Ma Muzhi could not have cared less how Lü Yan felt.
Since he had led a team down to the Mortal Realm under Chen Wei's strict orders, there was only one way to proceed: strictly by the book.
On the grand stage of the Heavenly Court Stage, big fish had always eaten little fish. Now that they had caught the Inspection Court by its sore spot, why would they loosen their jaws?
Seeing Ma Muzhi's implacable, iron-faced impartiality, Lü Yan began to feel uneasy. He hurried forward, took out a Command Token, and waved it.
"Lord Ma, why make such an ugly scene?"
"We serve as officials in the same hall, and the Inspection Court and Censorate have always been brother offices. I came down today on secret orders from above to handle a little business. Consider it doing me a favor. If you ever need anything from me in the future, you need only ask."
Both his words and their undertones.
Were nothing more than an attempt to bury the matter, with a promise of future favors thrown in.
An ordinary Immortal Official might well have gone with the current and done him that courtesy.
But who was Ma Muzhi?
He was a seasoned veteran who had clawed his way along beside Chen Wei, through water and fire. He knew perfectly well what mattered most!
"Well, well!" Ma Muzhi's expression abruptly hardened. Pointing at Lü Yan, he berated him before everyone. "Here I was worrying about finding a lead, and this corrupt official jumps out all on his own! Attempting to bribe me adds another count to your crimes!"
"Deploy the formation!"
"Seize this vermin of the Heavenly Court, Lü Yan!"
With that, he stepped half a pace back and swept his hand out in command.
Pang Long had