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Gathering so many people would certainly cause quite a bit of noise and take a lot of time, but since everyone was already on board the Changjing Gang, no one would complain. After all, there were risks, but there were also many benefits.

Besides, with so many people rushing over, the Red Flag Gang may not be able to tell who is involved. If something goes wrong, they can just sneak away.

However, unexpectedly, someone came to the door within two days.

Upon learning the other party's intention, Boss Liang immediately became alert: "Where did you hear this, Brother Wang?"

Although this Wang had some business dealings with the Liang family, they weren't close. How did he even hear about it? And why did he come all the way to their house? What was his intention?

The other party laughed. "Boss Liang thought someone was keeping this a secret. The news has spread all over Panyu a long time ago, and even a list of every household has been compiled. Here, I have a copy. Can you see which household is missing?"

After taking the note from the other party and glancing at it, Boss Liang's expression changed slightly. He said sternly, "Brother Wang, what do you mean by this? Are you trying to threaten me?"

"Boss Liang, what are you talking about? I'm just running a small business, how can I have the right to threaten others? I'm just here to give you some advice on your behalf." The other party smiled, but his words were frightening.

Who else could it be to be entrusted with this task? Boss Liang's heart was churning, and he felt sweat running down his back, but he gritted his teeth and held on: "Brother Wang, I'm afraid you've come to the wrong place. The Changjing Gang is such a powerful family, is it possible that someone could turn the world upside down?"

The man surnamed Wang sighed softly. "The Long Whale Gang is indeed powerful, but there's something fishy about the people who came. Don't you know what kind of person Ghost Scholar is? He told you to charge into battle with empty promises, but if you die, will he really bury you? Besides, it's not like the Red Flag Gang has really collapsed. Didn't you see the scene of dozens of ships crossing the sea? If we wait for someone to come back and sweep through each of them according to the list, do you think anyone can resist?"

This series of questions was truly heartbreaking. Sure, the Red Flag Gang had dispatched troops, but it wasn't as if all the troops who went out had died. If they returned, would they still be spared? No matter how powerful the Long Whale Gang was, they were still far away in Hepu. Could they really just wait for them to come and collect their bodies?

But he couldn't say it out loud. He gathered himself and said forcefully, "The Red Flag Gang has only been around for a year or two. What foundation do they have? If their main nest is destroyed, they might just become a pile of loose sand. What's there to be afraid of?"

Sympathy flashed in the other man's eyes, and he whispered, "Could it be that you don't know what the Red Flag Gang has done? Previously, the Ling family, the major salt merchants from Dongmen, wanted to cause trouble for the Red Flag Gang, but they were wiped out. It's said that the Qian family from Wencheng also went there, but they were submissive and didn't dare to act rashly. I heard that ghost scholar also say that the Red Flag Gang even swallowed up the Lu family's fleet. You only care about eating meat and drinking soup, but don't you think about what it's like to slaughter chickens and cattle?"

This time, Boss Liang's face really turned pale. He had heard that the Red Flag Gang had done a lot of big things, and he also knew that they had become rich very quickly. He thought that there was a lot of meat on them that he could eat. However, while there was meat, there were also sharp teeth and claws.

If things go wrong, wouldn't even their lives and fortunes be at stake? And the ghost scholar being the leader, if you think about it, is really a bit unreliable...

Seeing the wavering look on his face, the lobbyist immediately asked, "Brother Liang, are you afraid of the ghost scholar?"

Boss Liang's face froze. Of course he was afraid. Even if the Changjing Gang did not mobilize a large number of troops, their power was still considerable.

Now that we have agreed to send troops to the Red Flag Gang, how can we go back on our word?

Seeing his expression, the other party immediately smiled and said, "Brother Liang, there's no need to worry too much. Just follow the army to Luoling Island. If you see the wind is not blowing, you can retreat early."

Upon hearing this, Boss Liang's eyes lit up, and he pretended to hesitate and said, "Look at what Brother Wang said. How can the coalition army retreat easily after going on an expedition?"

The meaning of this was obvious. Wang immediately laughed and said, "Brother, you're confused. Why would they only want you? Wouldn't it be perfect if you retreated with the main group when the time comes?"

It’s true!

Boss Liang immediately had an idea in his mind. It seemed that the Red Flag Gang was very capable and had persuaded many people.

Come to think of it, if they really thought everyone was on the same page with the Long Whale Gang, wouldn't it be normal for there to be a few fence-sitters? If a rout really happened, it wouldn't be surprising if he followed suit.

Anyway, there is no need to sign a contract or make a written agreement. You can do whatever you want without any evidence.

In this way, we can avoid offending the Changjing Gang and the Chiqi Gang, and still preserve ourselves. This is the long-term solution.

As soon as he understood, Boss Liang immediately put on a smile: "Thanks to Brother Wang for coming to tell me, I will definitely keep this favor in my heart..."

In just a few days, countless people saw the lobbyists who were trying to persuade them to surrender. Regardless of whether they truly believed them or were just pretending, this hastily established alliance still caused a stir.

No matter how subtle the movement is, it cannot escape the eyes of those who are watching.

"Military Advisor, it seems someone has been stirring up trouble behind our backs these past few days. Should we arrest a few and make an example of them?" The little leader whispered to Ning Fu.

After blowing away the floating leaves in the cup, Ning Fu took a sip of tea and said nonchalantly, "Where are the monkeys? They're just a bunch of chicks. As long as they can be pulled to the sea, it's fine."

