The crowd surrounded Elder Chen's exclusive vehicle as it arrived, instantly flocking towards it.
Sun Yu quickly stopped the car, and Xu Hao and Chen Suyi got out as well.
An elderly man, obviously the focal point of the group, walked briskly over, taking two steps at a time, and took Xu Hao's hand warmly, saying, "Xu Xiao You, we meet again!"
Xu Hao was startled for a moment, realizing this gentleman was the very elder he had massaged just a few nights ago!
Seeing Xu Hao's momentary surprise, the elder chuckled, "I knew Xu Xiao You would look . Thank you for massaging me that night; otherwise, I might have ended up lying in a hospital bed these past few days, and I wouldn't be here to welcome you."
Chen Suyi whispered to Xu Hao, "Xu Da Liu|Hooligan, this is Grandpa Wu that I told you about. He is the chief commander here, the man with the most power, and he is also that old friend my grandpa mentioned."
Within the crowd, a young man's expression turned hostile upon seeing how close Xu Hao and Chen Suyi were walking together. Xu Hao was well aware that this resolute-faced youth was most likely Fang Yongnian.
Xu Hao greeted with a smile, "Old Master Wu, you're too polite. You've worked so hard for the country; it's only right for me to do what I did."
"Hahaha! Come on in, let's not stand outside. Let's go in and talk."
Old Master Wu, exuding warmth, took Xu Hao by the arm and led them inside.
After recapping the situation for Xu Hao and receiving his affirmative response, he said, "I'm pleased you're willing to help us, but I can't just let you help for nothing. After discussing with these old fellows, we've decided to bestow upon you the military rank of Major. If you manage to defeat the opponent this time, we will promote you to Colonel!"
The rank of Major, though not commanding troops, was already quite high compared to most military personnel.
But in regard to Xu Hao's strength, it still seemed a tad low.
A Grandmaster Level Expert, once enlisted, serving the country and defending the homeland, would certainly not have a rank lower than that of a Colonel.
But they had no idea that Xu Hao was already at Grandmaster Level, and Xu Hao, to avoid drawing attention, would usually not use the Qi Energy Projection, a capability peculiar to Grandmaster Martial Artists.
Therefore, Xu Hao replied with a smile, "The rank doesn't matter to me. I'm here to defeat that expert from Fusang and to show him the might of Huaya Kung Fu."
Old Master Wu applauded the sentiment, then either intentionally or not, he arranged for the youth who was hostile towards Xu Hao to take care of his lodging.
To make matters even more speechless for Xu Hao, Old Master Wu arranged for him to stay in an independent villa and did not provide accommodation for Chen Suyi. Consequently, the young man's hostility towards Xu Hao became even more apparent.
As they walked out of the command room, the young man introduced himself, "Xu Hao, right? Didn't anyone mention me to you when you arrived? You dare to get so close to Chen Suyi, aren't you afraid I'll beat you up? In the past, Le Wanqing didn't heed my advice and called her Little Sister Suyi, and I broke his legs."
Of course, Xu Hao knew who he was, but he pretended otherwise, looking off into the distance with an air of indifference and said, "Who are you? Famous? Do I have to know you?"
Seeing the sparks flying between the two upon their first meeting, Chen Suyi recalled what Jiang Xuezhun had told her during their phone call the night before, and instead of trying to mediate, she provocatively said, "Fang Yongnian, there's no point in you two fighting here. If you're going to fight, do it on the ring, so everyone can see who's more formidable. Whoever proves to be stronger, I'll treat a bit better."
Xu Hao turned to Chen Suyi with a look of astonishment. Are you possessed by Jiang Xuezhun?
This chapter's true source is My Virtual Library Empire (*).
Fang Yongnian perked up at Chen Suyi's words. She had always been lukewarm towards him before. If he could use this opportunity to impress her with his strength, that would be quite satisfying.
He knew Xu Hao was strong; otherwise, Grandpa Wu wouldn't have specifically asked Elder Chen to invite him over to face the Fusang expert. However, Fang Yongnian felt confident in his own ability and believed he could utterly defeat his opponent in a fight. It was just that he was a bit older, which precluded him from joining the fray.
So he looked at Xu Hao challengeingly, tilting his head with a sense of superiority and said, "Kid, dare to enter the ring and have a bout with me? Don't worry, given your youth, I won't make you cry."
Xu Hao initially did not want to fight him; what courage did a man of Great Perfection Mastery Level have to challenge him at Grandmaster Level?
But considering it was his first time here, if he didn't show some of his capabilities, these people wouldn't willingly accept him—after all, he had received such a high military rank, something many could not achieve in a lifetime.
Xu Hao still gazed into the distance, recalling the funny childhood stories Jiang Xuezhun had told him about Fang Yongnian, and replied with a faint smile, "Brother Fang, fighting is unpredictable, and if I were to hurt you and you went crying back to complain, I wouldn't want to fight. After all, I can't match your family background."