Chapter 257: Mutual Appreciation Between Geniuses

"I shouldn't have come today."

"This brat is really showing off."

Li Rui muttered to himself.

Just then, Jiang Linxian looked at Li Rui with burning eyes: "Brother Li, I feel like we are the same kind of people."

"..."

Li Rui fell silent again.

'First of all, I am different from you. You were invincible from the age of five, while I was still being chased and beaten by Zhang Ergou next door when I was fifty.'

'Secondly, my journey has been about killing those who can be killed and doing what can be done; this is fundamentally different from doing whatever one pleases.'

Of course, these words were not spoken aloud.

However, upon closer reflection.

He realized that what Jiang Linxian had just said didn't seem like bragging; they were all facts that had already occurred!

Protagonist template?

Li Rui gasped.

Jiang Linxian looked somewhat melancholy: "Ever since I gained enlightenment in my youth, I knew I was different from others, but that also made me incompatible with this world."

"..."

Li Rui's heart stirred slightly.

In this regard, the two of them could be considered similar.

Indeed.

Ever since he started using his cheat at seventy, he knew he was definitely different from others.

It would be strange if he were the same.

Jiang Linxian composed himself and chuckled: "Brother Li, don't mind me, I'm just venting a little."

At this moment.

Jiang Yan walked in carrying a rosewood tray, on which sat a pot of wine and two porcelain cups.

The sound of splashing water rang out.

The aroma of wine filled the air.

Jiang Linxian raised a cup of wine: "Brother Li, let us drink to this."

Jiang Yan fluttered her large eyes.

Ever since her mother passed away, she had only ever seen Jiang Linxian drink alone; he rarely drank with others.

Just as Li Rui raised his wine cup, his expression changed slightly.

It wasn't because the wine was good, but because lines of small text had appeared on his interface.

【Congratulations to the host for completing the beginner plot of becoming famous throughout the world—Mutual Appreciation Between Geniuses.】

【To make a name for oneself, befriending the heroes of the world is an essential act. Congratulations on drinking and chatting with a top-tier hero of the world, sharing mutual appreciation.】

【Completing the task of mutual appreciation between geniuses of the world, rewards are being calculated.】

【Task rating: S.】

【Obtained 50 achievement points!】

【Name: Li Rui】

【Age: 10】

【Talents: Martial Bone, Superb Comprehension, Wisdom Eye, Great Dream Immortal Travel, Demon-Suppressing Victory】

【Techniques: Long Chun Gong, Dragon Roaming Nine Heavens Map, Dragon-Elephant True Origin Strength】

【Achievement: 70/100】

Li Rui's pupils contracted slightly.

S-rank!

He had only received an S-rank rating a handful of times; he hadn't expected that just by drinking a cup of wine with Jiang Linxian, he would obtain a full fifty achievement points.

It came so easily that he felt somewhat unaccustomed to it.

At this moment.

He also set his mind at ease.

The system could not be faked; it seemed Jiang Linxian truly regarded him as a kindred spirit.

Just then, more small text appeared.

【Detected that the host has completed all beginner plots for becoming famous at the age of only ten. Performance is excellent. The next reward will be enhanced. Please achieve the milestone as soon as possible to unlock the reward!】

Double happiness?

Li Rui never expected that the final plot of becoming famous would be becoming friends with Jiang Linxian.

"Brother Li?"

Jiang Linxian called out, seeing that Li Rui hadn't raised his cup for a long time.

Li Rui grinned and laughed: "Let us drink to this."

The night breeze blew, and Li Rui's footsteps were somewhat unsteady.

"Senior Li, let me send you back."

Jiang Yan sent Li Rui to the door and asked with some concern.

"No need, the night wind is strong, Miss Jiang, you should go back first. I can go back myself."

Li Rui waved his hand.

Reeking of alcohol.

He didn't remember how many cups he had drunk with Jiang Linxian tonight. He usually didn't get drunk easily, but tonight he had truly drunk too much. Jiang Linxian was calling him 'brother' with every sentence, so it wouldn't be appropriate to keep hiding things.

Moreover, Jiang Linxian had helped him erase all clues to the killing of Zhuang Renhe; that alone was worth a few extra drinks.

That was the good thing about alcohol; he had also called him 'younger brother' several times.

Just for those few 'younger brother' calls, it was worth the drink.

Li Rui rubbed his brow.

His powerful willpower still kept him in a state of final sobriety.

Jiang Linxian's wine was very intoxicating.

A moment later.

He returned home, washed his face carefully, hung his clothes neatly by the head of the bed, and then fell asleep under the covers.

When his consciousness revived.

He had already appeared in his dream, with no trace of drunkenness left.

Great Dream Immortal Travel had developed a brand new function—sobering up.

"Practice."

"Brother Li, these brats have really sharp noses. You tell me, in just these few days, how many people have come to our Anning Guard?"

Tan Hu looked at the young masters departing from the Anning Guard for the Wu Kingdom every day.

