Meng Guangxiong said, "Life and death are decreed by Heaven. You needn't dwell on it, Young Master Hu. If you ever have need of me, Lord Hu, just say the word."
Hu Xiaotian nodded. Meng Guangxiong beckoned into the distance, and a beggar approached from behind, respectfully presenting Hu Xiaotian with a gift box in both hands. Meng Guangxiong said, "This contains some fine Monkey Tea I brought from Western Sichuan. Please accept it, Young Master Hu."
Hu Xiaotian could see that Meng Guangxiong was extending an olive branch. Unlike Mu Shusheng, Xue Zhenhai, and the other older men who held real power in the Beggar Gang, the younger generation represented by Meng Guangxiong and An Zhai showed him much greater warmth. Hu Xiaotian smiled. "Then I'll accept rather than stand on ceremony." He took the gift box.
As the beggar handed over the box, his fingers touched Hu Xiaotian's. Hu Xiaotian suddenly felt a thread of cold pass into his skin. He looked up in surprise, but the beggar had already stepped back. There was something familiar in his eyes, and an indifferent voice sounded beside Hu Xiaotian's ear. "Little Hu, I'll wait for you at the Li River Ferry to the southeast."
Overwhelming joy instantly filled Hu Xiaotian's heart. This nameless beggar was actually Ji Feihua in disguise. He had worn through iron shoes searching in vain, only to find what he sought without the slightest effort. Hu Xiaotian had so many questions and troubles waiting for Ji Feihua to resolve. Moreover, he had learned far too many secrets lately, with no one to share their burden. Even if he were willing to speak, others might not believe him. Ji Feihua was different. He possessed exceptional wisdom and could extract information from the Blue Transparent Skull. Even if