Sixteenth floor, conference hall.
As Li Xuan walked in, everyone seated in the hall was stunned. It was only upon seeing Luo Xuan that they all rose and bowed.
"Please, be seated," Luo Xuan said, glancing at Li Xuan before addressing the crowd.
"Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Li Xuan," Li Xuan said, his gaze sweeping over the assembled individuals as Luo Xuan and the others took their seats.
The assembled group frowned, clearly unfamiliar with the name Li Xuan. However, they were no fools; anyone brought in by Luo Xuan undoubtedly had some standing.
"From today onwards, I will be establishing a new department: the Enforcement Department. All branches of the Xingyao Merchant Guild will be targets of this department. The purpose of establishing the Enforcement Department is multifaceted: to combat corruption, bribery, abuse of power, and evil forces."
Li Xuan paused and continued, "The Enforcement Department will report directly to me and will be independent of all other departments. Do any of you have objections?"
A collective frown passed over the faces of the attendees, and their gazes shifted towards Luo Xuan. But Luo Xuan maintained an air of detachment, her expression unchanged. Seeing this, they turned their attention back to Li Xuan. After a moment of silence, some of the managers spoke up.
"Does the Grand Pavilion Master know about this matter?"
Li Xuan smiled upon hearing this. "This is already the second matter. From this moment on, all of you present will be the new managers of the Xingyao Merchant Guild's main branch. As you can see, besides the Grand Pavilion Master, five elders are absent. They have been relieved of their duties."
As Li Xuan finished speaking, a tremor went through the assembled crowd.
The Grand Pavilion Master and five elders relieved of their duties!
"They attempted to rebel and have been suppressed and brought to justice," Luo Xuan finally spoke, observing the inquiring gazes.
"Young Lady, are the decisions this young master just made your intentions?" a manager asked.
Luo Xuan smiled and nodded. "You have all met him. From now on, his intentions are my intentions."
The crowd was once again astonished. Initially, they had believed Li Xuan was merely a manager invited by Luo Xuan, but it was now apparent his status was far beyond theirs. According to Luo Xuan, he was essentially the new Grand Pavilion Master.
This meant Li Xuan's decision was a momentous one. To rectify all the branch operations would be a significant undertaking. In truth, many managers were aware of certain issues within the branches but were unable to intervene due to their independent operations. Li Xuan's decision now shattered that barrier.
"Later, I will arrange for people to be selected from the main branch to assist. If this involves any of you, I request your cooperation," Li Xuan said.
"We will certainly cooperate!" the managers responded promptly, nodding in agreement.
What choice did they have? The Grand Pavilion Master and five elders had already been removed. How could they, the managers, dare to voice any dissatisfaction? Furthermore, they understood that the Xingyao Merchant Guild was about to undergo a dramatic transformation.
"Alright, that concludes our discussion for now," Li Xuan said with a nod, and the attendees rose and departed.
"Yang Xiao, Qin Guang, you will go with Tie Ning to select personnel. You may choose anyone you deem suitable, regardless of their rank or identity, provided they are worthy and capable. There is no limit to the number for now."
Li Xuan's gaze fell upon Yang Xiao and Qin Guang as he issued his instructions.
"Yes!" Yang Xiao and Qin Guang acknowledged, then turned and left.
"Brother Xuan, are their abilities sufficient?" Luo Xuan asked Li Xuan after Yang Xiao and Qin Guang had departed.
Li Xuan pondered for a moment. "On their own, their strength is naturally insufficient. However, I believe the main branch has quite a few powerful retainers. Besides, this mission is not about fighting, but primarily about investigation."
"But without sufficiently strong individuals to oversee things, the lower branches might not show them respect," Luo Xuan added, still concerned.
Li Xuan smiled. "I've already considered this. Sister Xuan, could you please trouble yourself to summon all the branch managers back to the main branch?"
"Brother Xuan, you mean to leave the branches leaderless for now?" Luo Xuan understood Li Xuan's plan instantly. If the branch managers were absent, the investigation would be considerably easier. Moreover, it would offer significant advantages in many matters.
Li Xuan nodded slightly. "Firstly, it's to expedite the investigation. Secondly, it's akin to capturing the king to capture the bandits."
"Alright, I'll make the arrangements. It's also the time for the annual work report, so they won't be suspicious at this juncture," Luo Xuan said, rising to her feet.
"Thank you for your trouble, Sister Xuan," Li Xuan replied.
Luo Xuan smiled. "We're family, no need for politeness."
With that, Luo Xuan departed with Lian Qiao, appearing somewhat eager.
Three days passed in the blink of an eye.
On this day, nineteen individuals stood before Li Xuan. Including Yang Xiao and the other two, there were twenty-two in total.
Li Xuan glanced at them and nodded slightly. The weakest among them was at the advanced Dao Proving realm, while the strongest, like Yang Xiao and Qin Guang, were at the advanced Dao Attainment realm.
"The reason I've chosen you has likely been explained. I won't repeat it here. I am very pleased that you are willing to join. This operation is intended for investigation, not direct action. However, if you have absolute evidence, you are permitted to act."
Li Xuan paused. "Next, you will be divided into two teams, each operating independently. Team One will be led by Yang Xiao. Team Two will be led by Qin Guang. You have a limited time of three months. Regardless of the method you choose, I only require the results of your investigation."
"Yes!" The assembled individuals bowed in unison.
Soon, Yang Xiao and Qin Guang divided the twenty people into two teams of equal strength.
"Depart," Li Xuan commanded, waving his hand.
"Brother Xuan, are you truly letting them go like this? Aren't they worried? After all, the branches are not without their strength," Luo Xuan said, approaching Li Xuan as Yang Xiao and Qin Guang's teams set off.
Li Xuan smiled. "This is also a test for them. If they cannot overcome this hurdle, then they are naturally not suited to be in the Enforcement Department."
"I never expected Brother Xuan to have become so mature in such a short time," Luo Xuan remarked, looking at Li Xuan with admiration.
Li Xuan smiled and then looked towards the void. "Seniors, thank you for your efforts."
"You are too kind, Young Master. This is what we should do." As Li Xuan spoke, four figures appeared before him.
Their auras indicated they were all at the peak of the Dao Attainment realm!
"Unless absolutely necessary, please refrain from intervening, seniors," Li Xuan said, cupping his fists in a salute.
"We understand," the four replied with nods. Then, moving swiftly, they split into two pairs and darted towards Yang Xiao and Qin Guang's respective teams, vanishing from sight in an instant.
"Sister Xuan, have the branch managers been notified?" Li Xuan asked Luo Xuan, retracting his gaze.
Luo Xuan nodded slightly. "The orders have been dispatched. They should arrive within ten days at the latest."
Li Xuan nodded and then looked towards the void. "This time, it can be considered a thorough purge."