Ge Hao's wine cup froze just beside his lips, and with over 40 years of experience drifting in the vast ocean of people, he could see that Xu Haifeng's courteous treatment was for a specific purpose.

  Although he didn't know why Xu Haifeng attached so much importance to him just because of a brief encounter, the demeanor and temperament he showed indeed moved his heart.

  Xu Haifeng is what kind of person, he does not understand, but for his various legends, has long been familiar with, those few famous generals under his command, are also like thunder piercing the ear.

  If he could climb up this big tree, from then on, it would be a smooth and easy path to success. For Ge Haojian, who had always been depressed and unable to achieve his ambitions, this was an irresistible temptation.

  Reputation, this is what a person's reputation is all about.

  If it were several years ago when Xu Haifeng had just entered the military camp and said this, he would probably only end up humiliating himself. But now, not to mention that Ge Haojian has already been moved, even if he had other plans, he wouldn't dare to reject him directly to his face.

  At this time, Xu Haifeng was far from his identity and status. Even if he were to be killed in front of him, no one would seek justice for him, and most likely they would even add insult to injury by fabricating reasons why he deserved to die.

  Ge Haojian's face revealed a strange smile, half surprise and half worry, perhaps even he himself couldn't distinguish his own thoughts.

  Xu Haifeng smiled slightly, for he was familiar with this mindset as he had gone through it step by step himself.

  From the direction of the sound of the folding bell, it started from the intersection below. After that, he went through Gu Dao Yan, Han Xian Emperor, Fang Ling Tian, Tai Yi Zhen Ren, Li Yuan Bo, and even Modu, Tuhe Di and other superiors or friendly, or exclusion, or calculation meetings, there is today's new generation of masters Xu Haifeng. If it weren't for them, Xu Haifeng would still be just a small figure buried in the endless sea of people.

  Ge Haojian drained the wine in his cup and suddenly asked in a low voice, "I have one thing that I don't understand, please enlighten me, General."

  "You said." Xu Haifeng knew his heart was already gone, and he drank the wine in his cup with satisfaction.

  Although the owner of the inn had brought out a fine wine that he had been storing for many years, compared to the Drunken Moon Wine, it was nothing. Xu Haifeng merely took a small sip and then put it down, no longer drinking.

  In recent years, he has become accustomed to a life of luxury, although he never deliberately pursued it, but the people around him have already prepared everything for him, and he just got used to it.

  "I'd like to ask, what makes the great general value you so much?" Ge Haojian said, his eyes fixed intently on Xu Haifeng, as if trying to discern something from that face which was not handsome but full of vigor.

  Xu Haifeng unexpectedly nodded, thought seriously for a moment, and suddenly burst out laughing. He shook his head, laughing: "I don't know, maybe it's just intuition, but I've always believed it very much."

  Ge Hao let out a long sigh, and this was the only explanation he had. Since his meeting with Xu Haifeng, they had only exchanged a few words, how could that have left a deep impression on him, or even led to a close relationship?

  Actually, Xu Haifeng vaguely knew that this had a great deal to do with his own spiritual power.

  Spiritual power is a boundless and mysterious energy that no one can fully grasp or utilize, even those who are revered as masters by the world have only touched upon a tiny bit of its surface, and no one dares to claim they have grasped its secrets.

  Just like Taizhen True Man, Li Yanbo and Tuo Heti when they first met Xu Haifeng, they all had a faint feeling that this was someone who would achieve great things in the future.

  Xu Haifeng attaches such importance to Ge Haojian's sword precisely because of that faint, inexplicable feeling in his heart, which cannot be clearly explained by any reasoning.

  Looking at Ge Haojian's expression, Xu Haifeng already knew his answer. He lightly waved his hand and said: "Brother Ge, my current days are not easy to pass either. The Romans in the Western Regions are watching us with tiger-like eyes, and our strength is quite different. You should consider it carefully."

  Ge Hao's thick eyebrows stretched out as he said, "Even if it's risky, it's better than here. We can only take one step at a time."

  Xu Haifeng nodded slightly, he saw very clearly that the capital had been breached and chaos was about to ensue. This place being close to the capital would be the first to bear the brunt. As for Wulong City, although it also faced threats from the Khitan people, that was a matter for later.

  Both of them were straightforward men. Since they had already understood each other's thoughts, they didn't beat around the bush and directly discussed specific matters.

  Ge Haojian had lived in this small town for over a decade, with a group of capable men under his command. He hoped that Xu Haifeng could accept them as well as their relatives and family members at the same time.

  This condition is reasonable, and Xu Haifeng naturally agreed with his mouth full of words.

  The two of them chatted for a long time, and Xu Haifeng became increasingly surprised. This person's conversation was extraordinary, and his words subtly revealed his dissatisfaction with the imperial court. He clearly had a fiery heart that refused to be subdued, yet he had been able to live quietly in this small town for over ten years without being noticed.

  Xu Haifeng was also straightforward and asked directly.

