I Cultivate in a Government Office

Chapter 223: Chapter 129: Promotion to Deputy Director!

Yang Wenqing could never have imagined the situation would develop like this. It was likely something Zhang Qiming hadn’t anticipated, either.

The sudden appearance of this Foundation Establishment cultivator had rendered all the schemes of those lurking in the shadows completely useless.

It also left Yang Wenqing a bit stunned. He had already braced himself for the inevitable crackdown that would follow after openly opposing them.

He wanted to ask how Zhang Qiming was faring, but he thought better of it. From Vice Director Gao’s tone, it was clear that Zhang Qiming was not having an easy time.

After ending the call, Yang Wenqing first used his badge to issue an alert to Xia Meng, Zhao Tiezhu, Liu Xin, and Liao Tianming.

All the station’s defensive Arrays were activated at full power, and the Government Soldiers and the action team were placed on the highest combat alert. He also personally contacted the heads of the largest Commerce Associations and workshops, warning them to keep their people in line—no one was to go outside or gather tonight, or they would have to bear the consequences themselves.

In less than half an hour, all of Lingshan Town was as taut as a fully drawn bowstring.

Amidst the suffocating wait, a series of muffled roars suddenly echoed from the distant horizon without any warning.

The roaring sounded like thunder and drums—heavy and oppressive. It was as if a giant hammer were striking an invisible barrier, or as if some immense forces were clashing violently. Even from so far away, the ground in Lingshan Town trembled faintly, and the ambient Spiritual Qi in the air showed signs of turmoil.

Everyone was startled by the terrifying phenomenon. They all looked toward the source of the sound, shock and uncertainty written all over their faces.

Yang Wenqing stood on the station roof, his mind in turmoil as he stared at the night sky, which was being roiled by an unseen force. This had to be High-tier Cultivators fighting, or the clash of Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi triggered by the activation of some massive Restriction.

He couldn’t help but wonder, ’Has the City Defense Bureau’s crackdown already gotten this intense?’

He then turned on his communicator and ordered everyone on duty to remain vigilant and prevent any potential incidents. Suddenly, a familiar figure ascended into the air on an auspicious cloud, arriving at the side of Yang Wenqing’s rooftop. It was Yu Shuzi, his face also grave as he stared at the distant sky.

The terrifying roar lasted for a full ten minutes before gradually subsiding. The night sky returned to darkness and silence, but the intangible sense of pressure did not dissipate.

Not daring to let his guard down for a moment, Yang Wenqing ordered all units to maintain the highest state of alert.

About another half hour passed before Vice Director Gao called again. "Wenqing, is everything alright over in Lingshan Town?"

"Everything is stable, Director Gao."

"Good. The City Defense Bureau’s operation went smoothly. The main targets have all been apprehended. This matter is over, for now."

Vice Director Gao paused. "Your investigation can also be wrapped up for the time being. I want you to hand over the daily operations of the Lingshan Town investigation team to Liu Xin. You are to bring copies of all the case files and return to the Qianjiao County branch to debrief."

’Return to the branch to debrief?’

"Now?"

"Yes, now. You’re eager to know the full story, aren’t you?"

"I am!"

"Then come back. The memories of that rogue cultivator will prove everything. And don’t forget to bring Liu Min’s notebook."

After ending the call, Yang Wenqing looked up at the land where he had fought for so long, where his comrades had shed their blood. He let out a long, slow breath, releasing all his pent-up frustration.

The storm, it seemed, had truly passed. It had all been a little theatrical.

...

「Coral City, City Defense Bureau Headquarters. A small, enclosed conference room.」

The room was filled with soft, bright light, and the air was fragrant with the scent of fine Spirit Tea. Yet, it couldn’t dispel the complicated, intangible atmosphere.

Director Shen Wenyuan sat at the head of the table, toying with a smooth, jade teacup lid. Vice Director Qi Yue sat to his right, wearing the calm smile of a victor. In a relaxed tone, he was summarizing the principles for handling the aftermath of the case they had just discussed.

Across from Qi Yue sat Vice Director Zhao Shouzheng, his expression somewhat grim. He remained silent for the most part, only offering a reluctant nod or a brief murmur of assent when Shen Wenyuan or Qi Yue glanced his way.

Clearly, in the preceding power struggle, Zhao Shouzheng and the Zhang family he represented had made significant concessions. They may have even been forced to sever ties and compromise to achieve this moment of superficial harmony and a smooth transition.

The meeting was drawing to a close, and the main items on the agenda had all been finalized.

Just then, as if suddenly remembering something, Shen Wenyuan gently set down his teacup lid and spoke. "Regarding the Qianjiao County case, although the prime suspect has been apprehended, we still need a capable person to take charge of the follow-up: wrapping things up, completing the chain of evidence, and pursuing any accomplices who might have slipped through the cracks."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over the others in the room before continuing, "Zhou Mu, the deputy head of the General Affairs Department, is a steady hand and his abilities are more than adequate. This is a good opportunity for him to get some field experience. He can lead the follow-up special task force in Qianjiao County."

Zhou Mu was Director Shen’s protégé, though it wasn’t public knowledge. This wasn’t about investigating a case; it was clearly a move to secure the director’s seat after the impending upgrade of the county’s bureau.

Qi Yue’s smile never wavered. He immediately chimed in, "An excellent consideration, Director. Zhou Mu is meticulous about procedure and evidence, which makes him the perfect choice to lead the follow-up investigation. He’ll ensure the case is brought to a successful conclusion and help the Qianjiao County branch get back on its feet quickly. I fully agree."

Zhao Shouzheng also said quietly, "I’ll defer to the Director’s arrangement."