This also shows that Black Dragon Village's strength was still insufficient.
There was no advantage at the Xiantian level, so only grandmasters could take action. However, the results of grandmasters taking action were quite good.
In just two days, many people fully understood: if they didn't pay, even if they managed to pass the checkpoint, they couldn't escape the Floating Cloud Mountains. Even if they escaped the Floating Cloud Mountains, they couldn't get out of Jingzhou territory. Going back and leaving Jingzhou through the Floating Cloud Mountains wasn't impossible, but from then on, they would be permanently marked by Black Dragon Village. The next time they met, the owed amount and what should be paid would both be multiplied tenfold. Moreover, Black Dragon Village would actively seek them out, leaving them to hope the village couldn't find them.
Under these circumstances, many in the martial world felt uneasy and obediently paid up. Of course, there were those who truly had no money. After all, Black Dragon Village's fees were high, and not every martial artist was that wealthy. Not everyone carried that much money when traveling, especially some assassins.
But Li Daoqiang felt he rather liked this type of person. If they had no money, they could join Black Dragon Village and become family. The money could be owed first and paid back slowly later—he wasn't in a hurry.
In two days, Black Dragon Village had collected over two hundred thousand taels of silver, with several hundred thousand more awaiting collection. Additionally, two Xiantian experts and over a hundred Houtian realm practitioners had joined Black Dragon Village. The results were surprisingly good.
Li Daoqiang deeply realized once again that only when there were matters to handle could there be great gains.
Just then, a subordinate reported that Lü Tengkong and his group were about to reach one of the route checkpoints. After a brief thought, Li Daoqiang decided to go take a look.
At a checkpoint in the Floating Cloud Mountains, the range was vast with many mountain paths. Since Black Dragon Village had wiped out all the other strongholds, they had set up lookouts along these paths. After Li Daoqiang defeated Murong Fu, they even openly established checkpoints to facilitate collecting money, acting as if they had taken over the Floating Cloud Mountains entirely, like bandits ruling the area. So far, no one had said much; even those dissatisfied only dared to curse in private.
Before a checkpoint, a group of over a dozen people arrived on horseback. It was the Flying Tiger Escort Agency, Lü Tengkong and his group, who had drawn countless eyes. They dismounted in advance before the checkpoint.
Lü Tengkong, tall and lean with a righteous demeanor, stepped forward a few paces, cupped his fists, and said loudly, "Lü Tengkong of the Flying Tiger Escort Agency greets you, friends."
The Black Dragon Village members stationed here, over fifty in number, were led by a headman. Upon hearing this, he took a few more looks at Lü Tengkong and those behind him, adding a bit of politeness, and said loudly, "Chief Lü, you know the rules, right?"
The profession that most frequently dealt with mountain strongholds was escort agencies. They were also the only industry willing to befriend bandits and outlaws. So, unless necessary, most strongholds wouldn't target escort agencies.
"Naturally, I know Chief Li's rules." Lü Tengkong sighed inwardly but spoke boldly.
"Good, straightforward. Chief Lü, please wait a moment. We'll have an expert test your strength level. It won't take long," the headman added.
Lü Tengkong felt a bit awkward. Though he already knew Black Dragon Village's rules, doing this so openly—testing, charging based on strength, with clear prices—struck him as somewhat absurd. It was unheard of. In all his years of escorting, this was the first time he'd encountered such a thing. Arrogant and unrestrained.
He didn't know how long this arrogance and recklessness could last, but he had no power to break it. He could only nod in acknowledgment.
Soon, a bald figure in a monk's robe appeared.
"Master Blood Saber," the headman immediately saluted.
It was Blood Saber Old Ancestor. He waved casually, his fierce, wolf-like eyes fixed on Lü Tengkong, then glanced at the others. With a sly grin that felt ominous, he said, "You're Lü Tengkong?"
"Indeed." Lü Tengkong recognized him and cupped his fists respectfully but without servility.
"Alright, let the Old Ancestor test your strength." Blood Saber Old Ancestor suppressed his petty thoughts and followed the procedure. These days, the Xiantian experts moved between checkpoints in the Floating Cloud Mountains, both to guard and to test newcomers' strength.
"Please." Lü Tengkong gestured with one hand.
Without another word, Blood Saber Old Ancestor struck with a palm. Lü Tengkong met it with his own.
"Boom!"
A loud collision echoed. Both Blood Saber Old Ancestor and Lü Tengkong stood motionless. Then, Lü Tengkong took a few steps back.
Blood Saber Old Ancestor looked at him with a bit more respect, chuckled lightly, and said, "Not bad, fourth level. Any objections?"
Lü Tengkong sighed inwardly, wishing for once that his strength were lower. But he didn't argue or deliberately downplay his power. In the martial world, reputation mattered. If he feigned weakness, it would be easily spotted—after all, this was a direct test of internal energy to determine levels. It was hard to hide much from a peer of similar strength. Even if unnoticed, a lower reputation would harm his escort agency. So he nodded without objection.
