Madoga port was the only contact the Lawless Lands had with the other parts of the universe, turning it into the most prosperous place available in the Lawless Lands.
The busiest goods market could also be found here. It sold many contrabands that were banned from all the nations in the universe. These contrabands were smuggled in by unscrupulous merchants who sold to the big local merchants. These local merchants would then transport the goods to the other parts of the Lawless Lands.
Even though it was very prosperous, every corner was fraught with danger. Everyone required a good background to deter small-time thieves from stabbing them in the back while they were shopping, and that was for normal shoppers. If you were just a small merchant that wanted to get rich overnight, the local factions here would devour you whole the moment you landed with your goods. Nothing would be left on you except for your clothes, no… they would even take your clothes away to sell.
The 7th Bugle Call slowly docked onto the port. The news that the 7th Bugle Call was filled with goods soon reached the ears of all the factions at the Madoga port. They started investigating this pirate group that they had never heard of before. They wanted to know who they were.
If they found that there were no powerful factions backing up the 7th Bugle Call, bloodshed would be inevitable.
“Are we being too impatient? Shouldn’t we investigate the strength of the factions here before making such a rash decision?” Luo Yang asked Tian Fang, who was beside him, worriedly while glancing at the two people who were playing chess.
Tian Fang replied with irritation, “How am I supposed to know?”
Ling Lan made sure that when their guests disembarked, they would intentionally see the warehouse full of goods. The moment Tian Fang knew about this, he knew that Boss had something up his sleeve. However, he didn’t know what Ling Lan wanted to do.
Ling Lan maintained a cold look on her face as if she didn’t realise Luo Yang’s worry and puzzlement. Just as she was to place her queen piece down, she lifted her finger lightly at Li Lanfeng’s direction.
Li Lanfeng understood Ling Lan very well so when he saw the finger, he smiled and turned to Luo Yang. He explained, “This is our first time in the Lawless Lands so we normally will need a few months in order to truly understand the different factions and their strength, but now that is a waste of time. Hence, it’s better for us to beat the grass to frighten the snake. The first snake that comes to find us might not be the strongest but it will be the most suitable working partner.”
Luo Yang nodded thoughtfully but Tian Fang still didn’t understand so he asked, “Why will the first snake be the most suitable? Wouldn’t the most rash and the most impulsive be the most suitable?”
“Captain, you can’t use the mindset of a soldier to judge people here. Anyone that was able to build a notable faction here isn’t simple. After all, this is the most prosperous place in the Lawless Lands. It is the link connecting the Lawless Lands to the outside universe. Do you think the 13 Lords will ignore this place and let those greedy merchants take over?” Li Lanfeng smiled. “On the surface, it looks like this place is controlled by those powerful merchants but the real marionettes of the show are the 13 Lords.”
“Wouldn’t they think that we’re lone travelers without any background? They probably think they could just send people to annihilate us and take over our ship and our goods. Honestly, my ship is more attractive than the goods inside.” Tian Fang felt a little pain in his heart. He took much effort to modify his ship. His majestic and scary-looking ship that was full of weapons was forcefully turned into a shabby and old-looking ship. He almost vomited blood when he first saw it in the warehouse. Fortunately, it was just a disguise. The powerful weapons were all still hidden from the surface. He did feel a little better when he thought about it.
“No.” This time, Li Lanfeng wasn’t the one who replied. It was Luo Yang.
As the strategist of the 7th Bugle Call, Luo Yang recalled everything Ling Lan did on their journey and understood why Ling Lan did what she did after Li Lanfeng gave him a hint.
Tian Fang looked at Luo Yang and waited for his explanation. Luo Yang quickly continued, “Boss used the token of the Rainbow Raiders when we stopped at the other ports.”
“Thus, if the 13 Lords try to investigate us, they will think that we have the Rainbow Raiders behind us.” Tian Fang finally understood. “The Lawless Lands don’t care about the Intergalactic United Nations but they have to mind the mercenary world.”
“This hellhole is banned by the Intergalactic United Nations. So, without the people from the mercenary world, who will bring them resources?” Luo Yang smiled, “Thus, before they have the ability to take over the mercenary world, they won’t dare to offend them.”
“And I was still wondering why Boss acted more and more conspicuously as we got nearer to the Lawless Lands. So this was the reason.” Tian Fang understood everything. Ling Lan had started her plan a long time ago. Modifying the 7th Bugle Call was part of her plan too.
“I just want to put things straight once and for all.” Ling Lan’s cold voice sounded at this moment.
Smack! Suddenly, the crisp sound of a chess piece landing was heard. “Thank you.”
Li Lanfeng turned his attention back to the chessboard. When he saw his white king piece being checkmated by a black queen and black rook , he smiled bitterly and said, “I lost.”
He really mustn’t get distracted when he plays chess with Ling Lan. If he just got distracted for just a moment, Ling Lan would immediately checkmate him. However, in the past, Ling Lan wasn’t this aggressive. She wasn’t as calculating as she was before. Before, Ling Lan would calculate all the possible moves and come up with a trap to lure her opponent in, giving them no room to escape before finally checkmating them.
“You think too much when you’re playing chess.” Ling Lan said indifferently, “There are two methods to conquer new lands. The first method is to conquer steadily and safely, accumulating strength slowly before swallowing everything in a single instant. The second method is to invade forcefully and quickly to secure a position for ourselves. In our case, we don’t have much time. Thus, the first method is unsuitable for us. We can only go with the more risky method.”
Ling Lan lifted her head and a light shone over her face. Her cold face and nonchalant gaze assured the people in the room that she had everything under her control. Tian Fang even felt like postrating down and praying to Ling Lan.
“The second method is indeed very risky but we have no choice. If we lose, we will lose everything. If we win, we’ll be able to conquer the Lawless Lands.” Ling Lan’s tone was somber. “Now, the first wave of probes is about to come. Call Luo Lang to prepare.”
“Yes.” The three of them stood up and accepted the order.
“We’ve found their identity. They’re from the Rainbow Raiders…” This piece of news quickly spread to all the leaders of the various powerful factions.
“It looks like the Rainbow Raiders finally wants a share of the Lawless Lands too.” One of the three kings of the mercenary world couldn’t restrain themselves anymore?
All the factions in the Lawless Lands knew that this would happen eventually so they weren’t too shocked. However, they didn’t expect it to come so soon.
“Here’s the problem. Shall we cooperate with them or kill them?”
This was the question in all the people’s minds. Their decision would affect their future relationship with the mercenary world and the three kings.
“Rainbow Raiders? Are they throwing this bait to see if we’ll take it?” One of the leaders of a faction smiled gently. “Let me see which idiot will act first.”
“Are we going to sit back and watch the show?” The person sitting beside him asked in surprise.
“Yes. Let’s see if they are worthy enough for us to act.” The leader gave a mysterious smile. If they had the ability, he didn’t mind working with them. But, he needed to see if they really had the goods first.
