Seeing the silence return, Li Daoqiang said nothing more. Turning these undisciplined bandits and outlaws into a disciplined group couldn’t be done overnight.
Li Si, catching this, shouted loudly again: “This martial competition will be held under the direct supervision of the Great Chieftain, ensuring fairness and justice. Those with skill rise, those without fall. Additionally, for the sake of our brothers and the strength of Black Dragon Stronghold, from today onward, all martial arts manuals of Black Dragon Stronghold will be made available to everyone. You can exchange them for merits or purchase them with silver. I’ll announce the specifics shortly.”
As this news broke, the expressions of everyone present shifted once more, this time to anticipation and delight. The Great Chieftain would open all of Black Dragon Stronghold’s martial arts manuals to everyone! If the Great Chieftain weren’t standing right there, many wouldn’t have believed it.
In this world where martial prowess reigned supreme, especially in this lawless den of bandits where the strong preyed on the weak, no one was unaware of the importance of strength. The value of martial arts manuals was well understood by all. For the members of Black Dragon Stronghold, obtaining such manuals had always been extremely difficult. Those handling mundane chores had no chance at all. The younger men, unless they rendered great service and earned Lin Sanlong’s favor, might be granted a single manual. What type of martial art it was depended entirely on Lin Sanlong’s whim. Thus, finding a suitable martial art was very hard.
Now, hearing that all manuals would be opened to them—even if they still required merits or silver—was far better than before. How could they not be overjoyed? Some immediately wanted to ask for details, but their gazes fell on that imposing, fierce figure, and they held back. Only a sea of expectant eyes remained fixed on Li Si and Li Daoqiang.
Li Si, feeling the weight of those stares, couldn’t help but glance at Li Daoqiang. Li Daoqiang took it all in, fairly satisfied. Though these people were used to idleness and many had a “live for the day” attitude, they still showed some ambition and interest in martial arts. Even if most of them, given the manuals, might not train diligently, having the desire was better than nothing.
He waved his hand, signaling Li Si to step back, and declared loudly: “As the Great Chieftain of Black Dragon Stronghold, I have one goal: to make our stronghold strong—so strong that no one can bully us. In this stronghold, the capable rise, the weak fall. Do you want to be a leader, enjoying the best of everything? Or do you want to remain a lowly grunt? From now on, it all depends on your own effort. I’ll give you the opportunities.”
In the dead silence, his resolute voice slowly faded. Of the two hundred-plus people, most were stunned, staring blankly, perhaps because Li Daoqiang’s words were too sudden and unexpected. Only a few had a glint in their eyes, as if pondering deeply.
“Long live the Great Chieftain!” Suddenly, Wang Lin’s shout shattered the quiet. “Long live the Great Chieftain!” Driven by a few, a unified roar rose up.
After a while, Li Daoqiang had vanished, and Li Si remained in the square, detailing the two major matters to the crowd. “For this martial competition, the situation with the four brigades is clear—everything will be fair and just. As for the Great Chieftain’s personal guard, he will select them himself and notify everyone in due time. Now, let me explain the exchange for manuals. The Great Chieftain has divided all of Black Dragon Stronghold’s current martial arts manuals into four tiers. The first tier is the weakest, the fourth the strongest. You can exchange them for corresponding merits or silver.”
“Leaving merits aside for now, the first-tier manuals cost ten taels of silver. The second tier costs twenty taels. The third tier costs fifty taels. The fourth tier costs one hundred taels. Also, remember: the manual you exchange is for your personal cultivation only. You are absolutely forbidden from teaching it to anyone else, not even your own brother. Anyone caught violating this rule will have their martial arts immediately abolished. Of course, if you have children, you can pay half the price to teach it to one child. Or you can buy it directly for your child at the same price as for yourself. Any questions? Feel free to ask me.”
The square fell silent for a moment, then erupted into chaos. “Master Li, why is the price so high!” “Master Li, can we see all of Black Dragon Stronghold’s manuals?” “Brother Li, what are the standards for the personal guard?” “Master Li, can we take a look at the manuals?” … …
Dozens of voices spoke at once, each filled with eager anticipation. Even the maids and the elderly at the back showed hopeful expressions.
Li Si quickly raised his hand to quiet them, and after a few breaths, the noise subsided. He bellowed: “What are the standards for the personal guard? Only the Great Chieftain knows—you’ll find out then. As for the price of the manuals being high? Damn it, who dares say it’s high? Doesn’t everyone know how precious martial arts manuals are? The Great Chieftain, out of brotherly loyalty and for the strength of Black Dragon Stronghold, has given us this incredible chance. Who still dares to call it high? Have you no conscience?”
Seeing Li Si’s stern, fierce demeanor, no one dared to speak up. Even those who were clearly surrounded and treated as leaders remained silent. This price was obviously set by the Great Chieftain. In a crowd, a few grumbles from low-level grunts might pass, but speaking out now would be a challenge to the Great Chieftain—no one dared.
With no one objecting, Li Si swept a fierce gaze around, then softened his expression and continued: “As for all the manuals, tomorrow the Great Chieftain will establish a Martial Academy, where detailed information on every manual will be available. Everyone can go take a look, and if you want to exchange, you can do it on the spot. Oh, and the Great Chieftain has one more thing: brothers who join the personal guard will get an 20% discount on all manual exchanges. That’s all.”
With that, he turned and headed toward the Assembly Hall. In moments, the square was buzzing with activity. By now, even those slow on the uptake had grasped most of it, and few could remain calm.
Ignoring the crowd’s chatter, Li Si entered the Assembly Hall to report to Li Daoqiang. “Great Chieftain, everything you instructed has been announced.” Li Daoqiang nodded. He had heard everything outside clearly—it was going well. “You and Wang Lin keep a close watch over the next few days. Report to me immediately if anyone stirs trouble.” “Understood.” “Good, you may go.” “This subordinate takes his leave.”
As Li Si left, Li Daoqiang was in good spirits. Another large influx of silver was coming soon. ………………