Chapter 257: Mutual Admiration Between Geniuses

I shouldn't have come today.

This kid's got it all figured out.

Li Rui muttered to himself.

At that moment, Jiang Lin's gaze burned into Li Rui: "Brother Li, I feel we're the same kind of person."

"."

Li Rui fell silent again.

First, I'm not like you—you were invincible at five, but at fifty I was still being chased by Zhang ErGou next door.

Second, what I've done along the way is kill those who must be killed and handle what must be handled—this is fundamentally different from acting on whim.

Of course, he didn't voice these words.

But upon reflection.

He realized Jiang Lin's earlier words weren't boasts—they were all facts that had already happened!

Protagen template?

Li Rui sucked in a sharp breath.

Jiang Lin looked melancholy: "Ever since I awakened as a child, I knew I was different from others—and that made me unfit for this world."

"."

Li Rui's heart stirred slightly.

This was one thing they had in common.

Indeed.

Ever since he got his cheat at seventy, he knew he was nothing like others.

It'd be absurd if he were.

Jiang Lin collected his thoughts and let out a light laugh: "Don't take it personally, Brother Li—I'm just venting."

At that moment,

Jiang Yan entered carrying a huanghuali wood tray, upon which sat a bottle of wine and two porcelain cups.

A soft gurgling sound of pouring liquid arose.

The aroma of wine filled the air.

Jiang Lin raised a cup: "Brother Li, let's drink this cup together."

Jiang Yan blinked her large eyes.

Since her mother passed, she'd only ever seen Jiang Lin drink alone—rarely had he shared a drink with anyone.

Li Rui lifted his cup, and his expression subtly changed.

It wasn't because the wine was good—it was because a line of small text had appeared on his panel.

【Congratulations, Host! You've completed the initial storyline: Mutual Admiration Between Geniuses.】

【To gain fame and glory, forging bonds with the world's heroes is essential. Congratulations—you've shared wine and mutual respect with one of the world's greatest talents.】

【Task completed: Mutual Admiration Between Geniuses of the World. Reward calculation in progress.】

【Task rating: S.】

【Obtained 50 Achievement Points!】

【Name: Li Rui】

【Age: 10】

【Talents: Martial Bone, Extraordinary Comprehension, Insightful Eyes, Great Dream Immortal Wanderer, Monster-Slaying Advantage】

【Cultivation Techniques: Evergreen Technique, Nine Heavens Dragon Glide, Dragon-Elephant True Qi Force】

【Achievements: 70/100】

Li Rui's pupils contracted slightly.

S-rank!

He'd earned S-rank evaluations only a handful of times—yet simply sharing a cup of wine with Jiang Lin had granted him a full fifty Achievement Points.

It came too easily; he felt almost unaccustomed.

At this moment,

He relaxed.

The system doesn't lie—Jiang Lin truly saw him as a kindred spirit.

At that moment, more text appeared.

【Detected: Host completed all initial Fame-Gaining storylines at age ten. Outstanding performance. Next reward will be enhanced. Please hasten to complete Achievements to unlock rewards!】

Double blessings?

Li Rui never imagined the final Fame-Gaining storyline would be befriending Jiang Lin.

"Brother Li?"

Jiang Lin called out, noticing Li Rui hadn't raised his cup.

Li Rui grinned: "Let's drink this cup."

The night breeze blew gently; Li Rui's steps were unsteady.

"Senior Li, let me escort you back."

Jiang Yan, standing at the door, asked with concern.

"No need. The night wind is strong—Miss Jiang, return inside. I'll manage on my own."

Li Rui waved his hand.

He reeked of alcohol.

He couldn't recall how many cups he'd drunk with Jiang Lin tonight—he rarely got drunk, but tonight he'd truly overdone it; Jiang Lin kept calling him "Brother," and holding back now would be inappropriate.

Besides, Jiang Lin had erased all traces of his killing Zhu Renhe—just that alone was worth two extra cups.

Wine had its perks—he'd called Jiang Lin "Little Brother" several times too.

Just for those few "Little Brothers," it was worth every drop.

Li Rui rubbed his temples.

His formidable willpower still kept him barely lucid.

Jiang Lin's wine was truly intoxicating.

Moments later,

He returned home, washed his face thoroughly, hung his clothes neatly by the bed, then curled up and slept.

When his consciousness revived,

He was already inside his dream—no trace of drunkenness remained.

Great Dream Immortal Wanderer had unlocked a new function—sobering up.

"Train."

"Brother Li, these brats have noses like hounds—how many from the Anning Guard have come to Wu Country in just a few days?"

Tan Hu watched the young noblemen departing daily from the Anning Guard toward Wu Country.

He'd already been bitter about being barred from the battlefield.

Now seeing all these men rushing to earn military merit, his irritation only deepened.

Li Rui smiled faintly: "Hu Zi, we can't antagonize these men—we must go out of our way to help them."

"Why?"

Tan Hu immediately sulked.

Li Rui patiently explained: "These men come from powerful families, and they have no conflict with us. Every one of them will become a high official someday. Why would we make trouble for them?"

