Amidst the wails, there was also a sense of deathly stillness. Everyone’s eyes were wide open, utterly incredulous as they stared at the figure who calmly withdrew his power, as if he had merely reached out to do some trivial task. Even Blood Saber Old Ancestor and Yun Zhonghe were secretly stunned. They believed their chief would win, but they never imagined it would be this effortless. Two grandmasters and dozens of innate experts were knocked down like clay figurines, toppled by the wind and waves. The next moment, they only felt their spines grow straighter and firmer.
“You’re already… a supreme expert!” Helian Tieshu’s face went blank for a moment before he blurted out in shock, his voice trembling faintly. Instantly, nearly everyone was even more horrified. A supreme expert! Those four words alone represented legend. Every supreme expert was a mythical existence. Though there had been talk after the Six-Finger Villa incident that Li Daoqiang had reached that level, it was just speculation, never confirmed. But now, with that earth-shaking display and Helian Tieshu’s words, they had no choice but to believe that Li Daoqiang had indeed attained the realm of a supreme expert. The Beggar’s Sect members exchanged glances, their demeanor growing more restrained. The First-Rank Hall members stopped their wailing, staring at the figure in fear. Blood Saber Old Ancestor and the other looked at the back before them with eyes full of awe.
Li Daoqiang smiled faintly, neither denying nor confirming. Casually, he sealed Helian Tieshu’s meridians and acupoints, allowing him to move but not use his true energy. His gaze shifted to the bearded Western Xia warrior, flickered, and he sealed his meridians too. Then he waved a hand at Blood Saber Old Ancestor and the other. They understood, and with smug smiles, began sealing the meridians of the others.
“Chief Li, Western Xia has no intention of being your enemy,” Helian Tieshu forced a smile, using a respectful title. “I know,” Li Daoqiang said casually with a grin. Helian Tieshu was taken aback, puzzled. “I’m a bandit. When I run into you lot, how could I not rob you?” Li Daoqiang stated frankly. Helian Tieshu was speechless, and the Beggar’s Sect members were left wordless too. Still, they felt a slight relief—at least their lives weren’t at stake.
“Chief, take all the wealth we have. I’ve heard of your rules. If it’s not enough, I’ll have more sent over,” Helian Tieshu said firmly. “Haha, good. You’ve got good eyes. I like dealing with people like you,” Li Daoqiang laughed, genuinely appreciative. “Thank you for the praise, Chief,” Helian Tieshu replied with a flattering smile, abandoning his general’s dignity. “Wait here. After I deal with these people, I’ll settle accounts with you properly,” Li Daoqiang said in a friendly tone. “Yes,” Helian Tieshu nodded repeatedly.
The Beggar’s Sect members tensed up. It was clear Li Daoqiang wouldn’t let them off easily. After exchanging glances, the most senior Elder Xu spoke weakly, “Chief Li, our Beggar’s Sect has never had much money. We probably can’t afford to trade with you.” Facing a supreme expert, even the Beggar’s Sect, a reputable orthodox sect, had to bow their heads a little. Li Daoqiang glanced at him, then casually looked away, saying nothing. His dismissive attitude was obvious—he didn’t deem Elder Xu worth talking to. Elder Xu’s old face flushed with anger; he had never been so slighted. But he dared not say anything harsh. This was a bandit at the supreme expert level—he truly would kill without hesitation.
“Chief Li, how do you plan to deal with us?” a Beggar’s Sect elder couldn’t help but ask loudly. Li Daoqiang frowned slightly, swept his gaze over them, and said coldly, “Quiet down. None of you are qualified to talk to me. Someone who is will be here soon.” Among the Beggar’s Sect members, some were angered, others uneasy. One elder said gravely, “Then what qualifies someone to talk to you, Chief?” Li Daoqiang thought for a moment, then smiled faintly. “Three things: grandmaster strength, wealth, or beauty. None of you have any of them.” With that, he turned his gaze away, ignoring them. His disdain was unmistakable. The Beggar’s Sect members exchanged looks; many were furious but didn’t know what to say.
Helian Tieshu’s eyes darted, and he suddenly spoke up, “Chief Li, I have a proposal.” Li Daoqiang looked at him with interest. “Speak.” The stark difference in treatment only angered the Beggar’s Sect more, but they were helpless. Helian Tieshu was a grandmaster and wealthy.
“Chief, your martial arts are unmatched, a supreme expert of the world. Western Xia lacks a strongman like you. If you join us, we’ll satisfy you with wealth and beauties,” Helian Tieshu said earnestly. The Beggar’s Sect members’ faces changed, watching Li Daoqiang nervously. Li Daoqiang didn’t seem opposed; he showed even more interest. “Wanting me to join Western Xia—that’ll cost a lot.” “Name your price, Chief,” Helian Tieshu said, his eyes gleaming. Bringing a supreme expert into Western Xia would be worth any cost.
