As the most powerful family in Obsidian City, the patience of the Yan family even surprised Li Qing and Tian Long.
For almost three days, the Yan family had not made a move to demand Li Qing from the Yi Gang, as if they were unaware that Li Qing had been captured by them.
As the three days passed, even Tian Long himself began to feel restless. He had visited the prison several times, contemplating whether to bring up the matter and send Li Qing to the Yan family for them to handle.
However, Li Qing shook his head and refused the suggestion, responding to Tian Long with a single word: wait!
As a Long-lived being, he possessed far more patience than anyone else. After all, he still had over a hundred years of lifespan left; he could afford to wait slowly.
During this time, Li Qing exhibited an aura akin to that of an old hunter, quietly waiting for his prey to take the bait.
“I am well aware of what the second young master of the Yan family is scheming. He merely wants me to endure more torment here, and in the end, he will come to my rescue, only then can he win my heart.”
Li Qing chuckled coldly, keenly perceiving the other party's intentions.
He understood better than anyone the principle of providing timely help. After all, a blacksmith with some martial skills and considerable strength was quite valuable in Obsidian City.
The Yan family had no reason not to be tempted, and this was the greatest reliance of Li Qing's plan—his high confidence in the value he had displayed.
After waiting for nearly two more days, Li Qing and Tian Long finally received the news they had been eagerly anticipating.
Under the orders of the second young master of the Yan family, Yan San visited the Yi Gang's headquarters.
Tian Long, sitting majestically in the main seat, momentarily flashed a look of ecstasy in his eyes before quickly returning to normal.
“Zhao Kou, go and bring that Yan San in.”
A pale and weak-looking youth, with a sinister glint in his eyes, nodded and replied, “As you command, Gang Leader!”
This youth was the same person who had expressed a desire to join the Yi Gang a few days ago but was knocked to the ground by Tian Long's blade.
He had managed to survive despite his terrifying injuries and had naturally joined the Yi Gang, earning Tian Long's trust.
Soon, Yan San entered, his expression quite smug. With the backing of the Yan family, even the notorious Yi Gang dared not treat him poorly.
This was the confidence that being a lackey of the Yan family brought him!
“Hahaha, I have met Gang Leader Tian Long. The second young master sent me to convey his regards.” As soon as Yan San entered, he clasped his fists with a beaming smile, displaying proper etiquette.
However, the smugness in his eyes was hard to conceal, which displeased Tian Long, who sat high in his seat.
Immediately, he resolved in his heart that after flattening the Yan family, he would definitely deal with this lackey first!
“Hehe, I’m doing quite well. If I could have enough to eat every day, that would be even better!” Tian Long replied with a forced smile, “Now, tell me, what brings you to the Yi Gang?”
“Gang Leader Tian Long, the second young master asked me to come and inquire about the blacksmith you captured a few days ago. I wonder how he is doing now?” Yan San made his intentions clear.
Upon hearing this, Tian Long sneered and said, “Hmph, the Yi Gang has no extra food to support idle people. This blacksmith has been unwilling to serve me, and I was planning to turn him into a human stick in a few days!”
As soon as these words were spoken, a cold sweat broke out on Yan San's forehead, thinking to himself that he had come just in time.
“Ahem, Gang Leader Tian Long, the second young master did not ask for this person for no reason. Recently, the Yan family obtained some Blood Jade Mushrooms, and he is prepared to exchange half a pound of Blood Jade Mushrooms for ten pounds of White Meat Mushrooms and fifty pounds of Black Barley Mushrooms!”
Upon hearing this condition, Tian Long's expression gradually softened, and he burst into hearty laughter:
“Hahahaha, the second young master of the Yan family is truly too courteous. In that case, I have no use for Li Qing, and I will personally escort him to the Yan residence!”
Yan San couldn’t help but sneer inwardly, but he maintained a smiling face.
The two sides exchanged pleasantries, and this conversation came to an end.
After Yan San left, a smile crept onto the corners of Tian Long's mouth.
Everything was going according to plan; it was simply perfect. Li Qing truly had foresight!
Originally, sending Li Qing to the Yan family only required a few subordinates, and it felt somewhat out of place for him, as the leader of the gang, to accompany them.
However, after some haggling, the Yan family would surely promise benefits, allowing him to deliver Li Qing and receive goods in a legitimate manner.
Excited, Tian Long couldn’t help but recall his performance earlier.
Once he confirmed that there were no shortcomings, he finally felt at ease.
“Zhao Kou, go and find a few bundles of hemp rope, the more the better.”
“Wei Tian, you come with me to the prison where Li Qing is held.”
Wei Tian and the sinister-looking youth both responded simultaneously, “Yes! Gang Leader!”
In the Yi Gang's prison, a musty and rotten smell permeated the air.
To maintain the act, Li Qing had been enduring this foul odor for the past few days, not wanting others to notice anything unusual.
Suddenly, a hearty laugh echoed from outside the prison:
“Hahahaha, Brother Li Qing, you truly have foresight! Everything that has happened today is exactly as you predicted!” Tian Long laughed as he walked into the cell, speaking to Li Qing.
Li Qing raised his eyes and saw Tian Long's shiny bald head entering, followed by Wei Tian.
“Don’t celebrate too early; the main event is still to come.” Li Qing did not show much joy, instead wearing a serious expression.
“Regardless, the current situation is quite smooth, which is very favorable for us.” Tian Long remained ecstatic.
He had always been straightforward and rarely used such schemes, preferring to solve problems with brute force—fight if he could win, and concede if he couldn’t.
Originally, he planned to rally the brothers in the gang to go to war with the Yan family after successfully bringing Li Qing into the fold, without considering so much.
Now that Li Qing had devised such a seemingly perfect plan, if executed successfully, it would not only greatly increase the chances of success for this operation but also effectively reduce unnecessary casualties—simply perfect.
“Alright, have someone bring the items over and make me look like I’m on the verge of death.” Li Qing said.
(End of Chapter)