Chapter 457: What I Want Is an Army That Absolutely Obeys Orders!

Because of the war, gold prices have surged, already breaking 300 per gram, and the upward trend continues.

"I believe within seven days the price will rise to 350 per gram," Su Yang said slowly.

Zhao Xian felt some excitement about this, but not much.

Because he was the first to know Jinshan's secret.

He also fully understood why the Warlord was so ruthless toward them.

What pained him was his brothers' lives, and he also worried that the Six Harmony Society, being a small temple, could not accommodate so many great Buddhas if it expanded blindly.

Feng Jingchu vaguely knew the secret, having learned of it from Su Yang, and was equally thrilled.

Although she wasn't as greedy for money as Ceng Yunzhong, in this era who could resist the lure of wealth?

The most surprised was Zi Huai; he is now a favorite of the Mighty King, and Su Yang could not have been unaware of that.

Yet he still proclaimed the earth‑shattering secret in a pompous manner.

Then a few doubts inevitably arose in his mind—

Was he testing?

Or setting a trap?

"Bring the tea!" Su Yang called toward the doorway.

Soon, several bar waitstaff promptly brought the tea up.

Su Yang took a light sip, spat out the tea dregs, and said softly, "I understand your concerns, fearing that the Six Harmony Society can't swallow the whole thing at once; being too radical will inevitably cause a recoil."

"I know the pros and cons better than any of you, but we have no time; Jinshan in Xicheng District will eventually be exposed as a façade."

"When that time comes, the Six Harmony Society will be settled after the harvest, and not only the Warlord will come, but also the Qinglong Gang, the Ronggui Group, and even other major forces from other districts."

"If we don't adjust in time, none of us here, myself included, can escape."

Zhao Xian nodded gravely, realizing the seriousness, "Where shall we recruit?"

"Isn't that simple?" Lin Yang spread a map of Jinshan City on the table, pointed to Nancheng District District and said, "After the artillery baptism, a third of Nancheng District District lies in ruins, with tens of thousands of displaced civilians—they are the perfect recruitment pool!"

"Also, people from Beicheng District District can be recruited; we won't give them positions, just money, letting them 'work'!"

Su Yang smiled, "They sign a labor contract, bring a life‑or‑death certificate; we provide food, clothing, shelter, and weapons free of charge, and they only need to complete training on schedule, with quality and quantity."

"Of course, when needed they'll charge into battle; if they die, we will give their families a certain amount of compensation, and the exact sum depends on the situation."

If this were a peaceful era, no one would volunteer.

Even with pay, being a mercenary isn't something everyone wants.

After all, with happy families, elders above and children below, life everywhere holds hope.

Who, after being well fed, would risk death just for a few coins?

But now the situation is vastly different; the Warlord slaughtered innocents indiscriminately, and the populace has long harbored resentment and anger.

Add to that homelessness and pennilessness.

Su Yang's move is, to them, a savior bringing sweet rain.

Many times, for their families, they are willing to give everything.

Even their lives!

Therefore, he is not worried about lacking recruits.

On the contrary, he only worries whether the weapons and gear are sufficient.

Money is merely the smallest issue for him, perhaps not even an issue.

"What if someone refuses discipline?" Feng Jingchu asked.

Su Yang saw through her thoughts, smiled, and said, "You take charge of this task."

"We have a batch of similarly weighted molds; for safety, we use dummy guns for training."

"If there is a thornhead, we kill on the spot, no discussion!"

Sensing the chilling murderous intent radiating from Su Yang, everyone involuntarily shivered.

They hadn't expected such a young leader to harbor such intense killing intent.

"Eating this part isn't troublesome; we just need to get the surrounding elders to pay for cooking, but as for lodging…" Ceng Yunzhong began to speak but stopped.

Now the southern part of Nancheng District District is all ruins; where can we find a place to stay?

We can't possibly stay in a hotel, can we?

With tens of thousands of people, just housing would cost a huge sum.

Lin Yang tapped the table, "The Slum is the best training ground and resting place; the locals can also handle cooking."

"Its secrecy is excellent; outsiders usually avoid it, and even gunshots go unheard here."

"We've also prepared the ore‑grinding site here; the refined gold will be stored temporarily, then shipped out in one batch for distribution."

"Thus, not only does it conceal our activities, it also won't raise suspicion."

At these words, everyone's eyes lit up instantly.

Indeed, the Slum is a naturally perfect 'rebellion' spot.

The locals are simple, the area is spacious, and few ever visit.

"Hall Master Lei, how are the mining candidates?" Su Yang asked.

"They're settled, but a sudden incident in Beicheng District District may prevent timely arrival," Lei Cheng said.

Days ago Su Yang had already sent him to Beicheng District District to find experienced miners.

Now that place has also become the battlefield's core, with casualties no less than Nancheng District District.

Su Yang furrowed his brow, pondered briefly, and said, "…add money; regardless, the person must arrive within three days."

"Alright, I'll handle it right after," Lei Cheng nodded in agreement.

"The recruitment task goes to Hall Master Zhao and Hall Master Feng, regardless of gender, ages 18 to 45, anyone with hands, feet, and the ability to shoulder a gun is accepted…"

"Yes!"

"Food and clothing are procured by Zeng Tang Zhu; the price is yours to negotiate, but the quality and quantity must be guaranteed."

"Yes!"

"The grinders and chemicals will arrive in two days, the mining workers at the latest in three days, and once the personnel and machines are all present we'll start immediately; we must develop and grow in the shortest possible time!" Su Yang said loudly.

Upon hearing this, everyone's blood boiled with excitement.

They have lived here for a long time and are deeply versed in the ways of the jianghu.

Who doesn't want to be the decision‑maker?

Su Yang's great ambition is astonishing, yet also inspiring.

At this moment he is like a forced‑upon‑Liangshan 'Song Jiang', compelled to rebel.

"Finally, I need everyone from Shadow Hall to train the new recruits; I want unstoppable warriors, not assassins, so the training policy must change," Su Yang said, looking at Shadow.

"My Task is to protect the Gang leader; I'm sorry I can't comply with the training request," Shadow's hoarse voice said.

"This is an order, not a request, and there's no negotiation. If you refuse, Shadow Hall will be disbanded on the spot, and everyone under you will be expelled from the Six Directions Association!" Su Yang's gaze suddenly turned fierce.

Shadow remained silent.

"I want an army that obeys orders absolutely. From now on, anyone who dares to dissent will be dealt with according to the Gang Rules!" Su Yang slammed the table.

He then asked sharply, "I'll ask you one more time: this Task… will you take it or not?"

At that moment, all Hall Masters turned to Shadow, dangerous looks flashing in their eyes.

As soon as Su Yang gives a single order, they will subdue him without hesitation.

Shadow's eyes flickered briefly, and he gave a slight nod.

"Very well." Su Yang looked at Zi Huai, a sharp gleam flashing in his eyes, "After we finish with them, it's time to talk about you."

"Purple Hall Master!"

Zi Huai's heart gave a sudden jolt, and he said cautiously, "Gang leader, whatever you want to know, I will tell you everything I know!"

"I'm curious: how does a Hall Master of a medium‑sized Gang suddenly become a favorite of the Mighty King's side?" Su Yang said with a half‑smile.