It was a busy day. Zhang Hu was known for his quick action, after learned there was such a disaster waiting to explode in Fuzhou, how could he not work even faster?
Four hundred men sent to meet with Yue Guang, while Zhang Hu coordinated his people to prepare their migration. They had buses and trucks. He even had two armored vehicles that was once used by banks. With little modification, he armed the armored vehicle with an automatic machine gun at the seat next to the driver.
Zhang Hu didn't wait until all of his people ready to move, before he sent his first batch of armed men to open the way for them.
Zhang Hu wished he had someone who knew how to work with ships, if he had then they could travel through the Minjiang River, but he didn't want to waste his time by lamented over if this or that. He put his mind on the things he had in hand and used it the best he could. Of those who are sent to Yue Guang, he mixed 4 inexperienced men in every 1 experienced battle hardened men. That way of 270 men of battle hardened men, he retained 190 of them with him.
He sent 100 of them to open the way to Nanping and set their first camp at Zhanghu town, a small but flourished town at one of Minjiang River shore. He chose Zhanghu town, since whether he who chose to go through the road or other survivors group who might choose to through the river, refugees from Fuzhou would pass that town.
Zhang Hu wanted to meet with other leaders of survivors from Fuzhou before they reached Nanping.
He gave the command of that 100 men to Bao Wang since he promised his daughter to wait for Huang Wen at Fuzhou. At the same time, he sent people to Yuan Ge village and told them to gather at Fuzhou and followed them migrating to Nanping. He would feel better if Fan Zheng was there with him, so he sent a letter to Fan Zheng and explained their current situation. But the fastest, Fan Zheng will be in Fuzhou tonight and reached Zhanghu Town the next day.
Beside even Fan Zheng acknowledged it. In term of negotiation and subduing other people, Zhang Hu was better than him but Zhang Hu gave his word to his daughter and didn't willing to break his promise.
He put everything in order and sent his people group by group. Each group will be protected by 10 men armed with guns. In total there were 30 buses and 15 trucks, along with many other small vehicles. If any group of criminals was foolish enough to try robbed them, they would find that aside from that 10 men, everyone else within the bus was at level 2 or 3 and know how to use their weapon which vary from staff, sword, long dagger and many other kind of weapon that was found after killing zombies.
Meanwhile, Zhang Hu's men and Yue Guang's family members spread around Fuzhou, based on the map that was made by Yue Guang that moved to contact other groups of survivors.
The presence of the fairies gave them credibility, some of those survivors had the third eye skills and could see them. Others might not have the skill, but at least they were had soul that strong enough to sense them. Otherwise they would be consumed by demons by now. Zombies and demons avoided them and made their task easier.
Some of the leaders, decided to visit Xichan Temple and met the Grand Elder himself.
Some other hastily went to see Zhang Hu and joined his group. Through them Zhang Hu heard unsettling rumors about the other leaders who went to see the Grand Elder at Xichan Temple.
"Master Zhang, perhaps you will think that I'm the kind who telltale about other people to be on your good side, but I sincerely tell you this. There are a group of leaders who worry of their position. They feel that you are a threat to their authority. They believe you use the Grand Elder's position to assume the position of the leader for all survivors in Fuzhou. Right now they gather at Xichan Temple, to cross check the information of oncoming disaster but I believe in truth, their main purpose is to gain support from the Grand Elder to be the main leader of Fuzhou's survivor, which at this time, many believed was given upon you.", one of the leaders who decided to join Zhang Hu told him.
Behind him several other leaders who knew the truth of this rumor also nodded their head.
Zhang Hu sighed, "... and how do you know it's not just a rumor?"
"They came to us. They want us to come with them to see the Grand Elder and support one of them to get his blessing to lead people from Fuzhou.", one of them said.
Zhang Hu looked at each one of them and said, "Let them do what they want to do. We have responsibility to those who trust us. First we need to make sure that everyone on the way safely. If you want to join my group to Nanping then give me the records of their name and such. Let's arrange for their transportation, ration and such. I hope you will be honest with me. If we want everything done properly then I'll need to know your food stock too. Better if you're willing to put it together with ours. It's okay if you choose to keep it yourself but surely I won't see it favorably if you took your share but unwilling to share and secretly hid from the other."
"In my group, the ration will be distributed to each family based on the number of the family members and their task. Those who do physical labor will earn a bit more. No one gets special treatment. Whether you're a group leader or not."
"I won't force you to join me, but if you join me then you must follow my rule. If you don't like it, then please leave."
"Okay you got it? Now, let's do the work.", said Zhang Hu.
Zhang Hu seemed calm but inside he was seething when he heard that there were people who tried to persuade other survivors to stand against him. He was spreading the news out of good will but rather than work together to save as many people as possible. Some were plotting to gain some empty position. He knew his priority though, in time of chaos, the position of a leader will be gained through real action. The one who took the initiative to give direction and purpose to other will be seen as leaders.
