I Cultivate in a Government Office

Chapter 166: Chapter 107: Fourth Refinement Perfected, Entering the Fifth Refinement

If he were to personally intervene right now, using his profound cultivation at the Fifth Transformation of the Marrow Cleansing Realm to guard Yang Wenqing, he could guide and harmonize the immense Spiritual Qi of the Five Qi within his body. This would help him complete the final fusion. Given Yang Wenqing’s incredibly solid foundation, it was highly likely he could achieve a breakthrough in one go and step directly into the Fifth Refinement!

Yang Wenqing’s file was already in the city bureau’s system, and he was receiving all the benefits of a police specialist; only the final confirmation was pending. Once he successfully broke through to the Fifth Refinement, he could be promoted without waiting for next year’s unified assessment. At that point, Vice Director Gao could logically maneuver to have him promoted directly from Vice Captain to Captain of the Major Case Team.

This would give him a solid strategic position for the upcoming changes!

’Advancing: If my maneuvers are successful and I secure the Police Chief position in the upgraded Lingshan Town, I can then bring Yang Wenqing along as the Deputy Chief. The new bureau director would certainly welcome this, as it would free up the position of Major Case Team Captain. And if he couldn’t be transferred, it wouldn’t be a loss for me.’

’Retreating: If the competition for the Lingshan Town Chief position takes an unexpected turn and I fail, forcing me to stay at the county bureau, then Yang Wenqing, with the Major Case Team under his command, will become my most trusted blade—powerful enough to control the situation in the future upgraded county sub-bureau.’

At this thought, Vice Director Gao’s gaze upon Yang Wenqing grew deeper and more fervent. He withdrew his Divine Sense, and a gentle yet solemn smile returned to his face.

”Your current state is even more solid than I imagined.” Vice Director Gao picked up his teacup, gently nudged the floating leaves with its lid, and said softly,

”This final step of fusion is best achieved when it comes naturally, so taking your time to comprehend it is the safest path. However...” He looked up at Yang Wenqing. ”The situation at the bureau and over in Lingshan Town is changing rapidly. Opportunity waits for no one, and sometimes, one’s personal cultivation progress must align with the pace of the bigger picture.”

He set down his teacup and leaned forward slightly, his posture conveying a sense of heartfelt confidence.

”With your current foundation, you’re really just one step away. If you have someone to protect you from the side, breaking through the barrier tonight wouldn’t be difficult at all.”

He paused, observing Yang Wenqing’s reaction, then continued,

”Your file is with the city bureau, and you already have the benefits of a police specialist. As long as you break through to the Fifth Refinement, I’ll take you to the city bureau. With Director Qin looking out for us, you could be wearing the white uniform within an hour.”

A glint appeared in Yang Wenqing’s eyes, and just as he was about to respond, Vice Director Gao continued,

”I’ve watched you grow up; your ability and temperament are both impeccable. If you feel the time is right and you’re confident, you can come to my place tonight. I can make the necessary preparations and offer protection. Of course, a cultivation breakthrough is ultimately your own affair. The final decision and your condition are what matter most.”

After Vice Director Gao finished speaking, the private room fell silent.

A thoughtful expression appeared on Yang Wenqing’s face as if he were carefully weighing the gravity of those words against his own situation.

’Various thoughts are indeed racing through my mind. The caution born from having lived two lives is making me subconsciously suspicious and wary, but I quickly suppressed this instinctual doubt.’

’After all, with Vice Director Gao’s current status and shrewdness, if he truly had any ill intentions toward me, he wouldn’t need to go to such lengths. This seems more like an investment and a strategic move based on mutual interest and long-term observation.’

Having come to this conclusion, Yang Wenqing stood up, faced Vice Director Gao, and performed a standard, formal bow. He said,

”Director Gao, I am endlessly grateful for your favor. Despite the countless matters at the bureau concerning the New Town, you are willing to personally offer your protection and grant me this opportunity to break through. This kindness is immense, and I will do everything in my power not to disappoint your expectations!”

In the past, he would have been mortified to say such things, but now, he delivered the words with perfect clarity.

Watching Yang Wenqing’s reaction and statement, a flash of satisfaction crossed Vice Director Gao’s eyes. ”Good. Go back, calm your mind, and regulate your breathing. Don’t handle any more complicated official business. Conserve your energy. I will call for you after work.”

”Yes, sir! I will take my leave.”

Yang Wenqing bowed again, then turned and left the office.

...

Back in his office, Yang Wenqing’s mind refused to settle. He couldn’t help but recall the key principles from the *Nine Refining Secret Skill* concerning the consummation of the Fourth Refinement and the beginning of the Fifth.

After what felt like an eternity, the workday finally came to an end. Yang Wenqing walked to the designated Flying Shuttle landing pad out back, where Vice Director Gao, dressed in casual clothes, was already waiting. He leaned against the cockpit door of a Flying Shuttle and called out when he saw Yang Wenqing, ”Hurry along.”

Yang Wenqing picked up his pace.

”You fly. You need something to take your mind off things.”

Vice Director Gao moved away from the pilot’s seat.

Yang Wenqing didn’t refuse. He slid open the cockpit door, activated the motive Array, and the Flying Shuttle immediately lifted into the sky.

About half an hour later, the Flying Shuttle landed in the courtyard of the manor where Yang Wenqing had previously practiced his Sword Control Technique. Vice Director Gao led him directly to the Quiet Chamber in the manor’s rear courtyard, the same one he had used for his cultivation before.

The Quiet Chamber was unchanged. Yang Wenqing first brought out the Five Qi Returning Yuan Array and placed it in the center of the room. Just as he was about to sit cross-legged upon it, Vice Director Gao slapped his belt. A flash of green light shot out, projecting intricate runic circuits onto the chamber’s walls.

Then, a multicolored light appeared at his feet and instantly enveloped his entire body.

”This is the Circulation Spirit Protection Array,” Vice Director Gao explained briefly. ”It can gather Spiritual Qi, protect the meridians, calm the mind, and harmonize the Five Elements. I acquired it from the city bureau years ago. It works wonders when paired with your Five Qi Returning Yuan Array. Go on, sit in the eye of the array.”