"And among those with clean backgrounds, who else in Shangjing is more suitable besides the free agents?"
Chen Pingfan's eyes lit up with sudden understanding. No wonder he was able to participate in the exam this time; it turned out to be thanks to this mole.
At this moment, someone raised a question, "Brother Wu, how does this relate to our mission?"
"It's related, and it's the most crucial part!"
"Think about it, what's most important in dealing with a mole? Suspicion? Integrity? But no matter what it is, we absolutely cannot proceed in the old, rigid way!"
"Combining what I just said, the General Bureau is looking for special personnel this time. Therefore, if we stick to our usual experience for this mission, I dare say not a single one of us will pass the exam!"
This statement finally brought the discussion back to the point, though it wasn't entirely a waste of words, as everyone present was a top-tier expert, even if there were differences in status.
But their pride was already etched into their bones.
Without a reasonable justification and motive, getting everyone to unite for a single purpose would be as difficult as climbing to heaven!
Indeed, after Wu Di's last sentence, the expressions of everyone present became grave, clearly realizing the seriousness of the situation.
However, Wu Di suddenly changed his tone and said calmly, "Of course, all of this is just my personal guess. If anyone disagrees now, I'll give you one more chance to withdraw."
Li Chonglou looked at Wu Di with a hint of surprise. Don't underestimate these repeated concessions; they were essentially a test and a selection, and more importantly, a method of winning people over.
The third time's the charm. With opportunities presented time and again, it's your own choice. Even if these three didn't emphasize it afterward, everyone else would internally acknowledge that they were part of the team and naturally had to obey the captain's orders!
This core position was instantly established!
With the matter discussed to this point, there was naturally no one who would withdraw. Some might not mind being subordinates, while others would actively seek to join a strong faction.
Human hearts are varied, but at this moment, a tacit understanding was reached.
Wu Di smiled and looked at Liu Tixing.
"Alright, we've explained what we needed to. Now, let's officially discuss the plan we've decided on, which is divided into two steps."
Liu Tixing's expression suddenly became serious again.
"The first step is to leave here and find the location of the mission, the mine. The second step is to thoroughly investigate the power dynamics here and work together to complete the mission, striving for everyone present to pass the exam smoothly and officially enter the Executive Department!"
Having said this, Liu Tixing added, "Don't forget what Brother Wu just said. The General Bureau is recruiting through special means this time, which means we have an opportunity to ascend one step at a time. Perhaps a special department will even be established, and as the first batch of specially recruited talents, I don't need to elaborate on the treatment we'll receive then, do I?"
The eyes of some among the crowd suddenly flashed with fervent light, especially those from the independent teams. Compared to others, they needed a strong identity and background more!
However, at this moment, a voice suddenly interrupted this atmosphere of unity.
"Wait a moment."
Everyone's gaze unconsciously shifted, only to find that the speaker was Li Chonglou, who had always been on the sidelines.
Even Chen Pingfan was bewildered. Wasn't he usually low-key? Why would he jump out and attract attention at a time like this?
Li Chonglou ignored them and calmly said to the three standing in the center of the crowd, "I'd like to ask first, if we execute this plan, does it mean we all have to follow your arrangements? Or are we only allowed to act together?"
The brows of the three immediately furrowed. Liu Tixing of the Commoners' Guild stared at Li Chonglou with a gloomy expression and said, "Kid, I haven't even settled scores with you yet, and you want to become a public enemy?"
Li Chonglou shook his head, "I have no interest in arguing with you. I just want to clarify this point. After all, with a team comes additional tasks. I don't know about others, but if you expect me to follow your arrangements, given our current relationship, do you think that's possible?"
The three were stunned. In fact, they hadn't considered this issue before.
Even if Li Chonglou hadn't brought it up, everyone knew that the people from the three factions had opinions about this recent prominent figure in Shangjing, or rather, conflicts.
Bringing it up now merely focused everyone's attention on resolving this issue.
Liu Tixing, however, was secretly delighted. He hadn't even found trouble with him yet, and now he was actively stepping forward, especially after just consolidating support. Wasn't this purely offering himself up as a target?
However, before he could speak, Li Chonglou coldly reminded them, "I advise you not to think about making a move now. If our guesses are correct, we'll likely only have one chance to break out. Once we attract the attention of the people outside, that old madman and the experts who always follow him, can you handle them?"
Wu Di's expression changed drastically, and he quickly said, "Tixing, don't be rash. What he's saying isn't unreasonable!"
A struggle flickered across Liu Tixing's face, and he finally snorted, "Unlike some people, I don't lack the big picture perspective and only care about my own interests!"
Li Chonglou ignored his remark and continued, "Let me state my position first. The mission is equally important to me, and I will do my best to complete it, at least not cause you trouble. But one thing is certain: I will not follow your arrangements."
The gazes of everyone present immediately fell upon the three. Li Chonglou's decisive stance at this moment undeniably had an impact on the leadership of the three.
If they agreed to Li Chonglou, it would mean that others could also step forward and state their positions. They couldn't possibly agree to one and reject another, right? If they did, the remaining people would surely suspect the true intentions of the three.
After all, the core issue Li Chonglou raised wouldn't affect the execution of the mission itself.
However, Liu Tixing's reaction was quick enough. He immediately interjected, "Li Chonglou, I'll settle your matter with you later. This is a crucial time for unity. Originally, you wouldn't be allowed to leave the team, as no one knows if what you're saying is true. If you cause trouble behind our backs, all our missions will fail."
Li Chonglou's brow furrowed. Just as he was about to emphasize his point, Liu Tixing continued, "But now, everyone knows your situation. Compared to you staying with us, I think acting separately is better for everyone. However, I must state one thing beforehand: if we discover you causing trouble behind our backs and preventing all of us from entering the General Bureau."
"Then it's life or death!"