"Don't make your entrance like that next time."
In the Headquarters' reception room, Shen Jiliang spoke to Hu Jiu with a serious expression.
The operator Xiao Mei, had just informed me that Hu Jiu was required to come to Capital.
The next moment, Hu Jiu was standing at the entrance of the Headquarters.
Such silence, without attracting anyone's attention, was truly terrifying.
Shen Jiliang's assessment of Hu Jiu's strength rose even higher, and his wariness and apprehension increased rapidly.
At the same time, he realized that the travel records of Hu Jiu that Headquarters had previously obtained were now meaningless.
"This is more convenient and more efficient," Hu Jiu said.
Shen Jiliang didn't dwell on the matter anymore, his attitude seemingly casual. "You're probably the number one Ghost Tamer in the country now, right?"
"In my memory, I cannot find a more powerful Ghost Tamer than you."
Hu Jiu shook his head. "You can't speak too confidently. There are always people more capable than you, and there's always something beyond your understanding."
"China has such a large population and vast territory; true masters often live in seclusion. Who knows, maybe that cleaning lady outside is a hidden master."
"If one of the Beidou Organization's Tianji units is this powerful, the other six might be even stronger. How could I dare to claim to be number one in front of so many senior members?"
"You're right." Shen Jiliang agreed, and also gained a slightly better understanding of Hu Jiu. On the surface, Hu Jiu wasn't the type to become arrogant after achieving success.
"Now let's talk about your last mission and the Frozen-to-Death Ghost incident..." Shen Jiliang changed the subject.
At this point, he couldn't help but sigh. Headquarters dispatched four men to behead Tianji.
He had considered the casualty rate, but he never expected that the person who died would be Li Yunheng.
He had originally thought that Zhou Xiaomeng, the weakest member of the team, hadn't suffered much damage.
"Although you did resolve the Frozen-to-Death Ghost incident, the Headquarters leadership, after discussion, unanimously agreed that the outbreak of the Frozen-to-Death Ghost incident was also due to your failure to properly handle Tianji."
"Furthermore, you stated in your action report that 'Tianji's fate is unknown,' so the rewards for this incident may be significantly reduced."
As Shen Jiliang spoke, he kept a close eye on Hu Jiu's expression.
In fact, Headquarters had confirmed that Tianji was dead. Headquarters had been in contact with other members of Big Dipper, and they confirmed that one of the Seven Stars had indeed been wiped out.
Hu Jiu remained expressionless, like an unchanging photograph, neither agreeing nor disagreeing.
His eyes would occasionally sweep lightly over Shen Jiliang.
How could a shrewd Research Department Minister say such a thing?
This is very unusual.
Would the Headquarters leadership really risk a falling out with a master who can solve S-class Supernatural cases with his bare hands over a few resources?
Was Shen Jiliang's specific mention of this matter at this time a simple notification, or was he plotting something else?
After a few seconds of silence, Hu Jiu asked very gently, "Who first made this suggestion?"
"The newly appointed Vice Minister Zhang Hongwen." Shen Jiliang betrayed his colleague almost without hesitation.
Hu Jiu raised an eyebrow, recalling the pretentious leader he had encountered at Headquarters when he returned from the Yellow Sea.
"I have no objection to Headquarters' decision, but this mission is a team operation after all, so you should take some time to ask the others for their opinions."
Hu Jiu spoke in a very gentle tone, as if he truly meant it.
But Shen Jiliang didn't dare take his words seriously and immediately assured him, "Don't worry, I know how terrifying the Frozen-to-Death Ghost incident was. I will definitely get you the best possible return."
"If all else fails, I can arrange a separate reward for you on behalf of the Research Department."
Upon hearing this, Hu Jiu slightly raised his chin. "You asked me to come to the Capital just to say these pointless things, then I'm afraid I won't keep you company."
"Don't rush," Shen Jiliang said.
"Besides the Tianji and the Frozen-to-Death Ghost incidents, there's also the crucial Law Enforcer Plan."
"Supernatural events are occurring frequently, and the domestic situation is changing. Since the Law Enforcer Plan was brought into the open, many hidden Ghost Tamer have gradually begun to take action."
"The list of law enforcement officers has been largely finalized."
Upon hearing this, Hu Jiu said, "My name is on the list."
Shen Jiliang nodded. "That's a must."
If Hu Jiu cannot become Law Enforcer, it can only mean that the plan has encountered a major failure, and it would be better to just cancel it altogether.
In any case, the other selected Law Enforcer would probably have no chance of winning against Hu Jiu.
"You'd better attend the meeting to determine the Law Enforcer, and the commendation ceremony after the 'Frozen-to-Death Ghost' incident."
Hu Jiu refused outright. "No need."
"That's no problem either," Shen Jiliang quickly changed his tune, "Even if you don't attend the meeting, it won't have any impact; everyone will recognize you."
"Having the power of Law Enforcer naturally comes with corresponding responsibilities: handling highly complex Supernatural events and suppressing lawless Ghost Tamer."
"With great power comes great responsibility."
Hu Jiu finally showed some human emotion. Shen Jiliang didn't use the saying "with great power comes great responsibility" to blackmail him, but instead correctly stated, "With great power comes great responsibility."
His opinion of this fearsome Minister of the Research Department changed slightly.
Of course, only a little bit.
Shen Jiliang continued, "According to Headquarters statistics, the frequency of Supernatural events is currently increasing at an alarming rate."
"We can still keep the existence of the Supernatural a secret from the public for now, but this won't last long. Who knows, one day the existence of the Fierce Ghosts might be exposed."
Hu Jiu sighed, "Yes, the human living environment is truly in grave danger."
"That's why we need to find ways to stick together and weather the storm!" Shen Jiliang said firmly.
Seeing that Hu Jiu seemed to have taken it to heart, he pressed on. "Even though you are very strong, matters involving the Supernatural are always full of unknown uncertainties."
"Facing Supernatural events alone is definitely riskier. If you work in a team, even if something unexpected happens, at least you have teammates to ask for help..."
"You might also be betrayed by your teammates." Hu Jiu interrupted Shen Jiliang's nonsense without any politeness.
Shen Jiliang was silent for a moment, then said, "It's indeed difficult to build trust with teammates you've only teamed up with temporarily."
"But you can try recruiting trustworthy people as teammates; many powerful Ghost Tamers choose to form their own teams."
"It can improve efficiency and reduce the risks when dealing with Supernatural events."
Hu Jiu feigned agreement. "I'll consider it."
Think about it?!
He himself is an Omnipotence -rounder; once he teams up with others, they can only become his accessories.
In his eyes, his so-called teammates were no different from those lazy bums who only knew how to shout "666".
If he really does capsize in a ditch someday, who can pull him out of that ditch?