Wan Sanhuo Comes to Pay His Respects

The Black Cloud Stronghold was located at Dark Cloud Peak. While called Dark Cloud Peak, it was actually just an unnamed hill in the past, about thirty miles from Duobao Town.

Inside the main stronghold at the summit, the Chieftain, Black Cloud Sky Dragon Long Tonghai, reclined on a tiger-skin chair, a lecherous grin on his face as he watched the singing and dancing beauties below.

"Hehehe, not bad, truly not bad. The Grand Commandant still thinks of us, sending us such lively dancers."

"Yes, yes, look at their figures, I can hardly stand it."

"I want two later, don't you dare fight me for them!"

Below, a group of minor leaders sat in a circle, drooling as they watched the dancers.

"Alright."

Above, Long Tonghai, seated at the head of the table, suddenly spoke. The dancers immediately stopped and then retreated.

Although the minor leaders were reluctant to see them go, their gazes turned towards Long Tonghai above.

"Gentlemen, I apologize for interrupting your enjoyment."

Long Tonghai spoke. The leaders below were still somewhat displeased, but a chorus of "We dare not" arose.

"Fine, pick whichever one you like later. For now, let's discuss business."

Seeing that it was business, everyone put away their lecherous expressions.

"Everyone should know that the current influence of our Black Cloud Stronghold is not only due to our brothers' strength but also to the support of the Grand Commandant."

"Therefore, I hope you brothers will handle the matters entrusted to us by the Grand Commandant well. Do you understand?"

"Yes!"

After everyone else left, Long Tonghai turned to his confidant beside him. "Any news from those we sent out?"

"Reporting, boss, nothing yet. However, a brother sent back word, suspecting that Li Fucai hasn't left and is likely still in Duobao Town."

"Oh?"

Hearing this, Long Tonghai's expression gradually turned cold.

"Hmph, that Li Fucai. The Grand Commandant thinks highly of him to entrust him with this task. If he refuses to cooperate..." Hmph!

"Pass down the order. Tell our subordinates to speed up their search. Whether he was captured or is hiding himself, I want him found!"

"Yes!"

At the foot of the mountain, a mule pulling a large chest slowly approached the base of Dark Cloud Peak.

As it neared the path leading up the mountain, the driver pulled the mule to a halt. He then cupped his hands towards the surroundings and called out, "Brothers of the Black Cloud Stronghold, please come out and meet me."

As his voice fell, over a dozen people quickly emerged from the surrounding woods, blocking the path up the mountain. They all held weapons, their faces filled with vigilance.

A minor leader stepped forward, looking at the person on the cart. "Who are you, and what are you doing here?"

"Greetings, esteemed brothers. My name is Wan Sanhuo, and I have come to pay my respects today."

Wan Sanhuo!

Hearing the name, the Black Cloud Stronghold's lackeys were all startled, exchanging glances.

It was no wonder; this fellow's reputation had grown considerably recently.

First, he had killed over a hundred Fierce Wind Bandits in just a few days, and then he had personally killed two of their leaders, severely weakening the Fierce Wind Bandits.

Later, he caused a major disturbance in Dongjiang City, forcing a reshuffling of the city's power structure. His name was truly well-known.

Hearing that Wan Sanhuo was here, they were naturally somewhat surprised.

"You... you're really Wan Sanhuo?"

"Heh, brother, you jest. Why would someone with a Martial Kill Order issued against him bother to impersonate someone else?"

"You... what do you want?"

Li Yan chuckled lightly and patted the chest behind him. "I told you, I'm here to pay my respects and offer a gift."

With those simple words, a sharp aura spread out, startling everyone present.

"You... you wait here. I need to go report!"

Saying this, one person squeezed through the crowd. Ignoring the betrayed looks from the others, he turned and ran up the mountain!

"Report!"

The lackey hurried into the stronghold at the summit, stumbling and falling directly onto the ground.

"What is it?"

Seeing his subordinate's state, Long Tonghai was displeased.

"Reporting, Chieftain, below the mountain... someone is here to pay respects!"

"Pay respects? Heh, it's been a long time since anyone came to pay respects to our Black Cloud Stronghold. Who is it?"

"It's... it's Wan Sanhuo."

"What?!"

