"The courage to charge into battle is commendable, but what you lack is a strategic overview, such as in the case of the City Destruction incident in Chengyang City. If it weren't for Comrade Shadow covering for you, how would you have handled it?"

"Can you really rely solely on charging into battle to save a residential area, a city, or even a country? Think about it carefully."

The old man's voice wasn't loud, but every word he said made Minister Long shrink into the sofa, falling silent, unsure of how to respond.

This was the first time Wu Liang had seen such a scene of an elder reproaching a junior.

He couldn't help but move slightly to the side, to avoid being caught in the old man's wrath.

But as soon as he moved a bit, the old man's gaze shifted over, like an Immobility Spell, making Wu Liang dare not act rashly.

But in the next second, the old man's serious expression dissipated, and he broke into a kind smile, saying, "Comrade Shadow, thank you for your efforts in Chengyang City. I've read the battle reports, truly remarkable for someone so young."

Minister Long: "?"

No! That wasn't your attitude toward me just now! Why is it that when he fights with Ghost Valley, he's full of promise at a young age, but when I go in, I'm just lacking a strategic overview?

Who is your real grandson anyway!?

"It's nothing... You're giving me too much credit. Protecting the people's safety is our duty as officials," Wu Liang said, scratching his head, a bit embarrassed.

But as soon as he finished speaking, the old man's kind smile still remained, yet he uttered words that were eerily cold: "Shadow... oh, your codename should be changed to Reporter. As a little journalist, there's no need to say such hollow words in front of me."

"In your heart, protecting the people's safety isn't important at all. Understanding your own background and the mystery of the Promised Land, as well as the issue of your deceased parents, is your priority. Isn't this why you joined the government?"

"You don't truly care about the people's safety."

Thump thump—thump thump—

At that moment, the room fell into absolute silence, so quiet that Wu Liang could even hear the sound of his own heartbeat.

A moment later, Wu Liang looked up again to meet the old man's gaze.

Facing those eyes that seemed to see through everything, he felt a bit dazed—

Indeed, he initially joined the government to better seek out Fierce Ghosts and enhance his abilities, to survive the second supernatural calamity.

Then, upon discovering that his parents might still be alive, he fought for investigation privileges, to use the archives to uncover the truth of the past.

Ultimately, the emergence of the Wu Xiaoyao Bionic Man, the existence of the Promised Land, and now the clues about the Celestial Pool brought by Ghost Valley and the Pioneer; he also sought to understand the truth of his origins.

Though he performed many seemingly heroic acts of protecting the public along the way, it was actually just incidental.

If he truly had to choose between the people's safety and his own life, perhaps he would still lean towards self-preservation.

Wu Liang always liked to think, especially when staring at the ceiling in a daze.

And so, just as he argued with the Wu Xiaoyao Bionic Man back at the Dongri Grand Hotel, Wu Liang could only say he hadn't done anything bad.

He understood better than anyone else that he was not fundamentally a genuinely good person, let alone bearing the sage's responsibility of worrying for the world first and enjoying pleasure later.

Ah, your elder is still your elder!

This old man sitting in this current position and leading the official organization is not without reason.

"Ha, you see through people so well. It seems I have indeed never been motivated by the duty to protect the public, which is why I admire He Zhan quite a lot. He's the captain of the second official team in Chengyang City; I wonder if you know him?"

After being completely seen through, Wu Liang took a couple of deep breaths before speaking.

He didn't feel any guilt; instead, he felt more relaxed, and even his tone became less serious.

Meanwhile, Minister Long's expression also became a bit more serious.

He didn't expect Wu Liang to so openly admit that he didn't care about the people's safety.

But strangely enough—the old man's kindly smile didn't fade.

Instead, he nodded and seriously said, "I know He Zhan, he's a good kid too. His fervor even makes us old folks ashamed, such people are the most solid shield of the nation and its people."

But in the next second, the old man's tone shifted.

He continued with an authoritative tone: "But I also don't dislike a child like you, joining the government with your own goals, willing to exert maximum effort to achieve those goals, as long as you don't conflict with the people's safety."

"A person like you will become the government's sharpest spear, a weapon that can pierce through anything!"

"Therefore, I have approved the Celestial Pool plan and recognized your identity as the Zodiac Monkey. Feel free to request any support you need."

Hearing the end, Wu Liang was dumbfounded.

He thought his attitude would get him a stern lecture, even if he were a hero who saved Chengyang City, he might have his official status or the right to access investigation materials reduced or banned.

Did not expect no restrictions, even allowing him to make any requests.

The most solid shield and the sharpest spear?

Wu Liang increasingly realized the terrifying depth of the seemingly amiable old man's mind.

"Then I thank you in advance, I'll deliberate on what I need and report it later. If possible, I'd like the Celestial Pool plan to kick off by tomorrow or the day after."

Honestly, it had been a long time since Wu Liang referred to himself as a junior.

But this old man truly won his genuine respect.

After Wu Liang finished speaking, Minister Long couldn't hold back any longer. He quickly stood up, gesturing to Wu Liang and frantically pointing to himself.

His intention was almost written on his face.

Before Long Xudong could say anything, the old man picked up the tea cup on the table, took a gentle sip, and said in an even tone, "Anyone could accompany, but you can't go to the Celestial Pool."

"Why! Are you favoring me just because I'm your grandson? Don't you know what my abilities are? Are you really afraid I'll encounter a life-threatening danger?" Minister Long retorted with some dissatisfaction.

But the old man only gave him a calm look.

Immediately, he became as tame as a docile lamb, sitting back down quietly.

Then the old man sighed and said helplessly, "Precisely because I'm aware of your strength, I plan to keep you in the Capital City."

"I need someone who can strategize and is not limited by physical weaknesses to take over the work, a leader who doesn't need protection."

"To deal with—the upcoming next global supernatural calamity."

"..."

At this moment, the room plunged once again into dead silence.

And for the first time, Wu Liang realized—he might have underestimated the government.

Underestimated this national machine that restored and stabilized societal order from global supernatural calamity chaos in just two years…

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