I Cultivate in a Government Office

This conversation lasted for about half an hour. The routine procedures concerning his appointment as director seemed to be over when Director Zheng suddenly changed the subject. ”The second matter I’m about to discuss is top secret. This is for your ears only. You are not to disclose it to anyone without permission.”

Yang Wenqing tensed, knowing this was the real reason for today’s meeting. He quickly sat up straight, his expression focused. ”Your orders, Director Zheng.”

”This order comes directly from Director Shen.”

Zheng Yan’s voice was low. ”Due to the recent series of bombings in the city, the municipal bureau’s leadership has reason to believe a secret infiltration team has been lying low long-term within our Coral City Defense System—especially in the newly established key areas. And Lingshan New District may be their primary area of activity recently.”

Vice Director Qian chimed in from the side, his voice also hushed. ”This team has likely already infiltrated the City Defense System. The critical part is that there may be a Third Realm Taiyan Cultivator behind them. That’s what makes this so troublesome.”

Yang Wenqing frowned at this. Taiyan Cultivators corresponded to the Wood Cultivators of the orthodox Profound Sect, and the most insidious thing about Third Realm Taiyan Cultivators was their ability to create puppets nearly indistinguishable from ordinary people. These puppets could live like normal people, even cultivate. Only specialized detection Arrays had a chance of identifying them. Worse, they could alter a person’s memories without a trace.

Vice Director Qian added, ”This Taiyan Cultivator’s name is Zhu Sheng. He’s an old ’friend’ of our City Defense System and one of the higher-ups in an organization called the ’Yellow Springs Guide.’ He also has connections to the leadership of the Jade Whale Sect, and his influence can be seen behind several factions on the New Continent. The Wang family case you handled in Qianjiao County ten years ago, Director Yang, was most likely orchestrated by a puppet he deployed.”

Upon hearing this, the first thing that came to Yang Wenqing’s mind was the puppet he had encountered in that alley all those years ago, and the shadowy figure who had sent him congratulations after his subsequent promotion to Police Commissioner.

Zheng Yan held up a hand, stopping Vice Director Qian from continuing. He then changed the subject. ”Don’t feel too pressured. A person like that would never have the chance to personally infiltrate Wanxuan territory.”

”They’ve orchestrated numerous bombings in our city’s various districts recently, causing widespread public unrest and draining a massive amount of our police resources. Director Shen is determined to root out this hidden team.”

Vice Director Qian then took a dark-colored Token from inside his coat and pushed it in front of Yang Wenqing. The front of the Token was engraved with an ancient-looking character for ’Secret,’ while the back featured an intricate pattern of clouds and mist.

”This is a communication Token for the Municipal Bureau’s Special Cases Office,” Vice Director Qian explained. ”Investigators from the Special Cases Office will infiltrate Lingshan New District in waves. They will contact you when the time comes. You’ll need to arrange for absolutely trustworthy personnel to liaise with them.”

”Remember,” Zheng Yan’s gaze was piercing, ”this case is the absolute highest priority for maintaining stability right now. Other daily trivialities can be put aside for the time being.”

Vice Director Qian added, ”The municipal bureau has already selected your deputy. He’ll officially report for duty tomorrow. He’s a veteran officer with extensive experience, skilled at handling routine administrative and internal affairs. You can confidently entrust your daily trivial work to him. This will free you up to focus your energy on investigating this hidden team.”

Yang Wenqing took a deep breath, quickly processing everything in his mind. He then nodded. ”I understand. I guarantee I will complete the mission and will not betray the trust of Director Shen and the municipal bureau’s leadership.”

Zheng Yan and Vice Director Qian exchanged a look, the serious expressions on their faces easing slightly.

’It’s all crystal clear now,’ Yang Wenqing thought. ’There’s obviously a bigger fish on this line. That big fish is most likely the so-called mole in the municipal bureau. But since they have no leads from the top, their only hope is to find clues from the bottom up. Some cases are much easier to investigate from the ground level. As long as I can grab the tail they’ve exposed this time and follow it, the mole is bound to make a move. And once they make a move, they’re easy to expose.’

