The four stronghold chiefs were deeply unwilling, but since Wang Chaoshan, the Blood Tiger, had spoken, they could only obey.
The four glared resentfully at Li Yun, then turned and left.
Only Li Yun and Wang Chaoshan remained in the hall.
Wang Chaoshan stared at Li Yun.
"Young Master Li, now that it's just the two of us, you can say whatever you couldn't say before."
Li Yun chuckled.
"Actually, there's nothing I couldn't say. I just thought those four were brainless and didn't want to look at them."
"You..."
Wang Chaoshan nearly coughed up a mouthful of blood in anger.
This fellow was toying with him.
If he hadn't been wary of Li Yun's mysterious background and mindful of his prospects after founding a sect, he would have taught him a harsh lesson then and there.
But Li Yun spoke again.
"Don't get angry... I was joking."
"If I heard correctly, your Blood Tiger Stronghold decided to found a sect because you stumbled upon something extraordinary here in Crane Mountain and discovered a place called the Martial Armory, didn't you?"
"But Blood Tiger Stronghold didn't discover the Martial Armory alone. You found it together with Ancient Sun Stronghold and White-Headed Old Man Stronghold. To keep its existence secret, the three strongholds agreed to guard that secret and join forces to found a sect. Right?"
Wang Chaoshan's gaze turned cold.
"Yes!"
"Heh... But the Three Strongholds aren't one family, so you agreed to hold a contest. The winner would control the Martial Armory and lead the sect once it was founded?"
"Yes. You've got it all right."
"Heh. Then are you confident you can beat the other two strongholds?"
"Of course I..."
Wang Chaoshan's face twitched violently. He couldn't finish the sentence. Clearly, he wasn't entirely confident.
Li Yun smiled.