Chapter 2292: Master Above_4

The two didn’t have time for small talk. Qu Muzhi told him that Chief Commissioner Gu, considering his relationship with Sheng Yanlin and to make future collaboration with Yiling Academy smoother, has authorized Yang Xiao to selectively waive some clauses of the agreement with Sheng Yanlin. However, not a single word of the core parts of the agreement could be altered.

Yang Xiao quickly reviewed the agreement. It consisted of over one hundred and sixty clauses, covering every detail comprehensively. Among them, twenty-one were designated as core clauses, meaning Yang Xiao had the authority to make appropriate concessions on behalf of the General Bureau for the remaining clauses.

This gave Yang Xiao some leeway, and he couldn’t help but sigh at how Chief Commissioner Gu was considerate of his subordinates, truly a respectable person.

After receiving the message that the assembly with the academy faculty and students had concluded, Yang Xiao, protected by several experts as guards, returned by carriage to Yiling Academy. Before long, he met Sheng Yanlin in a relatively simple room.

Compared to his brave combat during the day, Sheng Yanlin now seemed more like a kind elder. Seeing Yang Xiao arrive, he warmly greeted him despite his exhaustion.

Watching Sheng Yanlin prepare tea for him, Yang Xiao felt increasingly uneasy sitting on the bamboo cane chair, feeling as if he was here to collect a debt.

Finally, Yang Xiao decided to be direct, taking a breath before saying, “Elder Sheng, you know I’m a straightforward person. I’m here tonight under orders from the top of the General Bureau to discuss fulfilling the terms of our earlier agreement with you.”

“The agreement consists of one hundred sixty-three clauses, covering five major categories and twenty-eight subcategories. Among them, twenty-one are core clauses designated by the General Bureau, which cannot be modified, so please don’t make it difficult for me.”

“For the remaining one hundred forty-two clauses, tell me if there’s anything you’re dissatisfied with, and we can discuss it; I’ll try my best to accommodate your wishes.”

Sheng Yanlin put down his teacup, apparently not surprised at all. He took the agreement content handed over by Yang Xiao, casually placing it on the table without even a glance.

Yang Xiao was slightly taken aback and instinctively asked, “You don’t want to take a look?”

“No need, your Patrol Defense Office is always very observant of rules. Since you stick to the rules, so do I. Every clause was agreed upon by me back then. When you promise someone something, you must follow through. People have been dying throughout history, but without faith, a person can’t stand; I’m not that despicable,” Sheng Yanlin replied.

These words left Yang Xiao stunned. Before coming, he had imagined many outcomes, including Sheng Yanlin playing the emotional card with him or nitpicking as an excuse to deny certain clauses, but he hadn’t expected him to accept everything so easily and calmly.

Then Sheng Yanlin raised his head, smiling at Yang Xiao, “Little Yang, I know those guys at your Patrol Defense Office. They never let go of anything once they get their hands on it. For them to be willing to waive parts this time, I assume it’s because of your influence, am I wrong?”

“It’s Chief Commissioner Gu’s intention; he knows we get along well and doesn’t want me in a difficult position,” Yang Xiao told the truth.

“Great, but remember this: there should never be a second instance where the General Bureau gets no benefit. This undermines your credibility and reputation, harming your future prospects.”

“When you go back, tell them that I, Sheng Yanlin, pleaded emotionally, asking you to waive various clauses, but you disagreed because you prioritize organizational interests. In the end, you persuaded me to accept all this,” Sheng Yanlin instructed.

“It’s just…”

“What did your Director Nolan teach you?” Sheng Yanlin said seriously: “If a person does not think for themselves, they will be punished by heaven and earth. You must always learn to consider your own interest; warmth and benevolence are only means to win people’s hearts, never the end goal.”

“Little Yang, you’re a good person, but in this world, being a good person is useless. Few people repay kindness, while many hit you when you’re down.”

“Look at me, if it weren’t for meeting you, returning to the academy would be a dream. That bastard from the Dharma Sect, Farhad, would squeeze out my last bit of value and then throw me into the alchemy furnace.” Sheng Yanlin’s tone grew increasingly stern.

“Understood,” Yang Xiao nodded, knowing this was a lesson for him from Sheng Yanlin.

“Now the academy’s faculty and students have stabilized. Next, a major purge is necessary. All those elders and stewards from the academy who have committed evil deeds must be held accountable.”

“Over the years, many of them have been doing wrong under the flag of Yiling Academy, causing widespread resentment. These people must be severely punished to serve as a warning to others,” Sheng Yanlin said.

“Elder Sheng, has the faction belonging to Sheng Jingxuan at the academy been captured?” Yang Xiao asked.

“Most have been executed, but a few direct bloodlines of Sheng Jingxuan have escaped. He transferred them in advance.”

“Now, they are likely out of Yiling City. I have already planned to order a pursuit, but currently, with everything barely settled, reliable personnel are spread too thin,” Sheng Yanlin explained.

Upon hearing this, Yang Xiao perked up, “Elder Sheng, if you trust me, let me handle this matter. I have someone suitable.”

“The person you’re referring to is Sui Chengguo, isn’t it?” Sheng Yanlin sighed.

“Precisely,” Yang Xiao had initially intended to keep it hidden, since it was Sheng Jingxuan’s grandson who had caused Sui’s family to be ruined. Yang Xiao had always remembered this score.

If not for the sudden occurrence and high confidentiality of the event, he would have called Sui along. That was what he had promised back then.

However, Yang Xiao was unsure of Sheng Yanlin’s attitude, after all, there were few left of the Sheng family bloodline. If he were to hand these people to Sui Chengguo, the Sheng family bloodline would be completely severed, as Sui Chengguo would definitely not leave anyone alive.

“Forget it, self-inflicted sin cannot live,” Sheng Yanlin shook his head. He didn’t say anything more, but Yang Xiao knew this was his tacit approval.