Chapter 847: One Person Embodies an Entire Sect

“How dare you!”

The furious voice echoed within the Zhu Yi Building, bringing Zhao Heng and the imperial investigators back to their senses, as they looked at Meng Qi in shock and confusion.

Su Meng, the “Wild Blade” known for his carefree and unrestrained nature, avoiding power struggles, actually wanted to become the Chief Investigator!

Meng Qi looked at Cui Yan and Song Shouren, then sneered, “Why shouldn’t I dare?”

Why shouldn’t he dare? A rush of heat surged into Cui Yan’s head, reddening his face slightly, his eyes burning with anger.

How many years had it been? How many years had passed since anyone dared speak to him like this? Even the masters of top sects would never dare to speak so brazenly. Did he really think the Cui Clan of Pingjin was merely a paper tiger?

As Cui Yan prepared to rebuke this audacity, he suddenly caught sight of Meng Qi’s calm and unflinching eyes. His thoughts flickered, and the words stuck in his throat, unspoken.

The man before him was none other than the “Wild Blade” Su Meng!

He had single-handedly defeated an Outer Scenery Peak expert wielding a divine artifact in direct combat, rivaling a Grand Master despite not officially being one.

Although the Cui Clan possessed an Outer Scenery Peak expert, a divine artifact attuned to their clan, protective arrays, and a quasi-Dharma Body force capable of resisting a true Dharma Body, these advantages mainly applied in defensive scenarios. The quasi-Dharma Body lacked independent intelligence, requiring commands, and was limited in mobility and range. While a combination of an Outer Scenery Peak expert and a divine artifact might defeat the “Wild Blade” Su Meng, it might not be enough to kill him. In other words, unless the “Wild Blade” launched a reckless assault on Pingjin, the Cui Clan alone couldn’t truly instill fear in him. At most, they would temporarily avoid confrontation when facing Cui Qingyu and his divine artifact.

At the Grand Master level, with formidable strength and extraordinary techniques, one man could represent an entire family, an entire sect. Aside from their deep-rooted resources, the “Wild Blade” Su Meng had already become a formidable “force” barely capable of rivaling the Cui Clan!

Moreover, his extensive connections were astonishing. While he had made many enemies among the experts of the evil sects, he was also closely associated with Lu Daoshi of the Huamei Villa, the “Ice Fairy” Ye Yuqi, and was particularly close to Jiang Zhiwei, the sole disciple of the “Heavenly Sword” Su Wuming. He had helped the “Myriad Phenomena Sect” establish itself in the Western Regions and earned the admiration of the Zhou Jun Wang Clan and the Pure Yang Sect. He had also rendered great favors to the Shaolin Temple, the Donghai Sword Workshop, and the Langya Ruan Clan. The latter two had even openly declared that his affairs were their affairs, and thus the affairs of “Sword Crazy” He Qi!

Four Dharma Bodies, two Grand Masters, and eight top sects—the mere thought of the “Wild Blade” Su Meng’s network of connections made Cui Yan and Song Shouren involuntarily feel their heads throb with anxiety. Great families had gates, households, estates, and inheritances—who dared provoke him irreversibly? Who dared to confront him outright? Who could withstand the fury and retaliation that would follow?

Therefore, they could only oppose him within limited bounds, stopping short when the point was made—unless he committed some unforgivable transgression first!

For a long time, even martial artists who weren’t particularly outstanding in martial prowess but were either politically adept or had extensive connections could achieve an exalted status in the martial arts world, earning widespread respect. Ordinary people dared not provoke them, and they could resolve conflicts others couldn’t. Why? Because of their networks of connections!

In short, they stood on reputation and face value.

Yet, the Wild Blade not only had a network far surpassing theirs but also possessed genuine Grand Master-level combat strength. He wasn’t merely reliant on reputation and connections. Therefore, he was even more difficult to deal with, even more troubling!

Thinking of this, Cui Yan felt his head throb even more painfully, his anger growing. Just a few years ago, this junior wasn’t even worth a glance, yet now he could stand on equal footing with the Cui Clan?

Swallowing his initial words, he changed his tone and said solemnly, “You’re too late. The Council of State has already decided on the Chief Investigator, and the imperial decree has been drafted. Do you wish to oppose the Great Jin and all its noble families and bureaus?”

