C17 Develop Your Strength

Lee Fei and his companions emerged from the stronghold of White Dragon Fort, their gaze descending upon the mountain path below. From a distance, they spotted a group of about a dozen individuals making their way up the mountain. Their figures were indistinct, but the weapons they carried were a clear sign that they were no friends.

In contrast to Lee Fei's serene demeanor, a hint of anxiety was etched on the faces of his fellows. Their unease was understandable; after all, it was Heilong who had led them to conquer this place from others, arriving just as casually as these newcomers. The familiar scene, now with their roles reversed, left them feeling inexplicably less confident.

Lee Fei glanced back at his men and asked with a hint of nonchalance, "Are you afraid?"

"With you leading us, Head Honcho, there's nothing to fear," Black Dog replied, wiping the sweat from his brow in a hushed tone.

"Hehe, if you're scared, just admit it. There's no shame in that," Lee Fei retorted, his tone shifting. "Fear is natural, but don't cower. No matter who they are, if they dare to stir up trouble, they'll be greeted by our blades."

Black Bear flexed his arms and declared, "Head Honcho's right. Let anyone dare to wreak havoc in our White Dragon Fort, and I, Black Bear, will be the first to stand against them."

No sooner had he spoken than the rest of the group erupted in supportive cries, their spirits rallying as if ready to take on any adversary.

Within the span of a few moments, the approaching party had closed the distance to less than thirty feet from the fort, halting to exchange stares with Lee Fei and his men from afar.

A formidable figure emerged from the group, exuding strength and ferocity. His broad frame was wrapped in a red robe, and a steel spear was slung across his back. Advancing about five paces, he came to a stop and announced, "I am Lee Ying, Suzerain of Emberhollow. I have come today to seek an audience with the Head Honcho for a discussion."

Lee Fei was momentarily taken aback by the arrival of Lee Ying, a man of considerable wealth. Could his visit be motivated by a desire for revenge on behalf of his daughter?

Dismissing the thought, Lee Fei reminded himself that he was now a bandit. As such, it was his duty to extract a hefty toll from the wealthy, lest he lose the respect of his peers.

With an air of ease, Lee Fei advanced five paces of his own, maintaining a cautious distance of about sixteen feet from the visitor.

He clasped his fists in greeting and said, "Ah, Mr. Lee, your reputation precedes you. I am the master of White Dragon Fort, known as Little White Dragon."

Lee Ying scrutinized Lee Fei from head to toe, noting his youthful appearance and honest demeanor. Tall and lean, he didn't seem to be a martial artist, yet he exuded an air of composure.

Perhaps he was once a scholar?

With this thought, Lee Ying clasped his fists again. "I've come to express my gratitude to the Head Honcho for releasing my daughter. I've brought two gifts as a token of thanks and to request a favor."

He clapped his hands, and two servants emerged from the crowd, each carrying an exquisitely crafted box toward Lee Fei.

Approaching, they opened the boxes to reveal their contents.

Lee Ying presented them, saying, "Here are some top-quality pearls and a hundred-year-old mountain ginseng. I hope the Head Honcho will accept them."

To offer a gift is to anticipate its acceptance.

Without hesitation, Lee Fei gestured, and Heilong stepped forward from among the bandits, cradling the two boxes in his arms.

Lee Fei spoke, "I'll accept your gifts. Now, what is it that you seek, Mr. Lee?"

"Well, I was hoping the Head Honcho might return the nine carts of salt he acquired. In exchange, I offer the carts of grain as a gift," Lee Ying proposed.

No sooner had he spoken than Lee Fei and the bandits behind him burst into laughter. The idea that a mere two gifts could trade for nine carts of salt was laughable.

Lee Fei's expression said it all—this was not up for negotiation.

Lee Ying's brow furrowed slightly as he pressed on, "Head Honcho, you rule these hills, and it's hard-earned silver you're after. But what use are nine carts of salt to you here? You can't sell them all, nor can you consume them. It would be a simple act of goodwill to return them to me, and should you ever need assistance in the future, I will be there to lend a hand."

