Wu Zhengfeng stood in the crowd, feeling as if a thousand alpacas were stampeding through her mind.
She took a deep breath and told herself:
[It's not that I can't understand the World Rogues' research achievements—some of their findings are actually indispensable for creating new martial arts. It's not that I can't accept that the World Rogue community is like wild grass: burn it, and it grows back stronger; only by infiltrating their ranks can you truly root them out. It's not that I can't tolerate being a young maiden surrounded by over a hundred World Rogues, desperately resisting the urge to wipe them all out in one go, staying silent.]
[On the road of revolution, you were supposed to bear humiliation and hardship, and I was supposed to support you quietly—wasn't that the plan?]
[But the problem is—how come I don't see you "enduring" anything at all? You look like you're having the time of your life!]
Looking ahead, Jill Young was already leading everyone in a rousing chorus of the group anthem, "World Rogues Have Got the Power": "We~~ World Rogues have~~ the power, hey, we World Rogues have the power. Every night and every day, we~~ work hard, hey, every night and every day we work hard..." Good thing Maggie Monroe wasn't raised as a model youth under the red flag, or she would've coughed up blood at this childhood-ruining anthem.
"Rogues, listen up. Why are rogues always on the fringes of society, the lowest of the low, hated by everyone? Because first, we have no organization; second, we have no rules; third, we don't know how to unite! Just look—today we're holding a big meeting, and the old guy at the door can't even do identity checks properly. One smooth talk and he's out of commission. What does this show? It shows we're totally scattered!" As a complete joiner, Jill Young spoke with such righteous conviction that Wu Zhengfeng was stunned. "So, starting today, we're going to change all that!"
Jill slapped the brick wall, using it as a makeshift blackboard and launched into teacher mode: "Communication, cooperation, and breakthrough—these are the three themes of the First World Rogue Congress!"
[Weren't we supposed to be here to catch rogues? How did you end up giving them a motivational seminar?!]
Under the leadership of Jade Hawk Johnson, the congress proceeded in an orderly and efficient manner.
First agenda of the congress: Communication.
Speaking of communication, the World Rogues have a natural advantage. Think about the passionate scenes in college dorms when someone asks for movie files, or the boastful moments at work over drinks, bragging about size and stamina. Men's obsession with certain things can be beyond women's imagination.
Normally, these stories can't be bragged about—mention them around upright gentlemen and you'll be chased for miles. But now, with a bunch of like-minded folks together, it's like a no-censorship, no-police meme group—pure freedom. Once the bragging starts, these hundred-plus World Rogues just can't stop.
The content of communication is everywhere and endlessly varied.
Starting with the most basic personal experiences and insights, the conversation flows without end.
Moving on to advanced professional knowledge and industry standards, the discussion continues endlessly.
Next topic: On seduction... blah blah blah...
Next topic: On running away... blah blah blah...
Next topic: On contraception... blah blah blah...
Next topic: On escaping... blah blah blah...
Next topic: On enhancing personal capabilities and creating the perfect experience... blah blah blah...
If you've ever seen a reservoir spillway in action, that's what it's like with over a hundred World Rogues gathered—like a floodgate opening, everything spraying out nonstop. To Wu Zhengfeng, this endless stream of unspeakable words felt like a torrent of filth—shocking and incredibly foul.
Of course, the Enchantment Faction and the Force Faction always show their differences during these conversations. For example, those in the Enchantment Faction don't worry about running away (since they're not forcibly abducted), but do care about escaping (because women can cling to them). They're experts at seduction, so that's not a concern, but contraception is a big deal—they hate trouble. An'erle, ever the show-off, waves his paper fan, saying he never lacks women, only worries about getting rid of them—before moving on to the next.
In this era, such men are considered adulterers and deserve to be punished. But in modern society, they're not rare—never intending to marry, always dating around, they're the so-called "players." If you're a player or aspire to be one, you might as well time-travel here and join this heated World Rogue Congress.
The Force Faction is the opposite: their principle is "grab and go, then run," never caring about contraception. Some even claim that if a woman resists, they beat her, and if she won't give up, it's fine to kill her. Such remarks were fiercely opposed and condemned by An'erle and the Enchantment Faction.
This type would be beaten to death on the spot even today. Wu Zhengfeng immediately caught Jill Young's signal—a glance was all it took to understand: remember who they are, and deal with them later.
That look calmed Maggie Monroe's nerves, reminding her that someone hadn't forgotten their true identity—someone still had restraint... or did they? Why was she starting to doubt again?
