Chapter 16: Walking in the Mist

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March twentieth. The sun was shining bright, and spring had returned to the land.

At the dock of Muyu Island, with a boat laden full of treasures, Jiang Chen set foot beyond the island for the first time, heading towards the Little Gold Sand Valley of the White River.

Watching Jiang Chen’s boat gradually recede into the distance, the people on Muyu Island wore expressions of mixed feelings. Upon his return, this man would become the Fourth Chief. Though the River-Bandit Gang operated outside the law, their influence was significant; to become a chief would make him a figure of importance throughout several surrounding counties. Power and wealth would be within his grasp—a dream coveted by many.

Under their gaze, Jiang Chen’s small boat was slowly swallowed up by a thick, rolling fog.

“The work of a practitioner,” someone murmured.

Standing at the prow, Jiang Chen’s mind stirred as he gazed at the waterway ahead.

Once past Muyu Island and into the Maze Bay, the entire river was shrouded in dense mist, as if capped by an enormous bowl. Yet, through this veiled surface ran a clear, unimpeded channel, as though some mysterious force had parted the fog, creating a navigable path for boats. Such a spectacle could not be credited to nature alone; it was evident that this was deliberately wrought. This, too, was one of the fundamental reasons why the River-Bandit Gang could occupy Maze Bay, raise their banners, collect tolls, and remain unchallenged.

“According to Slim Monkey and the others, the channel within Maze Bay shifts from time to time. Without the proper guide, anyone who ventures in is doomed. This only proves someone is controlling it from behind the scenes—most likely the First Chief himself.”

“Such a feat goes well beyond the basic arts of talismanry. The man who singlehandedly founded the River-Bandit Gang is not to be underestimated.”

As Jiang Chen silently gauged the channel’s workings, many thoughts flickered through his mind. Clearly, the Iron Man, besides his mastery of martial arts and talismanic practices, possessed other formidable means.

Just then, as Jiang Chen was lost in thought, Stone approached him cautiously.

“Chief, here is the final compiled list of gifts, as well as the roster of key personnel in Little Gold Sand Valley.”

Stone handed over two ledgers, his manner respectful.

Jiang Chen glanced at him, a little surprised. He had indeed asked for the list of gifts, but not the personnel roster—it was clear Stone had collected that on his own initiative.

“You’ve been thoughtful,” Jiang Chen praised, taking the ledgers and poring over them with care.

“Controlling the waterways, the leaders of the River-Bandit Gang are indeed resourceful. They’ve already gathered nearly all the materials I require. With these, I needn’t worry about the medicinal baths or the vessels to preserve vital energy needed for training.”

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Having finished reading the list, a smile touched Jiang Chen’s lips. Coming from the end times, none knew the value of resources better than he.

“Summarize the situation of these people for me. There may be more upheaval within the Gold Sand Valley, so we must prepare some reliable men.”

After a moment’s thought, Jiang Chen marked a few names on the roster. He knew little of these people—nor did his predecessor—so he simply chose based on the value of the gifts they had offered.

Stone understood immediately, and couldn’t help but marvel at these individuals’ luck. Duties within the Gold Sand Valley were coveted positions; more importantly, being in the chief’s favor was a rare opportunity. Others might not realize it, but Stone, having witnessed Jiang Chen’s martial practice, suspected that the chief had already reached the pinnacle of the first rank.

Having given his instructions, Jiang Chen opened the second ledger, finally letting his gaze settle on one name.

“Qian Wen. Once a bookkeeper in Qinghe County, he offered his own sister to Zhao Meng as a concubine, earning Zhao Meng’s favor. He now serves as the chief steward of Gold Sand Valley.”

Jiang Chen’s eyes narrowed as he took in Qian Wen’s name.

With the arrival of Zhao Er, Jiang Chen had already discerned Zhao Meng’s intent—he was to be nothing more than a figurehead, turning a blind eye to the affairs within the valley and quietly passing three years in peace. But this was something Jiang Chen could never accept; he needed resources too, and above all, a lion never tolerates threats from a mangy dog.

“We must reach Gold Sand Valley as soon as possible.”

Leaving these words, Jiang Chen turned and entered the cabin to continue his cultivation.

Thus, after passing through Maze Bay and traveling for a day and a night, Jiang Chen and his party finally entered the White River and arrived at Gold Sand Valley. There, at the makeshift dock, the steward Qian Wen and several junior stewards had been waiting for some time.

Their postures and the dew-soaked corners of their garments made it clear they had been waiting a long while.

“Chief, Qian Wen and the stewards greet you!”

As Jiang Chen disembarked, Qian Wen hurried forward, bowing deeply, with five junior stewards following suit.

At these words, Jiang Chen’s gaze fell on Qian Wen.

He was reed-thin, with a long, donkey-like face, a large mole on his chin, and small, shifty eyes—hardly the look of an honest man.

Sensing Jiang Chen’s scrutiny, Qian Wen displayed not the slightest reaction, maintaining his respectful demeanor.

Seeing this, Jiang Chen gave a perfunctory nod as a response, then led his men straight into Gold Sand Valley, paying Qian Wen and his followers little heed.

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“This...” The junior stewards glanced at each other, nonplussed by Jiang Chen’s attitude.

“Chief Steward, isn’t this Jiang Chen a bit too arrogant? You’ve been waiting here so long, yet he...”

As Jiang Chen’s party walked away, one of Qian Wen’s confidants could not help but grumble.

At this, Qian Wen’s expression changed at once. He shot his confidant a fierce glare.

The man fell silent immediately. Clearly, Qian Wen still commanded considerable respect among his subordinates.

With a sigh, Qian Wen’s face gradually softened.

“It’s nothing—just a matter of pride. Every new official lights three fires; if the new chief wants to show his authority, let him. As long as he doesn’t meddle in our real affairs, he can have all the airs he wants.”

His tone was low, but his meaning was clear. Before Jiang Chen arrived, Qian Wen had already investigated him thoroughly, discovering that he was a solitary type, uninterested in mundane affairs or factions, focused solely on martial arts.

Because of this, Qian Wen had made his plans: he would keep up appearances, elevate Jiang Chen, and let him concentrate on his training, while Qian Wen managed all worldly matters.

At his words, the others exchanged glances and nodded. With the valley’s interests so closely entwined, any outlier had long since sunk to the river bottom.

“I’ll bear the toil for a while longer, so the chief can have his peace.”

With another sigh, Qian Wen composed himself and headed into Gold Sand Valley, his men hurrying to follow.