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Jaya, you are welcome. Xu Xiong, Ysabel, Adrian, Kyss, Lao Qianbei, Bocah, Ari, Sky, Akolaw, Weed, thank you. CFT, unfortunately I can only do it remotely. But my wife's brother, came down from Canada and will be there until everything is done.

Under the star-filled-sky ocean, four boats slowly sailed in a fleet.

Kou Zhong turned to Xu Ziling and said, "Why don't Xu Ye tell us?”

Kou Zhong sneered and said, "You, this kid, are the best in deriding me.”

And then, as if his thoughts were wandering far away, he said, "Those who desire to obtain the world but don't understand the time, geography and harmony of the people, these three things, are like the blind who rides a horse in the night overlooking an abyss. Chang'an is located at the Guanzhong Plain [in Shaanxi, valley of the River Wei]. It is situated south of Wei River, north of Qinling Mountain Range, fertile land that spans thousand li, surrounded by a range of hills. Since ancient times it has been a strategic location for both transportation and military matters. Zhou, Qin, and Han have all made it their capital, they constantly built and expanded it. The present Chang'an has been built by Yang Jian as a new city. Not only its scale is the apex in the world, it also opens wide the connecting canal drawing Wei River flowing to the east to Tongguan and enters Yellow River. Speaking of transportation, Luoyang is perhaps superior to some degree. But speaking about military affairs, we must give a serious look at the latter. In the past Qin Shihuang was able to unify the six directions, sweeping and wiping out the outstanding heroes, the reason is summarized in these eight characters: ‘fertile land people flourish, danger can be guard against' [di wo ren fu, you xian ke shou].”

Kou Zhong sighed and said, "Compared to the Warring State period, where the heroes were fighting over the world, the present situation is a hundred times, a thousand times more chaotic.”

Gao Zhandao asked, "Are you saying that the Li Clan has the greatest opportunity to become the overlord of the world like Qin Shihuang?”

By this time Gao Zhandao and the others were already in complete prostration to Kou Zhong's insight; they busily asked him to elaborate.

Niu Fengyi agreed, "Kou Ye has a brilliant insight. Although Li Jiancheng's martial art skill is superior to his father, and has the reputation as the number one martial art master of the Li Clan, he is unlike Li Shimin whom people give their allegiance to, his popularity is far too inferior. Currently he is the Tang's Heir Apparent, but he is highly questionable.”

And then he slapped the table so hard that the soup and meat dishes splashed, bowls and cups shook. "Whoever can drive the Li Clan away and occupy Guanzhong will be able to rule the world,” he said solemnly.

Kou Zhong leaned back on his chair, stretched himself, and said, "The finesse of an army is not in its number; otherwise Gaoli would have been eradicated by Yang Guang early on. Don't forget that I still have the ‘Duke of Yang Treasure Trove'!”

Recalling Fu Junchuo, Xu Ziling suddenly felt uncomfortable. He rose up and said, "Please forgive Zaixia for taking my leave, I want to go to the cabin and rest for the night.” Without waiting for any response he simply left.

Xu Ziling stood quietly by the window, silently gazing at the bright moon over the sea.

Xu Ziling shook his head, "No!” he said, "I have no such thought. Niang told us the location of the treasure, clearly she wanted us to go get it. I'm just afraid that you talked too big too soon, if another day you can't find the treasure, you won't be able to honor your commitment. That's all.”

Xu Ziling turned around to meet Kou Zhong's passionate expression in his eyes; all kinds of past events flashed through his mind. His heart softened and he said, "So what do you have in mind?”

Xu Ziling smiled wryly, "You are talking too far ahead,” he said, "At most I will only help you find the ‘Duke Yang Treasure', and then I will withdraw and leave you.”

Knitted his brows, Xu Ziling said, "Gao Zhandao and the others are used to be pirates, will they be willing to listen to your commands?”

And then, patting his chest he said, "Trust me! I, Kou Zhong, can train a team of peerless-throughout-the-world elite troops, a team that can beat Li Mi, Ol' Die, Yuwen Huagu and the others that they will cry for their Niang. Oh! But you have to help me train as well.”

Kou Zhong extended his big hand and said, "One word and it's settled!”

Looking at Kou Zhong's tiger-eyes gleaming with unusual shine, a hard-to-describe feeling welled up in Xu Ziling's heart: he had a faint feeling that in this troubled times, right this moment, powerful hegemon, who could move clouds just by waving his hand, who could control rains with a turn of his hand, has suddenly emerged.

Kou Zhong demonstrated his outstanding talent in controlling the more than two hundred men who were accustomed to live of oppressing others; everybody was willing to look up to him for leadership.

Each hall had a hall master and his deputy hall master, which were in charge of day-to-day hall affairs to some degree. Except for the three inner hall masters, the other positions were still vacant, waiting for suitable virtuous candidates.

He forced Xu Ziling to train his men. Xu Ziling was amiable and approachable, so he enjoyed great popularity, plus everybody could see that his pair of hands was superior to any weapon, hence he was extremely admired. His men were in high morale and did not have any contempt to him due to his young age.

Kou Zhong pondered for half a day before saying, "Please tactfully decline them all. Currently our condition is not stable yet, there are still a lot of things not on track; if we suddenly expand, we may have a dismal ending.”

Kou Zhong laughed aloud and said, "Xiao Ling! When we are victorious in battle we can expand.”

Kou Zhong doubled over in laughter, "Kid, don't tease me; what Bangzhu? Aren't you also one? Bangzhu or Emperor are just appellation people use, between us, brothers, there is no such thing.”


Xu Ziling laughed aloud and left without further ado.

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