"This is the Patrol Division of the Myriad Manifestations Office. Once you're inside, don't speak out of turn."
After that reminder, the middle-aged clerk led Yang Ling and the other two into a courtyard with a grim atmosphere.
Clerks hurried everywhere through the courtyard, all wearing somber expressions. None stopped to converse.
When they saw Yang Ling's party, they merely swept a quick glance over them before paying them no further attention.
Affected by the atmosphere, even Zhang Shendao's steps grew more restrained.
About fifteen minutes later, the middle-aged clerk found the man they had come to see: Ye Qingdong, head of the Patrol Division Eighth Office of the Myriad Manifestations Office.
The middle-aged clerk was now speaking quietly to Ye Qingdong.
Yang Ling and his two companions were not even permitted to enter the room and stood outside waiting.
This Ye Qingdong is a Lower Fourth-Rank Grandmaster. With his mental power, he can detect whether ordinary martial artists are lying.
A thought stirred in Yang Ling's mind. He had often used this trick himself before.
But this trick was not exclusive to him. If a Fourth-Rank Grandmaster truly set about questioning someone, an ordinary martial artist simply could not lie.
A few breaths later, the middle-aged layman beckoned to the three of them.
Only then did Yang Ling and his companions come before Ye Qingdong.
"You're Yang Ling?"
Ye Qingdong glanced at Yang Ling.
"This humble subordinate, Yang Ling, pays his respects, my lord."
Yang Ling saluted.
"You're not an official of the Myriad Manifestations Office. There's no need to call yourself my subordinate."
Ye Qingdong's tone was indifferent.
"I've already questioned those subordinates of yours. None admitted to taking the stolen goods.
"I believe they weren't lying.
"But the goods did indeed disappear while in their hands.
"Until