Chapter 37: Seizing Operational Authority

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After Yang Lao’er expressed his stance, Pang San immediately followed up, saying, “Young Master, as long as it’s your command, I will charge through mountains of fire and seas of flames without hesitation!”

The sixteen transportation supervisors, led by Chen Laoda, Yang Lao’er, and Pang San, were respectively in charge of transporting equipment refining materials, alchemy materials, and daily necessities.

“Good!” Chen Fei was deeply moved. Initially, he thought that in such an aggressive plan, these people might not be willing to take risks with him.

But now, it was clear that the sixteen transportation supervisors’ trust and loyalty to him were beyond doubt.

“Although this plan is a bit bold, I still have some confidence in it,” Chen Fei said. “If you encounter any difficulties, come to me anytime.”

After leaving Huangyue Tower, Chen Fei found a secluded place, put on a mask, and transformed into the decisive and ruthless “Chen Yang.”

For his transportation team plan to yield results quickly and provide him with sufficient resources, he needed to leverage his alter ego, Chen Yang.

That afternoon, Chen Fei arrived at the administrative office of the City Lord’s Mansion.

To obtain the transportation rights for black copper ore, the City Lord’s Mansion was the first obstacle. He needed to personally intervene; otherwise, Chen Laoda wouldn’t be able to secure the rights so smoothly.

Upon learning that “Chen Yang” had arrived at the administrative office, the official in charge of equipment refining resources personally came out to welcome him.

During the capital establishment celebration, the City Lord’s Mansion had learned that “Chen Yang” was the future Patrol Officer. Naturally, the officials were well-informed and took immediate action.

“Young Master Chen, if you need anything, just send word. How could we let you come in person?” The official, Hong Tieyi, greeted him with a wide smile.

“No need for formalities.” Chen Fei spoke indifferently. “I’m here today to obtain the transportation rights for black copper ore in Huangwu City.”

“Black copper ore?” Hong Tieyi’s expression changed slightly. He was well aware of how valuable these rights were. Controlling the transportation of black copper ore meant securing an annual income of at least ten million spirit stones.

“That’s right,” Chen Fei nodded.

“Young Master Chen, I’m truly sorry, but the black copper ore transportation rights have already been taken by the Lin family,” Hong Tieyi said apologetically.

“You think I don’t know?” Chen Fei sneered. “I’m well aware that the agreement process between the Lin family and the City Lord’s Mansion has not yet been finalized.”

“As long as the process isn’t complete, anyone has the right to compete for the transportation rights.” Chen Fei snorted coldly.

“This…” Hong Tieyi looked troubled. He hadn’t expected “Chen Yang” to be so well-versed in the details of transportation rights.

“Are you waiting for me to personally visit the City Lord’s Mansion?” Chen Fei’s voice turned icy.

“No, Young Master Chen!” Cold sweat covered Hong Tieyi’s forehead. On one side was the Lin family, one of Huangwu City’s three great families; on the other was the future Patrol Officer. He couldn’t afford to offend either party.

“Fine, I’ll follow the proper procedures and process Young Master Chen’s request. However, the final decision on the rights is beyond my authority,” Hong Tieyi said, gritting his teeth.

“That’s more like it,” Chen Fei nodded in satisfaction.

Soon, Hong Tieyi personally guided Chen Fei through the necessary procedures.

Meanwhile, in the background, he immediately passed the news to the Lin family and the City Lord’s Mansion.

Lin Family
Lin Yaohai was enjoying a musical performance while sipping tea and eating delicate pastries, completely at ease.

Although his son had been injured by Ye Chunyan at the capital establishment celebration the day before, the City Lord himself had guaranteed that the Lin family’s black copper ore transportation rights would be renewed. It was a deal he considered worthwhile.

However, when he received news from the City Lord’s Mansion’s administrative office, his expression darkened, and he dismissed the performing musicians.

“Chen Yang?”

“He dares to compete with my Lin family for the black copper ore transportation rights?”

Lin Yaohai’s voice turned cold. “Didn’t the City Lord’s Mansion already promise them to us?”

“Master, the City Lord’s Mansion is in a difficult position. Chen Yang is, after all, the future Patrol Officer,” the Lin family steward explained.

“I don’t care. Does that mean Ye Chenyi’s words are worthless? Is my son’s suffering at the hands of that wretched Ye Chunyan to be ignored?” Lin Yaohai snorted.

“Master, now is not the time to be emotional.”

“The City Lord’s Mansion likely won’t openly turn against Chen Yang, so they will follow the proper procedures. In the end, we will have to compete with him for the black copper ore transportation rights.”

“We must prepare in advance. These rights don’t just bring in tens of millions of spirit stones; they also hold great influence,” the steward advised rationally.

“He’s just an outsider with no real foundation in Huangwu City. Even if he is the future Patrol Officer, what does he have to compete with my Lin family?”

A trace of coldness flashed across Lin Yaohai’s face. But then his tone shifted. “However, we must guard against the City Lord’s Mansion turning against us.”

According to the regulations of the Great Qing Nation, the competition for transportation rights was decided through three trials:

Economic Proposal: Whoever could propose a plan that maximized the City Lord’s revenue would win.
Combat Trials: The remaining two trials were martial duels.

In the Xuanhuang Continent, strength was paramount.

To win the transportation rights, one had to succeed in at least two of the three trials.

For Chen Fei, this wasn’t an issue. He was confident in winning the economic proposal and only needed to win one combat trial to secure the rights.

After receiving the news, the City Lord’s Mansion chose not to publicly oppose “Chen Yang,” but privately, the Young City Lord, Ye Bufan, saw this as a golden opportunity.

If he could suppress “Chen Yang” here, Chen Fei would lose his backing. Then, he could take his revenge however he pleased.

“Chen Yang?”

“You want the black copper ore transportation rights?”

“I’ll make sure you fail,” Ye Bufan sneered.

Leaving the City Lord’s Mansion, he decided to follow his father’s instructions—using the Lin family as a pawn against Chen Yang in this contest.

Meanwhile
After completing the process, Chen Fei confirmed that the competition against the Lin family for the black copper ore transportation rights would take place in three days.

Stepping out of the administrative office, he didn’t rush to visit the Su family but instead headed toward Li Zhong’s courtyard.

According to his agreement, if Qin Shuang did not return within three days, he would kill a member of the Qin family to force her to appear.

“Qin Shuang! Will you really stand by and watch as your family’s elders are slaughtered before your eyes?”

Chen Fei was eager for the confrontation. Now, with his greatly increased strength, his confidence soared.

However, upon arriving at Li Zhong’s courtyard, there was no sign of Qin Shuang.

It was unclear whether the Qin family had failed to relay the message or if Qin Shuang simply didn’t care about the lives of her family’s elders.

Unwilling to give up, Chen Fei had Li Zhong drag out the Qin family’s Fourth Elder and parade him through the streets, publicly condemning Qin Shuang as ungrateful.

Finally, they brought the Fourth Elder to the Qin family’s gates, awaiting her response.