Lu Chen in the center of the Myriad Spirit Pavilion's main hall, his figure as straight as a pine tree, as if the shocking attack that had just stunned the entire audience had not consumed any of his strength.
He calmly met the gaze of the three Elder Faction seated high above him and spoke again, "Elders, you are all wise. There was indeed something fishy about what happened at the black market last night."
"In my humble opinion, that fragment of the Extinction Iron is no ordinary token. The ancient and malevolent aura it retains is quite different from that of ordinary demons or evil sects in the martial world; it seems more like... a remnant of High Antiquity tradition of slaughter."
"This item is very likely a key clue to uncovering the core secrets of the Ghostface Organization, and even its true foundation!"
"This humble official knows that empty words are unreliable and cannot be trusted. Therefore, I am willing to sign a written pledge!"
Lu Chen's voice suddenly rose, carrying a do-or-die determination, "I beg the elders to grant me ten days! Within ten days, I will exert all my strength to follow this clue, find out Ghost Face's important stronghold in the Capital City, destroy it, capture the key figure to prove my innocence, and eliminate this scourge for the department! If I fail to accomplish this, there is no need for the elders and Steward Zhang to take action; Lu Chen will bind himself here and accept all punishment without complaint!"
This is a risky move on his part, linking the resolution of his personal crisis with meritorious service to the Demon Suppression Division.
Rather than passively waiting for review and being slowly marginalized within the Archives Bureau until death, it's better to proactively jump into the eye of a bigger storm and fight for a way out.
An eerie silence fell over the main hall once again.
The Zhang Family family steward's face was ashen, and his lips moved as if he wanted to vehemently oppose the proposal to atone for his crimes through meritorious service.
To him, releasing a highly suspicious person to investigate a case was utterly absurd!
However, the gaunt elder sitting in the center of the high seat lingered on Lu Chen for a longer time with his deep, ancient-well-like gaze.
His gaze seemed to pierce through Lu Chen's skin, seeing his unwavering will, solid foundation, and the courage to gamble in dire straits.
This young man didn't seem to be lying; he seemed more like a sharp blade waiting to be drawn.
Perhaps... it can be used to cut through those tangled, dark thorns?
Finally, the gaunt elder spoke slowly, his voice not loud, yet carrying an awe-inspiring authority that echoed in the silent hall, "Approved."
"Suspicion will be temporarily recorded, and all disciplinary actions will be postponed."
"You are given ten days to atone for your crime through meritorious service."
"If no conclusive evidence is found within ten days, all offenses will be punished concurrently without leniency."
"If any progress is made... the Demon Suppression Division will be generous in rewarding the contributors."
Concise and to the point, a decisive statement.
This gave Lu Chen a chance, silenced the Aristocratic Clan, and left him with no room for maneuver.
"Your humble servant obeys! Thank you, Elder!" Lu Chen bowed deeply, a huge weight lifted from his heart. He had at least gained ten precious days and a legitimate reason to investigate " Ghost Face " and " Extinction Iron ".
The Zhang Family steward abruptly flicked his sleeve, snorted coldly, and without even glancing at Lu Chen, turned and left, his face so gloomy it could drip water.
Captain Wang and the others looked ashen-faced, glared fiercely at Lu Chen, and left dejectedly.
Lu Chen also prepared to bow and step down.
Just then, to the left of the central elder, an old man whose eyes had been closed in meditation and whose face was as withered as tree bark slowly opened his eyes.
The instant he opened his eyes, Lu Chen felt as if the light in the entire hall dimmed for a moment, as if those eyes contained an abyss capable of swallowing light.
The old man's gaze fell on Lu Chen for an extremely short time, yet it gave Lu Chen the illusion that he had been completely seen through.
Especially when that gaze swept over his chest and saw the parchment scroll and black iron plaque from the Archives Bureau, a very rare and almost imperceptible hint of surprise flashed across the old man's usually calm face.
Although the look of surprise was fleeting, so quick that it seemed like an illusion, Lu Chen's spiritual perception far surpassed that of ordinary people, and he clearly captured this subtle change.
Immediately afterwards, without the withered old man making any movement, a warm-to-the-touch, ancient-colored cyan jade talisman seemed to be carried by an invisible force, silently slipping into Lu Chen's lowered sleeve.
At the same time, a voice, as faint as a spider's thread yet crystal clear, resounded deep within Lu Chen's mind. "In the face of life-or-death crisis, or to obtain a crucial secret, crush this talisman."
The telepathic transmission abruptly ended, and the withered old man closed his eyes again, as if nothing had happened.
Lu Chen was deeply shaken, but he dared not show it on his face. He maintained a respectful demeanor and slowly withdrew from the main hall of the Myriad Spirit Pavilion.
Outside the hall, the sunlight was blinding.
Lu Chen took a deep breath and gripped the unexpected jade talisman tightly in his sleeve.
What did the Elder Faction ' surprise and the gift of the talisman signify?
Did they also notice the unusual nature of the " Godslayer Slash " or the black iron plaque?
More clues, and the waters are getting muddier.
But in any case, the first step he had to take was to visit that " Three Stone Bookstore ".
Whether it's for clues about the Sixth Prince or to uncover Clerk Chen's scheme.