Xiao Yifei wasn't entirely sure of the old Daoist's intentions, whether he wanted to harness all the effects of the secret techniques or truly desired to serve the country—all of that was unimportant. What mattered was that he was the first to stand up, proving that his intentions were correct.
"I am also willing to contribute." The second person to step forward was a monk. Xiao Yifei remembered this person from his trip to the Western Regions; the monk claimed they shared a Buddhist destiny and wanted to accompany him on his journey. Xiao Yifei was puzzled by this, since he had intended to seek him out, but unexpectedly, the monk came to him first.
"I'll go too," said a burly man carrying a knife.
"Me too," another plain-looking person stepped out.
...
