The people blocking Jiang Ming were divided into two groups, one overt and one covert.
When people blocked his way forward, his retreat was also quietly cut off.
After realizing his predicament, Jiang Ming's heart sank to the bottom.
He had no Magical Artifact for self-defense, and the only Spells he could use in combat were Giant Strength Technique and Water Arrow Technique.
Trapped in a heavy encirclement now, if the other party made a move, he would surely die.
At this moment, the people blocking the way slowly gathered around.
Using the dim light, Jiang Ming quickly recognized Xu Ba as the leader.
The other party's gaze was cold and sinister, staring intently at him, like a fierce beast poised to strike.
Jiang Ming was extremely surprised, not expecting the robbers to be the Giant Whale Gang?
He had just paid three Spirit Crystals for protection fees, and they turned hostile so quickly?
Although he sold two Half Spirit Fish today and made some money, Han Tie sold three!
Wait… was the Giant Whale Gang's target Han Tie?
Suppressing the tension in his heart, Jiang Ming forced a smile:
"Brother Xu, quite busy today? I didn't see you when I paid the protection fee earlier."
Hearing this, Xu Ba's gaze softened:
"Haha, so it's little Jiang! Why are you still out so late?
“It's a good thing you ran into us. If you had run into those Loose Cultivators with bad intentions, you would have been in trouble today.”
Jiang Ming felt relieved; this ambush was indeed not aimed at him.
He quickly explained:
"I was repairing the fishing boat earlier and forgot the time. I'll head back now, Brother Xu, you carry on with your business."
With that, he tentatively tried to move forward.
Xu Ba waved his hand, and his subordinates immediately cleared a path.
Seeing this, Jiang Ming quickly walked through the crowd, and his figure soon disappeared from their sight.
At this moment, a round-faced subordinate respectfully approached Xu Ba:
"Boss, why didn't you ask for another protection fee from that kid?"
Xu Ba's face darkened, and he reprimanded:
"Little Jiang has always paid his protection fees diligently, how can we target him?
“Our targets are those Loose Cultivators who don't pay protection fees and have some assets.
“Little Jiang's savings from this period were all spent on boat repairs. Not only would we not get much from him, but we would also ruin our reputation for nothing.”
The round-faced youth suddenly understood, nodding repeatedly and not daring to speak further.
Xu Ba scanned the empty surroundings, confirming that no one else would be coming for a while, and couldn't help but curse:
"That Han kid is so damn slippery! Looks like we won't be able to catch him tonight.
“Everyone, disperse! Starting tomorrow, keep a close eye on Han Tie's movements!”
As the Giant Whale Gang dispersed, Jiang Ming also returned to his residence.
After finally relaxing, he began to reflect on his oversight today.
He knew that the Giant Whale Gang would use force against those who refused to pay protection fees, and he had learned from the thin, dark youth that Han Tie hadn't honestly paid.
In fact, with a little thought, it would have been easy to guess that the Giant Whale Gang would make a move at night.
But Jiang Ming's mind was entirely focused on upgrading the eternal ark, and he didn't consider anything else.
He secretly vowed that in the future, he must think things through more carefully and never let himself fall into such a dangerous situation again.
However, there were also some benefits to tonight's events:
The fact that Xu Ba didn't make things difficult for him showed that his carefulness and caution during this period had paid off.
In the eyes of outsiders, he was just a timid and not-very-wealthy Loose Cultivator.
Neither the Giant Whale Gang nor the rogue cultivators would target him.
Now, he only needed to continue acting discreetly, then he could peacefully raise Half Spirit Fish and wait for them to evolve into first-grade Spirit Fish.
…
"Bang bang bang!"
"Jiang Ge! Are you up?"
The next morning, Jiang Ming had just woken up when he heard shouts from outside.
He quickly got out of bed, yawning as he went to open the door.
Outside the small courtyard gate, enclosed by a fence, his neighbor Zhang Hu was standing on tiptoes, peering inside.
As soon as he saw Jiang Ming come out, he immediately said excitedly:
"Jiang Ge! Come with me quickly! Brother Han is taking us fishing today!"
Brother Han?
Jiang Ming was stunned for a moment before realizing Zhang Hu was referring to Han Tie.
"Don't rush, tell me exactly what's going on?"
"It's like this, Brother Han wants to form an Alliance to reduce the Giant Whale Gang's exploitation of us fishermen.
“To show his sincerity, he's willing to share the sea area where he casts his nets!”
“Hurry to the pier with me, we're about to set off!”
Zhang Hu was in a hurry, urging him again after only a few sentences of explanation.
Such a good thing!
This was Jiang Ming's first reaction.
Currently, the Fish Pond in the eternal ark was empty, urgently needing a large replenishment of Half Spirit Fish.
If he could go to the sea area where Han Tie cast his nets, plus his ability to double the catch, he might be able to harvest six fish a day!
But after thinking about it carefully, he quickly noticed something amiss:
"Huzi, if I go fishing with him, do I have to join this Alliance you mentioned?"
"It's not mandatory to join. But I think joining is pretty good; the Alliance doesn't have too many rules, and it won't openly oppose the Giant Whale Gang."
Zhang Hu was about to pull Jiang Ming to the pier.
In his opinion, this was a sure-win deal, with no need for hesitation.
Jiang Ming also knew about Han Tie being extorted for more protection fees by the Giant Whale Gang, so he didn't doubt the other party's motives.
However, joining the Alliance so rashly and going out to sea with them made him feel a bit risky.
So, he broke free from the pull and advised:
"Huzi, I think this matter has some risks. Let's wait a few days and observe first!"
"What risks?" Zhang Hu looked puzzled.
"Firstly, we don't know the sea area where he shares his nets. Going there rashly might be risky.
“Secondly, the Giant Whale Gang is powerful. Getting involved with this Alliance might lead to endless troubles.”
These words failed to convince Zhang Hu, who immediately retorted:
"Brother Han's netting spot is still in the shallow sea, there's no risk. Yesterday, several of his friends went with him and all returned with full loads!
“As for joining the Alliance, there are no mandatory requirements. If you don't want to, you can choose not to join.”
Jiang Ming naturally knew these things.
But seeing is believing, hearing is not.
Unless he saw it with his own eyes, he wouldn't easily believe it.
Right now, he only needed to raise the Half Spirit Fish he caught into first-grade Spirit Fish to gain substantial profits, so there was no need to take this risk.
So, he still refused Zhang Hu's invitation:
"Huzi, these messages you mentioned are ultimately hearsay. My point is, it's safer to wait a few more days to see the situation clearly before making a decision."
Seeing that Jiang Ming had decided not to go, Zhang Hu's face was full of disappointment.
He felt that this idea was too cautious, and he was quite dismissive of it.
How many things in the Immortal Realm are truly without risk?
If one always hesitates, it will be difficult to achieve anything in this life.
He shook his head, his tone becoming cooler:
"Jiang Ge, you're too cautious. In that case, I'll go by myself."
With that, he turned and headed straight for the pier.
Watching Zhang Hu's receding back, Jiang Ming sighed softly.
This was the original owner's best friend in his lifetime.
After this incident, they would probably drift apart.
He was also helpless about this.
Those whose Dao are different cannot conspire together, and Jiang Ming's chosen Dao was the Dao of caution.