"Let him wait at the door for a while, we'll be right there!"

Zhang Shicun's subordinate hastily instructed before hanging up the phone directly.

Even a three-year-old could tell from the tone that Zhang Shicun placed great importance on the young visitor at the door.

The soldier holding the phone stood dumbfounded, cold sweat breaking out on his back.

Luckily for him, the young man was easy-going. If he had been a bit more unreasonable, given his relationship with Zhang Shicun, the soldier would have been in serious trouble.

Not daring to delay any further, the soldier quickly put down the phone and hurried out of the guard post.

"Hello, Major General Zhang said he'll be here shortly. Please wait a moment," he explained respectfully to Xu Fan.

"It's okay, I can wait here alone. You can continue with your duties," Xu Fan replied with a slight smile.

The soldier had thought the young man might give him some orders, but upon hearing his response, he was stunned.

If not for the earlier phone call, one wouldn't have guessed from his approachable demeanor that the young man had such a powerful background.

The soldier immediately returned to his post and continued his duty.

Within ten minutes, a roaring engine sound came from inside the military district.

A military green SUV sped towards the guard post like an arrow. It executed a swift and elegant drift, stopping right at the gate.

With a bang, the car door opened, and several burly men in military uniforms jumped out.

"This..."

The guard was so startled at the sight of the ranks on these men's shoulders that his legs almost gave way.

The lowest rank among them was Major General. They all rushed over just to welcome this young man... this...

The soldier felt a chill run down his spine. He truly couldn't fathom who this young man was.

It was too terrifying...

"Wow, you all got promotions..."

The newcomers were the same group that had fought across the border previously, and now, led by Zhang Shicun, they all walked towards Xu Fan in unison.

Seeing their ranks, Xu Fan couldn't help but tease.

Hu Dewen and Hu Dewu, along with that big fish General Long, all received significant credit.

It was completely normal for them to be promoted after returning.

"Salute!"

Following Zhang Shicun's command, the group took a step forward and saluted Xu Fan like javelins, standing tall and straight.

Their iron-boned military spirit was fully embodied in this salute.

Xu Fan shook his head as he watched.

These guys, aren't they afraid of scaring others?

"Alright, stop with the formalities. I'm just an ordinary civilian. If you want to salute, find someone else," Xu Fan said.

"Hehe, Brother Xu Fan, we're just grateful to you," one of the men chuckled.

At their level, most people saluted them. It was rare for them to salute someone else in unison.

Zhang Shicun had them perform this grand gesture mainly to thank Xu Fan for his assistance last time.

If not for him, there was no way they could complete so many tasks.

Now, with his brothers promoted and himself credited, it was only a matter of time before he would get another promotion.

They were genuinely grateful to Xu Fan.

"Brother Xu Fan, what brings you to Diannan this time?"

As far as Zhang Shicun remembered, Xu Fan wasn't a native of Diannan. He couldn't help but ask.

"Just some business to take care of. Why, don't you plan to invite me in?" Xu Fan replied casually.

Zhang Shicun slapped his forehead and laughed, "Ah, my bad. Brother Xu Fan, come on in, let's chat inside."

It was clearly not proper hospitality to leave Xu Fan standing at the gate. Zhang Shicun led him to the car, and they all got in.

The SUV drove directly into the military district.

After a swift drive, the SUV reached the military compound.

Zhang Shicun jumped out of the car and looked at his subordinates.

"Go get my cherished bottle of Maotai and some appetizers."

"Yes sir! Right away!"

His subordinate responded promptly and ran out of the courtyard.

Watching this scene, Xu Fan couldn't help but smile wryly.

These guys were certainly enthusiastic, welcoming him with Maotai right from the start.

Without refusing, Xu Fan entered the courtyard with Zhang Shicun and the others. Urged by them, he sat directly in the main seat.

Shortly after, the soldier who went to get the wine returned.

They set up the appetizers and filled everyone's cups with wine.

"Brother Xu Fan, as the host, I toast to you!" Zhang Shicun stood up with his cup and toasted Xu Fan.

Seeing Zhang drink his cup in one go, Xu Fan didn't refuse and finished his drink in one gulp as well.

"Brother Xu Fan, if you need any assistance here in Diannan, just let us know."

"We'll do our best to help you!"

"Right, we're not the kind who forget favors and fall out."

As they exchanged drinks, Zhang Shicun's group spoke passionately.

Their hospitality was overwhelming, making Xu Fan smile.

"Actually, I do have something I need your help with."

Being straightforward men, Xu Fan got straight to the point.

After finishing his drink, Xu Fan took out a photo from his pocket.

"I need your help to find this person."

"See if you can track him down for me."

Xu Fan handed the photo to Zhang Shicun as he explained.

The person in the photo was the one Situ Jing mentioned, the man with the Bronze Box.

Zhang Shicun took the photo and frowned as he studied it.

Looking a bit puzzled, he pondered for a moment and then turned to Xu Fan with an apologetic expression.

"Brother Xu Fan, could you give us a bit more time?"

"We promise to give you a satisfactory answer."

Despite a quick glance, Zhang Shicun's group didn't recognize the person.

But they didn't give up.

Since Xu Fan had asked for help, they were determined to fulfill his request.

"No problem. I'll be in Diannan for a while. Just let me know as soon as you have any news."

Xu Fan smiled and replied, not feeling disappointed.

With the Bronze Box in Diannan, Xu Fan was confident that he'd find it with enough patience.

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