"Wait a second. Why don't we have Secretary Zhuo call Mayor Huang as well? One is the city's top leader, and the other is the second-in-command. We should have them both come to receive the old master personally. We mustn't neglect protocol," Chen Fei suddenly said, just as Xuu Ji was about to step out to make the call.

"Mayor Huang?" Xuu Ji was taken aback. Coming from the Capital City, he naturally had no idea who the mayor of a remote place like Northern Mountain City was, nor had he ever been interested in finding out.

"Yes, Mayor Huang Tao of this city. He and I get along quite well, so I'd like to introduce him to the old master," Chen Fei replied with a smile, his words refreshingly direct.

"Since Doctor Chen has said so, this old man can't possibly snub your kindness. Xiaosan'er, tell Xiao Zhuo to call that Mayor Huang to join us. The more, the merrier," the old master chuckled.

Clearly, a man who had lived to his age was as shrewd as they come, and he easily grasped the direct meaning behind Chen Fei's words. He hadn't intended to disturb any local officials on his trip to Northern Mountain, but since Chen Fei had brought it up, he didn't mind one way or the other. After all, he was feeling energetic, and a bit of lively hustle and bustle sounded rather nice.

With that thought, the old man clapped his head. "In that case, Little Chen, let's just invite Luo Yuanzhi as well. That boy used to be one of my trusted soldiers. It's been so many years since I last saw him. If he finds out I came here without telling him, he'll definitely hold a grudge. Let's just have him come along."

"Luo Yuanzhi?" Chen Fei was startled; he obviously didn't know Chief Luo's full name.

"It's the Luo Yuanzhi from your Flying Leopard, Little Luo," the old master explained.

"Ah, Little Luo… Old master, you mean Chief Luo? He was one of your trusted soldiers?" Chen Fei replied, finally understanding, a bit embarrassed.

"Alright, that's enough of the 'old master' this and 'old master' that. It sounds rather uncomfortable. Why don't I be a bit forward? From now on, you can either call me Old Master Xuu or just Grandpa Xuu. How about that?" Old Master Xuu said, his eyes twinkling. Being called 'old master,' while respectful, felt a bit formal and distant; 'Old Master Xuu' sounded better. Of course, if Chen Fei was willing to call him Grandpa Xuu, that would imply an even closer, more affectionate bond.

"In that case, I'll happily oblige. Grandpa Xuu," Chen Fei replied with a smile. It was an honor to address such a venerable hero as his grandfather.

"Old Chief, I'll call Little Luo," Elder Xunn said with a faint smile, picking up the phone to call Chief Luo.

He clearly understood the Old Chief's intentions. As the saying goes, a distant emperor is no match for a local magistrate. Since Chen Fei intended to promote and valued Mayor Huang Tao of Northern Mountain City, they might as well go all the way with the favor and summon Luo Yuanzhi, the local heavyweight of the Three Provinces of Lingnan. Although Luo was now behind the scenes, he had once been the Commander of the Lingnan Military District. His influence was still intact, so looking after the mayor of a 'mere' Earth Level city was a trivial matter for him.

As for why this was such an easy favor to grant, the answer was simple. Luo Yuanzhi had personally recruited Chen Fei into the Flying Leopard. On top of that, Chen Fei's talent in martial arts was simply monstrous—he had reached the Innate realm in his twenties. One had to show deference to such a figure, right?

Upon receiving the news, Chief Luo Yuanzhi was naturally ecstatic. He immediately dropped everything and rushed towards Northern Mountain.

「On the other side」

Zhuo Qun was clearly stunned when he received the call from Xuu Ji. "You want Mayor Huang to come along?" he asked, his confusion palpable.

With Huang Tao's rank and status, he simply wasn't qualified to meet the old master personally. In fact, even he, Zhuo Qun, wouldn't have been granted this opportunity if not for the kinship between their families. His current position as the Party Secretary of a 'mere' Earth Level city still fell a bit short. But now...

"It was Mr. Chen's idea. My grandfather originally just said for you to come alone, Uncle Zhuo, to help with the dinner arrangements. But Mr. Chen suddenly chimed in, saying he wanted to introduce Mayor Huang to my grandfather," Xuu Ji explained.

"I see. It seems Mr. Chen is a man who truly values his connections. Old Huang is a lucky man," Secretary Zhuo Qun mused with a sigh before ending the call.

「In the Northern Mountain City Government Building」

Huang Tao was just about to head home from work when he suddenly received a call from Secretary Zhuo Qun.

"Secretary Zhuo?" Huang Tao was slightly surprised, assuming it must be for something important. He answered without hesitation. "Do you have any instructions, Secretary Zhuo? I've just left the city government building. Do you need me to come over?"

In his view, a personal call from someone of the Secretary's stature undoubtedly meant something significant was happening, hence his solemn tone.

"No instructions, but you need to come find me immediately. Old Master Xuu has arrived in Northern Mountain. Tonight, we're arranging a quiet dinner for him," Secretary Zhuo Qun's slightly excited voice came through the phone, making Huang Tao pause.

"Old Master Xuu? Which Old Master Xuu?" Huang Tao asked, clearly not processing the name right away.

