"If you're here as guests, you're always welcome. If you have ulterior motives, I'm afraid you'll have to leave."
Su Fan no longer had any pleasantries for the people of the Church of Light, given their impure intentions.
As for whether Su Fan had the authority to refuse, since Gu Zhi had entrusted this matter to him, it indicated Gu Zhi's great trust in Su Fan. Moreover, Li Feng and Zhao Jun had no complaints about Su Fan's actions, suggesting they were quite in agreement with his approach.
Chen Wenjing was so taken aback by Su Fan's words that she didn't know whether to translate.
"Translate it for me, word for word,"
Su Fan instructed Chen Wenjing.
Chen Wenjing then translated Su Fan's words verbatim.
Harrison's expression immediately changed.
"Su Fan, we can discuss cooperation. Name your conditions, but don't cut off your own retreat!"
Harrison dropped the pretense and warned Su Fan.
The atmosphere between the two sides instantly became tense.
Su Fan, however, was not afraid at all. Firstly, this was China. Secondly, the other party was merely an SS-class expert. If Su Fan wished, he could kill him instantly, so there was no need to fear him.
"Those who walk different paths cannot plan together. See them out!"
Su Fan knew there was no need to show them any more courtesy and directly ordered them to be escorted out.
Li Feng stepped forward and gestured for Harrison to leave.
Harrison's face flushed with anger and then paled.
"Very well! I hope you don't regret this!"
Harrison left with a parting threat.
"Su Fan, wasn't that a bit too offensive?"
After the people from the Church of Light left, Zhao Jun asked with some concern.
"Then what do you suggest we do? Agree to let them establish a church in China?"
Su Fan retorted.
Zhao Jun shook his head; this was something they absolutely could not agree to.
Not long after, Gu Zhi arrived.
Gu Zhi was already aware of Su Fan's actions.
"Don't worry, you did the right thing. The country supports you!"
Gu Zhi's first words completely reassured Su Fan.
"I think I was a bit impulsive, perhaps too forceful?"
Su Fan said somewhat sheepishly.
"It's fine, go ahead and do what you need to. However, the country's supernatural forces are limited, so you'll have to handle the people you offend yourself. If the Church of Light takes any action against China, your Martial Alliance must provide full assistance."
Gu Zhi's subsequent words made Su Fan's smile vanish instantly.
Su Fan: ???
Well, I'll be! You were waiting for me here, weren't you? Trying to get the Martial Alliance's resources for free?
"Director Gu, that's not very fair,"
Su Fan said, feeling speechless.
"Hahaha, just kidding. But the country does need the help of your Martial Alliance. Don't worry, you'll receive all the compensation you deserve!"
Gu Zhi laughed heartily, then said to Su Fan with a serious expression.
"That's good then."
Su Fan didn't mind helping the country, but he couldn't be taken advantage of. He still needed resources for his cultivation.
...
Harrison returned to the embassy in a rage.
"This Su Fan is completely intractable!"
Harrison was furious. His Archbishop had given him a strict order to secure the establishment of a church in China and recruit new followers. Otherwise, his position as bishop would be over!
"Your Excellency, why don't we secretly recruit followers in China? Once the followers develop, it won't be up to them to decide. They'll establish the church themselves."
A priest offered a suggestion.
Harrison's eyes lit up.
That's right! Recruit followers first, and then let them establish churches. This way, they wouldn't have to be directly involved, and the church could develop in China!
"Excellent idea!"
Harrison was instantly delighted and nodded appreciatively at the priest.
"When I return to the church, I will definitely propose to the Archbishop that you become the bishop of the China branch!"
Harrison was already envisioning his strength soaring with the increasing number of Chinese followers.
"Thank you for your recommendation, Your Excellency!"
The priest said to Harrison with joy.
...
Su Fan returned to the Martial Alliance and, free of charge, donated most of the information about martial artists collected by Dongfang Tingyin to the Supernatural Management Bureau.
Although these materials wouldn't enhance the Supernatural Management Bureau's strength, they would allow them to understand how many powerful opponents existed in this world.
In addition, Su Fan shared some non-essential resources with the Supernatural Management Bureau, primarily to improve China's overall strength.
As it stood, China wasn't lacking in experts, but they were very few and mostly hidden. For instance, the owner of the roast duck restaurant likely possessed Heavenly Realm strength but was content to run a roast duck shop as an ordinary person.
Since the representative of the Church of Light had not yet left China, Su Fan had to remain in the capital in case he was needed for reception.
"Su Fan, I've discovered that the people from the Church of Light are making some moves in secret."
Although Harrison was staying at the embassy, his every move was under the surveillance of the Supernatural Management Bureau. Gu Zhi soon discovered Harrison's clandestine activities.
"What have they been doing?"
Su Fan asked curiously.
"They are secretly developing followers through their embassy connections!"
Gu Zhi said to Su Fan with a grave expression.
"Then act! Why are you telling me?"
Gu Zhi: ...
What you said makes so much sense, I have no words.
"We have already begun taking action. Anyone found promoting the doctrines of the Church of Light is being arrested and will only be released after their background is thoroughly investigated. However, the mastermind is still Harrison. This matter won't end as long as he remains in China."
Gu Zhi explained to Su Fan.
"So? What do you want me to do?"
Su Fan asked.
Gu Zhi telling him this must mean he wanted him to do something.
"Drive Harrison away!"
Gu Zhi said seriously.
"How? He's currently visiting China, you can just tell him to leave? Is it that simple?"
Su Fan looked at Gu Zhi in disbelief, feeling as if Gu Zhi was joking.
Expelling a representative on a normal state visit was impossible, right?
"It's very simple. You go and defeat him, humiliate him! Make him lose all face! Make him unable to stay in China!"
Gu Zhi said with a relaxed demeanor.
"This..."
Su Fan looked at Gu Zhi as if he were an alien. Were these words coming from a bureau chief?
"I've already made arrangements. I've issued a challenge to Harrison under the guise of an exchange. They shouldn't refuse."
So, Gu Zhi had already arranged everything, and Su Fan was only being informed now.
"Can I say no?"
Su Fan knew he had no choice, but he still wanted to struggle a bit.
"No."
As expected, Gu Zhi flatly refused Su Fan.
It seemed a sparring match with Harrison was unavoidable.
"Alright."
Su Fan reluctantly agreed. Besides, Su Fan was genuinely curious to see how faith-based power worked in combat.