Chapter 71 Downfall

A loser... Hoover and Osmond’s expressions twisted. The former’s masseter muscles bulged fiercely, while the latter stared at Zhang Yuanqing as if he wanted to devour him.

Their family background, status, and level had created extremely strong self-esteem, and they couldn’t tolerate Yuan Shi Tianzun’s provocative behavior of exposing their scars.

Xia Zuo also felt as if his face had been slapped hard.

The Demon Hunter stared at Zhang Yuanqing with a profound gaze.

The atmosphere on the conference table was a bit solemn.

Seeing that the guests from Heavenly Punishment were mentally collapsing from a single sentence from Yuan Shi Tianzun, Secretary Li cleared his throat and looked at Elder Miao, who was at the head of the table with snakes for hair, and said, "Everyone is here, so, Elder Miao, shall we begin?"

Elder Miao nodded slightly, looked around at everyone at the table, and said, "Two things. First, after discussion at headquarters, it has been decided to share everything about Hades with Heavenly Punishment. Yuan Shi Tianzun has contributed to the capture of Hades, and is rewarded with an A-level merit, a bonus of 5 million, a Sage-quality item, and is promoted to the captain of the third patrol team of the Songhai Branch."

"Second, Yuan Shi Tianzun and the guests from Heavenly Punishment had a conflict in the Shiwan Mountains. This was a misunderstanding, and the illegally obtained items must be returned immediately."

Elder Miao focused on the members of Heavenly Punishment and Yuan Shi Tianzun, adopting a posture of "you can start talking now."

"Does either side have any objections?"

The Demon Hunter nodded and said, "We have no objections."

Zhang Yuanqing raised his hand, "I have objections!"

Everyone was mentally prepared for his opposition, but Secretary Li and Secretary Zhou still frowned unconsciously.

This was what they disliked about Yuan Shi Tianzun. Who would like a subordinate who was always opposing you?

Elder Miao remained calm and said gently, "Please state your opinion!"

Zhang Yuanqing said, "First, I don't want merits, I don't want the position of team leader, and I certainly don't want cash."

Merits and positions were all illusory. Headquarters could strip them away as they pleased. Frankly speaking, they wanted to use 5 million and a Sage-quality item to exploit him for nothing.

Secretary Zhou tapped the table with his finger and said sternly, "This is the decision of headquarters, Yuan Shi Tianzun. You have disobeyed headquarters time and time again. Do you still have the organization and discipline in your eyes? How will headquarters entrust you with important tasks in the future if you lack awareness and are disobedient?"

Secretary Li chimed in, "You don't want merits, you don't want positions, what do you want? Do you want to leave the organization?"

The two secretaries attacked from both sides from the start, with every sentence being a heart-wrenching accusation, filled with questioning.

"Stop putting labels on me!" Zhang Yuanqing's tone was firm. "Positions are demoted at will, merits are taken away at will, treating the prestige of headquarters as a joke, escalating minor issues to major ones, and turning a blind eye to major issues. I want to ask, what are you trying to do? Do you want to destroy the foundation of the Five Elements Alliance, or have you taken the country that the five alliance leaders built as your own? Have you forgotten what Gang Lord Jiang said at the tribunal?"

Several executives from Heavenly Punishment exchanged glances. They knew that Yuan Shi Tianzun and headquarters were at odds, but the feeling was completely different from written reports and seeing it with their own eyes.

The secretaries were Elder Miao's confidantes and representatives. Scolding the secretaries was equivalent to scolding Elder Miao. Yuan Shi Tianzun had become arrogant to this extent.

It was important to know that the Five Elements Alliance was different from Heavenly Punishment. There were many capitalists and families within Heavenly Punishment, who checked and balanced each other. Apart from the aloof demigods whom no one dared to offend, even peak Sovereigns would sometimes be challenged.

