Chapter 39: Chapter 34: Plainclothes? All I Saw Were Would-Be Thieves Caught in the Act

“Director Ding, you look much plumper than you do on TV…”

Looking at Ning An, who was cheerful, Ding Yizhen relaxed his expression and warmly smiled, saying:

“I’ve heard there’s a Daoist temple in our city, where any wish made is granted. I never believed it until today, seeing the Daoist master, I feel like this truly must be an Immortal Mansion.”

This wasn’t flattery; it came from the bottom of Ding Yizhen’s heart.

The little Daoist in front of him walked with vigor; his eyes were bright. Though his robe was a bit worn, he exuded a transcendent aura.

Having been through thick and thin for years and having met countless people, Ding Yizhen could tell at a glance that this person was not just a pretty face.

“Director Ding, with such praise, I might get cocky, hahaha.”

As the two walked to the Prayer Hall, Ning An smiled at the live broadcast stream.

“Dear believers, please wait a moment; the little Daoist will be right back.”

Some keen-eyed viewers bypassed Ning An and directly focused on Ding Yizhen.

“Whoa… isn’t that our city’s police chief? I saw him during the official live broadcast capture of Brother Lao Tuo.”

“I told you, Brother Sect Leader has an extraordinary background, see, this is what true connections look like!”

“What a pity, that scene just now wasn’t captured, someone needs to curb this bad vibe.”

“Enough talk, I’ll pay my respects to Brother before the Ancestors and my Foster Father!”

Looking at the comments on the screen.

Ning An didn’t even roll his eyes; instead, he laughingly murmured:

“If Changchun Temple had such a background, it would’ve moved to the city long ago; no need for the Ancestors to suffer in the deep woods.”

Watching Ning An leading the way ahead, Ding Yizhen kept his poise but observed closely.

After confirming that Elder An planned to come here to offer incense, he arranged for staff to scout in advance, while organizing experts from the bureau to gather information and model Ning An’s personality.

This was very crucial!

To some extent, it determined the upper management’s basic stance on whether or not to intervene forcefully.

Usually, if encountering a Daoist temple called the Evil God Cult, people would just chuckle, treating it as harmless folklore.

But with Elder An coming, it naturally brought the heavy gaze from above.

Being cautious was worthwhile!

The planning department initially intended to wait until the officers thoroughly investigated, then act accordingly.

If the Daoist temple and its practitioners harbored antisocial or anti-state tendencies, sorry, they would suppress this antagonist forcefully!

If they were otherworldly and abstained from worldly pleasures, they would kindly relocate him temporarily, then urgently transfer a Daoist under direct control to take over.

The trickiest was someone like Ning An, whose deeds and style adhered to the rules and posed no clear hostility towards society.

He even proactively called requesting to pay taxes two days ago…

For goodness’ sake!

It’s as if he’s so regular it’s disturbing!

Without dwelling further, after a few rounds of navigating, they finally reached the woodshed.

When Ning An opened the door, Ding Yizhen’s eyes widened in disbelief.

Inside the woodshed, besides a pile of kindling, there were only a few broken wooden boards as beds.

One placed here, two stacked over there, like randomly planted cabbages, while atop the boards were six members, more haphazard than cabbages.

Seeing this, Ding Yizhen was initially relieved.

Though old, he had sharp eyes, and while these plain clothed officers were knocked out, no fatalities had occurred.

The difference in handling is vast between injuries and no injuries.

But at the same time, a sense of surreal eeriness arose in Ding Yizhen.

From the front hall to the back room, inside and out, he’d only seen the Daoist Ning An…

These were seven strong men, not seven little ducks.

Even ducks would quack once or twice before being knocked out!

Suppressing his surprise, Ding Yizhen formally introduced himself:

“Let me introduce myself, I am Ding Yizhen, tasked by superiors to inspect potential safety hazards at Changchun Temple.”

He went straight to the point.

After all, the covert inspection had failed, and with little time left before Elder An’s arrival, he needed to act decisively.

“… As it should be…”

Upon hearing this, Ning An was dumbfounded.

Look at that statement, what is meant by potential safety hazards?

Might as well outright say they don’t trust this Evil God Cult Leader.

With the tone set, naturally, they moved on to the main issue.

Ding Yizhen pulled out a pack of cigarettes, casually lit one, and amidst the swirling smoke, said:

“Your Changchun Temple is well-known even nationwide, even the higher-ups are aware, and soon your Lord Ancestor’s incense money will surely increase. Congratulations, congratulations.”

“Pfft!”

Ning An found it amusing; since ancient times, official matters tended to follow the three declinations and three refusals approach, didn’t they?

Ning An didn’t respond, only smiled, looking at Ding Yizhen, indicating clearly.

No more nonsense, just get to the point.

Feeling awkward, Ding Yizhen didn’t want to reveal his cards yet, deciding to test further, spoke meaningfully:

“Alright, I won’t say much, but you should understand, forcibly injuring and detaining seven officers, by law, would result in serious consequences, no?”

“Hey, what officers? The little Daoist only saw thieves failing their attempt, heroically handled without harm by the owner, then reported directly to the police chief!”

Wow, genius!

Ding Yizhen couldn’t help but inhale his smoke twice.

If this isn’t genius, what is?

He wasn’t angry though; negotiations often involve bickering, true outcomes emerge in moments.

As Ding Yizhen prepared another round of rhetoric, Ning An straightforwardly said:

“Director Ding… there’s no need to beat around the bush, let’s be direct.”

“You came today for two things: First, a high-ranking individual wants to offer incense here, so you’re scouting; second, you’re figuring out a way to oust me, replace me with your Daoist, and once he’s done, let me return? Right?”

Watching Director Ding’s usual calm demeanor finally show a trace of surprise, Ning An leaned in slightly, smiling:

“Your officers are top-notch, they haven’t said a word.”

Seeing the deep mistrust in Director Ding’s eyes, Ning An lightly coughed and asked:

“The notable figure coming here to pray, isn’t it because of your belief in my efficacy?”

“Your people actually hid very well, but their mistake lay in pretending to be incense burners and making wishes. At Changchun Temple, once the Ancestors hear a wish, it is responded to without fail, and I, as the intermediary, know everything.”

“… Oh…”

Hearing this, Ding Yizhen remained noncommittal, but acted more casually.

If given more time, he’d even consider sitting down to enjoy Ning An’s lively story.

Ning An didn’t explain further but instead emphasized:

“Evicting the disciples of one’s own Ancestors to bring in outside Daoists to chant scriptures, Director Ding, you know, is an unbearable fact for any Daoist temple!”

“That’s why we’re negotiating with you, because you don’t know his significance to the nation… In front of me, you dare to…”

“Hey, don’t pin accusations on me yet.”

Originally intending to appeal emotionally, reason logically, and deliver a final warning, Ding Yizhen was interrupted by Ning An, who smiled:

“The little Daoist understands boundaries and naturally won’t provoke you; watch this video before saying anything else.”

Half-believing, Ding Yizhen took the phone Ning An handed over, where a surveillance video was stored.

After merely glancing at the footage, Director Ding felt as if he was transported back to his days working in the Land of Abundance.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep