Previously, beneath those jade-like, straight and delicate calves, a pair of spirited, perfectly exquisite little feet had vanished. In their place were a spotless pair of milky-white embroidered shoes. Though the direct allure was gone, they still held a certain charm, and an even stronger urge to hold them in one’s palm. Of course, aside from a few lechers present, most people quickly resisted the temptation. Even those lechers dared not stare too long. What truly puzzled them was why Wan Wan had put on shoes? What was this enchantress up to? Bian Bufu and Wen Caiting exchanged odd glances, utterly baffled. Then, their gazes collectively turned to Li Daoqiang. If anyone could make Wan Wan wear shoes, it was most likely him. Li Daoqiang paid no heed to the crowd’s stares, smiling as he admired the little feet in their embroidered shoes. Good. He looked at Wan Wan with approval. Wan Wan forced herself to endure the discomfort, walking over to sit beside Li Daoqiang. She shot him a coquettish glare, her meaning clear: *Are you satisfied now?* “Good girl.” Li Daoqiang didn’t hold back, expressing his approval. Wan Wan’s heart faltered for a moment, but she was somewhat used to it by now. She suppressed it easily, pouting lightly as she rolled her eyes, then turned her attention to the breakfast before her. Li Daoqiang didn’t mind, continuing to enjoy the decent meal. After a few bites, he glanced sideways, his eyes brimming with amusement. Under the table, Wan Wan’s two delicate feet were rubbing against each other. It seemed they were constrained by something, making her extremely uncomfortable. Just one look made Li Daoqiang find it amusing and funny. As if sensing his gaze, Wan Wan immediately pressed both feet flat on the ground, a hint of embarrassment flashing in her eyes for the first time. Even she couldn’t handle that moment. Li Daoqiang didn’t push her further, resuming his meal. Soon, after finishing, he looked at Geshutian. His meaning was clear: two choices, pick one. Everyone’s eyes followed. Geshutian, still in low spirits, lifted his gaze and said solemnly, “May I ask if the Great Chief would use the Life-and-Death Talisman to control me?” “Those who join Black Dragon Stronghold, as long as they don’t err, I never use the Life-and-Death Talisman,” Li Daoqiang said flatly. He conveniently ignored Ding Chunqiu. Ding Chunqiu was a special case, and he had made mistakes. “Your subordinate pays respects to the Great Chief.” Geshutian said no more, bowing respectfully. “Haha, good! From now on, we’re all brothers!” Li Daoqiang laughed heartily, brimming with boldness. As he spoke, he waved his hand, and strands of golden energy emerged from Geshutian, flowing toward Li Daoqiang. These were the forces he had left in Geshutian. They were also the root of Geshutian’s most severe problems. In a few breaths, all the energy was withdrawn by Li Daoqiang. Instantly, Geshutian felt lighter, beginning to absorb the surrounding spiritual energy. “Thank you, Great Chief.” Geshutian’s brow relaxed as he bowed again. “We’re all brothers in the stronghold; no need for such words.” Li Daoqiang said cheerfully, in high spirits. Everything was settled. With a command, they set off back to Black Dragon Stronghold. This time, all that needed to be done was done. Next came returning to the stronghold to slowly acquire and organize the gains. As Li Daoqiang and his group headed back, the waves from the Hero Conference began to spread across the entire world. Immediately, it stirred up a frenzy. As time passed, the fervor only grew. The Hero Conference had already been a globally watched event. Now, with the involvement of several peerless experts and their clashes, and the shocking news that even Jin’s Martial Honor, Bi Xuan, had been defeated and captured alive by Li Daoqiang, each detail added fuel to the fire, ensuring it would be a long-lasting topic of discussion in the martial world and even the courts of every nation. Even within Black Dragon Stronghold, it wasn’t calm. Huang Xuemei finished listening to the report, her cold, unmatched face showing a flicker of complexity. *That guy is already this strong?* A hint of joy stirred within her. But more than that, there was an indescribable complexity. A mix of reluctance, defiance, helplessness, and a fleeting trace of resignation. At Tianshan’s Lingjiu Palace. Wu Xingyun finished reading all the information, her delicate face shifting, unable to stay calm. A strong sense of urgency surged within her. *I must find a way to advance quickly, or I won’t be able to hold my head up in front of that brat.* That was something she couldn’t tolerate. If before, she could maintain a five-point standing and face with Li Daoqiang, now it would drop to three points, maybe even one or two. This was the naked truth of power. The stronger Li Daoqiang became, the lower her standing and face would fall, unless her strength could keep pace. For someone who had been competitive her whole life, she couldn’t allow her status and face before a junior to keep diminishing. In Tubo. Jiumozhi finished reading the intelligence, his face shocked for a moment, then contemplative. Li Daoqiang’s words from that day echoed in his mind, one by one. Tubo was indeed too small. And Li Daoqiang had proven what he said that day. He truly had enough strength to support his forward march. Jiumozhi felt tempted once again. At Ming’s Seven Star Hall, the Murong family. The graceful and gentle Murong Qiudi sat in silence. Looking at the figure seated above, she said solemnly, “Father, we can’t wait any longer.” “I understand. Go to Gusu immediately. Murong Fu will arrange everything.” In a cave in Song. Zhu Yuyan’s expression was dark and uncertain, radiating a violent, oppressive aura that kept others at bay. In a cluster of buildings deep in the mountains. The ethereally beautiful Shi Feixuan furrowed her delicate brows, exuding a heavy air. Xixia’s Li Qiushui… Dali… One by one, figures connected to Li Daoqiang—and even those unconnected—were more or less changed by the battle at the Hero Conference. Of course, aside from matters involving Li Daoqiang, the Hero Conference stirred even greater upheavals. But for the average martial artist across nations, nothing was as gripping or intriguing as Li Daoqiang defeating and capturing Bi Xuan alive. That battle, including every embellished detail, spread like wildfire across the nations. As the world seethed, Li Daoqiang led his group back to Black Dragon Stronghold at top speed. Even regarding Xiao Longnu, after understanding the situation, he didn’t intervene. Xiao Longnu could wait; there was still time, no rush. But matters involving over two hundred million bandit points couldn’t be delayed. Zhu Yuyan’s 125 million taels of silver. Jin’s 50 million taels of silver. And the entire Tianyu Palace. Plus Ouyang Feng’s White Camel Mountain, and so on. All these matters combined required his personal oversight to handle. “Great Chief, so this is Black Dragon Stronghold! Great Chief, what if your wife bullies Wan Wan?” Wan Wan said cutely beside Li Daoqiang, her voice sweet. “Then you’ll just have to endure it.” (Here’s a short chapter; today will definitely have more updates than the past two days.) ······