But the Five Elements Alliance had a strong ruling power. The alliance leader delegated authority, and the ten elders held great power. It was hard to imagine that they would tolerate this person's existence.

The more Yuan Shi Tianzun disobeyed headquarters, the lower the success rate of their strategy to use headquarters to intimidate Yuan Shi Tianzun and take back the items would be.

Elder Miao interrupted the three's argument and said, "Yuan Shi Tianzun, what do you want?"

Zhang Yuanqing immediately said, "Fifty kinds of Sage-quality materials, not limited to profession. Six Sovereign-level materials, not limited to profession, and one top-grade item with a Swordsman level."

"Yuan Shi Tianzun, don't go too far!" Secretary Li was the first to lose his temper.

"If headquarters doesn't want it, I can sell Hades to the Association of Beauty Gods."

"The Association of Beauty Gods has already withdrawn!"

Zhang Yuanqing turned to look at the Demon Hunter, "You can completely bypass the Five Elements Alliance and trade directly with me."

"Forty Sage-quality materials, four Sovereign-level materials, and one top-grade item of Adventurer quality," Elder Miao concluded. "This is the limit that headquarters can accept."

Zhang Yuanqing immediately smiled, "Deal!"

He wanted so many materials to prepare for upgrading the Purple Shield. This item could be upgraded to the Sovereign level.

In fact, sacrificing Sovereign-level items would have a higher success rate, but Sovereign-level items were too rare. In comparison, materials of the same level were easier to obtain.

As for the top-grade item at the Swordsman level, it was for Guan Ya.

Guan Ya's talent was very high, and her combat strength was much stronger than Swordsmen of the same level, but compared to the top geniuses, Old Driver Ji was still lacking. She was not even as good as Zhao Chenghuang, Sun Miaomiao, and Tianxia Guihuo from the dungeon team. The dungeon team had a deep foundation after accumulating experience in the Mo Sect's Mechanical City.

Although Zhang Yuanqing had lent Tian Cong Yun to Guan Ya as a life-saving item, this thing could only be used in reality. Bringing a Sovereign-level weapon into a dungeon was definitely not a good thing.

Moreover, Tian Cong Yun would eventually have to be returned, so it was better to find a way to give her a top-grade Sage-quality item.

Seeing that a deal had been reached, Fu Qingyang said, "Executive, now let's talk about the items of your three subordinates. What's your price?"

Everyone looked at the Demon Hunter.

This middle-aged executive, who resembled Doctor Strange, said in a calm and forceful tone, "I must correct Director Fu's mistaken view. First, on behalf of Heavenly Punishment, I would like to state that we will not spend a single penny. Second, the Five Elements Alliance and Heavenly Punishment have signed a mutual defense treaty, Yuan Shi Tianzun has attacked an ally and plundered allied items, which has seriously violated the agreement. On behalf of Heavenly Punishment, I demand that the Five Elements Alliance punish Yuan Shi Tianzun. Otherwise, Heavenly Punishment will personally send a level one Gold Executive to recover the items!"

These words immediately made the atmosphere at the center of the conference table heavy. A level one Gold Executive symbolized a peak Sovereign. The Demon Hunter's subtext was that Heavenly Punishment would use violent means to take back the items, and they would have a justified reason.

It was Yuan Shi Tianzun who had torn up the agreement. Any action taken by Heavenly Punishment was to protect its own interests.

If the Five Elements Alliance did not punish Yuan Shi Tianzun, then this matter would escalate into a diplomatic crisis.

Osmond and Hoover stared coldly at Yuan Shi Tianzun. Heavenly Punishment would not indulge you like the Five Elements Alliance.

Zhang Yuanqing sneered, "What are you looking at? Three lackeys, losers!"

Osmond and Hoover's expressions instantly turned ashen.

"Cough, cough," Elder Miao tapped the table lightly and looked at Yuan Shi Tianzun, "Pay attention to the order of the meeting. No personal attacks."

