Starting with Zaozi Ge, a dream lineup

Chapter 337 The Elderly Version of the Galactic Battleship Takes Off!
"Get the hell out of here! You're the one who's merged yet, sit down."

With a laugh and a playful scolding, there was absolutely no distance between the three of them.

Not only is Flandre a familiar face to Uzi, but he also has a good relationship with Clearlove. As one of the few top-tier domestic top laners in the Chinese League of Legends server, Edg once competed with Flandre.

Unfortunately, even in S7 and S8, Edg's style still focused on sacrificing the top laner and prioritizing the mid, bot, and jungle rhythm, which is why Flandre didn't agree to join Edg.

"Have you considered joining Edg?" Li Luo asked bluntly.

Flandre is now a free agent, and his contract is even more lenient than Iboy's. If Flandre is willing, he can go directly to EDG to sign a contract the next day.

"You? No, you guys?"

Flandre scratched the back of her head and was somewhat bewildered when she realized that both of them were looking at her with ill intent.

"Is this forming a senior citizens' team? No way? Uzi, you've joined Edg too? Is RNG willing to let you go?"

Seeing Flandre's bewildered expression, the two of them laughed at the same time and started chatting.

Rng base.

Although the holiday wasn't over yet, a few people were scattered around the training room. Some had just finished playing ranked games and were relaxing, while others were lying on chairs scrolling through their phones while waiting in line.

Suddenly, Xiaoming let out a strange cry:
"Holy crap, this EDG solo queue king in Korea has a 22-game winning streak! He even got matched with Uzi in the last game. This record is terrifying, guys."

"Is it confirmed that it's Edg? I saw people speculating yesterday that he was just duo-queuing with Scout."

"Whether it is or not, when I was matched with him yesterday, his style was exactly like the old Edg team. My game was over, and he didn't come to help me in the top lane even once."

Honest Wolf suddenly interjected, plunging the training room into silence.

The reason RNG lost the S9 game was because Langx couldn't shoulder the responsibility of the top lane and couldn't effectively share the damage output and team pressure, which led to the team's early elimination. Now that this matter has been brought up again, it has made everyone feel awkward.

"By the way, where's Tiger? Why didn't Li Yuanhao come down today?" Betty, sitting in the back, broke the silence.

But to his surprise, no one dared to respond to that question either.

Xiaohu's poor performance in S9 was obvious to all. Putting aside the 5500 gold Kayle, his 2200 gold Ryze is a topic that RNG team dares not mention now. Whenever someone mentions 2200 gold, whether it is directed at Xiaohu or not, everyone else in the team is worried and afraid that Xiaohu will go crazy.

However, at the same time, General Tiger's own physical condition was also very bad. Severe tinnitus was accompanied by intermittent mental confusion, which was a devastating blow to a competitive gamer.

"Tiger is probably too tired these days. Let him rest well. If he's not in good shape by then, bring Cryin up to play for him."

Manager Xu Xiao walked in from the training room, followed by a handsome young man.

"Let me introduce you all. This is our new jungler, XLB, who is also YM's jungler. He's a fellow disciple of the two-time FMVP, Bruce Lee. Please give him a warm welcome."

Shy Xiaolongbao peeked out from behind Xu Xiao and greeted everyone apologetically.

Sparse applause suddenly rang out in the training room.

"Where's the puppy? I haven't seen the puppy today." After assigning Xiaolongbao's position, Xu Xiao looked around the training room in surprise but couldn't find Zaozi Ge.

"He's resting; he's probably out with his girlfriend today."

Xiao Ming replied without even looking up, seemingly having a problem with Xu Xiao.

Since Quan left RNG after serving as manager for four years during the S9 season, RNG poached Xu Xiao from Flash Wolves with a hefty sum. However, Xu Xiao did a lot of outrageous things as soon as he arrived, which made everyone resent him.

First, they rejected RNG's request to strengthen their roster for the S9 Summer Split and refused to find a substitute for Xiaohu, perfectly implementing the policy that no one could be replaced except for Xiaohu. This resulted in Xiaohu's extremely poor performance at the World Championship, and the team couldn't find a replacement, leading to their elimination in the Round of 16.

Then, they secretly promised Karsa that they would strengthen the roster after the season ended, but then secretly contacted PDD and bought Xiaolongbao. When Karsa proposed to leave, they went even further and signed an overpriced contract with Top Esports, showing no intention of parting amicably at all.

Even after signing a ten million yuan letter of intent with Ah Shui, they offered a series of outrageous contracts, forcibly compelling Ah Shui to transfer to Top Esports.

