When Zhong Wu proudly finished introducing everyone, Xu Yi's heart leaped with joy. In truth, he had never expected to poach Ming Liding's men.
But since he had poached them, he wasn't about to send them back. He had originally told Zhong Wu to recruit people just to wave flags and shout, enough to make up the numbers. Now that the recruits were all battle-hardened veterans, how could he not be pleased?
"I knew it! No wonder you all looked so familiar. You're all old friends and brothers. You've thought highly of me, Xu, and I'll remember it to the bottom of my heart. I'll put it plainly: from today on, I'll always keep you brothers in my heart."
Xu Yi spoke in a ringing voice.
The soldiers dropped to their knees as one and shouted, "We pledge our lives to the Army Commander!"
"Rise!"
Xu Yi swept a hand through the air. "I like to make things clear. Since you've joined my army, you must obey my orders. Disobey, and you die! Besides, I'll be fair in rewarding merit and punishing faults. You all know I'm about to take over as prefect of Dongshan Prefecture. Beneath the prefect are countless posts, and all that glory and renown await heroes. Let's strive together!"
"We pledge our lives to the Army Commander!"
This time, it wasn't only the fifty-odd new soldiers shouting in unison. Every soldier joined in.
The others had followed Xu Yi to Dongshan Prefecture partly out of gratitude, but, more importantly, they were after the benefits.
Aside from faith, only self-interest could bind people together.
Dongshan Prefecture bordered Fanyang Prefecture. Traveling a little over two thousand li west would bring them to their destination—a short distance for cultivators.
They weren't in a hurry. Near noon, Xu Yi led