Chapter 364: Utter Defeat

“What did you say?!”

Gao Wanli truly thought she had misheard.

A sixth-rank Dan cultivator, wanting to join the Zhan City Office—who would dare refuse?

Even if this sixth-rank wasn’t her own person, as long as he joined the Zhan City Office, he would count as added strength on paper!

For Xu Yuan, it would also be a matter of face.

Moreover, driving him out like this would truly enrage a sixth-rank Dan cultivator!

Xu Yuan remained calm: “Senior Gao, you’re not old, yet your hearing’s already gone bad? I said they’re not from the Purification Office—they shouldn’t be attending today’s meeting.”

Mr. Lu’s face flushed crimson, his eyes blazing: “Master Xu, are you truly determined to humiliate me?”

Xu Yuan glanced at him: “A mere sixth-rank, how dare you act recklessly in the Zhan City Office?”

Xu Yuan flicked his finger.

The sword pellet shot out.

During his time back in Zhan City, Xu Yuan had continuously fed it, raising the sword pellet to fifth-rank level.

Whirring—

The sword pellet instantly reached Mr. Lu’s brow.

Mr. Lu opened his mouth, and his own sword pellet shot out in response.

Both restrained themselves, not manifesting the “sword” form within the office.

Mr. Lu’s sword pellet was the size of a pigeon’s egg.

Xu Yuan’s sword pellet, newly upgraded, was now only the size of a soybean.

The two sword pellets collided.

A faint “ting” sounded, seemingly unremarkable.

Immediately, fine cracks spread across Mr. Lu’s sword pellet!

Mr. Lu’s face flushed crimson again.

Previously from shame and rage; this time from severe internal injury.

Mr. Lu barely suppressed his injury, swallowed his badly damaged sword pellet, then bowed his head and rushed toward the door.

Gao Wanli never imagined Xu Yuan could be so “vulgar”!

Not only did he directly expel people, but he attacked at the slightest provocation.

And Mr. Lu was defeated in a single clash.

Gao Wanli’s face instantly turned as black as a soot pot.

Can’t you see? This bastard Xu Yuan must have risen to fifth-rank already!

That’s why Mr. Lu was so easily crushed.

Gao Wanli refused to believe it—Xu Yuan was too young! Could he have risen to fifth-rank?!

Xu Yuan had no interest in playing subtle games with Gao Wanli.

So today, he simply found an excuse and acted directly—beaten Mr. Lu.

I’m the official. My rank is higher.

I have no intention of playing along with your pretenses.

I’m making you face reality!

Mr. Jiang stood behind Gao Wanli, his face instantly pale.

Xu Yuan looked at him without mercy: “Mr. Jiang, do you want me to personally escort you out?”

Mr. Jiang glanced at Gao Wanli; though she was utterly unwilling, she could only nod heavily.

Mr. Jiang secretly exhaled in relief, walked out without a word.

Xu Yuan snorted: “Good. Now that the outsiders are gone, our Purification Office can begin the meeting.

There are four patrol offices in the city; by past custom, each requires a Police Inspector to oversee it.

Currently, only Shi Bading and Wan Yun serve as Police Inspectors. I’ve decided to promote Fu Jingyu and Di Youzhi to Police Inspector. Any objections?”

No one would object to Fu Jingyu’s selection.

The other Police Inspector will be chosen from among Xu Yuan’s other Jianxiao.

Di Youzhi was chosen because he’s already seventh-rank.

His level is suitable.

Jia Yi and Mao Dabin sighed inwardly.

Jia Yi was also seventh-rank.

He had just been promoted the other day.

After his promotion, Jia Yi personally reported to the Master.

Master Xu had praised him a few words, but made no further promises.

Jia Yi knew he wouldn’t be among the first promoted to Police Inspector.

He felt a pang of disappointment, but not despair—he had expected this.

These past months, he’d often lamented how one step behind meant falling further behind.

But the Master had treated him well; he had no second thoughts.

If he missed the first batch, he’d wait for the second.

Jia Yi didn’t object; no one under Xu Yuan had the right to object.

Yet Gao Wanli, who had just been humiliated by Xu Yuan, suddenly spoke: “Four Police Inspectors should leave one slot for Lu Yuanxiang.”

Xu Yuan hadn’t expected this woman to be so clueless.

“Why?” Xu Yuan asked coldly.

“Mr. Lu is willing to join the Purification Office. He’s a sixth-rank—doesn’t he deserve a Police Inspector position?” Gao Wanli said with perfect confidence.

In her view, securing a “Police Inspector” post for Lu Yuanxiang, who had followed her to Zhan City, was effortless.

Xu Yuan didn’t answer Gao Wanli’s question; instead, he asked: “How long has Senior Gao been in the Purification Office?”

“Six years.”

“Then you’re a veteran,” Xu Yuan’s voice grew stern: “Surely you know our Purification Office doesn’t admit just anyone.

To join, one must first be vetted for clean lineage and checked for possession by malevolent spirits.

Only after passing these inspections does one qualify to enter the Purification Office.”

Gao Wanli snapped: “Lu Yuanxiang has no issues whatsoever…”

Xu Yuan waved his hand to cut her off: “It’s not your word that matters—it’s my word that decides whether he’s clean!”

“You!” Gao Wanli choked on rage.

Xu Yuan continued: “This investigation will take months at least. Must the Zhan City Office wait months for him?

And what of sixth-rank? High level only proves personal strength.

But a Police Inspector must lead his men in investigations—it tests more than individual power.

If Mr. Lu wishes to join the Purification Office, we welcome him.

If he passes the review, I’ll assign him a position matching his level.

Such as a Supervisor within the office.

But to become a Police Inspector, commanding his own team, he must prove his ability in future duties.”

Xu Yuan pulled out two appointment documents.

Fu Jingyu and Di Youzhi’s names were already written on them.

Xu Yuan took out his official seal: “I’ve finished speaking. If Senior Gao has no further objections, I’ll stamp these.”

Gao Wanli opened her mouth, but found no argument to refute him.

Xu Yuan brought down his seal—thump, thump—stamped firmly.

“From today, Fu Jingyu and Di Youzhi are Police Inspectors!”

Colleagues stepped forward, smiling and bowing to congratulate the two.

Gao Wanli stood abruptly, face dark, and swept out in a huff.

But no one cared.

Today’s clash—Gao Wanli was utterly defeated.

That night, after calming down, Gao Wanli reflected and concluded she had lost because Xu Yuan played by no rules.

Sixth-rank Lu Yuanxiang had been her great weapon.

Yet the moment he appeared, Xu Yuan shattered his sword pellet.

You’re the Zhan City Office’s Chief Prosecutor—why didn’t you follow the usual custom of sending a subordinate first? You went straight in yourself!

What about your dignity?!

But she couldn’t fault him.

Xu Yuan’s greatest advantage was his youth.

Even if this whole affair spread, others would merely call it “youthful recklessness.”

So what?

Would superiors think Xu Yuan “unstable” and need more seasoning?

Xu Yuan had just been promoted to Chief Prosecutor—his age meant he couldn’t rise again anytime soon.

For Xu Yuan, there was virtually no cost.

But for Gao Wanli, it was a disastrous start and total defeat.

Of the four Police Inspectors in the Chengcheng Office, she, as Deputy Zhanglu, failed to secure even one.

Xie Qingman even managed to snatch one from He Youxing.

(End of Chapter)