Only the spiritual energy within a few hundred zhang was still churning violently, stirred by the two combatants. The residual force of their power shot out in all directions, leaving a scene of utter destruction. Their gazes met, as if understanding each other's intent, and the aura around them gradually subsided.
"Chief Li lives up to your reputation. I am impressed," the man in black spoke first.
Li Daoqiang laughed heartily, bold and unrestrained. "Your martial arts are truly exquisite. Today's bout has been a great pleasure for me."
"You flatter me, Chief Li," the man in black replied politely, then continued, "I apologize for the intrusion today. I hope you'll forgive me. I'll take my leave now."
"No harm done. You're welcome to visit anytime for another spar. I'll be glad to host you," Li Daoqiang said amiably.
The man in black nodded slightly and prepared to leave. Suddenly, both of their expressions shifted almost simultaneously as they looked toward the direction of Black Dragon Stronghold. A powerful aura was rapidly rising there.
What is this...! Someone breaking through to the Grandmaster realm?
Both were startled inwardly, but then Li Daoqiang's face lit up with joy. He glanced briefly at the Great Bandit System and confirmed it, bursting into delight.
"Haha, excellent! I didn't expect Brother Ding to break through today."
Li Daoqiang laughed openly, making no attempt to hide his excitement.
The man in black's pupils contracted, his composure shaken. "Brother Ding?"
"Brother Ding Dian. You should have heard of him," Li Daoqiang said with a frank smile.
The man in black felt a mix of emotions. Was Ding Dian really breaking through? If so, Black Dragon Stronghold could no longer be offended. This loss was unavoidable. Suppressing his feelings, he forced a smile. "Congratulations. Hall Master Ding's breakthrough to Grandmaster will make Black Dragon Stronghold even more renowned in the martial world."
It was no secret that Ding Dian was the head of the Enforcement Hall at Black Dragon Stronghold, so addressing him as Hall Master Ding was fitting.
"You're too kind," Li Daoqiang replied with a polite smile.
"I have matters to attend to. I'll congratulate you another day," the man in black said, cupping his hands.
"Very well. The mountains remain, the rivers flow. Until we meet again," Li Daoqiang returned the gesture.
After a courteous exchange, the man in black departed. Li Daoqiang's smile faded as he watched the retreating figure, letting out a cold laugh. Trying to rescue Murong Fu? Not a chance.
After this battle, coupled with Ding Dian's breakthrough, Murong Bo and Murong Fu wouldn't dare cause any more trouble. The reason was simple: even if Murong Bo had a chance to save Murong Fu, they'd have to weigh whether offending Black Dragon Stronghold and tarnishing the Murong family's honor was worth over ten million taels of silver. Murong Fu had sworn an oath before many witnesses. More importantly, with two Grandmasters—one not inferior to Murong Bo—would they risk making deadly enemies? They were a martial arts clan with grand ambitions of restoring their kingdom. Offending two Grandmaster bandits to the death? Only if they'd lost their minds. They'd pay that money for sure.
His smile softened, and he glanced at the Great Bandit System again. Confirming it was over 5.7 million taels, he grew even more excited. Ding Dian's breakthrough to Grandmaster had added 4.68 million bandit points. Combined with the 320,000 points previously earned from him, it totaled exactly 5 million. One Grandmaster could yield 5 million bandit points! That was equivalent to the cost of the ninth level of the Dragon-Elephant Prajna Art. Beyond that, Li Daoqiang gained some new insights.
The Grandmaster realm was divided into four levels by the Great Bandit System, corresponding to the ninth through twelfth levels of the Dragon-Elephant Prajna Art. This was likely the system's tailored classification based on his understanding. As for the thirteenth level, Li Daoqiang knew it was merely a figment of the creator's imagination—an attempt to reach the legendary Great Grandmaster realm. In essence, that level didn't exist and could be ignored for now.
