Liu Bei was immediately overjoyed and quickly said, "So it's Mr. Xu. I am Liu Bei, greetings."

Xu Shu quickly returned the greeting, saying, "My name is Xu Shu, and I greet Lord Xuande!"

"I've heard Yun Chang mention you before. You're both a scholar and a warrior. Meeting you today, I can see you're truly extraordinary!" Liu Bei said with a smile.

"Lord Xuande, you flatter me. I am but a humble scholar!"

Liu Bei laughed heartily and said, "Mr. Yuanzhi, you are too modest!"

Sima Hui said, "Since you two are so destined to meet, why don't you sit down and have a chat?"

"Good! Good!" Liu Bei said repeatedly.

Everyone took their seats.

Liu Bei, eager to find talented individuals, cut to the chase and asked, "Does Mr. Xu have any plans to come out of seclusion?"

Xu Shu was immediately taken aback; he hadn't expected that it would be said so directly.

However, since the other party had asked, Xu Shu replied, "I am deeply grateful for your kindness, Lord Xuande! However, my ambitions no longer lie in an official career, and I am afraid I will have to disappoint you."

Upon hearing this, Liu Bei immediately frowned.

Liu Bei pressed further, "Does sir truly wish to live a life of mediocrity?"

"Alas, the world is full of troubles. I only wish to read in peace and be a carefree scholar," Xu Shu sighed.

Liu Bei took a deep breath. He hadn't expected to be rejected, and so decisively at that.

After a long silence, Liu Bei suddenly stood up, bowed ninety degrees to Xu Shu, and said earnestly, "I cannot agree with your aspirations, sir!"

"The Han Dynasty is declining, and the people are suffering. Yet, warriors still speak out: a true man should carry a three-foot sword and achieve unparalleled feats!"

"Sir, with such great talent, wouldn't you do your part to bring dawn to the world?"