He was already depressed because he couldn't go to the battlefield.

Now, seeing one person after another going to fish for military merit, he felt even more annoyed.

Li Rui smiled slightly: "Hu Zi, we cannot provoke these people. On the contrary, we must provide them with convenience as much as possible."

"Why?"

Tan Hu was immediately displeased.

Li Rui explained patiently: "These people have deep backgrounds, and they have no conflict with us. In the future, they will all be high-ranking officials. Tell me, why should we make things difficult for them?"

"..."

Tan Hu fell silent; he naturally understood Li Rui's meaning.

Just as Li Rui said, this was a great opportunity to make connections.

Even if they couldn't befriend them, they must absolutely not make enemies of them.

"Yes, I'll listen to you, Brother."

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

"That's right."

Hu Zi was becoming more and more sensible.

The Anning Guard and the Yunzhou Guard had already been in the Wu Kingdom for over half a month. They had waded through all the water that needed wading, and the war had temporarily entered a stable period. At this time, those great clans began to have ideas.

These young masters who joined the Anning Guard didn't even need much military merit; what they wanted was the reputation of having been on the battlefield.

After returning to the capital, it would be of great benefit to their promotion.

"By the way, Hu Zi, let's go, come with me to see someone."

"Who is it?"

"An acquaintance."

Night fell, lanterns were lit, the giggling of women was constant, and the fragrance was intoxicating.

"Lord Duan, really no need?"

"No need, I have really already quit."

"Then let Miss Chunyu stay to play the zither, and everyone else can leave."

Li Rui waved his hand, and the beauties who had originally intended to lean in all scattered at once.

Tan Hu, standing to the side, blinked his copper-bell-like eyes.

'Young Lord Duan has really changed.'

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

The change was truly great.

In the past, Young Lord Duan wanted both wine and women, and never had a way of refusing; now he actually said no. What is called a prodigal son returning, this Young Lord Duan before them was the best interpretation.

However, by comparison, Li Rui still preferred the Duan Yu from the Qinghe days.

"Young Lord Duan, long time no see. Your bearing is just as it was back then."

Li Rui said with a smile.

Duan Yu smiled slightly: "Lord Li, you are old but still vigorous; I admire you."

As he spoke, he kept sizing Li Rui up.

When he left the Anning Guard, Li Rui was still a Platoon Leader; he hadn't expected that upon returning, Li Rui would have become his colleague. He was a Vice Minister in the Ministry of Works, and Li Rui was a Captain in the Trade Office; both were Sixth-Rank, so they were indeed colleagues.

If he remembered correctly, Li Rui was already nearly eighty years old, right?

His words were truly not flattery; this little old man before him was genuinely old but vigorous.

Li Rui: "This time, it should have been Lord Jiang personally welcoming Young Lord Duan, but because of busy official business, he let me come instead."

This statement was naturally 99% polite talk.

Jiang Linxian, a Li Canjun, what could he possibly have to do?

(In one look)

It was just that Duan Yu hadn't reached the level where he needed to be received by him personally.

"Lord Li, you are being too formal. We are all our own people, no need to speak of two families."

Duan Yu laughed heartily, very heroically.

He didn't mind that Jiang Linxian didn't show his face personally; after all, when he was at the Anning Guard before, he had already learned of Li Canjun Jiang's temperament; he rarely attended such banquets.

It was normal for him not to come.

The two chatted, and Duan Yu felt even more emotional.

He had gone around in circles, never expecting to return to the Anning Guard.

There was no difference between him and those other young masters; they were all here to gild themselves.

Duan Yu was born into the military; perhaps Old Lord Duan also felt it was a pity to give up this status, which was why he told Duan Yu to walk a lap on the battlefield to make up for his experience.

In this way, his future prospects could be even broader.

Look, his father was a Vice Minister in the Ministry of War, and his father-in-law was a General; what was the point of staying in the Ministry of Works? Of course, he had to make up for his shortcomings and then return to the military; only then could he achieve great things.

Look, this is the advantage of a good background.

Everything had already been arranged clearly; he just needed to do it step by step.

Li Rui: "I heard Lord Duan got married recently, and I apologize for not being able to go and congratulate you."

Duan Yu waved his hand: "We are ten thousand miles apart; I am already very grateful that Lord Li was willing to send a congratulatory gift."

Li Rui was surprised in his heart.

He hadn't expected Duan Yu to actually remember the gift he sent.

One had to know, Duan Yu himself was the son of a Vice Minister of War and had married the daughter of a General.

He estimated that the gifts sent could pile up into a small mountain, and the gift list could cover the entire room.

Duan Yu could actually remember him.

It was truly somewhat unexpected.

However, ever since Duan Yu came to the Music Bureau, he had been very disciplined, not looking sideways; it seemed that the General's daughter had trained him well.

Li Rui raised his wine cup and looked at Duan Yu with a smile: "Young Lord Duan, have you also quit drinking?"

Duan Yu smiled even more happily: "Now I only enjoy this bit of wine in the cup."

