Becoming a god by following the natural order and seeking good fortune and avoiding misfortune.

Chapter 95 Who is in favor and who is against?
Time flies, white horses pass by.

More than ten days have passed since the Huang family was wiped out like a thunderbolt.

On this day, the Qinglang Water Village, located in a secluded bend of the Qinglin River, was no longer heavily guarded; instead, it was bustling with noise and activity.

All the well-known chieftains of the surrounding water villages in Changshan County have gathered here at this moment.

Inside the hall, the atmosphere was both heated and oppressive. People whispered among themselves, and the focus of their discussions was the horrifying news that the Gao and Huang families had been uprooted not long ago.

"Damn it, how many years have the Gao and Huang families been entrenched in Changshan? How can they just disappear like that? When I first heard the news, I thought it was some drunk bastard talking nonsense!"

A burly man with a full beard took a swig of wine and said in a deep voice, his face still showing a hint of disbelief.

"Hey, what are the Gao and Huang families? Don't forget about Black Snake Water Village, which was wiped out by that Chen guy in one fell swoop, wasn't it?"

A lean, wiry man next to him added in a sinister tone.

"Is this Chen Sheng really as amazing as the rumors say? He can take down a martial arts master in just a few moves?" someone asked with some skepticism.

"Then there is still a holiday?"

One of the leaders, who seemed to have better connections, lowered his voice and said, "According to my informants in the city, this guy is ruthless and his strength is unfathomable. Even a master at the Marrow Transformation Realm wouldn't last more than a few rounds against him!"

"Is he bragging? Could it be that Chen Sheng has already broken through to the Innate Realm?" A bandit chief with a gloomy face scoffed, clearly unwilling to believe it.

A martial arts master who has reached the Marrow Transformation stage may not be much in the prefectural city, but within Changshan County, he is already a remarkable figure.

This is enough to gather a group of people and gain a foothold in the Changshan waters.

If a village doesn't even have a marrow-transforming ability, then it can only be a small village that depends on others for survival.

"Believe it or not."

The man shook his head mysteriously: "The rumors may be exaggerated, but the Huang family is indeed gone. There's no denying that. It's better to believe it than not."

“Old Zhang, if you really don’t believe me, then why has your ‘Black Fish Stronghold’ been cowering like a turtle lately, not even daring to touch the fat sheep that used to be there? Isn’t it because you’re afraid of provoking that killing god and getting burned?”

Some people were blunt and made sarcastic remarks.

Old Zhang's face flushed red. He wanted to retort, but he swallowed his words back.

He was tough on the outside, but he was actually quite nervous inside.

With the Gao family, the Huang family, and the Black Snake Water Village serving as stark examples of past transgressions, who would dare to provoke the authorities at this time?
In fact, it wasn't just his Black Fish Stronghold; in the past half month, almost all of the dozen or so bandit groups, large and small, near Changshan had gone quiet and kept a low profile, fearing they would become the next targets to be wiped out.

Feeling frustrated, Zhang Laogui changed the subject, saying, "Speaking of which, what exactly did Green Wolf Stronghold call us all here for? That old bastard Li Qianlang still hasn't revealed anything?"

"I think they probably want to discuss how to deal with the government."

"That's possible. Once Black Serpent Water Stronghold is destroyed, Green Wolf Stronghold will be the most powerful. If they don't step up, who will?"

The leaders chatted amongst themselves, speculating about the purpose of the gathering.

However, while they outwardly agreed, they each had their own agendas.

These people are all rebellious and ruthless individuals who have lived on the edge of a knife. Getting them to genuinely unite and obey orders will be extremely difficult. Even if they were to join forces, the powerful Green Wolf Stronghold would have to be at the forefront and contribute the most.

"I've kept you waiting for a long time."

Just as everyone was discussing it, a loud voice rang out.

Li Qianlang, the leader of the Green Wolf Stronghold, strode into the main hall, surrounded by several trusted and ruthless bandits. He was tall and had a rugged face, with piercing eyes that shone brightly.