"."

Tan Hu fell silent—he understood Li Rui's meaning perfectly.

As Li Rui said, this was the perfect chance to build connections.

Even if we can't befriend them, we absolutely must not make enemies.

"Yes, I'll follow your lead, Brother."

Hearing Tan Hu's agreement, Li Rui nodded with a smile.

"That's the spirit."

Tan Hu was getting smarter by the day.

The Anning Guard and Yunzhou Guard had both been stationed in Wu Country for over half a month—everything that needed to be done had been done, and the war had entered a lull. Now, the great clans began to stir.

These noble youths joining the Anning Guard didn't even need much military merit—they only wanted the reputation of having fought on the battlefield.

Back in the capital, it would greatly aid their promotions.

"By the way, Hu Zi, come with me—I need to meet someone."

"Who?"

"An acquaintance."

Night fell; lanterns glowed. Women's laughter tinkled, and fragrant scents drifted through the air.

"Director Duan, are you sure you don't need one?"

"No, I've truly quit."

"Then keep Chunyu to play the qin—everyone else, leave."

Li Rui waved his hand, and the fluttering courtesans who'd been closing in scattered instantly.

Beside him, Tan Hu blinked his copper-bell eyes.

"Little Master Duan has truly changed."

The acquaintance Li Rui mentioned today was none other than the former Anning Guard Garrison Commander, Duan Yu—Little Master Duan.

The change is immense.

In the past, Little Master Duan chased wine and women without ever refusing; now he actually says no. What is called a prodigal son returning? This very man is the perfect example.

Yet compared to all this, Li Rui still preferred the Duan Yu of Qinghe.

"Little Master Duan, it's been a long time. Your bearing is just as it was back then."

Li Rui said with a cheerful smile.

Duan Yu smiled faintly: "Master Li, you still stand strong—this humble one deeply admires you."

As he spoke, he kept studying Li Rui closely.

When he left the Anning Guard, Li Rui was still a Platoon Leader; he never imagined that upon returning, Li Rui would become his colleague—a Ministry of Works Assistant Director, while Li Rui held the rank of Trade Captain, both sixth-rank officials, truly colleagues.

If he remembered correctly, wasn't Li Rui nearly eighty years old?

He wasn't flattering—this old man before him was genuinely still vigorous.

Li Rui: "Originally, Minister Jiang was to host a welcome feast for you, Little Master Duan, but due to official duties, he sent me instead."

This was, of course, ninety-nine percent polite formality.

Jiang Lin was merely a Staff Officer—what business could he possibly have?

It was just that Duan Yu hadn't yet reached the level requiring Jiang Lin's personal reception.

"Master Li, you're being too formal—we're family; no need for formalities."

Duan Yu laughed heartily, full of boldness.

He didn't mind Jiang Lin's absence—he'd already experienced the Staff Officer's temperament during his time in the Anning Guard; Jiang rarely attended such banquets.

He didn't mind Jiang Lin's absence—he had already experienced Jiang's temper during his time in Anning Guard, where he rarely attended such banquets.

After some conversation, Duan Yu felt even more moved.

He had wandered far and wide, yet here he was again, back in the Anning Guard.

Like all those noble sons, he was merely here to gain experience.

Duan Yu himself came from a military family; perhaps his father, Old Master Duan, felt abandoning that identity would be a waste, so he sent Duan Yu to the battlefield to gain experience.

That way, his future prospects could broaden further.

After all, his father was Vice Minister of the Ministry of War, his father-in-law a General—what use was lingering in the Ministry of Works? He needed to fill his weaknesses, then return to the military to achieve something great.

Look at his father, a Vice Minister of the Ministry of War; his father-in-law, a General. Staying in the Ministry of Works is meaningless—he must shore up his weaknesses and return to the military, only then can he achieve great things.

His path had already been laid out clearly; all he needed to do was follow the steps.

Li Rui: "I heard you recently married; I regret I couldn't attend to offer my congratulations."

Duan Yu waved his hand: "We're ten thousand li apart—Master Li, your gift was already more than enough thanks."

Duan Yu waved his hand: "Ten thousand li apart, I'm already grateful that Senior Li sent his congratulations."

He hadn't expected Duan Yu to remember his gift.

After all, Duan Yu was the son of a Vice Minister of War, married to a General's daughter.

The gifts sent must have piled into hills; the gift list alone could have filled an entire room.

Yet Duan Yu remembered him.

It was truly unexpected.

But since arriving at the Teaching Bureau, Duan Yu had been impeccably proper, never glancing aside—clearly, the General's daughter had trained him well.

Li Rui raised his cup, smiling at Duan Yu: "Little Master Duan, have you also quit drinking?"

Duan Yu smiled even more broadly: "Now I cherish nothing more than this cup of wine."

Duan Yu smiled more broadly: "Now I've taken quite a liking to this cup of wine."

After three rounds of wine.

