The Beggar's Sect members looked somewhat uneasy.
Most of them had never encountered someone so forcefully demanding repayment for a life-saving favor. They wanted to speak up, but the man had indeed saved them. Coupled with his status as a peerless expert and the intimidation he had just displayed, they dared not say a word.
Qiao Feng was momentarily stunned, then quickly regained his composure and said in a deep voice, "Chief, you truly did save the Beggar's Sect. Qiao offers his thanks here. May I ask what Chief wishes to exchange?"
"The Eighteen Dragon Subduing Palms," Li Daoqiang said calmly and unhurriedly.
No sooner had the words left his mouth than the expressions of Qiao Feng and the Beggar's Sect members shifted. For any faction, inherited martial arts were of utmost importance. Even teaching them to their own people was done with extreme caution, let alone passing them to an outsider—and a bandit at that.
Qiao Feng furrowed his brow deeply, a rare look of hesitation appearing on his face. If Li Daoqiang had asked for something else, it might have been negotiable, but the Eighteen Dragon Subduing Palms forced him to pause. There were too many factors to consider.
Many in the Beggar's Sect showed anger on their faces, believing Li Daoqiang was taking advantage of the situation. They felt the Eighteen Dragon Subduing Palms should not be given to him. But glancing around at their companions, they couldn't bring themselves to voice their objections.
"Heh, Chief Qiao, you need not hesitate. Here lies the core of the Beggar's Sect. Trading the Eighteen Dragon Subduing Palms for them is a deal you won't regret. Strictly speaking, you've already resigned as the sect's chief. To save them, giving me the Eighteen Dragon Subduing Palms—no one can fault you for that. Even Old Chief Hong wouldn't blame you in the future," Li Daoqiang said with a faint smile.
Qiao Feng's face was heavy, his eyes still clouded with hesitation and thought. If this had happened before today, and Li Daoqiang had directly robbed them, forcing him to hand over the Eighteen Dragon Subduing Palms, he might have chosen death over submission. But now, Li Daoqiang had saved the Beggar's Sect, and he was no longer its chief. Many things had changed.
The Beggar's Sect members exchanged glances, unsure of what to say. Suddenly, one of them spoke firmly: "Chief Qiao, regardless of anything, I have always recognized you as our chief. I have no right to say much, but whatever decision you make, if anyone objects, I will be the first to deal with them."
"Right, I feel the same way."
"Yes, that's how it should be."
...
Soon, many in the Beggar's Sect voiced their agreement. Li Daoqiang glanced at them but said nothing this time. He didn't interrupt Qiao Feng, patiently waiting.
After a few breaths, Qiao Feng raised his eyes to meet Li Daoqiang's and said solemnly, "Very well, Qiao will give you the Eighteen Dragon Subduing Palms, Chief. But you must agree to two conditions."
"Let's hear them," Li Daoqiang said without immediately agreeing.
"First, Chief Li must not pass the Eighteen Dragon Subduing Palms to anyone else. Second, you must not use it against righteous people," Qiao Feng stated seriously, his entire demeanor radiating righteousness.
"The first condition is no problem. But the second—ha, Chief Qiao, that's an interesting one. Who defines a righteous person? Who is not? Can you decide that? Or should we judge based on reputation in the martial world? If I'm not mistaken, news that you're a Khitan will soon spread. Does that make you righteous or not?" Li Daoqiang said with a playful smile.
Qiao Feng's expression didn't change. He shook his head and said earnestly, "Let's set aside whether I'm Khitan for now. Chief, there's no need to use words to corner me. Right and wrong, who is righteous—everyone knows in their hearts, and there will be a public judgment. You only need to agree to my conditions."
"Chief Qiao, you're truly a remarkable man. What a pity," Li Daoqiang praised, then said calmly, "I cannot agree to the second condition. The Eighteen Dragon Subduing Palms came to me through a fair trade. Why should it be restricted? If it were, what use would I have for it?"
Beneath his calm tone lay immense confidence. Qiao Feng frowned, feeling trapped, as he lacked the same leverage. Ultimately, Li Daoqiang held the upper hand in this matter.
"Chief Qiao, this is already a sign of great sincerity on my part. Besides, your own value is part of this deal," Li Daoqiang said flatly.
Qiao Feng's expression stiffened slightly as he grasped the implication. He himself was part of this transaction—in other words, Li Daoqiang was also robbing him. The fate of the entire Beggar's Sect now rested in Li Daoqiang's hands. Though unwilling, he held back. Even with his confidence, he knew he couldn't defeat a peerless expert. More importantly, with so many Beggar's Sect members present, he couldn't afford to act.
After a few breaths, he let out a soft sigh and said firmly, "Fine, Qiao will hand over the Eighteen Dragon Subduing Palms to Chief."
"Chief Qiao is straightforward. Let's begin," Li Daoqiang said with a smile, turning and flying in a certain direction.
