Wujia City was essentially a gathering place for five families and the refugees they had taken in.
Their greatest advantage was their geographical location—it was conveniently situated at a reasonable distance from various factions, and the roads were not difficult to traverse.
The five major families also adhered to rules, which made people willing to come here for trade.
However, this wasn't unique to them. A nearby faction also enjoyed a similar geographical advantage.
They had long wanted to organize a trade fair or auction to turn their camp into another hub for merchant caravans.
Unfortunately, Wujia City had been doing well, leaving them with no opportunity.
But it was predictable that as soon as Wujia City formed an alliance with the notorious Black Mountain Camp, the surrounding factions would abandon them.
At that point, the other camp's opportunity would arise.
Moreover, Black Mountain Camp and Wujia City had a history of enmity.
Originally, the five families of Wujia City had to unite to stand against Black Mountain Camp.
If even one family were to be infiltrated, the balance of power would immediately shift, weakening them significantly.
The other four families naturally wouldn't want this, and the Huang family, even if they married into Black Mountain Camp, wouldn't want to be subservient to the Black Mountain King.
It's obvious what choice anyone would make—being a king in the city or a dog to the Black Mountain King.
Qian Sanduo looked at Tang Wen.
To sabotage the martial arts competition for marriage, Tang Wen would have to step in.
He spoke up, "Black Fang is formidable. If I suddenly intervene, losing would put my life at risk, and winning would earn me the eternal enmity of him and Black Mountain Camp!"
Except for Zheng Nanzhu, who was visibly upset, everyone else understood that it was time to negotiate the price.
Young Miss Zheng thought that Tang Wen was either an arrogant fool who didn't even value himself or simply not a man at all!
The Zheng Family Head chuckled, "Is Flame Camp really afraid of this?"
Tang Wen shook his head lightly: I would never work for free, let alone take on risks.
But the matter of risk wasn't non-negotiable.
At worst, I could retreat to the palace for seclusion after this.
The palace's food is truly exceptional!
The Zheng Family Head became interested, "Then let's follow the rules of the martial arts competition for marriage. If you defeat the Black Mountain Devil, I'll marry my daughter to you! As for your wife, you can bring her to the Zheng family. Moreover, the Zheng family can offer you a dose of 'Marrow Protection Fluid.'"
"Father?" Zheng Nanzhu was about to say something but was stopped by the Zheng Family Head's glance.
Is there really Marrow Protection Fluid?
Although Tang Wen didn't need it, that didn't stop him from wanting it!
A dose of Marrow Protection Fluid could likely elevate a talented Martial Master to the Transcendent level.
Having Marrow Protection Fluid also meant that the Zheng family wouldn't decline for the next fifty years.
Tang Wen shook his head firmly, "Thank you for your kindness, Zheng Family Head, but let's not mention this again."
"Can your wife compare to my daughter?"
"Father!"
Zheng Nanzhu's tone was filled with displeasure. What kind of woman from some village could possibly compare to me?
Tang Wen glanced at her calmly and smiled faintly, "My wife is naturally peerlessly beautiful."
Although no one could see his smile, the confidence in his eyes spoke volumes.
"Peerlessly beautiful? I'd love to see her. Wujia City is bustling with people, but I've never seen anyone more beautiful than Sister Zheng."
The teasing voice chimed in again, implying that peerlessly beautiful couldn't possibly surpass Zheng Nanzhu.
Zheng Nanzhu shot her a glance. Although she knew the woman was stirring trouble, what woman wouldn't care when her looks were belittled?
She said with a hint of sarcasm, "Indeed, it makes one want to see for oneself!"
Tang Wen ignored her.
The atmosphere turned awkward.
The Wang Family Head took over the conversation, "Ahem! I heard Commander Qian is here for the waterwheel blueprint? If Commander Tang Wen can defeat Black Fang, we'll give you the blueprint for free."
"And craftsmen."
"We'll also send ten craftsmen to work for you for a year."
"What if it doesn't work out?"
"If it doesn't, we'll give you the blueprint at half price, and you'll have to pay for the craftsmen's food and wages."
"That's acceptable," Qian Sanduo, after all, was a merchant at heart, being the leader of a trade caravan.
Seeing the other party agree so readily, he naturally wanted to raise the price. Tang Wen couldn't let it be that cheap:
"But it'll be hard for us to explain when we return."
The Zheng Family Head stroked his beard, "What's so hard to explain?"
Tang Wen didn't follow his train of thought either, feeling puzzled but keeping his expression calm.
Qian Sanduo waved his hand, "You all may not know, but Commander Tang Wen's wife is not only exceptionally beautiful, but her status in our camp is no less than Miss Zheng's in Five Cities."
"Hmph, as far as we know, the Flame Queen doesn't have a daughter, does she?" the Zheng Family Head retorted irritably.
Tang Wen caught on and played along, "My wife is the Queen's niece, General Zhou's niece."
Huh?
The two family heads frowned.
They knew General Zhou, a veteran Transcendent.