After saying this, he suddenly felt an inexplicable sadness. To intimidate the “Wild Blade” Su Meng, he had even dragged in other top noble families, as if subconsciously acknowledging that the Cui Clan alone wouldn’t be enough.

The imperial court had its own laws and rules. The consensus reached through negotiations among the noble families was an unquestionable command. Whoever dared resist was challenging the authority of all the top noble families in the Great Jin, receiving a resounding slap in the face and inevitably facing a thunderous backlash from their united forces—even the “Wild Blade” Su Meng couldn’t possibly withstand it.

Under the premise that he had initiated the conflict and violated the rules, most of his connections would choose mediation rather than taking sides.

Facing such a threat, Meng Qi seemed completely unfazed, remaining relaxed and composed: “The Council of State’s orders aren’t the words of Heaven itself. If there’s no error, isn’t it common for the Council to revise its previous decisions?”

“Now that Chief Investigator Sima is missing and the Six Bureaus are in turmoil, how can the selection of a new Chief Investigator proceed without consulting the opinions of the imperial investigators and the general investigators? How can we not choose a more suitable candidate?”

“Those who can recognize their mistakes and correct them are truly virtuous. I believe the Council of State is filled with elder statesmen of profound insight, a place capable of self-correction.”

This condescending attitude toward the Council of State enraged Cui Yan and Song Shouren. They had never encountered such a thing before and were practically itching to shout, “Seize him!”

Yet, the words never left their mouths, instead transforming into a cold and restrained sentence: “Su Jinzhang is not an imperial investigator, yet he dares to speak of the Chief Investigator’s position, disrupting the Zhu Yi Building. Remove him at once!”

The building fell into sudden silence. The Jinzhang Investigator on guard outside spread and clenched his fingers repeatedly but never dared to step forward.

Zhao Heng’s expression returned to calmness, his hands gently resting on the armrests as he leaned slightly back in his chair, observing the scene. Zhao Jingyue and Zhao Mingche wore faint, almost imperceptible smiles, watching coldly. Yuan Lihuo, Liu Shengming, and Su Yue’s eyes flickered with hesitation, taking no action. Ke Yuzhang and Li Dong turned their gazes toward “Silver-Handed Investigator” Ming Bikong, as if saying, “You’re the Chief Investigator; this is your responsibility. We won’t gain the Chief Investigator’s position by intervening!”

Ming Bikong’s beard trembled slightly as he weighed his strength against the “Wild Blade” Su Meng. He was weaker than Haswula and didn’t possess a divine artifact. Although in theory, the “Wild Blade” Su Meng wouldn’t resist, as it would equate to challenging the Council of State, all the noble families, and the Great Jin imperial court itself, yet in the world, nothing was absolute. No one could forget Su Meng’s former nickname: the “Foolish Vajra.” He had a history of reckless actions, charging in alone with his blade. If a fight broke out, the situation would spiral out of control.

He hesitated, weighing Meng Qi’s strength and the connections behind him.

Just as Ming Bikong was about to make a decision and take action, Cui Yan suddenly saw Meng Qi cross his hands behind his back, smiling slightly: “This is not merely my own opinion. It is the will of the majority of investigators and imperial investigators within the Six Bureaus. If the two honorable ministers doubt me, feel free to ask.”

He turned his gaze toward the Eight Imperial Investigators, scanning each one. Cui Yan followed suit, his eyes threatening.

Who dares to step forward!

Suddenly, someone stepped forward, bowing: “Reporting to the Imperial Prince, reporting to the two honorable ministers, there is currently no one more suitable to serve as Chief Investigator than Su Jinzhang within the Six Bureaus.”

“You!” Cui Yan was both shocked and furious, pointing his fingers at the speaker.

Everyone present was startled, not expecting this person to step forward first. They had always assumed it would be Su Yue or one of the Zhao family’s imperial investigators.

Under Meng Qi’s gaze, “Purple Roc Investigator” Liu Shengming, despite sweating on his forehead, maintained a steady voice and normal tone: “In terms of strength, none among the Eight Imperial Investigators can rival Su Jinzhang. In terms of qualifications, his extensive connections make him perfectly suited to be Chief Investigator. In terms of skill and wisdom, various past incidents have demonstrated Su Jinzhang’s excellence. Apart from his relatively short experience, he has no weaknesses. When selecting a Chief Investigator, we must not judge solely by seniority.”