Upon seeing this, everyone stopped talking, stood up, cupped their hands in greeting, and addressed each other in different ways:
"Brother Li."

"Brother Li."

"Chief Li!"

In the waters near Changshan, numerous bandit factions exist, but few truly gain significant influence.

Previously, Black Snake Water Village and Green Wolf Water Village were considered two major water villages that existed side by side.

Now that Black Serpent Water Stronghold has been destroyed, Green Wolf Water Stronghold has seized the opportunity to absorb several smaller forces, and is gradually becoming the dominant force. It is precisely for this reason that these stronghold leaders dared not neglect Li Qianlang's invitation and came one after another.

After a few insincere pleasantries, Li Qianlang walked to the head seat, his gaze sweeping across the room, and went straight to the point:

"You are all straightforward people, and I, Li, will not beat around the bush. I have invited you here today mainly to tell you two things."

"The first thing is to discuss how to deal with the increasingly rampant suppression by the government. I'm sure you all have felt it. Since Chen Sheng took office, he first destroyed the Black Snake Water Village, and then wiped out the Gao and Huang families. The Yang family also defected and surrendered."

The government is now so arrogant and domineering that we can hardly breathe. In the past two weeks, has anyone in your village dared to plunder caravans as openly as before?

This statement immediately drew a chorus of agreement.

"Chief Li is absolutely right. The brothers have to be very careful when they go out now, for fear of running into the government's warships."

"That's right, we can't live like this anymore."

"I wonder what Chief Li's thoughts are on jointly resisting the government?"

Someone asked the question, secretly thinking that as expected, with the collapse of Black Serpent Water Village, Li Qianlang wanted to become the boss.

"How exactly to join forces still needs to be carefully considered."

Li Qianlang changed the subject: "The main reason I invited you all here today is for the second matter."

"Oh? What is it? Brother Li, please speak freely." Everyone's curiosity was piqued.

Li Qianlang's expression turned solemn, and he announced in a loud voice: "The primary reason for gathering everyone here today is to jointly welcome the envoy from the Azure Dragon Alliance!"

"The Azure Dragon Alliance?!"

"The Azure Dragon Alliance has sent people?!"

These words were like cold water being poured into boiling oil, instantly causing a huge uproar.

Everyone's faces showed astonishment, excitement, and even awe.

Azure Dragon Alliance!
That was a true water bandit overlord who dominated the Qinglin Waterway and intimidated Ning'an Prefecture.

Its roots are deeply embedded in the prefectural city, and its influence is deeply entrenched, making it a force that these county-level bandits can only look up to.

Normally, they had to pay a hefty "tribute" to the Azure Dragon Alliance every year in order to obtain their protection and survive in the cracks between the government and the people. Once, a foolish water village tried to resist, and the result was that the entire village was wiped out, leaving no one alive!

It was precisely because they had the banner of the Azure Dragon Alliance behind them that they dared to disregard the county government to a certain extent.

"The destruction of Black Serpent Water Village is no small matter; there must be an explanation."

Li Qianlang explained, "Therefore, some time ago, I sent someone to the Azure Dragon Alliance to deliver a letter and express my feelings. According to the message that came back, the Azure Dragon Alliance's envoy will arrive today."

"Given the arrival of such an important figure, I dare not keep him to myself. Therefore, I have invited you all to come and greet him, as a sign of our respect and reverence for the Azure Dragon Alliance."

"That's great! With the envoy from the Azure Dragon Alliance stepping in, we have someone to rely on!"

"Indeed, it's no wonder we've been offering our filial piety every year!"

Upon hearing this, everyone felt relieved, and excitement appeared on their faces. If the Azure Dragon Alliance was willing to take action against the Changshan County government, wouldn't they be able to return to their former lawless and carefree lives?
Li Qianlang took in everyone's reactions, secretly sneered in his heart, but remained expressionless on the surface.

What followed was a long wait.