Instead of actively seeking to strengthen their top and mid lanes during this transfer window, they loaned Guozi to Es at the end of the transfer window, leaving Tiger General without a substitute for the entire Spring Split.

Even before all the bizarre actions have happened yet, the disgusting businessman's lack of esports spirit alone is enough to make anyone still at RNG feel nauseous.

It's no secret within the RNG club that Uzi (Zaozi) was considering retirement the day after the S9 World Championship.

There are even rumors circulating outside, such as making way for newcomers or taking a six-month break before playing again.

In RNG's tactical planning, almost all tactics are designed around Uzi. So, without considering changes to the team's tactics, if you want to find a perfect successor, then JackeyLove is definitely the one.

"If he comes back, have him come see me. I need to talk to him about something."

Xu Xiao's expression remained unchanged, and he didn't think much about whether Brother Zaozi had gone out to rest or not. In any case, to a businessman like him, Brother Zaozi was just a commodity in his hands. Since he had no value now, he would squeeze as much as he could.

Meanwhile, at the Sky One Color Cafe on the other side, the three of them also finalized the transfer arrangements.

Upon learning that Champion7 was Clearlove and that Uzi was also joining EDG, Flandre almost instinctively agreed to this powerful alliance.

After all, what could be more comfortable than being teammates with your idol?

"Then it's settled. Abu has already contacted RNG today. If your RNG manager, Xu Xiao, asks about it when you get back, remember not to reveal anything."

Before leaving, Li Luo continued to give her instructions, still worried.

In EdgG's series of shrewd moves during the transfer period, Uzi was an indispensable part. As long as Uzi handled things well, Flandre could leave Li-Ning the very next day to join EdgG and start training and preparing for the game.

If the current EDG roster can be sold, then a decisive restructuring should be undertaken. If they can't be sold, then they can be used as substitutes to strengthen EDG's bench.

"Don't worry, I know Xu Xiao well. As long as the benefits are enough, he'd do anything for me, even sell me out."

Saint Gunner on the other side nodded, clearly having a very bad impression of Xu Xiao.

After agreeing on the details and leaving the coffee shop, Li Luo was still overjoyed as he looked at the gray sky outside.

In just one day, the team's ADC and top laner were finalized, and the candidates are among the top players in the LPL. Now, Li Luo is even looking forward to seeing the expressions of other teams who will be shocked when the new season is officially announced.

While there was still time, Li Luo strolled around for a while and had lunch. Then, he slowly drove his car back to the Edg base. It was already getting late.

As soon as Li Luo entered the base, he saw Abu sitting anxiously on the sofa, flipping through reports in his hands. "Hey, Mingkai, you're finally back. How did the talks go?"

"Everything is OK"

Li Luo made a reassuring gesture to Abu, indicating that they should go to the other side to talk. After all, the people at the base were still there, and it wouldn't be good if word got out if there were too many people around.

However, Abu simply waved his hand, indicating that he didn't care, and pushed the contract in front of him towards him.

Slightly puzzled, Li Luo picked it up and took a look, and was immediately amazed by Abu's efficiency.

In just one day, Abu and Xu Xiao's side drafted a loan agreement for one year at a friendly price of 2000 million.

Although everyone knows that Brother Zaozi's strength is not what it used to be, his popularity and hype are still there. Even if you buy him at this price to create a wave of public opinion, you won't lose much.

“RNG released him directly, but the 2000 million is just the stated price. They want us to sign a three-party transaction agreement. If we agree to this agreement, we can sign the contract tomorrow, and Jian Zihao can report to Edg this afternoon.”

"Three parties?"

Seeing Li Luo's questioning expression, Abu pulled out another contract from the pile of contracts on the other side.

“RNG is currently lacking not only an ADC, but also a reliable top laner. Langx probably won't be playing for much longer, so RNG wants to trade for our SwordArt for 400 million RMB. This is the first requirement in the three-way agreement.”

"Currently, only three clubs are vying for JackeyLove: RNG, Suning, and Top Esports. JackeyLove's side wants to go to RNG or Suning, so Top Esports lost its right to compete in the first round. But now, if RNG wants to get JackeyLove, they must get Suning to drop the competition."

"So the second condition for trading Jian Zihao is that Xiao Zhao transfers to Suning to fill Suning's Ad team vacancy. As for the price, it will be based on the market rate, 1300 million is a reasonable amount."

