Chapter 8, Reorganizing the Elite Team

Three people calmed down, waiting for Li Longji to explain the relationship between Wu Sansi and Zong Chuke.

Li Longji said with delight: "What an eye-opener!"

He asked Li Longji again, "General Ding, do you understand the matter of the Great River Alliance?"

Wide jade moved and said: "With Lord Eagle's proposal, the future days will indeed be much easier. Why have I never thought of this?"

The Dragon Eagle is amazed in his heart. Among the nobles and aristocrats he knows, there are probably not many who would consider the interests of their subordinates in this way. They do not see them as human beings, but as tools. Li Longji is an exception. It may be because he has experienced the long-term suffering of being confined to the Eastern Palace, which has cultivated his ability to empathize with others. It is also possible that he is well-versed in the art of employing people. Various signs indicate that both Wan Renyu and himself have not misjudged him.

The weighty words of Long Ying's teachings: "If Kuang Gong only lives for revenge after being beaten, regardless of success or failure, he is still allowing Tai Le Xu Yun to dominate his life. That is too cheap for him."

Li Longji proposed: "Those brothers who still have the intention to join the army can be called back to the path. They will undergo rigorous training under the guidance of the Eagle Lord, and will be tested in various aspects to separate the wheat from the chaff. In the end, the ones who can stay will be the ones we need."

Ding Fumin and Tian Guidao both have a strange gleam in their eyes.

On the surface, this inn is no different from other similar establishments, but it is actually set up by Li Longji half a year ago for his own spies to stay. After Guan Yuyu's reminder, Longying became particularly cautious and further understood Li Longji's meticulous style of doing things. Before reaching the door, he met Wei Kang and chatted with him, asking about their lives. Wei Kang smiled and replied, "Prince Linzi is very considerate of us. He has divided us into three groups to take turns on duty, changing shifts every three months. Now we have more time to accompany our wives and children, and we are particularly spirited when on duty."

Wide Jade Road: "On the contrary, the military exercise must proceed as scheduled, while we should remain silent and withdraw, in order to clearly distinguish ourselves from the military exercise. This move is a strong proof, demonstrating that we have illegally crossed the border."

It seems like Ding Fumin has made an appointment with him and asked, "I want to know the objective of the first war."

Long Ying asked Ding Fumin: "Do you have contact with your brothers?"

Ding Fumin confidently said, "There should be no less than one or two hundred people."

Long Ying pondered and said: "In general, in terms of offense and defense, marching, formations, field battles, and night raids, the advantage lies in the people. We can work together with Gui Dao to bear this heavy responsibility. Do not differentiate between high and low ranks, and everyone should treat each other like brothers without being calculative. This is the spirit that allowed us to roam freely in the frontier in the past."

Long Ying was taken aback and said, "There is no need for such military exercises anymore."

Dragon Eagle Road: "Personal combat ability is extremely important, because the environment of this operation is ever-changing, whether it is on water, land, or even in the bustling city. Martial arts is not something that can be achieved overnight, it also depends on the individual's talent and understanding. Therefore, one must reach a certain level to be selected, otherwise it is equivalent to sending them to their death. We have no shortage of qualified mentors in this field, such as Huangyuan Dance, Bozhen, Huyi, Guanyi Fu, etc., and of course, including Wan Ye, Feng Gongzi, and Minan Tian."

Continuing to smile, he said, "The first goal is to completely crush the Northern Gang. It may seem simple and straightforward, but the situation is actually extremely complex, involving various forces and interest groups."

Kuan Yu nodded to indicate his willingness.

Long Ying said to Ding Fumin: "Go ahead and ask!"

After chatting for a few more moments, upon entering the inn, I encountered Shang Yu, who had come out to greet me. This young woman had become even more beautiful and captivating, her charming face flushed, radiating youthful vitality, lively and adorable.

Longying is searching for Li Longji and others who are staying at a remote hotel on the outskirts.

Wide Jade Road: "Why are you helping us like this?"

Li Longji slowly said: "It is known that you and your thousand sons are currently sharing the spoils of treasure. This king has sold half of the precious jewels, which is enough for you to buy land and settle down in Youzhou, without worrying about your livelihood"

Li Longji and Tian Guidao were taken aback, not understanding why Long Ying suddenly asked Ding Fumin about him, and what matter he was inquiring about.

Three people knew that his words were not finished, and they waited quietly for him to continue.

