1386: Go to Black Tiger Gang

In Wang Chen’s opinion, the way the local forces on Yunhu Star dealt with Nightmare Ghosts was remarkably similar to how Blue Star once kept demonic beasts in captivity.

However, at that time, the various nations on Blue Star had absolute control over their local demonic beasts; those left behind were solely for training newly-transferred Awakeners and raising everyone’s sense of urgency.

But here on Yunhu Star, they had no choice but to do so. To maintain a balance, the annual cost of maintaining the Restrictions in various Forbidden Grounds and paying out bounties for missions was not a small sum.

“Killing Nightmare Ghosts of different levels can earn corresponding rewards. This way, while I improve my strength, I can also accumulate some wealth.”

“However, if I truly want to quickly acquire a large amount of wealth, I still need to clash with the star pirates of the Chaotic Star Sea.”

After finishing, Wang Chen put the material aside.

He currently had over twenty million star coins in his account. This amount, for ordinary cultivators, even for Four Realm cultivators, was a considerable fortune.

But compared to his future goals, twenty million star coins were merely a drop in the bucket.

Earlier, when conversing with Zhao Yunxing, Wang Chen had casually inquired about fully acquiring ownership of his Lower Realm of origin.

Because during this period, Wang Chen had gradually learned through browsing the Ling Network that for the Supreme Universe, Lower Realms with no output were not particularly cherished. Various forces held them, basically using them for research or as Secret Realms for the younger generation to gain experience.

However…

The answer he received from Zhao Yunxing was a number that made his heart pound.

Eight hundred billion.

This was the transaction price when the Zhao Family, where Zhao Yunxing belonged, once purchased a Lower Realm.

This fortune was nothing to a top-tier family like the Zhao Family, but for the vast majority of smaller forces within the Empire, eight hundred billion meant selling off all their assets wouldn't be enough.

For example, the Seven Stars Sect, currently developing Jin Yu Star, if the entire Sect were sold off, it wouldn't fetch eight hundred billion.

Wang Chen could accumulate tens of millions in wealth so quickly, thanks to the selfless contributions of those mercenaries on Jin Yu Star.

Otherwise, relying solely on the arduous hunting of Vicious Beasts, he wouldn't know when he would save up enough.

And it was the same after coming to Yunhu Star; relying solely on slaying Nightmare Ghosts and exchanging them for bounties with local forces wouldn't be enough, even if all the Nightmare Ghosts on the entire planet were cleared.

However, the star pirates on Yunhu Star, or rather, the various star pirate forces entrenched in the Chaotic Star Sea, each had a hefty bounty on their heads.

Among them, those who were powerful and infamous had bounties worth more than eight hundred billion per head.

Of course, these were extremely ruthless individuals, who had at least approached the Third Heavenly Tribulation, or even already passed it.

Wang Chen knew very well that compared to such ruthless individuals, he was still just a small fry, not to be provoked.

But this ultimately gave him an idea: if he couldn't defeat the big ones, he could seize the opportunity to catch a few small ones to exchange for bounties, which could also help alleviate his financial embarrassment.

And now that he had connected with Zhao Yunxing, the basic path was already laid out.

Staying in his room, Wang Chen silently planned his next actions.

Time flowed by, and before he knew it, dusk had fallen, and it was time to depart for the Black Tiger Gang.

…

The Black Tiger Gang’s stronghold was located southeast of Zhao Family Town, a half-hour flight away.

Along the way, the accompanying Fang Pingdong gave Wang Chen a detailed introduction to the Black Tiger Gang and the surrounding mining forces:

“Among the various forces mining around here, the Black Tiger Gang has always been the strongest, and their actions are quite arrogant and overbearing.”

“Previously, everyone thought that coming here was for business, and as long as the Black Tiger Gang didn’t go too far, they would mostly tolerate them. However, this time, after Gang Leader Zhou, the leader of the Black Tiger Gang, became a Five Realm cultivator, he directly broke the unspoken agreement between them.”

“Not only did he raid the warehouse near Red River Village, but he also acted extremely ruthlessly, causing forty to fifty casualties, and the person in charge of Red River Village was critically injured and bedridden, still unable to get up.”

“Afterward, he even declared that each family must hand over thirty percent of their mined source stones, or face a worse fate than Red River Village, making it impossible for any family to operate.”

“Currently, Red River Village has already succumbed and dares not oppose the Black Tiger Gang anymore. The other three families and I have discussed it; handing over thirty percent is impossible. If we give them thirty percent, there will be no profit left after operations. At most, we can give one percent.”

“But with Young Master Wang here, this matter is no longer a concern.”

At this point, Fang Pingdong smiled ingratiatingly.

Although on paper, the strength of this Young Master Wang seemed to have a gap compared to Gang Leader Zhou, the leader of the Black Tiger Gang, he thought that as someone from above, daring to say he could completely resolve this trouble must mean he had confidence.

“Mm.”

Wang Chen nodded.

A Five Realms Initial Stage who had just advanced, he naturally wouldn't encounter any difficulties dealing with him.

Even without using the abilities shared from the Time Spirit Snake, simply activating his secret techniques would be enough to crush his opponent.

However…

Forces like Zhao Family Town and the Black Tiger Gang, when mining source minerals on Yunhu Star, all had backers.

Although it wasn't openly stated, everyone certainly knew it.

Thinking of this, Wang Chen casually asked Fang Pingdong:

“The Black Tiger Gang has such a big appetite, aren’t they afraid of causing trouble for their backers?”

“…According to rumors, the mineral vein that the Black Tiger Gang currently controls is already nearing depletion, and the monthly harvest is getting worse each month.”

Fang Pingdong sighed.

Upon hearing this, Wang Chen couldn't help but feel a little speechless.

No wonder the Black Tiger Gang was so bold; they had nothing left to eat themselves, so naturally, they set their sights on others’ bowls.

If they succeeded, it would be good; if not, they could just withdraw, and there would be no loss.

Soon.

The flying vessel arrived at the Black Tiger Gang’s stronghold.

Compared to Zhao Family Town, the Black Tiger Gang’s place looked a bit old, but it appeared more fierce, with undisguised malice in the gazes that looked their way. Someone who didn't know might think this was a bandit's den.

As soon as Wang Chen and Fang Pingdong stepped out of the flying vessel, several people came forward to greet them. Judging by their attire, they didn't seem to be members of the Black Tiger Gang.

“Steward Fang, you’ve arrived. And this is?”

The leading middle-aged man cupped his hands towards Fang Pingdong, while looking at Wang Chen with a puzzled expression.

This man was extremely tall, but he had a hunched back, so he didn’t appear imposing. His complexion was also somewhat pale, with faint dark circles around his eyes, clearly indicating he hadn't rested well recently.

“Young Master Wang, this is Chief Li from Heyuan Village.”

Fang Pingdong introduced him upon seeing the newcomer.

“Mm.”

Wang Chen looked at Chief Li and nodded.

However, before he could speak, a mocking laugh came from not far away:

“A bunch of spineless fellows, what are you dawdling for?”

“Everyone’s here, so you should have the guts to see our leader now, right? Haha!”