Forging Immortality: The Undying Blacksmith

Chapter 29: The Demand

For the most powerful family in Obsidian City, the Yans showed a patience that surprised even Li Qing and Tian Long.

Three days passed without a single word. It was as if the Yan Family was completely unaware that the Righteousness Gang had captured their prospective blacksmith.

By the end of the third day, even Tian Long was growing restless. He paced outside Li Qing’s cell several times, debating whether he should just force the issue and hand the blacksmith over.

But Li Qing merely shook his head, offering a single word: “Wait.”

As a man with over a century of life left to burn, his patience was an ocean. He could afford to wait. During this time, he carried himself like an old hunter, perfectly still, waiting for the prey to walk into his trap.

“I know exactly what that Second Young Master of the Yan family is playing at,” Li Qing explained with a cold sneer, his insight cutting through the deception. “He wants me to suffer, to feel the depths of despair. Then he’ll swoop in, the grand savior rescuing me from the fire. Only then, he thinks, will he have truly won my loyalty.”

He knew the value of a helping hand in a blizzard better than anyone.

After all, a blacksmith with some martial skill and formidable strength was a valuable asset in Obsidian City. The Yan Family had every reason to be tempted. This was the lynchpin of Li Qing’s plan: his unwavering confidence in the value he presented.

Two more days crawled by. Then, finally, the news they had been waiting for arrived. Acting on the Second Young Master’s orders, a man named Yan San arrived at the Righteousness Gang’s headquarters.

Tian Long, seated imposingly on the main throne, felt a flash of wild joy that he instantly suppressed, his expression returning to stone.

“Zhao Kou, bring Yan San in.”

A young man with a pale, sickly face and unsettlingly sinister eyes nodded. “As you command, Gang Leader!”

This was the same youth who had tried to join the gang a few days prior, only to be cut down by Tian Long’s blade. He had somehow survived the gruesome wound, and in doing so, had earned his place—and Tian Long’s trust.

Soon, Yan San swaggered in, his expression dripping with smug confidence. With the Yan Family at his back, even the infamous Righteousness Gang wouldn’t dare touch him. This was the power that came with being a dog for the Yans.

“Hahaha! Gang Leader Tian Long! The Second Young Master sends his regards,” Yan San boomed, cupping his fists in a theatrical show of respect. The etiquette was perfect, but the arrogance was undeniable.

The sight of it grated on Tian Long. He made a silent vow: when the Yan Family fell, this bootlicker would be the first to die.

“Heh, I’m doing just fine,” Tian Long replied, his smile a cold, empty thing. “Though I’d be doing even better if I could eat my fill every day. Now, state your business. What brings you to my Righteousness Gang?”

“The Second Young Master sent me to inquire about the blacksmith you captured,” Yan San said, getting straight to the point. “He wonders how the man is faring.”

Tian Long let out a cold snort. “Hmph. The Righteousness Gang doesn’t waste food on the useless. The blacksmith refused to serve me. I was planning on cutting off his limbs in a few days and leaving him as a warning.”

A bead of cold sweat trickled down Yan San’s forehead. He had arrived just in time.

“Ahem, Gang Leader Tian Long, the Second Young Master sent me to ask for the man. I implore you to show mercy!”

*Slam!*

Tian Long slammed his fist on the armrest, his face turning to thunder. “Yan Gui’an wants him, so I’m just supposed to hand him over? What about the reputation of my Righteousness Gang?!”

Yan San wiped the sweat from his brow, speaking quickly. “Gang Leader Tian Long, of course the Second Young Master isn’t asking for free. The Yan Family recently acquired some Blood Jade Mushrooms. He is prepared to offer half a pound of Blood Jade Mushrooms, ten pounds of White Meat Mushrooms, and fifty pounds of Black Wheat Mushrooms in exchange!”

Hearing the terms, Tian Long’s furious expression slowly softened. He then threw his head back and laughed.

“Hahahaha! Now that’s more like it! Second Young Master Yan is far too generous,” Tian Long boomed, his mood shifting instantly. “In that case, this Li Qing is useless to me anyway. I’ll personally escort him to the Yan Estate myself!”

Inwardly, Yan San scoffed at the gang leader’s greed, but he maintained a deferential smile.

After a few more hollow pleasantries, the meeting concluded.

Once Yan San was gone, a grin finally spread across Tian Long’s face. *Everything is going according to plan. It’s perfect. That Li Qing… it’s like he can see the future.*

Normally, sending a few subordinates to deliver a prisoner would suffice. For him, the gang leader, to go personally would be strange. But by forcing a negotiation, the Yan Family had to offer a prize. Now, he had the perfect excuse to go to their estate himself: one hand to deliver the man, the other to collect the payment.

His heart thumping with excitement, Tian Long quickly replayed his performance in his mind. Finding no flaws, he finally relaxed.

“Zhao Kou, find several bundles of hemp rope. The more, the better.”

“Wei Tian, you’re with me. We’re going to the prison.”

Wei Tian and the sinister-looking youth answered in unison, “Yes, Gang Leader!”

***

The Righteousness Gang’s prison reeked of mold and decay. To sell the act, Li Qing had endured the stomach-turning stench for days, ensuring no one would suspect a thing.

Suddenly, a booming laugh echoed from the corridor.

“Hahahaha! Brother Li Qing, you’re a damn prophet! Everything happened exactly as you said it would!” Tian Long strode into the cell, grinning from ear to ear, with Wei Tian following close behind.

Li Qing looked up, his gaze falling on Tian Long’s gleaming bald head.

“Don’t celebrate yet,” Li Qing said, his expression grim. He showed no trace of joy. “The real show is about to begin.”

“Regardless, things couldn’t have gone smoother,” Tian Long insisted, still ecstatic. “This is a huge advantage for us.”

He was a man of action, not schemes. He solved problems with his fists—if he could win, he fought; if he couldn’t, he submitted. His original plan had been simple: recruit Li Qing, then charge the Yan Family head-on with his men. He never would have considered such a complex plot.

But Li Qing’s plan was flawless. If it succeeded, it would not only guarantee their victory but also minimize casualties. It was perfect.

“Alright,” Li Qing said, his voice low and steady. “Bring what we need. It’s time to make me look like I’m on death’s door.”