Chapter 105 - 105 100 Capturing Bull Horn Shrimp

Chapter 105: Chapter 100 Capturing Bull Horn Shrimp Chapter 105: Chapter 100 Capturing Bull Horn Shrimp “Hongmen Banquet!” said Doctor Bai.

Wu Zhong shook his head and said, “No, I don’t think it’s a Hongmen Banquet. If it were, it shouldn’t be this ostentatious.”

“Inviting people from our Fishing Guild and then secretly plotting to kill midway through would be breaking the rules, and the higher-ups would not let them off easily!”

Upon hearing this comment, a woman from the Bai family, who was embroidering nearby, spoke up, “Then could he get desperate and lash out? Knowing that Jiu Si killed his son, he might seek revenge!”

Doctor Bai shook his head and said, “He couldn’t. If he had the courage to openly kill someone from our Fishing Guild, he wouldn’t have backed down that night!”

Hearing this, Wu Zhong nodded and said, “I still lean towards the possibility that he’s trying to assert his dominance.”

“Jiu Si, what do you think?”

Wu Zhong turned to Chen Jie.

Chen Jie was highly regarded by the Bai family; they would often seek his opinion on major and minor matters.

After pondering the question, Chen Jie said, “I think both possibilities exist, establishing dominance and the Hongmen Banquet.”

“Oh, elaborate on that,” said Doctor Bai, prompted by this remark.

Chen Jie began, “Firstly, the issue of establishing dominance is self-evident. A wild boar weighing four hundred jin is almost as formidable as a tiger; his ability to kill it with a single blow indicates that his martial skill has improved—I suspect he might have reached the Refining Body Realm!”

“Refining Body Realm!” The mention of this level caused a silent stir among them; although the Refining Body Realm was ordinary under normal circumstances and nowhere near the level of someone like Wu Hong with Dark Force, at this moment, the emergence of an expert in the Refining Body Realm meant a lot.

It implied significant changes.

The Village Chief battle and the future ownership of Xiantao Town could entirely shift because of this development.

Guilds often had to follow certain unspoken rules in their games of power; one such rule was determining the outcome based solely on equivalent strength without calling in advanced fighters mid-fight.

For example, if Wu Zhong wanted to deal with Yu Biao now, he couldn’t simply ask a high-ranking expert in Dark Force from the Fishing Guild for help.

Does the Fishing Guild lack experts in Dark Force?

No, there are many, but they can’t simply meddle with local forces or it would create chaos; if one side hires a Dark Force expert, the other side will do the same.

If Dark Force isn’t enough, call in someone with Energy Transformation, or even a Gang Leader!

This could turn a minor conflict into a battle between top forces on both sides.

From an insignificant local skirmish to a significant final battle.

The loss would be enormous.

Thus, to prevent this, both sides establish conventions about what level of combat to engage in and who participates; if someone gets killed or injured, it’s just bad luck.

No chasing after recompense.

To seek revenge, wait for the next skirmish.

So, Yu Biao killing the wild boar and setting up this grand event to assert his dominance was intended to pressure Wu Zhong’s side.

It was also a way for him to flex his muscles to the undecided people of Xiantao Town, showing them that his Guild Cao is currently prevailing, and they need to think carefully about which side to choose.

That was definitely one of Yu Biao’s objectives.

It was also a reason to invite Wu Zhong, just as Wu analyzed, to undermine Wu Zhong’s authority.

With this invitation sent, whether Wu Zhong attends or not, he could diminish the Fishing Guild’s prestige: if he goes, he’d have to witness Yu Biao showcasing his strength. With several members injured and unable to match Yu Biao, they would naturally be overshadowed, fulfilling Yu Biao’s goal.

If Wu Zhong doesn’t go, it’s even better for Yu Biao—he’d claim that Wu Zhong was too intimidated by his reputation to even show up.

Regarding the invitation sent to Chen Jie, that truly carries the implications of a Hongmen Banquet, especially since Chen Jie gathered from intelligence in the past few days that Yu Biao was indeed narrowing down the suspects responsible for killing Yu Sanliu to include himself.

