The main hall remained silent for three full breaths, so quiet a falling needle could have been heard.
Only when Li Shenshan gave a cold laugh was the silence broken.
"Those hunters simply see the hall master's kindness as something they can exploit! When Liu Dingtang controlled West Mountain, he squeezed and bled them dry, yet they were as docile as sheep, giving him whatever he wanted. Now that the hall master speaks kindly to them, they've started puffing themselves up instead."
"Altar Master Li speaks the truth."
Lu Pingyuan nodded slightly, a trace of sarcasm in his voice. "From what they said, they do indeed believe you aren't as harsh and brutal as Liu Dingtang, Hall Master, and that you can be reasoned with. The hall master is a gentleman, so they believe they can exploit your principles.
"But the Shen Clan is also part of the reason these hunters refuse to join us. The southern and eastern foothills of West Mountain remain under the West Mountain Commandery Army's control, and there are also the threats posed by Nine-Blade Stronghold and White Cloud Stronghold.
"That is why they dare not disobey the Shen Clan's orders, nor do they wish to become embroiled in your struggle with the Shen Clan. Of course, money remains the root of it. They don't want to pay protection money anymore. They believe that with the commandery army protecting them and Nine-Blade Stronghold and White Cloud Stronghold leaving them alone, they can live peacefully on West Mountain. Why pay you another sum of silver, Hall Master, and have to do your bidding besides?"
Most of the altar masters and deputy altar masters in the hall now wore dark, angry expressions.
Lu Luanli looked particularly scornful. "Interesting. These hunters really do have a taste for being