are you, Hall Master Su?â
âOf course not.â
He nodded. He had participated in the campaign to eliminate Blackwind Stronghold.
âGood.â
âThis training opportunity is actually located at the ruins of Blackwind Stronghold.â
She explained at length.
Su Wangchuanâs eyes widened slightly.
It turned out that during this period, the companyâs land-clearing team had been reinforcing and consolidating the Blackwind Stronghold ruins, transforming it into an outpost.
However, as spring arrived and the forests warmed, many hibernating beasts had emerged from the mountains.
From morning until night, Blackwind Stronghold was being harassed by various wild animals.
At first, there were only a few wolves and wild boars.
Later, leopards and even large tigers began to appear.
Recently, numerous venomous snakes had been drawn by the scent of blood, making life miserable for the land-clearing team.
Su Wanâs so-called training opportunity was simply to join the Blackwind Stronghold outpost and assist the land-clearing team in purging the mountain of wild beasts and snake nests.
âSupervisor Su, do not misunderstand.â
âI am the Hall Master of the Yulong Gang. I cannot leave the hall for an extended period to train at Blackwind Stronghold.â
Su Wangchuan frowned slightly.
He was clearly dissatisfied with this intelligence.
Su Wan smiled.
âPreviously, only one squad rotated on duty at the Blackwind Stronghold outpostâMonk Dalongâs team. But lately, the snake infestations have grown worse. We are preparing a full-scale offensive to clear the surrounding beasts and snake colonies.â
âWe have already contacted Land-Clearing Team One, Two, and Three, and we are mobilizing reserve personnel as well. In total, over thirty Martial Artists and Quasi-Martial Artists will participate. We aim to eliminate the threats near the stronghold in a single day.â
âYou happen to arrive at the right time.â
âWith good fortune, you can gain a significant amount of experience. While it may not directly push a martial art into âEntry-Level Mastery,â it will at least bring you close.â
Her explanation eased him somewhat.
If it was a concentrated, large-scale purge, it should not consume too much time.
He asked, âApproximately how many beasts and venomous snakes are we talking about?â
âAs for beasts, primarily wolf packs and wild boar herds in the forestâseveral hundred in total. The snakes are far more numerous. Behind Blackwind Stronghold, the snake nests likely number in the thousandsâŠâ
He hesitated.
âCan I bring people with me?â
âYes.â
Su Wan agreed readily.
âOur manpower is stretched thin this time. Captain Bai is concerned we may not be able to clear enough beasts and snakes in one day. You may bring additional helpâbut not too many.â
âI would like to bring the Militia Captain from Blackstone Village, along with two Quasi-Martial Artists from our studio.â
He intended to bring Zhao Heiniu, Bai Yuhui, and Hong Kaibao.
Zhao Heiniu was an experienced hunter who could provide valuable insight.
Bai Yuhui and Hong Kaibao had been training diligently. This would give them a chance to advance their martial realms and step more quickly into the ranks of formal Martial Artists.
âAgreed.â
Su Wan nodded.
âYou can coordinate the details with Captain Dalong.â
Just then, someone pushed open the office door.
âSupervisor Su.â
âWangchuan.â
Monk Dalong entered, his signature bald head gleaming. He wore a white casual outfit, which looked strangely out of place.
Su Wangchuan rose and shook his hand.
âSenior Dalong.â
âWangchuan is the helper I found for you. Tomorrowâs operationâhe will bring three people to assist,â Su Wan explained. âYou can discuss the specifics between yourselves.â
âGood!â
âWe know Wangchuanâs archery skills.â
âYou are also familiar with Blackwind Strongholdâs location. Tomorrow morning, come to the mining area. We will wait for you there and head into the mountains together.â
Monk Dalong grinned, straightforward as ever.
âThe mountains are lively these days. Every kind of beast is out. It is safer to act together.â
âThere is sufficient rations up there. You do not need to bring extra food.â
âBut bring bows and arrows. Throwing knives are fine as well. There are many snakes on the road. If you encounter a wild boar herd, avoid direct confrontation. Bring plenty of arrowsâArmor-Piercing Arrows are especially useful.â
Su Wangchuan thought for a moment.
âIf we need many arrows, I will bring additional men from the hall.â
âExcellent!â
Monk Dalongâs smile widened.
âThe more, the better! The more arrows, the better!â
âYou have no idea how short-handed we are in the mountains.â
Su Wangchuan glanced at Su Wan, speechless.
He finally understood why she had offered this intelligence.
Two birds with one stone.
The land-clearing team was clearly understaffed and eager for reinforcement.
And he had volunteered himself into manual labor.
âI understand.â
âSee you tomorrow.â
Monk Dalong departed cheerfully.
Su Wan pretended not to notice the dissatisfaction in Su Wangchuanâs eyes.
âThe one hundred taels of gold notesâInstructor Yu will collect them from you tonight. The five Second-Rank martial arts manuals you requestedâI will match them carefully to your needs. I guarantee you will not be disappointed, and you will not waste time on detours.â
âHmph.â
Su Wangchuan replied coldly.
âIf the five manuals suit me, there will be more opportunities for trade. If you trick me again, this will be our last transaction.â
With that, he turned and left.
Behind him, Su Wan waved lightly.
âRest assured, Hall Master Su. I guarantee you will not be disappointed.â
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