After fully understanding everything, Henry Sutton was finally able to set his mind at ease. Thinking of the wealth and glory soon to come, his heart couldn't help but leap with excitement. The days flew by in a state of restless anxiety. Before Henry Sutton could receive a summons from Gu Dao Ran, he first encountered an old friend, Brian Cooper, a deputy general from the Northern Red Ocean Legion.

"Brother, it's only been a few days, but you look in great spirits."

Henry Sutton, who was chatting with Stephen Blake in the courtyard, looked up in surprise and immediately saw Brian Cooper's honest, rectangular face beaming with a heartfelt smile. Seeing the dust on his face and the yellow sand on his clothes, it was clear he had just returned from the front lines and had come straight to find Henry Sutton without even taking time to freshen up.

"This subordinate greets the general." Henry Sutton immediately stood up, clasped his fists, and bowed. Although a deputy general is the lowest rank among generals, he is still a general, worlds apart from a mere soldier like Henry Sutton, so of course he dared not neglect the proper etiquette.

"Ah, there's no need for so much formality." Brian Cooper rushed over, grabbed Henry Sutton, and said loudly, "That day, the military situation was urgent, and I couldn't talk with you in detail. But nowadays, there are very few people I truly admire, and you are definitely one of them. If you don't mind this rough fellow, then please call me 'big brother.'"

"How could I possibly accept such an honor?" Henry Sutton couldn't figure out Brian Cooper's intentions, but judging by his demeanor, these words were absolutely sincere, not just empty talk. He couldn't help but feel a surge of warmth in his heart. Fortunately, he had been getting along well with Stephen Blake these past few days and had learned some officialdom customs from him, so he didn't dare to agree too hastily.

"Heh, this isn't the military camp, so we don't need to address each other by rank." After a pause, he said seriously, "Brother, you are one of the bravest men in the world. Why be so hesitant? If you're a real man, just say it straightforwardly."

At this point, to refuse further would be pretentious, or even an insult. Henry Sutton didn't want to make an enemy over this. More importantly, he truly admired Brian Cooper and was eager for the chance to befriend him. He immediately bowed deeply and said, "In that case, little brother greets big brother."

Brian Cooper accepted the bow with a smile and then helped Henry Sutton up, saying, "Good! Being able to make a brother like you today makes my long journey from the northern frontier worthwhile."

"Big brother, this is Deputy General Stephen Blake from the logistics department. Our recovery this time was all thanks to his careful care." Henry Sutton quickly introduced Stephen Blake to Brian Cooper: "General Tong, this is Deputy General Brian Cooper from the Red Ocean Vanguard of the Northern Camp."

"I've long heard of your great name, General Fang. Your reputation is known throughout the army. Just half a month ago, you led three thousand cavalry to defeat thirty thousand Caesar troops—a true tiger general of our era." Stephen Blake quickly greeted him. Being well-informed, he had already heard of Brian Cooper's exploits, though they hadn't met before. Now, taking this opportunity, he naturally wanted to make a proper acquaintance, and he gave a hearty slap on the back as a gesture.

"I don't deserve such praise. If we're talking about the greatest tiger general of our time, it would have to be my brother's warrior, Edward Grant." Brian Cooper gave Henry Sutton a hearty slap and laughed softly. His perfunctory attitude made it clear he didn't take Stephen Blake very seriously.

Chapter Five: The Brothel

"Big brother, you flatter me. Edward Grant may be skilled in martial arts, but he's rather crude. Compared to your command of thousands of troops, he's far behind." Henry Sutton's expression changed. The title of "the greatest tiger general" sounded nice, but as the saying goes, "there is no first in literature, no second in martial arts." If word of this really got out, Edward Grant's life might be in danger.

"Not so. I saw Edward Grant in battle that day—he led from the front, unstoppable, and under his command, over a hundred men kept perfect formation. Such skill truly impresses me. I dare say, this man will achieve great things in the future." Brian Cooper shook his head gently and said with deep feeling, "Brother, to have such a warrior obey your every command is even more admirable. With a tiger general like him at your side, your future achievements will surely surpass mine."

Henry Sutton felt deeply ashamed. He knew he had no real ability to win people's loyalty; it was all thanks to the blood wine. He was about to say a few humble words when Stephen Blake burst out laughing: "You are all heroes of our Han nation. Since fate has brought us together today, why don't I host a gathering at Drunken Moon Pavilion so we can all enjoy a good drink?"

"Great! Since Brother Tong is so hospitable, we brothers will gladly accept." Brian Cooper's eyes lit up, his earlier coldness gone, and he responded enthusiastically.

"If you two are willing to honor me, I couldn't ask for more. Let's set out right away."

"Wait a moment." Brian Cooper waved his hand and turned to Henry Sutton: "Brother, good fortune should be shared. Go and invite Edward Grant as well."

"Exactly, exactly! Look at my memory..." Stephen Blake slapped his forehead as if suddenly realizing, then said, "Besides Edward Grant, General Fang, you should bring a few of your brothers too. The more, the merrier."

After Henry Sutton called for Edward Grant, Brian Cooper also brought along three of his brothers. These three were all commanders of a thousand cavalry under his command—tall, broad-shouldered, and loud-voiced, clearly men of the north. The group of seven found two carriages and headed off toward Drunken Moon Pavilion.