It was when he first joined the Northern Border Great Camp that Xiao Yunlong had heard of the heroic deeds of Zhuge Nie of Sucheng.
In the last century, the Dragon Country was poor and weak, and countries around the world bullied it at will, especially the Eastern Fusang country, which even attempted to annex the Dragon Country with a "snake swallowing an elephant" ambition.
Under the dual pressures of internal and external troubles, Zhuge Nie stepped forward and spontaneously formed an anti-war alliance. With very few troops, he fought bloody battles and repeatedly repelled the invading enemy.
After the victory, Zhuge Nie, by virtue of his merits, could have entered the imperial capital, but he resolutely refused, content to stay in Sucheng to build his hometown, thus becoming the guardian of Sucheng.
Originally, Xiao Yunlong thought that this senior had passed away, but he did not expect him to be alive, which truly made him overjoyed.
Zhuge Nie was also very excited and said repeatedly, "Good, this is truly good. I originally thought, at such an age, to possess such powerful skills, what would be his origin? I didn't expect it to be..."
However, at this point, Zhuge Nie suddenly stopped. Perhaps realizing that Xiao Yunlong's identity was sensitive and not suitable for public disclosure, he changed the subject and said, "Today, I am defeated by Mr. Xiao, and I am truly convinced, truly convinced!"
Seeing this scene, the surrounding people were all stunned. Not only Jun Bufan, but also these middle-level leaders of the City Defense Department, were all dumbfounded, their faces filled with shock and confusion.
At this moment, everyone present couldn't help but wonder, "What is the origin and identity of this Xiao Yunlong?"
Of course, in this situation, they absolutely dared not interrupt, and even Jun Bufan remained silent.
As for Wu Gaozhuo, he was dumbfounded, standing there like a wooden chicken, with large beads of sweat on his face, clearly realizing that the situation was not good.
At this moment, Wu Gaozhuo wanted to run, but his legs felt as if they were filled with lead, and he couldn't move half a step. Moreover, he also knew that even if he ran now, he could not escape the consequences.
"Come, Mr. Xiao, let's go over there for some tea and sit down to talk!"
Zhuge Nie waved his hand, putting on a very low posture, showing no hesitation in his respect, even reverence.
"Senior Zhuge, please go first!"
Xiao Yunlong did not show any arrogance. Even though he was the King of Zhenbei, he respected these few remaining seniors from the bottom of his heart.
"Haha... Then let's go together!"
Zhuge Nie laughed heartily, took Xiao Yunlong's hand, and they walked side by side to the pavilion to sit down, with Liu Ruyan and Jun Bufan following closely.
Wu Gaozhuo and others were still stunned in place. Without instructions, they dared not come forward rashly.
Zhuge Nie waved his hand to dismiss the servants and personally brewed tea, then personally poured tea for Xiao Yunlong: "Here, Mr. Xiao, this is the finest Maojian tea from Sucheng after the Qingming Festival. Although it is not as precious as famous teas, it is fresh, tender, fragrant, and sweet. Please try it!"
"Thank you, senior!"
Xiao Yunlong smiled, picked up the teacup, took a sip, and then asked, "By the way, where is Director Liang Minghui? Why is he not at the City Defense Department today?"
"He went to Yancheng yesterday to handle matters. He will be back today. Since Mr. Xiao has personally arrived, I should give him a call. We cannot keep Mr. Xiao waiting for long!"
Senior Zhuge Nie said this and took out his mobile phone to make a call. Just then, the director's special car roared over.
Before the car had even stopped, Liang Minghui jumped out of the car and rushed towards the pavilion in a hurry.
Seeing Xiao Yunlong and Zhuge Nie sitting leisurely drinking tea under the pavilion, Liang Minghui breathed a sigh of relief.
"Thank heavens, it seems the two of them didn't have any conflict. I was really scared to death on the way back!" Liang Minghui sighed repeatedly.
Zhuge Nie said, "This is all thanks to Mr. Xiao showing mercy. Otherwise, this old bone of mine would have really ended up in a coffin!"
Liang Minghui cupped his hands and said, "I am truly sorry, old sir. This matter is mainly my fault. I did not handle it properly!"
