In a palace far from Black Dragon Stronghold, Bai Xiaosheng stood respectfully before a figure, recounting in detail everything that had happened at Black Dragon Stronghold.
After listening, the figure, who appeared to be no more than thirty years old, burst into laughter.
"Excellent, Li Daoqiang! His strength exceeds expectations, and his personality is just as remarkable—he even asked you for a survival fee."
Bai Xiaosheng gave a wry smile, sighing helplessly. "This subordinate has encountered such a thing for the first time as well. However, the strong often have obsessions. Li Daoqiang is young, yet so fond of money. This stubbornness is also a necessary quality of a strong person."
The figure smiled, neither confirming nor denying. With a faint smile, he said, "What do you think Li Daoqiang's strength has reached? When will he join our Azure Dragon Society?"
Bai Xiaosheng pondered for a moment, then said seriously, "His strength is likely only a hair's breadth away from the peerless level. As for when he will join the Azure Dragon Society, it will probably have to wait until he is satisfied."
"Satisfied." The figure softly repeated the word, as if somewhat puzzled, yet also as if he understood completely.
Bai Xiaosheng continued, "Regardless of Li Daoqiang's intentions, the fact that he is extremely greedy is undeniable. This subordinate believes that for now, he is still uncertain about the Azure Dragon Society. Once he is sure, as long as we offer enough benefits to tempt him, he will inevitably join."
The figure said nothing more, shifting the topic. "Li Daoqiang's matter will continue to be handled by you. Keep a close watch."
"Yes, this subordinate understands." Bai Xiaosheng bowed in acknowledgment.
......
At Black Dragon Stronghold, Li Daoqiang temporarily set aside the matter of the Azure Dragon Society and continued to focus wholeheartedly on developing the stronghold.
About half a month later, the disciples of the Blood Saber Sect finally arrived at Black Dragon Stronghold in batches. Although the Blood Saber Sect was only a second-rate force, its strength was considerable. Aside from Blood Saber Old Ancestor, there were three innate masters. Over a hundred martial artists at the acquired level came, leaving only a dozen or so acquired-level disciples to guard the sect's base in Qing Country.
Although the bandit points gained from this were insignificant to Li Daoqiang now, the three innate masters could somewhat compensate for the stronghold's shortage of manpower. As soon as they arrived, Li Daoqiang wasted no time in assigning them positions, treating them as his own people. At the same time, the treasures they brought became his, under the pretext of Blood Saber Old Ancestor repaying his debts.
Blood Saber Old Ancestor's face stiffened, but he outwardly raised no objections. A total of one million two hundred thousand taels of silver—the Blood Saber Sect's accumulated wealth over the years—was completely emptied in one go.
That night, after conversing with his disciples, Blood Saber Old Ancestor pondered and hesitated for a long time. The next day, he took the initiative to seek an audience with Li Daoqiang.
"Greetings, Chief," Blood Saber Old Ancestor said respectfully, bowing.
"Heh, Blood Saber, no need to be formal." Having just received one million two hundred thousand taels of silver, Li Daoqiang was in a good mood and smiled amiably.
Blood Saber Old Ancestor remained respectful, knowing better than to take this amiability at face value. He was well aware of how ruthless and merciless the Chief before him could be. During this time, as Black Dragon Stronghold rapidly expanded, violations of the stronghold's rules had naturally increased. Without exception, those who broke the rules faced severe consequences—at best, light punishment; at worst, having their limbs severed and being thrown to the wolves in the back mountains, left to suffer in agony and fear until death. Coupled with his overwhelming strength, everyone in the stronghold, including Blood Saber Old Ancestor, was filled with awe and fear.
Seeing Blood Saber Old Ancestor's obedient and respectful demeanor, Li Daoqiang was quite satisfied. With a faint smile, he asked, "What brings you to see me, Chief?"
"Chief, my disciple has discovered a great secret in Qing Country," Blood Saber Old Ancestor said cautiously, with a hint of excitement and a touch of eagerness to curry favor.
Li Daoqiang's curiosity was piqued, and he became more interested. "What secret?"
"Chief, do you know of Li Zicheng, the Roaming King of yesteryear?" Blood Saber Old Ancestor asked softly.
Li Daoqiang's spirits lifted. Suppressing the thoughts that instinctively arose, he played along patiently. "I know a little. What about him?"
"Chief, back then, the Roaming King Li Zicheng took advantage of the Ming Dynasty's internal chaos to rebel. Though he failed and fled to Liaodong, where Qing Country rose and destroyed him, he had amassed a vast amount of silver. That silver later disappeared without a trace. The Blood Saber Sect has lived in the Great Snow Mountains for years, and this time, we received news that Li Zicheng's silver is likely hidden in the Great Snow Mountains," Blood Saber Old Ancestor said mysteriously.
Li Daoqiang felt a bit pleased. So it really was the Roaming King's treasure. He had naturally heard of this treasure and even coveted it, but Qing Country was too far away, and finding, retrieving, and transporting it would be troublesome. He hadn't considered setting out to look for it anytime soon. Now, Blood Saber Old Ancestor had brought him good news.