That is, he might be inviting Chen Jie over to verify his suspicions.

And if the verification is successful?

Would Yu Biao strike then?

Chen Jie was uncertain.

But once verified, Chen Jie’s name would undoubtedly appear on his hit list.

Chen Jie shared his analysis, prompting Doctor Bai to furrow his brows and say, “So, Yu Biao is aiming to kill two birds with one stone?”

Chen Jie replied, “And not ruling out the possibility of probing.”

Hearing this, Doctor Bai said, “In that case, Jiu Si, you can’t go.”

Wu Zhong added, “Yes, Jiu Si, you shouldn’t go—it could be dangerous.”

Listening to their concerns, Chen Jie looked at Wu Zhong and asked, “Uncle Zhong, are you going?”

Wu Zhong replied, “Of course I’m going. I’m the Fishery Manager. If I don’t go, wouldn’t that appear as if our Fishing Guild is afraid of him?”

Chen Jie nodded and said, “Then I must go as well.”

Wu Zhong frowned, “Jiu Si, do you really need to?”

Chen Jie explained, “Uncle Zhong, I have my reasons. First, I belong to the fishery. If I don’t go, it would be a shame for the fishery.”

“Second, you know my ambition. I am not content to just stay in Xiantao Town forever; I want to prove myself. If I don’t have the courage to go this time, people will speak of me as a coward in the future.”,

That’s something I absolutely cannot afford, as it would affect my reputation and, subsequently, my standing in the Jianghu and my advancement within our guild.”

“Third, my attendance doesn’t change much. If I am too afraid to attend, what would that indicate? It would suggest that I have a guilty conscience, which Yu Biao could use to directly pin me as the murderer of Yu Sanliu!”

“At that time, his dirty tricks will surely come one after another, and I won’t be able to cope with them all,” Chen Jie analyzed slowly.

“Therefore, it would be better to meet him this time, and I’m sure he won’t make a move against me during the banquet. The risk would be too great for him. Having backed down before, he won’t gamble with his life and fortune against me again!”

Wu Zhong felt that he couldn’t persuade Chen Jie anymore, and Wu Hong interjected, “It’s okay, Dad, Grandpa, don’t worry. I’ll accompany Dad and Jiu Si. Although I’ve only recovered a little these past few days, it won’t be hard for me, who is in the Refining Body Realm, to protect you!”

Wu Hong was right. Although he was still not fully healed from his serious injuries, if he really exploded with power without fearing the repercussions, he could even kill Yu Biao.

He was no longer the same as he was five or six days ago.

Blood Ganoderma had replenished his blood energy sufficiently to support him in making a move or two, although not for long. However, a blow or two from a Dark Force expert, even if not at full strength, was enough to give a Ming Jin Refining Body practitioner something to ponder.

I might not be able to fight a prolonged battle with you, but if you anger me, I could take you down!

This was Wu Hong’s current state.

As time went on, Wu Hong’s condition would only improve, and he would become increasingly fearless of threats.

Hearing Wu Hong’s words, Doctor Bai said, “Hong’er, you’re still not fully healed, and your strength is greatly diminished. It’s best not to take action.”

Wu Hong chuckled, “Don’t worry, Grandpa. I’m there as a deterrent. He won’t dare to act rashly.”

Wu Hong was very confident. How could he not be? As a Dark Force expert, he wasn’t afraid of someone in the Refining Body stage. At this time, he was no longer the severely injured man who struggled to walk.

As his strength returned, his confidence grew as well.

Hearing Wu Hong’s words, Wu Zhong also added, “Yes, Dad, I’ll bring Li Sanding tomorrow. With him around, even Yu Biao will have to weigh his actions!”

Considering this, Doctor Bai thought it might be alright.

After all, their opponent had already made a move. If they continued to dodge passively, it would seem like they were afraid.

