The senior executives present had actually watched Qiu Tu rise step by step.
Thus, they all knew the path of Qiu Tu's promotion—it was nothing short of legendary.
However, it was precisely because his experiences were legendary that Qiu Tu's foundation was extremely shallow.
During this period, Qiu Tu had been desperately trying to strengthen his foundation: for example, by building his prestige within the Investigation Bureau, nurturing his confidants, and placing his brothers in various departments—for this exact reason.
But... the foundations of politics can be supplemented by various means. There are no shortcuts when it comes to strength itself.
Qiu Tu had become a Cataclysmic only six months ago, and even though the Cataclysm Path he took was straightforward and his talent was very high, he still needed to progress step by step.
Thus, the senior executives actually had some guesses about Qiu Tu's strength: either First Rank Middle Phase or Peak First-Order.
Such strength was quite strong, overwhelmingly so against ordinary people.
But... when facing someone like Lin Ting, a Peak Second Order Cataclysmic Awakened from the Martial School, it seemed somewhat insufficient.
Although the Sanctuary never used realm or strength as a criterion for promotion, in the Planning Area, the military, and the Investigation Bureau, strength was very important.
For administrative officials like Yu Zhengyi and Shi Youxin, it was fine. No one would demand their strength.
But for action officials like Qiu Tu, Lin Ting, and Guan Weihua, strength sometimes represented their confidence when speaking.
Don't forget, even someone of Liu Xiongyuan's status had started fights during meetings multiple times.
In chaotic times, fists are indeed the most direct solution.
In the action sequence, even if the position was high, without sufficient strength, it was still hard to convince anyone.
Thus, now Lin Ting, challenging Qiu Tu, emanated his aura as a Peak Second Order Cataclysmic, and the high-ranking officials present looked at Qiu Tu with somewhat sympathetic eyes.
After all, this was the first time Qiu Tu had held a temporary senior-level meeting as the Acting Bureau Chief.
If he didn't overcome this obstacle, he would become a joke in the Investigation Bureau.
The prestige he had accumulated during this period would also vanish into thin air.
At this time... Qiu Tu also noticed the unusual looks from the crowd. It's just... he was a bit confused.
Why were Yu Zhengyi and others looking at him like that?
He was a bit puzzled as he looked at Lin Ting and after carefully sensing the situation, he hesitantly realized: Lin Ting... was emitting his aura at him?
He almost... didn't feel it.
Then, in the next second, he realized: Oh... he had been promoted to a Third Order Cataclysmic.
It turned out... a Second Order Cataclysmic appeared so weak in front of a Third Order Cataclysmic.
So weak... that Lin Ting's challenge even seemed somewhat adorably foolish?
It's just... although he didn't feel any negative emotions from Lin Ting's show of strength, Qiu Tu knew that since he had just become the Acting Bureau Chief, facing such a situation, there was only one thing to do: fight!
Thus, the next second, Lin Ting's chair exploded with a "bang!"
Everyone in the conference room jumped, thinking that Lin Ting couldn't hold back and had started a fight. They quickly moved back!
But after they moved back, they realized that the situation was completely different from what they had expected!
Lin Ting had not made a move against Qiu Tu but had instead knelt on both knees, smashing his chair and firmly knelt amidst the scattered debris.
And he was facing Qiu Tu, who still sat calmly in the main seat.
It somewhat seemed like Lin Ting was admitting his mistake after realizing he had misspoken.
Seeing this scene, the high-ranking officials present couldn't help but blink, somewhat unclear about what had actually happened.
Then, at that moment, Qiu Tu spoke.
He looked at Lin Ting with a deep gaze, his voice cold as ice, "I've seen many plant flowers and trees, but it's my first time seeing someone planting graveyard grass on their own head."
"Minister Lin, were you challenging your direct superior just now?"
Even if we disregard the nominal power Qiu Tu currently wielded as the Acting Bureau Chief, his official position was Deputy Director of the Investigation Bureau, and he was Lin Ting's direct superior.
Such a challenge from Lin Ting, if successful, would shame Qiu Tu. But if it failed, it was a grave disrespect to a superior. Qiu Tu had many reasons to be displeased.
At this time, hearing Qiu Tu's question, Lin Ting, kneeling with his head raised, his square and righteous face filled with rage and disbelief!
He struggled to stand up, but no matter how hard he tried, his knees seemed glued to the ground, utterly unable to lift.
He gritted his teeth, his face fierce as he erupted with all his Cataclysmic Power!
But... his body seemed as if controlled by some law, completely unable to move!
He looked at Qiu Tu, then roared with eyes wide and splitting, "Qiu Tu! Making a sneak attack, what kind of hero does that make you!"
"Come on, let's have a fair fight!"
Many Cataclysmic abilities, while low in level, can have remarkable effects. A sudden attack can catch even stronger Cataclysmics off guard.
So that's why Lin Ting provoked Qiu Tu in such a manner.
But the thing is... Qiu Tu's Cataclysmic ability wasn't like that.
On the contrary, his Cataclysmic ability was useless against higher-level enemies, but against those of a lower level, it was truly devastating.
So, seeing Lin Ting still not giving up hope, Qiu Tu calmly sat in the main seat, coldly watching Lin Ting, "As you wish."