Since he was going to join the organization, Yue Dingtang couldn't afford to appear too aloof.

He put down his guard, showed enthusiasm, and toasted with Leader Ying, chatting more and more amiably.

From the current situation of the Azure Dragon Society to the impact of the world situation on the Azure Dragon Society, Leader Ying was also full of emotion.

"To be honest, I never thought about becoming a leader. I just wanted to run a small business and make some money. But during those turbulent times, heroes emerged. One year, while I was collecting debts by the Yellow River, I saw the devastation of the famine and the corpses scattered everywhere. Suddenly, in the middle of the night, I had a dream of an azure dragon. The dragon told me that it was the king of the Yellow River and couldn't bear to see people suffer. It saw that I had a unique destiny and decided to pass on its magical powers to me, so that I could help the world. That's why over the years, the Azure Dragon Society has taken in many poor people, providing them with food and clothing. In reality, it all comes from the vow I made to the Azure Dragon King."

The leader sighed and spoke with great emotion. If he were an ordinary wealthy merchant, he might have doubted these words. But his audience was Professor Yue Dingtang, who simply smiled and didn't comment.

Realizing that the other person was not interested in this conversation, Leader Ying decided to change his approach.

"Whether it's a dream or not, some things come from the heart. For those of you who believe in democracy and science, it may seem elusive. But the purpose of the Azure Dragon Society is simple: to help anyone in need. The world is chaotic, and so are people's hearts, but the Azure Dragon Society can restore order. This world needs order, and so do people's hearts. The Azure Dragon Society is here to establish that order," he said, leaning forward as if to engage in a deep conversation.

"Brother Yue, I know you are a scholar and come from a distinguished family. You don't have time for petty things. Since the Azure Dragon Society has decided to embark on a great mission, it naturally has the appropriate scale. To be honest, I have a good relationship with Chairman Wang, and we are close friends. When he comes to Shanghai, he stays at my house. The gambling houses and warehouses under the name of the Azure Dragon Society also have shares owned by Chairman Wang."

Seeing that the other party was indeed interested, the leader of the society smiled and continued, "If we have talented people like you joining us, our territory will definitely expand and grow stronger day by day. One day, the Azure Dragon Society will spread throughout China. Not only that, but we will also swallow up the overseas forces and become the number one gang of Chinese people. At that time, Brother Yue, you will undoubtedly be the chief strategist and financial advisor."

"Brother Ying, are you talking about the Chairman Wang who was in Wuhan before?" Yue Dingtang asked curiously.

"Of course it's him. Besides him, who else could be called Chairman Wang?"

"Chairman Wang actually does business with our association? I thought he was only working with Lu Tongcang. I didn't expect Brother Ying to have such a close relationship with him. I heard that he has strong backing from the Japanese behind him, and his power is very strong."

Leader Ying gave a mysterious smile and said, "Since you already know, I'll tell you a little more. Lu Tongcang has offended too many people over the years, so it's no surprise that this is his fate. I just took advantage of the situation and pushed him to the forefront, so others will focus on him and not pay attention to the Azure Dragon Society.

"Chairman Wang is a noble person and it's not appropriate for him to deal with us rough people openly. But you're one of us, so it's okay for you to know. Besides, haven't there been many people suffering in recent years? When the Manchus entered the country, many people shouted for the restoration of the Ming dynasty, but later we still had the Kangxi and Qianlong eras. In my opinion, whether it's the Japanese or the British, as long as they can make our lives better, it doesn't matter who rules the country."

Yue Dingtang pondered for a moment and said, "Big Brother Ying, you do make some sense. To be honest, even at our school, there are often debates about whether we should learn from Japan or Germany. Some even share your view that if we can't manage ourselves properly and everything is in chaos, it might be better to let outsiders take over. Who knows, they might bring us a better world."

Leader Ying gave the table a light tap and exclaimed, "You're absolutely right, little brother! I knew I didn't misjudge you. You're not like those narrow-minded scholars who always insist on 'birds of a feather flock together.' Let me tell you, among those who are currently sitting in Nanjing, ruling their own territories, how many of them truly care about the people? They treat them like cattle and sheep! As for me, I come from a humble background and was fortunate enough to be favored by the Azure Dragon King, who bestowed upon me divine powers. That's why the Azure Dragon Society will never forget its roots."

