Dawn of a New Era

Ever since the original Director of Martial Arts Legal Affairs and Disciplinary Supervision, Fang Shengjie, was killed by the Pantheon, the world faced abnormalities. Coupled with a series of troublesome events that followed, the appointment of a new director was delayed, causing the department's work to be almost at a standstill.

The assessment of Martial Artists was interrupted for a long time, and the function of supervising their discipline became virtually ineffective.

Now, only a few days have passed since the punishment of Martial Artists, and Cui Ziweng's death still lingers as a deterrent.

The authorities appointed a new Martial Artist from the military as the new director, not only to reorganize work in these two areas but also as a sign of their dissatisfaction with these undisciplined civilian Martial Artists.

He pondered silently, anticipating that this department would become stronger and more assertive in the future.

However, it shouldn't affect him much. He's always been law-abiding, and they couldn't possibly control him.

"Director Lei, why don't you say a few words?" Number One in the city said with a kind smile.

Lei Ruiyang nodded: "Sure!"

Then, after glancing at everyone, he began to speak:

"I won't make a self-introduction. Number One has already done that; I will only say three points."

His voice was strong and carried the rigidity of a soldier, echoing continuously in the meeting.

Chen Shouyi could tell just from the voice that the other person was evidently a forceful figure.

"First, I was a soldier before, and I have only one requirement for Martial Artists: discipline, adherence to the law, and unconditional obedience to orders from above."

The meeting room immediately started buzzing. Although most Martial Artists wouldn't commit crimes and hadn't defied orders from above, this condescending manner of speaking was overwhelmingly domineering, making it uncomfortable to hear.

Lei Ruiyang coldly glanced at the area of civilian Martial Artists, and the meeting room quickly quieted down.

"Second, all Martial Artists, including senior ones, must undergo a month-long closed military training, tentatively scheduled for next week. The specific time will be notified later!"

This time, even Chen Shouyi frowned slightly, and his face darkened.

He wasn't really against military training, as a month was not that long and could be endured. The key issue was the closed military training—what would happen to Shell Lady then?

Would he leave her in his sister's care?

After a month, would Shell Lady still recognize him?

By then, it might be like a meat bun thrown at a dog, gone with no return. With Shell Lady's lack of moral principles, facing monetary temptation, she could be lured away in no time, changing sides.

The next moment, he vaguely sensed a sharp gaze landing on him. He lifted his head to see Lei Ruiyang's hawk-like eyes staring intently at him.

"Chief Advisor Chen, you seem to have a different opinion. Why don't you share it with us?" Lei Ruiyang said calmly.

As soon as these words were spoken, the meeting room became exceptionally quiet, the atmosphere tense, with countless gazes turning this way—not only from the civilian Martial Artists but also from many military Martial Artists.

Chen Shouyi was momentarily stunned, his expression turned cold, and a surge of suppressed anger flared up uncontrollably.

He could understand the new leader's initial authority display, but to use him as a public demonstration, a stepping stone, was infuriating. Was he really taken to be so pliable, made of clay? He coldly said:

"I'm sorry, I didn't hear clearly, could you please repeat what you just said?"

Lei Ruiyang's jaw muscles bulged, a flash of anger in his eyes. He had always looked down on the undisciplined nature of civilian Martial Artists. This time, transitioning from the military to serve as the Director of Martial Arts Legal Affairs and Disciplinary Supervision, he aimed at transforming this situation.

He was mentally prepared for resistance from Martial Artists, intending to prove his authority by confronting this young civilian senior Martial Artist in the meeting room but had encountered a tough opponent instead.

In the military, he'd encountered many such defiant individuals, and he specialized in dealing with them: "Looks like Chief Advisor Chen has some hearing issues, doesn't he?"

"Sorry, did you just say something?" Chen Shouyi pretended to be puzzled.

A sudden laugh emerged from the area of civilian Martial Artists, seemingly a signal, followed by an outburst of laughter in the entire civilian Martial Artists' area.

Lei Ruiyang clenched his teeth in anger, his face dark with rage, pointed furiously at Chen Shouyi: "You damn..."

Number One beside him also frowned slightly, thinking this temper was a bit too hot-headed.

"Alright, Director Lei, Chief Advisor Chen, let's all say a little less and continue the meeting!" Xiao Changming suddenly mediated, giving a subtle glance.

Having personally witnessed Chen Shouyi's strength, he was well aware of the opponent's power.

The impression left by that insect nest exploration mission was so deep that even now, he felt he had little chance against Chen Shouyi back then, let alone considering the strengthening effects of two Divine Blood consumptions on him.

Lei Ruiyang's strength was slightly above his own.

Of course, this was also because their abrupt increased strength had not yet been fully adapted to, lacking integration. It's like someone only used to driving a tractor suddenly having to drive a sports car, unable to fully utilize its performance in a short amount of time.

He believed this would be completely different in a while.

Lei Ruiyang didn't catch Xiao Changming's hint, but after this distraction, he came back to his senses, realizing he'd slightly lost his composure. Since his power surge, he'd become irritable, quick to anger, often unable to control it.

He gave Chen Shouyi a cold look, forcibly suppressing his rage, and diverted his gaze: "Regarding some disorderly senior Martial Artists, I won't say anymore today. I hope Cui Ziweng's case serves as a warning!"

Chen Shouyi listened with a dark expression but didn't provoke further. Not that he feared him, but this was a meeting room, with the city's top leader present, causing too much commotion would be inappropriate.

"I will continue with the last point. Jiangnan Province is currently applying for a senior Martial Artist assessment site. It shouldn't be long before Hedong City can conduct its own senior Martial Artist assessments. That's all I have to say!"

But the new leader's supposed three fires were greatly diminished after this interruption.

Number One smiled: "The military style is strict and decisive, straightforward and efficient, then let's adjourn the meeting!"

...

All Martial Artists filed out, with a clear divide between civilian and military sides.

"You were a bit too impulsive!" Qin Liuyuan said: "I don't think he's a magnanimous person."

While nodding in response to the enthusiastic greetings from other Martial Artists, clearly his actions today earned him considerable prestige among civilian Martial Artists, Chen Shouyi casually said: "I haven't done anything wrong and have always obeyed orders from above—what can he do to me? We have no hierarchical relationship with the Martial Arts Legal Affairs and Supervision Department."

In fact, he felt he had been sufficiently restrained and conciliatory, even pretending ignorance during the meeting. With his previous short temper, he would have long started a verbal assault, unexpectedly finding someone even more hot-tempered, angering him with a mere word.

Did someone really think that becoming a Martial Artist automatically put them above others?

"You're still too young, not knowing the depths of human deceit," Qin Liuyuan shook his head.

A short while later, Song Jieying also came over to offer some comfort, echoing Qin Liuyuan's words, making him feel as if his downfall was imminent.

He exhaled a frustrated breath as he exited the building with the other Martial Artists.

Damn!

"I'll go on ahead!" He said, pulling out his bicycle. After bidding farewell to Qin Liuyuan and others, he propelled himself forward, and the bicycle shot off like an arrow.

At that moment, he couldn't wait any longer, eager to enter the Memory Space to test the opponent's strength.

To see what exactly made the opponent so arrogant.