"Oh? Why would it be the Yan family? I usually have no grievances with the Yan family, and we've even had some cooperation," Li Qing said, feigning disbelief.
The leader of the Tianlong Gang probably knew Li Qing would respond this way. He smiled and waved his hand, dismissing the hidden people around them.
With this gesture, Li Qing could clearly feel that the several gazes that had been focused on him since he entered had all vanished.
"Your gang truly has an abundance of talent, willing to remain beneath the Yan family for so many years. I truly admire you, Tianlong Gang Leader," Li Qing said with a smile.
Upon hearing this, the joy on Tianlong's face grew even more pronounced.
To be able to perceive the presence of those around him so keenly indicated that Li Qing had indeed stepped into the realm of external strength.
"To be honest, not long ago, the second young master of the Yan family sent that Yan San's servant to incite me, wanting me to give you a hard time. The reason was that a long time ago, a few useless fellows from our gang were dealt with by you alone."
"Yan San's methods are quite lowly. To be honest, you were not in the wrong regarding that matter; those fellows were simply blind. Moreover, it has been so long that I had almost forgotten about it."
As Tianlong spoke, his voice lowered.
"However, in the end, I still sent Wei Tian to your place to test you, wanting to see what kind of person could attract the Yan family's attention."
Tianlong's intention was quite clear. After this test, if Li Qing was merely a brute with some strength, he wouldn't mind doing the Yan family a favor.
If Li Qing could discover Wei Tian, it would likely indicate that he possessed real strength.
The result was already evident; the strength Li Qing was currently displaying clearly marked him as an external strength expert.
"Brother Li, are you interested in conspiring with me for a great undertaking here in Obsidian City?" Tianlong said with a serious expression.
A great undertaking? Referring to robbing the rich to help the poor while engaging in some petty theft around the marketplace?
Li Qing couldn't help but scoff inwardly, but his expression remained unchanged as he asked casually, "Oh? What do you mean by a great undertaking, Tianlong Gang Leader?"
Tianlong took a deep breath and said, "Let’s overturn the Yan family together!"
This statement was not too surprising to Li Qing. Given the current situation in Obsidian City, there was really no major undertaking left to pursue; the only target could only be the Yan family.
However, Li Qing did not easily agree. Instead, he replied nonchalantly, "Tianlong Gang Leader, your martial arts are quite impressive. Could it be that the Yan family has someone who can match you?"
"Brother Li, the Yan family has been able to maintain their position for so many years. You don't really think it’s just because of those ruffians, do you?" Tianlong said with a bitter smile.
"The Yan family has four offerings, three of whom are at the level of external strength experts, and one is a great master at the level of internal strength. However, that internal strength master has been in the coffin for over a decade."
With this, Li Qing understood Tianlong's meaning.
He merely wanted to recruit him to deal with the Yan family, promising various benefits, but those would only be given after the deed was done. For Li Qing, these benefits were no different from empty promises.
"What do you think, Brother Li? As long as you can help block one external strength expert, the other two will be handled by me and my subordinates," Tianlong earnestly said.
"If this matter succeeds, Obsidian City will be ours. At that time, I'll make you the second-in-command of the义帮!"
Li Qing pondered for a while and did not rush to refuse.
If this matter were truly accomplished, there would indeed be many benefits. The entire Yan family's armory would be open for him to peruse at will.
It should be noted that most of the Martial Halls in Obsidian City had sold their unique skills to the Yan family.
Having access to so many martial arts was indeed tempting for Li Qing.
"Tianlong Gang Leader, I cannot agree to this matter hastily. There are some things I must clarify first," Li Qing said seriously. "Are you certain that the Yan family only has three external strength experts?"
"Absolutely certain. This is a significant matter, and there’s no way I could be mistaken. Over the years, I have thoroughly investigated the Yan family's background," Tianlong nodded.
"Is there any possibility that those three external strength experts have stepped into the realm of internal strength over the years? As far as I know, the Yan family's martial arts manuals are quite numerous."
