Chapter 352 - 189: This World
In the study.
The lighting was soft. Outside the window, the last vestiges of sunset had given way to the night. A glowing Sound Insulation Array completely sealed the room off from the outside world, creating a quiet, private space.
Qin Huaiming sat in the host’s chair, Qi Yue took the guest’s seat, and Yang Wenqing respectfully sat in a junior position. Lan Ying perched quietly on Yang Wenqing’s shoulder, its round eyes curiously surveying the room.
Qin Huaiming didn’t rush to speak. Instead, he slowly brewed tea and poured a cup for both Qi Yue and Yang Wenqing. Qi Yue lifted his cup, took a sip, and said:
"The construction of the Port District and the strategic Warehouse District in Lingshan New District is a major priority for both the Cabinet and the provincial government. Once these two main projects are complete, Lingshan New District’s upgrade to Lingshan County will be a natural next step. The higher-ups have pretty much already made a decision on this."
Yang Wenqing nodded. This upgrade was a matter for the Civil Affairs Bureau and didn’t have much to do with him.
"As for the choice of county magistrate..." Qin Huaiming paused. "That probably won’t change. It’s highly likely that Wang Yanzhi will take the post."
Yang Wenqing nodded again in silence.
Qin Huaiming continued, "His appointment as county magistrate is a balancing act by the higher-ups. For you, this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. He’ll be in charge of administration, you’ll be in charge of security. As long as you clearly delineate your responsibilities and handle everything by the book, it will be fine."
He then changed the subject, moving on to a more crucial point. "Future development in Lingshan County won’t stop with the port and warehouses. We’ll be extending south along the coastline and expanding west into the jungle. At least three new town-level settlements will be built. This means openings for three new security stations will be created."
Hearing this, Yang Wenqing had an inkling of what was coming.
"The chief positions for these three new security stations aren’t of much concern to you, and we have no interest in plotting to acquire them." Qin Huaiming’s tone was placid. "Do you have any objections?"
The three town-level security stations, though remote, were positions of tangible power, granting direct control over an area’s personnel and security forces. ’It would be a lie to say I’m not bothered at all to just give them up.’ But after a moment of careful consideration, he realized he didn’t actually have any suitable people to fill those roles.
Qi Yue chimed in at the right moment, "Those three towns are far from the urban core. During the initial development phase, their affairs will be complex, and it will be difficult to achieve any major results. By giving up these positions, we not only appear magnanimous but also offload potential risks and trouble. Your foundation and your stage have always been in the core zones—the city proper, the port, and the mining districts. As long as you maintain your hold there, your credit and influence won’t be diminished."
Qin Huaiming nodded and picked up where Qi Yue left off. "Your next step is to steadily put in your time in Lingshan New District and build your record. The Marrow Cleansing Realm is just the beginning. You must break through to the Foundation Establishment Stage as quickly as possible."
"Once you achieve Foundation Establishment, with your track record in Lingshan, plus some maneuvering from us and the Municipal Bureau, a direct transfer to the Provincial Hall will be the natural next step."
’The Provincial Hall!’
Yang Wenqing’s heart skipped a beat.
Qi Yue then said softly, "You know about the conflict in the northeastern seas. The Jade Whale Sect has been unusually aggressive this time. Once we’ve placated the Water Race and stabilized the front lines in the northern interior, a major clash with the Jade Whale Sect within the next twenty years is inevitable."
"Once war breaks out, the Provincial Hall’s power and importance will swell dramatically as the core hub for stability in the rear. Being at the Provincial Hall gives you access to the highest levels of decision-making, allows you to influence the allocation of key resources, and ensures any contributions you make are more easily noticed by the Cabinet."
"If you stay in a local post, even as the head of a county, you’ll easily be relegated to a mere executor—or worse, a peripheral figure—once the war machine starts turning. The risks and rewards would be completely disproportionate."
Yang Wenqing felt a chill, mingled with a scorching excitement, shoot up his spine. ’The cruelty of war and its rewards are always directly proportional.’
Qin Huaiming added a reminder, "The Provincial Hall is rife with factions, and the competition is far more intense than at the municipal or county level. You must have sufficient strength to gain a firm foothold. That’s why Foundation Establishment is just the basic requirement. Without a Foundation Establishment Realm cultivation, you won’t even have the standing to speak your mind in a place like that."
"This disciple understands!"
Yang Wenqing gave a firm nod. Never before had he felt such an urgent, desperate need to advance his cultivation.
Seeing that Yang Wenqing had grasped the situation, Qin Huaiming’s expression softened. He brought up another topic. "There’s one more thing. In three years, the Provincial Hall will be holding a grand competition for all Marrow Cleansing Realm cultivators in the province who are under the age of thirty-five."
"Across the entire province, there are only six registered Marrow Cleansing Realm cultivators in that age group, including you," Qi Yue said. "The Provincial Hall will award the final winner a Clear Heart Pill. This pill has a wondrous effect on stabilizing one’s Divine Sense. It is a supreme-grade medicinal pill that aids in focusing the spirit when breaking through the Foundation Establishment bottleneck, thereby reducing the risk of an assault from a Heart Demon."
’A Clear Heart Pill!’
Yang Wenqing’s heart stirred. He had long heard of how precious this pill was. For any cultivator aspiring to reach Foundation Establishment, it was an incredibly rare treasure one could only dream of finding. Even many Second Realm cultivators had need of it.
Qin Huaiming said, "The Clear Heart Pill is different from other medicinal pills. Its main ingredient, Clear Heart Grass, cannot be artificially cultivated, and its maturation period is irregular. So, whenever a batch is ready, it’s distributed in fixed quotas. The Provincial Hall acquired a total of ten this time. For them to offer even one as a prize is quite remarkable."
Qi Yue, at his side, chuckled. "The only reason they’re being so generous is because they’re confident they’ll get it back. Wenqing, you shouldn’t get too fixated on winning. At your stage of cultivation, getting into a fight over sheer pride is pointless."
Qin Huaiming nodded. "Exactly. Don’t worry about it. The Clear Heart Pill is just an external aid. Most people achieve Foundation Establishment without it. If you really end up needing one, I’ll go to the main bureau and pull some strings. The most important thing for you this time is just to show your face at the Provincial Hall and let them know there’s a talent like you out in the trenches."