Chapter 1526

Hu Xiaotian said: "Taking advantage of these two days, I can just scout out the enemy camp's realities; it seems we need to find someone familiar with the local situation to ask thoroughly."

Long Xi Yue said: "That's not difficult."

Hu Xiaotian didn't quite understand her meaning, staring blankly at her.

Long Xi Yue smiled and said: "Don't forget, I'm the beggar chief; gathering information is naturally the Beggars' Gang's forte." She stood up and took out a brocade pouch, which was given to her by Mu Sheng when they left Huoshao City; inside were the Beggars' Gang's bamboo tallies, which come in many varieties; the kind she possesses is the highest-grade Star Bamboo Tally of the Beggars' Gang, and seeing this tally is as if the gang leader themselves had arrived.

Long Xi Yue directly handed over the whole bag of Star Bamboo Tallies to Hu Xiaotian: "Take them and use them!"

Hu Xiaotian felt moved and also a bit amused, so women really aren't suited for leadership work, being prone to letting emotions rule; however, one cannot generalize, Long Xi Yue is indeed willing to sacrifice everything for him, but if it were Qiqi she would absolutely not do that! Comparing the two, his love for Long Xi Yue in his heart grew even stronger; he took out a Star Bamboo Tally from the bunch, kept it, and returned the rest to Long Xi Yue, smiling and said: "You don't need that many, Gang Leader Long; I must remind you, your conduct is using public office for private gain, misusing public instruments for private ends; if the elders of the gang find out, they will surely be displeased."

Long Xi Yue put away the brocade pouch, speaking softly: "What's this about using public office for private gain, misusing public instruments for private ends? I never wanted to be gang leader in the first place, and I'm not up to the great task; I'm only putting on a show, the real head is still you. If they're unhappy, I'll return all these things to them and let them pick someone more capable."

Hu Xiaotian grabbed her wrist, gave a gentle pull, letting her sit on his thighs, embracing her delicate body. He kissed her pretty face fiercely twice, then whispered: "You treat me so well; why not, tonight under this beautiful scenery, let me also use your private parts!"

"Ah!" Long Xi Yue screamed, her pretty face flushing red, she grabbed the big hand that had slipped between her legs and pulled it out. She pressed her forehead against his head and said: "You haven't even married me yet."

Hu Xiaotian chuckled: "What era is this, that we young people are still so traditional, doing such old-fashioned things? You're always wanting to improve your martial arts; why not, tonight I'll help you really boost your skills, turning you into a true master, how about that?"

Long Xi Yue was so shy she couldn't even look at him, her voice like a mosquito: "No. I haven't made any mental preparations at all, yet you promised to give me an unforgettable wedding, a wedding belonging just to us two..."

Hu Xiaotian then recalled that he had indeed said that, wishing he could slap himself hard; sweet talk too much isn't good. Isn't this like lifting a stone only to drop it on his own foot, cutting off his own retreat? This shameless fellow said: "Actually, every night I spend with you is unforgettable for a lifetime."

Long Xi Yue said: "I... I just... don't like this place..."

Hu Xiaotian thought, "You're still picky about the place," but although he was itching with restraint, deep down he still greatly respected Long Xi Yue. If he really had to force this well-behaved princess, he could probably get his wish. But doing so might leave a bad impression in Long Xi Yue's heart; deep inside, Long Xi Yue is actually very traditional, full of romantic fantasies and steadfast in love, she longs for an unforgettable wedding. No need for extravagance, no need for fame, just to be remembered forever. It should be said that Hu Xiaotian's understanding of Long Xi Yue's thoughts is still quite deep; suddenly an idea popped into his mind, he released Long Xi Yue and said: "Xi Yue, actually I was just teasing you; I can wait, I will definitely give you an unforgettable wedding."

Long Xi Yue leaned into his embrace and said: "I believe you." Suddenly feeling a change below, she blushed and stood up: "What's wrong with you?"

Hu Xiaotian let out a sigh and said: "Sometimes the will can't control the body; it's not my fault, it's all because my princess is simply too beautiful and captivating."

With the Star Bamboo Tally given by Long Xi Yue, Hu Xiaotian easily found the Beggars' Gang branch in Red Valley; although Red Valley County is small, the branch's rank is not low—the branch chief actually oversees the Beggars' Gang disciples of Xiezhou Prefecture and holds the rank of a five-bag disciple. Hu Xiaotian casually found an old beggar; upon seeing the Star Bamboo Tally, the old beggar immediately led him to the City God Temple west of the city.

Hu Xiaotian discovered that Beggars' Gang disciples especially like to gather in places like the City God Temple and Earth God Temple.

The chief of the Xiezhou branch, Meng Guangxiong, was lying outside the main hall basking in the sun; a little beggar pushed him awake and handed over the Star Bamboo Tally. Meng Guangxiong took the Star Bamboo Tally, glanced at it, and sprang up from the ground, rushing to Hu Xiaotian's side where he hastily clasped his fists and said: "Subordinate Meng Guangxiong greets the envoy!" Possessing the Star Bamboo Tally means one is the gang leader's envoy; seeing this tally is as if seeing the gang leader themselves arrive.

Hu Xiaotian glanced at his shoulder and noticed that Meng Guangxiong was actually a five-bag disciple, which surprised him somewhat; after all, Red Valley County is just a small county under Xiezhou Prefecture of Xichuan, yet the Beggars' Gang chief there is a five-bag disciple—this is like a high-ranking position filled by a low-grade official in a bureaucracy. He smiled and said: "Not a low rank at all—you're already a five-bag disciple!"

