Chapter 663: One Crisis After Another

Chapter 663: One Crisis After Another

Fang Che had left a long time ago, and the hall remained silent.

After a while, someone finally sat down.

Letting out a long sigh, they said with relief, "Thank goodness, I was so scared..."

These words immediately sparked a reaction.

"Oh my... I'm drenched in sweat."

"Me too."

"I felt like my soul had already walked the path to the underworld, but unexpectedly, I was pulled back."

"Oh my, today I actually drank with Fang... Fang Da Ren."

"Why did you change the way you addressed him halfway through? Why didn't you just call him by name?"

"Screw you! You call him!"

"I dare not."

The Bandit Kings all expressed their astonishment. Then, they felt their hearts pounding wildly, and sweat covered their bodies as they broke out in cold sweats.

Their limbs felt weak, and they could barely hold their chopsticks. This genuine experience of escaping death was truly... too thrilling.

"Everyone, shall we leave now?" someone asked.

Some were startled and trembling.

"Leave? Where to? Didn't you hear what Fang Da Ren said? He told us to finish the food on the table and not waste it. Do you dare to leave? Then go ahead and leave!"

"Never mind... Let's eat first, then leave."

Lu Sihai raised his cup and said, "Everyone, let's drink to Fang Da Ren's generosity. Let's raise our cups and drink to the wine he offered us."

Everyone forced a smile and raised their cups, "The Head Bodyguard is right."

"This cup of wine is especially fragrant."

"Yes, yes."

"The food is delicious too."

"Yes, yes."

It must be said that humans are strange creatures. It was the same food, but now, it tasted exceptionally flavorful.

Especially with the words 'invited by Fang Da Ren' at the forefront, the Bandit Kings suddenly cherished the meal.

"To be honest, I don't even want to waste this bowl of soup. This meal, this lifetime, I'm fortunate to have had such an opportunity. Meeting Fang Tu not only spared our lives but also treated us to a feast."

Someone sighed sincerely.

Everyone nodded in agreement.

"Yes, yes, now that you mention it, I feel even more reluctant to waste it. We should savor every bite and sip."

"Then take your time eating. By the time you finish, Fang Da Ren will wake up... and have a heart-to-heart talk with you."

"Ah!"

Then, the leader raised his cup and said, "Lu Zongbiaotou, thank you!"

Everyone was puzzled as to why they were expressing gratitude.

Lu Sihai smiled faintly and said, "It's not necessary to thank me; it's just good fortune for all of us. Thank Fang Da Ren instead."

"No, without Lu Zongbiaotou, where would we have such an opportunity? We must express our gratitude."

The crowd remained perplexed.

What was going on?

The leader, with his purple face, frowned and said, "You don't realize how much you've gained tonight?"

"Du Da La, please explain. What's going on? My mind isn't working well..."

Everyone nodded in agreement.

Du Da La sighed and said, "I was saying that you guys would never amount to much in this lifetime, and now you don't even realize the favor you've received?"

He sighed and said, "You were scared, right? In the future, your income will decrease, and you'll feel the pain. With more rules to follow, you'll feel restricted. Many things you won't be able to do, and you'll feel regretful, right?"

"Yes, yes," everyone nodded repeatedly.

"But you didn't listen carefully."

Du Da La said, "On the surface, it seems like a loss, but we all kept our lives, right? Think carefully about what Fang Captain said. There are two words that require special attention: 'in the future'!"

"If we continue like this, we'll all have a future and live. Do you understand?"

"As for those who didn't come, didn't you hear Fang Captain say he wanted a list of them? I want to ask you, what does Fang Captain want that list for?"

"Can't you figure it out?"

Du Da La, frustrated, said, "From now on, those people can be considered dead. Do you understand? This isn't just saving your lives, but also promising a future. How can you not be grateful?"

Everyone suddenly realized, "We should, we should. Yes, yes, yes!"

Du Da La said, "Moreover, why didn't Fang Captain kill us today? Have you ever thought about the reason?"

"Please enlighten us, Du Da La," everyone said together.