  Ge Haojian lowered his head in contemplation, clearly hesitant and undecided. Xu Haifeng played with the wine cup in his hand, not urging him on. After a while, he let out a sigh and said: "The general is unaware that when I was young, I also wandered outside, for fifteen years, traveling north and south, my footprints covering our great Han Empire, and finally came to a conclusion that chilled me to the bone."

  Xu Haifeng put down his cup and looked at him with great interest, asking: "Please go on, Brother Ge."

  Ge Hao Xuan cleared his throat, which was somewhat dry, and said: "My Great Han Empire, with its vast territory and large population, can be called a great nation. However, those who can grasp the fate of this great nation are only a handful of high-ranking officials and aristocrats. For ordinary people to stand out, it is extremely difficult, almost impossible."

  Xu Haifeng raised the wine jug and filled the cup in front of him with wine, saying: "From Brother Ge's tone, it seems that he has some prejudice against aristocratic families."

  Ge Hao nodded heavily and his eyes glanced slightly at the wall next door, apparently considering Gu Xiang's presence and not daring to speak freely.

  Xu Haifeng shook his head and smiled, "It doesn't matter, big brother is currently in a meditative state. Unless you approach him within three feet, even if you shout yourself hoarse, he won't hear you."

  Looking at Xu Haifeng in surprise, Ge Haojian still chose to believe him and said: "The sons of aristocratic families are mostly spoiled and have no skills. They have no talent or virtue, but they hold high positions. They bully the common people, but officials protect each other. They are a group of parasites that are constantly eroding the foundation of the great Han Dynasty. If this continues, the country will perish."

  Xu Haifeng gazed at him with a faint expression, unable to discern his thoughts.

  Ge Haojian gritted his teeth and suddenly spoke out: "I was originally a Jiangnan native, but twelve years ago, I accidentally killed someone and had to flee my hometown. I didn't expect that it would be over ten years before I could return."

  "Have you ever regretted?" Xǔ Hǎi asked softly.

  Ge Haojian's face immediately turned ferocious, he gritted his teeth and said fiercely: "Forever unrepentant."

  His words were as sharp as a knife, and the bone-piercing hatred in them made people feel chilled to the bone.

  Under Xu Haifeng's indication, he explained his origin briefly.

  Actually, the story is simple. Ge Hao Xian was born into an ordinary merchant family with a fairly substantial foundation. Although he was the eldest son, he was not a business genius and far less talented than his younger brother. So, he left behind a letter and ran away from home. At that time, he was still young, carrying a heroic ambition to make a name for himself in the world, he embarked on a long journey.

  After wandering abroad for ten years, he finally realized that the world is full of hardships. He had a mind to achieve something, but unfortunately, no one recommended or appreciated him, and he encountered obstacles everywhere.

  However, when he returned home, what awaited him was a shocking piece of bad news.

  He has no home now, his house is in ruins and empty.

  Ten years without returning home, his appearance had greatly changed, and no one could recognize him. And the ten years of wandering had also taught him to be patient and calm.

  He quietly found an inn to settle down, and then went around to investigate secretly. He finally knew the reason behind it. His younger brother had married a wife two years ago, and the couple got along harmoniously, enjoying each other's company.

  However, the heavens have unpredictable winds and clouds. A local noble's son had his eyes on his brother's wife's beauty and intended to take advantage of her. His brother naturally did not comply. The spoiled young master was enraged and humiliated, so he colluded with the local officials, framed their family with a crime, and put them all in jail.

  Heavenly calamity befell him, his parents and younger brother died one after another in prison, while his sister-in-law went missing, as if she had vanished into thin air.

  He found out about this and was furious beyond control.

  Years of wandering life made him aware that there was no possibility of overturning the case. If he went to the government office to file a complaint, the only consequence would be to lose his life.

  He then temporarily resided in Jiangnan, hiding for several months, and finally seized the opportunity to successfully assassinate that young master. Afterwards, he shaved off his beard and traveled thousands of miles to come here, settling down.

  At the beginning, he was poor and destitute, with no food or clothing. It wasn't until later that his situation gradually improved, and through a series of fortunate events, he met a nobleman who recommended him to join the constabulary to conceal his identity. Unexpectedly, in this line of work, his talents were fully utilized. After several years, he was promoted to captain. Afterwards, he deliberately kept a low profile and lived a peaceful life for over ten years, until today when he met Xu Haifeng and finally spoke out.

  Listening to him, Xu Haifeng finally understood why his attitude towards Fang's family was far from being as warm as when he came to visit himself. It turned out that he hated all the wealthy and influential families.

  Xu Haifeng nodded secretly, since he had such experience, this person was indeed worthy of great use.

  PS: Yesterday our home network was cut off, and even the new chapter was sent by a green frog on behalf of me, let alone the old chapters. I will try to send the old chapters as soon as possible.

  In addition, a book recommended by friends that I found to be quite good is "Fantasy World Adventure", Book ID: 104230, Link: .asp?bl_id=104230