Finally, his gaze shifted back to Blood Saber Old Ancestor. Though it was a question, his eyes were filled with an unyielding intent.
Nine million, one hundred and fifty thousand taels. Not a single tael less.
Blood Saber Old Ancestor’s face had completely stiffened. He stared blankly at Li Daoqiang.
The corners of his eyes twitched.
It was true!
Nine million, one hundred and fifty thousand taels!
Just thinking of that number made Blood Saber Old Ancestor feel like all the blood in his body was rushing to his head.
How was this possible?
How could he possibly come up with that much silver?
Was Li Daoqiang toying with him?
His breathing grew heavy, the muscles in his face twitching as he barely suppressed his fury.
Among the martial artists, many were also stunned by the figure.
Nine million, one hundred and fifty thousand taels—how much money was that!
They had never imagined such a sum.
Some, after a moment of shock, saw Blood Saber Old Ancestor’s rigid expression and couldn’t help but laugh.
Their eyes gleamed with mockery.
They simply didn’t believe Blood Saber Old Ancestor could produce that much silver.
Blood Saber Old Ancestor thought he had found a savior, but little did he know that Li Daoqiang was a man who devoured people without spitting out bones—not so easily exploited.
And now, retribution had come.
Watching one villain oppressed by an even stronger one.
For a moment, the atmosphere among the martial artists relaxed, and many wore expressions of amusement.
Blood Saber Old Ancestor naturally noticed the mocking looks from the crowd, fueling his anger further.
But considering the number of martial artists present and Li Daoqiang’s status as a grandmaster, he could only suppress it, forcing a smile and speaking ingratiatingly: “Great Chief, this… are you joking? That’s too much.”
“Too much?” Li Daoqiang’s eyes flicked toward the sea of martial artists covering the mountains, then said coldly, “To save your life and offend so many people, do you think it’s too much?”
Blood Saber Old Ancestor was speechless. Nine million, one hundred and fifty thousand taels was a lot.
But offending so many martial artists was no small matter either.
More importantly, it took strength to offend that many people.
Yet, he truly didn’t have that much silver.
He didn’t dare lie recklessly and deceive Li Daoqiang.
For a moment, his face twisted in extreme discomfort, changing expressions repeatedly.
The martial artists’ amusement grew even more pronounced.
Li Daoqiang wasn’t in a hurry. Instead, he gave Blood Saber Old Ancestor time to think.
After a few breaths, he spoke leisurely: “Have you decided?”
Blood Saber Old Ancestor’s eyelids twitched. Gritting his teeth, he said solemnly, “Great Chief, I dare not deceive you. I don’t have that much silver.
But I’ve heard that those who can’t pay, as long as they haven’t killed anyone from Black Dragon Stronghold, can join the stronghold and slowly work off their debt.
I’m willing to join Black Dragon Stronghold. Please, Great Chief, take me in.”
With that, he clasped his hands and knelt on one knee.
Faced with death, he chose the only option left.
Li Daoqiang’s eyes flickered as he looked at Blood Saber, a hint of approval passing through.
The martial artists were stunned, then grew anxious.
Blood Saber Old Demon wanted to join Black Dragon Stronghold!
How could they kill him then?
They wanted to speak up, but dared not in the face of a grandmaster’s authority, so they could only watch with hope.
Li Daoqiang naturally didn’t care about their thoughts. He studied Blood Saber for a few breaths, making him nervous, then said calmly, “You’ve decided?”
Blood Saber Old Ancestor’s heart leaped with joy. He nodded heavily and seized the opportunity, shouting, “Your subordinate pays respects to the Great Chief.”
“Good. You’re a talent, and Black Dragon Stronghold needs talents like you.
From now on, you’re one of our brothers,” Li Daoqiang said, his tone softening.
“Thank you, Great Chief.” Blood Saber Old Ancestor finally breathed a sigh of relief, joy spreading across his face. His life was saved.
Though he had joined Black Dragon Stronghold and owed a huge debt, his life was the foundation of everything.
“Mm, rise,” Li Daoqiang said casually.
Blood Saber Old Ancestor stood, looking arrogantly at the martial artists across from him.
His domineering demeanor returned.
The martial artists could no longer hold back.
“Great Chief Li, please reconsider.” Shui Dai’s face flushed with anger as he spoke first.
Lu Tianshu and Hua Tiegan, though hesitant, didn’t stop him.