"That is absolutely impossible!" Tianlong said decisively, then explained, "Brother Li, you may not know, but cultivating internal strength is not that simple. Unless one has extraordinary talent, even practicing diligently for ten or twenty years may not yield any progress."
"Moreover, that’s under the condition of having ample food. Now, the Yan family likely does not have such good conditions to support three external strength warriors; barely maintaining the consumption of three external strength experts is already quite good."
The daily consumption of martial artists is quite substantial; Li Qing deeply understood this. He himself needed to consume a considerable amount of food and meat every day.
If one does not eat enough, their qi and blood will quickly weaken, making it difficult to maintain peak condition.
From this perspective, it was very likely that the Yan family indeed only had three external strength experts.
Tianlong had not finished speaking; he continued, "The Yan family has a few medicinal wine recipes. If there were still sunlight, the Yan family could indeed brew a considerable amount of qi-boosting medicinal wine at a great cost, combined with sufficient meat, which could potentially nurture a few internal strength experts."
"However, even if the Yan family still hides a few jars of that kind of medicinal wine, they do not have enough meat to feed those offerings. It is impossible to nurture internal strength experts!"
Medicinal wine recipes?
Li Qing's heart stirred slightly, and he became quite interested.
"Oh? Tianlong Gang Leader, may I ask what kind of medicinal wine it is that has such miraculous effects?"
It could even assist one in cultivating internal strength faster; this was indeed not to be underestimated.
"Hahaha! Brother Li, I knew you would be interested in this. When I was young, I was the same, striving to go further on the path of martial arts!"
A hint of nostalgia appeared in Tianlong's eyes as he sighed, "Unfortunately, this era is no longer suitable for practicing martial arts. It's hard to get enough to eat, and meat is a rare treat, alas!"
"When there was sunlight, the Yan family somehow obtained a few wine recipes, said to be brewed using tiger bones and some precious materials like blood ginseng. This medicinal wine is extremely precious; an external strength warrior who drinks a cup feels as if their qi and blood are ignited, greatly benefiting their martial arts journey!"
"Practicing martial arts at this time would definitely lead to rapid progress!"
"If one could consume enough meat, breaking into the internal strength realm within a few years would not be difficult."
As he spoke, even Tianlong himself revealed a look of eager longing.
Li Qing felt even more so, his heartbeat quickening slightly.
The medicinal materials that could not be obtained in this world, he could go back and get!
Tiger bones, medicinal materials, whatever; as long as he returned to the previous world, it would not be a difficult task. With money, he could buy anything.
Originally not wanting to get involved in this matter, Li Qing was indeed somewhat tempted now.
"What do you think, Brother Li? If we pull this off, you won’t have to worry about food for the rest of your life," Tianlong said, seizing the opportunity.
Li Qing inhaled lightly and said, "Tianlong Gang Leader, this is a significant matter. Please allow me to consider it for a while longer!"
"Hahaha, good! I've waited for so many years; what's another period of waiting? Brother Li, take your time to consider!" Tianlong said cheerfully.
Li Qing nodded, just as he was about to leave, he jokingly said, "Tianlong Gang Leader, are you not afraid that I will go out and immediately report to the Yan family?"
Tianlong was taken aback for a moment before bursting into laughter.
"Hahahaha, Brother Li, you are an open-minded person; I trust you!"
"Moreover, that second young master of the Yan family is known for his vengeful nature. If you offend him, you won't have an easy life in the future!"
With a clap, Li Qing cupped his fists and, carrying the Wushuang Hammer, left the location of the义帮 headquarters.
After Li Qing departed, Tianlong looked down at the slight crack that had appeared on the ground, which was caused by the impact of the Wushuang Hammer when Li Qing sat down.
"This Li blacksmith is not simple; at such a young age, he can cultivate external strength. It's a pity he was born in the wrong era; no matter how good the talent, it is useless."
(End of Chapter)