"Who else? The one from the Capital City, the man once known as the 'Undefeated Lion'," Secretary Zhuo said in a tone of profound reverence.

"GASP! What? Y-You mean *that* leader... Why would he come to Northern Mountain? And tonight, we... we're having dinner together?" Despite his status as the newly appointed Mayor of Northern Mountain City, a proper department-level official, Huang Tao couldn't help but suck in a sharp breath of cold air. His expression was one of pure shock, and his words became halting.

This was Old Master Xuu, Old Leader Xuu! He was one of the last remaining towering pillars of Huaxia, the legendary Undefeated Lion. He had actually come to Northern Mountain, and he wanted *him*, Huang Tao, to arrange dinner tonight. This… this felt like a dream. It was utterly unbelievable.

"Alright, don't get ahead of yourself. The old man is ill and came to Northern Mountain to see Doctor Chen. If Doctor Chen hadn't casually mentioned your name just now, you wouldn't have this opportunity tonight, understand?" Secretary Zhuo Qun reminded him.

"Of course, of course... I never expected Doctor Chen to know even Old Leader Xuu. He truly is an extraordinary man of the city, a divine doctor of national renown! But Secretary Zhuo, the old leader's visit is a major event. By rights, shouldn't we report this to the provincial leadership?" After feeling a wave of immense gratitude toward Chen Fei, Huang Tao remembered the leaders at the provincial level, particularly his backer, Governor Zhao.

"Well..." Secretary Zhuo Qun hesitated before finally shaking his head. "The old man doesn't want a big fuss, so let's not stir things up. If we displease him, the loss will far outweigh any gain."

As a close ally of the Xuu Family and the most outstanding member of the Zhuo Family's second generation, Zhuo Qun naturally knew that the leaders connected to the old master were in several other provinces. The current leadership in Jiangnan Province didn't have strong ties with him, which was likely why he wanted to keep things low-key and avoid unnecessary hassle.

"I understand. Should I just call to inform them?" Huang Tao asked cautiously after a long pause.

"...Yes." Secretary Zhuo Qun knew exactly what he meant. Out of respect for Chen Fei, he didn't press the issue, simply humming in acknowledgment before hanging up.

Phew, I can't believe a backwater place like our Northern Mountain would welcome a monumental figure like Old Master Xuu. He's a hero from that era! But this is all thanks to Mr. Chen. Without him, I'd never be fortunate enough to dine with Old Leader Xuu. Even after the call ended, Huang Tao struggled to contain his excitement, which was overshadowed only by his profound gratitude for Chen Fei.

Without Chen Fei's casual remark, someone of his current status would never have been qualified to share a meal with the esteemed Old Leader Xuu. And whenever a dignitary of that caliber visited a local area, what official wouldn't jump at the chance to meet and exchange a few words? Even if the old man didn't want a fuss and turned people away, the opportunity to at least call and report the event was still there.

With that thought, he took out his phone and dialed Governor Zhao.

...

The personal visit of a figure like Old Leader Xuu to Northern Mountain City was not something to be taken lightly. Even the leaders of Jiangnan Province, who were not part of his faction, were on high alert.

Upon receiving Huang Tao's call, Governor Zhao Zhengcheng had initially wanted to rush to Northern Mountain personally to attend to the old master. However, because of the old master's wish to avoid a commotion, he had to abandon the idea. Nevertheless, he sternly instructed Huang Tao to ensure Old Leader Xuu was hosted perfectly, especially concerning security, which had to be flawless.

Huang Tao immediately puffed out his chest and gave his assurance, nearly making a military vow to guarantee the evening would proceed without a single hitch. Then, with a heart fluttering with a mix of apprehension and boundless excitement, he headed for the dinner venue… Green Bamboo Medicinal Cuisine House.

It was the very same restaurant opened by Zhao Le and Zhang Long.

"Uncle Huang, you're here! Perfect timing. Let me introduce you. This is Grandpa Xuu. Grandpa Xuu, this is the second-in-command of our Northern Mountain City, Mayor Huang Tao." Chen Fei greeted him with a smile as Huang Tao cautiously pushed open the door and entered.

"Old Leader Xuu, hello. It is a great pleasure to meet you. I am Huang Tao," Huang Tao said, his entire body trembling with excitement. He quickly extended both hands forward in a gesture of utmost respect.

Old Master Xuu shook his hand, then smiled with his eyes slightly narrowed. "You don't mind if I call you Little Huang, do you?"

"Not at all, not at all! Of course not!" Huang Tao replied immediately. He knew the old master was at least forty or fifty years his senior—old enough to be his grandfather. Being called Little Huang was certainly not presumptuous.

"I believe anyone who catches Doctor Chen's eye is a decent person. Keep up the good work. Do good things for the people, tangible things. When you have the chance, you should visit the Capital City," the old master said, patting Huang Tao's shoulder with a smile.

"Yes, sir! I will not disappoint the organization and its leaders!" Huang Tao boomed, his voice filled with elation.

Just then, the door was pushed open from the outside, and an elderly man in a military uniform with a ramrod-straight posture walked in, drawing everyone's attention.

This was none other than Luo Yuanzhi, Chief Luo himself.

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