After speaking, he turned his head, changed the subject, and shouted coldly, "Wu Gaozhuo, why are you still standing there? Hurry up and get over here!"
Wu Gaozhuo trembled all over and ran over hesitantly. However, before he could get close, he suddenly fell to his knees with a thud.
"I was wrong, Director, I know I was wrong!" Wu Gaozhuo shouted.
Liang Minghui did not expect this move from the other party, and he snorted, "Begging me for mercy is useless. You have offended not me, but Mr. Xiao!"
Wu Gaozhuo quickly looked at Xiao Yunlong and shouted, "I was wrong, Mr. Xiao. I was blind and ignorant, narrow-minded and foolish, arrogant and presumptuous. I should not have disobeyed Quan Mingxu's words, which led me to offend Mr. Xiao. I beg Mr. Xiao to forgive me!"
Xiao Yunlong held the teacup and drank leisurely, too lazy to even look at him.
Since he did not speak, Liang Minghui did not dare to say more. As for the other middle-level leaders of the City Defense Department, they did not even dare to let out a fart.
Wu Gaozhuo naturally did not dare to get up and remained kneeling there honestly.
In the end, Zhuge Nie could not bear it and said, "Mr. Xiao, Wu Gaozhuo offended you and even intended to cripple your hands and feet. According to the law, it would not be excessive for Mr. Xiao to execute him. However, Wu Gaozhuo has been in the City Defense Department for many years and has some merits. Today, I, an old man, dare to ask Mr. Xiao to spare his life for my sake, and dismiss him from his position. What do you think, Mr. Xiao?"
Xiao Yunlong nodded and said, "Since Senior Zhuge has already spoken, I naturally cannot refuse this favor."
Zhuge Nie looked at Liang Minghui and said, "Director, shall we do it this way?"
"Since Mr. Xiao and the old sir have both said so, I naturally have no objection!"
Liang Minghui said this and glared at Wu Gaozhuo, snorting, "What are you still standing there for? Hurry up and thank Mr. Xiao for his leniency and Senior Zhuge for interceding for you!"
Seeing that his life was saved, Wu Gaozhuo breathed a sigh of relief and repeatedly cupped his hands in thanks.
Xiao Yunlong and Zhuge Nie were too lazy to bother with him anymore.
Liang Minghui said, "Mr. Xiao and Mr. Zhuge, I have ordered people to prepare lunch. Please move to the backyard, and we can chat while eating."
"Let's go. I'm already hungry at noon!" Xiao Yunlong said and got up.
Zhuge Nie smiled slightly and also stood up, and then they walked towards the backyard.
Although the lunch was in the backyard, it was very sumptuous. After all, the King of Zhenbei had personally arrived at the City Defense Department. As the director, Liang Minghui could not be negligent. Even though Xiao Yunlong's identity was sensitive now, the proper etiquette could not be omitted.
Xiao Yunlong naturally sat in the main seat, with Zhuge Nie accompanying him on the left and Liu Ruyan on the right. The rest of the people were seated in order.
At first, the atmosphere was a bit strange. After all, Xiao Yunlong's status was too great. Both Zhuge Nie and Liang Minghui were somewhat apprehensive, not to mention so many people around.
After three rounds of drinks, the atmosphere gradually livened up. Xiao Yunlong asked, "By the way, Director Liang, is the position of the Chief of General Affairs of your City Defense Department still vacant?"
Liang Minghui was stunned for a moment, not knowing why Mr. Xiao asked this. He nodded and said, "Yes, Mr. Xiao. Since the previous Chief of General Affairs died unexpectedly, the position has been vacant, and there has been no suitable candidate for a while."
In fact, Liang Minghui knew that the previous Chief of General Affairs was killed by Mr. Xiao, but he could not say such things in person.
Xiao Yunlong smiled and said, "Since there is no suitable candidate, how about I recommend one for you?"
"Mr. Xiao recommends one? That is naturally no problem. I wonder who it is that has the honor of receiving your recommendation," Liang Minghui said.
