Chapter 502: The Deed Is Done.

Thanks to the invitations, Li Xiaofei and Nan Hua easily entered the estate. Nan Hua drew countless admiring glances in her elegant gown. For a professional performer like her, this felt like a return to her element. She navigated the social scene with effortless poise.

“Don’t mind me. Go about on your own,” Li Xiaofei said casually, his attire plain and unremarkable.

“Yes,” Nan Hua replied respectfully.

A gathering like this provided an excellent opportunity to gather intelligence. Nan Hua moved through the estate with unmatched grace. Before long, she was surrounded by a group of conversationalists who were outwardly polite but secretly scheming.

Meanwhile, Li Xiaofei strolled leisurely through the estate. His simple appearance ensured that few people paid him any attention.

“What a vast estate,” he murmured.

Haijing City, the southernmost metropolis of Great Xia, was second only to Xiajing City in size. Owning such a sprawling estate within the city required immense power, influence, and wealth.

The estate boasted a swimming pool, lush greenery, flower gardens, and even a small lake. Such features, while commonplace five centuries ago, were now as extravagant as paving roads with gold and silver.

For someone like Zhang Yunchang, the director of the Qiao Hong Police Department, his official salary alone could never have financed such a property.

Li Xiaofei approached the buffet table. He moved along after grabbing a dozen plates and piling them high with a variety of delicacies. He stacked the food into small mountains and carried several beverages to a random table before digging in with gusto.

Truthfully, with his current level of cultivation, he could go without food or drink for half a month without any adverse effects. But the pleasures of taste and appetite were among life’s greatest joys. Why forgo them?

The sight of him devouring food like a starved man reincarnated drew stares of shock and whispers from those around him. Eyebrows were raised, discussions ensued, and eventually, people distanced themselves from him.

At this moment, Gong Qian and his father, Gong Yunzhen, arrived outside the estate. Both had invitations and entered without issue.

“This is what a true aristocratic family looks like,” Gong Yunzhen remarked with a sigh.

His own 200-square-meter luxury apartment in the city center had always been a source of pride and something he viewed as proof of his superior status. But compared to the Zhang family’s estate, it was utterly insignificant.

He scanned the guests scattered across the estate. Many were figures he had only ever seen on the news or television. This was indeed the inner circle of true elite power.

For a moment, Gong Yunzhen felt a trace of nervousness. However, he was no stranger to social circles, so he took a deep breath and put on a composed, yet relaxed expression.

“Qian, are you sure Young Master Zhang is truly your friend?” He confirmed again.

Gong Qian chuckled, “Father, are you actually nervous today? Don’t worry. I’ll make a call.”

He dialed a number. Moments later, Zhang Fan appeared and greeted them warmly.

"Uncle Gong, Qian, you’re here! Come with me. My father has been waiting for you," Zhang Fan smiled.

"Director Zhang knows me?" Gong Yunzhen asked, a bit surprised.

"Uncle Gong, you’re a renowned pharmacology expert at Zhendan University and one of the most authoritative figures in your field nationwide. My father has long wanted to meet you but never had the chance. Your presence at this banquet tonight is a great honor for us," Zhang Fan replied.

Though Zhang Fan appeared to only be around twenty-one or twenty-two years old and looked rather ordinary, his emotional intelligence was exceptional. His words were eloquent and polished, giving others a warm and pleasant impression. Gong Yunzhen couldn’t help but feel that his son fell short in comparison.

Zhang Fan adroitly escorted them to Zhang Yunchang, the director of the Qiao Hong Police Department.

Zhang Yunchang exhibited none of the arrogance or superiority often associated with powerful figures. Instead, he took the initiative to step forward and extend his hand to Gong Yunzhen.

"Professor Gong, you’re a titan in the academic world and a gentleman of impeccable integrity. Your visit to my humble bureaucratic household is truly an honor that lights up the Zhang Estate."

Gong Yunzhen was taken aback by such high praise. As they exchanged pleasantries, the two quickly became well-acquainted.

Zhang Yunchang added, "There are a few distinguished guests arriving tonight. I’ll introduce you to them later, Brother Gong."

The two were already addressing each other as equals. A short while later, when Gong Yunzhen laid eyes on the distinguished guests, he was stunned.

The person who had entered was none other than Aztast, the Inspector of the Star Council's Haijing City division. Aztast was ranked second on Haijing City’s list of top Saints; a true giant standing at the pinnacle of power.

But what shocked Gong Yunzhen even more was the familiarity between Zhang Yunchang and Aztast. The two greeted each other warmly, shaking hands and conversing like old acquaintances.

Two more individuals followed Aztast. The first was Yang Zhihou, the Consul General of the Yiggs Union in Haijing City. Though he was of Great Xia descent, Yang Zhihou was a Yiggs national and ranked fifth on Haijing City’s list of top Saints. The second was Glenn Johnson, the Consul General of the European Independent Nations Alliance in Haijing City. Also a Saint, he was ranked ninth on the same list.

These three figures would be beyond Gong Yunzhen’s reach under normal circumstances. Yet today, thanks to Zhang Yunchang’s introductions, Gong Yunzhen found himself shaking hands with them and even exchanging contact information.

The full extent of Zhang Yunchang’s connections left Gong Yunzhen utterly stunned. He had never imagined that the police director’s network extended to such extraordinary heights. Alongside his shock, excitement surged through him.

If he had Zhang Yunchang’s support, the plans he had been quietly devising seemed destined for success. Moreover, if he managed things wisely, he could even secure an alliance with Aztast and the other two. In that case, replacing Lu Xufeng to become the principal of Zhendan University would no longer be a dream but tangible reality.