"Fang Captain has a far-sighted vision; that's his brilliance. We all know about the Greenwood Path, and it will never be completely eradicated. If we were all killed today, tomorrow, another group of powerful individuals would emerge. Don't we know how we rose to power ourselves?"

Du Da La sighed and said, "So, Fang Captain doesn't need to worry anymore. The new bandits will be starving, and their eyes will turn green with greed. They'll be the most ruthless. So, he doesn't want new ones; instead, he lets us handle it, and everyone is happy. Moreover, we are all on Fang Captain's list, and in the future, we'll follow the rules better than newcomers, right? With our accumulated experience, isn't it enough to sustain us? There's no need to be too harsh, right? This is like using our hands to forge a Peaceful Path. This is Fang Captain's far-sighted vision."

Everyone remained silent, their hearts suddenly filled with deeper respect for Fang Tu. He wasn't just a bloodthirsty killer; his thoughts were truly profound.

Du Da La laughed and said, "Also, those who didn't come today, those on Fang Captain's list, let's discuss them later. These are all our benefits."

"Huh? Du Da La... please explain," a Bandit King flattered and offered a cup of wine.

"Do those people still need Fang Captain to deal with them personally? As long as he releases the news, they'll be scared and run for their lives. They want to live, but how can they survive?"

Du Da La calmly said, "Apart from surrendering to us, what else can they do to survive? Hmm? Surrendering to us, becoming our subordinates, isn't that following the rules? Isn't this a benefit for us? You guys are so thick-headed."

Suddenly, everyone understood, their eyes turning green with greed, "There's still this kind of benefit... Tsk tsk, after hearing Du Da La's explanation, it's like..."

"It's because of Lu Zongbiaotou that we have this opportunity. Everyone, shouldn't we express our gratitude?"

The crowd nodded in unison, their excitement palpable as the atmosphere grew lively. They raised their glasses, toasting, "To Lu Zongbiaotou..."

Lu Sihai, with a restrained smile, said, "As I said, you all have good luck... It has nothing to do with me."

"The Head Bodyguard is being modest. I'll drink to that. You can do as you please, but I've made a friend for life!"

"Head Bodyguard..."

A few whispered curses could be heard, directed at those around them, "Damn, he's not just screwing us over, is he?"

"No, brother, my real brother! You're my flesh and blood brother, little brother, fill me up!"

The others had sycophantic expressions on their faces.

Someone voiced their concern, "But if Captain Fang says this, won't people say we're running a black society, robbing and pillaging? In the Guardian Hall, this would be considered a crime, right?"

The crowd scoffed, "Even Du Da La understood, if they can't understand, then they're either idiots or have ulterior motives."

Du Da La's face turned as dark as iron, and the more he listened, the more something seemed amiss. He scowled and said,

"But even though Captain Fang said this, everyone knows his rules. After we leave here, we'll all go to my place, and we'll plan together. There are many things that can't be done, but since Captain Fang is going to clean up this route, there will be fewer competitors in the future... So, there won't be any issues in the future."

Du Da La raised his cup, "Come, let's toast Lu Zongbiaotou once more."

"Cheers!"

The bandit lords carefully and quickly finished their food, leaving not even a drop of soup, and the plates were cleaner than if they had been washed.

Even the alcohol was consumed without leaving a drop.

Then, while the sky was still dark, Lu Sihai bid farewell to the others, and they left, facing the cold wind, disappearing into the forest.

They dispersed in different directions, reaching a distance of a thousand miles before each of them finally let out a long sigh of relief.

Looking back, the events of last night seemed like a dream.

But Captain Fang's voice and appearance were etched into their minds, unforgettable for this lifetime.

Lu Sihai stood at the door, feeling like the events of the past two days had been a dream.

"It was just a sudden incident, Qian Shanfeng, but it directly laid out a thousand mountains and rivers, a peaceful path!"

"That's amazing!"

...

At dawn, Fang Che stepped out.

The escort convoy was already lined up neatly, ready to depart.

