Hong Ming didn't go into the details, because before long, the others arrived.
The others were clearly still somewhat bewildered by Hong Ming's summons.
"Everyone's here!" Seeing that they had all arrived, Hong Ming spoke up.
Liu Fang stepped forward and cautiously reminded him, "Master, Junior Sister Fang Rou hasn't come yet."
Hong Ming shook his head and said indifferently, "I didn't call her this time."
The others reacted in different ways, their curiosity growing even stronger.
Hong Ming didn't waste time. He explained why he had summoned them: "Starting today, you'll all come with me to Lin Residence and wait for orders from the County Office."
"What?"
"Huh?"
They had all assumed Hong Ming had gathered them to say goodbye, but his next words left them momentarily stunned.
Go to Lin Residence and wait for orders from the County Office?
Hong Ming looked somewhat helpless, but still nodded. "Yes, you heard right. It's not just us. Every faction in White Stone City with martial artists, large or small, has basically been requisitioned by the County Office!"
Then Hong Ming slowly recounted what had happened.
As it turned out, the day before, Hong Ming had received an invitation from County Magistrate Tao Wenxuan, asking him to go to the County Office that morning.
The other martial arts hall masters had been invited as well, along with the two great families, the two major gangs, and more than a dozen other factions, large and small.
Once they arrived at the County Office, Tao Wenxuan revealed his purpose: he planned to unite all the martial forces in the city to fight Lianyun Stronghold.
He had told them to contribute money if they had money, and people if they didn't. He had also set a specific amount for each faction to pay, along