Eleven people in total, divided into three tables.
Li Daoqiang, Wanwan, and Bi Xuan sat at one table.
The rest were split between the other two.
Aside from the unusually quiet Bi Xuan, the others—though puzzled and too afraid to ask questions—perked up at this, pretending to eat while secretly straining their ears.
"Take a guess." Li Daoqiang glanced at this drama queen, a hint of amusement in his smile.
As for the food before him, he had little interest.
Just a small-town inn's fare; the dishes were nothing special.
Eating was merely a pastime for him now, optional at best.
If it wasn't good, he wouldn't bother.
Wanwan's delicate face wore a pure, shy smile. She shook her head charmingly, looking adorable, and said, "Wanwan doesn't know."
She acted openly, with no pressure from those around her.
"Not knowing is exactly why I'm asking you to guess." Li Daoqiang felt even less pressure, as if no one else existed.
Wanwan sneered inwardly. *Bastard, you're just messing with me.*
But her face grew even sweeter: "Wanwan can't guess, Big Boss. Just tell me."
"Heh, how dumb." Li Daoqiang chuckled.
Nearby, someone couldn't help but smile, then forced it down to avoid laughing out loud.
Wanwan's sweet expression froze. *Bastard.*
She lowered her hands, clenching them tightly under the table.
Vowing fiercely in her heart.
*Don't let me catch an opportunity, you bastard.*
After a brief stiffening, she pouted, reached out, tugged at Li Daoqiang's sleeve, and whined, "Big Boss, I'm just dumb, okay?"
"Alright, don't pry too much. Be a good girl and listen. Girls who don't behave get spanked." Li Daoqiang said with a gentle smile, his tone serious.
Wanwan tensed up, her composure cracking.
Her full curves rose and fell, breathtakingly.
*Bastard, scumbag, I'm done playing with you.*
Her face turned cold, she withdrew her hand, and sat there sullenly.
Anyone could see she was angry.
Li Daoqiang found it even more amusing. Ignoring this drama queen, he waited patiently.
"Big Boss Li." Suddenly, Bi Xuan, calm-faced, spoke up, drawing everyone's attention.
Li Daoqiang looked at him too.
"What exactly are you trying to do?" Bi Xuan met Li Daoqiang's gaze without fear.
"What can I do? Don't you already know, Brother Bi?" Li Daoqiang said with a light laugh.
"Your wisdom is admirable, Big Boss. With just a few words, you made Si Hanfei stand by and let you attack me freely.
On the surface, you seem neutral, but in reality, your actions help the Song Kingdom.
Yet your words lean toward the Mongol Yuan.
Playing both sides like this—is that what you want?" Bi Xuan spoke slowly and deliberately.
The others' eyes flickered, more alert.
This seemed to involve a big secret.
Wanwan forgot her anger, staring intently at Li Daoqiang and Bi Xuan.
Li Daoqiang's expression didn't change, his smile steady. He seemed unconcerned about being overheard, saying frankly, "I'm a bandit, most content with my lot.
Bandits are supposed to be profit-driven, and I'm no exception.
As long as the price is right, there's nothing I won't do.
Playing both sides? Brother Bi, you're overthinking it. Whoever pays enough, I help."
"But why did you step in willingly? You could have stayed out of it.
Was it really just for Zhu Yuyan and Geshutian?
Later, was it only to profit from both kingdoms? That kind of profit isn't easy to get—it's unwise." Bi Xuan's gaze was like a sharp sword, piercing through everything.
The others' faces grew serious.
"Haha." Li Daoqiang laughed carelessly, open and honest: "Of course, it's not just that. Zhu Yuyan and Geshutian were coincidences; I grabbed them on a whim."
Wanwu, the others, and Geshutian felt a pang of frustration, anger mixed with helplessness.
Li Daoqiang seemed intrigued, holding nothing back, utterly candid: "Originally, I just wanted to take a sum from them, say hello to you all, and leave.
But Brother Si was so polite and enthusiastic, insisting on inviting me.
That was a deal I couldn't just give up.
Then, I naturally moved on to you, Brother Bi. Not only could I get a payout, but this battle would also shake the world.
It would establish Black Dragon Stronghold's reputation, making sure no one dares offend us easily, and forcing Zhu Yuyan to pay up.
It would unite my stronghold and attract talent."
"As for profiting from both kingdoms being hard—of course, I know that. But so what?
After this battle, if I don't want to, I can pull out anytime. Who can stop me?"
His words, though domineering, were spoken calmly and naturally.
As if profiting from two behemoths in a dangerous game was just a minor matter.
Thinking of those two colossal powers made everyone's minds reel.