Realizing this, Doctor Bai said, “Alright, then we’ll bring Li Sanding tomorrow to accompany you.”

“Yes!”

After the discussion was settled, everyone started their own preparations.

Chen Jie’s gaze became focused. It seemed Yu Biao had indeed advanced to the Refining Body Realm—the intelligence was accurate. Reports said Yu Biao had taken Flesh Condensing Pills and successfully refined his body in three days.

A pig-slaughtering event to establish authority!

Heh, quite the planner, but this also provides an opportunity for me.

Thinking this, Chen Jie immediately sent someone to find Chen Xiaohu.

Over the past few days, Chen Jie received all sorts of intelligence, but the fifth piece, containing directive information, he placed all his bets on that Bull Horn Shrimp.

During this process, Chen Jie also gathered a lot of information.

This even included the origins of the Bull Horn Shrimp.

Bull Horn Shrimp is considered a type of treasure fish, but only one or two are ever discovered—never a school, nor even a female Bull Horn Shrimp!

So how do these treasure fish come into being?

The intelligence exposed the origins of the Bull Horn Shrimp—it was actually a mutation from a male Golden Pomfret.

Golden Pomfrets are a rare and precious type of fish in the Mianshui River, selling for around 50 cents each, known for their delicious flesh.

But while they are rare, they aren’t freaks like the Bull Horn Shrimp; fishermen generally manage to catch three or five a month.

The Bull Horn Shrimp, however, is formed through a genetic mutation that occurs in male Golden Pomfrets, similar to how the expensive butter crabs sold in markets are mutations of crab paste crabs, yet priced ten times higher.

Bull Horn Shrimp emerged in this same way.

Chen Jie even suspected that many Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures were formed this way—

due to certain factors causing mutations.

But that wasn’t the most critical part. The critical part was that since Bull Horn Shrimp was a mutation of Golden Pomfret, it still shared some habits of Golden Pomfrets.

This fish liked cold, dark places and disliked sunlight. Areas exposed to prolonged sunlight were places this fish seldom traversed and couldn’t nest in.

Based on this trait, combined with the intelligence, Chen Jie finally pinpointed the hiding spot of this fish.

However, Chen Jie wasn’t in a hurry to catch it, fearing any slip-up. The Bull Horn Shrimp was his only hope of turning defeat into victory. It absolutely couldn’t be compromised, and lately, disciples from the Cao Guild had been patrolling Mianshui River. If the fish were discovered,

it would be hard to elude the Cao Guild’s notice. With Yu Biao’s snake-like nature, he would definitely attempt to seize the fish, and Chen Jie might not be able to ensure its safety.

But the upcoming pig-slaughtering event was an excellent opportunity.

Yu Biao was hosting a feast for the entire town, serving pork. At least a few thousand townspeople would attend. Organizing a feast for such a crowd, the Cao Guild would need at least a hundred people to manage the banquet and prevent any mishaps, meaning their forces would be mostly concentrated in the town.

That would leave no one watching Chen Jie on the Mianshui River.

Especially that day, when he would be at the banquet himself—Yu Biao would surely focus more attention on him.

At that point, Chen Jie would have Chen Xiaohu secretly catch the Bull Horn Shrimp.

The likelihood of being discovered would be minimal.

Isn’t this just like fixing the plank road while crossing Chencang secretly?

Normally, such an opportunity would be hard to come by, but now Yu Biao had orchestrated such an event, playing right into his hands.

That’s why Chen Jie had insisted on attending this banquet. Only by going could he divert Yu Biao’s attention, causing him to underestimate the situation and overlook the Mianshui River.

That way, the chances of Xiaohu capturing the Bull Horn Shrimp and it being snatched were very low.

So, what kind of pig-slaughtering event was this? It was simply Chen Jie’s masterstroke of secretly crossing Chencang!

Thinking of this, Chen Jie couldn’t help but laugh.

Yu Biao, oh Yu Biao, you establish your authority, and I catch my Bull Horn Shrimp. Let’s see who has the last laugh!