By putting aside those who tried to persuade the Grand Elder now, Zhang Hu earned the trust of those who came to him.
Their heart was moved because Zhang Hu put the live of his people as his priority, not his position. And as they followed Zhang Hu's instruction they saw how he put everything in order and how his people followed him loyally. Zhang Hu didn't need the Grand Elder approval, he already the leader for them.
It was such a busy day for Zhang Hu. He worked all night and slept for a few hours before the last truck that transported their supply readied to leave. Few hours later, people from Yuan Ge village arrived along with Fan Zheng.
With Fan Zheng there, he felt relieved but they didn't have much time to converse, after introduced Fan Zheng to the leaders who recently joined. They did a short briefing. Few hours later Fan Zheng left to catch up with their 100 men who opened their way to Nanping.
It was high noon when the last batch of his people left Fuzhou. He gathered a few of his men who were left in Fuzhou with him and the leaders of survivor groups who decided to join under his leadership.
"Now, how about survivors from the other group? Do you know how they're doing?", Zhang Hu asked around.
One of his men who was running back and forth from the main road route to their base to check the last of their supply trucks answered, "Some people decided to join our group without telling their leader, but most are still waiting."
Zhang Hu's face reddened, "And what their leader doing ?!"
One of those who joined Zhang Hu said, "Probably still at Xichan Temple, trying to persuade the Grand Elder."
"Say Master Zhang, was it true that the Grand Elder took you as the leader of Fuzhou?", one other leader asked.
Zhang Hu growled angrily, "Those stupid bastards...They waste a day and a half just for... Fool...."
He hesitated for a moment and then said, "Let's see them."
Zhang Hu worried more for his daughter and her friends who chose to wait for Huang Wen here in Fuzhou, at least until the last final moment. Since the base was going to be empty, Yue Guang suggested that the girls, Zhang Hu and some of his men who would wait for Huang Wen, should stay at Xichan Temple.
Now Xichan Temple became the place where other leaders trying to claim the position of Fuzhou's leader.
His other consideration was for the Grand Elder and the fairies, how ungrateful these people were. The fairies helped them without asking for anything in return and now they were pestering the Grand Elder to support their ambition. Zhang Hu had his own ambition, but he fought for it with his own strength. These men were burdening other with their ambition. They were even risking the lives of those who trust them. Their action put Zhang Hu in a foul mood.
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Mean while at Xichan Temple, there were a group of men carrying various weapon led by seven men were sitting in front of the Grand Elder and Yue Guang. Behind the Grand Elder and Yue Guang were Zhang Xuan, Chen Yao and Xia Yue.
Although they had a greater number, in front of the Grand Elder their number meant nothing. Those five men who led them could feel the pressure emanated from the Grand Elder.
They came to Xichan Temple confidently, Yue Guang as always accepted anyone politely.
"Grand Elder, will Zhang Hu came to Xichan as you said?", one of them asked.
The old man laughed and answered shortly, "We'll see... Master Feng Jin, please be patient."
"Forgive me Grand Elder but, I hasn't arranged the migration of my people out of Fuzhou. I just ask that you may bless me to lead my people in our journey to Nanping in front of these people, so they can bear witness to the other, thus reassure them on the hard journey.", said the man named Feng Jin again, apparently he was chosen to be the leader of the other six.
Grand Elder laughed once again, "I have no plan to bless anyone since I don't think it's necessary but since you insist, I began to think that perhaps it is a good idea. However, I will bless just one person, so let all of those who lead their kin during this perilous times gather before me and then I will choose one of you."
"Well then let someone call for Zhang Hu and the other leaders, less they might already on their way to Nanping and we're waiting for nothing.", one of the seven spoke.
Grand Elder just laughed. Yue Guang maintained his posture, but the smile that always appeared on his face, no longer there. It seemed even Yue Guang began to lose his patience. The leader was going to argue when Zhang Hu arrived.
"Greeting Grand Elder. Brother Yue... Master Feng... brothers", Zhang Hu walked with large stride and immediately bowed to the Grand Elder, Yue Guang and slightly nodded to the rest.
"Master Zhang, nice to meet you.", said Feng Jin.
For a while, they greeted each other, since many of those who followed Zhang Hu now, used to be the leaders of their own group. They began to know each other position when Zhang Hu's men spread the news and the survivor slowly gathered near Zhang Hu's base or near Xichan Temple.
"Master Feng and you all, may I ask why your people are still staying in Fuzhou?", Zhang Hu asked, as soon as they finished with the greeting.
Feng Jin answered, "We were thinking that we should receive the Grand Elder blessing before began our journey. We also felt grateful for what Grand Elder does for us and want to thank him in person."
Zhang Hu said, "That's really good, but then why you still here after so long? All of my people had already been on the road now, aren't you waste too much time here?"
Feng Jin shrugged his shoulder, "Well, don't ask me, ask the Grand Elder. He refused to give his blessing."
Zhang Hu glanced at the Grand Elder, who sat there with a smile on his face, saying nothing.
