Chapter 1675 - 860: The Time Has Come—Prepare to Stir Things Up! (Part 2)

"A report, a misunderstanding, and you're asking me to put down my project, shut down the Melting Furnace, abandon the workshop, and wait for arrangements?"

He glanced at the pale face behind the counter and chuckled softly, "Ha, I didn't know the title of 'Master' had become so worthless."

"This, this..."

Behind the counter, the clerk's voice trembled, stumbling, as he lifted his hand to wipe away the cold sweat—heavens, this paperwork wasn't even distributed by him, nor was this matter orchestrated by him, so why was the reckoning starting here with him?

If it weren't for the insurmountable counter, he would have knelt down to Kowtow to Ji Jue.

Master, I just finished my internship two days ago, I'm innocent!

"Regarding this matter, our Coordination Department also just received the notification, Mr. Ji." He nervously showed the internal document: "We are not very clear about the specific reason..."

Ji Jue said nothing.

He just smiled, watching him.

Watching as that face grew paler and breathing became more labored until, finally, with a sudden realization, he fainted with a snap.

He passed out.

Amidst chaos, the fainted clerk was carried away.

Soon after, Ji Jue was invited to the office of the head of the Coordination Department.

He was shown to a seat, served good tea.

The head, who had rushed over in a hurry, initially gave a theatrical defense, almost tearfully promising repeatedly that this matter had absolutely nothing to do with their Coordination Department.

Seeing that Ji Jue just smiled, not speaking, not drinking tea, he couldn't continue, so he brought out the work procedures directly in front of Ji Jue.

Using his authority, he logged into the Association's system on-site, turned the screen around to face Ji Jue, allowing him to view it freely.

There was the acceptance letter of the report and the approver of the Coordination Investigation Notice.

It bore the stamp of the Association's Audit Department.

A real power department within the Taiyi Ring, holding the yearly review of many craftsmen's projects and results, regarded as a pillar of the Association.

"Oh, no wonder!"

Ji Jue glanced at that name and laughed softly, realizing, "I wondered who had such confidence, turns out to be under a director!"

"In that case, I shall retreat with deference. After all, a mere crown, how can it compete with a director?"

Ji Jue slowly stood up, buttoned his coat, nodded politely, and said goodbye: "Rest assured, I certainly won't harbor resentment or dissatisfaction."

Saying this, ignoring the head's desperate look, he rose and left, only after a few steps, he turned back and curiously asked: "Ah, by the way, do you want me to give the Association an explanation?"

"Master Ji, let's talk about it! Let's talk about it!"

The head was on the verge of tears. If it weren't for the fear of Ji Jue's reputation, he almost rushed over to cling to Ji's legs and wouldn't let go.

How could he not know what kind of tough character this Master Ji before him was?

No, brother, absolutely not!

Publicly speaking, how long has it been since the Ember and You Sui dispute? The Association just adjusted for a period, can't afford another turmoil.

Moreover, once Ji Jue stirs things up, who can be sure of the outcome?

Privately speaking, if things blow up, whether the Coordination Department is at fault or not, as the department mediating between craftsmen and the Association, it would sure take a big hit.

Du Erchang, damn you!!!

For the countless time, in his heart, he cursed that bastard to high heaven.

Du Erchang, the interim head of the Audit Department during turbulent times, having mixed in the Association for half a lifetime, knew his prospects were limited and, before stepping down, he unscrupulously took on any jobs, dared to do anything.

The directors, considering his willingness to take blame, didn't fuss much, but the result was such a mess!

Actually, it wasn't just the Audit Department; many related people behind wanted to give Ji Jue a hard time to watch the spectacle—who wouldn't since he opened up the foundational entry to Fluid Alchemy, directly offending so many peers?

Now, Ji Jue's self-taught disciples were popping up everywhere, and the once domestic craftsmen turning feral, were grudges not building in their hearts?

Ji Jue understood clearly.

But he didn't care.

Just like Ye Xian said, on the Embers Path, a loss is a loss, a win is a win; it's always the losers constantly thinking about how to overturn the result, where would the winners have any unease, tossing and turning?

Boldly strike them down with a stick.

Why be so complicated?

Therefore, after receiving the notification, even knowing it might be a diversion tactic, he didn't care and directly set off to Tianshu.

After arriving, he showed his face at the Association's reception and went straight back to his room to sleep, seeking no one, meeting no one.

After waking up, he had breakfast, drank two cups of tea.

Then he sat directly at the processing counter.

Begin pressuring the Association!

Love to follow procedures, right? Fine, I'll accompany you through this procedure!

No sentiment today, no face-saving, no one darned matters.

Just according to the rules!

"Handle it, don't feel pressured, just do what you have to do."

Ji Jue smiled, patting his shoulder, telling him: "Everyone knows, I, Ji Jue, am the most compliant with the Association's arrangements, risking life and limb, never saying a second word, how could I make it impossible for everyone to step down?

I believe the Association will give me an explanation... and also let everyone see how the Association is quick to discard the bow once the birds are gone, to cook the rabbit after the dog has caught it."

Click, the door closed.