Dragon Eagle Path: "This is a method of the martial world. Until I have a clear understanding of your background, I will not provoke you. Once I know you are easy to bully, only then will you see their ferocious faces."

Long Ying pondered, "I truly do not know how to respond to Lord Kuan's question; perhaps it is because I have never regarded Lord Kuan as an enemy"

Diverting the topic: "The layout of Kuangong in Shanhai County has also broadened my horizons. It's a case of fighting poison with poison."

Long Ying agreed, saying: "Kuan Gong has thought this through thoroughly"

Long Ying wondered how the two of them could not know. Ding Fumin should have already met with Bozhen's three people and had a general understanding. He had not mentioned it to Tian Guidao himself, but since he came with Ding Fumin, it should be under the orders of Li Longji, indicating that Li Longji believed that Tian Guidao and his brothers should be fully utilized. However, he began to grasp Li Longji's meticulous and precise style of handling things.

Ding Fumin sighed with satisfaction: "Finally, I see the style of Master Ying selling the suspense again!"

Dragon Eagle's Joyful Words: "Rarely has Kuan Gong rejected my views. I once lived in a remote valley for quite some time, and a particularly profound feeling I had was the difference between looking at the stars inside the valley and outside the valley, which can become boundless. From this, I realized that there are endless things in life waiting for us to discover, depending on whether we can break free from the predicament, rather than confining ourselves. Kuan Gong has now freed himself from the past constraints and is carefree. Why not, as Ming Han suggested, make a career at Shanhaiguan after returning to the Central Plains, live joyfully, and temporarily put aside the concerns about the Taile Valley. On the one hand, keep in close contact with us, and when the time is right, I, Dragon Eagle, guarantee that Kuan Gong will not miss out."

Li Longji exclaimed with joy, "I can see the outline of success now."

After a moment of silence, Kuan Yu spoke slowly, "Lord Eagle, do you know that when I mentioned using the tactics of bandits to create chaos, it was a test for you? In fact, I would never resort to such drastic measures that harm others and myself. Do you understand why I am unwilling to do so, Lord Eagle?"

Li Longji asked with great interest, "How will Lord Eagle train them?"

Long Yingdao: "Would you be willing to listen to me for a few words?"

Other people don't have to idle away their time. They can join Guo Dashuai's personal guard and immediately go to the battlefield when needed.

Li Longji said with delight, "Talking with Lord Eagle is the greatest pleasure of mine."

Tian Guidao was greatly surprised and said, "How did you suddenly become wealthy?"

Longying heard the voices of Ding Fumin, Tian Guidao, and Li Longji talking and happily entered the house.

I smiled and said, "What I need is a unique force of truly skilled individuals, both from within and outside the borders. Quality over quantity is essential, and they must be willing to participate with unwavering faith and determination, fighting alongside me. The battlefield is not limited to any specific time or place, and together we will achieve unprecedented success."

Dragon Eagle looked at him in astonishment, unable to guess a reasonable explanation.

Dragon Eagle is overjoyed: "There are a hundred more people than I expected."

Lǐ Lóngjī dào: "Zhào fú mín gūjì, yǒu duōshǎo rén xiǎngyìng ne?"

Shang Yu's pretty face blushed slightly as she said, "It's not just about hanging out with everyone and hanging out at the ranch. When you're at the ranch, you don't feel anything special, but when you leave, you realize how special it is. In the ranch, troubles are actually enjoyable. But everyone treats Xiaoyu well, except for the first two months. Now I'm used to it! Oh, I forgot to tell Master Fan, we have guests!"

Wide Jade Road: "I am considering your well-being, not wanting the enemy to know that we have another reliance, we must not fall short of success."

Wide Jade gazed at him, his eyes shining with a strange light, and his tone strangely calm as he said, "When we return from beyond the border, we will no longer be loyal to anyone but ourselves. We will have only one goal, to collect the debt from Tai Le Xu Yun."

Li Longji said: "Bo Zhen and others have explained clearly to the subjects according to your words"

Dragon Eagle Holding Head Path: "Where did I make a mistake?"

Ding Fumin answered with joy: "Going to war with Lord Eagle, the extraordinary part is that even if we say it, no one believes it. But we can freely speak among brothers. We are fighting and searching for treasures, everyone returns with full load, living in abundance and worry-free for a lifetime."

