Chapter Eighty-Two: Installments

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Bronze Fort, underground warehouse.

Lang Sheng gazed at the last crate, which still held five thousand Spirit Cores.

Just now, to heal his wounds and annihilate his foe, he’d borrowed five hundred thousand points of spiritual power from the system. Only after surrendering the Spirit Cores from two crates had he managed to settle the debt.

He could owe others, but the system’s accounts had to be cleared promptly.

One “wound healing,” one “armor-shattering attack”—expensive, indeed, but if they could save his life, then they were beyond price. In this world, the costliest things are those that money cannot solve.

All these choices had been the best options recommended by his newly-awakened companion, the System.

After this latest evolution, he found the system much more intelligent—or perhaps simply more willing to communicate with him.

In his mind, he silently intoned, “Brother System, I’ll never forget how you saved my life this time.”

“There’s no need for that. Between us, it’s only a fair transaction, nothing like a life-saving favor.”

“Well, for you, perhaps it’s just business. For me, it was the greatest crisis I’ve faced in years. Who would have thought, after weathering so many storms, I’d almost be toppled by this little creek?” Lang Sheng replied, lingering fear in his heart.

“There’s no reason to be disheartened. Many renowned generals and famous men have met their end at the hands of unknowns.”

“By the way, Brother System, do you have any advice regarding my current predicament?”

“That depends on the goal you’ve set for yourself: is survival your top priority, or power, or perhaps advancement?”

“Survival comes first, of course.”

“If survival is your aim, then I suggest you sell the entire Bronze Fort and seek refuge with the Star Chamber of Commerce. They’re recruiting heavily right now. As long as you swear loyalty to their president, you’ll naturally gain their protection.”

Hearing this, Lang Sheng felt a surge of reluctance.

He knew exactly where this reluctance came from—he’d grown used to being in command, well aware of the privileges of leadership. Just as he could publicly execute Wang Kui without fear.

If he hadn’t mishandled the aftermath, there would’ve been no consequences.

But if he sought shelter elsewhere, he’d become another Wang Kui—forced to tread carefully and swallow his pride.

“Is there no other option?” he pressed.

These were matters he’d ask no one else—only the system, only the system, which now had his complete trust.

It was simple: had the system not advanced him that power, he’d already be dead—there’d be nothing left to discuss. To doubt the system now was pointless.

The system could always abandon him for a greater patron; while he, without the system, was just another petty leader, forever on the brink of extinction.

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“The secondary option is to offer the Bronze Fort to the Star Chamber of Commerce. This way, you’d maintain some independence. They’d grant you the honorary title of Lord of the Fort and do their utmost to ensure your safety.”

“Why not give it to the Silver Chamber of Commerce?” Lang Sheng pressed further.

“That’s simple—they’re unfathomable, utterly beyond your control. As for Lin Zhongqing, she’s proud. As long as you show her due respect, she won’t soil her hands or risk her reputation dealing with you. You already know all this from your own memories.”

“So that’s how it is. With my current strength, holding this prosperous fortress is still too much for me,” Lang Sheng conceded.

Yet within him, a fierce, long-unfelt humiliation blazed. Today, he’d tasted it all.

He’d been shamed by a youngster before the entire fortress, forced to kneel like the lowest worm, completely at their mercy.

In truth, the system’s advice matched reality perfectly.

He’d lost all prestige—everyone in the fort had seen his weakness. Though he’d made a desperate comeback, the face he’d lost was irretrievable.

At any moment, someone might try the same stunt—and next time, there’d be no half-hour reprieve.

At this thought, he felt deeply grateful to Feng Erjin. He knew the man had his own motives, but at least he’d stepped forward.

He decided at once, “Brother System, is there any martial art suitable for me to cultivate right now?”

“Your Wolf Might Demon-Dispelling Fist is excellent. You should keep practicing, especially refining and developing its later stages. The ability to see through an enemy’s weaknesses is an ingenious technique.”

“I’ll do that. Any other suggestions?” Lang Sheng resolved to try contacting that presence again, hoping to obtain the fist’s advanced techniques.

“Yes. Your spiritual intensity has reached Silver Rank, but you’re lacking the corresponding arts to wield it.”

“Ah, I just remembered something,” Lang Sheng stood up, annoyed. “I forgot to search that old woman’s corpse. She ought to have a technique or two on her.”

He wasn’t too worried, though—Feng Erjin would likely collect anything of value for him.

“That’s just a worthless spirit-control technique. I have a manual far superior to anything your kind possesses. You can exchange for it.”

“How much?” Lang Sheng asked eagerly. After recent events, his desire for strength was more urgent than ever.

“Ten million. But don’t worry—I offer installment plans… Just three hundred thousand down for the first month, with an annual interest rate of eight percent.”

Lang Sheng was momentarily speechless. “Brother System, that’s so down-to-earth it’s almost jarring. I need a moment to adjust.”

“No worries. After a few more transactions, you’ll see I’m not one of those high-and-mighty, pretentious types. I’m easy to deal with—so long as you have the cash.”

“I’m already starting to see that.” Lang Sheng felt as if he’d boarded a pirate ship, but at least he was willing.

He thought for a moment, then hurriedly strode out of the warehouse. He needed to liquidate his assets, he needed to invest, he needed to grow stronger!

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The old woman’s corpse would surely yield some valuables—he could make a tidy sum. And the fortress itself could be bargained over with the Star Chamber of Commerce.

And then there were the prisoners in the dungeons—all highly valuable talents, perfect for selling to the two chambers.

……

The next day, August 26th.

Silver City.

In the office of the Star Chamber of Commerce, the silver-haired steward found Lin Zhongqing.

“President, I have wonderful news!” he announced excitedly.

“Go ahead,” Lin Zhongqing replied, eyes still closed and head bowed.

“Lang Sheng, the master of Bronze Fort, has sent a telegram. He wants to sell the fortress to us in exchange for shares in our chamber. If we refuse the shares, he’ll settle for Spirit Cores and an honorary lifetime membership.” The steward’s face was alight with excitement.

“Oh? The heavens don’t drop pies for nothing—there must be a reason,” Lin Zhongqing said, opening her eyes with a faint smile.

The heavens may not drop pies, but they do drop systems—or, rather, husbands.

“Yes, the reason is…” The steward quickly recounted Lang Sheng’s predicament.

“Heh, just a lone wanderer who knows how to use Spirit Armor, and that’s enough to frighten him? Clearly, he’s no true hero. I’ve met him a few times before and thought he had some potential. Now, it seems he’s nothing special,” Lin Zhongqing shook her head.

“To stand alone against all the pressures of this wasteland, as you do, President—how many can manage that? Most settlement leaders either become puppets or agents, never truly able to grow. This isn’t some strategy game, after all,” the steward said, full of pride.

Lin Zhongqing neither agreed nor disagreed. “What’s your opinion on this?”

“We think we should accept. Bronze Fort is well situated. Besides, we can’t remain in Silver City forever—two tigers can’t share one mountain. Relocating to Bronze Fort offers more room for growth. True, the population there is smaller, less than twenty thousand, but for a young chamber like ours, it’s enough,” the steward urged.

“Silver City mustn’t be abandoned. It’s the commercial hub, with many commissions and a great reputation,” Lin Zhongqing reminded him.

The steward nodded repeatedly, “Of course, it will remain an important branch.”

After further discussion, Lin Zhongqing left the steward to handle the negotiations while she slipped into the world of consciousness to continue cultivating her newly acquired Heavenly King’s Jade Control Technique.