Chapter 289: An Unusual Old Man
One month later.
Under the arrangement of Qin Ke and with the power of Late-Stage Immortal Grade exposed.
Having passed the array set by Zongzheng.
Chen Xuan smoothly became a White-clothed Chief Constable, although only temporarily.
According to Zongzheng's intentions, there is a three-year assessment period.
Only by passing the assessment can one become a true White-clothed Chief Constable.
"That array is quite interesting!"
The moment he stepped into the array, Chen Xuan actually felt a powerful spiritual power invade his sea of consciousness.
Fortunately, his sea of consciousness was strong enough.
Chen Xuan also transmitted the prepared information to this spiritual power.
Only then did he successfully pass through the array.
Of course... all those family-arranged individuals were without exception found out, and the consequence was a heavy beating from Zongzheng.
Some were even beaten to severe injury.
To this, the reason given by Zongzheng was impure intentions and insufficient loyalty to Great Yu.
"It should not be the work of Zongzheng's hand."
After all, he sensed that Zongzheng, although dual cultivation of spirit and martial, was too weak in spirit cultivation and couldn't set up such an array.
It's highly likely to be Zong Peng's handiwork.
Truly a genius, favored by Elder Zhan.
Fortunately, he is not in the Molan Mansion right now, otherwise, Chen Xuan would indeed be worried about being seen through.
"Let's go!"
The figure disappeared directly from the study, reappearing a thousand meters away in a small courtyard.
This place was also to mislead and confuse.
One must say, Qin Ke is truly considerate, covering all aspects, without any need for concern from him.
After leaving the small courtyard, he headed straight for the Three Judicial Departments.
Today, Zongzheng summoned all new White-clothed Chief Constables of the Three Judicial Departments.
...
The Three Judicial Departments!
The entire building is black, and at a glance, it feels very oppressive.
Moreover, it occupies a thousand acres in size.
Not only that, within ten thousand meters, there is only the Three Judicial Departments.
At this time, this group of White-clothed gathered in a large hall.
"Ten White-clothed!"
"All are Late-Stage Immortal Grade!"
Chen Xuan swept his gaze slightly and understood in his heart.
Of course, with his current strength, these people didn't have the slightest perception.
"Where is this friend from? Looks a bit unfamiliar?"
A middle-aged man with a rough appearance, smilingly asked Chen Xuan.
"From Jiuyue Mansion. I heard the Three Judicial Departments of Molan Mansion were recruiting, so I came to try!"
All these were pre-arranged by Qin Ke.
Although Jiuyue Mansion is adjacent to Molan Mansion, it is nevertheless ten thousand miles away.
So even if someone wanted to investigate, it wouldn't be easy.
Moreover, with Qin Ke's caution, even if they checked, they wouldn't find any issues.
"I see, Hu Tong!"
The middle-aged man introduced himself naturally, "Grew up in Molan Mansion, if there's any issue in the future, feel free to find me!"
"You're too kind, Zhou Zheng! Please advise more in the future!"
Chen Xuan also cupped his hands politely.
"No big deal!"
Hu Tong patted his shoulder, but...his voice was really loud.
"Quiet down, this is the Three Judicial Departments, not the market!"
A young man standing at the front turned his head towards them, with a very displeased expression.
Not only that, Chen Xuan noticed that the way he looked at Hu Tong was full of disdain, even disgust.
"Liu Qing, just mind yourself, it's none of your business how I act!"
Hu Tong glared at him, and his voice rose again.
"You're just from a declining family, what's so great about it, looking down on me! Pfft..."
Considering this was the Three Judicial Departments, he just made a sound at the end.
If it were outside, he would have at least rewarded him with several spits of saliva.
"You....vulgar!"
Liu Qing pointed at him, wanting to curse, but family upbringing only allowed him to say the word 'vulgar'.
But with that grim expression, Chen Xuan couldn't help but find it amusing.
"Alright, in the future, we are all colleagues, and this is the Three Judicial Departments. Director Zong will be here soon, be mindful, you don't want to leave a bad impression on the director on your first day, right?"
A slightly aged man standing at the front with somewhat white hair, but skin as smooth as a baby, slowly spoke, though his voice was odd, somewhat treacherous.
Yet, it wasn't grating to the ears.
"Hmph!"
Hu Tong and Liu Qing both snorted coldly at the same time, but said nothing further afterwards.
Instead, Chen Xuan narrowed his eyes slightly, glancing at the old man out of the corner of his eye.
Because he sensed a hint of yin energy from the old man.
"This old man is a bit abnormal!"
Chen Xuan muttered in his heart.
At the same time, in an adjacent room on the other side of the hall.
Zongzheng and Qin Ke were watching these ten White-clothed, who were completely unaware.
"How's the investigation going?"
Zongzheng asked Qin Ke beside him.
Although the array had identified almost ninety-nine percent of people, there were still some methods that could evade detection.
"Reporting to the lord, based on the information obtained, these ten people are without issue."
Qin Ke replied softly.
"Hmm!"
Zongzheng nodded slightly, feeling that this was normal.
Investigating... it certainly wouldn't be easy.
