Chapter 727: Heaven-defying Skills - Gathering

After a long journey, Song Jiang led the remnants of Liangshan and finally arrived at Wuzhou on a dark and windy night. The majestic Taiyuan Palace seemed to be quietly waiting for their arrival in the night.

As the outline of the city in the distance gradually became clear, Song Jiang, dressed in tattered clothes and looking tired, felt mixed emotions.

Outside Wuzhou City, Zhu Wen and Jiang Xiaobai had already led the crowd to wait. The two stood side by side, with the elite Yellow Turban soldiers lined up in neat rows behind them, looking very imposing.

Zhu Wen was dressed in iron armor, with a majestic yet elegant look, while Jiang Xiaobai was dressed in gorgeous clothes with a smile on his face. The two stood side by side, like two insurmountable mountains.

Seeing this, Song Jiang quickly straightened his clothes and slowly walked forward with a bit of trepidation and awe.

"Hey, Brother Gongming, it's been a while since we last met, you're still as charming as ever!"

Zhu Wen spoke first, with a smile on his face, but there was a subtle hint of amusement in his tone.

He knew Song Jiang very well. Although he had fallen into such a state, his former reputation still remained. His humility at this moment was only forced by the situation.

"General Zhu, you are too kind. Song Jiang is just a bandit now. How dare he talk about his elegance?"

Song Jiang hurriedly bowed with an extremely humble attitude, and a hint of bitterness flashed in his eyes.

In this chaotic world, strength determines everything, and he is no longer the leader of Liangshan who has a place in the Yellow Turban Army and can call the wind and rain, but a desperate criminal who needs to rely on others for survival.

"Brother Song is too modest. Who doesn't know the name of the Liangshan hero among the former Yellow Turban Army?"

"It is a blessing for Wuzhou and for us to have Brother Song join us today!"

Jiang Xiaobai smiled and interrupted.

"Brother Jiang, you are so kind. Song Jiang is willing to serve Wuzhou and serve General Zhu and Mr. Jiang at all times. I will go through fire and water without hesitation!"

When Song Jiang heard this, he felt warmed in his heart, but he also became more vigilant.

He knew that behind this seemingly warm welcome lay exploitation and calculation.

But even so, he had no choice but to continue acting.

"Okay! With Brother Gongming's words, we feel relieved."

"Come, come, let's go into the city and have a banquet tonight to welcome Brother Gongming!"

Zhu Wen laughed and patted Song Jiang's shoulder affectionately, as if he was patting an old friend on the back.

The group entered the city in a mighty procession and headed straight for the largest restaurant in the city.

The restaurant was brightly lit and bustling with activity. A grand banquet had been prepared, waiting for the guests to take their seats.

During the banquet, Song Jiang was seated on Zhu Wen's right, which was the second-highest position after the main seat, showing how much Zhu Wen valued him.

However, Song Jiang did not dare to relax at all, as he knew very well that this position was not an easy one to sit in!

"Brother Song, come, I'll toast you a glass!"

Zhu Wen raised his cup and shouted, the wine in the cup swaying, just like the ambition and calculation in his eyes.

"General Zhu, I should be the one respecting you. Thank you for taking me in and giving us, a lost dog, a chance to settle down."

Song Jiang quickly stood up, raised his glass with both hands, and responded respectfully.

After saying this, he drank the liquor in the glass without frowning.

"Brother Song, you are too kind. We are all brothers in troubled times. It is only natural for us to help each other."

"From now on, the Liangshan faction will be part of the Wuzhou Yellow Turban Army. We will advance and retreat together and share the glory!"

Seeing this, Zhu Wen raised a satisfied smile. He knew that Song Jiang was showing his loyalty to him and his obedience to everyone present. Song Jiang's eyes flashed with excitement when he heard this, but he soon regained his composure.

He understood that although Zhu Wen's words sounded nice, the real test was still to come.

"General Zhu, although our Liangshan clan is in decline, we are all heroes. As long as General Zhu gives an order, we will go through fire and water without hesitation."

"I only hope that General Zhu can give us a chance to prove our worth."

Therefore, Song Jiang, who had already been at his wit's end, quickly expressed his position.

"Brother Gongming, rest assured. I, Zhu Wen, am not the kind of person who would burn bridges after crossing them. As long as you don't let Wuzhou down, we will naturally not treat you unfairly."

"Moreover, I also plan to set aside an area in Wuzhou as the camp for the Liangshan faction, so that you can have your own territory and your own troops. How do you think?"

Zhu Wen nodded, with a hint of admiration in his eyes.

In his heart, Song Jiang is a man who can bend and stretch, and is a talented person who can be used.

"Thank you General Zhu for your kindness. We will swear to be loyal to you until death and will go through fire and water for Wuzhou without hesitation!"

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When Song Jiang heard this, he was overjoyed, but he pretended to be calm on the surface and quickly stood up and saluted.

The banquet continued and the atmosphere became more and more lively.

During the banquet, Song Jiang toasted frequently, spoke sincerely, and behaved in a humble manner.

He understood that only in this way could he win Zhu Wen's trust and ensure a place for himself and the Liangshan group in this chaotic world.

Zhu Wen and Jiang Xiaobai also saw Song Jiang's humility and obedience at the banquet, and their guard was slightly reduced.

They knew that Song Jiang was no ordinary man and even had great ambitions, but so what?
Now that Song Jiang is in their hands, they can manipulate him as they please. As long as they use him properly, he will become an important chess piece in the fight against Su Ye.

After three rounds of wine and five dishes, the banquet was gradually coming to an end.

"Ding! Song Jiang's skill "Gathering Heroes" is activated!
Gathering Heroes: People's hearts are turned to him, but all their wisdom is lost. This skill is the first of the Liangshan heroes and a unique skill of Song Jiang, the timely rain.

Effect 1: Language can confuse the mind. Even the wisest man can make mistakes. Song Jiang persuades with kind words, reducing the other party's intelligence by 2 points, making it easier for him to be persuaded by Song Jiang.

Note: This effect is halved for those with higher intelligence than Song Jiang.

Effect 2: Tears from the Heart, Song Jiang's true feelings are revealed, tears fall, increasing his charm by 2 points, making the other party feel pity and more receptive to his words.

Note: This effect is activated when you are in an unfavorable environment, and the effect is doubled.

Effect 3: Survive in adversity. In adversity, Song Jiang can inspire the morale of the entire army, increase the military strength of the entire army by 1 point, and increase his own charm by an additional 2 points.

Note: This effect is automatically activated when your side is at a disadvantage.

Effect 4: Words of Gathering, when Song Jiang gives orders or suggestions to his subordinates, it will be easier for them to convince him, reducing his intelligence by 1 point, and increasing his persuasiveness, making it easier for them to accept his proposals or orders. Note: This effect is more effective for those with high loyalty.

Effect 5: Both affection and righteousness. Song Jiang uses words of affection to make the other party feel his sincerity and care, reducing the other party's intelligence by 2 points and increasing his own charm by 4 points, making the other party willing to go through fire and water for him.

Once Song Jiang's skill Gathering is activated, Zhu Wen's intelligence will be reduced by 2 points."

"General Zhu, although I, Song Jiang, am a rough man and a bandit, I know how to judge people."

"You are not only a master in martial arts, but also a capable commander of an army. You are truly a hero of our time. We, the brothers of Liangshan, are willing to follow your lead and fight against the powerful enemy together."

Under the influence of alcohol, Song Jiang began to express his admiration for Zhu Wen.

(End of this chapter)