A slender figure with long, flowing hair. Pure and ethereal, untouched by worldly dust. Just standing there, she seemed shrouded in mist, as if stepping into a fairyland.
Li Daoqiang’s gaze froze for a moment. For the first time, he felt that there truly existed a woman in this world who could give him the sensation of a celestial maiden. A celestial maiden. One untouched by mortal烟火.
In terms of appearance, Huang Xuemei and He Qinghua were no less than her. Li Qingluo’s features were even strikingly similar to hers. But that aura—it was truly different.
A fierce, overwhelming urge to conquer her surged within him. This woman was poison to men.
Suddenly, that thought surfaced in his mind. He felt that even many years later, he would not forget this moment.
His mind wavered for an instant before he forcefully regained composure, his gaze now carrying appreciation as he looked at her.
“Ah!”
The young woman had come from around a corner. Seeing so many people at once, she seemed startled, letting out a soft cry as her fair, delicate hand rose to cover her mouth. Her demeanor was utterly adorable, yet it did nothing to diminish her ethereal air. It only radiated innocence and purity.
The next moment, she exclaimed joyfully, “Cousin!”
“Yuyan, why are you here? Go back to your room.” Li Qingluo spoke sharply, her tone stern.
“Oh.” The young woman timidly lowered her head, then couldn’t help but lift her eyes to glance at Murong Fu before reluctantly turning and leaving.
“Brother Li, this is my cousin,” Murong Fu introduced.
Li Daoqiang nodded calmly, as if nothing had crossed his mind, and continued walking forward.
Murong Fu quietly breathed a sigh of relief. He knew that Li Daoqiang’s reputation across the land wasn’t just for greed but also for lust. Naturally, he had been somewhat worried.
But seeing Li Daoqiang’s demeanor, it didn’t seem like he had taken a fancy to his cousin. That was good.
The group arrived at the main hall. The host and guests took their seats, and servants served fine tea. Li Daoqiang took a symbolic sip before speaking flatly, “Madam Wang, as the chief of this stronghold, I’ve always valued fairness. Your people tried to kill me and even made a move. So, how do you think you should give me an account for this?”
Li Qingluo suppressed the frustration churning inside her and said in a low voice, “That old servant in my household dared to offend the chief. Naturally, she must be severely punished. The one who returned alive is tied up outside, at your disposal. Of course, as I failed to manage properly, I will also present you with a gift as an apology.”
“What gift?” Li Daoqiang asked bluntly.
Li Qingluo paused, sneering inwardly. Truly a bandit—no sense of propriety at all. She replied calmly, “One million taels of silver.”
Li Daoqiang raised an eyebrow, looking at Li Qingluo with a hint of displeasure, and said faintly, “Madam Wang, you don’t think I traveled all this way just for an old servant and a million taels of silver, do you?”
Murong Fu and Li Qingluo’s hearts tightened. Clearly, Li Daoqiang didn’t consider a million taels worth much. But it wasn’t entirely unexpected.
Given Li Daoqiang’s current strength and status, a million taels truly meant little.
“Of course, it’s not just a million taels. There will also be ten martial arts techniques at the innate level,” Li Qingluo said unhurriedly.
Li Daoqiang’s expression remained unchanged as he said coolly, “I came for face. Is my face worth only this?”
Li Qingluo’s anger flared. Such an appetite! Her eyes narrowed, and her tone turned slightly cold: “Then what does Chief Li want? Name your price.”
“For Murong’s sake, I don’t wish to make a fuss or trouble Madam Wang. Five million taels of silver, plus ten innate-level martial arts techniques, and that’s it,” Li Daoqiang said, glancing at Murong Fu as if doing him a favor.
“Five million taels!” Li Qingluo couldn’t help exclaiming, her brows furrowing deeply.
“Is five million taels too much?” Li Daoqiang frowned as well, speaking with a serious tone. His demeanor suggested he didn’t care about the sum at all and was being magnanimous.
Li Qingluo almost laughed in anger.
Murong Fu, though enjoying the face Li Daoqiang was giving him, still frowned and said with a wry smile, “Brother Li, five million taels may mean nothing to you, but for us, it’s truly an unbearable sum. Please, show some mercy.”
Li Daoqiang frowned in silence for a moment, then said seriously, “Murong, you know me. Five million taels is already very little. This is all for your sake.”
Murong Fu smiled bitterly, thought for a moment, then clenched his fists and said, “I’m truly grateful, but I must still shamelessly ask you to be even more lenient.”
Li Qingluo’s gaze toward Murong Fu softened slightly.
Li Daoqiang’s expression turned troubled. After a long silence, he said, “How much can Madam Wang offer?”
Murong Fu’s face immediately filled with gratitude. Clearly, this was a concession for his sake. He quickly looked at Li Qingluo and gave her a signal.
