Chapter 2: Strange Gemstones

The woman nodded and said, "The head of the household is waiting for you inside, please go in quickly"

Chen Jiu nodded and said, "Alright, I will go meet the boss. You should just go do what you need to do!"

After speaking, the woman walked out. Clearly, although this woman was said to be very beautiful, the significant matters of the counterfeit were beyond her comprehension

After finishing his words, Chen Jiu leisurely walked towards the house that symbolized the leader. After Zhang Shiyang left, the little bandit looked at Chen Jiu's back with envy: "Alas, no matter how high one's martial arts skills are, one is still just a brute. It seems I need to learn more from Brother Jiu in the future. I wonder when this blood feud can be avenged"

As Chen Jiu casually flipped through the items inside, a palm-sized jade stone caught his eye. In a moment of daze, it seemed as if he saw a strange world gestating within this jade stone, and as he picked it up, a wave of warmth spread through his hand

If it were not for witnessing it with my own eyes, you would absolutely not believe that this person is the bandit capable of silencing all the children within an eight-hundred-mile radius.

Qingluo wine is one of the most famous wines in the world, often enjoyed only by the esteemed nobles of the court who can afford such fine liquor. However, for more than twenty years, even the ordinary nobles of the court have been unable to taste Qingluo wine.

Chen Jiu clearly noticed the hesitation of the leader, whether to take on the position of the leader or to prioritize self-preservation

The leader of the bandits, known as the Big Boss, is the head of all the bandits in the entire stronghold. No one knows the identity of the Big Boss, as the first batch of followers who supported him have all perished in the struggles for territory. To this day, the identity of the Big Boss remains a mystery, a mystery that everyone wishes to uncover. Unfortunately, apart from the Big Boss himself, no one knows the answer to this mystery

Beside the head of the household is a tea table, or rather a desk, where a cup of tea rests. The head of the household gently pushes the tea cup and says, "What a pity, you cannot practice martial arts; otherwise, there would be someone to manage this vast family estate for me!"

The head of the household wore a look of disappointment: "If no one passes through, then we will have no income. The year-end is approaching; are we to let our elderly and children in the mountains go hungry?"

The offerings for the Fangxian Dao are a matter of concern; when the time comes, if Fangxian Dao comes knocking, it is likely to result in a death sentence. However, if we do not distribute them, with the year-end approaching and such a large batch of goods at hand, the leader cannot justify withholding them. This situation is indeed quite troublesome.

I do not know what this little fellow's past is like, but this kid is always the fiercest and most brutal one when it comes to seizing the hill and robbing goods, even to the point of being bloodthirsty

Chen Jiuwen sighed upon hearing this, already aware of the leader's choice. He opened his mouth as if to say something, but ultimately did not speak.

Then, a light and airy sound of footsteps approached, and the door creaked open along with the * picture * book. A woman entered, a very beautiful woman, with a blush still on her face

It seems that one really cannot judge a person by their appearance; who would have known that this scholar-like man before us is actually the leader of a bandit group

The little mountain bandit smiled with satisfaction upon hearing this: "It seems that there is some important matter to discuss with you right in your own chamber!"

"I have met the lady!" Upon seeing this woman, Chen Jiu quickly bowed and did not dare to look more.

Every year at this time, everyone is happily distributing silver, but this year, due to the matter concerning Fang Xiandao, the head of the organization has closed the mountain, resulting in several months without income. Everyone is left with nothing to eat from the mountain. If something doesn't happen soon, it would be quite abnormal; these bandits are not to be trifled with

Knock, knock, knock! A series of knocks echoed at the door, followed by a faint sound from within, as if someone were tidying up.

Chen Jiu's expression remained unchanged as he took the jade stone along with several small items that appeared quite interesting into his hand

With fine wine now available, beautiful women have also arrived. The head of the household truly lives up to the title, possessing the best resources, and even the beauties are as fresh and vibrant as a large cabbage

Indeed, after observing that Chen Jiu had no reaction, the leader spoke up: "According to custom, is it still possible for merchants to pass through this area at this time?"

After a while, the leader pulled something from under the table, and a package emerged. He quickly unwrapped it, and a dazzling array of jewels and treasures nearly blinded Chen Jiu's eyes.

