I Am Immortal in Great Yu

In the past, a few of his fellow Silver Seal Chief Constables would always greet him warmly, calling him "Brother Fang" this and "Brother Fang" that. This time, however, they all avoided his gaze, pretending not to know him.

What Xun Buhe could figure out, these people naturally could as well. As a Sixth Grade Silver Seal Chief Constable and a veteran subordinate of the former Director, Fang Rui’s position was neither too high nor too low—perfect for the new Director to make an example of to establish his authority.

Clearly, they were afraid of getting dragged down with him.

’How quickly people turn from hot to cold. This is just how it is.’

Fang Rui glanced around. Chu Xingyun, the only Golden Seal Renowned Hunter he was on somewhat friendly terms with, hadn’t arrived. So, he didn’t bother approaching the others and making himself unwelcome, instead standing alone to one side, perfectly composed.

However, to everyone else, this display was just him pretending to be calm. Whispers began to spread through the crowd.

"Even now, that Fang Yinzheng is still putting on an act!"

"Yeah, I can’t stand that attitude of his. Back when we were taking down the Zheng Family, the other Branch Offices were run off their feet. How come the Southeast Branch was the only one taking it easy?"

"Everything comes with a price. See? The new Lord Si Zheng is here, and now he’s in a bind, isn’t he?"

"Just you watch! When the new Lord Si Zheng takes charge today, he’ll be the first one on the chopping block."

...

These people deliberately kept their voices down, which might have worked on a Sixth Grade Martial Artist, but how could it possibly escape the notice of a Second Grade like Fang Rui?

However, he didn’t care. Having traveled the long road from Changshan County to Huaiyin Prefecture, he had long since seen the so-called "human heart" for what it was.

"The Lord Si Zheng has arrived!"

Suddenly, someone shouted. After a brief commotion, the crowd parted, revealing Zhen Daoji, dressed in a Third Grade Official Robe.

"Spirit Master Sun! Zhang Yuzhang!"

Zhen Daoji first gave a nod of acknowledgment to Sun Shouchai and Zhang Henshui.

One was a Spirit Master of the Divine Capture Bureau, the other a Jade Seal Divine Hunter. Both had pledged their allegiance to him early on, making them highly symbolic figures.

Everyone assumed the third person he would greet would be one of the Golden Seal Renowned Hunters.

At that, the few Golden Seal Renowned Hunters in the crowd puffed out their chests, craning their necks in anticipation, each waiting for Zhen Daoji to look their way.

But Zhen Daoji’s gaze passed over them, landing directly on Fang Rui, who stood further back. "Peach Blossom Immortal, I told you we’d be seeing each other again soon. See? I wasn’t wrong, was I?"

He didn’t pretend they were strangers, greeting him openly with a tone that was teasing yet familiar.

"Lord Si Zheng,"

Fang Rui, however, shook his head. "This is the Divine Capture Bureau. There is no ’Peach Blossom Immortal’ here, only Fang Rui."

"Haha, ’only Fang Rui’! Well said!"

Zhen Daoji froze for a second before bursting into laughter. "In that case... Fang Yinzheng, join me for the meeting. Afterward, I’ll treat you to a drink."

With that, he led the way inside.

Normally, the Jade Seal Divine Hunters and Golden Seal Renowned Hunters would have followed. But after Zhen Daoji’s invitation, Fang Rui straightened his collar and, without hesitation, entered second.

He moved with an unhurried, nonchalant grace.

Seeing Fang Rui enter second, Zhen Daoji nodded to himself. ’He’s dutiful and knows his place, understands when to advance and when to retreat, yet he doesn’t lack spirit. I wasn’t wrong about him. He’s a man of substance.’

The third person to enter was Sun Shouchai. He wasn’t angry that Fang Rui had gone ahead of him; on the contrary, he even gave Fang Rui a smiling nod.

Fang Rui was merely a Sixth Grade, posing no threat to his interests. Besides, he knew a bit about Zhen Daoji; the man was clear about rewards and punishments and would never let personal matters interfere with official duties.

Next was Zhang Henshui, who also flashed a smile at Fang Rui.

Just as Zhou Changfa had guessed, he had initially held some misplaced anger toward Fang Rui because of Ge Changgeng, but Zhen Daoji’s attitude had changed his mind.

After that, the Golden Seal Renowned Hunters and Silver Seal Chief Constables entered in order of rank.

Now, every one of these colleagues wore an awkward expression, avoiding Fang Rui’s gaze, not daring to meet his eyes.

They never in a million years imagined that Fang Rui already knew the new Director—and that the man would show him such favor.

’Heh. Do they all think Zhen Daoji is showing me favor? Wrong! They’re all wrong!’

Fang Rui shook his head inwardly. ’A man like Zhen Daoji, a political animal cultivated by the Noble Families—how could he possibly be driven by emotion?’

’Initially, he might have greeted me because we briefly met yesterday. But the larger reason was that, after acknowledging the Spirit Masters, represented by Sun Shouchai, and the Divine Capture Bureau’s leadership, represented by Zhang Henshui, he needed to show his affability toward my rank—the Silver Seal Chief Constables. I was simply the tool he used to do it.’

Our brief meeting yesterday only guaranteed that I wouldn’t be the one he made an example of. Beyond that, there was nothing more to it.

If Fang Rui were to actually misread the situation and think he had some special standing with Zhen Daoji, he would only be setting himself up for humiliation.

The meeting began.

Zhen Daoji began by announcing improved benefits for the Divine Hunters and an expansion of the redemption catalog...

Then, just as everyone was feeling pleased and relaxed, he suddenly struck, presenting evidence and taking down a Golden Seal Renowned Hunter who had gotten too greedy and broken the rules.

With such practiced ease, he wielded both kindness and authority, taking the first step in winning over their hearts.

...

The meeting ended.

As everyone filed out, all of his old "friends" suddenly reappeared, greeting him with wide smiles. Fang Rui’s demeanor didn’t change in the slightest; he responded with the usual pleasantries.

Ashamed as they were, they all inwardly praised Fang Rui, admitting that he was truly a man of character.

’It’s true what they say. When you’re on your way up, all you see are smiling faces, and everyone you meet is a friend.’

’If I had been the one to fall today, never mind anyone else, even my own two Chief Constables, Niu Bajin and Xun Buhe, would have started to get ideas after a while.’

Never mind that the two of them were all smiles and jokes in front of Fang Rui, constantly fawning over him and playing the fool.

But could anyone who reached the rank of Chief Constable truly be a fool?