As technology advances, information spreads faster and faster. In just one night, negative news about Jiang Wuming had spread throughout the Dragon Country's government, its elite circles, and the martial arts world.
"Even though Jiang Wuming has repeatedly achieved remarkable feats, he is too young. Is he truly suited for his current position and rank?"
"The promotion of Jiang Wuming and Qin Xiaozhi by the Martial Department completely disregards the regulations for personnel selection. It is advisable to reconsider!"
"That's right. Without rules, there can be no order. If every department and unit promoted people in such a manner, wouldn't it descend into chaos?"
"Let's put it this way, even if promotions are necessary, Jiang Wuming is somewhat understandable. But what qualifications does Qin Xiaozhi have? What merits and contributions does he possess to warrant the rank of general?!"
Subsequently, voices of doubt and dissatisfaction emerged within the government, and they grew increasingly intense.
Martial Department Headquarters.
Qi Wufu, the Marshal of the Martial Department, was infuriated by the overwhelming wave of doubt. He also realized that something was amiss and proceeded to Staff Officer Li Rui's office.
"Damn it, since when did our Martial Department's affairs become their business to meddle in?"
Qi Wufu entered the office, spewing with anger.
"Where there's smoke, there's fire."
Li Rui's eyes gleamed.
As a staff officer of the Martial Department, he was well aware that his old partner, Qi Wufu, possessed immense martial arts prowess, a straightforward nature, and a fiery temper. Li Rui, on the other hand, was the opposite: his martial arts cultivation was weak, but his intelligence, emotional quotient, and combat command capabilities were excellent. The two perfectly complemented each other.
"What do you mean?"
Qi Wufu's eyes widened.
"Old Qi, Long Shengzhe attended our commendation ceremony, which signifies his approval and support for our decision. Under such circumstances, if someone were not instigating behind the scenes, who would dare to speak nonsense and risk offending both us and Long Shengzhe?" Li Rui countered.
"You mean this is Long Shengzhe's doing? Or rather, he tacitly approved of it?"
Upon hearing this, Qi Wufu finally grasped the situation and recalled his conversation with Jiang Wuming. "I remember, Wuming said that after Long Shengzhe learned he helped Xia Xueqin recover her vitality, he mistakenly believed he had the ability to reverse aging. Long Shengzhe wanted him to prolong his life, but then discovered it was a misunderstanding, and his attitude towards Wuming changed."
"When I learned that Long Shengzhe was to attend the commendation ceremony, I found it strange and pondered the reasons. I realized that Long Shengzhe wanted Wuming to help him prolong his life, but I never expected him to change his mind so quickly."
Li Rui spoke, still harboring some confusion. "Did anything unpleasant happen when Wuming met Long Shengzhe?"
"Wuming mentioned the agreement between Jiang Zhan and Long Shengzhe back then, and both of them were somewhat displeased," Qi Wufu replied.
"I see," Li Rui exclaimed, enlightened.
Although he had not interacted much with Jiang Wuming, he knew that Jiang Wuming was a person who valued relationships, adhered to principles, and feared no authority. Long Shengzhe, on the other hand, was an extremely domineering individual who was accustomed to having his way.
It was highly probable that unpleasantness would arise if these two individuals met and their opinions diverged.
"Damn it, we've finally managed to get Wuming to join the Martial Department and inherit Jiang Zhan's legacy, preparing him to lead the Martial Department in the future. Now this happens. What will Wuming think of this?"
Qi Wufu became increasingly indignant, exclaiming, "I'm going to see Long Shengzhe! I want to see what he intends to do!"
"No rush."
Li Rui shook his head, stopping his old partner.
"What do you mean?"
Qi Wufu's eyes widened as he looked at Li Rui with confusion.
"We shouldn't be the ones rushing now."
Li Rui's face was filled with wisdom. Seeing Qi Wufu's bewildered expression, he decided to elaborate:
"Our commendation ceremony and promotion decisions were specifically discussed in a meeting. It was a collective decision, and it was reported to the higher authorities. Everything is legal and compliant. Moreover, Long Shengzhe's attendance at the commendation ceremony signifies his approval and support for our commendation of Wuming and the Zhanlong Squad. In this situation, no matter how great the doubts and opposition, we can ignore them. The ones who are truly anxious are those causing trouble behind the scenes."
"That makes sense. I'll have the appointment documents sent out now."
Qi Wufu's eyes lit up upon hearing this.
As long as the appointment documents for Jiang Wuming and Qin Xiaozhi were issued, it would be difficult for Long Shengzhe to go back on his word, even if he wanted to.
"Old Qi, the new positions for Wuming and Qin Xiaozhi are both core members of the Eastern Domain Legion. The appointments require the cooperation of the organizational department," Li Rui shook his head.
"So, we just wait?"
Qi Wufu frowned again.
"Yes, let's wait and see."
Li Rui nodded, then hesitated before asking, "Old Qi, if someone insists on blocking the promotions of Wuming and Qin Xiaozhi, what do you plan to do?"
"Absolutely not!"
Qi Wufu's stance was firm.
"Ding—"
This time, before Li Rui could say anything further, a soft sound emerged. Qi Wufu's phone rang.
