Imperial Cultivation Chapter 1350 - 1346: Suppression

"Ahem," he lightly cleared his throat twice, drawing the attention of the two. Awkwardly, he said, "Director, Lord Duan, why don't we find a place to talk properly? How about that tavern over there? Lord Duan must be hungry too."

Confronting each other on the street is hardly ideal.

It is nearly lunchtime, and other officials will soon be appearing.

By then, both you gentlemen will become a laughingstock.

Huang Zhengyang sneered, "What is there to talk about? Personal resentment above official duties, and yet you dare to claim impartiality? How truly laughable!"

"A newly appointed official, eager to secure his position, acting recklessly, that is the real joke!"

"Duan Tianhai, this is the heart of a villain!" Huang Zhengyang scoffed. "Wong, this Director position has been executed flawlessly, convincing everyone involved. There's no need to rush for achievements. Isn't the merit of eliminating the Undying Evil Venerable enough?"

"Is that your merit?" Duan Tianhai laughed. "This is stealing the merit of Chu Zhiyuan; the impressive one is not you, but Heavenly Sword Sect’s Chu Zhiyuan!"

Huang Zhengyang stated blandly, "This time, it was also suggested by Brother Chu."

Duan Tianhai was startled.

Mo Qiuqiu quickly interjected, "Lord Duan, Director, let us go chat at the tavern."

He spoke while leading the way.

Duan Tianhai huffed, "There is nothing to talk about between us."

Huang Zhengyang countered, "Duan Tianhai, are you feeling empty-hearted?"

Duan Tianhai shook his head. "Your mindset is unjust; I have nothing to say to you."

"Ha, empty-hearted." Huang Zhengyang’s face revealed disdain.

Mo Qiuqiu, at the front, announced, "Lord Duan, Director, someone is approaching."

Huang Zhengyang and Duan Tianhai turned their heads to look. A group of officials in red robes were emerging from the nearby Ministry of Revenue.

"Let’s go," Duan Tianhai huffed.

Huang Zhengyang pursed his lips.

...

Chaoyi Building, situated in the heart of bustling West Alley Street, stands three floors tall, exceeding twenty meters in height.

Colorful flags fluttered in the air.

Vibrant flowers clustered around the three-story entrance, presenting a scene that was both magnificent and splendid.

Huang Zhengyang and Duan Tianhai occupied an elegant room on the third floor, facing each other, with one seated by the window.

Mo Qiuqiu sat between the two, facing the window.

After settling down, Huang Zhengyang and Duan Tianhai continued to stare at each other in silence.

Mo Qiuqiu felt a sense of helplessness.

They were both high-ranking, influential figures, yet now they bickered like children.

"Ahem, Director, indeed this matter is beyond comprehension. It's no wonder Lord Duan doesn't understand."

Mo Qiuqiu coughed lightly twice and said.

"Too little knowledge, hence unable to comprehend." Huang Zhengyang pursed his lips.

Duan Tianhai huffed, "Isn’t it just random guessing, wasting labor and resources for a big gamble? If you lose, there’s no loss; if you win, you'll earn great merit!"

"You don't understand," Huang Zhengyang huffed. "Staying in the government office all day, what do you truly know about the horrors these demon people inflict?"

"And not to mention other things, how can you be so certain that demon people will appear?" Duan Tianhai sneered. "You even predicted where they would appear? I truly don’t know if you, Huang Zhengyang, possess the talent of foreseeing the future!"

"I do not possess this ability, but not everyone under the sun lacks it," Huang Zhengyang stated.

"Who?"

"Hmph."

"Could it be that Chu Zhiyuan?" Duan Tianhai sneered. "Relying on him, you’ve earned quite a bit of merit; your achievements today depend entirely on him."

"That is correct, Brother Chu has aided me greatly!"

"Do not forget, he is a disciple of Heavenly Sword Sect, not a court official!"

"Although Brother Chu is a disciple of Heavenly Sword Sect, he cares for the world, showing more concern for the people than many court officials!" Huang Zhengyang glanced at him, shaking his head, "Unlike you!"

"How utterly laughable!" Duan Tianhai sneered. "You actually place so much trust in a person from the martial arts world."

"Compared to Brother Chu, you are far inferior, only thinking about your small domain, focusing solely on your reputation, and ignoring the life and death of the people; hence, you are a hypocrite!"

"Utter nonsense!" Duan Tianhai showed disdain.

"Compared to Brother Chu, on which aspect do you excel?" Huang Zhengyang inquired. "Greater achievements, stronger martial arts, or a deeper concern for the people’s suffering and world peace?"

Duan Tianhai huffed, "This time was motivated by Chu Zhiyuan, wasn’t it?"

