Moreover, this spell's growth potential was extremely high.

Lu Ding had already envisioned that after using it several more times:

Rumors would inevitably spread that Corpse-Shattering Taishui used a blade, but he rarely drew it - when he did, blood would surely be spilled.

What tremendous deterrence that would be.

Anyone facing him would have second thoughts.

After gathering energy for an entire day, Lu Ding stood up, stretching his limbs with a sigh: "Ah... exhausted. Need to have Feifan stew a chicken to replenish my energy."

Suddenly, another thought occurred to him.

"Maybe I should try something different this time - a light coconut chicken hotpot?"

"Spend some contribution points to buy mountain spring water rich in spiritual energy from the earth's veins, get some rare ingredients suitable for clear broth, pair them with Ten Thousand Year White radish peel."

"Finally add a few golden pheasants."

"Heh!!!"

Lu Ding grinned: "Hotpot time again!!!"

Pulling out his phone, he transferred more than enough contribution points to Yan Feifan for ingredients while sending a voice message as he walked out of the cultivation chamber.

"Feifan, buy some ingredients suitable for clear broth hotpot. Invite Cao Ying tonight - we're having coconut chicken hotpot."

As the message sent and the cultivation chamber door opened,

He saw Li Xuanlong standing outside, apparently waiting for some time.

Spotting Lu Ding, Li Xuanlong hurriedly said: "Lu Ding, you're finally out."

"The frontline is poised to start fighting any moment. Didn't you promise to go? The private jet is ready - you can head over now."

"I've also prepared some documents for you to review during the flight."

Seeing his urgency, Lu Ding frowned slightly, sensing something amiss.

Who would rush someone straight out of seclusion?

Previously they'd always wanted him to stay longer at Yunhai 749 Bureau.

This Abnormal behavior couldn't be right.

"Teacher Li, has something happened?"

Li Xuanlong shook his head repeatedly: "No, what could happen at home? Isn't this just your usual work style?"

"No rest - perfect timing since the fighting hasn't started yet. Go familiarize yourself with the terrain and personnel while resting."

"When battle comes, you'll know the lay of the land."

"Multiple benefits at once, right?"

It sounded reasonable, but Lu Ding's thoughts were elsewhere:

"Recently there were only a few issues: the Di family extermination, Blackwater Market enclave, and Crooked-Mouth Old Man killing several Earth Observation cultivators and one Heavenly Perception cultivator."

"Plus the declaration of war, and we still haven't caught the Tianli Sect leader."

"Now that war's declared and the Di family eliminated, if someone comes for the Heavenly Perception cultivator Crooked-Mouth killed, our Yunhai won't back down."

"The Tianli Sect wouldn't dare attack either."

"The only problem is the Blackwater Market enclave."

"I killed a group of 749 investigators and reclaimed that enclave."

"If I recall correctly, that enclave originally belonged to Lingshun 749 Bureau?"

At this analysis, Li Xuanlong grew nervous.

He'd come specifically to have Lu Ding avoid Lingshun 749's deputy director.

Everyone knew regional 749 deputy directors had fiery tempers.

Just as everyone knew Lu Ding had a short fuse.

Though peaceful now,

When two fiery personalities clashed, sparks would fly.

Neither would back down.

In a fight, Lu Ding wouldn't have the advantage.

"Lu Ding, listen, it's not that complicated, just..."

As he spoke, Lu Ding continued deducing:

"They're upset I killed their people, but ordinary agents can't handle me. Given my demonstrated combat power,"

"They'd send at least an Earth Observation cultivator to save face."

"But ordinary Earth Observers lack the authority for cross-regional operations."

"So it must be someone with both status and power - probably Lingshun 749's deputy director?"

Meeting Li Xuanlong's gaze at this point,

The older man stammered: "Ah... you... I..."

Finally, Li Xuanlong could only nod.

"Right. Lingshun 749's deputy director is here. Has been for days. He insists on seeing you - won't leave until he does."

Not that he'd revealed this -

Lu Ding had figured it out himself.

He'd said nothing.

This amused Lu Ding.

"Quite the tough guy. Can't control his own people or manage Blackwater Market properly, so I handled both."

"Now he has complaints?"

"On what grounds?"

"I'll see exactly why he's so bold!!"

Lu Ding's figure blurred past Li Xuanlong.

With the challenger at their doorstep,

Backing down would mean cowardice.

With justice and home advantage, why fear confrontation?

Bring it on!

Li Xuanlung chased after him: "Lu Ding, calm down! Don't gather energy! Let's talk this through - we're brother departments!"

"Have a proper discussion, no infighting!"

Meanwhile,

In Yunhai 749 Bureau's deputy director office,

A steaming hotpot bubbled.

Ice-cold beers stood ready.

Chopsticks constantly fished out fish slices, beef, meatballs, vegetables.

Large mouthfuls disappeared quickly.

Glasses clinked.

"Come on, bottoms up!"

"Cheers, cheers!"

The two men enjoying hotpot were none other than Yunhai 749's Deputy Director Chu Jiabao and Lingshun 749's Deputy Director Ji Tai.

Between bites, Ji Tai asked:

"Old Chu, I've waited days. When will Lu Ding exit seclusion?"

"Take me to see him?"

Deputy Director Chu wrapped a steaming lamb slice in sauce, chewing slowly before swallowing.

"Don't rush," he said leisurely.

Internally, he thought:

By now, Li Xuanlong should have arranged Lu Ding's departure from Yunhai?

Ji Tai grabbed more meat: "If not visiting, then call him? I'm anxious - many matters await at home."

Chu glanced at him: "Before, a message would summon him."

"Then message him!"

"But not now."

"Why?" Ji Tai lowered his chopsticks, puzzled.

Chu pointed beneath the bronze pot: "The stove was unsteady - I used my phone as a stabilizer."