Zhu Ba frowned at his decisive refusal and said quietly, "Our Gang Leader said that if you are willing to grant this request, the Beggar Gang will lend you its full support when you attack Great Kang." This was nothing short of an extraordinary gift. When Hu Xiaotian had been consolidating his hold over Eastern Liang Commandery, the Beggar Gang had sent only two thousand men to help him. Across the world, its disciples numbered a million. With the full support of the world's greatest gang, even counterattacking Great Kang and conquering all its territory would not be difficult.
"Please thank your Gang Leader for his kindness," Hu Xiaotian said. "But I still cannot agree to this."
Zhu Ba sighed. "Actually, even if you insist on pursuing this, you may not stand much chance of winning."
Hu Xiaotian smiled. "If I stand no chance, why bother persuading me to withdraw, Mr. Zhu?"
"It isn't me asking you to withdraw. It's the old gentleman," Zhu Ba said. "Never mind. Since you refuse, pretend I never came." He rose to take his leave. Although Hu Xiaotian sincerely invited him to stay for a drink, Zhu Ba clearly was not in the mood.
Hu Xiaotian personally escorted Zhu Ba outside the main gate. Although they had failed to reach an agreement, they were still friends, and there was no personal conflict between them. Before leaving, Zhu Ba said earnestly, "Chief Shangguan dotes on the Young Chief. Whatever the Young Chief wishes to do, he will spare no effort to fulfill his wish. Since your mind is made up, I can hardly urge you further. I only hope that when you encounter our Young Chief, you will spare a thought for our friendship."
Hu Xiaotian knew Zhu Ba was tactfully reminding him to avoid