Before he finished speaking, Li Daoqiang took Wang Yuyan's small hand and walked forward. Wang Yuyan felt like crying but had no tears, couldn't help pouting, and lightly glared at the figure in front of her. She only felt that this man was so, so... After a few breaths, she sighed inwardly, her face dejected. She gave up resisting. In the end, she was still going to marry him. Thinking despondently, her mood sank. Li Daoqiang naturally sensed Wang Yuyan's emotional shift but paid it no mind. Just a young girl's emotional issues. A little pain was nothing; she'd get used to it. Time would eventually smooth over all wounds and make her face reality. Holding Wang Yuyan's hand, he watched Li Qingluo return to her own room. Then Li Daoqiang firmly escorted Wang Yuyan to her door. Without letting her argue, he hugged her briefly, then released her and said softly, "Rest well." With those words, he strode away. Wang Yuyan stood frozen, not yet reacting. She stared blankly at Li Daoqiang's retreating figure, and after a few breaths, couldn't help stamping her foot, letting out a soft sob before tearfully running back into her room. Li Daoqiang smiled from a short distance away, feeling quite pleased. Teasing a young girl was indeed enjoyable.
The next day. Li Daoqiang discussed with Li Qingluo the details of moving the Langhuan Jade Cave and the wedding arrangements. Afterward, he issued orders to the Black Dragon Stronghold. Send another group of people over.
In the afternoon, Deng Baichuan arrived, inviting Li Daoqiang to visit Canhe Manor. Li Daoqiang took his leave from Li Qingluo and headed to Yanzihu Canhe Manor. "Brother Murong, you're too kind!" Li Daoqiang called out with a loud laugh as he saw Murong Fu leading a group to greet him at the dock. "It's only right. Brother Li, please." Murong Fu clasped his hands warmly. Chatting and laughing, the two led the way into Canhe Manor.
That night. After several rounds of wine, Murong Fu set down his cup and said seriously, "Brother Li, to be honest, I invited you here because something important to me has happened, and I wanted you to witness it." "Oh? What is it? Brother Murong, please speak." Li Daoqiang asked curiously. "I want to formally recognize two younger sisters into the Murong family." Murong Fu stated directly, then paused and said earnestly, "These two sisters have grown up in the Murong family since childhood, as close to me as blood siblings. So I thought to formally acknowledge them as my sisters and include them in the Murong family genealogy. This is a major event, and I should have invited many friends to witness it. But since you're here, Brother Li, with your reputation and status, if you're willing to witness it, that would be perfect. It wouldn't slight my two sisters either. What do you think, Brother Li?" Li Daoqiang immediately thought of A'zhu and A'bi. Murong Fu wanted to solemnly recognize them as sisters and bring them into the Murong family. What was he up to? Thoughts churning in his mind, he naturally didn't refuse on the surface and agreed readily: "Brother Murong, you're too kind. Of course, I'd be happy to witness this joyous occasion." "Then thank you, Brother Li. Tomorrow, I'll hold the recognition ceremony. I'll need your help." Murong Fu smiled. "No problem."
The next day. Li Daoqiang served as the sole guest and witness. He observed the happy event. For a family like the Murongs, even if primarily martial artists, there were many rules and formalities. Li Daoqiang didn't find it troublesome. It had nothing to do with him; he didn't need to do anything, just watch. Besides, the two young ladies were delightful to look at, charming and lovely. He guessed correctly: the two girls Murong Fu wanted to recognize as sisters were indeed A'zhu and A'bi. It was also his first time meeting them. One was exquisitely beautiful, vibrant, and captivating—a rare beauty in the world. The other was elegant and graceful, gentle and warm, with a soft Suzhou accent, sweet and innocent. With their looks, Murong Fu recognizing them as sisters and formally making them part of the Murong family, surnamed Murong, would never bring him shame. It wasn't just about appearance. The two girls had been raised by the Murong family since childhood, almost as foster daughters. This had given them each impressive skills and talents. They were truly rare gems. Li Daoqiang couldn't help giving Murong Fu a strange look. In the original story, this guy was actually the real winner from the start. Martial arts, family background, reputation, beautiful women, charming maids—he lacked nothing. But despite starting as a true high-class, rich, handsome man and life winner, he ended up driving himself mad. Thinking carefully, though, it wasn't entirely his fault. He'd been taught from childhood to restore the kingdom—that was his primary duty. He was practically brainwashed. From another perspective, his sense of responsibility was too strong. They say your identity dictates your actions and the responsibilities you must bear. He was born into that identity, enjoyed its benefits, and received its corresponding education. He couldn't escape, nor did he think to. In this regard, Murong Fu was arguably the most diligent. In comparison, only Qiao Feng did a passable job. Of course, Qiao Feng's experiences were different, preventing him from being too qualified. Otherwise, he'd have to lead the Liao to destroy the Song. His experiences and personality made that impossible; his suicide in the original story was inevitable. He couldn't even face his own race and nation in the end—what else could he do but die? As for the others, they weren't worth mentioning. Compared to them, Li Daoqiang admired Murong Fu for bravely shouldering his responsibilities. A man who knows how to take responsibility is a true man. So from the start, he had no issue with Murong Fu. Of course, having no issue was one thing, admiration another. But that didn't mean he wouldn't take advantage of him. Those were two different things. He wasn't his father, so why not?