According to the system, if he could get five Grandmasters to join Black Dragon Stronghold—even the weakest ones—he could directly master the tenth level of the Dragon-Elephant Prajna Art. If he had five experts equivalent to the tenth level, he might even reach the eleventh. If... His mind wandered with possibilities before he reined it in. He knew it wasn't easy to recruit Grandmasters. It required the right timing and the right people, like Ding Dian. This couldn't be rushed.
Suddenly, his thoughts drifted to female Grandmasters. He shuddered, quickly dismissing the idea, and hurried back to Black Dragon Stronghold.
Soon, he returned. The stronghold was in turmoil. The powerful aura hadn't subsided yet, still intensifying, pressing down on everyone within. Almost all felt the weight of it. Blood Saber Old Ancestor and Murong Fu's faces changed drastically as they stared at the source of the aura. With their experience, they knew what it meant. Though it could be Li Daoqiang's doing, it was more likely someone breaking through to Grandmaster. Lost in thought, their minds churned with complexity.
Before long, Li Daoqiang sped into the main hall. "No need to worry. This is Hall Master Ding breaking through to Grandmaster. A great joy for Black Dragon Stronghold!" he announced, his voice carrying throughout the stronghold. Cheers erupted immediately. Murong Fu and Blood Saber Old Ancestor's expressions shifted again, sinking into deeper contemplation.
Ignoring the celebration, Li Daoqiang headed to Ding Dian's secluded training site. An incense stick later, the chamber door opened. Ding Dian emerged, his aura completely transformed—strong, confident, and elevated.
"Excellent, Brother Ding! I knew I wasn't wrong about you. Haha!" Li Daoqiang approached with a laugh.
"Thank you, Chief," Ding Dian said with a smile, then bowed solemnly. All words were conveyed in that gesture; they understood each other.
"Enough, no need for formality." Li Daoqiang helped him up, saying little more. With some people, silence could better win loyalty. Ding Dian nodded, smiling, and exchanged a few lighthearted words.
Li Daoqiang, considerate of his subordinate, said warmly, "Let's not dwell on this now. Go home and spend time with your wife. We'll discuss other matters tomorrow."
"Thank you, Chief." Ding Dian, slightly embarrassed but not refusing, cupped his hands and quickly headed to his courtyard. Li Daoqiang watched him go, his smile lingering. One joy after another—truly delightful. He strode off toward Qi Fang's place to share his happiness.
The events of that night aside, the next day arrived.
Li Daoqiang and Ding Dian gathered in the main hall and took their seats. After a few pleasantries, Ding Dian asked, "Chief, who was that visitor last night? Sensing your clash, I grew anxious and broke through. Otherwise, I might have been stuck for days."
Li Daoqiang laughed heartily. "Then we should thank that expert! I don't know his identity, but he's likely connected to Murong Fu. No need to dwell on it. He's strong, but he can't handle me. I can't handle him either for now, but that might change soon. With another Grandmaster in our stronghold, he won't return. So we'll proceed as planned."
Confidence radiated from Li Daoqiang, stronger than before. Ding Dian nodded thoughtfully. They then discussed the Liancheng Jue affair, agreeing it was no longer a problem.
After a few more words, Li Daoqiang said, "I'll have news of your breakthrough spread quickly to bolster our stronghold's reputation."
Ding Dian hesitated briefly before nodding. "As the Chief wishes." Though he preferred a quiet life, he knew that joining Black Dragon Stronghold meant compromise. Besides, a stronger stronghold meant a safer, more peaceful existence for him.
Li Daoqiang nodded in satisfaction and discussed the Enforcement Hall's affairs with Ding Dian. Though the hall had been established, Ding Dian's focus on breaking through had left many matters unresolved. Now was the time to solidify it and get it running. With Ding Dian's Grandmaster strength, he could easily command the hall.
They also touched on other stronghold matters, including Blood Saber Old Ancestor and Murong Fu. Ding Dian felt awkward about these two but said little. Li Daoqiang was pleased and shifted the topic to martial arts. Both perked up immediately.
(Thank you for your support.) ......