Chapter 4: Initial Cultivation

The second-in-command nodded: "Alright, I understand this matter. Tomorrow I will gather a few of the leaders to discuss it together. At that time, you will accompany me and clarify the situation in front of everyone!"

Creation encompasses two aspects: one is 'creation' and the other is 'transformation.' The term 'creation' can be understood as the emergence and disappearance of things. 'Transformation' refers to the changes and developments of things.

"Little leader, what is it that you called for me?" The little leader hurried over, wearing a fawning smile.

Of course, this kick missed, and Chen Jiu cleverly escaped outside the door

Taking a deep breath, Chen Jiu looked at the silent man and asked, "Have you ever taken root in the mountain stronghold?"

He let out a gentle breath, picked up three incense sticks and lit them. Chen Jiu sat cross-legged on his wooden bed, with all the lights in the room extinguished, and only the faint moonlight illuminating the interior.

Although it is said that Chen Jiu had a good private relationship with the second-in-command in the past, this matter is one that he would not even dare to mention, let alone discuss openly

Chen Jiu did not ask for the reason, but by the light of the fire, he could see the slightly misty eyes of the big man, which undoubtedly indicated that he was a man with a story

He tucked his hands into his sleeves and glanced at the still lazily keeping watch bandit. Chen Jiu quietly approached and said, "The New Year is coming!"

The second-in-command kicked towards Chen Qi and said: "Good lad, you really are getting bolder, daring to make fun of me, aren't you!"

At this moment, the eyes of the great Han and the * map * book were moist: "There are three forms of unfilial behavior, and the greatest is to have no descendants. Alas, in this day and age, which good family's daughter would be willing to marry a mountain bandit? Those girls who are captured are also very limited, all distributed to those who have made contributions. How could we mere foot soldiers possibly have a chance!"

When the mountain bandit saw Chen Jiu, he gave a hearty smile and said: "I have met the young leader; the New Year is approaching!"

The creation of the universe follows the principles of the heavenly way; the heavenly way brings forth creation. The Great Way consists of fifty, while the heavenly transformations amount to forty-nine, thus leaving one. The Way gives birth to one, one gives birth to two, two gives birth to three, and three gives birth to all things. All things experience life and death; some are born, some die, some die, and some are reborn; all of this is part of the creation.

In this brief moment, the second-in-command has already gone through countless thoughts, demonstrating his seasoned character

I killed all seventy-three men, women, and children in the county office in one breath, and then my family was destroyed, and I went up the mountain!" The strong man recalled, his voice indifferent.

Watching the door slam shut with a "bang," Chen Jiu let out a soft sigh. Being the second-in-command in this den of thieves is not easy; although the friendships built over the years are important, they are certainly not worth sacrificing one's own life.

Looking at the wine pouch handed over by the burly man, Chen Jiu did not hesitate to take it and took a sip. A wave of spiciness surged from his lungs, as if the chill was dispelled in that instant

At this moment, Chen Jiu was taken aback; the smile of this big man surprisingly conveyed a sense of purity. He shook his head, pondering how this could be, as all those involved were ruthless individuals who would kill without blinking an eye. How could there be a pure smile among them

Hmm! The tall man nodded.

The discord between the second-in-command and the leader has not been a recent development. As the year-end approaches, the second-in-command has made considerable efforts regarding this batch of goods. Now, upon suddenly hearing the leader instructing him to distribute this batch, how could the second-in-command not be cautious? He considers others' intentions based on his own experiences; had he not been careful, he would have long been taken advantage of.

To be honest, Chen Jiu is very dissatisfied with this body; it is too thin, nothing but skin and bones. Although this body usually eats better than everyone else, this is the root of the problem

What is the mountain in relation to?

The nature of humanity is aligned with the heavens, thus one rides upon its movements to seize the opportunities presented by the primordial forces of nature. Virtue contends with the dual powers of creation, and virtue, in comparison to the dual principles, is vast. It manifests suddenly and then retreats, as creation has its origins.

Before long, a loud knock was heard, and a burly man entered carrying a wooden basin, followed by several other strong men who brought in buckets, pouring hot water into it, one bucket after another

After speaking, Chen Jiu glanced at the graceful curves wrapped in the blanket, then turned to the second-in-command with a knowing smile.

The second-in-command glanced at Chen Jiu upon hearing this, and then said nonchalantly: "What caused the chief to suddenly change his mind? Wasn't he quite reluctant to budge just a few days ago?"

