Simultaneous Transmigration: The Re-merging of 99 Selves

Chapter 9 Articles of Association

Before this, Hong Qi had never considered the significance of the Beggars' Sect to the world.

Having taken over the mantle of gang leader from his predecessors, Hong Qi's thoughts were on the prosperity of the gang and the protection of his homeland.

He didn't think, or rather, he wasn't even aware of it, that having too many beggars in the world would be a good thing.

Moreover, when a dynasty is reduced to being protected by a group of outlaws, and even beggars from the bottom of society, does that dynasty really still have any reason to exist?

Zhao Yu pointed this out and stated frankly that he did not want to see the Beggars' Clan again. Hong Qi had mixed feelings, but he had to admit it.

If, as Zhao Yu said, there were truly no beggars in the world, that would not be a bad thing.

After pondering for a long time, he finally made a move.

"Phew~~~"

With a long sigh, Hong Qi picked up the wine cup in front of him and drank it all in one gulp. Then he grinned and said, "Kid, if you think you can get me, a beggar, to go back and disband the Beggars' Sect with just a few words, that's impossible. My Beggars' Sect has been established for many years, and even the emperor might not be able to control it."

"However, if you can truly achieve the day when there are no beggars left in the world, then perhaps I, this beggar, can finally resign from this predicament and take a proper rest. At that time, I'll come to your palace every day to freeload and never leave!"

Zhao Yu glanced at Hong Qi with appreciation; he was indeed still the same old Hong Qigong.

Perhaps he is not good with words, but his carefree attitude is unmatched by others, and he is indeed a man of great principles.

that's enough.

"Then it's a deal. I will have the imperial chef prepare the meal and await Brother Hong's arrival," Zhao Yu said frankly.

"You little brat."

Hong Qi pointed at him and smiled, then picked up a chicken leg from the table and said while gnawing on it, "You're a slippery little rascal. You've said so much, you must want something from me. It's impossible for me to help you seize that bird throne, but if it's about dealing with the Jin Kingdom, this beggar can help a bit."

Admiring Hong Qi's keen insight, Zhao Yu gestured for Wang Chongyang and Huang Yaoshi to start eating, and then answered at the same time.

"I will handle official matters myself, and perhaps two other people will come to my aid in the future. But in the martial world, I will have to rely on the Beggars' Sect. Once I have consolidated the forces in the court, I will need Brother Hong's help when I launch the Northern Expedition."

"Of course, of course."

Hong Qi didn't even look up, and readily agreed.

The Beggars' Sect already had plans to resist the Jin Kingdom's southward advance, and with Zhao Yu's words, their actions would be even more legitimate, so he had no objection.

Zhao Yu secretly shook his head. What he wanted was not for Hong Qi and a group of martial arts practitioners to be trapped in Xiangyang like Guo Jing in the original story.

However, it is best not to speak too frankly with someone you don't know well. Let's settle this matter now, and he can figure out how to act later.

With a smile returning to his face, Zhao Yu raised his glass to toast the three of them. As they exchanged drinks, the previously somewhat stiff atmosphere gradually eased.

In the midst of the revelry, Zhao Yu remembered something else.

"Oh, right." He looked at Hong Qi, "Brother Hong, you have a wide circle of friends, and the Beggars' Clan is well-informed. Do you know anyone named Qiu Qianren of the Iron Palm Clan?"

"Qiu Qianren?"

Hong Qi wiped his hands: "I almost forgot if you hadn't mentioned it. This person inherited the mantle of Chief Shangguan, and his Iron Palm skill is extremely formidable, no less than my Dragon Subduing Palm. It's strange that he didn't show up at this Mount Hua Sword Tournament."

Qiu Qianren's master was named Shangguan Jiannan, who was originally a capable general under Han Shizhong, a famous general who resisted the Jin dynasty in the Southern Song dynasty. He dedicated his life to resisting the Jin and serving the country.