Qiao Feng glanced at the Beggar's Sect members but didn't ask Li Daoqiang to release them first. It was unnecessary. If Li Daoqiang intended to play tricks, no measure would stop him. He took a large step and followed.
A few li away, after ensuring their voices wouldn't carry, Qiao Feng began reciting the mental method of the Eighteen Dragon Subduing Palms, followed by the techniques and the corresponding energy circulation methods. Before long, Li Daoqiang had memorized everything.
Glancing at the "Eighteen Dragon Subduing Palms (Uninitiated)" entry on the Great Bandit System, Li Daoqiang felt satisfied. He paused and smiled, "Chief Qiao, you're indeed straightforward. Would you like to make another deal?"
"What deal?" Qiao Feng asked warily.
"About your origins, who's behind the plot against you, and the leader of the group," Li Daoqiang said unhurriedly.
Qiao Feng's expression changed instantly, and he couldn't help stepping forward: "Chief knows?"
"Yes," Li Daoqiang replied casually.
"What must I pay?" Qiao Feng asked, suppressing his inner turmoil.
"Join my Black Dragon Stronghold," Li Daoqiang said, still hoping to recruit him. Qiao Feng was undeniably a rare talent.
Qiao Feng's brow furrowed tightly. After less than a breath of thought, he shook his head and said solemnly, "Thank you for the offer, Chief, but I cannot join the Black Dragon Stronghold."
"Ah, what a pity. Then the deal is off," Li Daoqiang sighed, not surprised at all. As long as Qiao Feng still had the Beggar's Sect in his heart, joining the Black Dragon Stronghold was nearly impossible.
Qiao Feng's face shifted, but he couldn't help asking, "Chief, are there no other conditions? I will do my utmost to fulfill them."
"In this life, I only love two things: money and beautiful women. Martial arts are secondary. Chief Qiao, you have neither, which is why I traded for the Eighteen Dragon Subduing Palms," Li Daoqiang said calmly.
Qiao Feng was left speechless. He indeed lacked those two things. After a few moments of changing expressions, he ultimately let out a helpless sigh. There was no resentment; the other party had no reason to reveal those secrets for free. He clasped his hands and said, "In that case, I'll take the Beggar's Sect and leave."
"Mm."
Li Daoqiang responded casually and flew back. Once there, he ordered the antidote to the Bei Su Qing Feng to be administered to the Beggar's Sect members. Qiao Feng clasped his hands again and led them away.
"Chief Qiao, you might want to hurry back to your parents' place. And remember, the Black Dragon Stronghold always welcomes you."
Suddenly, Li Daoqiang's light voice rang out. Qiao Feng paused, as if realizing something, and turned to bow solemnly: "Thank you, Chief." Then he quickened his pace.
Li Daoqiang watched him go, sighing inwardly. He had still made a deal with no profit, driven by old sentiments. After a brief moment of reflection, he dismissed the thought. He hadn't held much hope of recruiting Qiao Feng anyway, so he didn't dwell on it. Getting the Eighteen Dragon Subduing Palms was enough.
As for Qiao Feng's fate—there were countless tragedies in the world, and he wasn't Qiao Feng's keeper. Offering a free reminder of the most critical tragedy was already an act of softness, a nod to his past ideals.
He turned his gaze to Helian Tieshu. In a good mood from acquiring the Eighteen Dragon Subduing Palms, he said with a slight smile, "General Helian, it's time for us to talk."
Helian Tieshu's heart tightened, but he forced a smile: "Please, Chief, speak."
"Mm, you know my rules, General. Your two masters count as the first tier—one million taels each. The forty-six Xiantian experts are the second tier—920,000 taels total. The remaining 153, all at the Meridian Opening stage, are 2,000 taels each—306,000 taels. That makes 3,226,000 taels in total," Li Daoqiang said, scanning the First Class Hall members.
Helian Tieshu breathed a sigh of relief. Not too much.
"But—"
Suddenly, Li Daoqiang's voice rose again, and Helian Tieshu felt a strong sense of dread.
"That's the normal rate. You're from a foreign land, so the price can't be the same. I treat my own countrymen and foreigners differently. Since this is your first transaction with me as a foreigner, I'll give you a discount. Normally, it's ten times the price, but you can pay nine and a half times as a memento. That's 30,647,000 taels. General Helian, any objections?"
Li Daoqiang spoke casually, ending with a smile at Helian Tieshu.
Helian Tieshu's face stiffened, dark and uncertain. The First Class Hall members, stunned, showed despair. Over 30 million taels! Would Western Xia ransom them?
Facing Li Daoqiang's smile, Helian Tieshu forced a bitter grin: "Chief, Western Xia is small and weak. We truly can't afford that much."
"Heh, that's not for a general like you to worry about. Let the Western Xia emperor handle it. You just wait patiently," Li Daoqiang said politely.
Helian Tieshu's face flushed red, but he dared not say more, his heart heavy with dread.
(Chapter 1, thanks for your support.) ...