His attitude warmed further, and he asked expectantly, "Has the location of the silver been confirmed?"
"This subordinate is incompetent; it has not," Blood Saber Old Ancestor shook his head, somewhat speechless. The Great Snow Mountains were vast; if the location were so easily determined, the silver would have been taken long ago.
Li Daoqiang sighed inwardly. Though he knew it wouldn't be that easy, he still felt a bit disappointed. Suppressing his slight disappointment, he maintained a kind demeanor and smiled. "It's fine. How could I blame you? Telling me this shows your loyalty. I'm very pleased and haven't misjudged you."
"Thank you for your trust and favor, Chief," Blood Saber Old Ancestor said gratefully.
"It's only right. As long as you serve loyally, I won't let you down," Li Daoqiang declared magnanimously.
"Yes, this subordinate will swear loyalty to the Chief unto death," Blood Saber Old Ancestor immediately bowed.
Li Daoqiang admired him inwardly. This was talent—someone who knew the times and spoke well. He couldn't help but appreciate it.
"Chief, this subordinate has a request," Blood Saber Old Ancestor said hesitantly.
Li Daoqiang pondered, a hint of amusement flickering in his eyes. He spoke generously, "Speak freely. As long as it's reasonable, I won't refuse."
Blood Saber Old Ancestor said respectfully and sincerely, "This subordinate wishes to return to the Great Snow Mountains to find that silver for the Chief. First, to repay the silver I still owe as quickly as possible. Second, second..."
"Second what? I told you, speak freely," Li Daoqiang said with an unchanged smile.
Blood Saber Old Ancestor hesitated, then said, "Chief, if this subordinate finds the silver for the stronghold, would it be possible... to help me reach the Grandmaster realm?"
Li Daoqiang understood completely and laughed heartily, immediately promising, "Blood Saber, if you find that silver for me, your debt will be cleared. Moreover, I will do my utmost to help you break through to the Grandmaster realm. Of course, it will mainly depend on you; I can only assist."
Blood Saber Old Ancestor's face lit up with joy, and he quickly said, "Thank you, Chief. This subordinate swears to find that silver for you. I will set out tomorrow with just a few dozen disciples and will surely locate it."
"Hmm, this matter needs to be handled quickly. However, the stronghold still needs you here. Let your senior disciple, Baoxiang, lead the team," Li Daoqiang nodded seriously.
Blood Saber Old Ancestor's smile faltered. He blinked and looked at Li Daoqiang cautiously. "Chief, let Baoxiang handle it?"
"Yes, I think Baoxiang is reliable—loyal, filial, and dependable. This task is his. Do you have any objections?" Li Daoqiang smiled.
"No, no objections," Blood Saber Old Ancestor instinctively shook his head, not daring to object. But he couldn't help adding, "Chief, this subordinate is just worried that Baoxiang might lack the ability and mess things up."
"Don't worry. I trust your senior disciple. And rest assured, if Baoxiang succeeds, the credit will still be yours. What I promised still stands," Li Daoqiang said, patting Blood Saber Old Ancestor's shoulder reassuringly.
Blood Saber Old Ancestor's turbulent emotions eased somewhat. The credit was still his, and the rewards wouldn't be reduced. It was a silver lining in misfortune. Not daring to say more, lest the young demon before him grow suspicious, he quickly expressed gratitude. "Thank you, Chief. This subordinate will sternly instruct Baoxiang and the others to complete this task for you as soon as possible."
"Good. Go fetch Baoxiang. I have some instructions for him," Li Daoqiang said with satisfaction.
"Yes."
Blood Saber Old Ancestor hurried away. Li Daoqiang smiled wryly. Truly a cunning old fox, this Blood Saber Old Ancestor. But how could he not see through Blood Saber's plan? Using the Roaming King's treasure as bait to get himself and his disciples back to the Great Snow Mountains—whether or not they found the treasure, or what they did afterward, Blood Saber would first gain a measure of freedom, and the initiative would fall into his hands. Hah, wishful thinking.
He wouldn't let Blood Saber Old Ancestor go, nor would he let the Roaming King's treasure slip away. Finding the treasure in the vast Great Snow Mountains was incredibly difficult, even for a peerless expert. If he remembered correctly, the secret of the Roaming King's treasure lay with Miao Renfeng and Tian Guinong. Speaking of which, had Miao Renfeng's wife eloped with Tian Guinong yet? He needed to speed up the intelligence network. Qing Country seemed to have plenty of silver too.
As he was mulling over his plans, Blood Saber Old Ancestor soon returned with Baoxiang. Baoxiang, also dressed as a monk, was tall and sturdy. Seeing Li Daoqiang, he respectfully greeted, "Greetings, Chief."
"Has your master told you everything?" Li Daoqiang asked calmly.
"Yes, this subordinate will swear to find the treasure for the Chief," Baoxiang said firmly.
"Good. As the senior disciple of Blood Saber, you've always been loyal and reliable. I trust you with this task. However, once you reach the Great Snow Mountains, don't rush to search for the silver. First, establish Black Dragon Stronghold's intelligence network in Qing Country," Li Daoqiang encouraged, then commanded.
(Thank you for your support.)
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