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Chapter Forty-Four: The Banquet

  After bidding farewell to the old Taoist, Xu Haifeng unexpectedly met Fang Lingde outside the Taoist temple. To his surprise, Fang seemed to be waiting for him on purpose, and he couldnt help but feel grateful. This time, Fangs attitude was even more affectionate than before. When he heard that Fang Zhen, the master of the Fang family, would host a banquet in the mansion to welcome him back, inviting all officials to attend, he felt honored and surprised.

  If Fang Ling Tian deliberately invited all officials to welcome him back, it would be an announcement to everyone that the Fang family would fully support the Black Flag Army from now on. The fate of the Fang family and the Black Flag Army would be tied together from then on. Fang Ling Tian was willing to make such a big bet, obviously because he saw how much importance the old Taoist priest attached to Xu Haifeng. Unexpectedly, this old Taoist priest had such a heavy weight in Fang Ling Tians heart, and Xu Haifeng was even more curious about the old Taoist priests identity.

  Back at the inn, Xu Haifengs first task was to summon Jiang Kongming and recount all that had happened in a day. Jiang Kongming heard that Xu Haifeng could learn a strange skill and was very envious, saying that he must learn it no matter what. However, after half a day of instruction by Xu Haifeng, there was not the slightest effect, and he had to give up reluctantly. He asked several questions, including the old Taoists appearance, Fang Liantians attitude, and his title, etc., and finally said: "Congratulations, Master."

  Xu Haifeng strangely asked: "What are you congratulating me for?"

  Jiang Gongming smiled and said: "Does Milord know the name of that immortal?"

  "If I knew, would I still need to ask you?" Xu Haifeng glared at him, it seemed that Jiang Kongming already understood, but he just didnt want to say it out loud, although this temper was not to Xu Haifengs taste, but it couldnt be changed.

  Jiang Kongming stretched out three fingers and shook them, saying: "Has the lord forgotten the three great masters of our Great Han?"

  "Three Great Masters?" Xu Haifeng was shocked in his heart, these three people were famous throughout the world, how could he not know. After a moments thought, he suddenly understood what he meant, and for a time he was overjoyed, asking in a trembling voice: "Are you saying that this old Taoist is the leader of the Three Great Masters, the Taiyi True Man?"

  "Besides Taiyi Zhenren, who else can make Fang Lingtian show respect to his juniors? Congratulations to our master for having such a deep and profound fortune." Jiang Gongming congratulated.

  The three great masters of the world are the Taoist ancestor Taizhen, the elder of the Cheng family who controls the southern vein of the four major families, Cheng Xuanfeng, and the master of the Demon Sect, Li Yanbo. Among them, Taizhen became famous the earliest, is the oldest, has already reached the age of 110, was listed as a master forty years ago, known as the number one high hand in the Han Dynasty, for decades, no one dared to challenge him again. At the same time, Taizhen was born into a noble family, his disciples are all over the Han Dynasty, both in and out of court, he is a super capable person who can summon the wind and rain.

  "This time, Master, you dont have to hide your clumsiness anymore. You can bring Lin Changkong, Qin Yong, Zhe Bie and Miss Lin with you to the banquet."

  "Isnt a military advisor supposed to keep a low profile and be humble, why am I suddenly being asked to show off like this?"

  "Your Excellency first entered the capital, with no internal support, and could only be cautious and seek to preserve peace. But now that Lord Fang is fully supporting Your Excellency, he must also push you to the forefront. Such a great opportunity, of course, requires full effort, and it is essential to achieve a stunning success." Jiang Gongming explained.

  Xu Haifeng suddenly asked, "If so, why not bring Andrew brothers along? Their kung fu is even better than Lin Changkongs. Besides, must Lin Wanjuan go?"

  Jiang Kongming slowly waved the feather fan in his hand, putting on a confident air: "In all things, its always best to leave one move in reserve. Qin Yong and the others were summoned by His Majesty, and their names are already known throughout the land - everyone knows about them, and they cant hide even if they want to. But the Andrew brothers are unknown to anyone, making them perfect for use as a secret weapon. As for Miss Lin, only her stunning beauty can make everyone remember our master - thats what you call the star effect. Do you understand?"

