Most of those waiting with Tie Xiaosheng to welcome Chu Xisheng at the Chu Family courtyard were veterans of the Iron Banner Gang, or clerks and the like recruited over the past year.
They had all read the latest special issues from the Heavenly Secret Pavilion and Martial Discourse Tower, and knew what tremendous deeds their Banner Lord had accomplished on Canglang Plain in the Northern Lands.
They all shared in his glory and admired their Banner Lord immensely.
But when Chu Xisheng announced Lu Luanli's appointment, they still instinctively looked toward Tie Xiaosheng.
Tie Xiaosheng, however, not only took no offense, but visibly relaxed. Looking delighted, he cupped his hands toward Lu Luanli. "That's wonderful! Luanli's Martial Dao is profound, and her talent is exceptional. She will surely shoulder this responsibility and bring a fresh spirit to the headquarters' five War Halls."
Chu Xisheng clearly intended for Lu Luanli to replace him in overseeing all the Iron Banner Gang's military operations.
That suited Tie Xiaosheng perfectly.
He had long felt that his strength could not match his ambitions.
With his current Fourth Rank cultivation, Tie Xiaosheng could indeed lord over Eastern Province.
But measured against the entire world and its martial community, he was nothing exceptional.
Especially since both opponents they now faced abounded with talent and experts.
At present, Tie Xiaosheng could still comfortably handle gang affairs, business operations, and supply preparations in the rear.
But leading the five War Halls into battle at the front truly exceeded his abilities, however willing his heart might be.
Tie Xiaosheng did not lack courage. He knew full well that he lacked the ability, and forcing himself into the role would only ruin things.
Lu Luanli was different.
She ranked second among the Four Heavenly Lords, possessed extraordinary combat strength, and