Similarly, He Qinghua's strength was far inferior to Huang Xuemei's. So in various specific matters, Li Daoqiang would lean toward Huang Xuemei. Take this New Year's, for example. It wasn't favoritism—it was reality.
With Lü Lin around, Huang Xuemei's side was settled. Going forward, there shouldn't be major issues. Wang Yuyan and Qi Fang were naturally docile like lambs. Huang Xuemei, on the other hand, disdained petty jealousy. As long as no surprises cropped up, this New Year would pass smoothly. He had done his best.
As night fell, tables and chairs were set up around the main hall. Feasts followed. Thousands sat down to dine, celebrating the New Year's Eve that Li Daoqiang had deliberately grandiosed.
Ignoring the growing clamor outside, twenty tables were laid inside the hall. Only those who had reached the Innate Realm could sit here with their families. Li Daoqiang, Huang Xuemei, Wang Yuyan, Qi Fang, and the arriving Li Qingluo—five of them—sat at the head table.
Paying no mind to the four women's somewhat awkward atmosphere, Li Daoqiang wore a hearty smile and stood up, raising a cup of wine. Instantly, the hall fell silent. Some tried to rise, but he pressed a hand down, and they knowingly sat back. All eyes turned to Li Daoqiang. Even Li Qingluo and Huang Xuemei, who had been locked in a silent glare, looked at him.
"Brothers," he said. His bold voice carried out of the hall, ringing in everyone's ears. Throughout Black Dragon Stronghold, even those patrolling the perimeter heard it clearly. Silence spread like a contagion, and the lively scene hushed as all eyes turned toward the main hall.
Li Daoqiang sensed the entire stronghold within his perception and spoke with grandeur: "Today is New Year's Eve, the last day of the year. Tomorrow begins a new one. At this moment, I, as the chief, want to say in advance to all brothers: Happy New Year, everyone."
His slightly odd words carried a power that stirred emotions. After a brief pause, the stronghold erupted. "Cheers!" "Happy New Year, Chief!" Voices rose in a cacophony, piercing the night's stillness. Inside the hall, led by a few, everyone joined in to amplify the mood.
Li Daoqiang's smile deepened, adding more boldness. "Mm," he uttered after a few breaths, and silence returned.
"Brothers, in these final moments of the year, I have much to say. Looking back, our Black Dragon Stronghold has made great strides. Many brothers have joined our family. This is my honor, and it's your merit and glory. Now, we can declare to the world: Our stronghold fears no one, no force."
His words, brimming with pride and dominance, sparked another wave of fervor. "Great!" "Long live the Chief!" "Long live the Chief!"
Led by a few sycophants, amid the festive cheer and his rare speech, most were stirred into a joyful, participatory mood. They echoed happily. Unconsciously, this fostered a sense of belonging to the stronghold. Such was the power of environment and influence. Even in the hall, many were swayed by the atmosphere and that final domineering line, their faces lighting up.
Li Daoqiang was pleased. When the fervor subsided slightly, he continued, "This year, our stronghold shook the world. Our achievements drew global attention. As the new year approaches, I hope all brothers will unite and create more glory. Let us elevate Black Dragon Stronghold to be the world's undisputed greatest stronghold."
"Greatest stronghold!" "Greatest stronghold!"
The roar swelled, even louder. For men—especially those with martial prowess and restless energy—the words "number one" were like a stimulant, igniting passion and curiosity. Even just "greatest stronghold" had a powerful effect. It took longer for the excitement to ebb.
Li Daoqiang grew more satisfied and concluded, "Alright, in these final hours, I won't ramble. Brothers, eat and drink your fill. Ensure shifts are managed so everyone gets their share tonight. I toast you all. Cheers."
"Cheers!" "Long live the Chief!"
Amid the clamor, those able to drink did so. Even Huang Xuemei, after glancing at Li Daoqiang, drank out of courtesy. Qi Fang and Wang Yuyan, the two lambs, finished their cups and gasped, overwhelmed by the burn. Li Daoqiang smiled at the sight, sat down, and stopped looking elsewhere. He focused on eating and being with his family.