The two men clinked their glasses and downed their drinks in one go. After three rounds of drinking, they had become quite friendly with each other.

Leader Ying waved his hand, signaling for his subordinates to stand back. Of course, they were still within arm's reach in the room.

He pulled his chair closer to Yue Dingtang.

"My friend, to be honest with you, I am in dire need of someone like you under my command. I have plenty of thugs, but not enough who are willing to use their brains. If you are willing to join me, I don't know how happy I would be. If I wasn't afraid of scaring you, I would want to become sworn brothers with you!"

Speaking of sworn brothers, Yue Dingtang said, "Brother Ying, to be honest, I came here to find Miss Yang. I have two friends with me who are also in trouble. Can you please be kind enough to release them?"

Leader Ying was surprised and asked, "Miss Yang? Who is Miss Yang? I have never heard of her."

Yue Dingtang said, "Her name is Yang Chunhe, just an ordinary female student who was accidentally caught. Her parents and I are old acquaintances, so I ask for your help, Brother Ying."

Leader Ying laughed, "Of course, your business is my business. Don't worry about Miss Yang, even your two friends, I'll have someone find them and make sure they're sent over unharmed!"

Yue Dingtang raised his cup and bowed, "Thank you in advance, Brother Ying. Cheers!"

Leader Ying smiled, "No problem."

Yue Dingtang continued, "There's something I'm quite curious about. I heard that under the Way of the Celestial Masters, there are four major altars: the Azure Dragon, White Tiger, Vermilion Bird, and Black Tortoise. Brother Ying, is your Azure Dragon Society related to the Way of the Celestial Masters?"

Leader Ying chuckled, "Of course there is a connection between us, but it's not that big of a deal. It's a long story, and I'll tell you slowly later. I've calculated that tomorrow at the hour of the dragon, it's the auspicious time that only occurs once every hundred years. Your initiation ceremony will be arranged at that time. What do you think, my friend?"

Yue Dingtang was puzzled, "Initiation ceremony? Haven't I already joined?"

Leader Ying laughed, "Although I consider you one of us, to be honest, you haven't officially joined yet. We have a ceremony for joining, just like when you start school and have a ceremony for enrollment. Only after participating in the ceremony can you truly be considered a member. But our ceremony is a bit mysterious, so if you encounter any strange phenomena, don't be too surprised!"

Yue Dingtang became interested and asked, "So, does that mean I can meet the venerable Azure Dragon King?"

Leader Ying lowered his voice and said mysteriously, "The Azure Dragon King is very noble and rarely appears in person. However, I have connections with the Azure Dragon King's subordinates, and I can show you a thing or two."

Yue Dingtang asked, "Now?"

Leader Ying replied, "Now."

Yue Dingtang asked, "Here?"

Leader Ying nodded, "Here."

Yue Dingtang then asked, "Should we send them away first?"

"No need, my friend. When you come here, you must learn not to worry about them. They serve you under the command of the Azure Dragon King, and it is their honor. Without the Azure Dragon Mountain Villa, they would have starved to death long ago. Therefore, they offer their body and soul, and are absolutely loyal to the villa."

As he spoke, Ling Shu discreetly glanced at the guards behind Leader Ying, and noticed that they remained completely still.

Even the angle of their hanging arms was identical to when he first entered the room. At first glance, they could easily be mistaken for statues. It was difficult for a normal person to achieve such a level of stillness, even with professional training.

But these guards were originally beggars who had come to seek refuge.

What kind of harsh training could make them reach this level of control?

Ling Shu quickly thought of hypnosis.

Just like how he had almost been controlled himself, the weaker one's willpower, the easier it was to be influenced.

Once the mind was completely controlled, the body's control was no longer in one's own hands.

Were these two guards in the same situation?

Lost in thought, Ling Shu caught a glimpse of Leader Ying blowing into the ear of Yue Dingtang.

Ling Shu: ???