Chapter 705: Chapter 168: Mr. Fang Makes a Move, Turning the Tables! [Ten Thousand Words]_5

Moreover, this set of swordsmanship complements his own perfectly, and they can definitely benefit each other, allowing him to reach greater heights.

What reason is there to refuse?

Those people do not belong to Baiyun State anyway.

A young man nearby frowned and said, "Deputy Hall Master Fang, you are the Deputy Hall Master of Baiyun State, not the Deputy Hall Master of the world. You may investigate Baiyun State as you please, but you also want to investigate those who have long been outside and no longer belong to Baiyun State? Aren’t you overstepping your bounds?"

Fang Che smiled warmly, "It’s my duty."

"But before this, the Guardian Hall in Baiyun State, with its centuries-old investigations, never probed this aspect. Has Mr. Fang actually changed the rules of the Guardian Hall upon taking office?"

Another young man interrupted.

They were already annoyed at Fang Che referring to himself as ’I’, and found it extremely grating to the ear.

Now seeing this guy not budging at all, they were even more infuriated.

Fang Che squinted, placed his hands behind his back, and assumed an official posture; tilting his body to the side, the three Golden Stars on his collar shone brightly as he said coldly, "Whatever the previous rules were, I don’t know. But now, I am responsible for the investigation! What I say goes; the rules I set are the rules!"

Everyone was momentarily stunned.

This guy actually directly claimed his official authority, and his posture was full of arrogance, as if he was going to insist?

"Therefore, as long as I am in office, everything must follow the rules I set!"

Fang Che said calmly, "I know the Zhu Family is the wealthiest, with vast roots and connections. But I am conducting an investigation to root out spies and the demon race from the Demon Sect! The responsibility is heavy, and I dare not take it lightly."

The Grand Dowager’s face also turned somewhat unpleasant; perhaps in all these years, no one had ever dared to not give her face directly.

Her eyes narrowed, and she smiled, "Mr. Fang, I suggest you consider properly. My proposal is not unreasonable; it’s based on past practice, posing no difficulty for you. Why make things difficult?"

Fang Che responded calmly, "By rights, it’s a face I could give to the Grand Dowager. But, if I give face to the Grand Dowager, then who will be responsible for the safety of the millions in Baiyun State?"

The Grand Dowager was taken aback.

This guy, starting as though he was about to give face, but then with a turn of phrase, he practically twisted his words.

The benevolent face of the Grand Dowager also turned grim, and she said mildly, "I feel a bit tired."

This was an indirect way of asking them to leave.

Fang Che said calmly, "The Grand Dowager is old, perhaps you should rest a bit; but the complete registry of the Zhu Family’s members, Family Head Zhu, I should be able to obtain it tomorrow, right?"

The Grand Dowager replied, "Rest assured, Mr. Fang, come tomorrow and you will definitely get it."

"Thank you very much then."

Fang Che said, "As for the painting, I’ll come by from time to time to take a look, should be no problem, right?"

Everyone laughed in exasperation.

How unaware can you be? Things have escalated to this point, and you’re still thinking about looking at paintings?

"Our Zhu Family is just a merchant family, and generally not very welcoming to outsiders. Moreover, as a government official, if Mr. Fang comes frequently, it might lead others to think something has happened in our family or that we have broken some law."

The Grand Dowager’s face was as cold as frost, "It’s not convenient."

Fang Che frowned, "Just rejected like that? So decisively?"

When the Grand Dowager showed anger, Fang Che carefully observed and keenly felt, at that moment, a superior presence, as if not belonging to the mortal world, an Immortal Energy briefly appeared.

And the Spiritual Energy and aura from the four young men and women beside her, when the Grand Dowager showed anger, were similarly filled with a mystical feel.

The Grand Dowager had closed her eyes and stopped speaking.

An investigation that had been harmonious suddenly plummeted below freezing point!

Zhu Shaoyun, with a stern face, forced a smile, "Mr. Fang, please."

Fang Che squinted, "Are you trying to drive me away?"

Zhu Shaoyun replied calmly, "I dare not, but since Mr. Fang needs the list tomorrow, time is pressing, and I must prepare promptly."

Fang Che snorted, "In that case, I will come early tomorrow morning. Family Head Zhu, if you can’t produce the list, you know what I mean."

A hint of cold flashed in Zhu Shaoyun’s eyes, "Mr. Fang, must you be so aggressive?"

Fang Che coldly snorted, "Wasn’t it you who promised to produce the list tomorrow?"

"Humph!"

"Humph!"

With mutual snorts, the two, who were getting along quite well earlier, left with cold faces back to the small parlor.

Then Mr. Fang and the other two were escorted out.

As they passed the main hall, Fang Che turned again to look at the large painting on the wall.

Only then did Yun Jianqiu and Jing Xiuyun notice the painting; it showed countless mountains and valleys hidden within drifting clouds and mist, with magnificent palaces shining with golden light under the sun.

These palaces seemed to be built upon the clouds.

Truly a place where only gods could reside.

Mr. Fang’s eyes were entranced, greedily taking a few more glances.

Zhu Shaoyun said lightly, "Mr. Fang, still haven’t had enough of a look?"

"Can’t get enough, can’t get enough..."

Mr. Fang said absentmindedly, then came to his senses, and coldly snorted, "Just a painting, what’s there to look at! Let’s go!"

He strode out first.

But as he reached the door, he couldn’t help but turn his head again.

Zhu Shaoyun snorted coldly.

His gaze was icy.

The three were almost driven out through the main gate.

"No need to see you out!"

Zhu Shaoyun said coldly, immediately turning back to his house.

Jing Xiuyun and Yun Jianqiu were both baffled; wasn’t everything fine just a moment ago? The Family Head regarded Mr. Fang like he was a beloved father, so warm and overly cordial.

How did it end up with them being kicked out just like that in no time?