Chapter 643 - 407: Inner Sect Disciple

Duan Rong has been busy for a few days and finally managed to attend to all the social obligations.

Tomorrow, he is leaving this Divine Cloud Prefecture and going home.

Tonight, Zhu Cheng and Zhu Peng are inviting him for dinner to bid him farewell.

The three of them have gotten along quite well over the past month. Particularly with Zhu Peng, Duan Rong has been hanging out with him almost every day, and even staying overnight at his residence, making them practically inseparable.

When Duan Rong first arrived at the Ministry of Justice, the person who seemed least welcoming was Zhu Peng. Unexpectedly, it was with Zhu Peng that he ended up being the closest.

Life can be quite amazing sometimes!

The three of them didn’t go to a large restaurant; instead, they gathered in the cool house at Zhu Peng’s residence. They prepared a few hearty dishes and started drinking.

After three rounds of drinks, Duan Rong suddenly remembered something and cautiously asked the two of them.

"It’s like this! In my hometown, I have a friend. He is also an Outer Disciple, but his family got involved in a case of being executed completely. However, this incident occurred three years after he entered Changling Mountain, so it can be confirmed that it had nothing to do with him. Moreover, in the three years he’s been an Outer Disciple, his record is quite good. In this situation, is there a chance for him to advance to an Inner Sect Disciple?"

Duan Rong was originally gnawing on a rather well-cooked pig’s trotter. He didn’t know why, but looking at the pig’s trotter in his hand suddenly reminded him of Shen Mizi.

Then he thought about Shen Mizi advancing to an Inner Sect Disciple, so he asked them.

The two men before him, one is from the Ministry of Justice and the other is from the Secretariat, both key government offices in the Divine Cloud Prefecture, should have some insight into this matter.

Zhu Peng was using a toothpick while picking his teeth. He spat out the meat bits from his mouth, looked at Duan Rong, and asked, "You’re not talking about yourself, are you?"

Before Duan Rong could say anything, Zhu Cheng said, "No! Brother Duan is clean, he doesn’t have this issue."

Zhu Cheng had reviewed Duan Rong’s record, knowing that he has no family ties, so where would he be implicated in such a case? As for his marriage, that happened after leaving Changling Mountain.

Zhu Peng chuckled, "As long as it’s not you. But let me tell you! In such matters, first, they look at your family background, then your record. So, without a clean background, a good record is useless. Because you get weeded out in the first round, they won’t even look at your record!"

"I see!" Duan Rong sighed. It seems Shen Mizi has no chance to advance to an Inner Sect Disciple.

Shen Mizi has already pledged allegiance to him, which counts as part of his strength. If she can’t become an Inner Sect Disciple, this strength becomes somewhat incomplete.

Zhu Cheng noticed Duan Rong’s sigh and suddenly asked, "Brother Duan, is that person a very good friend of yours?"

Hearing the tone of Zhu Cheng, Duan Rong felt there was hope and looked at Zhu Cheng, saying, "He’s a fairly good friend. Brother Zhu, is there a way?"

Zhu Cheng said, "Actually, it’s the Ministry of Justice handling this matter."

"Really?" Duan Rong’s eyes suddenly lit up with delight.

In this world, there are many things where finding the right approach means the heavens and the earth respond to your call. But if you find the right person, sometimes it’s just a matter of one word.

Zhu Peng laughed, "For Zhu Cheng, it’s just a matter of lifting a finger. Right, Zhu Cheng?"

Zhu Peng naturally knew long ago that this matter was managed by the Ministry of Justice. But since Zhu Cheng hadn’t mentioned it, it wasn’t his place to bring it up. If he did, it would seem like he was pressuring Zhu Cheng to agree to Duan Rong. But now that Zhu Cheng brought it up himself, it means he’s prepared to handle it, so he might as well fan the flames a bit.

Zhu Cheng glanced at Zhu Peng and said, "It’s not as easy as you make it sound! If you can get your seventh uncle to make me the Minister of the Ministry of Justice, then it would indeed be a matter of lifting a finger."

Zhu Peng laughed, "That would have to wait until I become the Minister of the Secretariat."

Duan Rong said, "You two, stop flattering each other. Let’s talk business." He looked at Zhu Cheng with a serious expression, "Is this matter feasible?"

Zhu Cheng said, "The part about checking family background indeed falls under the Ministry of Justice. If what Brother Duan said is true and his background is clean, I can pave the way, and it shouldn’t be a big problem."

The reason Zhu Cheng is willing to help is also due to his own considerations.

Duan Rong helped uncover the murder plot behind the investigation into the Minister of the Secretariat, which is a favor to their Zhu Family. Also, because of this matter, it revealed an undercover agent around him, which is another favor. Moreover, after spending this time together, he rather likes Duan Rong’s character and personality.

Given that this person is a friend of Duan Rong and it’s within his capabilities, he’s quite willing to help, forming a good relationship with Duan Rong.

Who can say that he won’t need Duan Rong’s help someday?

Duan Rong said, "He personally has no issues. Otherwise, even with such a huge case back home, as an Outer Disciple, he’s been in the Ministry of Communication, receiving various assignments."

Zhu Cheng said, "That’s good, Brother Duan. Write me a note with his detailed information. When the Ministry of Justice releases the preliminary review list, I’ll have someone add his name to it."

Upon hearing Zhu Cheng’s detailed response, Duan Rong realized this matter was about eighty percent resolved. He immediately raised his glass and smiled, "This is really thanks to Brother Zhu, truly meeting a benefactor!"

Zhu Peng suddenly burst into laughter and said, "That’s the first time I’ve seen you flatter someone, and I must say you really nailed it!"

Duan Rong laughed, "Get lost!" then turned his head to Zhu Cheng and said, "Don’t listen to him. I’m sincerely toasting you."

"Of course!" Zhu Cheng also chuckled, "He’s just jealous!" and with that, the two clinked glasses and drank.