First Meeting with Aoshang, Divine Use of Treasures

This great battle had crushed them like dead branches and rotten wood, ending in but an instant. Zhou Long, Steel Bear, Mei Rendu, and Hu Shengnan all wailed miserably, their faces ashen.

They had fancied themselves clever and carefully laid an open scheme.

Yet they had underestimated their opponent and ended up like this. They had only themselves to blame.

Li Xian said, "Seniors, how was that? Does everyone accept my plan now?"

Steel Bear's eyes had already been blinded. Usually mighty and domineering, he had lorded over the countryside. Yet he was the sort with the body of a bear and the guts of a rat. After this exchange, he had seen Li Xian's extraordinary abilities. His bearing, martial skill, and force all far surpassed his own. Fear filling his heart, he was actually the first to submit. "I accept, I accept. Martial Commandant, your word is law."

Even if the rest were unconvinced in their hearts, what could they do? They could only soften their words, their attitudes utterly transformed.

"Martial Commandant, we had eyes but failed to recognize Mount Tai. Since you want this treasure, please take it."

"Yes, actually, there was no need for all this trouble. We only sought this treasure because we wanted to give it to you."

"Ah, look at this misunderstanding. It is our fault too, for not making things clear. We martial artists are rough by nature. We hope the Martial Commandant will not take offense."

This open scheme could advance or retreat.

If Li Xian had been weak, they would advance. At best, they would force him back; at worst, they could take his life. If Li Xian had been strong, they would retreat, speaking only of the treasure and never mentioning that they had intended to target him.

Li