The sky was azure, and the sunlight extraordinarily bright. The sea breeze coming towards them was refreshing and clean.

The golden sea surface undulated gently, as one-person speedboats roamed freely across the water, leaving behind trails of white wakes.

On the white sandy beach, dozens of parasols and reclining chairs were set up, and small tea tables were filled with chilled fruit beverages.

Many men and women in swimsuits were also frolicking and playing by the sea.

Gao Xuan was lying leisurely on a recliner, wearing a colorful T-shirt and shorts, holding a vibrant beverage in his left hand.

He liked the environment here and also enjoyed the atmosphere.

In fact, Golden Source City itself had an artificial sea so vast that its edges were out of sight. But compared to this natural sea, it lacked quite a bit of flavor.

The feeling of vast expanses of sky and sea is hard to replicate artificially. Especially for experts like Gao Xuan, whose keen perception could always detect the discord of the unnatural.

Yun Qingshang was dressed in a full set of white casual clothes, wearing a straw hat on her head and sunglasses on her nose.

Such attire made her look too conservative here and appeared somewhat out of place compared to the surrounding environment.

Yun Qingshang did not like attending gatherings, but since Gao Xuan wanted to come, she followed. As long as Gao Xuan was around, the world was full of color and full of fun.

"I like it here, I like this kind of atmosphere..."

Gao Xuan drank his beverage leisurely and said to Yun Qingshang, "The blue sea, the sunny sky, and the beautiful nature. Handsome men and beautiful women symbolize a thriving community. Fine food and wine represent a leisurely life. If the world could always be like this, how wonderful it would be..."

"Unfortunately, the world is always full of struggles. Any complacent community will be eliminated by the cruel world."

Suddenly someone chimed in from the side. Yun Qingshang turned to look and saw it was a middle-aged man speaking, handsome in appearance, with a calm demeanor, dressed in a simple white shirt and gray casual shorts.

Yun Qingshang didn't recognize the person but thought he bore a resemblance to Xiao Wan. She guessed he might be a relative of Xiao Wan.

The man smiled slightly, "I'm Xiao Wan's father, Xiao Cheng."

Gao Xuan had not met Xiao Cheng before. He stood up from his chair, bowed slightly, and greeted him, "Hello, Uncle Xiao. I've been on Taurus for so long without coming to pay my respects, which is quite rude."

"You're good friends with Xiao Wan, no need to be so formal."

Xiao Cheng took the initiative to find a chair to sit down, "I've heard of your outstanding talents, and meeting you today, your reputation is well-deserved."

"Uncle Xiao, you flatter me." Gao Xuan smiled radiantly, displaying considerable humility.

Xiao Cheng could also see that Gao Xuan's humility was entirely out of politeness. The confidence brimming from his brows was not hidden in the slightest.

He didn't particularly like flamboyant people, but considering Gao Xuan's age and abilities, being modest and reserved would feel disingenuous. This version of Gao Xuan was more genuine and more admirable.

He smiled and said, "Sit, let's chat."

After pouring a drink for Xiao Cheng, Gao Xuan sat down, portraying an attitude of eager listening.

Someone of Xiao Cheng's stature wouldn't really look to chat idly with him. Their age gap was too vast, with no common language, nor friendship.

"Gao Xuan, you're very outstanding. However, you're still too young. Not thorough enough in thinking about things."

Xiao Cheng went straight to the point, saying, "A substantive colonel position is very important. It's not just about rank. I'm transferring you to the Taurus Defense Army's General Staff Department, as a deputy director of the second section. This won't affect your studies. You only need to occasionally attend a meeting..."

The General Staff Department of the Defense Army has tremendous authority, with very high internal jurisdiction. Moreover, it is not governed by the administrative system of Taurus.

This is very important.

Xiao Cheng also saw that Gao Xuan was not someone to stick to the status quo. But the Xiao Family Swordsmanship Association's status was not legally recognized from an external perspective.

In order to protect Gao Xuan and also to reward him, Xiao Cheng made this arrangement.

With the Xiao Family's influence, posting someone as a deputy director in the second section was not so easy. Mainly, it was because Gao Xuan's colonel rank was legitimate, which made the transfer smooth.

In terms of power, Gao Xuan's military position was even higher than that of Xiao Wan.

Gao Xuan understood Xiao Cheng's good intentions and promptly expressed his gratitude.

Xiao Cheng chatted simply with Gao Xuan, then had him sign an electronic document, officially enacting the appointment.

With this matter settled, Xiao Cheng took his leave. He believed that Gao Xuan was very smart and could understand the goodwill he conveyed. That was enough.

After Xiao Cheng left, Xiao Wan came over, slightly tense, asking, "What did my dad want with you?"

She was genuinely worried that Xiao Cheng might propose on her behalf, which would be too embarrassing.

"Uncle Xiao helped with my promotion..."

Gao Xuan laughed and briefly recounted the event, putting Xiao Wan at ease.

Xiao Wan muttered, "Haven't seen Lan Tiancheng or Bai Yue, those guys might come over in the evening."

She further cautioned, "Don't go flirting with women here; the women here can be troublesome, and encountering one who's already taken would be awkward for everyone..."

Gao Xuan looked innocent, "I'm a decent person."

Xiao Wan didn't believe him. She was afraid Gao Xuan would cause trouble, so she kept an eye on him.

Xiao Wan was quite famous among the noble youth. First, because of her somewhat ill-tempered nature. Secondly, because she was indeed very capable.

A Silver Sword Hero not yet thirty was a rare sight on Taurus.

Noble youth enjoyed plenty of resources, but cultivation was a tedious and tough endeavor. Not many could endure the monotony of cultivation.

Most noble youth, even those from top-tier noble families, had mediocre cultivation.