"If that’s truly what you think, then the solution is simple. As long as Vice Envoy Sun can produce a strand of Earth Fiend Qi of a higher quality than the Red Lotus Evil Qi to compensate him, I will have nothing more to say!"

"You!"

Sun Yuzhi choked on her anger, forcing it down. "That is not what I meant. I just believe this matter could be handled more tactfully. There’s no need for things to get so confrontational.

As far as I know, one of the Golden Spring Temple’s ’Ten Heroes’ of this generation, Monk Fazang, spent several years training at an Upper Sect in Yunzhou. It’s suspected his Cultivation has already reached the Profound Gang Realm.

If he fights in the battle of Wushan Mountain six months from now, who among the younger generation of our Jingwu Bureau can possibly stop him? Our quota will be drastically reduced, and when the higher-ups place the blame, how will either of us bear the consequences?"

This was the most pressing issue.

If they couldn’t secure sufficient gains in the Wushan Mountain conflict, both of them, as the leaders of the Ning’an Prefecture Jingwu Bureau, would undoubtedly face pressure from the higher-ups in the State City’s Jingwu Bureau.

"Give them an inch, and they’ll take a mile. Golden Spring Temple is betting that we’ll be hesitant because of the Wushan Mountain battle, and that’s why they dare to be so brazen, coming to our door with demands."

Nie Xuanfeng’s voice was firm, ringing with unquestionable resolve. "If we make compromises out of weakness on every issue and allow these sects to grow more powerful, do you think our superiors will be pleased?

Vice Envoy Sun, do not forget the duty of the Jingwu Bureau. And do not forget why I was transferred to this Ning’an Prefecture in the first place."

That last sentence was a sharp barb that stabbed deep into Sun Yuzhi’s heart.

If Nie Xuanfeng hadn’t been parachuted in, the position of Governor of the Ning’an Prefecture Jingwu Bureau should have been hers. This was the very source of the irreconcilable conflict between them.

Sun Yuzhi’s expression turned instantly foul. She shot to her feet, her almond eyes flashing with fury.

"Fine. Fine! Since Governor Nie is so confident, I will no longer involve myself in this matter. Let’s just hope, when the time comes, that you don’t regret the words you’ve spoken today."

With that, she snorted, turned on her heel, and stormed out, her official robes stirring a cold gust of wind in her wake.

Watching Sun Yuzhi’s furious retreat, a cold glint flashed in Nie Xuanfeng’s eyes. He felt not a shred of remorse, merely letting out a cold snort of his own.

’He was also quite displeased with Sun Yuzhi.’

’How long had he even been away from the Prefecture City?’

’Yet Sun Yuzhi was already so eager to meddle with his subordinates. If he didn’t use this chance to put her in her place, he feared she’d start to think she had absolute authority in the Jingwu Bureau.’

’And then there’s Chen Sheng... The young man’s talent and character are both top-notch; he’s someone I value greatly. I must find an opportunity to guide him properly, lest he go astray.’

After a moment of contemplation, he called out in a deep voice:

"Send word. As soon as Deputy Captain Chen emerges from his seclusion, have him report to me immediately!"

...

Jingwu Bureau, Sixteenth Underground Level, Secluded Cultivation Chamber.

Chen Sheng slowly opened his eyes. A brilliant light glowed deep within them, and the aura surrounding him was dense and well-integrated. He had completely stabilized his Cultivation at the early stage of the Earth Fiend Realm. With a mere thought, the Celestial Book Panel materialized clearly in his mind:

[Blood Slaughter Floating Light Body: Entry (69/100)]

[Six Extremes Golden Bell Technique: Great Success (6/1000)]

[Basic Saber Skill: Perfection (1760/2000)]

[Fishing Toad Force Secret Technique: Perfection (468/2000)]

[Demon-Slaying Triple Extremes Saber: Perfection (756/2000)]

Three days had passed since he had successfully completed his Condensing Evil.

In these three days, Chen Sheng had not only completely stabilized his new realm, but he had also made great strides with the newly acquired *Blood Slaughter Floating Light Body*.

He had originally planned to cultivate this Body Technique to the entry-level before emerging, but a warning that had just come from the Celestial Book’s [Seeking Fortune and Avoiding Evil] ability made him change his mind.

Nie Xuanfeng had returned to Ning’an Prefecture and was extremely displeased about his "cozy" relationship with Sun Yuzhi.

Through the Celestial Book’s [Seeking Fortune and Avoiding Evil] ability, Chen Sheng knew that Sun Yuzhi had some affection for him—that she was even starting to develop romantic feelings.

’But how could he, Chen Sheng, be so easily swayed by a woman’s charm?’

Chen Sheng knew full well that Nie Xuanfeng was currently his greatest support and patron within the Jingwu Bureau. He absolutely could not allow his minor interactions with Sun Yuzhi to create an irreparable rift with Nie Xuanfeng.

’I have to come out now and reassure him.’

————

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