To be honest, this man has spent a total of nineteen years in the gang and has surprisingly not even managed to become a leader. Chen Jiu does not know how to evaluate him

He touched his cuff and said, "Have you had your meal yet?"

Return the wine pouch to the Han: "It has already been seventeen springs and autumns, and I have become an elder in the stronghold!"

The man nodded without saying a word

Creation is the will of Heaven, it is fate, it is the supreme essence of all, governing the rise and fall of all things

The Han man stroked the wine jug: "Thirty-nine!"

Chen Jiuwen fell silent upon hearing this: "How old are you this year?"

After all this rambling, it is still because the second-in-command is inherently cautious. For such a significant matter, if it is not directly instructed by the leader, the first to face consequences in case of an issue would be the second-in-command. Therefore, even when dealing with this little fellow he has lived with for eight years, the second-in-command continues to test him.

It is still better to go with the other leaders to deliver the goods. At that time, even if the main leader wants to use this batch of goods to incriminate himself, or to accuse himself of a violation of rules, denying that he ever gave Chen Jiu any orders, Chen Jiu, in order to protect himself, will also have to deny that he passed on any messages. If he does not testify for himself, he will be left vulnerable to being sacrificed.

After everyone had left, Chen Jiu closed the door, then picked up a towel, entered the water bucket, and began to wipe his body little by little

Chen Jiu waved his hand to signal the mountain bandit to leave, pushed open the door, and looked at the nearly extinguished charcoal fire. He threw some new charcoal into it.

Chen Jiu looked at the burly man and suddenly felt a surge of impulse: "You will accompany me down the mountain tomorrow!"

When did you ascend the mountain?" Chen Jiu asked softly

The Han general took out the wine pouch and gently sipped: "It has already been seventeen springs and autumns!"

Chen Jiuwen laughed heartily and said, "I am also quite puzzled. A few days ago, several heads of families were arguing fiercely with the chief, yet now the chief's thoughts have suddenly changed. It truly leaves one feeling somewhat at a loss!"

After the second-in-command glanced at Chen Jiu, he continued, "Why did the big boss not come to discuss such an important matter in person, but instead sent you, this little sly one, to talk to us!"

Chen Jiun's thoughts sank into the Dao of Creation and Heaven, and a thread of vital energy began to arise within his chest. It seemed as though all things in the universe were undergoing some inscrutable transformation, profound and inexplicable, beyond comprehension.

One should build rapport when it is appropriate to do so, and establish authority when it is necessary to do so

Gently drying his body, Chen Jiu took out his best piece of clothing and put it on meticulously. After picking up a wooden comb, he gathered his hair at the back of his head.

Chen Jiu looked up at the sky, unexpectedly finding that as the year-end approached, it had started to snow again

After speaking, Chen Jiu turned and left, swaying as he walked towards his house. However, when he reached the door, Chen Jiu suddenly paused and waved to a distant bandit, signaling him to come over

Chen Jiu, this little fox of a librarian, certainly understood the old fellow's intentions. With a gentle smile, he said, "Alright, it is getting late now. Deputy Chief, you should rest early. I will not disturb you any further"

Chen Jiu conducts himself with a clear conscience. The most crucial point is that after living in the den of thieves for so many years, if he were incapable of even a little disguise, he would have been schemed against and killed long ago, and would not be living so comfortably now

The little subordinate bent down and said: "Young master, rest assured, even if the cook has gone to bed, I will still bring the water to you"

This stronghold is filled with ruthless individuals; the only way to live well permanently is to be cautious in all matters and not to trust anyone easily. When you truly believe in someone, the moment you open your heart to them, you may find that death is not far away.

You go to the back room and see if the master chef is still there, ask him to boil a pot of water for me, I want to take a bath

Chen Jiu gently patted the man's shoulder and smiled softly: "Take good care of the night watch, and be sure not to be careless; it has been a time of many troubles recently"

However, Chen Jiu dared not leak the matter of the leader wanting to abandon everyone and escape alone. If it were to be revealed, the first to die would likely be him, Chen Jiu, and the charge would be obvious: inciting discord and undermining the unity of the stronghold.

At this moment, Chen Jiu suddenly felt a chill run down his spine; who would have thought that such an honest man could be so ruthless? The saying "one cannot judge a person by their appearance" perfectly describes him