More than an hour passed, and by noon, the envoy from the Azure Dragon Alliance was still nowhere to be seen. The atmosphere in the hall gradually became anxious, and many people began to complain in hushed tones, wondering if the information was wrong.

Just as everyone was becoming increasingly impatient—

"Reporting to the chieftain, the envoy from the Azure Dragon Alliance has arrived outside the stronghold!" A bandit rushed into the main hall and reported urgently.

In an instant, all the noise stopped abruptly.

Everyone's expressions tightened, and their eyes all turned to the entrance of the lobby.

The next instant, an invisible pressure swept in like a tide, enveloping the entire hall. Outside the hall, a short figure dressed in a blue robe walked in as if on flat ground, surrounded by a faint blue halo, clearly one of the hallmarks of a Xiantian expert.

Innate protective true energy!

Soaring through the air, a powerful innate expert.

Feeling this terrifying and chilling pressure, all the bandit leaders were greatly shocked, and even their breath caught in their throats.

Under the awe-inspiring gazes of the crowd, the figure in the green robe appeared like a ghost, instantly hovering above the main seat in the hall.

Li Qianlang reacted quickly, immediately standing up and respectfully offering the main seat.

The man in the green robe slowly descended, and the innate true energy around him dissipated, revealing his true appearance.

This person was no more than four feet tall, resembling a dwarf, and his face was extremely ugly. He had squinted small eyes, a few sparse rat whiskers hanging from the corners of his mouth, and on the chest of his blue robe was embroidered a palm-sized, menacing blue dragon pattern.

Despite the newcomer's unappealing appearance, no one present dared to show the slightest disrespect. The overwhelming aura of a master of innate cultivation was enough to silence everyone.

"This envoy is Yu Qiantong."

The dwarf in the green robe sat imposingly on the tiger-skin chair that originally belonged to Li Qianlang, his gaze sweeping indifferently over the bandit leaders below who looked like quails. His voice was high-pitched, yet carried an undeniable authority.

"Greetings, Envoy Yu!"

Li Qianlang was the first to bow in greeting, his voice loud and clear.

"Greetings, Envoy Yu!"

The other leaders seemed to awaken from a dream, and they all bowed in greeting, their voices uneven but filled with utmost reverence.

"Okay, get up, everyone." Yu Qiantong waved her hand casually, as if shooing away flies.

"Thank you, Your Excellency."

Only then did everyone dare to stand up straight, looking at each other in bewilderment. No one dared to speak first, and the atmosphere became somewhat tense for a moment.

Finally, Li Qianlang stepped forward to break the deadlock and cautiously asked:
"May I ask, Your Excellency, what instructions does the Azure Dragon Alliance have for us?"

Yu Qiantong glanced at him with her narrowed eyes and let out a cold, owl-like laugh:
"The Azure Dragon Alliance's message is simple: the troubles you are currently facing will be taken care of by the Azure Dragon Alliance."

Upon hearing this, everyone was overjoyed, and their faces showed gratitude as they prepared to say some polite words.

Unexpectedly, Yu Qiantong's voice suddenly changed, and her tone became sinister:

"However, from this day forward, all your forces must be merged into the Azure Dragon Alliance. The Changshan Branch of the Azure Dragon Alliance will be established in the Changshan region, with me personally serving as the branch leader and Li Qianlang as the deputy branch leader. As for you..."

His gaze swept over the crowd like cold lightning. "Based on your respective cultivation levels and strength, you may become branch hall masters or leaders. Now, I have finished speaking."

He leaned forward slightly, a chilling smile creeping across his ugly face:
"Who is in favor? Who is against?"

These words were like a thunderclap from a clear sky.

Everyone was stunned; the joy on their faces froze instantly, turning into surprise and unease.

To incorporate? To merge into the Azure Dragon Alliance?

This was completely unexpected for them.

In the past, the Azure Dragon Alliance only collected offerings and provided protection, but there was never a precedent for directly annexing subordinate forces.