Enraged by Yue Fei's death, Shangguan Jiannan broke away from the imperial court, joined the Iron Palm Clan, and became its leader, taking it upon himself to fight against the Jin army and punish corrupt officials.

After his death, his disciple Qiu Qianren took over his mantle and became the leader of the Iron Palm Clan.

Afterwards, seeking wealth and glory, he defected to the Jin Dynasty, completely betraying his master's last wish.

According to the original novel, during the first Mount Hua Sword Tournament, Qiu Qianren believed that he had not yet mastered the Iron Palm skill and was not confident of defeating the other five masters, so he did not participate.

However, Hong Qi was unaware of this at the time, and therefore found it strange.

Zhao Yu brought up Qiu Qianren at this moment not to eliminate him in advance.

If Qiu Qianren could defect to the Jin Kingdom for wealth and status, why couldn't he defect to me?

Therefore, he said to Hong Qi, "It's good that you know this Chief Qiu. I have no connection with him. Please pass on a message for me. I deeply mourn the passing of Chief Shangguan. If he is willing, he can go to Lin'an. I will grant him a life of wealth and honor."

Upon hearing this, Hong Qi glanced at Zhao Yu and said, "You're not being honest again. The Iron Palm Clan is dedicated to resisting the Jin. They are all men of iron who regard wealth and honor as fleeting clouds. By saying that, you are clearly underestimating Chief Qiu."

Zhao Yu smiled slightly: "Perhaps, but it's never wrong to be overly polite. The imperial court owes Chief Shangguan a debt, so it should make amends to Chief Qiu in some way."

"Ugh~~~"

Hong Qi nodded: "That makes sense. Okay, I agree!"

Having achieved his goal, Zhao Yu said no more. He invited the three to eat and chatted with them about all sorts of things at the table, which was quite enjoyable.

After a satisfying meal, it was time to say goodbye.

Wang Chongyang, accompanied by his two disciples, clasped his hands in a fist salute: "This place is still Jin territory. Although Brother Zhao's skill is extraordinary, you must not be careless. I have been away from the temple for a long time and it is inconvenient for me to accompany you. Please be careful."

Zhao Yu clasped his hands in return, saying, "Thank you for your consideration, Master. I await your good news in Lin'an."

Goodbye.

After greeting the other two, Wang Chongyang and his two companions mounted their horses and rode away in a cloud of dust.

After seeing Wang Chongyang off, Zhao Yu turned to the other two: "Are you two planning to continue south? Why don't you travel together?"

"Goodbye." Hong Qi waved his hand, turned and left on his own, a blade of grass dangling from his mouth.

"I am a beggar, and I cannot afford the treatment of you royals. I will convey your message to Chief Qiu. See you in Lin'an later."

With lightning speed, Hong Qi vanished in the blink of an eye after just a few words.

"Brother Huang..."

Before Zhao Yu could finish speaking, Huang Yaoshi leaped onto the roof with his robes fluttering in the wind.

He said sternly, "I, Huang, am not one to be tactless; I can't stand being looked down upon. Goodbye!"

After saying that, he leaped a few times and disappeared.

Zhao Yu smiled helplessly and looked back, just in time to see Lin Chaoying turning her head away uncomfortably.

Just now, it was she who glared at Huang Yaoshi and drove him away.

Finally, the two of them could be alone together, and Lin Chaoying certainly didn't want any third wheel in their lives.

Grabbing Lin Chaoying's hand, Zhao Yu chuckled softly, "That old rascal Huang! I just wanted to ask him if he wanted a horse; I could give him one. I didn't expect him to run away on his own."

Lin Chaoying knew perfectly well that Zhao Yu had said that on purpose, and the reason was naturally for her sake.

With a glance, joy arose instantly.

"Sister Lin, let's go. We've been away from home for so long, it's time we went back to see it. We'll return to Guanzhong one day."

Lin Chaoying glanced back at Mount Hua, nodded and smiled, "Yes!"

The two walked away together, their figures gradually disappearing.