Lu Sihai waited by the side.

"Lord Fang."

"Mhm, just give me the list when you get back. Point out the location, and then release the news. That's all."

Fang Che said, "There's nothing else, let's go."

Looking at Fang Che's expression, it seemed like nothing had happened last night.

Lu Sihai was about to express his gratitude, but Fang Che stopped him from saying it.

Lu Sihai felt deeply grateful.

Because last night, he had truly been terrified. Even if Fang Che had killed everyone in the room, then so be it.

The reason he hadn't taken action was to give Lu Sihai face.

It was also for the sake of the Great Saber Escort Agency and the tens of thousands who relied on it for their livelihood.

Moreover, this would give Lu Sihai enough prestige to last a lifetime. With this reputation, the Great Saber Escort Agency's fame would rise to new heights. This was the true capital of an escort agency, enough to sustain it for several generations!

Lu Sihai couldn't forget this favor.

Fang Che, on the other hand, had more complex thoughts. He considered the long-term financial benefits for the Southeast Headquarters.

Those bandit lords would have to follow his instructions from now on. Anyone daring to cause trouble would be eliminated immediately.

It would be even better if there was another example to set.

That way, the Southeast Headquarters would have an additional source of income every year.

Furthermore, with these people in place, no new bandits would dare to rise, ensuring long-term stability. That was why he had set up this scheme.

As for the evil deeds these people had done in the past... For the sake of the future and the bigger picture, he couldn't be bothered with that now.

They traveled a distance beyond Baiyunzhou.

Up ahead, someone was approaching against the wind.

Lu Sihai was startled, thinking there were bandits? But upon closer inspection, they turned out to be people from the Southeast Headquarters, led by Zhao Shanhe and An Ruo Xing.

"You're back? Really back?"

Zhao Shanhe excitedly rushed forward to greet Fang Che, patting his shoulder, "I sent over a hundred people in batches to send communication jade, but they were all intercepted. If not for Wu Zhiyun's constant reports that you were fine over there, I would've been worried to death."

Fang Che touched his nose, surprised at this turn of events.

Thinking about it, it made sense.

Zhao Shanhe didn't know anything, and it was right for there to be such an arrangement. The one who intercepted them should be one of the giants...

It seemed that the Ninth Lord's gaze had been fixed on this place all along.

But there might also be people from the Only Righteous Sect intercepting... They probably wouldn't neglect that.

"Why did you bring so many people?"

Fang Che narrowed his eyes and laughed, "To welcome me back?"

"Of course!"

Zhao Shanhe spoke with righteous indignation, "You've accomplished a great feat in Baiyunzhou, so naturally, I must welcome you back!"

"Then let's go."

Fang Che laughed heartily.

Zhao Shanhe followed beside Fang Che, his eyes darting towards the hundreds of escort vehicles, itching with curiosity. After walking for several dozen li, he finally couldn't hold back, "Fang Che, are there really tens of thousands of billions in those vehicles?"

Fang Che rolled his eyes, "Since you're here to welcome me, why worry about money?"

"Uh, uh."

Zhao Shanhe was silenced by Fang Che's words, his face turning purple.

Wanting to stay behind to check out the escort vehicles, he was pulled back by Fang Che, "What are you doing at the back if you're here to welcome me?"

Zhao Shanhe's expression was as if he had a nail under his buttocks, making it hard for him to sit still.

Finally, he asked again, "Really tens of thousands of billions?"

Fang Che coldly smiled, "I knew you weren't just here to welcome me! If I didn't bring back the money, I doubt I would've even seen you, Chancellor!"

Zhao Shanhe chuckled, his face greasy with anticipation, "So, how much is there?"

The Financial Chancellor stood by, listening intently.

"The first three vehicles are our patrol squad's."

Fang Che said, "The ones behind, after conversion, should be around a dozen or so."

"Over ten thousand?" Zhao Shan He exclaimed, his eyes wide.

"A hundred million!"

Fang Che replied.

Plop!

The Financial Chancellor fell off his horse, but quickly bounced back up like a spring, "Oh my..."

