Chapter 1024: Thunder Master Befriends
National Protection Bureau's head?
When they heard Thunder Master introduce himself, everyone present was taken aback. Even people like Bai Yong and Academician Qian, who held notable positions, wore expressions filled with deep reverence.
Officially speaking, Thunder Master was already someone who could have face-to-face conversations with the highest levels of authority.
So much so that the top level relied heavily on Thunder Master.
What is the true pillar of the nation?
If the National Protection Bureau is the last protective shield of Huaxia, then King Lei is the core.
Whether in terms of status, prestige, or influence, he is an unrivaled existence.
Zhang Xiaoshan's heart also shook.
Although he had already guessed that this middle-aged man in a purple mask had an extraordinary identity, he hadn't expected it to be this extraordinary.
His mind raced quickly with calculations.
The woman in red had brought this upon herself, and Zhang Xiaoshan was keen to teach her a lesson. However, with King Lei present, he was powerless.
Susu had already warned him not to confront Thunder Master directly.
Now that Thunder Master provided a way out, the best course of action was to acquiesce.
Thinking of this, Zhang Xiaoshan chuckled softly.
"Senior, you have made indelible contributions to the peace of Huaxia, enduring hardships beyond imagination. Since you've asked, I naturally must give you this face."
"Let's do as you say and write off this matter."
"Write it off, you..."
The Vermilion Bird wanted to scold Zhang Xiaoshan but was silenced by a stern glare from King Lei, immediately causing her to back down.
"You all may leave first."
With King Lei's order, the Vermilion Bird had no choice but to take her people and leave.
The Vermilion Bird's figure was nothing short of voluptuous, a rare beauty, and Zhang Xiaoshan took a deep look at her.
This woman had high cultivation; if he were to cultivate with her, he would likely greatly benefit.
"Woo..."
Watching the Vermilion Bird's retreating figure, a fleeting expression of surprise crossed Zhang Xiaoshan's eyes.
On the Vermilion Bird's back was a large crimson bird.
So vividly red.
IIdentical in form to the one he'd seen on Chu Mingyue.
Except that the one on Chu Mingyue seemed somewhat dim, while the one on the Vermilion Bird was intensely bright, like a burning flame.
It was clearly the legendary Vermilion Bird Totem.
"Could it be that this woman's body also harbors the soul of a great demon beast?"
"No wonder, no wonder she just erupted with such terrifying fire power. It must be highly related to what's inside her."
"Young man, is there something wrong?"
King Lei noticed Zhang Xiaoshan's strange expression and questioned him.
Zhang Xiaoshan snapped back to reality.
Facing Thunder Master before him, a chill ran down Zhang Xiaoshan's spine.
In front of such a powerful cultivator, he had let his mind wander. Luckily, Thunder Master hadn't attacked him, for in that moment of distraction, Thunder Master could have easily injured him badly, leaving him defenseless.
"Nothing, it's just that your student looks pretty nice, with a stunning figure. Uh, I'm not married yet, perhaps Thunder Master could help introduce us?"
"Heh, hehehe..."
Thunder Master was momentarily stunned, then chuckled.
He could easily tell that Zhang Xiaoshan was just being evasive.
But it didn't sit well with Bai Shutong nearby.
She gave Zhang Xiaoshan a sharp glare, clenching her teeth, thinking silently that this bastard was a real lecher, not forgetting to talk about romance at such a time.
When there's a chance, she'd definitely give Zhang Xiaoshan a hard time, leaving him powerless, to see if he'd dare to think, speak, or act foolishly again.
"Well, if there's nothing else, I'll be leaving as well."
Zhang Xiaoshan wanted to leave.
But Thunder Master said.
"Wait, I have something to give you."
Saying this, Thunder Master took out a golden badge from his pocket.
It looked identical to the Vermilion Bird's.
The difference was that the back of this badge had no specific information, only a code.
"This is for you. In the future, if you encounter situations like today and act, no one will hold you accountable, as long as you don't harm civilians or do anything that endangers the country. You can act freely in any setting."
"Consider it a thank-you for eliminating the Fox Demon today."
Thunder Master handed the gold badge to Zhang Xiaoshan.
Zhang Xiaoshan was thrilled and accepted it without hesitation.
With this, it was like having the National Protection Bureau backing him up. In the future, should any local authorities try to give him trouble, this badge held enough deterrent power that even high-ranking officials wouldn't interfere much.
He could act freely from then on.
"Young man, do you have any interest in joining our National Protection Bureau?"
Thunder Master threw out another heavy proposition.
"The head of the National Protection Bureau actually invited him to join?"
"That's a tremendous honor."
Everyone was green with envy.
But Zhang Xiaoshan waved his hand.
"No, I've gotten used to being independent. I don't like being bound by strict rules. Besides, my heart is already dedicated to protecting the nation. I just need to do things that benefit the country and the people. Why join any organization?"
"Moreover, my actions can be unpredictable. If I cause any trouble, it would bring dishonor to the National Protection Bureau, wouldn't it?"
He refused?
Everyone was astonished.
The National Protection Bureau, the highest defensive force in Huaxia, whose gate many tried to enter through favors but to no avail. Yet now that such a golden opportunity was right in front of him, Zhang Xiaoshan refused?
Inconceivable.
However, Thunder Master's eyes remained calm, as if he had already anticipated this answer.
"Very well, if you ever change your mind, feel free to find me anytime."
"Farewell."
As he spoke, Thunder Master's figure flashed, his body emitting purple light, and in the blink of an eye, he was a hundred meters away.
In no time, he vanished, leaving behind a crowd of stunned onlookers.
"Immortal, Miracle Doctor Zhang, haha, you've saved us today and resolved the trouble at the scenic area. Your great kindness is unforgettable. I'd like to host a banquet in your honor to repay your kindness."
"Yes, yes, Immortal, please do us the honor."
A group from Fengtian Development Company, each person overflowing with enthusiasm.
At this moment, no one dared to treat Zhang Xiaoshan with the slightest disrespect.
Zhang Xiaoshan had proven himself with his abilities.
"Alright, no need for a lavish banquet. A simple meal and arrangement for my accommodation are enough."
"Yes, yes, of course."
Bai Yong led a group, accompanied by Bai Shutong and Jiang Qin, to escort Zhang Xiaoshan away.
Academician Qian and his group had long been left behind.
"Oh my gosh, how powerful, isn't this on the level of a Heavenly Person?"
"Who would have thought that a kid picked up halfway could turn out to be an immortal?"
Academician Qian, Qian Xue, and other members of the geological team were so stunned they collapsed on the ground, unable to get up for a long time.
Meanwhile, on a hill that was a necessary passage out of the scenic area, Thunder Master and the Vermilion Bird were silently watching all this unfold.