On that day, fifty-three innate masters showed up in person.
That was five hundred and thirty thousand taels.
Then there was Blood Saber Old Ancestor—he couldn't be underestimated.
He still owed nine hundred and fifteen thousand taels, and his Blood Saber Sect surely had plenty of silver.
Add in the strength of the Blood Saber Sect, and when they all joined Black Dragon Stronghold, it would be another considerable gain.
He could also acquire a batch of capable subordinates—killing multiple birds with one stone.
Beyond that, there was still a sum of silver waiting for him in Jingzhou City.
Glancing toward Jingzhou City, his smile grew even richer.
Adding it all up, Li Daoqiang took a deep breath, suppressing the surge of excitement.
The bandit points needed for the tenth layer of the Dragon-Elephant Prajna Art were almost within reach.
If Blood Saber Old Ancestor pulled through, it might even be enough.
And then there was Ding Dian—once he broke through, it would definitely be enough.
With that thought, he didn't want to wait any longer.
He stood up and walked out of the Assembly Hall.
Soon, in a room, as the two guards outside saluted with reverence, Li Daoqiang strode straight in.
His voice arrived before he did, a hearty laugh as if greeting an old friend, his address already changed.
"Brother Murong, how goes it?"
Inside the room, Murong Fu sat cross-legged, while Deng Baichuan and Gongye Qian were channeling their energy to help him break through his sealed meridians.
Hearing the voice, the two had to stop. Murong Fu's pale face flushed crimson with shame and anger.
He felt an urge to avoid facing Li Daoqiang.
"Young master, a small loss of patience could ruin a great plan."
Deng Baichuan immediately transmitted his voice.
Murong Fu clenched his fists, suppressing the fury and humiliation within.
Li Daoqiang acted as if he hadn't noticed Murong Fu's state, walking up to him and laughing openly. "In that duel earlier, I had to go all out. I was a bit heavy-handed—hope Brother Murong won't hold it against me."
Murong Fu's whole body trembled, waves of humiliation crashing over him.
This was too much.
Seeing the trouble, Deng Baichuan quickly pressed a hand on Murong Fu's shoulder.
Li Daoqiang sighed inwardly—this kid still hadn't been tempered by life.
His expression turned serious, and he spoke earnestly, "Brother Murong, no matter what you think now, I, Li Daoqiang, genuinely want you as a friend.
Want to know why?"
At this, even Murong Fu suppressed his shame and anger, lifting his eyes to look at Li Daoqiang.
Li Daoqiang smiled proudly and said solemnly, "To be honest, Brother Murong, I've always considered myself exceptional—a grandmaster at a young age. There aren't many in the world who can be my friends.
I won't mention the older generation—they're past their prime.
Among the younger generation, in terms of character, martial arts, and age, Brother Murong is the first I've ever met.
I want to be your friend. Of course, if Brother Murong thinks a bandit like me is beneath you, then consider my words unsaid."
With that, Deng Baichuan and Gongye Qian's expressions softened slightly.
Murong Fu's eyes flickered. Thinking of the other's formidable martial skill, he felt a bit better.
Instantly, the goal of restoring his kingdom surged to the forefront, overriding everything.
Such a powerful figure—no matter what, befriending him was a great boon.
With that thought, he suppressed his shame, forced down the awkwardness, and clasped his hands solemnly. "Brother Li, you're too kind. Your martial prowess is the highest I've ever seen.
If Brother Li is willing to befriend me, Murong Fu is deeply honored."
"Haha, excellent." Li Daoqiang burst into laughter, full of joy, and said cheerfully, "Brother Murong, to be honest, in this world, you're strictly the first friend I've ever made."
Murong Fu was surprised, but considering the other's bandit identity, he understood a bit.
A smile crept onto his face, and he replied earnestly, "Then this is truly my honor."
"I've always believed that friends are about quality, not quantity, so I'm very picky about making them. Meeting Brother Murong should be my honor instead." Li Daoqiang laughed heartily.
After this exchange, Murong Fu calmed down considerably, displaying the poise and skill of a noble scion as he chatted and laughed with Li Daoqiang.
After a few jokes, Li Daoqiang's expression turned serious. "Brother Murong, since we're friends, I'm always straightforward and never hide anything from them. I'll speak plainly."
