After seeing Cui Zhongyi take on disciples, Liu Guanfeng was very pleased. Since Cui Zhongyi was unprepared, he could only take out some gold coins from his pocket and gave each disciple twenty gold coins as a meeting gift.
However, Liu Guanfeng had already planned ahead. As their Shishu, he couldn't be stingy. So, he took out the prepared items from his Cosmic Bag. Liu Guanfeng placed his hand under the table and pulled out two swords and a sword manual.
"These two swords are gifts from your master for both of you. Since your master wasn't prepared, I, as your Shishu, will present them on his behalf. The sword manual is called 'Willow Leaf Sword Technique.' If you have any questions, feel free to ask me anytime."
"What kind of weapons do you both prefer?" Chai Liang and Chai Guang bowed to Liu Guanfeng and said, "We disciples are not worthy of choosing weapons; we will leave it to Shishu's decision."
Liu Guanfeng looked at Cui Zhongyi, who also said to Liu Guanfeng, "Shidi, your skills are higher than mine, and your knowledge is broader; you should make the decision."
Liu Guanfeng smiled and nodded, "Alright, Chai Guang, you are more agile and quick-witted, so I will grant you a set of spear techniques called 'Panlong Spear Technique.' Practice it well when you go back; this Flying Tiger Spear is also a gift for you." After saying that, Liu Guanfeng handed a long spear and a book to Chai Guang.
Chai Guang stepped forward to receive the Flying Tiger Spear and 'Panlong Spear Technique,' bowing deeply to Liu Guanfeng.
"Chai Liang, you are more stable and have good arm strength, so I will give you a set of knife techniques called 'Mountain Splitter,' along with a Greatsword. This Greatsword was crafted by your Master and is named Li Feng." After that, Liu Guanfeng presented the Greatsword Li Feng and 'Mountain Splitter' knife techniques to Chai Liang.
At this moment, Cui Zhongyi said from the side, "Aren't you two going to thank your Shishu?"
The two brothers happily knelt on the ground and bowed three times to Liu Guanfeng: "Thank you, Shishu."
"Alright, it's getting late. You two brothers can go now. Remember to practice hard in the future. If I find out you're slacking off, I will teach you a lesson on behalf of your master. Do you understand?"
"Yes, Shishu! We take our leave now." The two brothers turned and left Liu Guanfeng's study. After they left, Liu Guanfeng smiled at Cui Zhongyi and said:
"Brother, are you satisfied with these two disciples?"
"Of course I'm satisfied. You have always been better at judging people than I am."
"When you have time, you should teach these two kids more."
"That's for sure. As my first disciple, how could I not take care of them? Don't you think so?"
Liu Guanfeng nodded, "I still trust you very much, but I have another question that I'm quite concerned about."
"What question?" Cui Zhongyi looked at Liu Guanfeng nervously.
"Brother, when do you think Chai Liang and his brother will take on the surname Cui?" Liu Guanfeng said with a mischievous smile, at which point Cui Zhongyi realized that Liu Guanfeng had already seen through his little thoughts. He scratched his head awkwardly.
"Brother, you need to act quickly. I think you two are quite compatible. Although she is a widow, being able to raise such a good brother shows her character is definitely not an issue. If you two really end up together, I believe she will become your capable assistant."
"Don't worry, brother. I will definitely work hard on this. I must take my leave now." Cui Zhongyi smiled as he left Liu Guanfeng's study.
In the blink of an eye, there was still half a month until the Gates of Hell opened this year. Not long ago, Liu Guanfeng's Chinese Chamber of Commerce had just delivered the last batch of weapons and armor to Winter City. At this moment, the soldiers in Winter City had also changed into their armor and were heading to the Gates of Hell.
That day, Zhang Diba quietly arrived outside Liu Guanfeng's room.
After Liu Guanfeng opened the door and let Zhang Diba in, the two began discussing the uprising.