He lavishly praised Meng Qi, making Meng Qi feel slightly embarrassed.

Earlier, Meng Qi had merely threatened him, saying, “You were a heretic from the Su Nu Sect, but I was unaware. Only after eliminating evil and upholding justice did I learn you had secretly pledged allegiance to the imperial court. Truly regrettable.”

As Liu Shengming finished speaking, the “Deadly Investigator” Zhao Jingyue, dressed in dark red, also stepped forward. Her voice was unexpectedly delicate, unlike her age: “Currently, the Six Bureaus are in turmoil, and we must quickly find Chief Investigator Sima’s whereabouts. Extraordinary times require extraordinary measures. I support Su Jinzhang.”

With Liu Shengming leading the way, she no longer feared anything, speaking purely based on the authority of an imperial investigator.

Beside her, Zhao Mingche also stepped forward in agreement, feeling a sense of vindication and exhilaration.

Just as Cui Yan and Song Shouren were about to stop them from speaking, “Blood Fang Investigator” Yuan Lihuo also stepped forward, muttering: “I support Su Jinzhang.”

“I also support Su Jinzhang.” “Golden Eye Investigator” Su Yue, considering the backing of the Ruan Clan behind him, smiled at Meng Qi, gently nodding as if deeply pleased.

Before Ke Yuzhang and others could express their opinions, Meng Qi turned back to Cui Yan and Song Shouren: “Honorable ministers, these are the opinions of the Six Bureaus. Please ask the Council of State to consider them carefully.”

At this point, his expression turned serious: “With the great calamity already upon us and the world in chaos, the Great Jin lacks strong leadership. This is the time for unity. Those who scheme for personal gain and ignore the greater good at such a time are short-sighted and unworthy of collaboration. If this causes a rift among the noble families and fractures the Six Bureaus, it would be no different from cutting off one of our own arms. Please ask the Council of State to consider the larger picture!”

“Councillor Cui, your era has passed. You must learn to compromise and retreat!”

Consider the larger picture? Wasn’t it you who should consider the larger picture?

Had the Cui Clan’s era truly passed?

Cui Yan was so angry his whole body trembled, but looking at Meng Qi’s calm gaze, he realized in his heart that the other would never compromise for the sake of the imperial court’s greater harmony—he had allies in sects!

What should be done? Cui Yan quickly considered the possibility of expelling Meng Qi. However, the experts from various families in the capital were no match for him. Only by summoning Zhao Jingshi and mobilizing the capital’s great formation could this be accomplished.

Yet, the Zhao Clan would likely be delighted to see the “Wild Blade” stirring up trouble. Unless several noble families united in a life-or-death threat, Zhao Jingshi would surely find excuses to delay action.

Once it reached such a level of confrontation, it would expose their own bluster and inner weakness, leading to more harm than benefit.

At this moment, Meng Qi chuckled: “I have no desire for the Chief Investigator position. It’s just that in these turbulent times, I must temporarily take charge to stabilize morale. Once we find Chief Investigator Sima or the situation stabilizes, I will willingly step down and make way for a more worthy individual.”

This period would be enough for him to change his title and peruse all the secret intelligence of the Six Bureaus!

“Acting Chief?” Wasn’t this giving us an opportunity to negotiate? Ke Yuzhang and Li Dong immediately expressed agreement.

Cui Yan and Song Shouren, first pushed to their limits, now discovered it was merely a temporary appointment, their minds immediately relaxing. After seeing seven imperial investigators agree, they hesitated for a long time before saying: “We will wait for the Council of State to reconsider.”

If it was only a temporary appointment, it wasn’t entirely unacceptable.

Compromise and concession were common occurrences among the ministers of the Council of State.

Zhao Heng pretended not to know Meng Qi well and prepared to leave. As he passed by, he heard Meng Qi’s voice transmitted through the air: “Fifth Elder Zhao, this is as far as I can help. Why not use this time to negotiate exchanges of interests with other noble families and reestablish the candidate for Chief Investigator?”

Zhao Heng stepped forward, exiting the room, with Cui Yan and Song Shouren following closely behind.