I Cultivate in a Government Office

Chapter 114: Chapter 89: A Change of Status

He scanned the room, his voice low. "Based on deductions from dozens of memories, we’ve reached a conclusion. The Wang father and son travel to the high seas at regular intervals. Our preliminary investigation indicates a high probability of a Sea Monster in that area, and its energy signature already exceeds the Entry level."

A series of soft gasps echoed through the conference hall.

"Furthermore, this Sea Monster has very likely been placed under some kind of Evil Magic Restriction. It shares a deep mental link with the Wang father and son and knows most of their secrets," Vice Director Gao added, his tone grave.

Director Qin tapped the table lightly and said, "We can confirm that this Sea Monster comes out at night. The Provincial Hall and the Municipal Bureau have reached an agreement: it must be controlled or eliminated. The codename for this operation is ’Sea Purge.’ Our city will take the lead, coordinating with the three coastal counties to execute it."

He motioned for Wang Ren to project a larger map of the sea area onto the Spiritual Light screen at the front of the conference room.

"Phase one: Evacuation and Surveillance."

Director Zhang Qiming pointed to an arc-shaped area on the map spanning a hundred kilometers. "Centering on the Sea Monster’s estimated activity zone, all fishing boats, cargo ships, and exploration platforms within a one-hundred-kilometer radius must be evacuated within forty-eight hours. At the same time, all coastal villages, towns, and ports will enter a level-two alert status, closely monitoring for any abnormal energy fluctuations or personnel movements."

"Task assignments are as follows..."

Vice Director Gao began calling out names. "The Port District Public Security Office will be responsible for the main evacuation effort and establishing the maritime cordon. The East City and West City District Public Security Offices will dispatch personnel to set up barrier Arrays along the coast, extending out from both sides of the Port District. The South City and North City District Public Security Offices will monitor inland routes and the movement of suspicious individuals..."

Finally, his gaze landed on Yang Wenqing. "Vice Group Leader Yang Wenqing, Vice Section Chief Wang Ming, and Vice Section Chief Li Yi."

"Present!" the three of them responded, immediately standing up.

"The situation in the Port District is the most complex, the pressure to evacuate is the greatest, and it is a critical junction between land and sea," Vice Director Gao commanded.

"Vice Group Leader Yang Wenqing, you will have full authority over coordinating the civilian evacuation and maintaining order in the Port District. You will also supervise the establishment of the first line of surveillance and defense along the coastline. Vice Section Chief Wang Ming will lead the security forces from East City and West City to set up barrier Arrays on both sides, centered on the port. Vice Section Chief Li Yi, you will be responsible for monitoring suspicious individuals within the city districts and on all major thoroughfares."

"All public security forces and militia from every district will be under your unified command for the duration of the operation. Additionally, the heads of each Public Security Office will lead their elite units to garrison key points along the maritime cordon."

"Remember, you must complete these tasks before nightfall!"

"Yes, sir! We guarantee the mission’s completion!" Yang Wenqing and the other two replied in low, determined voices, followed by the rest of the Public Security Office heads.

Director Qin looked at the grave, worried expressions on everyone’s faces and added a final remark. "There is no need for excessive worry. The Municipal Bureau has urgently dispatched two Entry-level Cultivators who specialize in underwater combat. They will venture deep into the target sea area to investigate and will take action as the situation demands. Your primary task is to ensure the evacuation zone is clear, leaving no opportunities for any evil cults to exploit."

He paused, his sharp gaze sweeping across the room. "Operation Sea Purge concerns the safety and security of Qianjiao County and the entire Coastal Area. I expect you all to cooperate fully and see this mission to its completion."

"Yes, sir!"

Everyone in the conference room responded in unison as a grim, heavy atmosphere settled over them.

After the meeting, Director Qin and the two directors were the first to leave, obviously to arrange for higher-level coordination and support. The other attendees also dispersed quickly, each throwing themselves into their own urgent preparations.

Yang Wenqing strode back to his office, shed his civilian clothes, and changed into his City Defense Bureau security uniform. He carefully pinned on his Vice Group Leader insignia. Just as he finished adjusting his appearance, the voice of Yan Kuan from the Port District Public Security Office came through the badge on his belt.

"Yang Group Leader, the Port District has already begun initial mobilization according to the emergency plan. All docks, the Warehouse District, and coastal residential areas have received evacuation notices. We’re just waiting for you to get here and take charge!"

"I’m on my way!"

Yang Wenqing replied in a low voice and cut the communication.

After a moment’s thought, he turned and walked to the Third Squad’s office at the other end of the hall. He pushed the door open to find Liu Qin, Qian You, and Zhao Qin inside. They had clearly received the alert but didn’t know the specifics and were looking a bit lost.

The three of them immediately stood up when they saw Yang Wenqing enter.

"Yang Group Leader!" the three of them said in unison.

Yang Wenqing’s gaze swept over the three of them. When his eyes landed on Liu Qin, he had an idea. ’This is a time of great need, and a good opportunity to observe and test her.’

He spoke to them concisely. "The three of you, with me. We’re going to the Port District."

"Yes, sir!" their spirits lifted as they responded at once.

A glimmer of light flashed in Liu Qin’s eyes as she quickly gathered her communication log and a few commonly used Magical Artifacts. Qian You and Zhao Qin also hurried to check their personal gear.