“Two million taels, plus fifteen innate-level martial arts techniques,” Li Qingluo said in a low tone.
Li Daoqiang frowned again, clearly dissatisfied.
Murong Fu promptly said, “Brother Li, I’ll add another million taels on behalf of my aunt as an apology.”
Li Daoqiang looked at him, sighed lightly, and said magnanimously, “Fine, let it be. Consider it a bond of friendship between you and me. And consider it me making a friend of Madam Wang.”
Li Qingluo’s brow twitched. Such thick skin, utterly shameless. He’d just extorted her and now claimed friendship. This man might very well be a peerless expert! Hmph.
But no matter how furious she was, she had to endure it.
“Thank you, Brother Li. I’ll remember this,” Murong Fu said sincerely.
Li Daoqiang smiled and exchanged pleasantries. He felt quite pleased. This was making money while keeping friends, and the friend even thanked him.
As Murong Fu continued to exchange courtesies, he signaled Li Qingluo again. After a moment, Li Qingluo suppressed her displeasure and said stiffly, “Chief Li, the silver will take some time to prepare. My nephew will entertain you while I see to it.”
“Of course, Madam Wang, no need to stand on ceremony. We’re friends now. Go ahead, Murong can keep me company,” Li Daoqiang said warmly, his attitude a stark contrast to before.
Li Qingluo was momentarily stunned by his quick shift. She had never seen such a strongman before. And one who might be a peerless expert at that. It was simply unjust.
Without another word, she rose and left.
“Brother Li, please forgive my aunt. She’s always been like this,” Murong Fu said with a hint of apology.
“No matter. She’s a woman; I won’t hold it against her,” Li Daoqiang said with a wave of his hand, smiling even more warmly.
Murong Fu was a bit unused to such talk, but seeing Li Daoqiang give him so much face and act so close, he was naturally pleased. He engaged Li Daoqiang in more intimate conversation.
After a while, Li Daoqiang seemed to think of something and grew more serious. “Murong, to be honest, we’ve become acquainted through conflict. I have very few friends, and you’re one of the best. I suddenly have an idea—to bring us even closer, to become true brothers. What do you think?”
Murong Fu’s heart pounded. Closer, true brothers! A surge of immense joy rose within him.
Li Daoqiang was likely a peerless expert, still young, and with time could stand at the pinnacle of the world. Becoming true brothers with such a man would be an unimaginable boon to his cause of restoring his kingdom.
His face showed barely contained excitement and anticipation. His eyes flickered with resolve as he said firmly, “Brother Li, speak. If I can become your brother, it would be my honor.”
“Good, straightforward!” Li Daoqiang boomed, then said solemnly, “Murong, to be honest, the moment I saw your cousin, I was captivated like I’d met a celestial maiden. Why don’t you play matchmaker and propose to your aunt on my behalf? That way, I’d be your cousin-in-law. Isn’t that bond stronger than any brotherhood? What do you think?”
Murong Fu’s face froze, twitching slightly. His hand under his sleeve trembled. His eyes showed shock, panic, and uncertainty.
Staring at the expectant Li Daoqiang, Murong Fu felt dazed. Only those words echoed in his mind.
His first instinct was to refuse outright—impossible. But immediately, another thought surged: If Yuyan married Li Daoqiang, he’d be my cousin-in-law. With that connection and Yuyan’s bond to me, wouldn’t Li Daoqiang help me? If I refuse, Li Daoqiang might turn hostile.
Only if Yuyan marries Li Daoqiang...
Unconsciously, Murong Fu’s breathing grew heavier, his clenched fists trembling slightly.
“Murong, Murong, what’s wrong?” Li Daoqiang called out, puzzled.
“Nothing, Brother Li. I was just lost in thought,” Murong Fu snapped back, forcing a smile.
“Thinking about this? What do you think?” Li Daoqiang asked with a grin.
“Good, very good.” After a brief pause, Murong Fu said loudly and firmly. His expression grew more resolute. “Brother Li, this is truly wonderful. Cousin Yuyan is eighteen, the age for marriage. You, a peerless expert ruling one side, are the perfect match. You’re a couple made in heaven.”
“Hahaha.” Li Daoqiang laughed heartily.
“Murong, you flatter me. If you think it’s good, then it’s settled. Once this is done, we’ll be family. If anything comes up, just say the word. I may be a bandit, but I’ve never shied from trouble. By the way, keep it quiet that I’ve reached the peerless level. It’s always good to hide some strength,” Li Daoqiang said, slapping his chest with bravado, lowering his voice at the end as if sharing a secret.
Murong Fu’s heart shook. Li Daoqiang had truly reached the peerless level!
(Chapter 3, thanks for the support.) ······