Chen Jiu was indeed very straightforward; after sitting down, he got straight to the point: "What does the head of the household want to see me about?"

Chen Jiu cast him a glance and feigned anger, saying: "You know that I have no way to practice, so you deliberately show off in front of me, right"

Because the entire stronghold was built by the leader himself, although he has not seen the finest woman, Zhang Shiyang has already caught a whiff of the aroma of wine, at least twenty-year-old Qingluo wine

After a while, the voice of the leader came from inside: "Who is it?"

Chen Jiu nodded and said, "I understand. However, have you recently enhanced your cultivation? You walk so silently that you startled me!"

It is absolutely impossible to see that chair with the naked eye, yet Chen Jiu is able to directly feel the chair beneath that cabinet, which clearly indicates that Chen Jiu is very familiar with the layout of this room

Chen Jiu clearly disdains the methods of the boss; can he not distinguish between the importance of life and power?

Listening to these cheesy words, Chen Jiu felt a wave of goosebumps. He could not allow this guy to continue speaking; otherwise, it would be quite detrimental if someone overheard.

As Chen Jiu was lost in thought, a small mountain bandit approached him: "Brother Jiu, the boss is looking for you again!"

This is the best house in the entire bandit stronghold. As the leader of the thieves and the strongest fighter in the stronghold, the chief always leads the charge down the mountain. It is only natural for him to reside in the finest house, sleep with the most beautiful women, and drink the best wine.

This has robbed the goods of Fang Xiandao, and the leader cannot speak carelessly; saying the wrong thing could lead to death

Chen Jiu was already accustomed to this woman's behavior. After entering, he casually closed the door, walked through a corridor, and lifted the door curtain to find a clay bed, on which sat a refined-looking man.

The leader looked at Chen Jiu and said, "These are the most valuable items among that batch of goods. Feel free to pick a few pieces, and I will send them out tomorrow"

Do not misunderstand, the leader is not a woman

The sounds that Chen Jiu heard outside earlier were those of the finance department

These are the only few items! said Chen Jiu

Chen Jiu walked directly towards a nearby cabinet, and with a gentle pull beside the cabinet, a chair appeared in his hand

Chen Jiu looked at the young servant, whose face was slick and oily, adorned with a smile full of goodwill. However, when one realizes that this little fellow, merely twelve or thirteen years old, holds the lives of over ten people in his hands, one would certainly hesitate to associate this smiling child with a ruthless killer.

At this moment, it is evident that the leader is struggling internally. Without food and drink, these subordinates will undoubtedly not behave themselves, and it is even possible that they might oust him from his position as the leader.

To take on the position of the leader, one must allocate finances; however, once the finances are allocated, it becomes impossible to explain to Fang Xian Dao, and at that time, it would be a dead end

The little mountain bandit chuckled, "Thanks to Brother Jiu, not long ago the boss granted me a book on lightness skills, and it seems to be quite useful!"

Head of the family, I am Chen Jiu

How could I dare? I, a mere junior, would never presume to do so. Although Ninth Brother, you are unable to cultivate, within our stronghold, we are unaware that you are the wise leader who guides our revival with unwavering authority. While I, as a lowly pawn, may be dispensable, our stronghold absolutely cannot do without you, Ninth Brother

One should not let benefits be taken advantage of by outsiders; this saying holds true everywhere. In the eyes of the leader, Chen Jiu is undoubtedly a trusted confidant.

Upon hearing this, Chen Jiuwen felt enlightened, already understanding the meaning of the leader's words. He shook his head and said, "It's hard to say; unless there is an urgent matter, no one would travel during the New Year, especially when the mountains are blocked by heavy snow"

A long sigh came from inside the room: "So it's you, kid. Why did it take you so long? Hurry up and come in!"

Alright, alright, I am afraid of you. I really didn't expect your face to be so thick. Where is the big boss waiting for me

The head of the household gently set down the tea cup and said: "You brat, you finally made it, make yourself comfortable!"

The old man remained silent, waiting for the leader's next words. It is better not to respond to such remarks, especially since the leader's words cannot be trusted. If you truly believe the deceitful words of a ruthless bandit leader, then you are not far from death.