Two.
Wu Liang's voice was flat, yet it tightened the nerves of the six women seated before him.
Alesha, chieftain of the Yuequan Tribe, wore a gentle, pretty face now twisted with struggle and pain.
Her Tribe was not warlike; they could not stand against the roland people. Shelter, if offered, would be a godsend.
Three.
When Wu Liang counted to three, little Lolia—clutching a lamb—trembled, helplessness brimming in her eyes.
She didn't want to die, and she could not bear to see her people die.
Time's up, ladies—have you decided?
Wu Liang's tone remained steady, devoid of emotion.
Like a lofty god coldly watching mortals flounder in the mire of fate.
Enough!
A furious roar shattered the deathly silence.
Ignis jerked her head up, chest heaving, eyes blazing.
Never! We will never agree! You're humiliating us!
With a snarl, Ignis lunged, meaning to slam her fist into the arrogant man.
Insolence!
Ignis, this is Black Rock Tribe, not your Ember Tribe.
A frigid voice accompanied a gleam of steel; a spear point rested against Ignis's nose.
Akomann, you're happy to bow to this man?
Ignis glared.
Akomann stood with spear extended, one foot on the table edge, long leg tensed, body leaning back so her chair tilted, gaze sharp.
Of course—he's amazing! I love him; he's my man.
The answer leapt from Akomann without hesitation.
Wu Liang smiled, pleased; the recent lessons had not been wasted.
All right, put it away—don't scare our guests.
Wu Liang waved a hand. Ignis shoved the spear aside and sat back down.
Wu Liang, you're looting a burning house!
Suina pointed at Wu Liang, enunciating every word.
You won't succeed! We'd rather die fighting than lower our heads to an arrogant wretch like you—never will we sell our bodies or our dignity!
Our Chuishi Tribe would rather perish to the last warrior on the soil of Great Desolate Mountain!
She turned to the other five chieftains, resolve flashing in her eyes.
My people wait for me; if we die, we die together!
Without another word she strode toward the hall exit.
Her tall, martial silhouette, limned by sunlight, looked desolate yet carried a proud, unyielding fire.
Well said!
Ignis gave a cold laugh and followed Suina out.
We women of Ember Tribe are no cowards! Make us submit? Do it over our corpses!
Next, Sa Lan of the Zhu Feng Tribe rose.
She said nothing; she only gave Wu Liang a long look—anger and defiance mingled in her eyes.
Excuse me.
She nodded farewell to Wei Xian and Eliza, then turned and left.
In moments, six chieftains had become three.
Clap-clap-clap!
Wu Liang applauded, smiling.
Excellent—I admire your backbone. Remember what you said today.
He looked at the chieftains of Yuequan, Pastoral, and Salt-Marsh Tribes.
Fine, then.
Wu Liang sighed, stood, and stretched.
You chose your path; I've said my piece.
Eliza, see them out.
The remaining three women stared, stunned by his complete lack of concern.
He was giving up, just like that?
Shouldn't he coax them a bit, or at least lower his terms?
Was he so confident they could not survive without him?
Their Tribes were the weakest, their plight the direst.
Ignis and the others might choose an honorable death, but what of them?
Could they watch their clans slaughtered by the roland people for the sake of pride?
Alesha, Florgloria, and Lolia exchanged glances, trapped in torment.
This way, chieftains.
Eliza stepped forward, gesturing toward the door.
Alesha looked at Wu Liang, lips parting.
Words seemed poised to emerge, yet only a sigh escaped. She rose, inclined her head, and followed silently.
Florgloria, full-figured and sultry, gave Wu Liang a long look.
Then she glanced at the unruffled Wei Xian and Eliza, her gaze complex.
Lord Wu…
Florgloria summoned her courage and tried again.
Is there… truly no other way?
We could… deliver vast tributes, even send warriors under your command—only grant our people shelter…
Her voice carried heartfelt supplication.
To her, this was the greatest concession she could offer.
Wu Liang merely regarded her coldly.
My terms do not change.
Florgloria shook her head in disappointment and turned to leave.
Wait for me…
Lolia glanced at Wu Liang, then at her departing companions.
In the end she hugged her lamb and trotted after them.
Soon the spacious council hall fell quiet again.
Only Wu Liang, Wei Xian, Eliza, and Akomann remained.
Liang, you're really letting them go?
Eliza asked, eyeing the empty doorway.
Wei Xian frowned as well.
Wu Liang, pushing them too hard could backfire—won't this drive every Tribe to oppose us?
Wei Xian stroked her belly and spoke softly.
Aren't they already against us?
Wu Liang chuckled.
You two are too soft-hearted.
Do you think that if I allied with them today, they'd fight sincerely at our side?
No.
He answered his own question.
They'd only use us as a shield, sending Black Rock Army warriors to die against the roland people.
Once the invaders were repelled, we'd be the first they'd turn on.
Great Desolate Mountain is too small for so many chieftains.
But now that they've all left, hasn't our plan failed?
Eliza was still puzzled.
On the contrary—this is only the beginning.
A smile curved Wu Liang's lips: everything was proceeding as he intended.
The prouder they are now, the harsher reality will crush them.
The more resolutely they walk away, the more humbly they'll return to beg me.
Only when despair strips them of all other hope and they fix every wish upon me will they truly, body and soul, submit.
What I need is not a pack of scheming allies but absolutely loyal clansmen.
He was no savior, no saint.
What he wanted was total control, utter submission.
Akomann listened, eyes sparkling.
I think Wu Liang did the right thing!
She spoke, excitement coloring her smile.
These women are proud; unless you shatter their bones they'll never know who rules!
A forced melon tastes bland—unless they smash their heads against the wall they won't understand.
The path we offer is the only one left.
Hearing her, Wu Liang laughed in satisfaction.
Well said—those late-night lessons in grand strategic depth weren't wasted!
Grand strategic depth… Akomann's thighs pressed together at the words.
Wei Xian and Eliza exchanged glances—when had these two become so aligned?
Relax—they'll be back.
Wu Liang picked up a slice of apple, popped it into his mouth, and chewed slowly.
When the roland blades rest against their necks and their clansmen fall in droves,
when reality grinds their foolish dreams to dust, they'll remember what I said today.
Then they'll come back crying and begging me.
After that, everything becomes very simple.