They understood a lot now: Li Daoqiang wanted to gain from the war between the kingdoms.
Undoubtedly, that was like courting a tiger for its skin—one misstep and he'd be crushed.
Yet, oddly, they felt Li Daoqiang wasn't being arrogant.
With the strength to capture Bi Xuan alive, maybe he really could come and go as he pleased.
The Black Dragon Stronghold members felt more confident and proud.
Some also felt a chill: *Uniting the stronghold—is that a warning to me?*
Wanwan's heart shook, then she cursed him a few times under her breath. *Such a money-grubber.*
Bi Xuan fell silent, the memory of that battle etched into his soul resurfacing.
That kind of strength...
Maybe it really was possible.
Thus, everything made sense.
Li Daoqiang was truly after profit, and from every angle, he stood to gain immensely.
Both internally and externally.
He wasn't favoring either kingdom.
Of course, leaning slightly toward the Song Kingdom was natural, since Black Dragon Stronghold was within its borders.
Bi Xuan inwardly sighed in relief. A Li Daoqiang who didn't favor any side was someone he could deal with.
Yes, asking all this was to propose a deal.
His expression turned serious, and he stopped hesitating, saying solemnly, "Big Boss, I've heard you love making deals. Is there one you'd consider?"
"As long as the money's enough, or the beauty's exceptional, there's no deal I won't make."
Li Daoqiang's smile widened, his tone firm, satisfied inside.
Another fat sheep had taken the bait.
It was worth being sincere and laying out his goals.
Indeed, everything he'd just said was true, no lies.
Because there was no need for lies.
That was the beauty of his bandit identity and persona—everyone knew he was that kind of person, so they easily believed and accepted it.
There was no point hiding it.
So he didn't need to hide; telling the truth worked better.
Like now, Bi Xuan was rushing to make a deal.
"Money I understand, but how do you define exceptional beauty?" Bi Xuan asked.
"Beauty goes without saying—that's basic. The higher the martial arts skill, the better. No promiscuity. The greater the fame, the better." Li Daoqiang answered without hesitation.
Wanwan couldn't help but snort, her eyes flashing with sarcasm and disdain.
Since the bastard knew everything anyway, she didn't bother pretending to be a meek, delicate girl.
"Heh." Li Daoqiang smiled at Wanwan, calm and composed: "Wanwan, you're still too young. Getting upset over this.
Men, after all, want multiple wives and concubines.
Most just can't achieve it."
"Of course, I'm a reasonable man. If men can, women can too.
If a woman has enough strength and takes many men, I won't discriminate.
I want many wives because I have the strength.
If one day, Wanwan, your strength surpasses mine—or even matches it—you can demand I take no more wives, only you."
"Pfft." Wanwan glared at Li Daoqiang.
*Who wants many men?*
*And be with you? Dream on.*
Li Daoqiang didn't mind, turning back to Bi Xuan.
Bi Xuan, unconcerned with such matters, hesitated, then glanced around.
Li Daoqiang understood. A layer of golden light rose, blocking sound and their figures.
Wanwan and the others were curious but helpless, watching wide-eyed.
Inside the golden light.
"Big Boss, my Great Jin Kingdom invites you. If you agree, you'll be made a prince with a fief, equal to the emperor.
You can choose any beauty in the kingdom.
Plus, an annual stipend of ten million taels of silver." Bi Xuan said solemnly.
"Brother Bi, your offer is worse than Brother Si's." Li Daoqiang said calmly with a smile.
"The Mongol Yuan is strong. If you join them, you'll be constrained.
Our Great Jin is different. If you join us, no one will tie you down." Bi Xuan shook his head, confident.
"No interest. For me, unless you can drown me in money at once, inviting me to join any kingdom is impossible." Li Daoqiang refused outright.
A declining Jin Kingdom might offer big profits.
But getting enough would be troublesome.
Not worth sacrificing his reputation.
If it were five billion taels, that would be different—he'd sell his reputation and persona in a heartbeat.
A one-time windfall to skyrocket.
The Mongol Yuan could afford that; the Jin Kingdom clearly couldn't.
Bi Xuan sighed inwardly, a bit regretful.
But not too disappointed—he'd expected this. He spoke again: "Then how about five hundred thousand taels a year for your protection, Big Boss?"
"Heh, Brother Bi, I never turn down money, but when it comes to matters of a kingdom, don't insult me like this." Li Daoqiang said flatly.
Bi Xuan frowned. That was a blatant dismissal of the offer as too small.
Just as he was about to speak, Li Daoqiang suddenly took the initiative: "Brother Bi, forget about deals tied to protection or binding with Jin.
And we've only just met, without deep trust..."
(Chapter 1, thanks for your support.)
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