Watching the two endearing young girls, Li Daoqiang's suspicions grew stronger. Brother Murong was really good to him. A'bi wasn't certain yet, but A'zhu should definitely be evaluable by the Great Bandit System.
Meanwhile, Murong Fu was also glancing at Li Daoqiang. Seeing his gaze often linger on A'zhu and A'bi, he felt secretly satisfied. As for A'zhu and A'bi, while meticulously performing the rituals, they also stole glances at Li Daoqiang. Their feelings were complicated. Deng Baichuan and Murong Fu had explained everything to them clearly. They knew they had no choice, so naturally, they felt curiosity and a hint of fear toward Li Daoqiang.
The ceremony concluded, and Murong Fu happily formally acknowledged his two sisters. He introduced them to Li Daoqiang. "Brother Li, this is A'zhu, and this is A'bi. I hope you'll look after them in the future." Murong Fu said warmly. "Of course. Brother Murong's sisters are my sisters too." Li Daoqiang laughed heartily. Two hairpins appeared in his hand—one pink, one green—both exquisite and valuable. "Here, this is a gift from me as your brother. Don't refuse." Without letting them decline, he directly placed them in their hair, assertive and forceful. The two girls were startled and instinctively wanted to refuse, but Murong Fu spoke up first, beaming, "Thank you, Brother Li." "Don't mention it." Li Daoqiang said magnanimously. The hairpins were naturally brought from the Black Dragon Stronghold on purpose, with an obvious intent. He had several more, ready to give away at any time. Wang Yuyan also had one, but that young girl's heart was still with Murong Fu, so he'd hold off for now. He'd give it to her when the time was right.
Another banquet followed. After the feast, Li Daoqiang went to his room to rest. Murong Fu summoned Deng Baichuan to discuss matters. "Brother Deng, how much longer before news arrives from Ming?" "It's a long way, and they need time to deliberate. Probably about half a month." Deng Baichuan said after a moment's thought. This matter mainly depended on Murong Bo; he didn't know the exact timeline. "Half a month—Li Daoqiang probably won't stay that long. We'll have to find another opportunity. Should we send A'zhu to him first?" Murong Fu hesitated. "Master, Miss Murong is the most important. If we send A'zhu first, she might be overshadowed. That wouldn't be appropriate." Deng Baichuan immediately replied. "I'm torn about that too. We'll have to find another chance. By the way, how are things with the Beggar's Sect?" Murong Fu nodded and changed the subject. "These days, more and more Beggar's Sect disciples are gathering outside Gusu City, but they haven't actively caused trouble. Maybe they're still unsure if Ma Dayuan was really killed by you." Deng Baichuan said gravely. "Keep watching. I need to leave in a couple of days; the plan with the First Grade Hall can't be delayed. This time, I'll take the chance to wipe out the Beggar's Sect and stir up conflict between both sides, so I can profit." Murong Fu said solemnly. "And Li Daoqiang?" "Don't worry. It's better if he stays here. Just entertain him well and keep him from finding out. I'll just say I have urgent business and slip away." "Understood."
After two more days at Canhe Manor, Li Daoqiang wasn't in a hurry. He chatted amiably with Murong Fu and spent the rest of his time cultivating. Suddenly, Murong Fu came to say he had urgent business and needed to leave. Li Daoqiang's mind stirred, but he calmly let him go, stating that he too would return to Mantuo Manor to discuss the upcoming wedding. Murong Fu was secretly pleased—it was better if Li Daoqiang didn't stay at Canhe Manor. Plus, the wedding would keep him occupied, preventing him from interfering with the upcoming plans. Li Daoqiang immediately took Duan Yanqing and the others to Mantuo Manor. Murong Fu saw them off and quickly left Yanzihu.
On the large boat. Li Daoqiang gazed toward Yanzihu and Canhe Manor, smiling silently. It had finally begun. He didn't act immediately, letting the Murong family escort him to Mantuo Manor. After a brief word with Li Qingluo, Li Daoqiang and his group quietly left Mantuo Manor and arrived at the Taihu dock. "Still no sign of a foreign monk with a young master?" Li Daoqiang asked calmly. "Not yet, Chief." Blood Saber Old Ancestor replied respectfully.
(Chapter 1, thanks for the support. Starting today, with 500 average subscriptions as the baseline, every additional 100 adds one extra chapter. Normally, three chapters.) ………………