Before Zhang Yuanqing could speak, Secretary Zhou, Elder Cai's secretary, took the lead in exerting pressure, saying, "Although headquarters values you, it will not protect you blindly. Returning the items will result in a demerit, and the matter will be over. If you continue to be stubborn, we can only send you to the tribunal."

Secretary Li nodded slowly, "The alliance leaders are fair, and they will not support you this time."

Hoover leaned back and entrusted his body to the chair, chuckling, "Let's meet at the tribunal. Everyone knows that you, Yuan Shi Tianzun, were born a barbarian, and the bones in your body are all twisted. Hmm, this is what he said himself."

Osmond sneered, "He wouldn't dare go to the tribunal. This time, without the support of the alliance leader, wouldn't going to the tribunal ruin his reputation?"

The two seized the opportunity to mock and ridicule, retaliating against Yuan Shi Tianzun's repeated provocations.

The Heavenly Punishment team had come prepared. Before the meeting, they had provided the two secretaries at headquarters with public funds to ask how to get back the stolen items.

The two secretaries' advice was: First, report the situation to Heavenly Punishment headquarters and obtain approval to request coercive measures. A level one Gold Executive should come forward. Second, at the meeting, define the matter as Yuan Shi Tianzun tearing up the contract and robbing allied items. The purpose of the definition was to prevent the headquarters elders and demigods from preventing the level one Gold Executive from taking coercive measures.

After all, it was impossible for the alliance leader and the ten elders to agree to Heavenly Punishment's peak Sovereigns crossing borders to deal with the Five Elements Alliance's young genius. This concerned the image and reputation of the Five Elements Alliance, so there needed to be a justified reason.

And the Five Elements Alliance was not a weak official organization. Excuses like laundry detergent would definitely not work.

The reason of tearing up the alliance contract was sufficient and weighty enough.

As expected, it was exactly the same as the boss's prediction. Zhang Yuanqing thought to himself, now was the time for their political struggle expert to come on stage.

He turned his gaze to Fu Qingyang.

"I also need to point out an error to the Demon Hunter Executive," Fu Qingyang's cold voice rang out.

"Let me briefly state the case. Not long ago, the Songhai Branch received a notice from the Association of Beauty Gods that A-level wanted criminal Hades had sneaked into our country. It is the official duty to purge evil professionals, so I dispatched Yuan Shi Tianzun to cross the border to hunt down Hades in Bagui Province. During the hunt, Heavenly Punishment members interfered with law enforcement, causing serious threats to life and property losses to our law enforcement officer, Yuan Shi Tianzun."

"Yuan Shi Tianzun then confiscated the instruments of crime from the Heavenly Punishment members. He originally wanted to arrest Osmond. Harry, Hoover, and Xia Zuo. Charles, who had interfered with law enforcement, but Executive Demon Hunter violently resisted the law and attempted to kill our law enforcement officer. Yuan Shi Tianzun could only temporarily avoid the edge. Now, I am formally submitting an application to headquarters to arrest the Heavenly Punishment members led by the Demon Hunter. Request for approval!"

"You're distorting the truth!" The upright knight Xia Zuo couldn't help but become angry.

The others narrowed their eyes, and Secretary Li said coldly, "The Heavenly Punishment Executive has a written approval from headquarters to arrest Hades in our country. Director Fu, you will be responsible for distorting the facts."

Secretary Zhou added, "In addition, Yuan Shi Tianzun is a patrol member of the Songhai Branch. He has no law enforcement power in Bagui Province. Cross-provincial arrests of evil professionals require headquarters' approval. Where is headquarters' approval document?"

Young Master Qian produced two documents with an unchanged expression and showed them to everyone, "Scanning approval letter issued by Elder Fujian Pavilion of Patrol Headquarters!"

The White Tiger Soldier's Great Elder "Sword Pavilion" was also the Director of Patrol Headquarters and the highest leader of the patrol departments of various branches.

