Di Yun was even more bewildered, completely at a loss. It sounded right, but... A strange, indescribable discomfort left him stifled, and he slumped to the ground. "There's no need for you to feel resentful. In terms of martial arts, status, and influence, Qi Fang is far better off with me. As long as I'm alive, I won't let her suffer or struggle. Can you do that?" Li Daoqiang said again, his tone calm but forceful. Di Yun wanted to say yes, but the words stuck in his throat. Instead, a faint sense of inferiority crept in. Compared to Li Daoqiang, he was indeed just a naive country boy with nothing. The more he thought about it, the worse he felt. "Honestly, I didn't need to tell you this, but you're Qi Fang's only family. She wants you to live a peaceful life, so I spoke up. Of course, I have my own reasons too." Li Daoqiang's expression turned meaningful. Seeing this, Di Yun, though still grieving, felt a flicker of curiosity. Li Daoqiang paused for a moment, sighed softly, and said slowly, "You know what this place is, right? To be honest, it's a bandit den. Here, strength rules. Qi Fang is my woman, but she's kind-hearted, lacks strength, and is alone. It's easy for her to be looked down upon here, especially since I have other women. So, I want her to have reliable family, so she can stand her ground." Di Yun found these words grating, especially the mention of other women. A surge of anger flared within him, and he glared at Li Daoqiang. Li Daoqiang met his gaze calmly, smiling lightly. "I know what you're thinking, but remember, this world is about the strong preying on the weak. A powerful man can have multiple wives and enjoy wealth and glory. If you're unhappy, fine—when you surpass me in strength, I'll stick to Qi Fang alone." "You!" Di Yun roared, filled with resentment, and stood up from the ground. "As Qi Fang's senior disciple, let me give you one more piece of advice: don't show your impotent anger in front of others. I'm only tolerating this because of Qi Fang, but if you keep it up, you'll only embarrass her. She's the mistress of Black Dragon Stronghold. Acting like this will make it hard for her to hold her head up in the stronghold." Li Daoqiang struck without mercy. Di Yun gritted his teeth, his face burning with shame. He had never felt so humiliated. Li Daoqiang chuckled inwardly. He had said just about enough. A gentleman can be swayed by propriety. The same goes for honest, upright people. The best way to bind them is through one thing: emotion. Qi Fang was the rope tied tightly around Di Yun, making him willingly serve. "Think over what I've said and see if I'm right. Regardless, I hope you'll train hard in martial arts and be a reliable family member for Qi Fang, bringing her honor and support." With these calm words, Li Daoqiang strode toward the door. At the threshold, he paused, his tone suddenly tinged with melancholy. "One more thing. A bandit den is still a bandit den. Even I can't guarantee eternal safety. I hope you'll train well in Black Dragon Stronghold. If one day the stronghold falls, I want to ask you to take Qi Fang and my child with her and escape." His figure strode away, leaving a bewildered Di Yun behind. Once the figure disappeared, Di Yun lost all strength and slumped to the ground. His mind was blank, his lips unconsciously murmuring two words. "Junior sister, junior sister..."
