Martial Dao: Peace by Force

Chapter 81: Chapter 75: Hands and Eyes that Reach Heaven, a Surge in Attributes

Zhao You called and said that before he even reached the scene, he saw several military vehicles with their license plates removed driving away from the site. By the time he arrived, the area had already been scrubbed clean.

”You mean... the military got involved?”

Tie Qingyang couldn’t possibly know the true nature of Dragon Eagle; even someone like Zhai Jia was completely out of his league.

But one thing was certain: this was definitely related to Wan Ze.

’Professional!’

’Too damn professional!’

Suppressing his shock, Tie Qingyang ended the call. He had just put away his communicator when, before he could even turn around, he received another message.

”Old Tie, something huge has happened! That Jie fellow was just taken away by the Special Investigation Division, a unit directly under the Police Headquarters. The charges are suspicion of selling state secrets and major economic crimes... The higher-ups moved terrifyingly fast. The city council simultaneously passed an emergency resolution to authorize coercive measures and launch a formal investigation. The management committee also held an emergency meeting right away. The preliminary decision is to strip Jie Zhengyang of all his positions, expel him from the committee, and freeze all his family’s assets and privileges! The Jie Family... they’re completely out of the picture now!”

Tie Qingyang’s breath hitched.

He was reeling internally!

’Holy shit!’

How many families had to fight tooth and nail just for a chance at a seat with real power on the management committee?

The Jie Family had grown powerful so quickly because of Jie Zhengyang’s position.

Who would have thought that in just a few short hours, all because of his son’s foolish attack, this seemingly unshakeable mountain of a family would come crashing down, torn out by the roots!

”Is this information... one hundred percent confirmed?” Tie Qingyang collected himself and asked again for confirmation.

”It’s a sure thing! The ones who took him were the Police Headquarters’ special operations team. All the paperwork was in order, stamped with the city council’s official seal and everything! The Jie Family’s household is probably in total chaos right now.”

The person on the other end sounded certain, then asked tentatively, ”Old Tie... th-this wasn’t your doing, was it? You’re always so quiet, but this level of power is just terrifying!”

”Me?” Tie Qingyang laughed bitterly. ”If I had that kind of pull, would I have let the management committee walk all over me for so many years? Look, this whole thing runs deep. It’s enough that you know. Keep your mouth shut about it to everyone else. Don’t go asking questions, and don’t say a word.”

After ending the call, Tie Qingyang stood by the window, gazing out at the night. He had to take several deep breaths before he could finally suppress the shock overwhelming him.

To be honest, he was actually a little exhilarated.

He turned and walked back into the study.

Wan Ze was standing before the desk, his eyes fixed on the ancient calligraphy. His fingers were unconsciously tracing characters in the air.

Seeing this, Tie Qingyang didn’t hesitate for a second. He laughed heartily and said, ”As the saying goes, a fine sword should be gifted to a hero. This *Martial Arts Observation Painting* has such powerful and vigorous brushwork, brimming with the offensive spirit of the Martial Dao. In my hands, it’s nothing more than a pretentious decoration collecting dust. Only in the hands of a young champion like you, Younger Brother Wan, can its true brilliance be revealed through study and comprehension. Younger Brother, you must accept it. This painting is destined to be yours!”

Hearing this, Wan Ze shook his head with a gentle smile. ”Brother Tie, this is far too valuable. A gentleman does not take what another holds dear. I’m happy just to look at it...”

He meant to politely refuse, as he was already indebted to the man for several favors.

Tie Qingyang, however, took a step forward, leaned in, and lowered his voice, his tone becoming exceptionally sincere. ”Younger Brother Wan, about the Jie Family... I’ve heard everything. Such thunderous methods, a complete clean sweep... It was a real eye-opener, and frankly, terrifying in retrospect. This time, I owe it all to you.”

At this, Tie Qingyang’s expression grew even more solemn. ”But this whole affair started on my end, with the trouble that boy Feiyang caused. I can’t let you expend all that effort for nothing, only to end up owing a huge favor to the higher-ups. A debt of gratitude is the hardest kind to repay, especially... a favor owed to people at that level.”

He grabbed Wan Ze’s arm and spoke from the heart. ”The cost for ’greasing the wheels,’ so to speak, must come from me, no matter what. I’ve already had the money prepared. Take it. Use it to smooth things over where you need to, to reward those who need rewarding. Please, don’t refuse. If it’s not enough, just say the word. I, Tie Qingyang, will provide more without a second thought!”

Wan Ze was taken aback.

He had originally planned to bear the weight of the favor he owed his Fourth Senior Brother himself. After all, it was an internal matter for Dragon Eagle, and he would handle it.

He hadn’t expected Tie Qingyang to have thought everything through so completely. The man’s words were direct and to the point, expressing his gratitude while also being considerate of Wan Ze’s position and proactively offering to cover the ”expenses.”

Neither of them wanted the other to be at a disadvantage; both wanted to maintain this hard-won relationship.

With things having been put so plainly, refusing again would just seem disingenuous.

Wan Ze pondered for a moment before finally nodding with a smile. ”Since you put it that way, Brother Tie, I’ll gratefully accept.”

”That’s the spirit!” Tie Qingyang roared with laughter, clapping Wan Ze firmly on the shoulder. A great weight lifted from his heart, and it felt as if their relationship had grown even closer.

The matter was quickly settled.

Wan Ze left the Tie Family Manor with a briefcase containing the ”token of appreciation” and the carefully wrapped scroll of ancient calligraphy.

He had planned to head straight back to the dojo, but he received a new location from Zhai Jia on his communicator. It wasn’t the dojo, nor was it the Police Headquarters.

The location was a high-end private exhibition center in the most bustling part of the city.

Wan Ze’s eyes flickered.

He had just arrived, briefcase in hand, when a woman in her early thirties with pleasant features and a classic business suit hurried over from the exhibition center’s front desk. She gave a slight bow and asked softly, ”Excuse me, are you Mr. Wan?”

”I am,” Wan Ze nodded.

”President Zhai is in the third-floor teahouse. He asked me to show you the way. Mr. Wan, right this way, please.” The young woman gestured for him to follow.

Wan Ze was a little surprised.

’I didn’t expect my Fourth Senior Brother to have this kind of status.’

Upon reaching the third floor.