  Xu Haifeng nodded as if he understood, and Jiang Kongming let out a long sigh: "In the future when I have time, I will discuss with you, sir, about how to package stars. At that time, you may be able to understand what the student means. In addition, from today on, you need to practice a skill."

  Xu Haifeng asked in surprise: "Skills? Are you going to teach me?"

  Jiang Kungming is far superior to ordinary people in terms of physical strength, but he doesnt know even half a bit of martial arts, what can he teach him?

  "Its true, what Im going to teach you is the worlds number one extraordinary skill, called... acting." Jiang Kongming said with confidence.

  Three days later, Xu Haifeng led Lin Changkong, Qin Yong, Zhebie, Jiang Kongming and Lin Wanxian to Fangfu for a banquet.

  This banquet was specially set up for Xu Haifeng to wash the dust, so he can also be considered half a host. The invitation letter sent out by Fangs family specifically mentioned that Xu Haifeng and Fangs eldest son and grandson, Fangxiang Ming, were eight-bai friends. According to the rules, they arrived early at Fangs mansion, where they were greeted by Fang Lingde.

  Anyone who sees Lin Wanxian for the first time will feel a strong shock, and even Fang Lingde is infatuated with her infinite charm revealed in her every move. Fortunately, this old man has seen countless beauties after all, and is not a young whippersnapper, so he quickly comes to his senses and chats with Xu Haifeng and others, only with a slightly different gaze when looking at Lin Wanxian.

  Before long, guests arrived one after another. Fang Lingde led two nephews to welcome the guests outside, while Xu Haifeng waited in the inner hall.

  The Fang familys hall was large enough to accommodate hundreds of people dining at the same time, and today it had been set up with 100 tables. In the middle was a wide passageway, with all the tables and chairs neatly arranged along both sides of the passageway. Each table was a long, rectangular surface that could seat four people at most. Xu Haifengs seat was in the third room on the right-hand side, with two seats in front and behind him. Under Jiang Kongmings arrangement, Lin Wanting and Qin Yong sat with Xu Haifeng at the first table, while he, Zhebie, and Lin Changkong sat at the back table.

  The time of arrival for the guests is directly proportional to their social status, and the more prestigious they are, the later they arrive. Although there are not a few people in the hall, most of them are low-ranking officials, among whom military generals occupy an absolute majority, which is indeed worthy of being a military family that rose to power through martial arts.

  After a while, the number of people increased, and there were not a few female guests. However, everyones gaze was involuntarily drifting towards one place, Lin Wanxian sat quietly in her seat, without any special movements, but naturally became the focus of the entire scene.

  Sitting next to Lin Wanxian, Xu Haifeng also became the focus of everyones attention. However, Xu Haifeng was no longer the new recruit he once was, having experienced two life-and-death battles, met the emperor, and stayed in an imperial palace (although not that of the Great Han). Xu Haifeng had already developed a strong general aura about him. Most importantly, he had been diligently practicing the special skills taught by Jiang Kongming - acting skills. Therefore, at this moment, he was chatting calmly with Lin Wanxian and Qin Yong, seemingly oblivious to the surrounding gossip.

  At this time, a commotion arose from outside the door, and many people got up. One glance was enough to know that some big shot had arrived. Sure enough, a hearty laugh came, followed by a familiar figure appearing at the door - it was none other than Gu Dao Yuan, the commander-in-chief of the Western Fronts Great Camp. Behind him, Fang Lingde personally escorted him into the great hall.

  The ancient path is majestic and dignified, and among the many guests, he is also a figure who can be counted as one of the top. He smiled all over his face, and with a fist in hand, he returned the courtesy to those who paid their respects to him, just looking at this performance, it can be said that he is a humble gentleman. Facing his former superior, Xu Haifengs heart was filled with unknown emotions. It was this great marshal who promoted him to become the leader of the Black Flag Army, giving him the opportunity to rise above others, but it was also this great marshal who spoke in front of the emperor and blocked his path to promotion. However, at this moment, he did not dare to be slow, and quickly stood up, leading his subordinates to welcome him.

