Douluo: A Century-old Legend I Am the Second Uncle Chenxin

Chapter 1837 A Surprising Strategy That Shocked the Court
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……

The lingering smoke in the air had not yet dissipated when Chen Zhang's gaze slowly shifted to his side.

His nephew, Chen Xiaojun, sat there, remaining as calm as a deep pool of water from beginning to end.

"Xiao Jun, you've witnessed everything that's happened today... Do you have any other thoughts?"

As soon as he finished speaking, everyone in the hall focused their attention on Chen Xiaojun.

Zhu Yanfeng stopped tapping his pipe, Qin Luguang narrowed his eyes, and Ma Zhibin put down his wine glass.

The silence of this prodigy of the Chen family, known for his strategic vision, broad perspective, and ingenious schemes, drew curious glances even from the usually composed Yang Zhicheng.

Chen Xiaojun slowly raised his eyelids.

Those eyes remained calm and still, but beneath that calm, it seemed as if a deep-sea whirlpool was hidden.

He didn't answer immediately; silence filled the air as his slender fingers unconsciously traced the rim of the teacup.

This calmness was completely different from the image he remembered of the decisive and ruthless warrior on the battlefield and the jovial and talkative man in everyday life.

Chen Zhang felt a slight stirring in his heart. He had a feeling that since the strange events on the battlefield that day, and then to the silence today, something seemed to have changed about his nephew.

Finally, Chen Xiaojun slowly spoke, "My opinion..."

He paused briefly, seemingly considering the most appropriate way to express himself.

"In Huagai District, our previous focus was on 'breaking' – breaking through the old order, breaking the old system, and breaking the old system. Now that the impasse has been broken, we should think about 'establishing'."

"Second Uncle's fundamental strategy is to use the name of the 'Joint Management Committee' to control the core economic lifeline such as mining beasts and the black market, to greatly reduce the initial development losses by capturing laborers, to integrate armed forces and intelligence networks, and ultimately to build Huagai District into a bridgehead for future competition in the Tiandou Underground City, and to radiate outwards."

Chen Zhang nodded slightly.

Chen Xiaojun changed the subject: "Then, why not add some more chips?"

"Oh?" Chen Zhang raised an eyebrow, signaling him to continue.

Chen Xiaojun's clear and gentle voice rang out in the hall, attracting everyone's attention: "Let's talk about the economy first. Huagai District is rich in mineral deposits and has unique advantages in soul beast resources, but there are still areas where its potential can be fully utilized that have not yet been explored."

"The underground river flows through Tiandou City. It has a huge volume of water and originates from a tributary of the melting snow from the northern Tianshan Plateau. The water quality is generally acceptable."

"We can ask Senior Tan Yashuang's 'Shadow Sisterhood' to take action and conduct a detailed survey of the river's flow direction, water level, hydrology, and the distribution of soul beasts in the river, so as to help us select a suitable location to build a dam and store water, and convert it into a soul beast breeding farm."

He paused, his thoughts gradually becoming clearer: "We can combine various breeding techniques, for example, to breed low-risk, high-value 'phosphorescent jellyfish' for their lighting capabilities; to breed carnivorous aquatic fish and crustaceans; and even to breed 'iron-corroding pangolins' to assist in mining by feeding on mineral veins, replacing indiscriminate hunting and killing. The elderly, weak, women, and children among the captives taken in by the sorority can be engaged in this kind of breeding work."

A glint flashed in Chen Zhang's eyes, clearly moved by this idea. Chen Xiaojun continued, "Second Uncle, Huagai District has just been established, but the neighboring Huading District (a large population district with frequent population movement) and Huaguang District (a distribution center for trade and goods) are closely related to us. Since we are both forces of Douhun City, we may be able to work together to seek some new benefits."

