Cultivation: From Poor Peasant to Celestial Lord

"Once this is over, all the credit for the inspection will be yours, Banner Inspector Chu. I won’t take a thing—I just want that Wild God."

It was an undeniably tempting offer.

He was providing the clue, offering to be the one to draw their fire, and even relinquishing all the credit.

Chu Bai picked up the Jade Scroll and briefly scanned it with his Divine Thought, confirming the contents were just as Pang Song had described—detailed and orderly.

But he still didn’t agree right away.

"One more thing."

Chu Bai set the Jade Scroll down and asked, "While the Sanmu River is under our Evil Suppression Department’s jurisdiction for demonic threats, water management itself is the Water Department’s domain. With something as major as a Wild God popping up, what’s the Water Department’s stance?"

This was another key point.

If the Water Department had also gotten involved, or even tacitly approved of the Wild God’s existence, the waters would be even murkier.

Pang Song was momentarily stunned, apparently not expecting Chu Bai to ask this. A flash of surprise crossed his eyes, and then his expression grew serious.

"You are as thorough as they say, Banner Inspector Chu. The Water Department will indeed send people to assist.

"However, from what I understand, they are also quite wary of this Wild God who has suddenly appeared. After all, if it truly becomes established and diverts the faith meant for the orthodox River God, it would be striking at their very roots."

"So, if the investigation reveals it to be a heretical Evil God, the Water Department will certainly be on our side. But if..."

Pang Song paused, his tone becoming somewhat subtle. "If the Wild God turns out to have some backing, or if its actions are reasonably proper, the Water Department might consider recruiting it. After all, having an extra, obedient enforcer would be helpful for them in managing the waterways."

"I see."

Chu Bai nodded in understanding.

’This also involved a jurisdictional struggle between the Water Department and the Evil Suppression Department, as well as a disagreement over their stance on the Wild God.’

’The situation is even more complex than I thought.’

"In that case..."

Chu Bai tucked the Jade Scroll into his robes, looked at Pang Song, and gave an ambiguous reply:

"I’ll accept this lead. I will verify it first. If, as you claim, Captain Pang, Team Two is suspected of cultivating a threat to increase their own importance and harming the populace, then I will naturally exercise my authority as an Inspector and will not let it stand."

"But if there’s no concrete evidence, or if there’s more to this Wild God’s story, I won’t be drawing my sword without cause."

His response was watertight.

He had accepted the case, yet hadn’t boxed himself in. More importantly, he hadn’t promised to help Pang Song attack his rivals. Everything would depend on the evidence and on justice.

But for Pang Song, this was enough.

As long as Chu Bai was willing to step into the fray, with the "Killing Star’s" personality and abilities, Team Two was bound to end up in his grasp sooner or later—if they weren’t clean.

"Excellent! With your word, Banner Inspector Chu, I can rest easy!"

Pang Song stood up and clasped his hands in a salute, a satisfied smile on his face. "Then I shall await your good news."

"When does Captain Pang intend to start dealing with the Wild God?" Chu Bai asked casually.

"The Sanmu River is vast, and the Wild God is cunning. I still need to make some preparations, gather my men, and set up an Array."

Pang Song mused, "In about five days, I think. I will inform you then, Banner Inspector Chu."

’Five days...’

Chu Bai mentally calculated the time.

’The investigation into the Wild God itself has nothing to do with me; I don’t need to get involved in that part.’

’But if Pang Song’s investigation turns something up, then it will concern me.’

"Then I wish Captain Pang a swift victory."

"Farewell."

After seeing Pang Song out, Chu Bai closed the door again.

He sat back down at the table, rubbing the still-warm Jade Scroll in his hand, his gaze profound.

’Sanmu River... Wild God...’

’Matters of heretical shrines are rare. While I don’t need to participate directly, I can at least learn something from it.’

’How to handle it then will depend on the actual circumstances.’

Chu Bai put the Jade Scroll away, sat cross-legged on the bed again, and closed his eyes to focus his mind.

’Since a storm is brewing, I should first make myself stronger.’