Ding Fumin said: "Most of us either come from Youzhou or nearby states and counties. Even if we return to our hometowns far away, we come to Youzhou to catch up with each other every once in a while. One of my brothers said that when he wakes up every day and doesn't know what to do, he can't help but come back to Youzhou to talk to his brothers. Those were the most precious and memorable years of our lives, and we all thought that living like this was meaningful. If we spend too much time in a life of luxury and pleasure, it becomes dull and tasteless. That's why when we heard that Eagle Lord decided to reorganize, we were all very enthusiastic."

The dragon eagle said to Li Longji and Tian Guidao: "Look! This is the tacit understanding cultivated through long-term combat, playing a decisive role in success or failure."

Dragon Eagle Leg-Patting Style: "That's the decision."

Long Ying expressed: "Just as I fell in love with the grasslands and the deserts, I was eager to leave when I was there, only to realize after departing how much I longed for the places I once regarded as suffering."

Long Ying smiled bitterly and said, "I hope Tai Le Xu Yun does not have such a mindset as Kuang Gong."

稍顿续道 : "Although many things still depend on future development, how can intelligent people just sit and watch without doing anything? That would be passive, letting things take the lead. Therefore, it is necessary to make predictions and plans for the future, and set achievable goals."

Shangyu Tianzhen stuck out his tongue, indicating that he was surprised because of the original reason.

Tian Guidao said: "Guidao and all his brothers swear to follow Eagle Lord to the death."

Longying speculated in his heart that this person is Li Longji. Of course, he cannot be completely honest. From this, it can be seen that Li Longji and Guo Yuanzhen have a good relationship and cooperate happily.

Li Longji said, "The purpose and role of restructuring the powerful army and the things to be noted are not very clear to the people. We need the Eagle Lord to explain it personally."

Dragon Eagle Road: "Now the most interesting situation has come! Tell me, does Tai Le Xu Yun hope that the Northern Gang will dominate the world, or that the gang will be destroyed?"

Li Longji sighed, "These words spoken by Lord Ying are powerful and moving."

They are professional soldiers, making the battlefield their home, with dying on the battlefield wrapped in horsehide as the highest honor. The firm and resonant words spoken in the tone of the Dragon Eagle ignite the fervent passion within their hearts

The Dragon Eagle displayed a contemplative expression and after a long while finally said: "To grasp the first war objective, one must first understand the future situation in the north"

When accustomed to being a soldier, engaging in other matters often feels rather dull. Guidao observes that the tasks are completed well, striving to ensure that none of them feel treated with favoritism. In special assignments, elite personnel are selected to respond.

Although there are three hundred individuals, their formidable combat strength is rare in the world. The tacit understanding and trust cultivated through long-term combat need not be elaborated upon. What is even more valuable is the training invested in them and the real battles they have experienced, which cannot be replicated.

Is Shanhaiguan fun

Ding Fumin said: "After the rise of the Northern Gang, I am not clear about other matters, but in the northern border area, the territory that was previously held by the Yellow River Gang has indeed been replaced by the Northern Gang."

He chuckled in disbelief and said, "I was the one who was outsmarted during the first attempt at suspense; the King of Linzi is quite formidable."

Li Longji responded: "Understood! Therefore, Lord Eagle emphasized from the beginning that it is a surprise force"

Kuan Yu smiled and said, "Having discussed the general direction, it is now time to talk about the details"

Kuan Yu raised her head to gaze at the beautiful night sky dotted with stars, and slowly said: "Having lived in the Central Plains for so long, especially in the picturesque Dongting Lake and the great rivers, I cannot help but develop feelings for this vast land and the life of its people who dwell upon it. This is an unintentional change; now that I must leave the Central Plains, even if only for a year or so, I have only just begun to feel a sense of reluctance in my heart and to notice the change in my feelings towards the Central Plains."

After Long Ying sat down at one side of the round table, Shang Yu did not wait for his instructions and exited the hall, allowing them to speak in private. Due to the confidential nature of the matter, all unrelated individuals kept their distance.

Dragon Eagle Dao: "This has saved me a great deal of words."

Kuan Yu turned around and sat down on another stone across from him, saying: "I have doubts about your identity, but I have no doubts about Lord Eagle's sincerity. The identity of Fan Qingzhou is certainly very important to Lord Eagle, yet he is willing to take the risk of leaking secrets for our sake, which deeply moves me."