"Zhang Leader, may I ask how many matters and individuals you have uncovered in your Underworld over the past year?"
"This is all thanks to your help. If it weren't for you secretly sending people to collect evidence, I would have found it difficult to clear out so many people."
"Where are you being modest, Zhang Leader? What are your plans now?"
"I want to return to Yuru's side to protect her safety. I'm afraid Severe Winter will launch a surprise attack on her."
Liu Guanfeng nodded, "Zhang Leader, is your New World ready for the uprising?"
"Of course. Our supplies are enough for five hundred thousand troops for half a year."
"Alright, when the Gates of Hell open, I will bring our Merchant Guild members into Winter City. I will have my own arrangements by then."
"Okay, I will head back now. From now on, I will rely on you, Liu President."
"Zhang Leader, you jest again. May our cooperation be successful."
"Successful cooperation." The two men shook hands tightly.
An uprising against Severe Winter was already prepared; it was only a matter of time before it would commence.
Not long after their discussion, Liu Guanfeng's Chinese Chamber of Commerce purchased a large courtyard in Winter City. Liu Guanfeng also moved the headquarters of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce to Winter City. However, he did not relocate everyone there; he merely grandly took away his three hundred guards and several top blacksmiths like Qifeng Ge from the former fishing village. All other members remained at the Chinese Chamber of Commerce and disguised themselves as blacksmiths and guards, appearing to be just a small portion left by Liu Guanfeng, while in reality, most of the blacksmiths stayed behind.
The reason Liu Guanfeng did not take these people was that they represented the future of all blacksmiths on Luo Heng Island. Moreover, these individuals were of no use in war; bringing them to Winter City could lead to unforeseen circumstances. Thus, Liu Guanfeng left them in the former fishing village. Regarding their complaints, Liu Guanfeng could only suppress them with his identity as President. These individuals were extremely obedient to Liu Guanfeng and Qifeng Ge; even if they were unwilling, they dared not voice their discontent.
Before leaving, Liu Guanfeng also left Cui Zhongyi and his two apprentices with the New World, arranging for the three of them to be by Zhang Yuru's side. As for Chai Liang's mother, she remained in the former fishing village for safety since it was the headquarters of the New World.
Along with Cui Zhongyi, there was also XP by Zhang Yuru's side. With XP, Liu Guanfeng could communicate with Zhang Yuru from a distance, making it almost as effective as a phone call.
Once everything was arranged, Liu Guanfeng took the members of the Merchant Guild and left the former fishing village. Before leaving, Liu Guanfeng discussed the timing of the uprising with Zhang Yuru. Since this was a new world uprising, Liu Guanfeng could only act as an undercover agent responsible for clearing some obstacles in the new world.
Soon, Liu Guanfeng and all his guards arrived in Winter City. The lord of Winter City personally came to congratulate them on the relocation of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce headquarters. This was because when the lord was considering purchasing family equipment, he received significant discounts from Liu Guanfeng and had been assured that if he wanted to buy equipment in the future, he could come directly to him for the best quality, lowest price, and fastest delivery.
With this promise, how could the lord not be happy? While others had to wait a long time to purchase weapons and equipment, he only needed to wait a few days.
Liu Guanfeng and the Chinese Chamber of Commerce thus established their roots in Winter City. Liu Guanfeng also began calculating the date for the uprising. He had agreed with Zhang Yuru to take action after learning that Zhu Xiao had led his army to occupy the fortress and that the Gates of Hell had closed. If Zhu Xiao failed to capture the fortress, then the plan would be postponed until next year. This was because if Severe Winter had those forty thousand soldiers wearing Chinese Chamber of Commerce weapons and armor join the battle, it would certainly lead to massive casualties. Therefore, for safety's sake, they had to wait for Zhu Xiao to occupy the fortress on Said Island. This way, when the new world attacked, Severe Winter would be overwhelmed, and those left on Said Island would quickly perish without supplies.