"It seems they are more anxious than I imagined."
Li Rui, hearing the sound, guessed the caller's identity and let out a sneer.
Qi Wufu, with a frown, took out his phone and saw it was Long Qisheng calling. He glanced at Li Rui, who nodded slightly.
"Hello."
Qi Wufu answered the call and turned on the speakerphone.
"Have you heard the discussions outside regarding the appointments of Jiang Wuming and Qin Xiaozhi?"
On the other end of the line, Long Qisheng, as usual, from within the red-walled compound, wearing a ghost mask, questioned.
"Isn't this all your doing?" Qi Wufu retorted coldly.
"This matter has nothing to do with us. It's mainly that the appointments of these two by the Martial Department do not comply with regulations, and some departments and individuals have objections," Long Qisheng stated.
"Long Qisheng, you and I are both martial artists. Let's not beat around the bush. Speak your mind or get lost."
Qi Wufu sneered. If Long Shengzhe did not tacitly approve, who would dare to criticize?
Long Qisheng was also direct, getting straight to the point: "To eliminate the negative impact, the Grand Elder suggests retaining Jiang Wuming's promotion and canceling Qin Xiaozhi's."
"Impossible! I, Qi Wufu, have lived a life of integrity. My words are like spilled water. How can I go back on my word?" Qi Wufu forcefully refused.
"I suggest you seriously consider this proposal. To prioritize the greater good, we can only sacrifice the less important to save the more important. This way, we support the work of the Martial Department and also consider Jiang Wuming's feelings. It's a win-win solution," Long Qisheng said.
"Sacrifice the less important to save the more important? Heh... I think you feel Wuming is disloyal to you, disobedient, so you are going back on your word to make an example of him, aren't you?!"
Qi Wufu's anger instantly flared.
"Forget it, I won't talk to you. I'll talk to Li Rui."
Long Qisheng was silent for a few seconds before speaking again. He understood Qi Wufu's volatile temper and knew that Li Rui was much more rational.
"You don't need to find Li Rui. He's right beside me. His opinion is the same as mine. There is no room for negotiation on this matter!" Qi Wufu stated forcefully.
"I am in agreement with Marshal Qi."
As soon as Qi Wufu finished speaking, Li Rui expressed his stance.
He greatly admired Qin Xiaozhi, believing Qin Xiaozhi was more suitable to be his successor than Lou Lan Legion's Staff Officer Wu Yong, and would be able to assist Jiang Wuming in the future.
Because of this admiration, he was the first to support Qin Xiaozhi's promotion during the meeting.
More importantly, he knew that Qin Xiaozhi's promotion was suggested by Jiang Wuming!
Even more so, Jiang Wuming was willing to give up his own promotion opportunity to ensure Qin Xiaozhi could be promoted!
In such a situation, Li Rui had every reason to believe that if Qin Xiaozhi's promotion were canceled, Jiang Wuming would definitely quit!
Li Rui's statement surprised Long Qisheng. He didn't know what had gone wrong but didn't dwell on it. He spoke again, his attitude instantly becoming extremely assertive:
"Li Rui, you shouldn't be as foolish as Qi Wufu. You should know that once certain matters are decided, objections are invalid."
"We are doing this for the Dragon Country and its people, with a clear conscience."
Li Rui spoke again, word by word, "Also, I want to remind you not to let tragedy repeat itself, otherwise, we will all become sinners of the nation and sinners of history!"
"We are all for the country and for the people."
Long Qisheng's tone shifted, "Canceling Qin Xiaozhi's promotion is not only due to the overwhelming voices of doubt and opposition but also for another reason."
"What?"
Qi Wufu immediately asked.
"His transformation over the past few years has been too significant, or rather, he has become two entirely different people. Moreover, he joined the Zhanlong Hall, and there are many things about him that we do not know. Even if we want to cultivate him preferentially, we must thoroughly investigate all of this! The investigation can be conducted by your Martial Department, or by other departments," Long Qisheng replied. "When it comes to personnel, the most important thing is trustworthiness, followed by ability. You should understand this better than I do."
"Nonsense!"
Qi Wufu was so angry he cursed directly.
"Qi Wufu, you can take my previous statement as a well-intentioned reminder or as an order from the Grand Elder. Goodbye!"
Long Qisheng made his final statement and, without waiting for Qi Wufu's reply, hung up the phone.
"Damn it, I'm going to see Long Shengzhe!"
Qi Wufu said angrily and turned to leave.
"Old Qi, forget it. It's useless."
Li Rui stopped him again and explained, "Because Long Qisheng's last sentence was not a reminder or an order, but a warning—even if you and I disagree, they have many ways to cancel Qin Xiaozhi's promotion!"
"Then what should we do?!" Qi Wufu's face turned ashen with anger.
"The immediate priority is to compromise and find a way to counsel Wuming, to stabilize him first. As for Qin Xiaozhi, we'll find a way later," Li Rui said after some thought.
"Given Wuming's personality, do you think that's possible?!" Qi Wufu retorted.
As difficult as climbing to the heavens.
Li Rui knew this in his heart and remained silent.
...