If these were truly individuals planted by certain families or other forces within the Three Judicial Departments, then their arrangements would be perfect, leaving no room for error.
If it were that easy to uncover, it would mean they were inept.
Therefore, he initiated a three-year assessment period.
During these three years, he would observe these individuals closely.
With his abilities, he did not believe anyone could disguise themselves before him for three years without revealing any flaw.
"Let's go, it's time to meet them!"
Zongzheng smiled, with anticipation in his heart, for there was a high probability that these ten people would eventually become his.
"Yes, sir!"
Qin Ke closely followed behind Zongzheng.
In the main hall, as the sound of footsteps reached them, the ten individuals immediately quieted down.
They saw Zongzheng slowly approach the group and then sit down.
Meanwhile, Qin Ke stood to one side, much like a little follower.
"You are all experts, so there's no need for idle talk. Since you have joined the Three Judicial Departments and become White-clothed Chief Constables, it is your honor!"
"You should already be aware of what the Three Judicial Departments stands for!"
"But there's one thing I must make clear: anyone who dares betray the Three Judicial Departments will face one consequence, death!"
Saying this, Zongzheng paused, his gaze scanning over the ten people.
Seeing their reactions, he felt quite satisfied.
He then continued, "Of course, as long as you don't betray the Three Judicial Departments, no one will dare touch you. I can't speak for other places, but within the Molan Mansion, this is how it is."
"Moreover, I understand that you're joining the Three Judicial Departments not just for the salary, but because you care most about the Library Pavilion!"
Indeed, when the words "Library Pavilion" were mentioned, their expressions finally changed, including Chen Xuan's.
This was something Qin Ke had deliberately informed him of.
After all, the Library Pavilion is the most precious aspect of the Three Judicial Departments.
If one isn't interested in the Library Pavilion, then there's a problem.
Upon seeing the expressions of these ten individuals, Zongzheng nodded in even greater satisfaction.
"I'm not sure if you're clear about this, but I still need to introduce the Library Pavilion!"
"There are five floors in total!"
"The first floor can be accessed by the Cyan Robe Chief Constables!"
"The second floor, by the White-clothed ones!"
"The third floor, by the Gold-clothed ones!"
"As for the fourth and fifth floors, access requires my permission, though as long as you contribute to the Three Judicial Departments, the opportunity will always be there!"
Indeed!
Even the Gold-clothed ones could only access up to the third floor.
The lowest-ranked Black-clothed Chief Constables have no entry privileges at all.
Even Qin Ke has only accessed the second floor so far.
It can be seen how much Zongzheng values the Library Pavilion.
For his trusted confidant, Zongzheng promised a few days ago that he could choose the fourth or the fifth floor, but there is only one chance!
He hasn't used it yet due to being occupied with investigating these people's backgrounds.
Moreover, not being very familiar with the Library Pavilion, he didn't want to waste this opportunity.
He planned to make his choice after understanding it in detail whether to enter the fourth or fifth floor.
Because Zongzheng told him, sometimes the suitable choice is the most important one.
"Rest assured, Director Zong, I, Hu Tong, will definitely stay loyal to the Three Judicial Departments. From now on, the Three Judicial Departments is my home!"
He appeared to be a rugged middle-aged man.
However, if you really considered him just a big guy, you'd truly be a fool.
Seeing him be the first to express his loyalty proves it.
Even though he's a Late-Stage Immortal Grade expert, saying such words might seem embarrassing.
At least, that's what Liu Qing thought, and there was even a trace of disgust in his eyes.
But for Hu Tong, it wasn't an issue at all. To catch Zongzheng's attention and at least leave a good impression was sufficient.
It counted as a good start!
That simple!
Yet among the people present, aside from him, no one else could achieve this.
It stemmed from his experience of climbing from the bottom, making him deeply aware of what he needed.
What is useless.
Even Chen Xuan couldn't help but look at him differently, recognizing that he was indeed different from the others.
Such a person, if utilized well, could be a significant asset.
However... such people are very practical; they can't endure empty promises, so handling them can be really tough when it gets tricky.
A double-edged sword!
"Good!"
Zongzheng laughed heartily; he was already aware of these people's character, personality, and moral principles.
Hu Tong!
Among these people, he indeed counted as a maverick.
Although practical, such a person, when used, could be surprisingly effective.
Just give him what he wants.
Maintain the balance, offering in small doses!
Such a person will loyally dedicate their life to you.
That simple!
He, Zongzheng, isn't a petty person. Besides, the Library Pavilion isn't his private possession—whoever gets access doesn't matter!
As long as they're loyal to him, he will certainly provide them with opportunities.
On the contrary, if you are fickle, then, sorry, he, Zongzheng, is not a good person and will be ruthless.
Afterward, it became much simpler; Zongzheng left all ten to Qin Ke and then departed.
"Everyone!"
Qin Ke stood above, cupping his hands with a smile, "From now on, we're colleagues, and I hope everyone will devote themselves wholeheartedly to the Three Judicial Departments!"
"As long as you do your tasks well, Director Zong will not shortchange you!"
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