The Great Han had a massive population base.
Consequently, there were also many Qi Refiners.
The thresholds of 749 Bureau branches everywhere were practically worn down from all the traffic.
Even before the real fighting had begun, the atmosphere among Great Han's Qi Refiners had already reached unimaginable intensity.
After reviewing classified materials about these developments,
Lu Ding found himself affected by the fervor.
Sitting on the descending plane,
He pondered to himself:
'This time, I might just witness it.'
The plane landed smoothly at Lingshun.
Lu Ding had returned to submit his mission report.
Deputy Director Ji personally came to greet him.
He immediately gave Lu Ding a big bear hug: "HAHAHAHA Lu Ding!!!"
Patting his shoulder, Deputy Director Ji said: "Thank you for handling this matter. On behalf of Lingshun, I thank you!!"
"The urgent matters on my hands are mostly resolved now."
"Once the reports are submitted, Lingshun 749 can charge at the forefront HAHAHAHA. This is an opportunity the higher-ups have given Lingshun 749."
Deputy Director Ji exhaled deeply: "It hasn't been easy, but we're finally seeing signs of revival."
"However, Yunhai probably won't be in the first wave. Yunhai is too strong, and its geographical position is special. Normally, each 749 branch handles its own jurisdiction."
"But in times like these, powerful branches like Yunhai 749 must cover surrounding cities and regions when we deploy."
"Yunhai will only advance after we've withdrawn when our stamina runs out."
Deputy Director Ji didn't expect Lingshun to last long on the frontlines.
Going all out would be gambling for first merit.
Given Lingshun's foundation, maintaining a position on the external battlefield would require exhausting their reserves - not worth it.
Lu Ding understood this reasoning.
"Director Ji, so what does my Director Chu say about this?"
Deputy Director Ji smiled, putting his arm around Lu Ding's neck and whispering: "Brother Chu's suggestion is that you temporarily affiliate with our Lingshun while Yunhai hasn't deployed yet."
"Of course, Lu Ding, don't misunderstand - I'm not asking you to work for free or anything."
"This is mutually beneficial."
"I know you have arrangements with those Heavenly Perception cultivators to assist them for contribution points - that's their compensation, and any achievements would only count as personal merit."
"If you're affiliated with Lingshun, besides personal achievements, there's also team and collective credit - meaning you could earn extra rewards."
"Given your formidable capabilities, Lingshun could also benefit from your presence."
At this point, Deputy Director Ji suddenly hesitated: "But... but we currently don't have much to offer hehehe... We're basically issuing IOUs here, so..."
He looked somewhat embarrassed.
wasn't someone who cared about such things.
Moreover, he could benefit from the collective merits through Lingshun too.
"No problem, Director Ji. We all need each other sometimes, and I'm not losing out here with the collective merits. But I do wonder - won't the higher-ups have issues with us exploiting this loophole...?"
Deputy Director Ji beamed, grinning from ear to ear.
Waving his hand: "Pfft, whatever we can think of, the higher-ups have already considered. Besides..."
"Given how smoothly I'm handling this, do you think it's my first time?"
"This is essentially the higher-ups' covert genius development program. Only true talents can walk this path - all requiring official approval."
"They won't approve just anyone for such affiliations."
"Besides, how many people like you do you think exist?"
"Your capabilities and value have been recognized - the 749 Bureau never mistreats our geniuses and meritorious members."
"But the exceptional deserve exceptional treatment, and you're worthy of the best."
While answering Lu Ding's questions, he managed to flatter him indirectly.
Lu Ding found it quite pleasing.
"Then thank you, Director Ji."
Lu Ding's proactive thanks dissolved the slight awkwardness in Deputy Director Ji's heart.
Now feeling completely at ease,
though aware this was Lu Ding being polite,
he needed to show his own stance:
"Ah, what are you saying? I should be thanking you! HAHAHAHA..."
The two chatted while submitting materials and authorizing the bodycam records.
Afterwards, they found Wutian.
"What are your plans next?"
Wutian suppressed his excitement - he also wanted to go to the frontline.
But... these matters required consultation with his two masters.
Making a Buddhist gesture: "Amitabha. This humble monk plans to consult my two masters. If possible, we shall meet in Wu City."
"Alright, I'll wait for you in Wu City. Looking forward to seeing your mighty display - the Vajra's Wrath!"
The phrases "mighty display" and "Vajra's Wrath" stirred Wutian's heart.
Though a Buddha's child,
he was still young after all.
And men remain boys until death.
Who wouldn't want to showcase their prowess?
Buddhism transcends worldly concerns,
but how can one truly escape the mundane in this secular world?
After seeing Wutian off,
Lu Ding took out his phone to confirm arrangements with Deputy Director Chu,
then messaged Yan Feifan:
[Feifan, I've settled things with Deputy Director Chu. I'm currently at Lingshun 749 - come as soon as you can. Once you arrive, we'll depart immediately. I can't wait to wreak havoc on the frontlines.]
The limited time remaining didn't allow for Lu Ding to make significant improvements here.
So he planned to utilize his substantial contribution points balance
after reaching Wu City.
With war impending, their inventory would surely be well-stocked with cost-effective items.
He might even get more than his money's worth there!
Just as he was thinking this,
[Yan Feifan: Got it, Brother Lu. I'll be there soon.]
Looking at the message interface,
Lu Ding swiped back to the contacts list.
Seeing Bai Hemen's grayed-out avatar,
he tapped it and pressed the voice message button.
he started recording:
"If you don't wake up soon, you'll miss out again. Don't say I didn't invite you this time."
The sent message seemed to vanish without a trace.
Lu Ding wondered: "What exactly are you up to? How could you still be..."
Lu Ding did a mental calculation.
Actually, it hadn't been that long...
He'd wronged Bai Hemen.
"Just keep meditating. By the time you wake up, the show will be over."
Finding a spot to sit,
he lit a cigarette, enjoying the breeze.
Before Bai Hemen's reply arrived,
a message from Wang Qingge came through:
[Wang Qingge: Lu Ding, I'm out now]
The first line was text.
Followed by a photo attachment -
a selfie of Wang Qingge.
Despite broad daylight, the Taoist temple gate behind her appeared eerily dark.
In the photo details,
she held her phone for the selfie with one hand,
while the other held a rather interesting, somewhat roguish-looking brand-new wooden plaque.