The Blood Saber Ancestor and Baoxiang were both startled.
Li Daoqiang ignored them and continued commanding, "Do your utmost to gather all kinds of intelligence on the Qing Kingdom. Additionally, prepare a large number of carriages and plan a route back to Black Dragon Stronghold. Be ready at all times to transport a large sum of silver back to the stronghold. Understood?"
Although Baoxiang was still puzzled about some things, he grasped Li Daoqiang's general intent and replied respectfully, "Yes, I understand."
"Good. I will send a group of men to accompany you. You depart in three days. I hope you won't disappoint me." Li Daoqiang's tone turned slightly stern.
"I would never dare to disappoint the Chief's expectations." A chill ran through Baoxiang as he immediately pledged his loyalty.
"Go now." Li Daoqiang waved his hand.
The Blood Saber Ancestor and Baoxiang bowed respectfully and withdrew.
Li Daoqiang pondered for a moment, then summoned several people and issued orders one by one.
After finishing, he suppressed the anticipation in his heart.
As his martial arts grew stronger and the power he commanded increased, Li Daoqiang became more certain of one thing: everything must be planned and prepared in advance. Only then could he achieve his goals in the shortest time with the least cost.
The Rebel King's treasure and the interests within the Qing Kingdom—these were what he needed, and so they must be handled accordingly.
Now was not the time for him to go to the Qing Kingdom in person. Black Dragon Stronghold required his leadership to develop rapidly. He also needed to first understand the situation and make preparations. Otherwise, even if he went to the Qing Kingdom now, he would waste a great deal of unnecessary time.
First, he would arrange things, place his pawns in the Qing Kingdom, and get a clear picture of the situation. When he eventually went there, he could act swiftly and decisively to reap the greatest benefits.
No rush. Take it slow.
Meanwhile, on the other side.
After leading Baoxiang back to his quarters, the Blood Saber Ancestor's expression shifted uncertainly. Finally, he said in a low voice, "Baoxiang, do you know what to do?"
"Master, what do you mean?" Baoxiang asked cautiously, not quite understanding.
"Follow the Chief's orders. Of course, don't abandon the search for the treasure either—that is the true great merit." The Blood Saber Ancestor instructed.
"Yes, I understand." Baoxiang nodded.
The Blood Saber Ancestor paused, then spoke in a grave tone, "Remember this: the Chief's martial prowess far exceeds imagination. Before long, he will surely reach the level of a peerless master. When that time comes, if we render great service, we may have hope of receiving his help to break through to the Grandmaster realm. Do you understand?"
Baoxiang's eyes lit up as if he had realized something, and he nodded happily. "I understand. I will not disappoint you or the Chief."
"Good. Do your work well. Otherwise, with the Chief's strength, no one in this world can protect you." The Blood Saber Ancestor's tone carried a warning.
Baoxiang's face showed some fear, and he nodded repeatedly.
The Blood Saber Ancestor sighed inwardly, feeling helpless. He had thought of a way to extricate himself, but unexpectedly, the extremely greedy Li Daoqiang still wouldn't let him go, instead sending Baoxiang. With no other choice, he could only hope that Baoxiang would find the treasure. If so, obtaining the two conditions Li Daoqiang had promised would be a great fortune.
However, he knew the nature of Blood Saber Sect disciples all too well—none of them were good people. Even though he trusted Baoxiang greatly, he had to take precautions, warning and threatening him in advance. He even used Li Daoqiang's influence to coerce and bribe him.
Three days later, Baoxiang led about a hundred men to the Qing Kingdom. Among them were over twenty original Blood Saber Sect disciples, while the rest were from Black Dragon Stronghold. Li Daoqiang had given them five hundred thousand taels of silver. Though not a large sum, it was more than enough for the initial establishment of an intelligence network.
To some extent, Li Daoqiang had already given them sufficient trust. If they dared to betray that trust, one day they would learn what it truly meant to wish they were dead.
With this matter settled, Li Daoqiang continued to stay at Black Dragon Stronghold, focusing on developing his strength. He was waiting to perfect his internal cultivation before venturing out to stir up the world.
But he hadn't expected that while he stayed quiet, trouble would come knocking on its own.
"Tell me in detail." Li Daoqiang said solemnly.
"Yes." Wang Lin responded and began seriously, "Not long ago, Flying Tiger Escort Agency's Lü Tengkong took on a job to deliver an item to the residence of Elder Han Xun of the Diancang Sect. It seemed ordinary at first, but then news spread that the item was a zither, likely the legendary Demon Zither. As soon as the news broke, it shook the martial world, and many have already begun to move."