"Why? Is there a shortage of money? The amount I left for you when I left should be more than enough," Fang Che wondered.

"It's far from enough."

Zhao Shan He was almost in tears, "Uncle Fang, your suggestion is good. But it's too much... When you return, you'll see for yourself."

"What's going on?"

"The Ninth Young Master has ordered the Nirvana Martial Academy to expand, and children from all over the continent are being sent here..."

Zhao Shan He's face was filled with sorrow, "In the future, the amount of money needed will be like an ocean. In just two months, the number of children at the Nirvana Martial Academy has reached two million."

"I'm dizzy!"

Fang Che was stunned, "So many?"

"And it's not just that, more are still being sent from various places," Zhao Shan He said with a hint of resentment.

"Why not build another one elsewhere? Why insist on the Southeast?"

Fang Che was puzzled.

"There's no money elsewhere," Zhao Shan He explained.

"There's no money in the Southeast either!" Fang Che was furious, "Are you trying to bully me?"

"But the Southeast has you."

Zhao Shan He's face turned red with embarrassment.

"..."

Fang Che was speechless, "You, as the Chancellor, say this and don't feel anything wrong? If everything relies on me, then what use is there in having you as the Chancellor?"

"What's wrong with that?"

Zhao Shan He said shamelessly, "As long as you submit the report, I'll immediately send it up and then step down, giving the Chancellor's position to you."

Upon hearing this.

The Financial Chancellor immediately became spirited, his eyes fixed on Fang Che, hoping for his agreement.

Because this Chancellor was truly capable of raising funds.

Following Zhao Shan He was like a rollercoaster; one moment they were starving, the next they were in debt.

"Following Zhao Shan He will leave you hungry nine times a day!"—This was the consensus among the Finance Department.

Before Fang Captain came to the Southeast, this phrase was known to all.

If Fang Captain were to become the Chancellor, then... At this thought, the Financial Chancellor's eyes gleamed with the brilliance of gold.

Fang Che scowled, we breathe! You and your kind will always prevail!"

Zhao Shan He immediately became timid, "Then you do it."

"Hmph!"

Fang Che snorted in disdain and rode forward, "Go inspect it yourself, and don't you dare touch my three carts."

Zhao Shan He beamed with joy and accompanied the Financial Chancellor to the escort cart.

As they watched the cart move forward, their eyes shone like they were gazing at their bride walking down the aisle.

Their four eyes sparkled like wolves in the dead of night.

They exchanged a glance, and their faces were filled with foolishness.

An Ruo Xing looked at them disdainfully and turned to chase after Fang Che.

"So... so many..."

The Financial Chancellor's eyes lit up.

"These three carts in front, they must be the very best..."

Zhao Shan He sighed, "These three carts, if you touch them, something will happen."

The Financial Chancellor knew it was impossible, but as a financial staff, his nature urged him, "What if we ask for half a cart? Or even a third of a cart, that's still several billion more."

Zhao Shan He's face darkened, "He killed a hundred million people to get these, think about it yourself?"

The Financial Chancellor fell silent.

His expression was as if a piece of his flesh had been cut off.

The Financial Chancellor didn't want to take it for himself; on the contrary, he was from a poor family.

But the Southeast Headquarters now gave him a feeling: no matter how much money, it wasn't enough!

Thinking about how every day he opened his eyes and owed several billion outside, the Financial Chancellor's heart ached, and he couldn't breathe every morning...

"So much money is needed..."

Zhao Shan He was helpless, so he took the Financial Chancellor to catch up with Fang Che, "Captain Fang, can we discuss this?"

"Hmm?"

Fang Che asked.

Zhao Shan He's face was filled with anticipation, "Your three carts, can they... can they..."

"Hmm?"

"Share some? Half a cart?"

Zhao Shan He's voice lacked confidence.

Fang Che said, "Half a cart?"

"Even a third of a cart is fine."

Fang Che pondered for a moment and said, "I remember before we left, you gave us a few hundred billion IOU."

