Liu Haizhong returned home and resumed his unfinished meal.
As he ate, he considered what Xu Damao had just said.
The more he thought about it, the more sense it made. He had been too single-minded before.
If he had thought of joining forces with others earlier, he would not have nearly fallen to his death in the middle of the night.
After finishing his meal, Liu Haizhong said to his youngest son, "Guangfu, go call your First Elder and Third Master over. Tell them I need to see them. Remember, keep your voice down. Don't spread this around."
He then turned to his second son and said, "Take your little brother out to play for now. Don't come back until ten."
Liu Guangtian and Liu Guangfu did not dare utter a word of objection.
They put down their bowls and chopsticks and headed out together.
Liu Haizhong said to Second Aunt, "Mother of the children, hurry and clear the table. Then stand watch by the door. If Lin Zhen comes into the backyard, cough once."
Second Aunt asked in surprise, "What are you planning?"
Liu Haizhong said impatiently, "Don't ask. You'll find out soon enough."
A short while later, First Elder Yi Zhonghai and Third Master Yan Bugui both arrived at Second Elder Liu Haizhong's home.
Liu Haizhong was already waiting at the table. He had poured three cups of hot water and set out a plate of peanuts.
Yi Zhonghai frowned. "Old Liu, what is this about?"
Liu Haizhong waved a hand. "Sit down. We need to discuss something."
Yan Bugui smiled. "What could it be? You're making it sound so secret." As he spoke, he grabbed a handful of peanuts and started eating.
After taking a sip of water, Liu Haizhong said leisurely, "Actually, the three of