Determined to make the most of this rare opportunity, Gong Yunzhen composed himself. He strived to embody the poise of a cultured man as he maintained a balance of reserved dignity and the occasional interjection. His demeanor was elegant and refined, as he strove to leave a positive impression.

“You wrote a truly excellent paper, Gong Yunzhen,” Aztast said with a smile. “Your research on using Lokiromycin to suppress immune rejection during the transplantation of Inscribed Treasure Bones from star beasts was groundbreaking. I’ve read it thoroughly; it’s truly ahead of its time. I hope we can collaborate in the future.”

Gong Yunzhen’s heart nearly leapt out of his chest. That paper was his proudest work. He was surprised to learn that even Aztast had taken note of it.

Gong Yunzhen suppressed his excitement with difficulty as he tried to reply calmly, "I never expected that you, Inspector, would take an interest in pharmacology. Your praise is too kind. After all, the origins and authority of pharmacology all traces back to the Yiggs Union. My modest achievements are merely the result of studying the papers of Professor James of Vorha University and benefiting from his guidance."

Aztast raised an eyebrow. "You know Dean James personally?"

Gong Yunzhen nodded. "Indeed, we’ve had some academic exchanges."

Aztast burst into laughter. "I also had the privilege of studying under Professor James for a while. It seems we’re quite connected."

The conversation flowed effortlessly. Before long, Zhang Yunchang subtly steered the discussion to Zhendan University. Then, as if by chance, it moved to the matter of selecting the next principal.

“Gong Yunzhen, you truly are a paragon among Great Xia’s scholars,” Aztast said. “I will recommend to the Star Council that you take up the position of principal. A scholar of your caliber leading a university would be a blessing for all humanity.”

Yang Zhihou, the Yiggs Union Consul General, injected in fluent Mandarin, "The Yiggs Ivy League Alliance looks forward to deeper and more frequent exchanges with Great Xia’s universities. Brother Yunzhen, we see you as the ideal person to helm such initiatives. Rest assured, we will fully support your candidacy for principal."

This open endorsement nearly caused Gong Yunzhen to faint from sheer joy. He understood perfectly well that this was the Yiggs Union and other foreign powers expressing their dissatisfaction with Lu Xufeng, a staunch nationalist of Great Xia.

They wanted to install a representative in Haijing City’s academic circles that could influence Great Xia’s culture from the roots of its education system. Foreign powers wanted to control Great Xia. But so what? An opportunity to rise to the top was right in front of him; who wouldn’t seize it?

Gong Yunzhen immediately expressed his willingness to promote cultural exchanges and integration programs between Great Xia and foreign nations. The atmosphere grew even more convivial as the host and guests thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

At this moment, Gong Yunzhen let out a soft sigh.

“Everyone has been so kind to me today; I truly feel unworthy. In fact, my visit tonight was driven by a matter for which I must ask for your help, Brother Zhang.”

He quickly recounted the details of the murder case that had occurred within Zhendan University.

“Such a heinous incident was suppressed by the Police Department and left seven grieving families with no avenue for justice. This callous disregard for human life is truly infuriating,” Gong Yunzhen declared with righteous indignation.

“What? Something like this happened?” Zhang Yunchang and Aztast exchanged glances with the others, a spark of opportunity flashing in their eyes.

If it was handled correctly, this scandal could shake Lu Xufeng’s position as principal to its core. Despite Lu Xufeng’s towering reputation as a master in the academic field and his immense popularity among the underprivileged, an incident of this magnitude could ruin his reputation overnight. This was a heaven-sent opportunity.

“Brother Gong, rest assured. The Police Department will investigate this matter thoroughly and ensure that no wrongdoer escapes justice,” Zhang Yunchang declared immediately.

They quickly reached a consensus as they all decided to cooperate. Originally, Gong Yunzhen’s goal had been to secure the vice principal position. Now, however, it seemed even the position of principal might be within reach. A few moments later, several more influential figures from Haijing City entered the parlor and took their seats.

A small, closed-door meeting was in motion. The central agenda was devising strategies to dismantle Haijing City's new policies. The banquet's true purpose was now clear. It was meant to unite all opposition forces and create insurmountable obstacles for Xue Xuanqi’s reforms. They would ensure that the new policies would fail before they even took root.

“We will eliminate Xue Xuanqi’s two main allies, Huang Fulai and Zhu Kunyu within three days. Without them, Xue Xuanqi is nothing more than a toothless tiger,” Aztast promised the attendees.

Assassinating government officials?

The revelation left Gong Yunzhen’s heart pounding with unease. He knew that being privy to such a plan meant there was no turning back. He was now fully aboard the Yiggs faction’s ship.

But it didn’t matter. Birds risk their lives for food, while people risk their lives for fortune. He had already made his decision long ago.

As the meeting wrapped up, Zhang Fan entered, pulling Gong Qian along. He said excitedly, “Dad, Uncle Gong, you won’t believe this! We just spotted the guy who committed the murders at Zhendan University. He’s feasting outside like nothing happened.”

“Oh?” Zhang Yunchang looked surprised.

Could this person be a relative or a follower of some powerful figure?

Gong Yunzhen’s eyes flickered with an idea. “Brother Zhang, if we capture this person, it will solidify the claim that Zhendan’s leadership is shielding the culprit. Our plan will be unshakable.”

Zhang Yunchang gave him a meaningful glance and smiled. “Well, the meeting’s over anyway. Let’s all go have a look and see what kind of three-headed, six-armed individual dares to come to my banquet after murdering seven Zhendan students.”

He led a group of a dozen or so guests outside, leaving only Aztast and the other major players behind. After all, such a minor matter wasn’t worth their involvement.