Chapter 104: Trial Sale

Cheng Feng held a very high opinion of the long-range attacks of archers.

In his past life, the power of arrow formations in film and television had been deeply imprinted in Cheng Feng's mind; that kind of overwhelming, rain-like density of arrows was enough to cause devastating blows even against a thousand troops and ten thousand horses.

Even though the current possibility was very low, it was hard to hold back the wild galloping of thoughts in Cheng Feng's heart.

The Hong Sect's opening speech was very successful; the eyes of the disciples all held the same kind of light.

That was the conviction and ideology Cheng Feng hoped to see.

A burden was lifted from Cheng Feng's heart.

The current industries were two completely different paths: the liquor industry, with thin profits but huge sales volume; and Fine Salt, which had low volume but high profit. These two different management styles made it hard for people to see the connection between them, which was even more favorable for Cheng Feng to hide his true intentions.

Cheng Feng had a good grasp of his business. When he brought out the Fine Salt, Wang Hu already had a rough idea in his mind. Although Cheng Feng did not understand those complex ins and outs very well, it did not matter; after all, a boss pays wages precisely to have his subordinates help handle matters!

After some exchange, Cheng Feng decided to let Wang Hu first contact the merchants to try a private transaction and explore the ropes.

Since it was the first time, Cheng Feng also went along, wanting to take the opportunity to broaden his horizons.

Thus, he dressed himself up carefully. Cheng Feng disguised himself as a servant, smearing some black ash on his face, and he, who was originally handsome and refined, instantly became rustic and unrefined.

In addition, Wang Hu brought along Sun Gui and Zhou Hai to serve as the muscle for this operation.

The four of them waited quietly in a remote corner outside the city of Qingxi County.

At the third watch of the night, owls hooted in the desolate forest, and the night wind was strong, making the leaves rustle.

The night moon also hid behind the dark clouds.

Facing this dark perspective, Wang Hu took the initiative to say to Cheng Feng: "At this hour, they should be arriving soon."

Cheng Feng nodded, indicating he understood; and it was more than just understanding, as the Blood Refining Initial Stage realm had greatly increased Cheng Feng's five senses.

In the night wind, there was not only the sound of leaves flapping but also the hidden sound of two people moving around Cheng Feng and the others.

They seemed to be observing something in the dark.

Cheng Feng knew what was going on in his heart and naturally would not startle the snake.

The other party observed for a good while before finally seeing some clues: the number of people in Wang Hu's group was small, and they did not look like they were sent by the authorities.

At this very moment, the surroundings were pitch black, with only the sound of birds chirping constantly. Wang Hu placed his left hand to his lips and let out a series of calls, seemingly communicating and echoing with someone or something in that dark forest.

After a special "communication," the sound of horse hooves finally came from afar. In this endless darkness, six tall and powerful steeds moved slowly, appearing and disappearing; they were like giant beasts in the night, revealing an aura that would devour people.

These six steeds kept circling around Cheng Feng and the others, and a trace of impatience gradually rose in Cheng Feng's heart; just as he was preparing to make a move,

he noticed that these men all had their chests bared, their muscles sturdy and incredibly toned. Every one of their movements contained some kind of martial technique; although Cheng Feng did not quite understand the mysteries within, he could still feel a faint, dangerous aura rushing toward him.

Cheng Feng had come out this time to broaden his knowledge, so he naturally left everything for Wang Hu to handle.

When the horses stopped and ceased circling, Wang Hu cupped his hands and stepped forward, saying: "May I ask if this is Sui Ran in person?"

The leading man did not speak, but the second-in-command beside him said disdainfully: "No need to get chummy. Those who know this routine of ours basically have good goods they want to offload. Hurry up and take them out for us to see. If it's useful, we'll sell it for you—three for me, seven for you. If it's not useful, you name your price. There's only one chance; if we don't see eye to eye, half a sentence is too much. It's better to go back and sleep with a woman, that's more satisfying."

Wang Hu was not angry; instead, he introduced himself very politely: "I am the Fumen of the Hong Sect. Recently, our sect obtained a batch of top-quality goods, so I have come specifically to ask Chief Sui to take a look personally and see if it meets your black market requirements and standards."

Standing to the side and remaining silent, Sui Ran cast his gaze toward the shortest man among the group. This man exuded a dangerous aura that made Sui Ran feel uneasy.

Seeing that the man did not speak, Sui Ran dared not be the least bit negligent. He waved his hand to signal the Lao Er behind him not to continue speaking, held up a lit torch, and quickly urged his horse forward a few steps, saying to Wang Hu with a condescending posture: "Take out what you brought and let me see!"

At this moment, Wang Hu had already made full psychological preparations. After all, the situation with this batch of goods was special and inconvenient to spread. If the two sides could not reach an agreement, they would likely have to resolve the problem with force.

Wang Hu took an exquisite small cloth bag from his chest and tossed it toward Sui Ran.

The second-in-command beside him shouted secretly: "Boss, be careful!"

Sui Ran, however, caught it casually and nonchalantly: "No need for that. Everyone is being cautious for the sake of silver; no one will go against silver. This bag isn't just a sample, is it!?"

He looked at Wang Hu with suspicious eyes, but his tone carried undeniable certainty.

Wang Hu said: "That is indeed the case. Chief Sui is sharp."

Sui Ran laughed freely; he had heard plenty of flattery like this.

Feeling the texture in the bag—fine, sand-like grains—Sui Ran's expression changed abruptly. He reached out and dipped a little out of the bag; the pure salty taste brewed in his mouth, without a trace of earthy smell, nor the heavy, sour astringency.

Sui Ran looked at the grinning Wang Hu: "I have never heard of the Hong Sect's name before!"

Wang Hu already had a draft in his heart: "A newly established small gang, naturally it wouldn't catch Chief Sui's eye. This business, is Chief Sui going to do it or not?"

Seeing that Chief Sui already knew what was in the bag,

Wang Hu naturally did not need to be coy. Cheng Feng and he had already coordinated before coming; the fewer people who knew about this, the better.

Although the situation in the Great Zhou was already showing signs of decay, it was still a behemoth that Cheng Feng could not climb over.

Making a fortune without drawing the attention of the Great Zhou was the goal Cheng Feng had set.

Even within the Hong Sect, only Wang Hu knew that the Hong Sect was going to sell Fine Salt.

A common saying from his past life went well: "Store grain widely, build walls high, and claim the throne slowly."

Cheng Feng had no great ambitions in his heart; he only wanted to seek self-preservation. But feeling the flames of war rising everywhere in the Great Zhou, with blood and fire right before his eyes, for the sake of self-preservation, Cheng Feng also had to prepare in advance.

That was why Cheng Feng followed along the first time, acting as a servant to serve as a facade for the Hong Sect and to raise the Hong Sect's prestige.

Additionally, to prevent any contingencies, killing to silence witnesses was also unavoidable.

On a large tree not far away, Babai was also lurking with a bow and arrows.

This was truly lurking: motionless, no breathing, no heartbeat, no need to eat, and able to endure loneliness.

Just waiting for Cheng Feng's order, an arrowhead would pierce the head of the person in front.