Amid the crisp, jade-bead-like sound of the zither, Duan Yu finally spoke of his purpose in returning to the Anning Guard: "Brother Li, I was forced by my father. This time, I'm taking a quiet garrison post—I doubt I'll even see the enemy's face. I feel ashamed."

Amid the crisp, jade-bead-like sound of the zither, Duan Yu finally spoke of his purpose in meeting the Anning Guard: "Senior Li, I'm being forced by my father—I've returned merely as a leisurely Garrison Commander, unlikely to even see the enemy's face. I feel deeply ashamed."

Listen, listen.

Is this even Yu language?

Others risk life and limb on the battlefield just to earn a scrap of merit, yet Duan Yu gets everything without lifting a finger.

But Li Rui wasn't one of those young, bitter censor-officials.

Being born right was a skill too.

Duan Yu then glanced behind the screen: "Miss Chunyu, step out."

A soft "Yes, sir" echoed.

The room now held only Duan Yu and Li Rui.

Li Rui grew curious—what would Duan Yu say next?

Duan Yu lowered his voice, speaking only loud enough for the two to hear: "Master Li, you know my wife is from the General's household—I can't fight her, can't even scold her. But if I earn some battlefield merit, I'll stand taller at home."

Duan Yu lowered his voice, speaking only loud enough for the two of them to hear: "Senior Li, you know my wife comes from the General's household—I can't fight her, I dare not scold her. But if I can earn some merit on the battlefield, I'll finally be able to stand tall."

Li Rui's expression turned strange.

Duan Yu's enthusiasm only grew:

"I heard you have connections in Wu Country—especially with Knife."

Li Rui understood.

He just wanted to impress his wife.

Clearly, his household status was precarious.

But if Li Rui truly believed this little Master Duan was afraid of his wife, he'd be a fool—and vastly underestimate these Beijing playboys.

But if Li Rui truly believed this young Duan was afraid of his wife, he'd be foolish—and vastly underestimating these Beijing rakes.

Li Rui refused outright.

He had connections, but if he used them too often, they'd vanish—and Duan Yu's requested merit wouldn't be easy.

Seeing Li Rui's firm refusal, Duan Yu looked disappointed, then pressed on: "Really none? I have a few fourth-grade elixirs here."

Li Rui stood firm: "Master Duan, I'm just a lowly Captain. Knife is a fifth-rank expert—do you think I can command him?"

Li Rui said firmly: "Commandant Duan, I'm just a lowly Captain. Commander Dao is a fifth-rank expert—how could you think I could command him?"

True.

Knife's status in Wu Country rivaled an Assistant Regional Commander—he was one rank above Li Rui.

Dao Mo's status in Wu Country rivals that of an Assistant Regional Commander—he's one rank above Li Rui.

Seeing Duan Yu abandon the idea, Li Rui spoke: "Master Duan, a true man knows when to yield and when to advance."

Although Duan Yu had offered fourth-grade elixirs as a gesture of sincerity, Li Rui had no intention of accepting the position.

Battlefield matters were no joke.

The more he offered, the harder the task—and in the end, he'd offend both Knife and Duan Yu. No profit in that.

Li Rui never made unsteady deals.

You might gain benefits upfront, but if things went wrong, you'd lose everything—principal and interest.

Always calculate the long-term.

The next day.

Duan Yu paid his respects to Jiang Lin, then headed straight for Wu Country.

His title: Garrison Commander for Grain Transport.

As he'd said, a peaceful post—unless something went wrong, he'd never see the enemy.

After all, the grain roads were guarded by heavy troops from both nations.

Now, Wu's rebel forces had been pushed back a hundred li—they wouldn't dare attempt grain raids.

Now the Wu rebels have been driven back a hundred li—they wouldn't dare attempt grain raids at all.

Thirty li outside Manggu City.

A camp of white tents, before which stood spiked barricades of special spiritual iron to block cavalry charges.

A long convoy slowly entered the camp.

"Master Ning."

Duan Yu dismounted and bowed to Ning Zhongtian, who had come out to greet him.

Ning Zhongtian chuckled: "Little Master Duan, you've arrived."

He'd been managing grain transport for over a month and knew everyone in camp well—especially since he and Duan Yu had once been colleagues, even visiting the Teaching Bureau together multiple times.

Duan Yu chatted with Ning as he directed his convoy to unload the grain.

Watching fully armed Ning Zhongtian, he felt nothing but envy.

Glory through merit.

Who didn't long for it?

His fiery-tempered wife didn't daily mock him as a bloodless sissy?

Duan Yu had never set foot on a battlefield—no rebuttal possible.

By custom, the grain convoy would remain in camp for three days.

By convention, the grain convoy must remain in the military camp for three days.

Duan Yu gave all his orders.

He then hurried into a tent, where a broad-shouldered, muscular man was drinking heavily and eating meat.

Seeing Duan Yu appear,

the man grinned: "Lord Duan, you're here! Don't worry—what you told me is done. The demon hunters are ready; we can enter the mountains now!"

Duan Yu was overjoyed:

"Good."

Since Li Rui was useless, he found another way.

'Feathered White-Scaled Dragon'

(End of Chapter)