There is a saying that good people are known by their words, while good horses are recognized by their legs. This saying holds some truth. Throughout the thousands of years in Huaguo, how many dynasties have changed simply because of a silver tongue? During the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, various schools of thought elevated the power of rhetoric to an unprecedented height, proving that success or failure does not solely depend on the battlefield.
However, eloquence is not suitable for every occasion; sometimes, actions speak louder and resonate more deeply. Thus, when the members of Hua Gang witnessed Jufeng risking his life alone, facing death repeatedly, and Zhu Yao turning the tide with a single strike, any grievances they held were momentarily silenced. Elder Yuan hesitated several times to speak but ultimately sighed heavily, leaving behind a simple farewell before departing.
What allows a gang that has endured for a hundred years to remain resilient through ups and downs? It relies on broad-mindedness and far-sighted vision. In such a vast nation, how can one afford to be petty? Although the grand structure may have collapsed, the foundation remains; a nine-story platform can rise in an instant. People are the foundation of a nation; with pillars like Elder Yuan and the Three Dragons supporting it, what is there to fear about achieving great things?
As Elder Yuan left, others followed suit. The symbol of Hua Gang's strength—Hua Bang San Long—had only Tang Haoran remaining in Yang City, while the rest were at the front lines, struggling to maintain the Unification Alliance's defense. Tang Haoran knew that the current acting leader, Flower Snow Moon, had old ties with Jufeng and had indeed received considerable assistance from him. He bid farewell to Jufeng and left. Soon after, only Jufeng, Politeness, Flower Snow Moon, Chang Guohong, and Zhu Yao—whose wounds had been treated by Jufeng—remained in the room. Liu Xing had gone inside to rest, though it was unclear if he had fallen asleep.
Politeness maintained his usual carefree demeanor, hands casually tucked into his pockets. Perhaps due to days of battle, his otherwise handsome face bore signs of weariness.
"Brother Jufeng, where did you find such a beautiful yet decisive flower? Even I feel reluctant just looking at her; you truly lack any sense of cherishing beauty. What a waste..."
Though they hadn't seen each other for some time, Politeness remained unchanged. Jufeng was not annoyed; instead, he felt quite pleased. Life would be rather dull without someone humorous to lighten the mood amidst increasing pressure.
While Jufeng took it lightly, Zhu Yao's expression turned stern as she instantly entered a combat-ready state, causing the atmosphere in the room to grow tense.
"Wait wait wait! I was just joking! You just got injured; it's not wise to get angry," Politeness quickly backtracked upon seeing Zhu Yao's reaction.
Zhu Yao's face remained cold as she turned her head away to avoid seeing him.
Seeing Politeness back down brought joy to Jufeng; even Flower Snow Moon couldn't help but smile slightly. A smile could charm an entire city, instantly warming the previously chilly air.
"Miss Zhu Yao, please don't take offense; he tends to take verbal jabs."
Perhaps due to their similar temperaments, Zhu Yao felt positively towards Flower Snow Moon and nodded slightly in acknowledgment.
Why would the usually aloof Fiery Beauty treat Zhu Yao so courteously? There was undoubtedly admiration for Zhu Yao's willingness to risk her life for Jufeng. However, Jufeng noticed a deeper change and subtly glanced at Politeness with an even broader smile.
Mencius said that one becomes like those they associate with; it seemed Snow Moon was greatly influenced by someone.
Jufeng believed that actions spoke louder than words; trust could be built through deeds alone. A leader who personally bandages his subordinates' wounds is indeed rare in this world.
Do not think that Zhu Yao is merely a charming beauty; know that during their intimate moments together, Jufeng and Flower Snow Moon remained completely innocent.
"Old Chang, I miss my treasure."
Chang Guohong quickly lowered his head and respectfully said, "It was my oversight. When Brother Jufeng returned, the Azure Wind Antelope was still abroad. I only just brought it back recently. Please see..."
As he spoke, he walked to the window and opened it. He placed his thumb and index finger together in his mouth and let out a sharp whistle that echoed into the distance.
After a while, a piercing cry suddenly responded from the clear blue sky, and a dark shadow swooped into the room—a blue-gray falcon with claws gleaming like cold blades darted straight toward Jufeng, who was seated inside.
Zhu Yao wanted to move but was gently restrained by Jufeng's hand on her shoulder. The falcon arrived in an instant, landing steadily on Jufeng's shoulder, its feathers ruffled as it revealed bronze-colored skin beneath its tattered clothing.
"Aw! Aw!" The Azure Wind Antelope let out a long cry before affectionately rubbing its beak against Jufeng's cheek, as if it were a long-lost child finally reunited with its beloved parent.
"Old buddy, it's been a while!"
The Azure Wind Antelope chirped in response to Jufeng. The two of them lingered together for a moment before returning to normal.
"Old Chang, pick out a few people from the Starlight Ranking. They don't need to be all-rounders, but they should excel in certain areas. Our Haidongqing Special Operations Team needs to start preparing for its establishment."
"Yes, Brother Jufeng."
Jufeng paused for a moment, furrowing his brow in thought before continuing, "Select some promising individuals as well. Let them stay close to Politeness; while helping Hua Gang, they should also work on improving their own strength. We are too far behind global organizations like Heroic Journey and must broaden our horizons."
Chang Guohong nodded in agreement. Just then, Liu Xing emerged from inside and tiptoed over to Jufeng. Seeing several pairs of eyes on him made him shyly lower his head.
"Star, what's wrong?"
"Uncle Feng, I... I can't sleep."
"Oh?" A warm smile played at the corners of Jufeng's mouth. "Tell Uncle why you can't sleep."
Liu Xing stammered, his fingers twisting the corners of his clothing, looking quite troubled.
"Don't be afraid; with your Uncle Feng here, we will help you." Flower Snow Moon had a good rapport with this boy; his pure and jade-like demeanor was something this bustling city lacked... a refreshing sight!
"Uncle Feng, I... Star has never understood why killing and bloodshed are necessary. Back when I was on Pirate Planet, I asked my dad about it, but he just said I'd understand when I grew up. But Star doesn't understand now; smelling the blood in the air makes me feel particularly sad and heartbroken. Star doesn't understand why problems must be solved that way."
Liu Xing asked the question and then looked earnestly at Jufeng with those eyes that seemed to see right through to the heart. Jufeng was momentarily taken aback, facing those clear eyes, unsure of how to respond.
In this vast world filled with countless beings, Jufeng wished he could solve problems through reason. But did reality allow for that? Running a delivery business while being threatened by gangsters, the Unification Alliance had killed his father for their own selfish reasons, disrupting the peace of the Underworld. Did any of this make sense? And facing a pack of unreasonable wolves, was he really willing to be a lamb led to slaughter?
Suddenly, Jufeng recalled a favorite saying from his school days, thinking it would be the most appropriate way to comfort Liu Xing.
"Star, listen to your uncle. There is a saying from a Great Man that I believe is fitting in response to you. You might not understand its meaning yet, but this is a necessary part of growing up. Some truths can only be understood through personal experience."
"The more you hate war, the more you understand: once you are forced into it for whatever reason, you must win. You must win and eliminate those who instigate war. Moreover, you must ensure that after this war ends, there will never be another great conflict."
"Star, from now on, stay close to Polite Uncle. This society is something you need to engage with; only by confronting the harsh realities can you grow faster."
(To be continued)
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