Meng Guangxiong accompanied his smile with: "I dare not compare myself to the envoy." Seeing Hu Xiaotian's splendid attire, typical of a young master, he also guessed he wasn't a Beggars' Gang member, and asked: "May I ask, Envoy, are you surnamed Hu?"

Hu Xiaotian blinked his eyes, wondering how this fellow knew his surname was Hu—did he have it carved on his face? He instantly became wary.

Meng Guangxiong saw his doubtful expression and hastily explained: "I was just guessing, sir, please don't take offense; we received word that the gang leader might soon pass through Red Valley County, but coincidentally this area is about to erupt in warfare, so for the gang leader's safety I brought my brothers from the Xiezhou branch here; Envoy, please don't doubt my motives."

Only then did Hu Xiaotian understand the reason; he laughed and said: "How could that be?"

Meng Guangxiong respectfully said: "May I ask your esteemed name, sir?"

Hu Xiaotian said: "You guessed right! I am Hu, Hu Xiaotian!"

Upon hearing his name, Meng Guangxiong bowed deeply and respectfully said: "I have long admired your great name, sir; it's like thunder in my ears; today I finally meet you and indeed your reputation is not undeserved."

Hu Xiaotian laughed: "Cut the flattery, are Beggars' Gang disciples also this exaggerated?"

Meng Guangxiong said: "Everything I said is true; my admiration for you, sir, is like the endless Yangtze River..."

Hu Xiaotian quickly raised his hand to stop him: "Enough, enough; I've heard such flattery till my ears are calloused; even bootlicking needs moderation—excess is as bad as deficiency."

Meng Guangxiong, exposed by Hu Xiaotian to his face, showed no blush or racing heart—his thick skin is evident; he hehe laughed: "No matter how many times you wear it, flattery never wears out; sir, you're truly unlike ordinary people; in my lifetime I've never seen anyone as wise and discerning as you, upright and principled, your noble character is truly admirable, admirable!"

Hu Xiaotian grinned, thinking: "No wonder you little rascal managed to become a five-bag disciple at such a young age—there's indeed a reason; not only are you good at bootlicking, but your skin thickness is also extraordinary; even after I exposed you, you can still remain so composed, you're a top-notch figure." Hu Xiaotian said: "Meng Guangxiong, stop the flattery; I'm here to discuss serious matters."

Meng Guangxiong nodded, waved his hand, signaling the other Beggars' Gang disciples to withdraw, then closed the doors of the City God Temple; only the two of them remained inside. Meng Guangxiong again clasped his fists and said: "Sir, with the Star Bamboo Tally in hand, it's as if the gang leader themselves have arrived; please speak any orders directly. In Red Valley County, the Beggars' Gang can currently mobilize about 323 disciples, and even within the Xichuan army we have more than twenty of our own informants."

This was good news for Hu Xiaotian; he nodded and said: "I want to find out who the core commanders are for this attack on Mount Tianlang."

Meng Guangxiong said: "The one commanding the troops is the Prefect of Xiezhou, Yang Daoyuan; the supervisor is Zhang Ziqian."

Hu Xiaotian said: "Can you find out where they live?"

Meng Guangxiong said: "No problem, sir, can you give me one day and one night?"

Hu Xiaotian said: "Three days are no problem; also help me figure out their troop deployment, when they plan to launch the attack, and who the vanguard forces are."

Meng Guangxiong said: "Sir, come back at this time tomorrow, and I will present all the information."

Hu Xiaotian began to feel the benefits of having the world's largest gang; in modern society information can be transmitted via the internet, but in ancient society information transmission and data collection rely on manpower. The Beggars' Gang is numerous and powerful, its influence spreads across the four seas; moreover, these people usually hide among the populace—although they seem unremarkable, a single call can immediately rally hundreds of thousands of troops. With the Beggars' Gang's backing, Hu Xiaotian gained considerable confidence.

All preparations are complete, only the east wind is missing; now we await the arrival of the Flying Eagle and the Snow Eagle. If the Flying Eagle and the Snow Eagle arrive on schedule, and the Beggars' Gang can smoothly help him gather intelligence, then his assassination plan can be carried out—just kill Yang Daoyuan and Zhang Ziqian, and the 60,000-strong army listed outside Mount Heilian will lose its leader; in a state of dragons without a head, any further attempt to attack Mount Tianlong would have little chance of victory.

Hu Xiaotian also fully realized that Yang Daoyuan and Zhang Ziqian are not so easy to deal with; Zhang Ziqian is the chief strategist under Li Tianheng, whom Li Tianheng relies on heavily—one could say Li Tianheng's ability to dominate Xichuan and maintain stable rule largely stems from Zhang Ziqian's strategies. As for Yang Daoyuan, this man is far from the mediocre appearance he presents; he once rescued Feng Xianlin from his own subordinates, and that person's relationship with the Sword Palace is extraordinary; his martial arts absolutely reach the level of a top-tier master. (To be continued~^~)

PS: Please add my public WeChat number stonesquid; I've recently encountered some matters and am dealing with them; I hope those who follow Zhangyu's account will add it, and don't lose contact later. Writing is tough; today I wanted to burst out with updates but I can't write, I'm now going to work on the second chapter.