Chapter 64: Strategizing with the Mountain‑Piercing Leopard (Part 2)

Chen Wen's counterproposal.

Like a loud slap, it struck Chuan Shan Bao's face, yet it also left him a sliver of a step.

Whether to step firmly on that sliver of a step or to tear his face apart completely, the choice was returned to Chuan Shan Bao.

Jiao Tu Zhen spent another two days in tense waiting.

The militia training never relaxed for a moment, and even became more arduous.

Chen Wen occasionally carried out extensive empowerment (double effect, focusing on discipline and aura).

Let this unit always keep its sharp edge.

The Construction Bureau and Land Reclamation Bureau remained busy as well, and an atmosphere of outwardly relaxed but inwardly tense war preparations permeated inside and outside the town.

Finally, Chuan Shan Bao's reply arrived.

The content was brief and full of hostility, yet it also revealed a hint of compromise.

"Three days later, at the border black pine forest, each side brings ten people; let's speak plainly face to face!"

The black pine forest lies at the junction between Jiao Tu Zhen and Chuan Shan Bao's territory.

The terrain is relatively open, with good visibility, hard to ambush, making it a neutral meeting spot.

"Boss, this is surely a Hongmen banquet!"

"That Chuan Shan Bao is full of tricks; we must be on guard!"

Zhang Cheng was the first to object.

Chen Wen, however, appeared very calm:

"He is willing to meet at the border, rather than insist that I go to his stronghold."

"This in itself shows he is nervous, unwilling to drive us to a dead end."

"Ten versus ten, in the black pine forest, we may not lack an advantage."

He looked at Zhang Cheng and the eight other militiamen selected as the finest and most alert, and said in a low voice:

"This time we go, not to fight, but to show our strength!"

"To let him see clearly that the price of provoking us is something he cannot afford!"

"What we want is to subdue the enemy without fighting!"

Three days later, at dawn. Black pine forest.

Chen Wen brought only nine people:

Zhang Cheng, Qian Gui, and seven elite soldiers picked from a hundred.

Each wore a sword and carried a bow, their eyes sharp, standing silently behind Chen Wen like a pack of leopards ready to pounce.

Chen Wen himself bore a solemn and restrained demeanor; the intangible pressure from his sixteenfold quality made the surrounding air feel somewhat heavier.

Opposite him, Chuan Shan Bao also arrived on time.

He was burly, his face covered in horizontal flesh, a scar running from his forehead to the corner of his mouth, adding to his ferocity.

The nine guards he brought were all vicious outlaws with murderous looks, sizing up Chen Wen's party with ill intent.

"Hmph, a wet‑nosed brat, yet you put on quite the airs!"

Chuan Shan Bao spoke first, his voice hoarse and unpleasant, trying to overwhelm Chen Wen with aura.

Chen Wen smiled faintly, not taking his bait, and went straight to the point:

"Leopard Chief, since you've come, you must agree with my earlier proposal."

"Farm tools can be traded, tariffs fair, non‑aggression. Is there anything else you'd like to add?"

Chuan Shan Bao was momentarily choked by Chen Wen's calm demeanor, then gave a sinister laugh:

"Advice? What I'll teach you is that in this territory, if you're a dragon you coil, if you're a tiger you crouch!"

"Don't think that beating Liu the Lame, that good‑for‑nothing, gives you the right to strut in front of me!"

Before his words had finished, a hot‑headed leader behind him stepped forward, pointing at Zhang Cheng and cursing:

"You surnamed Zhang, the score from Black Wind Stronghold last time hasn't been settled with you!"

Zhang Cheng's eyes flashed, about to retort, but Chen Wen lightly raised his hand to stop him.

Chen Wen's calm gaze swept over that leader, finally landing on Chuan Shan Bao's face:

"Leopard Chief, it seems your subordinates don't understand the rules."

"We're here to talk, not to listen to barking."

"Who are you calling a dog!" the leader exploded in rage, drawing his waist belt knife with a clang.