If they remained silent, the reputation of the Four Southern Heroes would truly plummet.
With Shui Dai’s words, murmurs erupted.
All questioning how Black Dragon Stronghold could take in Blood Saber Old Demon.
Li Daoqiang paid no heed. He looked at Shui Dai coldly and said, “Do you have a problem with how I run things?”
Behind him, Blood Saber Old Ancestor sneered, looking disdainfully at Shui Dai.
Shui Dai’s face reddened. Just as he was about to speak, Lu Tianshu clasped his hands and said solemnly, “Great Chief Li, we brothers naturally wouldn’t dare to question a grandmaster’s actions.
But this Blood Saber Old Demon is guilty of rape, plunder, and every evil imaginable—a man the whole world wants dead.
Taking him in would harm your reputation.”
“Old Lu, you still dare to spout nonsense? When did your Blood Saber Grandpa become so infamous? I didn’t even know!
Haha, just wait. One day, your Blood Saber Grandpa will show you what’s what,” Blood Saber Old Ancestor laughed arrogantly.
Suddenly, Li Daoqiang turned to look at him.
The laughter stopped. Blood Saber Old Ancestor instinctively lowered his head, feeling a chill run down his spine.
Was that a warning?
A warning that he had overstepped?
A bit uncomfortable, but he dared not say more.
After a slight reprimand of Blood Saber Old Ancestor, Li Daoqiang turned to Lu Tianshu and the others, his brow cold. “Once someone joins Black Dragon Stronghold, they’re one of us.
As for reputation, do you think I care?”
His gaze grew more imposing as he swept over them dismissively. “Most of you came to Floating Cloud Mountain with your own agendas. Do you think I don’t know?
Since I can’t be bothered to deal with you, get lost.
Anyone still on Floating Cloud Mountain by day’s end shouldn’t blame me for being rude.”
His blunt words echoed through the mountains.
The overwhelming, irresistible aura grew even stronger.
In an instant, the thousands present fell silent.
Even those who were furious were quickly restrained by those beside them.
Shui Dai and Liu Chengfeng’s eyes widened, but Lu Tianshu and Hua Tiegan held them back.
Facing a grandmaster who was a bandit, without deep enmity, they truly didn’t want to provoke him.
Besides, what he said wasn’t entirely wrong.
Most of the crowd had come for the Liancheng Jue treasure; there was no need to risk their lives for it.
Seeing no one dared to speak, Li Daoqiang snorted disdainfully and turned to leave.
Behind him, Blood Saber Old Ancestor grew even more arrogant, sneering at the martial artists with a cold chuckle.
“Great Chief Li, wait a moment.”
Just as Li Daoqiang was about to leave, a clear voice came from afar.
It rang clearly in everyone’s ears.
All eyes turned to see a young figure walking through the air from a distance.
Dressed in black gauze, wearing a crown, and holding a sword, he was elegant and striking.
His charming demeanor immediately won over many.
Some were shocked by the figure, while others were overjoyed.
“It’s Young Master Murong from Gusu!”
Someone in the crowd shouted, full of surprise and admiration.
Instantly, the thousands erupted.
“Young Master Murong from Gusu! Is it Murong Fu?”
“It’s Young Master Murong! He’s here! Great!”
“Yes, I’ve seen him before. That’s Young Master Murong!”
“With Young Master Murong here, we have a grandmaster too. No need to fear that bandit Li!”
“Good! With Young Master Murong here, what do we have to worry about?”
Excited chatter spread across the mountains.
The martial artists’ morale soared.
Lu Tianshu and the others were also overjoyed. Finally, a grandmaster had arrived!
Li Daoqiang stopped, listening to the murmurs, and smiled inwardly.
Finally, he showed himself!
A big fish!
A fat, barely suitable one.
Not bad.
Behind him, Blood Saber Old Ancestor grew tense. His eyes narrowed as he instinctively looked at Li Daoqiang.
Another grandmaster had arrived, and it was the famous Gusu Murong of the Song Kingdom.
He couldn’t help but feel nervous.
What if Li Daoqiang handed him over again?
Amid the murmurs, the figure landed before the martial artists, facing Li Daoqiang.
He clasped his hands with great poise and said, “Murong Fu of Gusu greets Great Chief Li.”
His voice rang out, and the scene fell silent.
Hearing the name, the crowd grew even more excited, their energy surging.
(Thank you for your support)