Xiao Yunlong then turned to Jun Bufan, who was sitting on his right, and said with a smile, "I recommend Jun Bufan. In terms of martial arts cultivation, Jun Bufan is now a Grandmaster of Hua Jin, which fully meets the requirements. His ability and talent are also not bad, only his experience and seniority are insufficient, but this is not a problem. He will achieve something with a little tempering in the future."
At this time, Zhuge Nie also nodded and said, "This young fellow Jun Bufan is indeed good. His martial arts talent is excellent, his cultivation is not bad, and he is also a direct descendant of the Jun family in Sucheng."
Liang Minghui was stunned again, and a hint of envy appeared in his eyes as he looked at Jun Bufan.
He couldn't help but think that this Jun family kid was too lucky to be valued by Mr. Xiao and personally recommended, and even Senior Zhuge Nie spoke for him.
It can be said that with Mr. Xiao's recommendation and Senior Zhuge's approval, as long as Jun Bufan wanted it, the position of Chief of General Affairs would be a sure thing.
Liang Minghui suddenly thought of his son, Liang Bendao. He couldn't help but wonder if Mr. Xiao and Senior Zhuge would not have focused all their attention on Jun Bufan if Bendao were present today.
"It seems I need to get Ben Dao back as soon as possible, otherwise, if this continues, all the benefits will be taken by Jun Bufan!"
Liang Minghui thought to himself, but smiled and said, "Since Mr. Xiao and Senior Zhuge recommend and approve, I naturally have no problem."
Xiao Yunlong then turned to Jun Bufan and said, "What about you, Bufan? What do you think?"
Jun Bufan was directly stunned in his chair, clearly not expecting Mr. Xiao to make such a proposal.
Seeing him stunned, Zhuge Nie smiled and said, "Young fellow, don't be stunned. Everyone is waiting. Taking advantage of Mr. Xiao's presence, I'll add a word. Jun family kid, as long as you maintain your original intention and benefit the people of Sucheng in the future, if Liang Minghui steps down, you have great hope for the position of Director of the Sucheng City Defense Department!"
Hearing this, Liang Minghui could no longer sit still and secretly decided that he must bring his son back immediately.
As for the other middle-level leaders of the City Defense Department present, they all cast envious or even jealous glances at Jun Bufan.
Jun Bufan finally came back to his senses. He did not rush to agree, but looked at Xiao Yunlong and asked, "Brother, before making a decision, I want to ask you a question."
"Ask." Xiao Yunlong nodded, feeling very gratified.
In such an occasion, Jun Bufan could still remain clear-headed and calm, which showed that his disposition was good.
"Brother, I want to know, will you stay in Sucheng forever? If you stay in Sucheng forever, then I will be the Chief of General Affairs. If..."
"I will not stay in Sucheng forever, nor will I stay for too long," Xiao Yunlong interrupted directly.
"Then I refuse. Compared to being the Chief of General Affairs of the Sucheng City Defense Department, I would rather follow by your side, Brother." Jun Bufan said.
"Decided? No regrets?" Xiao Yunlong asked.
In fact, the reason he suddenly made such a proposal today was not only to promote Jun Bufan but also to test and gauge him.
If Jun Bufan agreed, then his future would probably be limited to this small place of Sucheng, which would also indicate that his will was not firm enough.
And if Jun Bufan continued to choose to follow Xiao Yunlong, it would mean that his future had infinite possibilities.
"Decided, no regrets!" Jun Bufan nodded.
"Good, then you will continue to follow me from now on." Xiao Yunlong smiled slightly and then raised his wine glass.
Everyone else also raised their wine glasses, and the atmosphere livened up again. However, the middle-level leaders of the City Defense Department now looked at Jun Bufan as if he were an idiot. They did not understand why this kid refused such a good opportunity.
After all, even Senior Zhuge had said earlier that if Jun Bufan accepted, he would not only be able to directly take the position of Chief of General Affairs of the City Defense Department, but he would also have a great chance of becoming the Director of the City Defense Department in the future.
Zhuge Nie's opinion was different. He glanced meaningfully at Jun Bufan and thought to himself, "This young man has great ambitions. If it were me, I would also choose to follow Mr. Xiao. It's just a pity that I am old and have no such opportunity!"