This startled the small leader. "Didn't we use these people as bait to threaten Luoling Island? If these people don't work, how can we attack Dongning?"

Two battlefields were arranged before, using this "coalition" as bait to create momentum and force the Red Flag Gang to gather troops and fight near Luoling Island.

They then sent a surprise attack on Dongning County, destroyed the Red Flag Gang's camp on the shore, and destroyed their base.

Since we are here to serve as bait, we have to act seriously. If the morale is disrupted or even a traitor appears, then there is no point in fighting. I am afraid we will collapse at the first sign of trouble.

"They've already started to sow discord, how could they not have anticipated Dongning's ambush?" Ning Fu snorted. "Besides, even if they are our allies, they may not fight with all their might. As long as the Red Flag Gang dares to fight, they are sure to win, but it will only be a small victory."

The small leader hadn't expected Ning Fu to say that. If they couldn't win, what were they going through all this trouble for? Could it be that they were just testing the Red Flag Gang's strength?

Unable to bear it any longer, he asked carefully, "Then wouldn't our trip to Panyu be in vain? Besides, if we gather these scum together and they get swallowed up in one gulp, wouldn't that just strengthen the power of the Red Flag Gang..."

This was also what he couldn't understand. How could you help your opponent in a war? Shouldn't you use your advantage to weaken the enemy?

However, Ning Fu glanced at him calmly and said, "Just do what I tell you to do. Why are you talking so much?"

The little leader shuddered with fear and quickly lowered his head and said, "My words were spoken out of turn, please don't blame me, Military Advisor."

He had been away for so long that he had forgotten his master's temperament. Even if the master asked, let alone ordinary subordinates, the military advisor might not fully disclose his plans.

Because of this, his schemes were always cunning and terrifying, hence the nickname "Ghost Scholar". He was just a small leader, yet he dared to question the military advisor. He must be tired of living.

Ning Fu ignored the little leader's fear and continued to drink tea leisurely. Since the other party dared to accept the challenge, this battle finally became interesting.

I just don't know how much longer that young gang leader can hold out. Sigh, I heard that little girl is his concubine, I wonder if she can escape...

There seemed to be a hint of regret in his heart, but Ning's smile became deeper and more ferocious.

Even if there were interference from various parties, a few days would be enough to make all the arrangements. This time, the coalition forces really put in all their efforts, gathering hundreds of ships of all sizes, and sailing towards Luoling Island in a mighty force.

Such a large-scale event was unprecedented, alarming countless forces along the coast and drawing countless eyes to the small sea area of ​​Luoling Island.

For such a big battle, Cheng Xi naturally had to go out in person, and the ships of the Red Flag Gang were also ready, and the army was ready to go.

During this period, Lu Jian was not idle. He used the network of relationships he had established in Panyu to instigate countless boat gangs to rebel.

But these people are still just fence-sitters, and they will not fall down unless they see which way the wind is blowing. For this reason, when Cheng Xi led the army to set off, his heart couldn't help but rise again.

"My dear brother, Lu Nan is still in Panyu. After all, he has been in charge of a fleet. Now I have tamed him. Do you want to let him lead some troops?" It's not that Lu Jian doesn't believe in Cheng Xi's power, but there are too few people around her who can be used. Chief Yan is not around now. What if something goes wrong?

Cheng Xi smiled and shook his head: "Brother Mingde, don't worry. Since I chose to fight, I must be confident. Lu Nan doesn't know the flag number of the Red Flag Gang's fleet formation, so even if he comes, it will be useless. There is no need to bother."

Lu Jian had known for a long time that the Red Flag Gang used military training methods, but he still made such a suggestion at this moment, which was really rash.

Lu Jian also realized that he had spoken out of turn. After a pause, he said, "I heard that Ning Fu has also come aboard. It seems that he really intends to command the coalition forces. My dear brother, you must not underestimate this man."

"When fighting, I never underestimate any enemy." Cheng Xi answered easily, but there was an imperceptible firmness in his words.

Lu Jian was stunned and suddenly felt a sour feeling in his heart.

When he was just a young man, he followed his family soldiers across the border to Jiaozhi to do business and transport goods. At that time, he would not underestimate any enemy.

Even earlier, in front of that smiling stepmother, he never let his guard down for a single day, simply because he knew he was walking on thin ice and could be doomed if he wasn't careful.

She must be just like him, without her father's protection, alone outside, racking her brains every day, not only to survive, but also to fulfill her heart's desire.

No matter how calm one appears to be, the fire never goes out, burning one's heart and lungs, causing unbearable pain.

He could endure the pain of hatred, so he was naturally fearless. Was she the same as him?

Taking a deep breath, Lu Jian said, "Take care."

These two words were simple but surprisingly sincere. Cheng Xi glanced at him without saying much. He nodded slightly and turned to go up the gangway.

Looking at the figure that was getting higher and higher and seemed to be swallowed by the giant ship, Lu Jian couldn't help but take a step forward. However, the next moment, he retracted his foot and stabilized his body again.

Climbing onto the bow, countless red flags fluttered in the wind, like a red cloak draped over one's shoulders. Cheng Xi stood in the captain's position and shouted, "Sail, let's go meet those bandits!"

A low horn sounded along with her command, the anchors were taken in, the sails were hoisted, and ships of all sizes left the small island and headed towards the designated battlefield.