Zhao Shan He's face darkened, "Huh?"

"Then this, I'll give you the IOU."

Fang Che said, "The first four carts are mine. It's settled."

Zhao Shan He and the Financial Chancellor's faces fell.

The fourth cart must also be something good; this cart was probably worth several times more than the IOU. So, they not only failed to get what they wanted, but also got a severe scolding in return?

The two of them were stunned, their hearts aching as they struggled to speak. Especially the Financial Chancellor, who clutched his chest, on the verge of a heart attack.

"Yes! Just the first four carts! Not a single hair less, or I'll make trouble for you!"

Fang Che said, "You actually want my three carts? You're truly greedy! If you bother me again, it'll be five carts!"

After saying this, he rode away.

Lu Sihai held back his laughter and struggled to keep a straight face as he followed Fang Che. These two were truly strange, wanting to rob Captain Fang... Tsk, tsk!

The Financial Chancellor was heartbroken, unable to breathe.

Zhao Shan He regretted it, "Let you be greedy! Are you satisfied now? You didn't get anything, and even lost a cart!"

The Financial Chancellor was dejected and didn't want to speak.

"You didn't even look at who that is, a person who single-handedly slaughtered several billion, more vicious than a demon, and you take advantage of him?"

Zhao Shan He angrily scolded the Financial Chancellor all the way.

This journey was smooth and uneventful.

They arrived at the Southeast Headquarters, and on the way, Fang Che received a new communication jade.

Spiritual power was input, and he was still unable to connect: he needed to add contacts again.

"Damn it!"

Fang Che's face darkened.

"How are they doing now?"

Fang Che asked.

"It's almost over, you have nothing to do for now, so just rest."

An Ruo Xing said, "It's like a mini-vacation for you, if you want to visit home, then go and stay for a few days."

Fang Che was speechless for a moment.

If only you had said this earlier...

He had just returned from a family visit and was now at the Patrol Hall when the Financial Chancellor, with a tearful expression, watched as Fang Che directed the four escort vehicles ahead to enter. His last hope vanished as he said, "You're really going to do this..."

"Do you think he's joking with you?"

Zhao Shanhe held his own IOU and crushed it into powder with a palm strike, "Ah, I'm finally free of debt."

The Financial Chancellor objected, "You used the company's money to repay your own debt? That's unacceptable. You have to issue an IOU to me!"

Zhao Shanhe's face darkened, "Issue an IOU? I'll issue one to your entire family if you want. What do you mean by 'your own debt'? Are you even making sense as a Financial Chancellor?!"

Ye Meng and Zhao Ying'er were overjoyed to see Fang Che return. They wanted to explode with happiness, but with so many people around, they could only silently exchange glances.

Lu Sihai, with his clear eyes, immediately bid farewell, "Lord Fang, please rest well. We'll deliver these to the other side."

"You've worked hard."

"It's my duty. All the expenses and compensation for Captain Fang's team, I'll settle directly over there. If Lord Fang is dissatisfied, just let me know anytime."

"I trust you, Head Bodyguard."

"Lord Fang, you're so considerate. I, Lu Sihai, am not an unreasonable person. You can rest assured. We'll meet again."

Lu Sihai bowed and left with the escort vehicle.

The Financial Chancellor, along the way, protected the vehicles like a mother hen guarding her chicks, swaying back and forth. Occasionally, he would turn back with a pained expression...

Four vehicles!

Four vehicles! All of them were top-grade... and now in the private warehouse.

The Financial Chancellor's heart sank as he thought about it, and he couldn't breathe from the pain...

He clutched his chest and carefully escorted the remaining vehicles, knowing that he couldn't afford to lose any more...

If anyone dared to touch them again, I'd fight to the death!

Finally, the courtyard quieted down.

Ye Meng's red-rimmed eyes finally shed tears as she rushed over without a sound and buried her head in Fang Che's embrace, sobbing silently.

The water flowed out, and soon Fang Che's chest was damp.

Over the past three months, who knew how much worry and fear she had endured.