Almost at the same instant, Chen Wen moved!

Not an attack, but seemingly he casually stepped forward one step.

But that single step unleashed a sudden burst of intangible aura!

The pressure from his sixteenfold senses and strength, like a tangible mountain, crashed toward the opposite side!

Especially toward the leader who had drawn his blade, Chen Wen's gaze was like an icy blade, instantly locking onto him.

That leader felt his breath catch, as if stared down by a primeval beast, his hairs standing on end.

The raised blade actually froze in mid‑air, and a cold sweat instantly broke out on his forehead.

The other guards behind him also felt their hearts sink, involuntarily stepping back half a step.

Chuan Shan Bao's face changed slightly; he personally felt that heart‑pounding pressure, and only then truly realized the young man before him.

He was absolutely not as simple as he appeared on the surface!

No wonder Liu Du Tou fell into his hands!

"Enough!"

Chuan Shan Bao shouted at his men to stop, his face darkening as he looked at Chen Wen.

「Chen Wen, well done. 」

Chen Wen restrained his aura, regained his composure:

「Leopard Head Chief, you flatter me. 」

「I only hope the negotiation can proceed on the basis of mutual respect. 」

「Our Jiao Tu Zhen does not seek war, but we also do not fear it. 」

「Liu Du Tou's fate is the best proof. 」

「Peaceful coexistence with us, mutual exchange of goods, benefits both sides. 」

「If we must meet with weapons, our Jiao Tu Zhen will accompany you to the end! 」

His words rang out like metal hitting stone; behind him, Zhang Cheng and the others straightened their backs, a solemn killing intent spreading.

Chen Wen quietly bestowed a concentrated empowerment on them (double effect, focusing on aura and will).

Making this ten-person squad appear like tens of thousands of troops, steadfast and unshakable.

The Mountain Leopard's eyes flickered, his inner turmoil intense.

He originally came to pressure and extort, but he didn't expect the other side to be so tough, and the strength and confidence they displayed far exceeded his expectations.

If we clash head-on, even if we could win, it would definitely be a pyrrhic victory; by then, other forces might take advantage.

Especially, to the east lies the Li Family Manor, eyeing us like a tiger; it's said they have already formed an alliance…

After weighing the pros and cons, the Mountain Leopard's fierce aura finally dissipated.

He snorted, his tone softening somewhat:

「Forget it! I don't have time to waste on a junior like you! 」

「Just as you said, I'll buy the farming tools at market price, the tariff…」

「Just follow the Li Family Manor's example! Non-aggression! 」

「But if you dare play tricks, I will certainly not spare you! 」

That's agreement!

Although his tone remained tough, the substance had fully accepted Chen Wen's conditions.

Chen Wen secretly breathed a sigh of relief, knowing he had won this contest.

He clasped his hands and said:

「Leopard Chief, refreshing! Since it's so, one word settles it! 」

「The specific transaction details can be handled by Qian Gui and your side. 」

A potential military disaster was finally dissolved invisibly under Chen Wen's skillful use of strength to intimidate and diplomatic tactics.

The Mountain Leopard left with his men, resentful, though he hadn't gained any advantage.

But at least a strong enemy was temporarily eliminated, securing the rear.

Watching the Mountain Leopard and his men recede, Zhang Cheng couldn't help but exclaim excitedly:

「Chief, you're amazing! A few words scared off this vicious leopard! 」

Chen Wen, however, shook his head, his face showing no joy:

「Not scared off, but made him see the cost. 」

The Mountain Leopard is merely retreating temporarily, not genuinely convinced.

Our peace with him is fragile.

The real threat has never been him.

His gaze once again turned eastward, to the area said to be haunted by Mountain Sprites and where the Iron Crow Army operates frequently.

Having resolved the near-term worry, it's time to confront the true distant threat.

The tranquility of Jiao Tu Zhen requires stronger strength and more proactive action to defend.