“Chief Li, Western Xia is a foreign tribe—you mustn’t!” a Beggar’s Sect member couldn’t hold back. “Shut up. Who gave you the right to speak?” Li Daoqiang shot a cold glance, then said seriously, “For me to submit to anyone, how about this: ten billion taels. Just ten billion taels of silver, and I’ll join Western Xia. What do you say?” Helian Tieshu’s face froze, the words stuck in his throat. Ten billion taels—selling off the entire Western Xia royal family couldn’t raise that. Even looting all of Western Xia might not yield ten billion taels. The Beggar’s Sect members quieted down, less worried now. Ten billion taels—how many in the world could afford that?
“Chief, can we negotiate? If you join Western Xia, we can make you a king and marry you to our most beloved Princess Yinchuan,” Helian Tieshu tried again, not just for Western Xia but for himself. “No money? And you want to recruit me?” Li Daoqiang’s face turned cold, a dangerous edge creeping in. Helian Tieshu felt a chill and dared not press further. He scoffed inwardly. Ten billion taels was a joke. What country could pay that to recruit a single expert, even a supreme one?
Li Daoqiang ignored him, feeling a slight regret. If someone could actually offer ten billion, he wouldn’t mind joining Western Xia. Then he could take over and try being an emperor. The Beggar’s Sect members were fully relieved now. They waited quietly, most guessing who was coming. Many felt conflicted, unsure what to say. A few were anxious.
About half an hour later, Li Daoqiang’s gaze shifted. They’re here. Soon, two figures sped in. In front was Duan Yanqing, followed by Qiao Feng. Seeing the scene, Qiao Feng’s face changed, and he sped up, arriving first.
“Chief Qiao!” … Many in the Beggar’s Sect called out, some joyful, others guilty.
“Everyone, what…?” Qiao Feng frowned deeply, his tiger-like eyes warily fixed on Li Daoqiang.
“Chief Qiao, after you left, the First-Rank Hall found us and poisoned us. Then Chief Li of the Black Dragon Stronghold came, defeated Helian Tieshu and the others, and said he’d negotiate with someone qualified about our fate. Chief Li has reached the supreme expert level—be careful!” a Beggar’s Sect member said solemnly, with many nodding in agreement. Qiao Feng’s face grew heavier, especially at the last part, which weighed on his heart. He nodded gravely and turned to Li Daoqiang.
“Haha, Chief Qiao, I’ve long heard of your fame,” Li Daoqiang said with a friendly clasped-hand salute, not interrupting until now. Qiao Feng’s expression flickered. He wanted to say he was no longer the Beggar’s Sect chief, but with the sect in crisis, he couldn’t. He returned the salute seriously. “Chief Li, I’ve heard much of you.”
“Among the younger generation, few catch my eye. After seeing that coup drama earlier, Chief Qiao, you’re truly a fine man. Bold and heroic—I admire people like you. Too bad the Beggar’s Sect is blind,” Li Daoqiang said casually, his tone carrying genuine praise. Many in the Beggar’s Sect felt ashamed.
“Qiao Feng is a Khitan,” a voice suddenly rang out resentfully. Li Daoqiang’s eyes flashed as if with light. “Bang!” The speaker was struck, flying several zhang and coughing up blood.
“Chief Li!” Qiao Feng startled, immediately stepping in front of the Beggar’s Sect, fully on guard, his heart heavier. “Who gave you the right to speak? Those unqualified should stay quiet. Don’t make me act,” Li Daoqiang said coldly, glancing at the man and the rest of the Beggar’s Sect. His contempt was plain. Then he turned back to Qiao Feng, his smile returning. “Chief Qiao, let’s continue.” Qiao Feng was at a loss. Li Daoqiang was truly unpredictable. But he had to respond politely. “Please, Chief Li.”
“I like speaking plainly. Let’s first talk about what matters most to you now—how to deal with these people?” Li Daoqiang spoke unhurriedly. “You probably know my rules. I value fair trade. Now, I want to make a deal with you, Chief Qiao.” “Go ahead, Chief.” Qiao Feng gestured, his mind racing to figure out what Li Daoqiang wanted.
“I saved these people from Helian Tieshu, and they’re now my prisoners. I’ll trade their lives and freedom for one thing from you,” Li Daoqiang said, his tone growing slightly more serious.
(Chapter 3, requesting subscriptions. Starting from 500 average subscriptions, for every 100 increase, one extra chapter. Normally three chapters.) ……