"Clang!"

With a startled cry, Long Tonghai abruptly stood up, knocking over the golden goblet of wine beside him.

"You say, Wan Sanhuo?"

"Yes..."

"What did he say he was here for?"

"To pay respects."

"Pay respects?!"

Long Tonghai was already out of his chair, pacing back and forth incessantly.

Although Long Tonghai's strength had reached the seventh level of Qi Condensation, he shouldn't have been startled by Wan Sanhuo, who had just entered the Qi Condensation Realm. However, this was Wan Sanhuo!

Someone who could make the Fierce Wind Bandits, whose reputation still surpassed theirs, suffer such a great loss. It was impossible to be too careful with such a person.

After a long while, Long Tonghai finally spoke, "Go, invite him up the mountain, and then have all the commanders come here."

"Yes!"

At the foot of the mountain, Li Yan leaned against the mule cart, looking bored and somewhat impatient.

Seeing his demeanor, the surrounding underlings were filled with nervousness and panic, fearing that if he became unhappy, he would draw his saber and cut them all down.

Just then, an underling from the mountain hurried over.

Brother Wan, our village chief Long invites you.

"Oh~ finally. I thought your Black Cloud Stronghold didn't welcome me~"

At his words, a group of underlings couldn't help but shrink their necks.

"Hahaha, don't be nervous, just kidding."

"Maybe we'll even stand guard together in the future."

With a small underling leading the way, Li Yan's ascent up the mountain was smooth. Even the underlings guarding the paths peeked out to look, directly revealing their positions.

Li Yan saw and remembered the locations of all these people.

When Li Yan arrived at the main stronghold, the minor commanders on both sides had already resumed their seats, some with an unnatural flush on their faces.

"Hahahaha! I've long heard of a rising figure in the jianghu, the Man-Butcher, who has connections everywhere. To see you today, you truly have a majestic presence! Please sit! Someone, bring tea!"

As the words fell, a minor commander stepped forward, holding a chair in his hand and presenting it to Li Yan.

However, Li Yan did not take it, his smile still fixed on Long Tonghai.

To have a guest arrive and then expect the guest to bring their own seat was not a sign of hospitality, but a deliberate attempt to probe.

If it were a genuine confrontation, although Li Yan had surpassed the Qi Condensation Realm, his cultivation was ultimately not deep enough. Losing the initiative like this would be troublesome.

At this moment, his eyes stared directly at Long Tonghai, the coldness in his eyes continuously increasing. Even though Long Tonghai's strength was superior to his, being stared at like this made him feel a chill all over his body.

With his mind unsettled, he spoke, "Don't be rude. Brother Wan is a guest, how can you act like this?"

The minor commander heard this, awkwardly put down the chair, and retreated, inwardly relieved.

Standing in front of Li Yan just now, he had felt more pressure than Long Tonghai. He was afraid that this 'god of slaughter' would suddenly erupt, and then he would be the unlucky one.

"Hahahaha, as expected, your reputation is well-deserved. To be able to single-handedly cripple the Fierce Wind Bandits, the Man-Butcher Wan Sanhuo is truly worthy of his name!"

"Come, brother, please sit."

Long Tonghai laughed heartily, and the tense atmosphere that had been building instantly dissipated.

Li Yan's face also regained its smile, "Hahahaha, Black Cloud Stronghold almost scared me. I thought you all wanted my head to claim the bounty on the Martial Kill Order."

"Ah~ Brother, you speak as if we're strangers. We gather in the mountains, seeking justice and revenge. We dislike those corrupt officials the most, so why would we do such a thing?"

"Hahahaha, that's good. Otherwise, the grand gift I specially prepared would truly be like casting pearls before swine."

Hearing this, Long Tonghai's eyes slightly narrowed, "Oh~ according to what you said, Brother, you've brought a gift for Big Brother?"

"Of course~"

As he spoke, an underling outside brought in the large chest.

The next moment, Li Yan raised his hand and waved. With the surge of True Qi, the chest was immediately opened, and the scent of wood rushed out, followed by dazzling golden light that was blinding.

A chest full of gold and silver jewelry appeared nakedly before everyone.

"First Boss Long, all commanders, this is a small token of my appreciation for our first meeting. I hope you will all accept it."