Xiao Cha went to open the door and froze on the spot. "Chief Constable... what brings you here?"
"Your father and I have been friends for decades. Of course I had to come by and see you after your breakthrough."
A middle-aged man with an extraordinary presence, whose authority inspired awe without a word, walked in. It was Chief Constable Chen.
He smiled faintly and praised her. "Not bad! You've reached Organ Refining before turning eighteen. You really are Old Luo's daughter!"
"It was just luck. I hardly deserve your praise, sir."
Xiao Cha bowed with a fist-and-palm salute, then led her future superior inside to take a seat.
His position was equivalent to the chief of a district branch of the Jinmen Public Security Bureau.
Wan Qing knew how important he was, too, and hurried to brew a cup of tea and bring it over.
Chief Constable Chen's expression shifted. He marveled inwardly that such a stunning beauty could be found in this little clinic.
He glanced at Lu Li and vaguely understood why a Cultivator would choose to hole up here.
But Chief Constable Chen didn't immediately say anything to Lu Li.
He took the "Rolex" watch from his pocket and slid it across the table to Xiao Cha.
"You were far too formal before. Your father and I have been colleagues for years. How could I not look out for you when you ran into trouble?"
Xiao Cha hurriedly refused. "I gave this to you, sir. How could I take it back..."
Chief Constable Chen was clearly more powerful, and easily pushed it back. He said gently, "I've watched you grow up. You're one of our own at the Patrol Bureau, and I intend to entrust you with important responsibilities. Take it back."
Xiao Cha couldn't refuse, so she accepted it, then said, "I'll certainly do my duty and help ease your burdens, sir!"
"You don't need to be so formal outside the office."
Chief Constable Chen smiled lightly, in a good mood.
This girl was the daughter of an old subordinate, one of their own through and through.
This time, he'd not only gained a capable right-hand woman, but also... an unexpected bonus!
Chief Constable Chen looked at Lu Li and said, "You must be Young Master Lu. To have reached Meditative Entry in Spirit Refinement at such a young age is truly impressive. The younger generation is formidable!"
"You flatter me, sir."
Lu Li copied Xiao Cha, saluting with a fist and palm.
In truth, Lu Li felt rather uncomfortable just then, because Chief Constable Chen was constantly radiating... a sense of pressure.
It felt like standing close to an elephant at the zoo when he was a child!
Then, as though making casual conversation, Chief Constable Chen said, "I heard you came from overseas?"
"I'm from Mexico."
"So the people of the Divine Continent crossed the oceans and put down roots abroad..."
Chief Constable Chen nodded, then continued probing.
"I'm a little curious. How does a family like yours get by overseas? What sort of business do you run?"
The question made both women perk up their ears.
Lu Li answered honestly, "People who leave their homeland come from all walks of life. Most of them don't get by very well."
That was reasonable enough, but it wasn't what Chief Constable Chen wanted to know. He was trying to find out Lu Li's background.
He lifted his teacup and took a sip, waiting expectantly.
Lu Li continued, "As for my family... we run a silver mine."
"Pfft... cough, cough." Chief Constable Chen choked on his tea, then hastily tried to cover it with a question. "A silver—silver mine?!"
Lu Li said matter-of-factly, "Mexico has abundant silver reserves. One little silver mine is nothing."
He dared to say that because Mexico ranked first on Blue Star in silver production, so it wasn't hard to make a go of it.
But Chief Constable Chen was at a loss for words, and couldn't bring himself to make the offer he'd planned.
The man's family owned a mine! What kind of terms could you possibly offer him?
That was exactly what Lu Li was aiming for.
All he wanted was power that belonged to him. He had no interest in joining any institution or organization. Worldly affairs would only waste time he could spend getting stronger.
Besides, even if he really wanted something, once he had power, countless people would come knocking on his door of their own accord, just as they had today.
Just as the atmosphere was growing awkward, Chief Constable Chen frowned and looked toward the courtyard gate.
The next second, someone knocked loudly on the gate, and a warm, hearty voice called out.
"Xiao Cha, you there? It's Old Jin!"
The little clinic was unusually lively today. The visitor was Jin Chaofeng of the National Martial Arts Association.