"Drink!"

After three rounds of drinks.

Accompanied by the crisp zither sound like jade beads falling, Duan Yu finally spoke of his purpose for returning to the Anning Guard: "Brother Li, I was also forced by my father. Returning this time to be an idle Garrison Commander, I estimate I won't even see the face of the enemy; I truly feel ashamed."

Li Rui squinted.

Listen, listen.

Is this speaking the language of the Yu Kingdom?

Others are risking their lives on the battlefield to barely earn merit, but Duan Yu, he doesn't have to do anything, and he gets all the benefits.

However, Li Rui was not one of those cynical young censors.

Being born well is also a technical job.

Duan Yu looked at the woman behind the screen: "Miss Chunyu, go out first."

Following a soft 'yes'.

Only Duan Yu and Li Rui remained in the room.

Li Rui couldn't help but be curious about what Duan Yu would say next.

Duan Yu lowered his voice and said in a voice only the two of them could hear: "Lord Li, you should know that my wife comes from a General's household. I can't beat her, and I dare not scold her. But if I can achieve some merit on the battlefield, I can stand taller in the future."

"Achieve merit?"

Li Rui's expression became strange.

Duan Yu's interest, however, grew even more:

"I have heard that Brother Li has quite a few connections in the Wu Kingdom, especially with Dao..."

Li Rui suddenly understood.

So he wanted to save face in front of his wife.

It seemed this Young Lord Duan's family status was in jeopardy.

However, if Li Rui truly took this Young Lord Duan's fear of his wife seriously, then he would be stupid, and he would also be underestimating these young dandies from the capital.

"No."

Regarding this matter, Li Rui refused decisively.

He did have some connections, but if he used them often, those connections would be as good as gone. Moreover, the merit Duan Yu wanted to achieve would certainly not be easy.

Seeing Li Rui's decisive appearance, Duan Yu felt some regret, but then he was somewhat unwilling to give up: "Really no? I have a few Fourth-Rank precious elixirs here."

Li Rui was firm: "Lord Duan, I am just a small Captain, and Lord Dao is a Fifth-Rank expert. Do you think I can order him around?"

Duan Yu thought about it.

That was true.

Dao Mo's status in the Wu Kingdom was comparable to a Lieutenant; counting it up, he was one rank higher than Li Rui.

It was indeed difficult to handle.

Seeing Duan Yu give up the idea, Li Rui then spoke: "Lord Duan, a real man should know how to bend and stretch."

Although Duan Yu had shown sincerity with the Fourth-Rank elixirs, Li Rui did not want to take this job.

How could battlefield matters be child's play?

The more he was given, the more difficult the matter was to achieve. By then, he would offend both Dao Mo and Duan Yu; no matter how he looked at it, it wasn't worth it.

Li Rui never did business he wasn't sure about.

If he earned benefits upfront, but something went wrong, he would have to spit it all out with interest.

If he was going to calculate, he would calculate long-term accounts.

The next day.

Duan Yu paid a visit to Jiang Linxian and then headed straight for the Wu Kingdom.

His title was a Garrison Commander protecting grain.

Just as he said, it was a leisurely official position; if nothing went wrong, he wouldn't even see the enemy.

Who told the grain transport roads to be guarded by heavy troops from both countries?

Now the Wu Kingdom's rebel army was being forced to retreat a hundred miles; there was absolutely no way an incident like grain robbery would occur.

It was truly comfortable.

Thirty miles outside Mangul City.

A camp composed of white tents, with anti-cavalry obstacles made of special spirit iron placed in front of the camp to block cavalry charges.

A long convoy of vehicles slowly drove into the military camp.

"Lord Ning."

Duan Yu jumped off his horse and cupped his fists at Ning Zhongtian, who had come out of the camp to welcome him.

Ning Zhongtian laughed: "Young Lord Duan, you've arrived."

He had been responsible for grain transport for over a month and was already familiar with everyone in the camp, not to mention that Ning Zhongtian had once been his colleague, and the two had even been to the Music Bureau together several times.

Duan Yu chatted with Ning Zhongtian while calling for the convoy behind him to unload the grain.

Looking at the fully armed Ning Zhongtian, he felt so envious.

To achieve great things.

Which man didn't yearn for it?

Didn't his hot-tempered wife mock him every day for being a sissy who had never seen blood?

Duan Yu indeed had never been on the battlefield, so he couldn't refute it.

According to custom, the grain transport team had to stay in the military camp for three days.

Duan Yu finished giving all his orders.

He then excitedly ran into a tent, where a burly man with a thick waist was drinking and eating meat in the tent.

Seeing Duan Yu appear.

The burly man grinned: "Lord Duan, you've arrived. Don't worry, the matter you told me about has already been handled; the demon hunters are ready, and we can enter the mountains now!"

Duan Yu was overjoyed:

"Good."

Since it was useless to find Li Rui, he would find another way.

'Feather-Winged White-Scaled Jiao'

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 258 =====