......

"Don't you all agree with this reasoning?"

Lu Ding nodded.

"That's certainly one way to put it."

"But damn it, these monks have suddenly decided to unite at this exact moment. Our Lingshun is practically a sea of temples."

"So many monks."

"Buzzing around my ears like flies, all demanding their privileges remain untouched while asking for more opportunities regarding authority."

"I've already given them plenty of chances! It's been how long already, and they still haven't recaptured the Most Violent Victory wasps that keep committing crimes everywhere."

"Just recently they wiped out several members of a prominent Green Vine family."

"And there's another thing - I genuinely can't touch Moon Toad Temple right now. I was the one who negotiated with them. Going back on that now would make it look like the 749 Bureau broke its word, turning this from a Lingshun 749 vs Moon Toad Temple issue..."

"Into a Lingshun 749 versus the entire Buddhist community situation."

"They'd crucify me for violating contract principles."

"Lingshun's already struggling enough as it is. With the Buddhist influence so strong, governance becomes nearly impossible."

Hearing this, Lu Ding began to understand.

The Buddhist power there had grown strong enough to rival official authority.

Now that Moon Toad Temple received privileges but failed to deliver results,

Lingshun 749 wanted to use this opportunity to rein them in.

Yet couldn't do so directly.

Being an official institution meant needing to follow rules and maintain appearances.

They needed an outsider to break the deadlock.

This outsider couldn't be a nobody - the Buddhists wouldn't respect that.

Nor could it be an established veteran - the justification wouldn't hold water.

Someone utterly beyond reproach.

Who was also powerful enough to command respect, capable of playing the "white glove" role while having the strength to back it up.

In other words - Lu Ding.

Though Deputy Director Ji wasn't particularly cultured,

Lu Ding grasped the underlying message perfectly.

"What about the Most Violent Victory wasps?"

That remained his primary concern.

When Lu Ding asked about the wasps,

Deputy Director Ji's eyes lit up instantly!

Ha!

Exactly as the rumors described!

Only caring about monsters.

Even after everything I've explained, his first question is still about those damned wasps.

Damn it!!

Why can't Lingshun 749 produce... even one person like this!!!

For a moment,

Deputy Director Ji lost himself in fantasy.

If Lingshun 749 had someone like Lu Ding,

He'd practically worship them as an ancestor!!

Give them his own office!!

Maximum benefits package.

Even share his personal stipend.

Absolute premium treatment!!

"Ahem! What's with that stupid grin? Show some basic manners when someone's talking to you."

Deputy Director Chu's voice snapped Ji out of his reverie.

"Oh right, the Most Violent Victory issue... We were hoping for your assistance. I know you practice the Flying Bear Pounce technique."

"Plus you have exceptional tracking skills. And isn't that Lionheart Temple's Buddhist disciple staying with you too?"

"You seem quite close. Maybe you could ask him to help using his white curl mark?"

"If we don't recapture those wasps, Lingshun 749 will keep getting shamed publicly."

Putting everything together,

Lu Ding finally understood.

Lingshun 749 was truly desperate.

How had they fallen so low?

Afraid Lu Ding might refuse, Deputy Director Ji hastily added: "We'll pay in contribution points! That's all we can offer now."

"But our current inventory can't cover the exchange. If you see anything useful among our junk equipment, take whatever you want."

"If you prefer points instead, then..."

At this point, Ji glanced at Deputy Director Chu.

"Hold on! You're borrowing our people, writing IOUs, then expecting us to cash them!?"

"Are you out of your mind!?"

Deputy Director Ji's eyes reddened: "Brother Chu! You have to help me!!"

Chu replied coldly: "I already secured your deputy director position!"

Ji pressed: "You need to help me again!"

Chu grew irritated: "If I help any more, I might as well resign!"

Fine.

If soft approaches failed...

Deputy Director Ji tilted his head slightly: "Should I tell your wife she wasn't your first love..."

"Ji Lao Yao! Don't you dare threaten me!!"

Ji continued unfazed: "Or that you've been divorced before..."

Instantly, Chu's expression transformed: "Hehehe, Lao Yao my brother, how may I assist you?"

After some thought, Ji Tai said: "Well... lend me Lu Ding."

"Fine by me. Lu Ding?"

"I can help. But warning - people might die when I get involved."

Upon hearing Lu Ding's agreement,

Deputy Director Ji sprang to his feet!

"Casualties don't matter! Kill whoever you need to! I'll handle the fallout!"

Chu maintained his smile: "Lao Yao~ Anything else I can do for you~"

"Yes. Lu Ding deserves proper compensation. Approve a 6,000 contribution point voucher."

"SIX THOUSAND!?"

Chu's voice jumped an octave.

Before he could continue,

Ji tilted his head and raised two fingers: "Should your wife learn you've been divorced not just once, but twi—"

SMACK!

Chu instantly clamped down on those two fingers.

"Let's discuss this properly."

"Lu Ding, step outside while Deputy Director Ji and I have a... thorough discussion."

Lu Ding left without hesitation.

The following negotiations weren't his concern.

Exiting,

He gently closed the shattered door barely hanging on its hinges.

Standing outside,

Listening to the crashing sounds within,

He mentally calculated:

This job could net nearly 6,000 contribution points -

Far more than his usual missions combined.

Though the work would be challenging.

No matter.

Currently at the border,

The battlefield had opened but full-scale war hadn't erupted yet.

Any clashes would remain minor skirmishes.

Arriving now might alert the enemy.

Better to strike during the major confrontation,

Catching them completely off guard for maximum devastation.

Before long,

A bruised Deputy Director Ji emerged.

Wiping his nose and sniffling,

He turned: "Let's go, Lu Ding. We've... reached an agreement. After completing the mission, I'll issue you a 6,000 point voucher for redemption here."

With that,

Ji casually donned a fearsome iron mask.

His entire demeanor transformed instantly.

Lu Ding: ?????

So that's how he earned the "Iron Visage" nickname?

As they prepared to leave,

Yan Feifan's message arrived:

[Brother Lu, ingredients purchased. Also—]

[Yunhai's famous Spirit Thread Tailor specializing in Qi Refiner garments called]

[Xiaobai ordered you scholar-warrior sleeves before her seclusion]

[Ready now. I've got them. Delivering shortly]

[Looks absolutely stunning! Beyond handsome!!]

[Even more impressive than your previous ruined set!]