Si Hanfei took a deep look at Bi Xuan, whose eyes were still closed, and a flicker of mockery flashed deep in his gaze.
On the surface, he said nothing more. Turning to Li Daoqiang, he shifted the topic seriously. "Brother Li, I saw everything that just happened. As for the exact price, I will report it to the Great Khan when I return. I hope Brother Li won't forget today's discussion."
He knew this matter couldn't be settled here. Li Daoqiang was too greedy; he could only report to the Great Khan and negotiate slowly. After all, fifty billion taels of silver was utterly impossible.
"Of course. As long as it's fifty billion taels of silver, I, Li Daoqiang, keep my word. Once the silver arrives, I'll immediately join the Yuan Kingdom." Li Daoqiang straightened his face and vowed.
Wang Chongyang and the other two raised an eyebrow. After a moment's thought, Wang Chongyang said calmly with a smile, "Daoist Li, the Mongol Yuan are masters of deception. They can never produce fifty billion taels of pure gold and silver. Only by pooling all the wealth of the Mongol Yuan's nobles and adding other assets might it be possible. So don't let their tricks fool you."
Si Hanfei's gaze turned cold, and he sneered disdainfully. "True Man Wang, you're the one crying thief. If we're talking about deception, isn't the Song court the most skilled at it?"
Li Daoqiang watched their clash, his expression unchanged, and said with a smile, "True Man, rest assured. I may not be the sharpest, but I'm no fool. Brother Si, don't mind it either. I trust you."
"Brother Li, rest easy. No matter what, you will always be a friend of the Great Yuan." Si Hanfei said with utmost solemnity and sincerity.
"Brother Si, the same goes for you. No matter what, you'll always be my friend, Li Daoqiang." Li Daoqiang immediately put on a serious face, echoing with the same conviction.
The onlookers exchanged glances. Bi Xuan curled his lips in disdain.
Acting as if nothing had happened, Li Daoqiang wore a nonchalant expression. Glancing at the group, he cupped his hands and said, "Everyone, I've finished my business here. I won't stay and disturb you any longer. I'll take my leave now. Until we meet again."
"Farewell."
They all returned the gesture.
Watching Li Daoqiang leave with the silent Bi Xuan, the atmosphere grew even heavier.
Wang Chongyang and the other two fixed their gazes on Si Hanfei and the Carefree King with subtle intent.
Si Hanfei and his companion showed no fear, smiling calmly.
The next moment, a powerful aura appeared in their perception.
Wang Chongyang and the others' expressions shifted slightly. They snorted coldly but weren't surprised.
On guard against each other, they turned their attention back to the arena.
There, the martial contest had resumed. It was still Ouyang Feng and Hong Qigong.
After that great battle, they had seen nothing and could only continue the match.
But clearly, most people's minds were no longer on the fight. Their thoughts lingered on the epic clash they had just witnessed.
Li Daoqiang led Bi Xuan quietly to where Wan Wan and the other two stood.
Ignoring the submissive Bian Bufu and Wen Caiting, as well as Wan Wan's pitiful gaze, he glanced in one direction, then at the unusually quiet Bi Xuan, understanding dawning.
As expected, they weren't of one mind. Si Hanfei and his group didn't fully trust Bi Xuan either. That peerless expert was one of the aces meant to deal with Wang Chongyang and the others.
This move had been well-timed. From now on, no matter what, those behemoths would have to be far more cautious when plotting against him, unwilling to act rashly.
That was one of his true goals. Strike hard to avoid a hundred blows. A simple truth: only by baring fiercer fangs can you keep other beasts from daring to attack you. The Heroes' Gathering was the perfect opportunity, so he seized it decisively.
"Chief, are you angry with Wan Wan?"
Suddenly, Wan Wan's weak, pitiful voice rang out, indifferent to the others present. Her big, watery eyes gazed at Li Daoqiang.
Li Daoqiang shifted his thoughts, looking at the little drama queen Wan Wan. In a good mood since most of his goals were achieved, he nodded with a smile. "Yes, I am angry. Wan Wan hasn't been obedient, and I'm starting to dislike her."
Wan Wan gritted her teeth inwardly, the faint trace of awe vanishing. No matter how strong he was, he was still infuriating.
Suppressing her emotions, she said softly, "Where have I been disobedient?"
"Alright, if you're obedient, then shut up for now. I have some matters to attend to." Li Daoqiang glanced at the arena and smiled.
Wan Wan's breath caught. She shut her mouth.
Bastard, telling me to shut up.
Furious inside, she forced a smile on the surface, putting on an even more pitiful and wronged look, and said nothing.
Li Daoqiang caught it out of the corner of his eye, finding it amusing. Teasing this little vixen would surely be entertaining.
Ignoring her, likely cursing him in her mind, he pondered for a moment and sent a few private messages.
With a curl of his lips, he led Wan Wan and the others, summoning Ding Chunqiu and the rest, heading northeast.
Most were puzzled but dared not ask.
Li Daoqiang took one last look in Wang Chongyang's direction, a hint of curiosity flashing in his eyes. He was genuinely interested in seeing the likely upcoming battle.
But he decided against watching. There was no need.
His two farewells to Wang Chongyang and the others, leaving early, weren't mere politeness. They were necessary.
Whether Wang Chongyang and the others fought or not, they wouldn't allow a peer-level expert to observe, as it was too dangerous. This was an unspoken rule among such experts.
Don't meddle in the war between two nations. To observe was to interfere.
Li Daoqiang certainly wouldn't break that rule, or it would imply he'd chosen a side.
So he needed a reason to appear and act. The excuses of Zhu Yuyan and Ge Shutian were just enough.
Barring surprises, both nations likely had other plans. Li Daoqiang wasn't confident he could avoid detection by other experts—no peerless expert was simple. So he avoided that muddy water and left directly.
His goals were mostly achieved; now he just had to wait. The outcome of the battle between Wang Chongyang and the others would eventually come to light. And they might not even fight to the death.
In a good mood, he led his group to a small town over two hundred li away, on the border between the Jin and Yuan kingdoms.
After arranging lodgings, Li Daoqiang acted as if he were waiting there. Bi Xuan remained eerily quiet, seemingly unconcerned about his own safety or freedom.
No one dared to ask. Wan Wan held out for half a day before finally giving in.
"Chief, what are we doing here?"
During the evening meal, Wan Wan asked sweetly at the table.
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