Guo Zhenlong chuckled. "Brother Zhu, you're quite straightforward."
"Since we've come this far, it wouldn't be respectful for me to hold back any longer."
"Telling you this news, Brother Zhu, is actually because I want my younger brother to stay by your side."
"Is it really that simple?" Liu Tiezhu was taken aback, disbelief written all over his face.
Guo Zhenlong replied, "Yes, it's really that simple."
"To be honest, I don't feel at ease leaving that kid Guo Lin with anyone else."
"Only by your side can his life be guaranteed."
Hearing this, Liu Tiezhu's brow furrowed deeply again.
"Brother Zhenlong, you're not joking with me, are you?"
"Aren't you already well aware of my current situation? You still dare to put Guo Lin by my side?"
He now suspected Guo Zhenlong had ulterior motives.
Given his predicament, others would avoid him like the plague once they found out.
Yet Guo Zhenlong was insisting on shoving his own brother next to him—wasn't that just sending his brother to die?
"Brother Zhu, do I look like I'm joking?"
"I know you doubt what I'm saying, but I firmly believe you'll set aside those doubts later."
Guo Zhenlong's expression was serious, not at all like someone joking.
Liu Tiezhu pondered for a moment and finally nodded in agreement.
Whatever Guo Zhenlong's motives, it didn't harm him for now.
If Guo Zhenlong was sincere about making a deal with him, then he wouldn't lose out either.
After all, getting advance arrangements from the Ming family's higher-ups could save him a lot of trouble—this was a huge stroke of luck for him.
Back in his own barracks, Liu Tiezhu had Yan Wanli summon Guo Qixing.
Now Guo Qixing was also a member of the action team, having even climbed to the position of deputy captain.
Regarding the Huaiyang Hook matter, Liu Tiezhu absolutely needed the Guo family to act again.
About ten minutes later, Guo Qixing was brought to Liu Tiezhu's barracks.
"Brother Zhu, the Ming family's treatment is pretty good, huh."
Guo Qixing glanced around as he entered and teased directly.
Liu Tiezhu cut him off. "Stop with the jokes. I called you here for something important."
"There's going to be a battle at Huaiyang Hook soon. If you want to reap the benefits, make arrangements early."
Hearing this, Guo Qixing's expression turned serious.
"Brother Zhu, when did you get this news?"
"I just got it."
Liu Tiezhu didn't hide anything and laid out all the information he'd gotten from Guo Zhenlong.
"Damn it, that Ming Tianfeng is really petty."
"But this works out too. He wants to use this chance to kill you, and we'll use it to grab another haul."
"I'll slip out now and have my family make arrangements. When there's any news, we'll communicate in secret."
Guo Qixing finished speaking and prepared to leave.
"Wait." Liu Tiezhu stopped him.
Guo Qixing paused. "Brother Zhu, something else?"
"Help me look into a few people—the Guo Zhenlong brothers and Ma Qifeng."
Guo Qixing was stunned for a moment, then immediately understood what Liu Tiezhu meant. "Give me two days."
After sending Guo Qixing off, Liu Tiezhu thought for a moment and then had Yan Wanli summon Ma Qifeng.
From the arena match, he'd realized Ma Qifeng was also a formidable expert.
If he could win over someone like that, it would be a huge asset in the future.
Even if he couldn't recruit him, covert cooperation would still be a good option.
Soon, Ma Qifeng stood before Liu Tiezhu.
"Brother Zhu, you wanted to see me?"
Ma Qifeng's voice was stiff, with no hint of flattery or ingratiation.
Liu Tiezhu didn't mind Ma Qifeng's attitude.
Strong men had their own temperaments; with Ma Qifeng's strength, he didn't need to curry favor with anyone.
Liu Tiezhu nodded and got straight to the point. "Yes, I do. I'm planning to secretly form a team. Are you interested?"
"What's the pay?" Ma Qifeng asked.
"Besides what the Ming family offers, you'll get an extra hundred yuan each month."
"Also, any supplies gained from operations will be split evenly among everyone," Liu Tiezhu said.
After hearing Liu Tiezhu's response, Ma Qifeng nodded without hesitation.
"Aren't you going to think it over?"
This caught Liu Tiezhu off guard; he hadn't expected Ma Qifeng to agree so readily.
Ma Qifeng said, "There's nothing to think about. I joined the Ming family to make more money."
"To be honest, before you, Jiang He approached me too, saying he'd fully train me, but I turned him down."
Liu Tiezhu was stunned. "Why? Following him would be more promising than following me."
Ma Qifeng replied, "He's not a good person. Sticking with him will lead to trouble sooner or later."
"You're different—you're someone who does big things. Following you carries more risk, but there's a future."
Liu Tiezhu was baffled again, wondering how Ma Qifeng could tell he was someone who did big things.
But he didn't bother racking his brain over it; in the end, winning over Ma Qifeng was more beneficial than harmful.
After they finished talking, Liu Tiezhu directly handed Ma Qifeng some bills as an advance on his pay.
Ma Qifeng didn't stand on ceremony, took them, stuffed them in his pocket, thanked Liu Tiezhu, and left.
The next day, Jiang He and the other two arrived early at the garrison camp.
The twenty teams in the camp quickly assembled.
Jiang He had them stand at ease, then called the twenty team leaders into the tent for a meeting.
"The Ming family has issued a new mission: attack Huaiyang Hook at ten tonight to wipe out the Zhang and Li families' stationed personnel."
"To prevent any leaks, no one is allowed to leave the camp."
"Additionally, Liu Tiezhu will have full authority over personnel deployment for this mission."
"Anyone who disobeys orders will be executed on the spot. Understood?"
"Understood!" the twenty team leaders shouted in unison.
"Good. Your training for today is canceled."
"Rest well for the day and strive to complete the mission flawlessly tonight."
With that, Jiang He waved his hand, dismissing the twenty team leaders.
After they left, Jiang He's gaze returned to Liu Tiezhu.
"Brother Zhu, this mission concerns your future prospects."
"If you have any ideas, you can share them with me. If you need help, just say the word."
Liu Tiezhu said, "Thanks, Brother Jiang. I'd like to know how many people the Zhang and Li families have stationed at Huaiyang Hook."
Jiang He thought for a moment. "Based on the intel I have, the two families have about 500 people stationed there."
"Since our side is launching a surprise attack, deploying the same number should suffice."
Hearing this, Liu Tiezhu cursed inwardly.
That bastard Jiang He really had no good intentions.
From what Guo Zhenlong had told him, the Zhang and Li families had over 800 people stationed there—the entire Ming family high command knew, and Jiang He definitely did too.
Now the bastard was reporting 300 fewer and suggesting he send 500 men—was he trying to send him to his death?
But on second thought, that didn't add up.
If Jiang He wanted him dead, he wouldn't suggest 500 men; he'd suggest even fewer.
Those bastards definitely had another trick up their sleeves.
What that trick was, Liu Tiezhu couldn't figure out yet, but he wasn't about to let them push him around.
After some deliberation, Liu Tiezhu still pretended not to know anything and simply nodded, adopting Jiang He's suggestion.
"Then go prepare the personnel deployment."
Seeing his goal achieved, Jiang He waved Liu Tiezhu off.
After Liu Tiezhu left, Zhang Zhiliang lowered his voice. "By doing this, won't the kid be in danger?"
Jiang He waved dismissively. "Relax, I've got everything arranged."
"We need to save him when his life's threatened so he'll be grateful to us."
"But before that, we have to test him."
"If he passes, great. If not, we kill him immediately."