After handing the army he had rescued from beside the Great River over to Luo Ling, Luo Yi stood outside the city, watching everyone file out.
Liu Bang emerged from around a corner, came to his side, and said with a quiet smile, "Young Master."
"Duke of Pei?"
Liu Bang asked, "Young Master, today the Luo Clan has emerged to preside over this alliance. So many heroes have sworn a blood oath and acclaimed your elder brother as coalition leader, pledging to unite their wills like a fortress and overthrow Tyrannical Qin. Shouldn't this be your most glorious, high-spirited moment?
"Why are you standing here with a heart full of worries?"
Luo Yi had not expected Liu Bang to discern his worries when his face betrayed not the slightest expression. He immediately asked, "What do you mean, Duke of Pei? I have no worries."
At this, Liu Bang laughed aloud. "Young Master, it seems you don't trust Liu Ji. After traveling all this way together, I do understand you a little."
Luo Yi looked at Liu Bang for a moment before sighing softly. "Duke of Pei, a prophecy circulated years ago that Luo State would destroy the Qin Dynasty. Now my elder brother has gathered the heroes of the realm here. Perhaps this is the fulfillment of that prophecy.
"What I'm wondering is which of these many heroes dares march west and break through the passes."
Liu Bang keenly realized that this was not merely a question of who dared breach the passes, but who truly dared fight Tyrannical Qin in bloody battle and bring peace to the realm. A sharp gleam suddenly flashed through his eyes.
Liu Bang pondered, then said, "Duke of Chu Xiang Liang is such a hero. He is Xiang Yan's son, and rumors circulate through