There is no need to mention Ding Fumin; although Tian Guidao has only fought alongside Long Ying against formidable enemies in the battle of the Divine Capital Palace, he has already been deeply impressed by Long Ying's astonishing skills in countering attacks. As a warrior dedicated to his lifelong career, Tian Guidao is able to be loyal to a wise ruler and follow an invincible hero; what more could he possibly desire

Seeing that all three were fully engaged and listening intently, Long Ying continued, "As for the true strength of the Northern Gang, I know almost nothing at present, but we will soon see. However, in terms of knowing ourselves and knowing our enemy, we hold a significant advantage, as long as we do not let them know that we have a trump card."

Li Longji pondered and said: "This question is indeed not easy to answer. First, we must clarify the relationship between Wu Sansi and Zong Chuke.

The so-called heart demon is like when I look at the starry sky in the valley, thinking it is everything; only when I look outside the valley do I realize how wrong I was. Everyone has such a canyon in their heart; it depends on whether you can transcend it

Kuan Yu Yi said: "The statement made by Lord Eagle is exceptionally peculiar; I have never considered it before, yet it possesses an irrefutable logic."

The matter is about to be accomplished, there is no need to rush at this moment

Ding Fumin deeply felt the following: "Bo Zhen, Hu Yi, and Guan Yifu came to Youzhou to find me, knowing about Eagle Ye's restructuring plan, and everyone was so excited. Alas! When we were poor, we thought that having money would solve everything, but once we had money, we realized it was not at all as we imagined, and we faced unexpected troubles that came with wealth. Of course! We also enjoy the benefits that money brings, but when we talk about it, we always reminisce about those precious days of following Eagle Ye through life and death, amidst constant crises. The pain was real pain, the joy came from the heart, filled with blood and sweat, it was an unparalleled adventure and experience, nothing could replace it."

Li Longji asked Long Ying: "What does Lord Eagle think?"

Shang Yuxing excitedly said: "Yesterday, King Linzi took us to the pass to broaden our horizons, and we even rode horses outside the pass for a big circle, it was truly delightful! It would have been even better if Mu Fei were here! I believe the venue owner would also love to come here; the people in the county town may seem fierce on the surface, but they are very polite when they speak."

Long Ying said to Tian Guidao: "Human hearts are fickle and cannot be generalized. My expectations for this future strong force are far higher than merely serving as flying cavalry guards within the palace. At times, I am unsure of what they are doing, and they must possess a will of steel. To select fifty to one hundred individuals from General Tian's brothers would be very ideal, and they must meet all the conditions I previously outlined. Any hint of doubt is absolutely unacceptable for selection."

Kuan Yudao: "That is not something outsiders can perceive. The person in charge of you in Youzhou is an extraordinary individual, adept at employing various means to confuse and mislead. Even if we were to suddenly disappear entirely, those under Tai Le Xuyun would remain oblivious. Furthermore, the security in all major farming districts has been significantly strengthened, and intruders will be detained, making it even more difficult for the enemy to grasp the true situation"

On the journey, he had several deep conversations with Shang Yu and also guided her in martial arts. Knowing that she was as enamored with martial skills as before, and that Li Longji regarded her as a sister, he was able to set aside yet another concern

Long Ying calmly stated: "It is a miraculous force to assist you in contending for the world, but let us not digress. On the surface, the Northern Gang appears to be under the leadership of Tian Shangyuan, but in reality, behind the scenes, there are Zong Chuke and Wu Sansi. As the power of these two individuals continues to grow, the Northern Gang will inevitably rise in prominence. With the official backing becoming stronger, the Huanghe Gang, which is the first to bear the brunt, is destined for defeat sooner or later, followed by the Luoyang Gang, which is based in the Divine Capital. Given that circumstances are stronger than individuals, we cannot challenge the authority of the Northern Gang in the region north of the Yangtze River. To make such an effort would yield little return for great effort, and casualties are unavoidable, which is not a course of action a wise person would take."

Kuan Yudao: "The greatest flaw is the confidence that you inevitably possess, which is unreasonable. Such confidence cannot exist unless one is a divine emperor, and only a divine emperor can command generals like Yang Xuanji and Fang Junban in the army. Upon arriving in Youzhou, this becomes even clearer."

Long Ying asked: "Is he hanging there?"

Do you know, Eagle Master, that the two are relatives

Long Ying exclaimed, "Is it really true that such a thing exists?"