Then, Blood Saber Old Ancestor tested Lü Tengkong's wife, Ximen Yiniang, and the others. Ximen Yiniang was at the second Xiantian level, while the rest were at the Meridian Opening stage. This testing wasn't entirely accurate, as internal energy could be partially concealed, and more importantly, strength didn't always match combat ability. But relatively speaking, it was the best method—they couldn't fight every single person.
The total came to one hundred and four thousand taels of silver. Lü Tengkong had clearly prepared in advance, and Ximen Yiniang reluctantly paid.
Blood Saber Old Ancestor took the money, leering at Ximen Yiniang with a wicked grin, and said mischievously, "Madam, don't be reluctant. It's only because our Black Dragon Village changed the rules. We only charge for your lives now, not your goods. Otherwise, your escort items wouldn't be safe, heh heh."
The rule change was Li Daoqiang's way of avoiding burning bridges completely, ensuring people still passed through the Floating Cloud Mountains. Of course, if someone in Jingzhou territory ran a merchant caravan without following the rules, then everything would be taken.
Ximen Yiniang frowned at the man's sinister look, snorted lightly, and ignored him, showing clear disgust. Lü Tengkong stepped forward, suppressing his displeasure, and stood in front of her.
"We've paid the fee, so we'll take our leave."
Though the other party had said they wouldn't touch the escort items, saving them trouble, it was better to leave quickly. Besides, he had no desire to deal with Blood Saber Old Ancestor.
Blood Saber Old Ancestor didn't mind; he was used to being disliked and even took pride in it. Chuckling, he said, "Chief Lü, don't rush. Strongholds and escort agencies are brothers in the martial world. For that reason, the Old Ancestor gives you a tip: the road ahead won't be easy. How about hiring our Black Dragon Village? For money, we'll ensure your journey is safe."
Lü Tengkong's heart stirred with temptation. He wasn't surprised the other knew their situation—he'd be more surprised if they didn't. What mattered was the word "safe." Though he didn't trust Blood Saber Old Ancestor, Black Dragon Village's and Li Daoqiang's reputation, combined with his concern for safety, made him unable to resist asking, "How much would it cost?"
Behind him, Ximen Yiniang wanted to speak but held back. Compared to Lü Tengkong, she trusted this lecherous monk and demon even less. Yet she knew the stakes were high, so she stayed silent.
"Heh, this escort of yours isn't carrying simple goods. How about one million taels? Pay that, and Black Dragon Village guarantees safe delivery of your items," Blood Saber Old Ancestor said confidently.
This price wasn't his own idea—he wouldn't dare. It was Li Daoqiang's direct order in advance. For Li Daoqiang, this was a heavily discounted rate for certain purposes.
Unfortunately, Lü Tengkong and Ximen Yiniang's faces stiffened. Shaking his head, Lü Tengkong sighed, "I don't have that much money. I won't trouble you friends."
Blood Saber Old Ancestor didn't press, acting indifferent. Lü Tengkong said his farewells and led his group away.
Blood Saber Old Ancestor stared at Ximen Yiniang's retreating figure for a moment, feeling a pang of regret. In the old days, heh...
"What, tempted?"
Suddenly, a calm voice sounded beside him. Blood Saber Old Ancestor startled, then quickly reacted and bowed, "Greetings, Chief!"
The others also immediately saluted.
Li Daoqiang waved dismissively, signaling them to rise. Then he looked at Blood Saber Old Ancestor, expecting an answer.
Blood Saber Old Ancestor's scalp tingled; he knew how strict Black Dragon Village's rules were. Carefully, he said, "Chief, I... I have some bad habits, but I'd never dare violate the village's rules."
"Heh, it's normal for a man to be tempted by a woman. But a man can be romantic, not lecherous or despicable. What I hate most is rape, understand?" Li Daoqiang said earnestly.
Blood Saber Old Ancestor was a talent and a useful hound. Li Daoqiang didn't want to dwell on his past, but he didn't want to have to kill a good dog either. So, given the chance, he didn't mind offering a reminder.
Blood Saber Old Ancestor inwardly cursed him as hypocritical and pretentious, but outwardly showed no defiance, respectfully saying, "I understand. Thank you for the guidance, Chief. I won't forget."
"Mm, if you want a woman, go to a brothel. As long as you don't force anyone, you can even marry one. Speaking of which, Blood Saber, you're not young, but with some effort, you might still try to have a child," Li Daoqiang said, as if suddenly thinking of it with concern.
Blood Saber Old Ancestor was speechless inside. You're the boss, whatever you say. Not knowing how to respond, he just chuckled sheepishly, without the usual fierceness or arrogance, showing a hint of simplicity.
Li Daoqiang didn't mind, turning his gaze to where Lü Tengkong had gone, sighing softly, "What a pity. Lü Tengkong doesn't even have a million taels. I specially discounted it for him."
(Thanks for your support.) ······