Compared to Xue Kai, who was also one of the department heads of the Second Court, Sixth Department of the Review Office, as soon as Lu Ding emerged, Zhang Qingshan's aura erupted violently.

BOOM!!!!!

White Qi flames surged from Zhang Qingshan's body. He opened his mouth to question, "Lu Ding, I want to ask you, isn't your behavior a bit too excessive!!"

"I am the head of the First Department. You and Minister Xue from the Fourth Department came to my First Department, beat up and arrested my department's investigator, and didn't even inform me."

"Even if he was at fault, even if he violated the rules and regulations, shouldn't such matters be reported to me, so I am aware, and I should be the one to take action!!"

"With your actions, how can the First Department hold its head up in the future? How can I hold my head up!?"

"Is there any dignity left for the First Department!!!?"

This was indeed the case.

It was mainly because the incident happened so suddenly.

Of course, the more critical point was that no one knew if Zhang Qingshan would protect his own subordinate.

Therefore, Xue Kai and Lu Ding, from the bottom of their hearts, never intended to notify him. Acting first and reporting later, avoiding potential problems, was the optimal solution.

But doing it this way was indeed a bit underhanded, that was true.

Lu Ding was not the type of person who would stubbornly refuse to admit fault, or admit it but not change. He had arrogance, more than anyone else. But he also had manners and character.

With a serious expression, he said, "I'm sorry, Minister Zhang. The situation was truly too sudden, and we didn't have time to notify you. This time, the person he obstructed was an elder who showed me great kindness during my time in the Third Circle."

"He dedicated his entire life to the Great Han, to the 749 Bureau."

"I truly couldn't bear to see him suffer such injustice. I've caused you trouble. You decide how to resolve this, and we will follow your decision."

Lu Ding's attitude made Zhang Qingshan feel like he had punched a ball of cotton. He truly hadn't expected this.

Lu Ding.

This was the Great Han's Corpse-Shattering Taishui, Lu Ding.

The peerless genius who held the record for the highest-value cross-level combat achievement in the Great Han.

Logically speaking, let alone a genius like Lu Ding, even those monstrous talents different from ordinary geniuses were all arrogant and proud to the core, their pride and backbone inseparable.

Even if they were at fault, even if they hit a wall, they would choose to smash right through it.

Although it was just a verbal apology, a few light words... countless geniuses had escalated situations simply because they couldn't utter the three words 'I'm sorry'.

Now, someone like Lu Ding actually apologized to him. And with such a sincere tone.

Zhang Qingshan's anger instantly dissipated considerably. But his imposing aura hadn't subsided yet.

He wanted to see if Lu Ding was genuinely apologizing to him or just pretending.

"You let me punch you once, and we'll consider today's matter settled."

Lu Ding stood in place, straightening his chest. "Come on, Minister Zhang. Just don't hit the face."

Xue Kai beside him grew anxious. "Lu..." Before he could even finish calling Lu Ding's name, Lu Ding raised a hand to stop him. "It's fine, Minister Xue. If you're wrong, you admit it; if you're getting beaten, you stand straight. Today's actions were indeed rash."

As he spoke.

Zhang Qingshan raised his hand, forming a fist. A lion phantom condensed, its mane ablaze, and he threw a fierce punch towards Lu Ding.

Seeing Lu Ding neither dodge nor evade, just as the fist was about to strike Lu Ding's chest, the phantom dissipated, transforming into a fierce gale that whipped Lu Ding's hair wildly.

Zhang Qingshan's fist changed to an open palm, which he then lightly pressed against Lu Ding's chest, giving a slight tap.

There was no force behind it whatsoever.

"Forget it, let it be. All I wanted was your attitude."

"In this matter, our First Department was indeed at fault first. We are not in the right. You beating him up is perfectly reasonable. Since an investigator of the Review Office knowingly broke the law during his duties, used public office for private revenge, abused public power for personal ends, then punishment is inevitable."

"Just as I heard you say in the surveillance footage, he started it, you finished it."

"But such a thing, don't let it happen again. If you discover a similar situation again, please remember, the First Department still has me, its head. I'm not dead, and I will never shield anyone."

"Nor will I be like certain department heads who can't distinguish the situation clearly and are blinded by others' sweet talk."

Lu Ding not dodging or evading represented his attitude. Zhang Qingshan accepted it.

But while accepting it, he also took a jab at Xue Kai, who had erred earlier.

Xue Kai frowned. "Who are you insinuating about? Who are you alluding to? Who are you hinting at!!?" 𝚏𝕣𝕖𝚎𝚠𝚎𝚋𝚗𝐨𝐯𝕖𝕝.𝕔𝐨𝕞

"What do you mean!?"

Zhang Qingshan's words had indeed stung Xue Kai a bit.

"Whoever responds, I'm talking about them."

Zhang Qingshan crossed his arms. It was fine if Lu Ding didn't understand, and besides, he was also from the 749 Bureau. What did you, Xue Kai, mean by pulling this stunt?

Xue Kai unleashed his aura. "Zhang Qingshan, do you think I don't dare to touch you!!!?"

Zhang Qingshan: "Come on, try it."

The aura he had just suppressed erupted once again.

The two men's auras clashed against each other.

Lu Ding stood to the side.

With a *BOOM*, his aura erupted. Black smoke instantly rose, and his entire person seemed to fray at the edges, his eyes overflowing with red light.

The shockwave caused the surrounding walls to crack and the floor slabs to sink.

"Enough!"

"You are both department heads. Gentlemen, give me some face. Don't make this too ugly."

It was also this move, the feeling of overwhelming pressure that washed over them, that made Zhang Qingshan understand once again the sincerity of Lu Ding's earlier apology.

This guy wasn't incapable of beating him. With this kind of aura, Lu Ding could handle him like a chick.

Zhang Qingshan withdrew his aura. "My apologies, Minister Xue."

He then looked at Lu Ding, but for a moment, he even changed his form of address. "Grand Duke Lu, inside... how is the person?"

Lu Ding's expression softened, showing a faint smile. "Don't worry, Minister Zhang. He's not dead. I just gave him a beating."

"That's good. Then, why don't you go attend to your business? Leave this side to me to handle the procedures."

"I roughly know the offenses he committed. Rest assured, I guarantee fairness and justice."

Lu Ding expressed his thanks. "Then thank you very much, Minister Zhang. Regarding today's matter, I am truly sorry. Next time, I, Lu Ding, will personally visit to make amends."

"No need, no need. Go on, go on. I know you're quite busy. I'm glad you were willing to give me this face."

Lu Ding left with Fu Xinghe and Xue Kai.

Zhang Qingshan watched them go. Only after the figures of the three had disappeared did he say, "With strength comes strength, with talent comes talent, yet also possessing manners and understanding boundaries. Who wouldn't want to befriend such a person?"

He walked into the interrogation room.

Wang Heng, who had been beaten and was now curled up in a corner, struggled to lift his heavily swollen eyelids to look at Zhang Qingshan who had entered.

"Min... Minister... Lu Ding... hit... hit me..."

He still wanted to complain.

Zhang Qingshan's face darkened, instantly flaring with anger. He raised his foot, wanting to give this guy a few more kicks, but ultimately didn't bring it down.

"Don't even mention him hitting you; I want to hit you too! But my professional integrity doesn't allow me to carry out private punishment. If you were standing in a public place, under the watchful eyes of everyone, see if I don't beat you when I arrest you!!"

"You truly have no shame!!"