Chapter 81: Preparations for the Third Transformation, Absorbing the Source of Calamity!

“Manager Liu, you should know exactly what you’re saying right now. If you continue to resist, we have the authority to detain you for obstructing an investigation.” Teng Zhibo’s tone had shifted from cordial to overtly threatening.

“Threatening me?” Manager Liu sneered. “Captain Teng, at first I thought you just had poor eyesight, but it turns out your mind is even worse.”

“Let’s not even discuss whether you can arrest me. Since when has your Investigation Department had such sweeping powers, to the point of threatening people with arrest?”

“First of all, I have not done anything to endanger the Empire’s security. As a professional, I cannot divulge any client information. Setting everything else aside, even if you wanted to arrest me, it should be the Public Security Bureau’s responsibility, not your so-called Investigation Department. Who do you people think you are?”

Teng Zhibo snapped, “Manager Liu, don’t mistake my patience for weakness. Lin Han is now implicated in a major case. If you stubbornly refuse to cooperate, you should know that as soon as I contact the Public Security Bureau, your Millennium Mall will be shut down immediately.”

“With a business as large as this, I imagine your daily losses would be substantial. Neither of us wants to see things end in mutual destruction, so I advise you to reconsider. As long as you cooperate, none of this will happen.”

“It would save both you and us a great deal of trouble.”

Indeed, as Teng Zhibo said, if Millennium Mall were forced to close, the losses would be enormous.

But Manager Liu did not care in the slightest. He chuckled, “Mr. Teng, you seem to be mistaken about something. First, Millennium Mall isn’t my personal property; it belongs to the entire Millennium Mall Group. And you’re welcome to try—see if the Public Security Bureau dares to shut us down.”

“Manager Liu, you’re putting yourself on quite the pedestal.” Teng Zhibo pulled out his phone and dialed a number, smirking, “Let’s see whether we really have the power to close you down!”

Manager Liu said nothing more, watching as Teng Zhibo made the call.

“Hello, this is Teng Zhibo from the Investigation Department. You should be aware of the case we’re handling.”

A voice answered from the other end, “Yes, we’re aware. The Public Security Bureau will support your investigation however we can. Just let us know what you need.”

Teng Zhibo, feeling triumphant, said, “I’ve tracked a suspect to Millennium Mall. I’m here with Manager Liu, but he refuses to cooperate. I’m requesting immediate arrest of Manager Liu and closure of the Millennium Mall in Huiyue City!”

“Excuse me, did you say Millennium Mall?” the voice on the phone asked.

“That’s right, Millennium Mall.”

Just as Teng Zhibo thought he had won, the reply came: “I’m sorry, Captain Teng, but that’s a request we simply cannot grant.”

“Why not!” Teng Zhibo pressed. “You understand how important this investigation is!”

“I do,” came the reply. “But Millennium Mall’s background is too powerful. Even if we wanted to close it down, we’d need to verify everything step by step, gather evidence, and then apply to the Empire.”

“Even if the application were approved, the Empire would conduct a secondary review. Only after the evidence was conclusive would they contact the Millennium Mall Group headquarters, and only through joint action would a closure and arrest be possible.”

“So, what I can do is file an appeal for you.”

At this, Teng Zhibo’s face darkened. He hadn’t expected Millennium Mall’s background to be so formidable. Even if a crime had been committed, the process would require layers of review, ending with joint action by both sides.

What kind of enormous power could make the entire Empire so wary?

Today, he had truly kicked a steel wall.

Teng Zhibo lowered his voice. “Forget it. Thank you for your trouble.”

Seeing this, Manager Liu couldn’t help but laugh. “Mr. Teng, it seems you’ve got your answer. Well? Still planning to arrest me?” As he spoke, he extended his hands invitingly.

Provocation.

It was blatant provocation.

Teng Zhibo clenched his teeth. “Manager Liu, I admit the forces behind you are truly formidable. I can’t touch you, but I still hope you’ll cooperate with our investigation.”

“This concerns the safety of the people of Huiyue City. I hope you’ll give it some thought.”

Now that Teng Zhibo’s earlier aggression had vanished, Manager Liu replied calmly, “Captain Teng, I’ve made myself perfectly clear. Whatever Mr. Lin has done, even if it’s a crime, it has nothing to do with me.”

“Millennium Mall has always upheld client confidentiality. We will not disclose a shred of client information.”

“Your colleagues from the Public Security Bureau should have explained the procedure. If you want information on Mr. Lin, you can appeal to the Imperial Capital. If your request is approved, our headquarters will instruct me to cooperate, and I will do so.”

“If you don’t have a directive from our head office, I’m afraid I can’t assist you.”

“You…” At this point, Teng Zhibo was utterly defeated. The man before him had him completely cornered, refusing to give him the slightest opening.

“Since you’re already here, Captain Teng, why not buy something from me? For you, I’ll even give a ten percent discount.”

Manager Liu smiled as he spoke.

“Manager Liu, I’ll remember you. One day, you’ll fall into my hands. I suggest you take care!” Teng Zhibo turned to leave. “Let’s go!”

Under Manager Liu’s gaze, the group departed Millennium Mall one by one.

Manager Liu looked up at the sky and sighed, “Mr. Lin, this is as much as I can do for you.”

Meanwhile, Lin Han was already standing before the Advancement Hall. After countless hardships, he had finally reached this day.

The third advancement—Life Priest!

Today, the world’s very first third-advancement priest would be born!

“Hello, I’d like to proceed with my third advancement. Please assist me. Here is the Guardian’s Heart I obtained for the advancement. Kindly verify it.”

Lin Han spoke with practiced ease.

The receptionist, recognizing Lin Han, smiled. “As expected of Mr. Lin—no one has ever moved at your speed.”

“You flatter me. It was just good fortune.”