Just then, Director Zheng and Vice Director Qian stood up together.

”Director Wenqing, this may be a bit humble, but we still need to have a promotion ceremony.”

Zheng Yan took an exquisite small wooden box from his Storage Bag. Opening it revealed three sets of brand-new, shimmering silver senior police commissioner epaulets.

”Director Wenqing, according to procedure, your official appointment documents will be issued after the internal public notice period at the municipal bureau. However, given the special situation in the New District, we’re keeping the promotion ceremony simple,” Zheng Yan said, picking up a pair of the epaulets.

Yang Wenqing immediately rose to his feet and straightened his posture.

Zheng Yan walked up to Yang Wenqing and, with a solemn expression, replaced the old epaulets on Yang Wenqing’s uniform with the new pair. The process was silent, yet it carried the ritualistic weight of a transfer of power and the bestowal of responsibility.

Once they were attached, Zheng Yan took a step back and extended his hand to Yang Wenqing.

”Congratulations, Director Yang Wenqing!”

”Congratulations, Director Yang!”

Yang Wenqing shook hands with each of the two directors, feeling the strength and warmth in their grips. He said in a heavy voice, ”Thank you, Directors. I will do my utmost and not fail the trust you’ve placed in me.”

After the handshake, Zheng Yan’s expression turned serious again. He reminded him once more in a low voice, ”Remember, what we just discussed is top secret.”

”Yes, I understand,” Yang Wenqing nodded.

”Alright, you may go,” Vice Director Qian said with a smile. ”On your way out, please ask Director Gao to come in. He’s about to be transferred to the Personnel Division of the Municipal Bureau’s Archives Department, and we have a few things to discuss with him alone.”

”Understood.” Yang Wenqing took the hint, gave the two directors a slight bow, and then turned to leave the conference room.

The hallway was silent. Yang Wenqing walked with steady steps toward Gao Zhen’s office. The two silver stars on his shoulders reflected the corridor lights as he moved, marking a new step forward for him within this vast system.

When he arrived outside Gao Zhen’s office, Secretary Chen, who was on duty at the door, saw Yang Wenqing. His gaze fell instantly to the man’s epaulets, and a flash of understanding crossed his eyes. He immediately stood up and greeted him respectfully in a low voice, ”Director Yang.”

He then opened the office door for Yang Wenqing.

Inside, Gao Zhen had his back to the door, gazing out the window. Hearing the commotion, he turned around, and his eyes also landed precisely on the two new silver stars on Yang Wenqing’s shoulders.

Their eyes met, and a sincere smile spread across Gao Zhen’s face. ”Congratulations, Director Yang.”

Yang Wenqing’s attitude remained respectful. ”It’s all thanks to your years of mentorship, Director Gao.”

But Gao Zhen shook his head. ”I merely added the finishing touch. You’ve reached this point mostly through your own ability.” There was a hint of regret in his voice. He then changed the subject, ”After I leave, I’ll have to rely on you to look after many things and many people.”

Yang Wenqing replied very formally, ”Rest assured, Director. I will take good care of everything.”

Gao Zhen nodded. He had a great deal of trust in Yang Wenqing. His smile faded slightly as he asked, ”Did the two directors have any other instructions?”

”Director Zheng and Director Qian said they have some matters to discuss with you alone. They asked if you would go over,” Yang Wenqing relayed.

Gao Zhen straightened his collar and said to Yang Wenqing, ”Alright, I’ll head over now. You were the one handling most of the bureau’s affairs before, so I don’t have much to hand over. If any problems come up, you can contact me directly.”

”Yes, Director Gao,” Yang Wenqing replied.

Gao Zhen said no more. He patted Yang Wenqing on the shoulder, strode out of the office, and walked alone toward the conference room.

Yang Wenqing stood at the door of Gao Zhen’s office and watched him go. Only after his figure disappeared around the corridor corner did Yang Wenqing look away. Then, under Secretary Chen’s envious gaze, he returned to his own office.