"In this way, in the competition between Suning and RNG, they would be willing to voluntarily withdraw their bids, withdraw from the competition for JackeyLove, and give him to RNG."

"Then RNG got JackeyLove, and with our SwordArt, they formed a triangle attack with the newly acquired jungler Xiaolongbao. They could even go back to their old strategy and use JackeyLove as a 'four-protect-one' carry."

Abu is extremely professional and explained the complex tripartite agreement in just a few words.

The three parties in the agreement are Edg, Rng, and Suning.

Edg needs to trade their SwordArt player to RNG, and at the same time give iboy to Suning.

RNG, on the other hand, spent money to buy JackeyLove and SwordArt to strengthen their lineup.

On the other hand, Suning's situation is much simpler. They only need to give up competing for Ah Shui to directly acquire the ownership of iboy.

Overall, all three parties benefit. Of course, in the eyes of RNG and Suning, Edg is a sucker who was just trying to gain popularity. In order to compete for Uzi, who is now almost half-crippled, they directly dismantled and messed up their own lineup, giving up the competition for the S10 World Championship qualification.

"As for strengthening the top lane, Flandre, as you mentioned, is indeed feasible. However, once Jian Zihao joins, Scout's style becomes a bit thin. We need to strengthen the mid lane, so based on RNG's existing lineup, I proposed bringing in Cryin from their second team as Scout's substitute, with an offer of 200 million."

"Cryin?"

Upon hearing the name "Brother Guozi," Li Luo pondered for a moment.

Guozige's strength this season is not at its peak, but after being loaned to ES, he has indeed shown great maturity and skillful play. Apart from occasional lapses, he can be considered a top-tier domestic mid-laner.

The difference between a top-tier mid laner and an elite mid laner is significant. If they were to acquire Guoguo to increase the depth of EDG's mid lane roster, it would be better not to buy him at all, since Scout can do the same things as Guoguo.

"Wait, aren't there any decent mid-laners on the market? Even if their form has dipped, as long as they're experienced enough to stabilize the situation..."

As Li Luo carefully recalled the mid-laners who had initiated transfers this season, a name suddenly appeared in his mind.

Xi Ye!

After S9, Xiye and his brother-in-law both left, leaving WE as an empty shell.

At this point, Xiye should be close to being a free agent, even if he isn't one yet, and DMO, who are competing for Xiye, probably haven't made an offer yet. Edg could easily snatch him up during this period.

"Can we buy Xiye? If we buy Xiye, we won't need to strengthen our roster at all this season?"

Upon hearing Li Luo's words, Abu was taken aback for a moment, but he did not hesitate. He quickly opened his phone, found the current manager of We, and called him.

The news of We's two core players leaving hasn't been released yet, meaning that the public doesn't know that Xiye and Mystic are leaving. If EDG can communicate with them in advance, they have a good chance of gaining an advantage.

Seeing that Abu had entered the negotiation stage, Li Luo, who was idle on the side, also contacted Xi Ye himself.

As veterans from the original generation, we all have a good relationship, so we can be straightforward and speak frankly about some things.

However, before Li Luo could even start discussing the transfer with Xi Ye, Abu had already finished the negotiations. Just by looking at the undisguised joy on his face, Li Luo knew that the matter was settled.

"We actually let him go! Xiye offered 2500 million, which isn't expensive. It's even cheaper than some of the top new-generation mid laners on the market. We've struck gold!"

Even though Abu wasn't overjoyed when he bought Zaozi Ge, he showed a long-lost smile after buying Xiye.

Compared to Zaozi, Xiye's performance is very stable. As a veteran, he has enough experience in major competitions and can rotate with Scout to play tactics. Even if he goes to the World Championship, there is no need to worry about Xiye's mentality not being stable enough when he needs to be rotated.

This is a candidate ten times better than Guozige, and also the most suitable candidate for Edg's current situation.

With this, EdgS10's roster has been finalized.

Top lane: Flandre, Xiaoxiang

Jungler: Clearlove, Jiejie
Mid laner: Scout, Xiye

Adc: Uzi, hope
Support: Meiko

If you only look at one lineup, this roster is practically an All-Star team; you can't find a single flaw in any position.

"Huh? Why are you looking at me like that? Is there a problem?"

Seeing Abu's admiring look at the treasure, Li Luo got goosebumps.

"It seems that putting you in the coaching position was the right thing to do. Your coaching skills have recovered since then, and your mind is sharper too."

Abu smiled broadly, seemingly forgetting his resentment when he tried to persuade Mingkai to give up the stage and move behind the scenes.

(End of this chapter)