This truly is a near-death experience; he has never been so close to the brink of death.

Qin Yuesheng raised his right palm, using the power of the Star-Picking Hand, he timely halted the momentum of the two weapons.

Du Xiaoqing is not indispensable, but his living has more value to Qin Yuesheng, as Qin Yuesheng aims to rule the Twelve Linked Rings, not destroy it.

Leaving a few masters appropriately would facilitate his conquest of the Jiangnan’s foremost pirate force while preserving the foundation of the Twelve Linked Rings.

Masters are difficult to cultivate; a force without them is doomed to fade into obscurity.

The weapons flew back one by one to Qin Yuesheng’s hand; he walked up to Du Xiaoqing with large strides: "I give you one chance to live, and I hope you are truly sincere in surrendering."

"Absolutely, absolutely," Du Xiaoqing nodded repeatedly. After the brief exchange, he already understood that Qin Yuesheng’s strength definitely surpassed his own.

Moreover, the opponent appeared so effortless and relaxed, as if not exerting full effort. Such a master, he truly had no power to counter; surrendering seemed like a good outcome, at least he could still live.

"Tell me, how can I swiftly conquer the entire Twelve Linked Rings? There’s no point in constant killing; I don’t want to acquire a mess," Qin Yuesheng said.

Under the knife, there’s no reason to conceal or hide; Du Xiaoqing immediately revealed his identity and his plan to help Qin Yuesheng take over the entire Twelve Linked Rings.

As a master, Du Xiaoqing commands one-twelfth of Twelve Linked Rings’ men and territory. After his surrender, one-twelfth of Twelve Linked Rings already belonged to Qin Yuesheng.

To conquer the entire Twelve Linked Rings, the best method naturally is to subdue the remaining eleven masters. Those who can be subdued should submit, those who cannot should be eliminated, and then select an obedient master to act as a puppet.

This is the simplest method.

Under Du Xiaoqing’s orders, the situation in the area was quickly suppressed by his men, ensuring the news wouldn’t spread to other areas managed by other masters.

After completing these tasks, Du Xiaoqing then led Qin Yuesheng towards the territory of the neighboring master, like a shepherd dog leading a wolf into a flock.

...

The twelve masters of the Twelve Linked Rings are renowned masters in Jiangnan martial arts. Among them are figures from the Jiangnan Hundred Soldiers List and notorious individuals from the Jiangnan Hundred Bandit Registry, making it a place where heroes and villains are intermingled.

Under Du Xiaoqing’s lead, Qin Yuesheng quickly arrived at another area within the Linked Rings.

"Young Master Qin, the master here is ’Celestial Butterfly Palm’ Lu Meiren, known in the martial world for her sly and intricate palm techniques. She is also famed for her stunning appearance, adored and followed by many martial artists, hence she has the most Inner Strength masters around her." Du Xiaoqing explained.

Qin Yuesheng nodded: "I understand."

The people Du Xiaoqing talked about are clearly what Qin Yuesheng regards as simps, and he was somewhat surprised that Inner Strength masters would also become simps for a woman; it was truly disgraceful.

In the martial world, even a First Layer of the Internal Power Realm martial artist, acting as a guest retainer for someone else, can enjoy top-tier treatment — having both wealth and people, living freely and leisurely.

Inner Strength masters of higher levels gradually detach from this material desire, focusing their attention and spirit entirely on enhancing their own strength, hoping one day to reach the Grandmaster Realm.

Able to attract Inner Strength masters as her admirers and command them at will, Qin Yuesheng indeed became slightly interested in this Lu Meiren, wanting to see how beautiful she truly is.

Du Xiaoqing, familiar with everything, quickly led Qin Yuesheng to a courtyard with white walls. Several maids with tightly cinched waists were guarding the courtyard gate; upon seeing Du Xiaoqing’s approach, they all greeted him: "Master Du."

"Mm, where is your master? I have matters to discuss with her. Take me over now." Du Xiaoqing, in front of these servants, naturally did not appear as servile and humble as he did before Qin Yuesheng, directly speaking with a serious demeanor.

"The master is resting inside; Master Du, please wait. I will announce your arrival first."

"Go, hurry up, don’t delay, or you won’t be able to bear the consequences."

A maid promptly ran into the courtyard. After a short while, she returned, her cheeks inexplicably flushed, and said: "Master Du, my master, she... she is currently unavailable, unable to meet you. Please tell me what you need to say, and I will relay it."

Du Xiaoqing’s face immediately couldn’t hold back, directly shouting in anger: "Others may not know Lu Meiren, but don’t I know her? What could she possibly be busy with, claiming no time to meet me; such audacity! Move aside, I insist on seeing her today."

Without another word, Du Xiaoqing directly pushed aside these maids and barged into the courtyard.

"Master Du! Master Du! This is my master’s domain, even you have no authority to act unruly here. Please stop, or we will not let it pass."

The maids were worried, hastily calling out.

At that moment, Qin Yuesheng, whom they had overlooked, suddenly reached out and chopped at their necks, instantly making several maids faint and fall to the ground, unconscious.