He gestured for Ouyang Feng to sit.
Ouyang Feng kept his gaze straight ahead, sitting down with the same casual ease as before. Facing Bi Xuan beside him, he remained composed. The events of that year had passed; he had been mad for so long, and it was over now. Besides, Bi Xuan was now just a failure. That was the final straw that led him to this decision.
Bi Xuan didn't look at Ouyang Feng, clearly having let it go as well. Or rather, he had no choice but to let it go.
"Mr. Ouyang joining our Black Dragon Village is a great joy. Come, let's have a toast," Li Daoqiang said cheerfully, raising his cup.
Everyone raised their cups in courtesy, even Bi Xuan and Geshu Tian.
After downing the drink, Li Daoqiang smiled. "We'll discuss your specific role, Mr. Ouyang, after we return to the village."
Ouyang Feng nodded, satisfied. That suited him—he'd wait until he understood things better.
"Geshu Tian, or rather Ying Tianxing, it's time we settled our accounts." Li Daoqiang's gaze shifted to Geshu Tian at the table on the left.
Immediately, everyone's eyes followed.
Geshu Tian's face was unnaturally pale, his aura extremely weak, as if he were even less than an ordinary person. Having been lost in thought since earlier, he looked up and said solemnly, "Chief, just say what you want."
"Good. Join my Black Dragon Village and slowly pay off your debt." Li Daoqiang didn't beat around the bush.
No one was surprised. Twelve billion, two hundred and fifty million taels of silver—Geshu Tian couldn't possibly come up with that. The only reason Li Daoqiang was keeping him alive was almost certainly this.
Geshu Tian had already guessed as much. He said gravely, "The rise of evil and fall of good is fate. Chief, are you willing to embrace evil?"
"Evil or good? Whoever gives me enough benefits, I'll be on their side. If they can't, then I'm just myself." Li Daoqiang said dismissively, his calm tone laced with undeniable dominance.
Geshu Tian paused, then said seriously, "I can join the Black Dragon Village, but the Heavenly Desire Palace must remain independent, as a subordinate faction. And I can't bear the debt of twelve billion, two hundred and fifty million taels."
"As for the debt, if you're willing to join my Black Dragon Village, it can be reduced to one hundred and twenty-five million taels. The Heavenly Desire Palace must be merged into the Black Dragon Village—no other choice." Li Daoqiang said flatly, without hesitation.
Geshu Tian's face darkened, and he remained silent for a long time, unable to give an answer.
Li Daoqiang seemed in no hurry. After a while, he stood up and walked toward his room. "Tomorrow morning, we return to the village. Give me your answer then."
"Yes."
Everyone responded.
One by one, they returned to their rooms. There was no need to keep a close watch on Bi Xuan, Wan Wan, or the others. After today's battle, no one would likely try to rescue them, and they themselves wouldn't think of escaping.
Night fell.
Li Daoqiang was quietly cultivating. A few knocks sounded at the door. He didn't fully stop his practice, just glanced at the door with mild interest and said calmly, "Enter."
The door opened. Wan Wan, dressed in a thin white robe, her perfect, delicate bare feet exposed, her graceful curves fully displayed, as beautiful as a spirit, walked in carrying a bowl of plain noodles.
"Chief, Wan Wan has brought you a late-night snack."
Her flawless, exquisite face bloomed with a smile like a flower, showing no trace of anger. She looked pure, gentle, and even a bit cute.
Li Daoqiang was intrigued. A faint smile tugged at his lips as he teased, "Wan Wan, weren't you angry?"
Wan Wan's smile didn't waver. She said sweetly, "How could Wan Wan dare to be angry with the Chief? I was just a bit upset for a moment. You're magnanimous—surely you won't hold it against me?"
"Actually, I do remember," Li Daoqiang said with a carefree laugh.
Wan Wan's heart stiffened. *Bastard, you really don't follow any rules.* But she was prepared. She pouted, looking pitiful. "Then it was Wan Wan's fault. Please forgive me, okay?"
"Hmm, depends on your behavior," Li Daoqiang said seriously.
"Then Wan Wan brought you a snack, and I made it myself. Isn't that good enough?" Wan Wan presented the bowl of noodles to Li Daoqiang, her face a mix of pitifulness and a hint of seeking praise.
"You made it yourself?" Li Daoqiang looked at the plain noodles with some curiosity.
"Of course! This is the first time Wan Wan has cooked for anyone," she said with a nasal tone, making her even cuter. Inside, she cursed furiously. *I'll let you have this, you bastard. One day, I'll get it all back.*
"Not even for your master?" Li Daoqiang was even more curious.
"Mmm, Chief, this is the first time," Wan Wan nodded repeatedly, very certain.
"Then you're really unfilial," Li Daoqiang shook his head with a light sigh.
Wan Wan's breath caught. She nearly threw the noodles at the face that screamed "bastard." *Is that the point? Bastard, jerk.* Her hand trembled, but she held back. Her face fell, looking hurt. "Wan Wan has failed my master and betrayed her great kindness to me."
"Heh." Li Daoqiang laughed out loud. *This little vixen, she's really good at acting.*
At the sound of his laugh, Wan Wan's hand twitched again, barely restraining herself. *This bastard isn't human. Not a man.*
"Alright, since Wan Wan made it herself, I'll give it a try." Li Daoqiang stopped laughing, looking interested. He took the bowl and chopsticks and took a bite without hesitation.
Even Wan Wan was momentarily distracted from her anger, secretly surprised. *Doesn't this bastard worry I might poison him? Is he that confident?* There were poisons in the world that could kill even a top-tier expert. She felt a flicker of regret and disappointment—regret that passed quickly, and disappointment that she didn't have such poison on hand.
Li Daoqiang savored it briefly, frowned, and said casually, "Taste is average. Needs improvement."
Wan Wan nearly exploded with rage, ready to snatch the bowl back. But then she saw him wolf down the entire bowl in a few bites.
She froze, a strange look crossing her face. Suppressing her anger, she maintained her obedient demeanor. "If it's average, why did you eat it all?"
"Though average, the effort is commendable. Keep it up." Li Daoqiang handed the bowl back to her calmly.
Wan Wan took it, feeling a mix of anger, annoyance, and a strange inability to vent. She could only console herself that she was here to win him over. *Hold it in, hold it in.*
Before she could say anything, Li Daoqiang suddenly seemed to remember something. Smiling, he said, "Wait here a moment." Then he vanished.
"You—!"
Before Wan Wan could react, he was gone. Alone in the empty room, she couldn't maintain her composure anymore. Her face twisted with fury.
(That's all for today. Something important came up.)