Legendary Person: I brought my skills back to reality!

Don't forget what Xu Hao used to do.

Sales! Convincing customers is our proper job, okay?

The Taoist priest was starting to waver. Xu Hao pressed his advantage: "Besides, look around, which Taoist priest above level 26 isn't wielding a Silver Serpent? If you don't switch, no one will want you in a party!"

"This..." the Taoist priest hesitated.

Seeing this, Xu Hao immediately played his trump card: "Brother, you seem like a straightforward person. How about this, let's be friends, I'll give you a discount of 30. 120!"

The Taoist priest's eyes lit up: "Really? Then... then okay!"

"Deal!" Xu Hao beamed with joy. The two opened the transaction interface and quickly completed the transaction.

Watching the Taoist priest leave happily with the silver snake, Xu Hao chuckled to himself: "Brother, you're the first one I've ever been fooled. Where would a silver snake sell for over a million?!"

However, to be fair, the Silver Serpent is indeed stronger than the Demon-Slaying Serpent, it's just a bit more expensive.

Brand-name equipment often has hidden attributes. The Silver Serpent is one such weapon; it conceals a bit of Taoist magic, and coupled with its higher attack power than the Demon-Slaying Sword, it's definitely more convenient to use than the Demon-Slaying Sword from level 1-5.

Besides, Xu Hao is right. You're already level 30, and you're just wandering around with your Demon Slayer weapon. Aren't you ashamed? You actually go around telling everyone, "My Demon Slayer weapon is 1/5!" 1/5, you mean? People probably think you're an idiot!

First they flatter you, then they scare you, and finally they lower the price. Isn't that the usual way to sell things?

Xu Hao looked smugly at the long string of numbers in his equipment inventory. It was time to do that thing!

On the top floor of Zhongtian International Building, in Zheng Jinqiang's office.

Sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, illuminating the exquisite mahogany coffee table. Zheng Jinqiang and Director Li sat facing each other, sipping fine West Lake Longjing tea. Director Li gently set down his teacup and said with a smile, "Old Zheng, your report really caused a sensation."

Zheng Jinqiang raised an eyebrow, signaling Director Li to continue.

Director Li leaned forward and lowered his voice, saying, "Last night, the bureau held an emergency meeting. Guess what? The director personally intervened and reviewed your report overnight."

Zheng Jinqiang's eyes lit up, but he maintained a calm expression.

Director Li continued, "After the bureau chief read it, he immediately issued an instruction to fully support that young man named Xu Hao. Not only that, the bureau chief also emphasized that Xu Hao should be cultivated as a key piece in the decisive battle a year from now."

Upon hearing this, Zheng Jinqiang could no longer remain seated. He abruptly stood up and asked incredulously, "The bureau chief?! He really said that?"

Director Li nodded solemnly, a meaningful smile appearing on his face.

Zheng Jinqiang thought of the mysterious Director General, whose appearance no one had ever seen, and a feeling he couldn't quite put his finger on welled up inside him.

If it weren't for the final showdown a year later, Zheng Jinqiang would have wanted to keep Xu Hao at the ZZ branch. What leader wouldn't cherish such a capable subordinate who is so talented, has great potential for growth, and remains humble and modest?

But one meeting changed everything. With the final showdown a year later looming, Zheng Jinqiang decided to prioritize the overall situation. He wrote another report, this time without any fancy wording, simply explaining Xu Hao's abilities and offering his own suggestions on how to utilize Xu Hao.

Zheng Jinqiang stood up, walked to the French windows, and gazed into the distance, lost in thought. He recalled Xu Hao's performance over the past few days, and a sense of pride welled up within him. Those talismans, pills, and scrolls—each one a precious strategic resource—and Xu Hao had managed to acquire so many in such a short time. This ability was truly admirable.

He took a deep breath, a hint of reluctance flashing in his eyes. As Xu Hao's direct supervisor, he had originally intended to keep him by his side and nurture him. But now, with the bigger picture in mind, he understood that he had to make the right choice.

“Let him go to headquarters,” Zheng Jinqiang made up his mind. “There are more resources and a broader platform there. Xu Hao needs more support to unleash his full potential.”

Zheng Jinqiang felt a mix of emotions, asking with a mixture of anticipation and trepidation, "So, the transfer order will be issued soon?" As soon as he said it, he felt a bitter taste spread across his tongue.

Deep down, he couldn't help but feel regret and reluctance at the impending loss of this capable assistant. He had witnessed Xu Hao's talent and potential firsthand, but now he had to watch this rising star leave his fold. This complex feeling was hard to describe.

Director Li noticed Zheng Jinqiang's change in mood, smiled slightly, and slowly said, "That's not it. Regarding Comrade Xu Hao's next work arrangement, the director specifically gave instructions: everything should be based on Comrade Xu Hao's own opinion. If he is willing to come to headquarters, we would be most welcome; if he is willing to stay here, the organization will respect his opinion as well."

These words were like a bombshell, exploding in Zheng Jinqiang's mind. He was first stunned, then overjoyed.

"Of course, Lao Zheng, I still need to meet with that Xu Hao." Director Li narrowed his eyes, a meaningful smile playing on his lips.

"Hmm?" Zheng Jinqiang raised an eyebrow, a hint of wariness flashing in his eyes.

Director Li leaned forward and lowered his voice, saying, "To be honest, personally, I still hope he can come to headquarters, preferably to our department."

"You know, we're short-staffed too," he said, shrugging helplessly.

Zheng Jinqiang suddenly stood up and slammed his hands heavily on the table.

"You old fool, you're getting too big for your britches! Don't even think about it!" He glared angrily.

Outside the office, several subordinates passing by were startled by the sudden roar.

They looked at each other, stopped in their tracks, and pricked up their ears to hear what was going on.

Director Li glanced calmly at Zheng Jinqiang. "Look at you, so anxious again. Do you know what it means to have a higher-ranking official overpower you?"

Director Li and Zheng Jinqiang are old friends of many years, having fought side by side on the battlefield and crawled out of piles of corpses to forge a bond. Although one is now at headquarters and the other in a local area, their friendship, forged in life and death, remains as strong as ever.

But friendship is friendship, and when it comes to cursing, they won't hold back at all.

Zheng Jinqiang picked up his teacup and gulped down a large mouthful. He had originally assumed Xu Hao would definitely be transferred to headquarters, and was mentally prepared to let him go. But now that he heard the top leaders of the General Administration wanted to respect Xu Hao's personal opinion, this gave him room to maneuver!

Should I try playing the emotional card first? I've always treated this kid pretty well. Oh, right, isn't he dating the Lin family girl? Old Lin and I are inseparable; in a way, he should call me uncle!