He turned back to Feng Jin and said, "Well, that's not an excuse. If Grand Elder didn't want to give you his blessing, then just leave the city without his blessing. I don't see how it's a big problem whether the Grand Elder blesses you or not."
"Of course you don't mind, because you already received his blessing.", said Feng Jin.
"Who said that? I never receive his blessing. He merely told me about what will happen in the next few days and advise me to leave Fuzhou as soon as possible. Since we should be as far as possible from Fuzhou when the gate opened.", Zhang Hu retorted.
"Perhaps you don't say it, but many people were saying it.", said Feng Jin.
"Now, you know from me that I'm not. So don't waste more time here. Come, let's arrange the migration of your people.", said Zhang Hu.
"How about you? Why are you still here?", asked Feng Jin.
"Few days ago, I sent my son in law to search for the families of my daughter's best friends at Nan An. I promised my daughter that I will wait for him until the last minutes.", said Zhang Hu.
He was secretly gritting his teeth. This was his personal matter, but he had to explain it to others just to satisfy their suspicion.
"What a coincidence.", said Feng Jin sarcastically.
Zhang Hu didn't say anything and just glared at him.
Since Zhang Hu said nothing Feng Jin couldn't pursue that matter further but looked for another reason instead, "Well, if you say so. Anyway, the Grand Elder finally agrees to bless one of us and merely wait until all the leaders present, so they might see who is the chosen one."
Feng Jin didn't have much confidence that the Grand Elder would choose him from the rest, but he still had some hope. Besides he had another plan in his sleeve. Quietly one of the six who followed Feng Jin, left Xichan Temple.
Grand Elder who was sitting quietly until then, lifted his head and smiled, "One wait for a blessing of one old man before lead his people. One didn't wait for any blessing but rather believed in his self and his people to brave through the perils."
"Master Feng, what do you say about this?", the Grand Elder asked.
Feng Jin frowned before answered, "A man's power are limited, to know his limitation and humbly seek the help from the better, that is one of the characters of a good leader. Isn't Liu Bei visited Zhuge Liang three times in order to gain his assistance?"
"Master Zhang, what do you say about this?", the Grand Elder asked.
Zhang Hu answered without any hint of hesitation, "I had the chance to meet and converse with Grand Elder. Through that I learned the imminent danger that threaten people who live in Fuzhou and received Grand Elder's advice to leave as far as we could, at least 100 kilometers away from Fuzhou."
"Do I dared to ask for more, when I already know that the Grand Elder had already sacrificed so much to save this city? No, I do not dare to ask for more."
"Liu Bei did visit Zhuge Liang three times in order to get his assistance, but as he waited for Zhuge Liang, did he neglect his responsibility toward his people? No, he did not."
"Did he leave his people to face danger when he went to visit Zhuge Liang? No, he did not. His people were live in a safe place and prosper."
"To know his limit. Is one of necessary traits of a leader. To struggle to do his best with all he got for his people, despite all that limitation also a necessary trait of a leader. Neglect the need of his people with his limited ability as an excuse, certainly not a good trait for a leader.", Zhang Hu spoke clearly.
Feng Jin's face turned pale, he opened his mouth to retort but could not. All who followed him hung their head in shame. While those who chose to follow Zhang Hu were looking at Zhang Hu with pride, this was their leader.
Grand Elder laughed and nodded his head, "Well, I made my decision."
He took a deep breath and then slowly blew to his hand, a silvery thread came out of his mouth, slowly gathered on his opened palm, forming a ball that by every breath became more and more condensed. Slowly it congealed and solidified into a small white pearl.
Yue Guang was solemn when he took that small white pearl from the Grand Elder. He held it carefully in his hand and brought it to Zhang Hu.
"Brother Zhang, this is part of my father's soul essence. He imparted a copy of his knowledge and some of his power into this pearl. This is his blessing for you, may his knowledge and his power assist you in your journey.", said Yue Guang solemnly.
Everyone stood dumbfounded. It was beyond their expectation, especially Zhang Hu who already received much and wanted nothing from the fairies.
"How... how could I accept this?", Zhang Hu tried to return the pearl to the Grand Elder.
"Master Zhang... Please accept it, in a certain way, it was my selfish desire that even when I died here in Fuzhou. Part of me will live in you. It is not without risk, to consume it, but I believe you have what it take.", said the Grand Elder.
Yue Guang pushed the pearl into Zhang Hu's hand, "Brother, once given, how could it be returned without offending the giver? Now takes it and consumes it. It is a gift and a request."
Feng Jin clenched his jaw and watched the pearl with greed and envy, the Grand Elder didn't plan to impart his knowledge to anyone, even if he did, most likely it will be given to his son, Yue Guang. Yet through his insistence, the Grand Elder decided to give it to one of Fuzhou's leaders. He wanted to shout and command his men to forcefully took it but who dared to act irresponsibly in front of the fairies? He could only watch with envy as Zhang Hu solemnly took the pearl and put it into his mouth.