Seeing this, the hall's atmosphere gradually grew lively. Outside, it was already a blaze of excitement. Cheers rang endlessly.
Seated at the center, Li Daoqiang personally served Huang Xuemei, Wang Yuyan, and Qi Fang a dish each. He didn't forget his mother-in-law either. Li Qingluo's expression flickered, but she didn't refuse.
"Come to think of it, this is the first time our family has dined together. I'm very happy. More people mean more liveliness—I love it," he said, soundproofing their conversation.
Li Qingluo's brow twitched, and she silently cursed. Who was he calling "our family"? Of course, she knew it wasn't directed at her—she was just overlooked. Suddenly, she regretted sitting here.
Wang Yuyan and Qi Fang didn't overthink it, only shyly and timidly glancing at the icy Huang Xuemei. Huang Xuemei's coldness deepened. More people, more liveliness? Hmph. She scoffed inwardly. If he wanted to be a lecher and take more wives, he should just say so. She couldn't care less. She raised her cup and drank again, ignoring Li Daoqiang.
Li Daoqiang, ever watchful of their expressions, continued gently, "This is our first New Year together as a family. From now on, we'll spend every one together."
Wang Yuyan nodded earnestly, playing along, but after a furtive glance at Huang Xuemei, she dared not—or was too shy—to speak. Qi Fang timidly nodded too, equally compliant but too afraid to talk. Huang Xuemei's aloof, proud aura, like an untouchable ice queen, weighed heavily on the two lambs.
Huang Xuemei paid no heed, as if it had nothing to do with her. Li Qingluo frowned, glaring at her foolish daughter in frustration. What was there to fear? Wasn't she a Grandmaster with the vast Carefree Sect behind her? But she held her tongue. Besides... She shot a cold smirk at Huang Xuemei. How long would Li Daoqiang tolerate such a woman? Though brief, she was confident she'd seen through much. Huang Xuemei wouldn't threaten her daughter. Sooner or later, she'd disgust Li Daoqiang.
Li Daoqiang, unaware of his mother-in-law's thoughts, didn't push to bond further. He kept it simple—urging them to eat more, chatting about Wang Yuyan and Qi Fang's cultivation, and casually mentioning their "Sister Xuemei's" matters. With the soundproofing, the five's atmosphere wasn't warm, but it was tolerable. The two lambs were obedient enough.
Meanwhile, he kept tabs on the hall and the stronghold. All Innate Realm members present, except those away, were there. Their seating and expressions revealed much. For instance, Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling sat with Ding Dian's couple and Lü Tengkong's family—speaking volumes. Ding Chunqiu sat with a few former disciples and others of ill repute, showing he, too, was a capable schemer gathering a new circle.
The modest hall held layers of meaning. Li Daoqiang found it fascinating. It helped him better control and develop the stronghold. He also monitored the outside. This lavish New Year's Eve banquet served many purposes. He needed to gauge its effect firsthand.
After a while, he had a clearer picture. The results were good. No wonder companies in his past world loved such gatherings. They worked wonders. He silently decided: from now on, the New Year's Eve banquet would be a fixed tradition, like the stronghold's grand tournament. In this bandit den, he didn't seek blind loyalty. But he needed the stronghold to be more cohesive and forward-driven.
Half an hour later, Li Daoqiang withdrew with the women. Without him, everyone could relax more. But this was a bandit lair—letting them loose could spell disaster. So he had Ding Dian's enforcement team keep watch, ensuring no chaos. Anyone causing trouble would face severe punishment.
Leaving the festivities behind, Li Daoqiang didn't send the women to their separate quarters. Instead, he led them to his courtyard. He brought out a pre-prepared time-killer: mahjong. New Year's Eve wasn't over yet, and he didn't want them spending it alone.
In the end, Wang Yuyan, Qi Fang, Li Qingluo, and a maid started playing mahjong. Li Daoqiang watched. Huang Xuemei sat nearby, lost in thought. He didn't mind—her staying was good enough.
In the moderately lively atmosphere, time passed. Midnight came, and the new year arrived. (Book Club: (Xingchenyu Novel Chat Group), newly established. Feel free to join and chat.) ......