Courtyard House: I Have Countless Bodyguards

This report was undoubtedly a shot in the arm, signifying that they had a stable, hidden, and increasingly powerful logistics base and arsenal.

After listening, Liu Jianguo smiled with satisfaction and nodded.

"Very good, Emily, you did a great job."

The stability and expansion of our small world, the improvement of our production system, and especially the enhancement of our self-sufficiency in raw materials, are our most important foundation and source of confidence.

With this, we feel less anxious.

He offered a word of approval, but then abruptly changed the subject, his gaze sweeping over the crowd again, his tone becoming steady and sharp as he continued:

"However, as everyone just reported, the predicament we are facing now is often not because the guns are not tough enough or the bullets are not plentiful enough."

Zhou Weiguo is constrained by international scrutiny and a larger strategic game.

Wen Qiang was constrained by Hong Kong's political environment and identity limitations.

Jianming hit the glass ceiling of the colonial system.

Li Bing and his team, on the other hand, need to patiently climb the ladder within the domestic rules.

What we lack is not the ability to produce weapons, but the platform and legitimacy to use weapons safely and realize our power, and the opportunity to break through our respective bottlenecks and integrate our scattered forces into a powerful force.

Emily's achievements are our guarantee for overcoming the difficulties, but how to achieve that breakthrough requires new ideas and a new framework.

He took a deep breath, as if he had made up his mind, and his voice echoed clearly in the conference room.

"Therefore, I have decided to adopt the previous advice."

We need a common banner, a name to be used in the outside world.

From this moment forward, we will formally establish an open alliance.

He specifically emphasized the word "open".

"This alliance aims to unite and help each other, share resources, and jointly address challenges."

The initial members are the forces directly represented by each and every one of you present here.

Zhou Weiguo's armed forces in Laos and Vietnam, Xu Wenqiang's emerging forces in Hong Kong, Qi Jiguang's Chinese community in Japan, Liu Jianming's internal network within the Hong Kong Police Force, and Emily's small-world technology and logistical support system.

He looked at Li Bing, his gaze carrying a clear consideration, and said:

"Li Bing, you and your domestic forces are in a special situation. For the time being, you will not directly join the alliance, nor will you publicly establish any connection with it."

You must continue to remain hidden beneath the rules, developing quietly, as our deepest roots.

The alliance is like "branches and leaves," a public platform for mutual support and coping with external pressures.

You are the 'roots,' and you must remain absolutely hidden and 'innocent.' Understand?"

Li Bing immediately stood up and solemnly replied:

"Yes, my lord!"

clear!

Domestic forces will remain silent and will not have any overt contact with the alliance.

"it is good."

Liu Jianguo nodded and continued:

"Since we're going to raise a flag, we need a catchy and appropriate name."

Let's all think about what name we should come up with?

It needs to have some boldness, but not be too flamboyant or eye-catching.

It should convey the idea of ​​cooperation without appearing too aggressive.

Upon hearing this, everyone began to think.

Zhou Weiguo pondered for a moment and said:

"What about 'Four Seas Gathering'? It means that our people come from all corners of the world and aspire to go far and wide."

Xu Wenqiang thought for a moment and suggested a name with a more international feel:

"How about 'The Bridge'? It symbolizes connecting things and communicating with all parties."

Liu Jianming suggested:

"The name 'Zhouxing Society' is derived from the phrase 'Zhouxing er bu dai' in the Book of Changes, signifying our continuous operation and development."

Emily also whispered a suggestion:

"It's called the 'United Technology and Development Association'? Sounds very professional..."

Qi Jiguang scratched his head:

"How about we call it 'Tongxintang'? Brothers united in heart, their strength can break metal!"

Everyone chimed in with their suggestions.

Liu Jianguo listened carefully, remaining noncommittal.

His eyes flickered slightly when someone mentioned "Eight Directions Alliance" or "Eight Directions Coalition".

"The Eight Directions Alliance..."

He repeated it in a low voice, his fingers tapping lightly on the table.

"Eight directions" refers to the geographical directions, implying that our members and influence may come from all places, and also implies the keenness of "seeing in all directions and hearing from all sides".

The term "alliance" clarifies its nature, making it neutral—neither too江湖 (jianghu, meaning a world of martial arts and chivalry) nor too official—allowing for flexibility and adaptability.

Guests from all directions are welcome to be friends and join the alliance... This is excellent.

The more he thought about it, the more apt it seemed. He raised his head and looked firmly at the crowd:

"No need to discuss it further. Our alliance will be called the Eight Directions Alliance."

The slogan could be: "Guests from all directions are all allies of ours."

This expresses both an open and cooperative attitude and implicitly conveys a broad-minded and inclusive spirit.

He looked around and, seeing no one objecting, made his decision:

"Okay, the name is settled."

The Eight Directions Alliance is officially established from this moment forward.

After you return, immediately announce to the public, in your own public or semi-public capacity or in the name of your faction, that you have joined the "Eight Directions Alliance".

No need for too much explanation, just state your identity and your intention to join.

Let's raise this flag first!

He paused, then emphasized,

"Pay attention to the approach; make it appear as if they are separate, independent forces."

They spontaneously unite because of shared interests or ideals, rather than displaying a high degree of unified command from the outset.

"Meeting adjourned!"

The meeting ended, a faint light flickered, and everyone disappeared one by one, returning to their respective worlds.

Immediately following, a meticulously planned yet seemingly "coincidental" announcement stirred up waves in several different places almost simultaneously.

Hong Kong, this well-informed metropolis, reacted most quickly and decisively.

Apart from a few long-established triads such as 14K, Sun Yee On, and Wo Shing Wo, which have deep historical roots and strong backing and are self-assured about their status, remaining inactive,

Almost all the newly emerging small and medium-sized gangs in recent years, or those secretly controlled and influenced by Xu Wenqiang, had their leaders publicly declare on the same day, through different channels and in their own ways, that they were "leading their members to join the 'Eight Directions Alliance'" and were willing to "share weal and woe and help each other for mutual benefit" with the brother gangs in the alliance.

The news spread like wildfire throughout Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and the New Territories.

The fact that so many triads, especially some that have recently gained momentum and have considerable territory, simultaneously announced their joining a little-known "Eight Directions Alliance" immediately drew a strong response from the Hong Kong police.

The police force was shaken, and departments such as the Anti-Triad Unit and the Organized Crime and Triad Bureau immediately went on high alert. Various investigation and surveillance orders were quickly issued, as if a large-scale crackdown on triads was about to be launched.

However, this swift and decisive momentum was quickly suppressed by the intervention of some mysterious force, as if it had hit an invisible soft wall.

Large-scale raids did not occur. Instead, the entire Hong Kong police force raised its alert level and increased patrols, adopting a posture of surveillance and deterrence that was outwardly relaxed but inwardly tense.

Anyone with a discerning eye can see that there are higher-level considerations or forces at play behind this.

The most shaken were none other than the major figures of Hong Kong's traditional triad society.