"For example, relying on the breeding farms in Huagai District, we can build a 'Soul Beast Breeding Ecosystem'. The three districts work together: live phosphorescent jellyfish are transported to the Huaguang Black Market and auctioned as rare items; the special secretions of pangolins are used as mining aids and sold directly to major smelting workshops; and high-quality soul beast fish, meat and eggs are supplied to the restaurants attached to the Great Soul Arena in Huading District, where the flow of people is sufficient to consume them, forming a production and sales chain."

"The Shadow Sisters will be responsible for breeding, the Sincere Merchants will handle transportation, and the Rust Brothers will provide escort and protection; the profits will be split 50/50 among them, which can be considered as finding them a stable and righteous way to make a living."

"Good!" A glint flashed in Chen Zhang's eyes.

……

Chen Xiaojun's next words, however, stirred ripples in everyone's hearts: "The mountain fortress sits majestically on the high plateau, easy to defend and difficult to attack. If the underground river were channeled into Ironjaw Fortress, constructing a living water moat system, the defense would be impregnable. Even..."

His gaze narrowed slightly, and he drew a line in the air with his fingertip. "There is a hidden sluice gate at the dam where water is stored. If the mountain fortress is in imminent danger, the sluice gate can be opened to release the water, and the high plateau... can also be turned into a swamp."

"A flooding plan?!"

The hall fell silent instantly.

The Chen family members recalled their famous battle from years ago—a massive flood swept down on Chenlin Village, wiping out thousands of wolf bandits.

At the beginning of the year, in the Zhongnan Mountains, the same shimmering waters buried half of the elite wolf bandits who had besieged them.

Water seemed to have become the sharpest, invisible blade in the young master's hand.

Zhu Yanfeng subconsciously touched his pipe, muttering to himself, "My young master, the words 'flood' are probably etched into his very bones."

Chen Xiaojun seemed oblivious to everyone's unease, lightly tapping his finger on the table: "Secondly, logistics. Lay out the 'Earth Vein Light Network'!"

His gaze swept over the crowd: "Using 'Star Fluorite' as the main material, we will create lighting pipes, supplemented by rune arrays to amplify the light effect, connecting the main passageways of the three districts. At that time, caravans will be able to travel as smoothly as daytime, logistics will be accelerated, and the commercial lifeline of the three districts will be unblocked."

He paused, then continued outlining the blueprint: "The underground city is crisscrossed with paths, bustling with merchants and travelers. While other places remain dark and difficult to navigate, the main roads of our three districts are bright and clear. This difference is like a magnet. Why should merchants and travelers not flock here? The benefits of logistics are all there."

His strategy was to create underground "illuminated highways" to significantly improve transportation efficiency.

Immediately afterwards, Chen Xiaojun's voice rose, carrying the spirit of a pioneer: "Thirdly, we must tap into the potential of trade and reshape the core of Ironjaw Fortress!"

"This fortress spans over two kilometers and runs nearly nine kilometers long, making it a colossus in the underground world! How can it be merely a fortress? Its gates should be opened wide to welcome all directions!"

"Including taverns, casinos, fighting arenas, and more, it has become a dreamland that combines luxury and novel experiences, attracting people from surrounding areas and becoming a regional consumption and entertainment center, a well-deserved commercial and vibrant hub!"

"Furthermore, the 'Earth Vein Light Network' can cover the entire area, enhancing the overall advantages of Huagai District and creating the 'Huagai City That Never Sleeps,' allowing Tieyabao to reach the pinnacle of the underground city and illuminate all directions!"

He looked around and then unveiled an even more ambitious plan: "What's more, why not open the gates and create a unique tourist route that leads directly to Tiandou City? We can develop the mountain fortress into a core hub—mineral procurement, soul beast hunting experiences, underground wonder tours, and exploration of the unique 'cave dwelling' culture, all within its walls!"

"At that time, the people of Tiandou City will flock here, which will not only revitalize all industries in our district, but also transform these three thousand captive laborers into a vital force for building the 'Underground Paradise' and serving visitors from all directions! How can we fully utilize this manpower by relying solely on mining and animal husbandry?"

A bright light suddenly shone in everyone's eyes, and they couldn't help but applaud in admiration.

(End of this chapter)