Even Ye Meng, a martial artist of Imperial Level cultivation, often had nightmares, dreaming of Fang Che returning bloodied each time...

She would wake up and keep her eyes open until dawn.

Fang Che held Ye Meng's petite body and patted her gently, "It's okay, I'm back..."

Ye Meng didn't respond, she just cried silently, her small body trembling.

Zhao Ying'er, standing beside them, was filled with warmth as she watched Ye Meng cry in Fang Che's embrace. Her own eyes welled up, and she bit her lip, unable to move.

Ye Meng could freely throw herself into Fang Che's arms, but she couldn't.

She lacked the status to do so.

She forced herself to endure it.

After a long while, Ye Meng lifted her head from Fang Che's embrace, biting her lip and smiling shyly. She carefully straightened Fang Che's clothes, "I made you wet..."

"It's fine. You can continue crying tonight, cry happily." Fang Che said softly.

"You're so mean..." Ye Meng's swollen eyes from crying showed a hint of shyness, and she patted Fang Che lightly.

Then Zhao Ying'er finally had a chance to speak, "This trip must have been tough, right?"

"It's manageable."

Fang Che smiled, "Over here, are you busy?"

"It's fine. The supplies they brought back have all been stored. Anyway, after you left for half a month, there have been escort vehicles almost every day."

"How much space is left in the warehouse?"

"With these four vehicles, it's full."

Zhao Ying'er frowned, "What should we do now?"

"Let's go through them again and only keep the best ones. Then, we'll sort out the rest and have Zhao Zong, the Head Chancellor, issue an IOU to take them away."

Fang Che said.

"Hahaha..."

Zhao Ying'er laughed, "Head Fang, you're quite cunning. Anyone with eyes can see that you're trying to increase the income of the Southeast Headquarters, but you still want an IOU."

"Those are two different matters."

Fang Che explained, "Having an IOU is like holding their necks. It's one thing to be casual in daily life, but an IOU is a must. If they dare to make us uncomfortable, we'll immediately start debt collection mode!"

"Otherwise, I'd really turn against them!"

Fang Che's brows furrowed.

Ye Meng and Zhao Ying'er both laughed.

"You're so mean," Ye Meng scolded, but she couldn't help but smile.

She immediately opened the escort vehicle and started organizing.

Fang Che wanted to help, but the two women firmly refused.

They made him sit and rest in a chair.

"Why are you getting involved in the indoor work?"

"Do you think we can't even move these things? What use do we have then?"

Fang Che had no choice but to sit and rest in the room.

As soon as the escort vehicle opened, spiritual energy overflowed, flooding the area. All the nearby Patrol Teams and those at home immediately sat in meditation and began cultivating vigorously.

Their movements were extremely familiar by now.

This had become a conditioned reflex.

Ever since the neighboring Life and Death Patrol Team was established, the nearby teams had benefited. Not only when the escort vehicles arrived, but even during their usual cultivation, the spiritual energy in the area was much denser.

This made everyone envious.

"Tsk, they're also Patrol Teams. Look at them every day, then look at us every day..."

"Then why don't you go over there and join the Life and Death Patrol Team? What do they do that we don't? At least we'd have some dignity!"

"Are you looking for an argument?!"

"It's you who's always acting strange. I can't stand people like you... Pfft!"

They said it in jest, but everyone truly felt a bit of indignance.

The Life and Death Patrol Team had good income, but the work... it wasn't something ordinary people could handle. If they went there out of envy, they'd probably not last three days...

Fang Che sat down and started pondering.

Rest?

Rest was impossible.

He needed to go to the Heavenly Escort Bureau to stabilize the troops. The Night Demon Sect also needed to be established quickly...

These tasks required a lot of time.

However, what Fang Che didn't expect was that before he could even bring up these two matters, other issues came knocking.

Far away on another continent, Xue Wanren was in the final stages of his mission and felt a deep sense of melancholy.

A piece of news almost made him curse.

The reason was that the Xue Clan's agreement with Fang Che for a battle a year ago was about to expire.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end