Murong Fu's smile faltered, a bad feeling rising, but he matched the serious tone. "Brother Li, please speak."
"As the saying goes, even brothers settle accounts clearly. Brother Murong, how do you plan to repay the silver you owe?" Li Daoqiang said bluntly.
Murong Fu's face stiffened, a breath caught in his chest.
Deng Baichuan and Gongye Qian felt the same, their brows twitching.
One moment they were calling each other brothers, the next he was demanding money.
And saying it so openly, as if it were for their own good.
They had never encountered such a situation.
"Don't take offense, Brother Murong. I see you as a friend, so I'm speaking honestly.
I run a mountain stronghold—I'm a bandit.
All the rules are set in stone and can't be changed. That's the foundation of my survival, and I'm sure Brother Murong understands.
Truly, my apologies."
As he spoke, Li Daoqiang clasped his hands, his face showing a hint of apology as if making amends.
Murong Fu's trapped breath grew even tighter, his face reddening.
But he didn't know what to say.
He wanted to rage, but the timing and situation were wrong.
If he went along with it, he couldn't swallow his pride.
He couldn't very well say, "It's fine, don't worry about it," could he?
Just then, Deng Baichuan spoke, cupping his hands. "Chief, rest assured, the Murong family won't short you a single tael.
But it will take some time."
Murong Fu exhaled lightly, forcing his face to calm, and nodded in agreement.
"Let's break it down item by item." Li Daoqiang didn't commit, showing no change. "First, the silver: one million two hundred thirty-five thousand taels. Your life is worth one million, and since you came to pick a fight, the price triples—that's one million five hundred thirty-five thousand taels.
Brothers Deng and Gongye are fourth-level innate masters. Tripled, that's four hundred eighty thousand taels.
Total: one million five hundred eighty-three thousand taels. No issues, right?"
Murong Fu's hands clenched under his wide sleeves. He took a deep breath, suppressing his fury.
Any goodwill he'd just felt vanished in an instant.
Friends? Ha.
This was nothing but a bandit who devoured people without spitting out bones.
But circumstances dictated. He couldn't bring himself to haggle over his own life with Li Daoqiang.
So he nodded stiffly.
"Good. The amount's settled. Then, Brother Murong, when do you plan to repay it?" Li Daoqiang asked calmly.
Murong Fu paused, then said, "I'll give three hundred thousand first. The rest within ten years."
Li Daoqiang nodded in agreement. "Fine. I trust you, Brother Murong. Until it's paid off, just stay at Black Dragon Stronghold. We'll drink and chat—it'll be a pleasure."
At this, Murong Fu and the other two's faces changed.
"Chief, what do you mean by that?" Deng Baichuan asked gravely.
"Nothing special. What's the matter?" Li Daoqiang looked puzzled.
Gongye Qian couldn't hold back, anger flaring. "Keeping our young master here—how's he supposed to repay you?"
Li Daoqiang frowned, thought for a moment, then his brow furrowed deeper, his expression turning sour. "Brother Murong, and you two, you weren't planning to leave first and pay later, were you?"
Murong Fu's heart skipped. Wasn't that the plan?
Seeing their faces, Li Daoqiang seemed to confirm something, his expression darkening with hesitation. After a long pause, he spoke with difficulty, "Brother Murong, this is over a million taels.
Friendship is one thing, but you can't owe over a million on just goodwill alone, can you?"
Murong Fu's face flushed crimson.
He wanted to rage but couldn't.
He wanted to say his reputation alone guaranteed he wouldn't default, but thinking of the staggering sum, he knew the other wouldn't believe it.
Deng Baichuan gritted his teeth. "Chief, since my young master has promised, he'll pay. Please rest assured."
"I want to rest assured, but who knows what tomorrow brings?
Brother Murong, I see you as a friend, so I'll be blunt.
Sorry, but over a million taels—I just can't do it." Li Daoqiang said with a hint of apology but firm resolve.
Murong Fu grew more uncomfortable.
He couldn't say a word.
Couldn't even curse.
"Then let the two of us stay at Black Dragon Stronghold as collateral," Deng Baichuan said solemnly.
(Thank you for your support.) ······