It was baffling to Li Zhonglou that members of the War Association would show up when the General Bureau and the Civilian Association were supposed to be collaborators.
Chen Pingfan explained, "Actually, the three major forces have a lot of cooperation, and those tripartite joint matters have been delayed because of this incident. It's only natural for the War Association members to have some opinions about you."
Li Zhonglou suddenly understood, "So that's how it is."
This also clarified the intention of the man named Chen Pingfan. Li Zhonglou truly had no other choice.
Unless he didn't want to join any small team.
Well, he was indeed considering that.
"Um, can I have some time to think about it?"
Li Zhonglou didn't give an immediate answer, mainly because he had just arrived and didn't understand the internal affairs of the General Bureau.
Even though Chen Pingfan said so, who could prove he was telling the truth? As long as it wasn't an emergency, Li Zhonglou preferred to play it safe.
Chen Pingfan's brow furrowed slightly, but he didn't say much more.
Li Zhonglou took this opportunity to ask him for the location of Tai Yinglong's office. As he was leaving, he heard Chen Pingfan mutter, "He can't even see through this? It seems the rumors are a bit exaggerated. Such limited vision and ambition."
Chen Pingfan shook his head and walked back into the classroom.
Before he could sit down, three people surrounded him.
"Old Chen, did you really go to see him?"
Chen Pingfan nodded.
Another person said, "Isn't that a bit hasty? They're all still watching. Are we going to bring trouble upon ourselves?"
Chen Pingfan sighed, "Originally, I thought a mere fifth-level expert could hold off a seventh-level master, so he must have some ability. But now it seems I might have been too hasty. Let's wait and see. He hasn't agreed yet."
Upon hearing the last sentence, the three immediately understood the situation and all breathed a sigh of relief.
It was better that he hadn't agreed. They were all newcomers. Although they had listened to their seniors and formed their own small teams for self-protection, Li Zhonglou was no ordinary person. His influence was enough to enter the history of Shangjing to some extent.
However, this influence brought countless enemies. If their small team really recruited him, it was uncertain whether they could withstand it.
Meanwhile, Li Zhonglou, following Chen Pingfan's instructions, successfully arrived at Tai Yinglong's office.
It was a small room with only a desk and a chair.
What puzzled Li Zhonglou was why, even though he wasn't a traditional teacher, the setup was the same.
Tai Yinglong was still examining some documents. He closed them only after Li Zhonglou approached him.
"I've looked at your profile. It's said you can dominate opponents at the peak of the sixth level?"
As soon as Tai Yinglong spoke, Li Zhonglou couldn't help but feel a jolt. As expected, they would investigate such matters. Fortunately, he had been wise enough to only display his strength at the fifth level when he erupted with his aura.
It seemed Tai Yinglong was most likely looking at some of his information. Seeing that he couldn't avoid it, Li Zhonglou could only nod.
Tai Yinglong showed a satisfied expression, "It seems your self-development has reached a certain level. Did you learn it in the Dragon team?"
Li Zhonglou paused for a moment, then continued to nod.
It was rare for someone to provide an excuse for him, so why wouldn't he go along with it?
Tai Yinglong's expression turned into one of understanding, but he quickly concealed it and said seriously, "I know you can start higher than them, after all, you've had systematic training in advance. But I still have to remind you, the content of the recruitment examination varies each year, some are harder, some are easier. Even I don't know the detailed content."
What did that mean? Li Zhonglou looked at Tai Yinglong.
"But the higher-ups have given you clear instructions. This time, you must score within the top ninety-five to enter the elite team of the Executive Department. Otherwise, the Civilian Association might still try to obstruct you. I don't need to tell you how serious this matter is, do I?"
Li Zhonglou's expression was blank. Honestly, he hadn't felt any seriousness. From the beginning of this incident until now, the only impact he had suffered was that he couldn't stay at his company for the time being.
As for other things, they were all just worries.
Tai Yinglong, being an old hand, knew what was going on with such an expression. He immediately said in a deep voice, "Don't think it's nothing just because no one has troubled you yet. Although our three major forces usually have friendly relations, everyone has selfish motives. No one can guarantee what actions those who are affected will take!"
"The reason no one has made a move yet is that they haven't fully understood the General Bureau's attitude towards you."
The General Bureau has gone to such lengths for me, and I still don't understand their attitude? Li Zhonglou's doubts grew stronger, but he suddenly thought of a possibility, and his expression froze.
Tai Yinglong also voiced his thoughts, "Although the General Bureau has made such a big fuss for you alone, it doesn't completely prove it's purely for you. In their eyes, you might just be a pawn, a tool for the General Bureau to make a fuss or to pressure the Civilian Association!"
"The true test of the General Bureau's attitude will be their arrangements afterward. To be honest, it's not that we are rushing you urgently. We heard that people from the other side are going to your company every other day to demand you. We are doing this entirely for your own good."
"If we drag this out any longer, those people will probably think you're just a pawn! You should be able to imagine what they might do behind the scenes, including targeting your company."
"So, to truly resolve this matter, you must join a convincing small team. Do you understand now?"
Li Zhonglou sighed inwardly. It seemed he really couldn't avoid this trouble.
He nodded and said softly, "I understand. I'll try my best to achieve it."
"Not try your best, you must achieve it! Honestly, with your age, strength, and this record, as long as you're not hindered by malicious people, your future will be incredibly promising! I don't want the General Bureau to miss out on such talent."
Perhaps fearing Li Zhonglou was too worried, Tai Yinglong comforted him, "But you don't need to worry too much. Judging by the difficulty of previous tasks, it won't be difficult if you're a bit more serious. As for those in the class, you don't need to pay too much attention. Just be a little careful."
It seemed Tai Yinglong's intentions were clear. What relieved Li Zhonglou the most was that, judging by his compliment just now, he was probably not a beneficiary of this incident.
At least that was one less overt enemy.
Next, Tai Yinglong briefed Li Zhonglou on some details and rules, then gave him a rulebook and let Li Zhonglou leave.
"It seems that even in the General Bureau, there is no peace."