The two secretaries' expressions changed. This approval letter caught them somewhat off guard.

The Demon Hunter's face sank, and he immediately realized the attitude of that Sword Pavilion Elder.

Secretary Zhou pondered for a moment and said, "Alright, then this matter is clarified."

"We don't agree! No one can extort Heavenly Punishment!"

Fu Qingyang said coldly, "That is your freedom, but I want to tell Executive that no one can break the law on the territory of the Five Elements Alliance."

"Misunderstanding, just a misunderstanding," Zhang Yuanqing said sincerely, "I didn't force Executive's intention. I'm just making a request, the initiative is with you."

The Demon Hunter turned to look at the two secretaries. Secretary Li and Secretary Zhou were silent. The action approval letter issued by Elder Sword Pavilion was a killing move. It had given Yuan Shi Tianzun's actions a legal and reasonable appearance.

Then there was no situation of tearing up the contract. Fu Qingyang was asking for compensation, not redemption fees for spoils of war, so the argument of plundering allied items was untenable.

This trick of creating excuses was common within the law-abiding organizations of various countries. For example, the Heavenly Punishment branch in foreign countries had used this trick before.

Under the pretext of alleviating the mental stress of overseas members, overseas members' depression, compensation money, and other names were used to apply for prostitution fees for overseas members, and it was even successful.

The official side accepted this kind of trick.

The Demon Hunter looked at Elder Miao again. Elder Miao still gently and calmly comforted, "Headquarters will be responsible for coordinating this matter."

He then looked at Zhang Yuanqing, "Yuan Shi Tianzun, although spirit is priceless, you can slightly lower your noble spirit and give Heavenly Punishment an acceptable price."

This sentence exposed Elder Miao's attitude. He actually didn't want Heavenly Punishment to take the item back without paying a price. They always had to bleed a little.

Zhang Yuanqing almost didn't hesitate and said, "One rule-type item at the Sage stage, three materials of Sovereign quality, Charm Perfume and Thor's Mark."

Osmond shouted, "You want my item? Yuan Shi Tianzun, did God give you the courage, or did Lucifer support you?"

"It was the benefits given to you by this loser," Zhang Yuanqing didn't deviate from the topic of losers.

Osmond's face turned ashen with anger.

The Demon Hunter said in a deep voice, "This does not conform to Heavenly Punishment's wishes. I will report this matter to headquarters."

He directly cut off the call and disappeared in a fluorescent blue beam.

Osmond, Hoover, and Xia Zuo left one after another.

Zhang Yuanqing stood up happily and bowed to Elder Miao, "After Heavenly Punishment pays the compensation, we will escort Hades to headquarters."

Next was the haggling session, but the event had been defined.

In the luxurious Maple Leaf Late Hotel, in a large suite, the four members of Heavenly Punishment sat in the living room with solemn faces.

The Demon Hunter sighed, "The higher-ups are determined to get Hades, and I'm afraid they will agree to Yuan Shi Tianzun's request."

A few rule-type items at the Sage stage were very precious, but Heavenly Punishment was a large and powerful organization, and its foundation was even deeper than the Five Elements Alliance, so it could still take them out.

Hoover narrowed his eyes, "We must make Yuan Shi Tianzun pay the price, and we must not easily give out rule-type items."

Osmond glanced at him and said in a deep voice, "Don't say this kind of meaningless angry words. We can take revenge on him whenever we want. Let's get the items back first."

Xia Zuo next to him nodded.

Of the three, Hoover suffered the least losses, only a bottle of Charm Perfume, which was still an auxiliary item. Osmond lost a rule-type item of his own profession, which was his reliance in the future.

Xia Zuo also lost an important item of his own profession, and his combat strength was directly greatly reduced.

The two were eager to get their items back.

The Demon Hunter pondered for a moment and said, "I remembered a rule-type item that can be taken out for trading. I'll send an email to headquarters now."