Meanwhile, about ten miles away from the Beggar Clan' Sect, a group of Western Xia cavalrymen clad in black armor were also heading towards the Beggar Clan's headquarters.
This is the Western Xia Western Xia First-Class Hall, composed of martial arts masters and skilled fighters from the Western Xia army.
They were not only responsible for intelligence infiltration and interception within the Great Song's martial arts world, but also had the duty of attacking martial arts organizations within the Great Song, similar to special forces.
At this time, the group of guys who had previously captured the Beggar Clan' Sect disciples learned that the Beggar Clan' Sect's high-ranking members would be holding a meeting at the Hebei headquarters, so they infiltrated the Great Song with the intention of wiping out the Beggar Clan' Sect's high-ranking members in one fell swoop.
Unfortunately, their trail did not escape the surveillance of another group.
The spies from the Martial Command Office, having been instructed by Xu Xiao to be on guard against these people, now spotted them on a distant mountaintop.
"Just as you predicted, sir, these Western Xia dogs have actually ventured deep into the heart of our Great Song territory!"
The officers of the Martial Command Office gritted their teeth on the high ground, for it was undoubtedly a disgrace for soldiers to have foreign tribes operating on their territory.
Those who could join the Martial Command Office were all carefully selected by Xu Xiao from the hundreds of thousands of the Imperial Army in the surrounding area when he was in Kaifeng.
Beyond his talent and martial arts skills, what he possesses most is a deep-seated patriotism. (This kind of person is easy to exploit.)
"Stop talking nonsense, release the carrier pigeons. The adults are probably waiting for these scoundrels to walk right into their trap."
A carrier pigeon took flight from the hilltop, but no one paid any attention to a bird taking off from a mountain path.
Meanwhile, in the Apricot Grove, when Xu Xiao asked that question, Qiao Feng once again became the focus of everyone's attention.
Some people might even wonder if he was colluding with the imperial court.
After all, he had just mentioned to the gang that the Beggar Clan' Sect had joined the Martial Command Office, and then Xu Xiao led his men to attack.
"I cannot make this decision. The Beggar Clan' Sect does not belong to me alone, but to all the brothers of the Beggar Clan. Please forgive me, Lord Xu."
Although he knew that saying this might anger Xu Xiao, Qiao Feng wouldn't make empty promises and agree to do so on behalf of the Beggar Clan' Sect disciples.
"Alright, Steve Jobs is an upright man, so let me say a few words."
Xu Xiao stood up from the dragon carriage and then flew directly onto the crowd.
"Fellow disciples of the Beggar Clan, you've all heard enough of today's commotion. I don't care about your Chief Qiao's identity or the sordid affairs within your Beggar Clan' Sect."
"I'm here today for only one purpose: to consign the Beggar Clan' Sect to history."
"Those who are willing to submit to me, after their qualifications and character have been verified, I will accept them into the Martial Command Office. There, they will live upright lives, serve the country, and rise through the ranks based on their own abilities."
"Even those who lack the qualifications or character, I will find you a job so you won't have to beg for food anymore."
As soon as Xu Xiao said this, whispers began to circulate among the people below, which could be considered a very good thing.
The qualified are happy, and the mediocre are at ease. The only exceptions are those who were originally in the power structure of the Beggar Clan' Sect.
They've worked their way up to their current status after most of their lives; if the Beggar Clan disappears, they'll be left with nothing.
But given the current situation, no one dares to directly oppose Xu Xiao.
They had all witnessed Xu Xiao's ruthlessness; he killed people at the drop of a hat, and his mysterious martial arts were truly terrifying. Moreover, they were surrounded by imperial henchmen armed with crossbows and swords, so who dared to say a word?
"I'll leave my words here: those who are willing, stay where you are; those who are not, take a step forward."
No one dared to move; they all stood still, fearing they would explode and die at any moment.
"Alright, it seems everyone knows how to be pragmatic." Xu Xiao nodded in satisfaction, then released the Telekinesis that was restricting Qiao Feng.
"It seems all the Beggars' Beggar Clan disciples agree, except for you."
"What are your thoughts? Are you willing to join the Martial Command Office and fight for the Han people?"
Qiao Feng landed and glanced at the Beggar Clan ' Sect disciples with a complicated expression.
Although he knew it was the best option, Xu Xiao's use of power to intimidate him still displeased him.
"It's not that I'm unwilling, but now that I know the mystery of my origins, I have many important matters to attend to, and being Khitan, I fear I am not up to the task."
Qiao Feng bowed apologetically, acknowledging Xu Xiao's deep affection for him.
Not only did they inform him of all sorts of top-secret information and clear his name, but they even promised him the position of Deputy Commander. Yet, he still couldn't get over his conscience.
The difference between Han and non-Han peoples was a hurdle that many people in this era could not overcome.
"What is it now? It turns out that the great hero Qiao Feng is still so concerned about such a trivial matter as his status."
Xu Xiao found it amusing, but then he understood.
Times change, perspectives change, and naturally, so do ideas.
Qiao Feng's idea might seem a bit awkward to him, but it was something that no one in this era could ignore.
'But the more you act this way, the more I want you to serve me, to become my weapon!'
This is the kind of person Xu Xiao can truly trust.
He will eventually have to return to his own world. Although he can come back at any time, he needs someone who can take over this world when he is not around.
Xu Xiao originally had two candidates: the true hero Qiao Feng and the true villain Murong Bo.
Qiao Feng was a great hero, a man of his word, and Xu Xiao had done him no wrong whatsoever; on the contrary, he had been kind to him.
Entrusting the world of Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils to someone like this while he's away is a trustworthy endeavor, given their ability, methods, and character.
Secondly, there is Murong Bo, a truly despicable man who is single-mindedly devoted to the restoration of the Great Yan and will stop at nothing to achieve it. For decades, everything he has done has been for the restoration of the country, and this has never changed.
As long as Xu Xiao can demonstrate his continued control over him and help him restore his kingdom, this old man won't do anything irrational.
Great heroes and true villains are both rare!
As for the other members of Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils, to be honest, Xu Xiao looked down on them.
Xu Xiao, who was determined to take Qiao Feng, decisively abandoned Murong Bo when he discovered that the other party only cared about his identity.
"Qiao Bang's main concern is his Khitan identity, which is unnecessary."
"Because what I'm going to do next is to exterminate the Khitan and Western Xia royal families, and incorporate all their people into the Great Song. Then there will be no more distinction between Han and barbarian."
"Not only that, as long as Chief Qiao is willing to join the Martial Command Office, I can also help you capture our enemy Murong Bo, and even allow you to meet your biological father."
Xu Xiao has not revealed any information about Xiao Yuanshan and Murong Bo.
Is that really true?
"Really!"