Li Daoqiang was in a good mood. Soon, he would have a relatively trustworthy and reliable subordinate. He had to admit, someone like Di Yun was far more dependable than those in Black Dragon Stronghold. Of course, for him, both types were essential. In a stronghold, true bandits were the core. Black Dragon Stronghold was no exception. Li Daoqiang looked forward to Di Yun's future achievements. Once Ding Dian arrived and they got familiar, he would surely teach Di Yun diligently. He had high hopes. As for whether Di Yun would obey, he wasn't worried at all. His words were enough to bind Di Yun firmly to Black Dragon Stronghold. Simple—Qi Fang was here. Qi Fang needed family to back her up and a fallback plan. The more he thought about it, the more pleased Li Daoqiang felt, with a hint of pride. The feeling of manipulating people's hearts was quite satisfying. Though it seemed a bit villainous, he didn't care. He was never a good person anyway. Besides, since ancient times, who among those who achieved great things didn't manipulate others? He had no moral qualms. After a few more steps, he saw Qi Fang waiting anxiously. He walked up quietly and said calmly, "Don't worry. I've had a good talk with him. I believe he'll come around." Qi Fang was startled, then composed herself, looking a bit guilty. She lowered her head and said softly, "Thank you, Chief." "No need to thank me. In three days, I'll hold a grand feast for all the brothers in the stronghold. You and I will have a simple ceremony, and you'll officially become my first mistress of the stronghold." Li Daoqiang's voice softened a little. Qi Fang froze. A ceremony! Her face flushed, and she felt a surge of excitement. She had thought there would be nothing. Whatever her true feelings, she had resigned herself to her fate. So whether there was a ceremony or a title mattered greatly to her. Few women wouldn't care about such things. Her small hands fidgeted nervously, and she could only give a soft reply. Li Daoqiang smiled and reached out to ruffle her hair. She was quite endearing. Honestly, he hadn't initially planned on a ceremony or giving her the title of mistress. He had many considerations. He wouldn't have only one woman, and Qi Fang, in terms of strength and personality, couldn't overshadow those who came later. So his earlier words had been vague. But he had to admit, men could be soft-hearted, especially with their own women. He had softened too. A ceremony and a title were too important to a woman. And then there was Di Yun. Li Daoqiang began to understand why marriage alliances were so common. It was similar to his situation—barring accidents, Di Yun would become a key subordinate. He had to consider Di Yun's presence to reassure him. As for the trouble of later women overshadowing her, it was just a minor issue. He could simply not distinguish between first and later, or rank them equally. "Alright, let's not disturb your senior brother for now. Let him cool down. I'll have someone take your measurements for a wedding dress. Everything in the stronghold will be simple, so the dress won't be too luxurious. You don't mind, do you?" Li Daoqiang said, wrapping an arm around Qi Fang's slender waist as they headed to his quarters. "I don't mind." Qi Fang quickly shook her head, her voice soft. Hearing there would be a wedding dress, she was already content. "Good, you're so obedient. Keep a happy mood—you'll be married soon." Li Daoqiang laughed. Qi Fang blushed, unsure what to say. Even though she had already been intimate with this man, he still felt like a stranger. More than anything, she felt a sense of awe. Chatting softly, they returned to the courtyard, and Li Daoqiang began making arrangements. Though the stronghold kept things simple, as the chief marrying his first mistress, it couldn't be too plain. What was necessary still had to be done. Soon, the entire stronghold knew about it. Whatever their thoughts, everyone acted excited. The whole stronghold sprang into action, decorating everywhere, filled with laughter. Only one place was different. Di Yun lay slumped on the ground for a long time, utterly drained, his face numb and lifeless. He had cried countless times and hated countless times. But in the end, he could only lie there.
Three days later. Black Dragon Stronghold was brimming with joy, with "happiness" characters plastered everywhere. That night, over a hundred tables were set for the feast. Li Daoqiang, in a red outfit, exuded authority. Beside him stood Qi Fang, stunningly beautiful in her red wedding dress. Without bowing to heaven and earth, Li Daoqiang raised his hand, instantly silencing the crowd. With a bold smile, he shouted, "Brothers, today is the great day of your chief marrying his first mistress. Don't hold back—eat and drink your fill!" "Cheers!" "Congratulations, Chief!" A wave of cheers erupted. Li Daoqiang laughed heartily, drank a few bowls with the crowd, and then had some maids escort Qi Fang back to the bridal chamber. After overseeing the festivities for a while, he too returned to the room. Before leaving, he deliberately glanced at one spot. There, a figure was already drunk, still desperately pouring wine down his throat. He paid it no mind and left quickly. Though they had already been intimate, he still looked forward to the wedding night.
(Thank you for your support.)