Li Daoqiang's eyes flickered as he quickly thought it over.
The Six-Fingered Demon Zither! Though his memory of this story was vague, he still remembered a bit. Huang Xuemei—powerful and beautiful.
Immediately, his interest was piqued. Not for any other reason, but because he saw an opportunity to gain significant benefits. He hadn't planned to actively seek trouble, but since this was happening nearby, why not seize the chance?
"Tell me everything about the Demon Zither." Li Daoqiang said, his tone slightly stern.
"Yes." Wang Lin organized his thoughts and continued, "The Demon Zither was originally the treasure of the Heavenly Dragon Sect. After the sect was destroyed, it fell into the hands of Huang Dong, the sect's eldest disciple who had gone into seclusion. Six factions joined forces sixteen years ago to kill Huang Dong and his family, and the Demon Zither vanished. Only now has news of its reappearance emerged."
"Which six factions?" Li Daoqiang asked.
"Diancang Sect, Blazing Fire Palace, Ghost Palace, Six-Fingered Manor, Flying Swallow Sect, and the traitor of the Heavenly Dragon Sect, Dongfang Bai." Wang Lin answered without hesitation.
Li Daoqiang thought for a moment, then asked casually, "Why do you think the Demon Zither has appeared now?"
"I believe someone is trying to stir something up. It's a scheme." Wang Lin said cautiously.
Li Daoqiang nodded but didn't comment further. He changed the subject: "Lü Tengkong will soon pass through Floating Cloud Mountain?"
"Yes. The fastest route to Han Xun's residence is through Floating Cloud Mountain. Once past it and out of Jingzhou, he'll be just over a hundred li from his destination. It's predictable that the Demon Zither will attract more and more people. As long as he's not foolish, he'll take the shortcut through Floating Cloud Mountain to save time." Wang Lin confirmed.
"Keep watching." Li Daoqiang said calmly.
"Yes." Wang Lin acknowledged, and seeing no further orders, quickly left.
Li Daoqiang sat there, pondering and carefully recalling what he knew. Of course, his knowledge could only serve as a reference. After all, this world was far more complex than the one of the Six-Fingered Demon Zither. The Demon Zither would draw far more than just those six factions. If it were only them, things would be simple.
After thinking for a while about what he could gain, he decided to prepare first. When the time came, he would act according to circumstances. Perhaps the outcome and rewards would exceed his expectations.
With that thought, a hint of anticipation appeared on his face.
Two days later.
A small group stopped at the entrance of the Floating Cloud Mountain range. There were about a dozen of them, each riding two horses, looking weary and travel-worn. At the head were a middle-aged man and woman.
Looking at the endless Floating Cloud Mountains, the woman said worriedly, "Tengkong, do we really have to enter the Floating Cloud Mountains? What about Black Dragon Stronghold..."
"At this point, this is the only way. Our lives are at stake, so we'll have to buy our safety with money." The man, with a righteous expression, said firmly.
The woman sighed. She had no objection to buying safety, but the amount of money required was too great. Still, she said nothing more—this was indeed the safest option.
"Alright, let's go. Once we're in the Floating Cloud Mountains, we can find a chance to rest. Most of those people are still watching. In the Floating Cloud Mountains, they'll be even more hesitant to act recklessly." The man said solemnly.
The group nodded and entered the mountains.
Soon, news spread.
"Lü Tengkong's group has entered the Floating Cloud Mountains, Black Dragon Stronghold's territory. Best not to act rashly. Let's wait and see."
"Floating Cloud Mountains... Could Li Daoqiang be interested in the Demon Zither?"
"Don't act hastily. We don't know if the Demon Zither is real or fake. There's definitely a scheme behind this. Let's observe first."
"Jingzhou, Black Dragon Stronghold. Pass the order: speed up and cross the Floating Cloud Mountains as quickly as possible."
...
...
Messages spread in all directions. The commotion caused by the Demon Zither grew larger. Some remained unmoved, but many more were tempted and rushed toward Han Xun's residence.
At Black Dragon Stronghold, Li Daoqiang soon received the news. Many martial artists had been spotted passing through the Floating Cloud Mountains.
Seeing such a golden opportunity, he naturally wouldn't let it slip. He immediately dispatched nearly everyone in the stronghold, increasing manpower at various checkpoints and sending out patrols to find as many martial artists as possible. Then, he demanded payment.
Regardless of who they were, they had to pay according to their strength. Unless they could evade Black Dragon Stronghold's surveillance, everyone had to pay up.
Though many martial artists were indignant, most obediently paid. A few who refused met with predictable consequences. In just two days, Ding Dian had to intervene three times.
(Thank you for your support.)
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