"Ahahaha!" Watching Jill Young blend in and have a blast among the World Rogues, Wu Zhengfeng's eyebrows twitched. Her cross-dressing skills were so detailed, it was shocking. That knowing grin—only fellow World Rogues would recognize it. Even an Oscar-winning actress couldn't fake it; it's the ultimate proof of being a man!
Maggie Monroe wondered: If she didn't know Jill Young's real identity, or hadn't bathed with her at Heavenly Pool, she'd definitely think Jill Young was a man! (Narrator: Maggie, you're closer to the truth than you think.)
Maggie Monroe couldn't help but imagine: If they ever founded a nation and made history, how would the chronicles read? "In such-and-such year, the founding empress mingled with World Rogues, spending wonderful times with over a hundred master thieves." If that got written into history, it'd be a stain that would never be erased! No way, no one can ever know about this!
At the very least, no one can know I'm Wu Zhengfeng, the Child Elder of Tianshan, or that she's the Peach Blossom Thief with No Equal. Whew... Wearing a mask and changing clothes before leaving was definitely the right move.
Looking at the crowd spewing filth, Wu Zhengfeng decided not to get close. Secret voice transmission isn't safe in a crowd, so she left squeezing through to the underlings. "Simone, go talk to her, tell her to calm down, don't go too wild. Simone—huh? Simone?"
She turned around and found the spot beside her empty. Looking again, Lady Simone had already blended into the crowd, excitedly discussing and quickly gathering admirers. Her popularity soared.
"These two—!" The little loli gritted her teeth in frustration as Jill Young clapped her hands, moving the congress to the next phase: "Sure enough, more people means more power. As everyone shares, we all gain something. Today's communication experiences will be compiled into a handbook for everyone. Now, onto the second item—cooperation!"
Cooperation, under the great guidance of Chairman Jade Hawk Johnson, quickly took shape.
Now, with the country in turmoil, society unstable, Mongols invading from the south, the Southern Song barely holding on, and people displaced, the strong party every night—though that "nightly partying" sounds tempting, the rest doesn't concern us World Rogues. Jade Hawk Johnson says: with public order so bad, there must be plenty of World Rogues out there, not just the hundred-plus here. As members of the World Rogue Congress, our job is to learn from the past and innovate.
Today, we set the organization's rules and aim to recruit all World Rogues as members, so we can grow as an independent force!
First, let's name the organization.
After proposals from Chairman Jade Hawk Johnson and votes from all present, names like '***', 'Hundred Flowers Pavilion', and 'Plucking Flowers House' were rejected as too tacky. The organization was named the 'World Rogue United Front.' At that moment, a strong sense of unity surged, as if the theme song of 'The Times Are Calling' played in the background.
Next, establish the organization's rules.
No rules, no order. With Chairman Jade Hawk Johnson's supreme instructions, the delegates discussed and announced seven disciplines, five doctrines, two representatives, four safeguards, seven abilities and seven inabilities, nine honors and nine shames, and other assorted codes. Once these rules were set, the World Rogue United Front truly stepped onto the stage of history as a force to be reckoned with.
Next up: honorary titles.
Jade Hawk Johnson, the Hand of God, pointed out that without titles, there's no motivation. To inspire the United Front members to work hard and sacrifice, four grand honorary titles were created: East Lust, West Yellow, South Rogue, and North Debauch. Plus, a special contribution award: the 'Little **' title.
Delegate Hu Shubao remarked: These directional titles are awfully similar to the Five Absolutes of the martial world. Won't they come knocking to crash our party?
Chairman Jade Hawk Johnson replied: Who cares? The four directions aren't their monopoly. We'll use our names, and if they think it's a clash, they can change theirs. Besides, if we didn't clash, would they really not come to stir trouble? Just do our thing and let them fuss.
Delegate An'erle said: Whatever Hu Shubao says, I'm definitely against it. Since I'm against Hu Shubao, that means I support Jade Hawk Johnson!
So, the matter of honorary titles was settled. Also, Chairman Jade Hawk Johnson declared: 'Why should only nobles have titles? As the boldest crowd under heaven, our United Front will stamp out bureaucracy. These honorary titles will be reviewed annually and rotated quickly. So, work hard, kid, and you too could be a winner!'
This rule was met with unanimous approval from the delegates and immediately became a congress resolution.
Chairman Jade Hawk Johnson added: Above all these honorary titles, there's the highest honor, awarded every five years. Only those who make the greatest contribution to the United Front, gain the most popularity, and achieve the highest success can earn it. The title is—'Rogue Winner!' Every Rogue Winner will be recorded and go down in history. So, kids, chase your dreams, recruit new members, and grow the organization!
"Awooo—!"