His niece, the Queen's niece, and with the Queen having no children...
Her status wasn't just on par with Zheng Nanzhu, it was clearly a level higher!
General Zhou alone was on equal footing with the Zheng Family Head.
Not to mention the even more powerful Queen as her backing.
"Is that true?"
Qian Sanduo quickly interjected, "Absolutely! It's just that neither of them has reached the Transcendent level yet, and they've been focused on training, so it hasn't been publicized."
The Flame Camp was remote and had always kept a low profile.
It was normal for the Five Cities not to know.
"After this is done, I can personally explain it to your wife," Zheng Nanzhu said, still doubtful. Was there really such a person?
Her beautiful eyes fixed on Tang Wen, trying to see through the black cloth covering his face.
Tang Wen said, "Why don't we delay for a few days? I'll send someone to inform her first, and then I'll mess up the marriage proposal."
"So Commander Tang is henpecked!" Zheng Nanzhu raised her head, a hint of disdain in her tone.
This girl is trying to provoke me.
Tang Wen shook his head inwardly: It's not about being henpecked, you're just not getting it!
What I'm clearly saying is—we need to raise the price!
Fortunately, the two on the main seat were more perceptive.
"Delaying too long will invite gossip, and the Black Mountain Camp might cause trouble. It's better to settle this quickly. Commander Tang, feel free to state your conditions."
Tang Wen had been waiting for this. Without hesitation, he said, "I've always been fond of martial arts, and I've long heard that the Wang family's Tough Skill is unparalleled! I wonder if I could..."
"No way!"
A girl with a high-pitched voice jumped in. She was from the Wang family and naturally didn't want to make such a big sacrifice for her plastic sister Zheng Nanzhu.
The Wang Family Head narrowed his eyes, "Young man, don't be too greedy!"
"I really want to. How about this, I'll only look for seven days."
The Wang Family Head laughed in exasperation.
Tang Wen stretched out his hand, fingers splayed, "I've always admired Old Wang. I'll compromise—five days!"
The Wang Family Head gritted his teeth.
Tang Wen nodded, "Understood! Then let's change the condition. Old Zheng, didn't you mention earlier that your family has Marrow Protection Fluid?"
"Do you think this matter is worth a bottle of Marrow Protection Fluid?" the Zheng Family Head sneered.
"Exorbitant demands!" Zheng Nanzhu gritted her teeth in frustration. Tang Wen wasn't afraid of his wife; he was just looking for benefits.
Hypocrite!
Tang Wen gently waved his hand: "Of course not. What I mean is, could you reveal the source of the Marrow Protection Fluid? Just a hint would suffice."
Qian Sanduo's eyes lit up: "Ah, yes, yes, yes. Consider it a favor owed by our Flame Camp to both of you!"
The Flame Camp had a good reputation, and their favors were quite valuable.
The Zheng Family Head snorted: "It was just a stroke of luck. Our Zheng family obtained it by chance."
Tang Wen remained noncommittal.
Qian Sanduo smiled, almost writing the word "disbelief" on his face.
The two didn't speak further, and Commander Qian picked up his teacup to drink.
These two were quite troublesome.
The Zheng and Wang Family Heads muttered to themselves.
Qian Sanduo accompanied them with some idle chatter.
As more than an hour passed, Tang Wen remained calm and composed.
Finally, the Wang Family Head spoke up: "Half a day! You can study the Golden Bell Shield Visualization Diagram for half a day!"
"Good, then I'll study from 6 PM to 6 AM," Tang Wen immediately stood up, cupped his hands in a salute, and agreed without hesitation.
His eagerness seemed as if he was afraid the other party would change their mind.
What could one learn in half a day?
That's what the Wang Family Head had thought.
But now, he hesitated.
In the afternoon.
At the martial arts arena.
Upon learning that Tang Wen would also participate, Black Fang and the Iron Fan Gentleman looked at him with unfriendly expressions.
"Why is there one more?" the Iron Fan Gentleman sneered: "This morning, Commander Tang wasn't planning to join, was he?"
Tang Wen nodded: "Now, I want to join."
"Three people, how do we compete?" Black Fang's face was full of menace.
"Simple, just draw lots," a member of the Zheng family said.
On the territory of the Five Families City, the two had no choice but to acquiesce.
"Fine, but I want to inspect it first."
"Please."
Black Fang and the Iron Fan Gentleman thoroughly inspected the lot-drawing tube several times, and everything was normal.
They drew first.
Holding their bamboo sticks in their hands.
Tang Wen was the third to reach into the tube, and somehow, as if manipulated by the Zheng family, a bamboo stick immediately jumped into his palm.
"Reveal your sticks!"
The three of them a
cted simultaneously.
Black Fang: Fight;
Iron Fan Gentleman: Fight;
Tang Wen: Empty.
Two sharp gazes shot towards Tang Wen.
No one was a fool.
The major powers looked at Tang Wen with playful expressions.
But his gaze was calm and composed.
It was the Zheng family who cheated, what does that have to do with me, Tang Wen?
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