Demanding a Person

As the most powerful family in Obsidian City, the Yan Family's patience exceeded even Li Qing and Tian Long's expectations.

Nearly three days passed, and the Yan Family made no move to demand the person from the Righteous Gang, as if they were unaware that Li Qing had been captured by the gang.

After three days, even Tian Long himself started to get restless. He visited the prison multiple times during this period, contemplating whether to bring up the matter himself and hand Li Qing over to the Yan Family for them to deal with.

However, Li Qing shook his head and refused the suggestion. He only gave Tian Long one word in response: wait!

As an immortal, he possessed far more patience than anyone else. He still had over a hundred years of lifespan to live, and he could afford to wait it out slowly.

During this time, Li Qing's demeanor was akin to that of an old hunter, quietly waiting for his prey to take the bait.

"I know exactly what the Second Young Master Yan is planning. He merely wants me to suffer a bit more here before he steps in to save me from my predicament. Only by doing so can he win my heart."

Li Qing let out a cold laugh, his keen senses piercing through the other's intentions.

He understood the principle of "sending charcoal in the snow" better than anyone.

After all, a blacksmith who knew a bit of martial arts and possessed considerable strength was quite valuable in Obsidian City.

The Yan Family had no reason not to be tempted. This was the greatest reliance of Li Qing's plan: his high confidence in the value he had displayed.

After another two days of such waiting, Li Qing and Tian Long finally received the news they had been eagerly anticipating.

Following the instructions of the Second Young Master Yan, Yan San visited the Righteous Gang's headquarters.

Tian Long, seated imposingly in the main seat, felt a flash of immense joy in his eyes, which quickly subsided.

"Zhao Kou, go and call Yan San in."

A pale and weak, yet sharp-eyed young man nodded and responded, "Yes, Gang Leader!"

This young man was the same one who, a few days prior, had expressed a desire to join the Righteous Gang but was defeated by Tian Long with a single strike.

He had survived the ordeal; he hadn't died from such horrific injuries and had naturally joined the Righteous Gang, earning Tian Long's trust.

Soon, Yan San entered. His expression was one of smugness. Backed by the Yan Family, even the notorious Righteous Gang wouldn't dare to do anything to him.

This was the confidence that came from being a lackey of the Yan Family!

"Hahaha, greetings, Gang Leader Tian Long. The Second Young Master sends his regards," Yan San said with a broad smile and a cupped-hand salute as soon as he entered. His manners were quite thorough.

However, the smugness in his eyes was undeniable, which greatly displeased Tian Long, who was seated on the main seat.

Immediately, he resolved in his heart that after dealing with the Yan Family, he would first make an example of this lackey!

"Heh heh, I am doing very well. It would be even better if I could eat my fill every day!" Tian Long continued with a forced smile, "Speak, what business do you have with my Righteous Gang?"

"Gang Leader Tian Long, the Second Young Master sent me here to inquire about the blacksmith you captured a few days ago. How is he doing?" Yan San stated his purpose directly.

Upon hearing this, Tian Long let out a cold laugh and said, "Hmph, my Righteous Gang doesn't have extra grain to feed idlers. This blacksmith refuses to work for me, and I was planning to cripple him in a few days!"

As soon as he said this, beads of cold sweat appeared on Yan San's forehead. He thought he had arrived just in time.

"Ahem, Gang Leader Tian Long, the Second Young Master sent me to ask for that person. Please show some mercy!"

Bang!

Tian Long's expression turned completely stern. He said, "Yan Gui'an wants the person, so he gets the person? Where does that leave the face of my Righteous Gang!"

Yan San wiped the sweat from his forehead and quickly replied, "Gang Leader Tian Long, the Second Young Master isn't asking for this person for free, of course. The Yan Family has recently acquired some Blood Jade Mushrooms. He is prepared to trade half a jin of Blood Jade Mushrooms for ten jin of White Meat Mushrooms and fifty jin of Black Rye Mushrooms!"

Hearing this offer, Tian Long's expression gradually softened, and then he burst into laughter:

"Hahahaha, Young Master Yan is too kind. Since that's the case, I have no use for Li Qing. I will personally escort him to the Yan residence later!"

Yan San couldn't help but sneer inwardly, but he maintained a smiling face.

After a few more exchanges of insincere pleasantries, the conversation concluded.

Once Yan San left, the corners of Tian Long's mouth couldn't help but curl upwards.

Everything was within plan; it was perfect. That Li Qing was truly a prophet.

Originally, escorting Li Qing to the Yan Family only required a few servants. It would have been odd for him, the gang leader, to go along.

However, after some bargaining, the Yan Family was bound to promise some benefits. This way, he could legitimately go to their mansion to hand over the person and receive the goods.

Internally excited, Tian Long couldn't help but recall his performance just now.

After confirming there were no flaws, he finally felt at ease.

"Zhao Kou, go find some bundles of hemp rope. The more the better."

"Wei Tian, you will accompany me to the prison where Li Qing is held."

Wei Tian and the sinister young man replied simultaneously, "Yes! Gang Leader!"

Inside the Righteous Gang's prison, the air was filled with the smell of mold and decay.

To make the act convincing, Li Qing had endured this unpleasant odor for the past few days, unwilling to let anyone see through his facade.

Suddenly, a hearty laugh echoed from outside the prison:

"Hahahaha, Brother Li Qing, you truly are a prophet! Everything that happened today is exactly as you predicted!" Tian Long roared with laughter as he entered the cell and said to Li Qing.

Li Qing looked up and saw Tian Long's shiny bald head enter, with Wei Tian following closely behind.

"Don't get too happy too soon. The main event is still to come," Li Qing replied, showing little joy and instead a serious expression.

"Regardless, the current situation is going very smoothly, which is quite beneficial for us." Tian Long was still ecstatic.

Being straightforward by nature, he rarely employed such schemes, preferring to resolve matters with brute force – fight if he could win, and concede if he couldn't.

Originally, he had planned to rally the gang members and directly confront the Yan Family after successfully recruiting Li Qing, without considering so many details.

Now that Li Qing had presented such a seemingly perfect plan, if it were executed successfully, it would not only greatly increase the success rate of this operation but also effectively reduce unnecessary casualties. It was simply the best possible outcome.

"Alright, have someone bring the items over and make me look like I'm on my last breath," Li Qing said.