After a few breaths, Ding Dian took a silent deep breath and said in a low voice, "Village Chief Li, everything you've said is just your words. It's not enough to make me believe you."
Li Daoqiang thought for a moment and said casually, "You can see for yourself when you visit the stronghold, Brother Ding. If it's not as I said, you're free to leave. As for Ling Tuisi, I don't think you're too worried about him either. So, what makes you doubt me is the claim that I'll break through to the Grandmaster realm within two months, right?"
Ding Dian nodded and admitted frankly, "Yes. In matters of cultivation, no one can be certain. A single bottleneck could trap someone for a lifetime. I'm not just talking about you, Village Chief Li, but also myself. I'm confident I can break through to the Grandmaster realm, but I can't be sure of the timing. It could be months, or it could be years. Two Grandmasters joining forces isn't something easily achieved."
"Haha, that's precisely the issue I'm least worried about," Li Daoqiang said with a confident smile. "I, Li Daoqiang, am known for keeping my word. I've never broken a promise. If I say I'll break through within two months, I will. As for you, Brother Ding, I believe in you too. You've been wronged by Ling Tuisi, yet you've persisted in hard training for years, enduring in silence. With such pain and a deep vendetta, it hasn't affected your character at all. You can even set aside your hatred for the sake of your beloved. If someone like you can't break through to the Grandmaster realm, then how many people in this world could?"
He said these words not just because of the original story, but because he had witnessed Ding Dian's extraordinary nature firsthand. Such pain, such vengeance, combined with the power he possessed—anyone else would have lashed out at Ling Tuisi long ago, their character twisted. But Ding Dian didn't. He became even more clear-headed and rational, his personality unchanged. Such a person was rare and remarkable, with an incredibly strong will. When it came to breaking through to the Grandmaster realm, willpower was one of the most critical factors. In unscientific terms, sometimes, for certain people, this world was idealistic—the stronger the heart, the stronger the power. And that heart was the will.
Hearing this, Ding Dian felt a surge of pride rise within him. An impulsive emotion welled up—agree to it. But he had long passed the age of recklessness. His expression turned serious as he said solemnly, "Village Chief Li, I deeply appreciate your sincerity. I don't consider myself a pretentious person, but this involves the one I love most in life, so I must be cautious. Therefore, I need to see concrete proof. Two months—if you break through to the Grandmaster realm within two months, I'll agree to this deal and join the Black Dragon Stronghold. From then on, as long as the stronghold doesn't commit heinous acts, harm ordinary people, or assault women, I'll follow your orders without question."
Li Daoqiang felt greatly relieved upon hearing this. The request wasn't unreasonable. Considering Ding Dian's value, he could agree to it. After a moment's thought, he let out a light sigh on the surface and said, "Ah, after all that talk, there's still a condition. Just as I thought—I've always hated dealing with people like you who aren't greedy for money, aren't seduced by beauty, and aren't afraid of death. Such a hassle." He paused, then shifted to a hearty tone, "But what can I do? I've taken a liking to you. I accept this condition. Within two months, I'll come to see you and bring you into the Black Dragon Stronghold."
Ding Dian smiled, quite cheerfully, but said nothing more. After all, the other party hadn't yet fulfilled his requirement. Still, he felt that following such a village chief might not be a bad thing. Joining the Black Dragon Stronghold might indeed be the best choice. He was well aware of his own situation. Everything Li Daoqiang had said was spot on—no other faction would genuinely take him in. With a quiet sigh deep inside, he steeled himself again. If Li Daoqiang was going to reach the Grandmaster realm in two months, he couldn't afford to fall too far behind. He knew one thing clearly: without sufficient value, why would the Black Dragon Stronghold or Li Daoqiang risk everything to protect him? This Village Chief Li was no saint.
Without further words, Li Daoqiang and Ding Dian returned to Jingzhou City one after the other. Ding Dian went back to his cell, while Li Daoqiang headed to the hideout. In the dead of night, silence reigned. He pricked up his ears and caught the faint sound of breathing. She was still there—and awake. His heart settled again. If she hadn't left, then this naive girl wasn't going to escape. In high spirits, he changed direction and headed toward a room. Silently, he climbed onto the roof, lifted a tile, and peered down.
Under the faint moonlight, a frail figure sat on the bed, hugging her knees, tears still streaming down her face. She looked exceptionally fragile and pitiful. Li Daoqiang felt a twinge of sympathy. After all, she was too beautiful! As for anything else—no, that only strengthened his resolve. Such a beauty, with an opportunity at hand—how could he let it go? After watching for a while, he roughly guessed Qi Fang's thoughts and decided not to linger. He slipped away, entered another room, and sat down to meditate and cultivate.
The Dragon-Elephant Prajna Art was a remarkable technique. For other methods, reaching the peak of the Xiantian realm and breaking through to the Grandmaster level often relied on enlightenment and luck. One might suddenly break through the next moment, or never at all. But the Dragon-Elephant Prajna Art was different. It required gradual cultivation. No matter how poor one's talent, as long as enough time passed and one chipped away at it, success was achievable, largely bypassing the need for enlightenment and luck. The ninth level of the Dragon-Elephant Prajna Art was like this. Every bit Li Daoqiang cultivated was real progress—it didn't increase his current strength but advanced the technique's progress, reducing the bandit points needed for a breakthrough. So, these days, he had been diligently training. He had no choice—he was too poor. He could only work hard, reducing the burden bit by bit.
Before he knew it, dawn broke. Li Daoqiang finished his cultivation and rose. He wasn't in a hurry. He washed up briefly and ate breakfast. After waiting a while, he sent someone to invite Qi Fang. When he saw her again, her eyes were red, her expression numb, with an eerie calm. She walked up to Li Daoqiang and dropped to her knees with a thud, looking into his eyes with determination. "Benefactor, please save my senior brother. I agree to stay by your side for life, to be your... serve you." She hesitated, unable to say "little wife of the stronghold," and changed her words instead.
Li Daoqiang remained expressionless. With a wave of his hand, Qi Fang's body rose involuntarily. He said calmly, "I've told you, this is a voluntary transaction, based on mutual consent. So you don't need to beg me or kneel to me."
Qi Fang pursed her lips, unable to speak. Li Daoqiang suppressed the slight excitement in his heart and said seriously, "Alright, I'll ask you one last time. Do you agree to be my little wife of the stronghold? To stay with me for life, treat me well, care for me wholeheartedly, and be my woman?"
(Thank you for your support.) ......