Is being in charge of your own affairs the same as being someone else's subordinate?

For a moment, everyone was filled with apprehension and reluctance, but under the oppressive aura of Yu Qiantong, no one dared to speak out against it, and could only lower their heads and respond in silence.

"What do you all mean? Please speak up."

Yu Qiantong's smile grew even warmer: "I, Yu Qiantong, never force anyone to do anything against their will. If anyone is unwilling, they can step forward now. As long as they agree to leave Changshan territory immediately and never return, I will not make things difficult for them."

Upon hearing this, some people immediately became excited.

Immediately, one of the village chiefs mustered his courage, stepped forward, and said, "Your Excellency, I am willing to leave the Changshan waters and seek another way to make a living."

"Me too!"

"And I!"

With one person taking the lead, three more immediately stepped forward, indicating their willingness to leave.

"good very good."

Yu Qiantong nodded with a smile: "Is anyone else leaving? If you don't say so now, and then try to back out later, that would be betraying the Azure Dragon Alliance. At that time, don't blame the alliance rules for being ruthless!"

His words carried a clear threat, instantly extinguishing the enthusiasm of those who had been somewhat tempted. Of course, some others felt that having the Azure Dragon Alliance as a powerful backer would be beneficial, and thus harbored some anticipation.

Yu Qiantong's gaze fell on the four people who had stepped forward, as if he were admiring several lambs waiting to be slaughtered:
"It seems there are only the four of you left."

The first chieftain to step forward felt a chill run down his spine under Yu Qiantong's seemingly kind but actually cold smile. He quickly bowed and said, "Thank you very much for your permission, Your Excellency. I am deeply grateful. We will proceed immediately."

Before he could finish speaking, the smile on Yu Qiantong's face vanished abruptly, replaced by a ferocious and cruel expression:

"No need for thanks, I will now—send you on your way!"

As soon as the word 'road' was uttered, Yu Qiantong's short figure vanished from the spot like a ghost.

In the next instant, he appeared in front of the four people, and his thin palm lightly struck out. In his palm, the condensed innate true energy burst forth with a terrifying aura.

"Bang!!!"

The chieftain, who was the first to be hit, didn't even have time to scream before his body exploded under the domineering innate true energy, turning into a miserable cloud of blood mist.

fast.

too fast.

The other three were terrified and were about to make a move when Yu Qiantong's figure flashed past them like a butterfly flitting among flowers.

"Oh!"

"Oh!"

"puff!"

With a few short, muffled thuds and the sound of flesh tearing, the other three also fell to the ground one after another, some with their chests caved in, others with their heads bursting open, their deaths extremely gruesome.

In the blink of an eye, the four bandit leaders, who were considered important figures in the Changshan waters, were all killed. Their blood stained the ground, and the pungent smell of blood filled the air.

Yu Qiantong casually flicked non-existent blood off his hands, as if he had merely swatted a few flies. He turned his head, and a chilling smile once again spread across his ugly face as he surveyed the remaining, trembling crowd:
"Now, is there anyone else who wants to go with them?"

Li Qianlang was the first to react, immediately kneeling on one knee and speaking in a loud and obsequious voice: "Your subordinate Li Qianlang is willing to lead all the brothers of the Green Wolf Water Village to join the Green Dragon Alliance, and from now on serve you faithfully, obeying only your orders!"

With him taking the lead, the other bandit leaders, who were already terrified, dared not hesitate for a moment. They all knelt down and rushed to express their support:
"I am willing to join the Azure Dragon Alliance and await Master Yu's orders!"

"We are willing to surrender."

"We swear to be loyal to the Azure Dragon Alliance to the death."

Looking at the crowd crawling at his feet, Yu Qiantong nodded in satisfaction.

A mere Foundation Establishment martial artist dares to defy his will.

It’s simply a matter of life and death!

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

The setup chapters might be a bit slow, but I'll try to add an extra chapter at noon.

Please support me with monthly votes.
(End of this chapter)