His position was equivalent to the vice president of the Jinmen branch of a nationwide chain bank.
Seeing Chief Constable Chen, Jin Chaofeng put on a show of enthusiasm. "Oh! Chen Zhizhong, you're here too? What a coincidence."
Chief Constable Chen's face darkened, and he was rather displeased. "Jin Dayou, what are you doing here?"
There was such a thing as coming first and last. What did Jin Dayou mean, showing up before he'd even left?
Jin Dayou smiled amiably. "I heard Xiao Cha had made a breakthrough, so I rushed right over."
He took out a box of Calming Incense and a bottle of Blood Vitality Pills and set them on the table.
The gifts were far too generous. Clearly, this was a case of the drunkard caring less about the wine than what lay beyond it.
Chief Constable Chen thought, So the National Martial Arts Association is dead set on supporting a Cultivator of its own.
But the man's family owned a mine. What could they do about that?
The Chief Constable secretly looked forward to seeing Jin Dayou make a fool of himself.
Jin Dayou cupped his hands. "Xiao Cha, congratulations on finally getting through your hard times. You come to the National Martial Arts Association often, so you must know the difficult position we're in. I'll get straight to the point."
Jin Dayou looked mild-mannered, but he was quick and decisive. Turning to Lu Li, he got right to it.
"Young Master Lu, the National Martial Arts Association is eager for talent. If you're willing to join, you'll receive an annual salary of 1,000 Ocean Dollars, all the Calming Incense you need, and monthly guidance from a Fetal Breathing Realm master."
The terms were so generous that everyone present started breathing a little harder.
The last offer in particular couldn't be bought with money alone. Even Chief Constable Chen wasn't sure whether Lu Li would be tempted.
Xiao Cha and Wan Qing both desperately hoped Lu Li would accept.
But Lu Li knew there was no such thing as a free banquet. He calmly asked, "What would I have to do?"
Jin Dayou smiled. "Nothing much. You'd have to move to the capital."
At that, both women's faces changed, and they instinctively didn't want Lu Li to leave.
Wan Qing clutched her sleeve tightly. Xiao Cha wanted to say something, but stopped herself.
The capital was a prosperous place, too. For Lu Li, it would be a good thing...
At that moment, even Chief Constable Chen thought Lu Li would agree.
But Lu Li asked, "Would it be possible not to go to the capital?"
Jin Dayou paused, then shook his head. "We can discuss anything else, but that particular point would be difficult..."
"Then I'll have to decline." Lu Li cupped his hands. "Thank you for the offer, but I don't want to leave here."
Jin Dayou glanced at the two women, then said solemnly, "The road of cultivation demands bold and tireless progress. Don't lose yourself in romance..."
"Hey, hey, hey! That's called being loyal and true!" Chief Constable Chen spoke up.
"Besides, how can I let you spirit Jinmen's finest away right in front of me?"
"Very well..." Jin Dayou looked at Lu Li's firm expression and quickly judged that he had little hope of succeeding today.
He cupped his hands crisply. "The green hills remain, and the waters flow on. The doors of the National Martial Arts Association will always be open to you, Young Master. I'll take my leave!"
With that, he left without a moment's hesitation.
"Merchants value profit over parting. Thank goodness Young Master Lu isn't that sort of person."
Chief Constable Chen was in a good mood. No one disliked a person who valued affection, especially when that person was on their side.
After chatting a little more about the customs and scenery overseas, Chief Constable Chen finally said his goodbyes.
Before leaving, he spoke to Xiao Cha earnestly.
"Young Master Lu is a remarkable talent from overseas. Look after him properly, and don't neglect your manners."
Xiao Cha's face turned inexplicably red. "I know."
After seeing Chief Constable Chen off, the three returned to the courtyard. Xiao Cha asked, "The terms were so good. Why didn't you accept the National Martial Arts Association's offer?"
By then, a new moon had risen in the sky, its light hazy amid the chirping of insects.
Lu Li rolled his shoulders and smiled. "I'm used to living here. I don't want to go anywhere else."
Wan Qing smiled faintly. Xiao Cha lifted her chin and said sweetly, "Then you made the right choice. I'll give you a little something tomorrow~"
Before you continue