Lee Fei replied with a smile, "Let's speak plainly, Mr. Lee. You're well aware that my men risked their lives for those goods. Simply returning them on your say-so doesn't quite align with our principles, does it?"

"If you won't heed my advice, then there's nothing more to discuss. We're set on taking those ten carts of goods." A portly man approached Lee Ying, pointing an accusing finger at Lee Fei as he berated, "A group of country bumpkins seize a hilltop and suddenly fancy themselves as somebodies. Keep up your prattle, and I'll raze your stronghold to the ground."

Unperturbed, Lee Fei responded coolly, "Quite the bluster. Who might you be?"

The stout man let out a hearty laugh and declared, "I am Zhu Hu of Entover. If you dare, face me in three hundred rounds of combat."

In the Water Margin, the suzerain of Entover had three sons, and Zhu Hu was the formidable Second Young Master, known for his martial prowess and his haughty, domineering nature. He certainly didn't regard the modest White Dragon Fort as a threat, goading Lee Fei into a one-on-one duel, hoping to ensnare him in his ploy.

Lee Fei couldn't help but find the situation amusing. "Why would an enchanter like myself foolishly engage in close combat with you? That would only happen if I'd been kicked in the head by a donkey."

"Let's talk this through, Brother Zhu," Lee Ying interjected, attempting to defuse the tension. "Head Honcho, we mean no hostility towards you. We simply must reclaim that item. Could you please accommodate us?"

Lee Fei arched an eyebrow, a mischievous smirk playing on his lips. They were making it sound so reasonable, but he knew better than to be taken for a fool.

"Perhaps you're unaware, but I've studied some magic. There are spells I've yet to wield, and now seems like the perfect opportunity to test them on you."

With those words, Lee Fei lifted his right arm, rapidly uttering a string of fluctuating incantations. Lee Ying and Zhu Hu initially dismissed his actions as madness, but their eyes widened in shock as they witnessed the unfolding scene.

Lee Fei's arm became shrouded in swirling black Qi, while a dark rune appeared on his forehead, resembling a third eye from a distance.

"Quicksand Technique."

With a flick of his arm, the black Qi coalesced in his palm and shot out towards the densely packed crowd.

Zhu Hu lost his composure, convinced the attack was aimed at him. In a panic, he leaped to the side, hacking away with his broadsword to no avail.

The sinister energy descended upon the densely packed crowd, rendering the ground beneath them soft and swirling with black sand.

The astute had already scattered, while the foolish remained, rooted in place. The expanse of the black quicksand perfectly ensnared five individuals, who felt the ground give way beneath them as they sank.

"Help!"

"Quick, pull me up!"

The calamity struck so swiftly that the onlookers, fearing for their own safety, paid no heed to the plight of the two men.

Flailing their arms in desperation, their frantic efforts only hastened their descent.

"Don't worry, I'll save you."

A good-hearted fellow attempted a rescue, dashing forward to grasp one of the men's arms, heaving upwards.

But the task was far from simple; the vortex's pull was alarmingly strong, and the would-be rescaper felt himself being slowly drawn into its grasp.

The trapped man clung to his rescuer's arm, dragging him downward, as the black quicksand crept up to his neck.

If they didn't release their grip, both were doomed.

With a swift 'puchi', a blade sliced through the air, severing the man's arm. It was Lee Ying, who, upon recognizing the peril, had drawn the knife from the honest man's hand. Though a spear was his weapon of choice, his skill with a blade was equally formidable.

The pleas for help ceased instantly. After claiming five lives, the ground settled back to normal, as if nothing had ever occurred.

Lee Fei pointed to the sky, proclaiming loudly, "Here, I am the supreme ruler. No matter who you are, disrespect me and this will be your fate."

"Head Honcho is mighty!"

"Head Honcho has boundless power!"

The bandits cheered, raising their hands high, their gazes upon Lee Fei filled with veneration.

In these degenerate times, when the noble character of old was scarce, Lee Fei found a certain satisfaction in putting on an impressive front.