  The old mans eyes narrowed slightly as he scanned the crowd, and his gaze quickly landed on Qin Yong, who stood out like a crane among chickens. Then, he spotted Lin Wanxian, whose beauty was renowned throughout the land. Even someone as composed as him couldnt help but be momentarily stunned by her presence. It wasnt until Xu Haifeng greeted him with a bow that he snapped back to attention.

  "General Xu had just arrived in the capital, and he was not yet accustomed to it." Although Xu Haifeng was only a small general, Gu Dao didnt dare to underestimate him. Since the Fang family had made it clear that they would support Xu Haifeng, his promotion and ennoblement were only a matter of time, and his rapid rise to power was imminent.

  "All will be well in the end, thank you for your concern, sir." Xǔ Hǎifēng replied respectfully.

  The two had just exchanged a few pleasantries when another commotion broke out outside the door. They both looked out at the same time, their eyes converging on one of the women without prior agreement.

  What a stunning beauty she is, with only a glimpse of her enchanting smile and the perfectly flawless face, a pair of slightly trembling big eyes flashing a fatal temptation. The young men and women around her are all momentarily outstanding, if they appeared in an ordinary setting, they would certainly be the center of attention. However, at this moment, surrounding her, they were overshadowed by her extraordinary beauty, and no longer attracted attention. Such a person, more delicate than flowers, can only be compared to Lin Wanxian.

  "Yinghao, Yingjie, come here, Id like to introduce you to a young and talented individual." Gu Daoxu suddenly beckoned with his hand.

  Two young men with similar faces among them responded and walked over. In fact, Xu Haifeng and his party were also outstanding, they had seen Lin Wanxian as soon as they entered, if not for the woman beside him, they would have come over to ask earlier.

  "General Xu, these two are my nephews, Cheng Yinghao and Cheng Yingjie. This is General Xu Haitian, the commander of the Black Flag Army who defeated Linan and shook the world, you are about the same age, get along well in the future."

  Xu Haifeng listened and found out that it was Cheng Yinghao, the deputy commander of the Canglang Army, who had been recommended by Minister Min. He took a closer look and saw that Cheng Yinghao was not very old, only about the same age as Fang Xuanming, but he was already the deputy commander of the Canglang Army. Although he had his family as a backing, he must be exceptionally outstanding himself, otherwise he wouldnt have been able to reach such a high position at this age. As for his younger brother Cheng Yingjie, he was a pale and weak scholar who stared at Lin Yuexin without any reserve, his eyes revealing naked desire. He didnt even bother to pay attention to Xu Haifeng in front of him, treating him with disdain.

  Xu Haifeng was extremely dissatisfied in his heart, but he remained calm and collected. He suddenly noticed that Lin Wanxians body was trembling slightly, and when he turned to look at her, he saw that her attempts to appear calm couldnt conceal the sorrow, anger, and shame in her eyes. Others thought she was just angry at Cheng Yingjies rudeness, but Xu Haifeng knew things were not that simple. With Lin Wanxians temperament and experience, how could she be intimidated by a mere scoundrel like him? Hadnt she seen enough of such rascals before?

  Cheng Yinghao discovered his brothers unseemly behavior, hastily stepped forward, blocked his line of sight, and cupped his hands: "General Xus great name has long been heard, until today I finally met you, only to regret that during the Linan meeting battle, this general was busy with official duties and could not fight shoulder-to-shoulder with General Xu, it is truly a lifelong regret."

  "Im not worthy, a great talent is truly a genius in the military, at such a young age to be promoted to deputy commander of the Wolf Army, its no wonder youre the first among our Han Dynastys younger generation." Xǔ Hǎifēng also flattered with a smile.

  "You dont have to flatter anymore, you are all the pillars of the great Han Dynastys future, lets take our seats early."

  Everyone looked up and saw that it was the current Minister of War, Fang Lian Tian, the master of the Fang family.

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