Chen Ping's Sword-Chapter 50: Promises and Schemes

I’ve just arrived here, barely settled down.

Immediately got a message seeking me out.

Moreover, my identity was revealed instantly... it seems he’s quite aware of what I’ve done recently.

No need to ask.

The visitor is undoubtedly Tan Sihai, the Squad Leader of the Yuanfeng Sub-Branch of the Changhe Gang.

Only this hero, known for his generous and straightforward character, could show such demeanor and such presence.

"Squad Leader Tan’s grand visit, we failed to meet you from afar, it’s really..."

"Ah... Brother Tian Qi, no need to be so formal between us, though we’ve never met, we are like old friends, if you don’t mind, let’s address each other as brothers.

What Squad Leader, such a trivial position, is it worth mentioning?"

Tan Sihai laughed heartily, naturally putting his arm around Tian Qi’s shoulder, turning his head to instruct, "Prepare a feast, there’s no better time than the present, today let’s drink happily with Brother Tian Qi until we drop."

"This..."

Chen Ping, who considered himself well-versed, had in his previous life encountered all sorts of people, big figures, small figures, ordinary people...

But a social genius like this, he was indeed seeing for the first time.

Perhaps the ancients liked this style.

He thought silently, recalling how in legends an Imperial Uncle would seek out the person he wanted to recruit, building close friendships, even crying.

And they would drink merrily, sleep in the same bed at night.

No, that was called "sleeping foot to foot."

The Tan Sihai before him had somewhat similar ideas.

Is he possibly trying to recruit me?

It’s not impossible.

"Brother Tan, you see, we just rushed here, haven’t had the chance to settle down. There’s too much going on, perhaps today isn’t the best day for drinking. Can I ask if Brother Tan is here for any particular reason?"

Chen Ping was used to being straightforward, he didn’t like beating around the bush.

This gentleman started by giving gifts, such courtesy must have a purpose.

If it’s not clear, drinking would be less enjoyable.

What if he really wants us to risk our lives for him?

"You see, my brother how foolish my mind is getting."

Tan Sihai patted his forehead, not forcing the issue, laughing awkwardly, "I heard recently Brother Tian Qi beat the Seven-Colored Hall Cyan Hall Branch’s Fox to death on the street, I was really surprised, nearly choked on my drink.

Although Chang Sansi isn’t well-known, his strength is something I have experienced, not much weaker than Dong Jinzhong. Brother, at such a young age, with such combat power, your future is limitless."

"Is Brother Tan trying to get me to join the Yuanfeng Sub-Branch?"

"No, no, no, our temple is too small, it can’t accommodate a big figure like you...

Our gang leader Xiao Changhe, known as the Flipping River Dragon King, his martial arts are among the best in the world, with thirty-six sub-branches spread across five prefectures and four counties, and he’s eager to recruit talents...

If he were here, he’d personally invite you. Of course, if Brother Tian Qi is interested in a position at the Yuanfeng Sub-Branch, a temporary position as Vice Squad Leader is also possible."

Tan Sihai wore a smile, indicating he didn’t dare to lead Brother Tian, but joining the gang and assisting Xiao Dragon King wouldn’t be a loss for you.

Chen Ping’s heart tightened, this person is a master.

Not that his skills are known, they haven’t tested each other yet, so it’s unclear for now.

However, holding such a vital position in the Changhe Gang means he couldn’t be weaker than Dong Jinzhong.

Might even be stronger.

This is judged based on the factions’ size.

Though the name Changhe Gang sounds crude, after hearing Hua Lian’er speak of it often, Chen Ping now knows the distribution of powers in the world.

This gang ranks among the Seven Gangs, Nine Conferences, and Thirteen Noble Families across the Central Plains.

While the Seven-Colored Hall, being a newer faction, hasn’t even left the State Prefecture, not ranked with them.

The Changhe Gang ranks fourth among the Seven Gangs.

Their influence is similar to the historically renowned Caoo Gang...

They control river logistics, having various connections with both the Court and local regions.

In terms of numbers of members, few forces can outnumber them.

In peace times it might not matter much.

But in such turbulent times, numbers equal strength.

What force do they represent?

They’re trying to recruit even emerging talents like me, you can imagine the ambition behind it.

So, Tan Sihai is a master for his means.

First, granting favors while elevating me high;

then painting a picture and subtly revealing the Changhe Gang’s enormous influence... plus the emphasis on the Gang Leader and himself, any young person hearing this would be invigorated, eager to join.

To work tirelessly for them until death.

But Chen Ping, with experience from two lives, his psychological age is probably older than Tan Sihai’s.

How could he be tricked by a few words.

So he smiled and said:

"This matter is significant, let me think it over carefully."

The intentions are sincere, yet there’s also a purpose.

No need to refuse too harshly.

It’s normal, why else would others come bearing goodwill uninvited.

Chen Ping only says he would consider it, implying we’ll see.

He noted that Zuo Duanshou and the Kuihua Brothers beside him seemed pleased, feeling honored to be recognized.

Though Hua Lian’er did.

She came with a tea cup, though her painted face obscured her expression... Chen Ping, being familiarly acquainted with her, could sense the worry hidden in the little girl’s eyes.

"It’s reasonable, it’s reasonable, that should be the case."

Tan Sihai completely disregarded Chen Ping’s evasive response, still smiling joyously.

After having tea, he promptly spoke of leaving.

"If that’s so, I wait for good news, when the time comes we’ll drink happily as brothers and accomplish great things, why worry about not achieving fame."

Seeing Tan Sihai out the door, Chen Ping turned back, ignoring the eager gazes of the Kuihua Brothers, instead pulling Hua Lian’er aside.

Whispering.

"Any problems with this person?"

"Perhaps I’m overthinking it, but I’ve met this person once before, back then he walked alongside my [elder brother], seeming very respectful..."

When she mentioned "elder brother," Hua Lian’er’s tone nearly changed.

Clearly, it’s another sad story of family misfortune.

Hua Lian’er didn’t seem to notice her tone, paused, and continued, "At that time I sensed crisis approaching, and my father wasn’t home, so I had to flee hurriedly, disguised and wandering the streets, without even taking any silver. 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝒆𝒘𝙚𝓫𝙣𝙤𝒗𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

It started to snow and rain from the sky. If not for Seventh Brother, I would have..."

Saying this, Hua Lian’er’s eyes turned red again, tears nearly ready to fall.

This girl seems made of water...

However, she has one merit, her emotions come quickly and dissipate quickly.

Sad one moment, and happy another.

Easy to comfort.