"I earnestly requested Brother Chu to predict the next location of the Dan Yang Heavenly Demon People’s appearance. If not for my friendship with Brother Chu, he wouldn’t have risked it!"

"Is he also gambling big?"

"Why would Brother Chu resort to gambling? Aren’t his accomplishments already grand enough?"

"..."

"Therefore, your understanding is limited, and your heart is narrow, completely oblivious to the extraordinary abilities martial arts might possess at Brother Chu's level."

"Hmph, my understanding is limited..."

"These past years, you've solely focused on being an official, long neglecting your cultivation. How could you possibly grasp the profound feeling of peak cultivation?"

Duan Tianhai stated coldly, "If he truly wields such abilities, I would offer no objection and allow immediate passage!"

"Brother Chu most certainly does." Huang Zhengyang declared with solemnity, "Moreover, even if I am mistaken, the God-Binding Rope will remain unharmed. Those tributes can perceive it as a leisurely excursion. So why are you obstructing us? Is it not due to personal animosity?"

"I am still unaware of the methods employed by your Evil Extermination Department?" Duan Tianhai remarked icily, "Even if no such threat exists, you would still fabricate the appearance of a demon and deploy the God-Binding Rope!"

Huang Zhengyang huffed, "Very well, you may join our operation, or perhaps send a representative along!"

Mo Qiuqiu interjected swiftly, "Director!"

Huang Zhengyang gestured dismissively, "Duan Tianhai, is this sufficient for you now?"

Duan Tianhai possessed a resolute temperament and a robust character; confronting him with force would prove futile.

Furthermore, Duan Tianhai's esteemed position meant that any forceful action on his part would inevitably invite boundless complications.

The sole viable approach was to persuade him through logical reasoning, leveraging Brother Chu's influence to decisively subdue him.

This strategy aimed to compel his approval for the deployment of the God-Binding Rope.

Regarding the dispatch of those tributes, it fell outside the purview of the Ministry of Industry; thus, the issue appeared considerably less intractable.

Duan Tianhai narrowed his gaze upon Huang Zhengyang.

Huang Zhengyang stated placidly, "This time, I shall grant you the opportunity to witness Brother Chu's genuine capabilities, allowing you to comprehend the vastness of the world and the might of exceptional individuals!"

"...Very well, I shall dispatch someone to accompany you." Duan Tianhai confirmed gravely, "You will not intentionally bring harm to him, will you?"

"The individuals you dispatch, ensure they are not excessively weak; do not permit them to become a burden, hindering our progress!"

"That is a given!" Duan Tianhai responded with a huff.

...Leaving the tavern and proceeding back towards the Evil Extermination Department, navigating the thronging populace, Mo Qiuqiu expressed with lingering apprehension, "Director, I nearly believed the two of you were on the verge of conflict."

"Engage in conflict with him?" Huang Zhengyang, strolling with his hands clasped behind his back, replied smugly, "He would be utterly delighted if I were to make a move!"

"Precisely, precisely." Mo Qiuqiu concurred, "Should you truly strike him, the repercussions would be endless, truly not worth the cost."

The Vice Minister of the Ministry of Industry held the esteemed title of a Civil Servant, as did the Director of the Evil Extermination Department.

More critically, the Director's rank was subordinate to that of the Vice Minister.

Such an act would constitute a breach of official hierarchy and an offense against scholarly norms by resorting to martial prowess.

Both were significant taboos.

If Huang Zhengyang were to act, his directorial position would likely be jeopardized.

Huang Zhengyang remarked, "The fact that I could compel him to yield this time is also attributable to Brother Chu's formidable reputation, which served to intimidate him; otherwise, he would not have been so agreeable."

"He also harbors apprehension towards Mr. Chu?" Mo Qiuqiu inquired, perplexed, "He is merely a civil servant; how does he maintain connections with Mr. Chu?"

"Hmph, irrespective of whether they are civil or military officials, all court dignitaries are aware of Mr. Chu's considerable influence." Huang Zhengyang scoffed, "Particularly his esteemed standing amongst the common populace."

"Now I comprehend..." Mo Qiuqiu realized, "Lord Duan fears offending Mr. Chu, which would negatively impact his own reputation among the people."

Huang Zhengyang chuckled, "Had he not valued his public image, this maneuver would not have been nearly as effective."

"Director, your brilliance is unparalleled!" Mo Qiuqiu exclaimed.

Huang Zhengyang emitted a light chuckle, "I only hope Brother Chu understands and does not hold it against me; dealing with these civil servants necessitates intricate psychological maneuvering!"

Mo Qiuqiu lauded, "Your intelligence, Director, is exceptional, by no means inferior to these esteemed civil servants!"

"Haha..." Huang Zhengyang guffawed heartily.

He felt remarkably pleased with his own stratagems and acumen; at any rate, the objective had been achieved.