This was Liu Guanfeng's plan. He also knew that in order to fulfill his dream of unification, those forty thousand soldiers wearing Merchant Guild uniforms were undoubtedly the most elite on Luo Heng Island. This significantly reduced casualties for the new world. Forty thousand battle-hardened elites in sturdy armor wielding high-quality weapons were certainly not something anyone wanted to face. This troublesome issue was easily tossed over to Said Island by Liu Guanfeng.
The Gates of Hell opened smoothly once again, and news from the frontlines reported consecutive victories. A month after the Gates of Hell opened, Winter City finally received word that Zhu Xiao had captured the first fortress on Said Island. At this moment, it could be said that all of Luo Heng Island was filled with joy; officials cheered for their king while commoners celebrated that they would soon no longer have to fight. However, would Severe Winter truly cease hostilities once they occupied Said Island? Only he himself knew.
After receiving this news, Liu Guanfeng organized his men and began leaving Winter City, announcing externally that he wanted to check on matters at his other shops in different cities. This time, Liu Guanfeng took almost all his guards with him because accompanying him were Qifeng Ge, the chief blacksmith consultant of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce, and his disciples. As a result, there were hardly any people left in the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Winter City.
On the night after their departure, Liu Guanfeng called Qifeng Ge, Huang Tie, and the current captain of his guard team together and said to them: "You three will head to Autumn City as planned while I will return to Winter City."
Liu Guanfeng's words immediately drew simultaneous objections from all three: "Xiaofeng, you can't leave! If you're going back to Winter City, you must take some guards with you; it's too dangerous."
"Master, let me go back for you."
"Vice President, how about I take some people back? You stay here; those dangerous tasks are meant for us."
Liu Guanfeng shook his head: "I've already said this matter cannot be changed. If I go back personally, I can ensure better control over it. Besides, I haven't even married my wife yet; why would I go seek death? If I let you go instead, that would be courting death! Moreover, my target is smaller if I go alone. I've already arranged fifty guards for my safety in Winter City; I'll be fine."
Qifeng Ge thought for a moment, "Xiaofeng, what will we do when we arrive in other cities after you leave? What if a President from a Merchant Guild or a family invites you to dinner?"
Liu Guanfeng smiled slightly, "I have already thought about this. Do you see who that is?"
As Liu Guanfeng spoke, the curtain was lifted, and someone who looked exactly like Liu Guanfeng walked in. Unless one was very close to Liu Guanfeng, it would be difficult for others to distinguish whether this person was indeed Liu Guanfeng.
The three of them stared in surprise at the newcomer, who bowed to Liu Guanfeng and said, "Liu Hong pays respects to the Vice President."
"Liu Hong, you may rise," Liu Guanfeng said with a smile as he looked at the three people in front of him. "What do you think? Can this person replace me in public appearances?"
Qifeng Ge nodded, "He really looks like you. If it weren't for the time I've spent with Xiaofeng, I would find it hard to tell the difference. Xiaofeng, you truly have a talent for this. Since you've thought of everything, I believe it will be safe for you to go to Winter City. So go ahead; we will follow your plan."
Liu Guanfeng nodded, "You must remember that once you hear Winter City has been occupied, do not linger in Autumn City; head straight to Summer City. We will gather there. Once you arrive in Summer City, send someone immediately to Spring City to bring all our Merchant Guild members back to Summer City. After I secure Summer City, I will confront Severe Winter."
The three of them nodded immediately, "Understood, President. We will act according to the plan. Please take care of yourself."
Liu Guanfeng smiled and nodded before quietly disappearing from the Chinese Chamber of Commerce's camp. He returned to Winter City and sat on Little Black's back, looking up at the sky: a new world is coming soon.
Then Liu Guanfeng took out a pill from his pocket and dissolved it in water before applying it to his face. A new visage appeared on Liu Guanfeng's face. Little Black vanished into the vast night like a black line.
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