Stop it, Taoist, Your Fight almost Ruins the DAO!

"All... all at your disposal, sir." A voice transmission rang in Yi Chen's ear as he noticed Qi Yuan's face turn beet red with shock.

Despite being a cultivator of the True Person Realm's second stage, he found himself easily restrained by the man before him.

"Alas, look at my poor memory; I've completely forgotten that Brother Qi is currently inconvenienced to speak." Yi Chen released the firm grip on Qi Yuan's neck, his expression suddenly shifting from indifference to a smile, sending chills through Qi Yuan's heart.

He had never encountered such a disrespectful person.

"Brother Qi, I'm here merely by happenstance. Let's be frank with each other; you cooperate well this month, and I shall put in a good word for you to Lord Feng. I'm naturally willing to help where I can, but if I discover you're playing any tricks behind my back, don't blame me for being ruthless."

"Oh my, Brother Qi, you're still using a golden cup for your drinks." Yi Chen's expression became even more amiable as he leisurely poured fine wine into two cups on the table.

"If Brother Qi agrees, then drink this cup to the full."

Yi Chen stared into Qi Yuan's eyes, not voicing the consequences of disagreement.

For sometimes, unsaid threats can be more effective than spoken ones.

Fear, stems from the unknown.

As a Taoist well-versed in human nature, Yi Chen certainly knew the maxim that the less people know about the punishment, the more formidable it is.

"Taoist Yi, such actions will not make me wholeheartedly submissive," Qi Yuan said resentfully.

Yet, while his words were harsh, his body honestly picked up the cup from the table and drained it in one gulp.

This sight made even Yi Chen smirk.

Qi Yuan's words were as if to say, "You may have my person, but you'll never have my heart."

But what does Yi Chen want with Qi Yuan's heart? A forcibly twisted melon is enough to quench thirst.

After all, he was planning to leave in no more than a month.

"Good! Brother Qi, that's the spirit!"n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

"Assist me wholeheartedly for one month, and when it comes to the next appointment as the Prefectural Commander, I will speak on your behalf where I can. However, Brother Qi, you must produce some real achievements, otherwise, it would be hard for me to make such an endorsement."

"Brother Qi, having drunk the wine I served, cast aside your cunning thoughts. If you're double-minded, playing games with me,

While we share a golden cup, the bare blade will show no mercy!"

As soon as the word "mercy" was uttered, Yi Chen's smile abruptly turned from spring to a wintry deathly pallor; he picked up a cup from the table and downed it in one swallow.

Yi Chen's visit was intended to intimidate Qi Yuan, otherwise he wouldn't have sent Qi Yuan's two trusted aides out to maintain order.

He could intimidate Qi Yuan but could not disgrace him in public; this was giving Qi Yuan a way out.

The Yi Taoist had shown him face, and it was up to him to take it or not.

Clearly, Qi Yuan was a man aware of the times—a man who valued his reputation.

Truth be told, Yi Chen's methods were unorthodox, but he wasn't a part of the law-enforcing agency for long, just a temporary worker. With his current strength, slightly overstepping bounds was not an issue, and even if Qi Yuan complained to Feng Linsu, it wouldn't harm Yi Chen.

With strength comparable to the late stages of the True Person Realm, Yi Chen's status now barely entered the ranks of the Heavenly Dragon class.

Rules are set for those below, how could he allow them to tie down his hands and feet?

Different levels demand different methods of play.

Measures Xu Xiaoxun dares not employ, Yi Chengzi can!

Continue your story on empire

"Brother Qi, please, let's return to the Tianfeng Prefecture law-enforcing agency and discuss the plan in detail."

Under Yi Chen's coercion and enticement, Qi Yuan, along with his two aides, followed Yi Chen back to the grand hall of the Tianfeng Prefecture law-enforcing agency.

"Taoist Yi, about the case of the late Prefectural Commander..."

In the grand hall, where numerous officers were seated, Qi Yuan began to report with a poker face.

He had not anticipated Yi Chen's formidable power and had since resigned to the idea of sending away a plague god.

However, his report was cut short by Yi Chen.

Yi Chen smiled, picked up a tea cup from the table, skimmed the foam from the surface with the lid, and took a sip. "No hurry on that matter. Who can tell me, in Tianfeng Prefecture, who is the richest?"

Qi Yuan: "...."

Master Li: "...."

The people of the law-enforcing agency: "...."

With Yi Chen's question, the seated officers in the hall were caught off guard.

Wasn't this official here to investigate the case? Why is the first order of business about getting money?

For a moment, the hall was so quiet that one could hear a pin drop, and the officers hesitated to speak.

They couldn't fathom Yi Chen's intentions.

That's why Yi Chen sat above them, and they sat below.

Violence and oppression might secure obedience, but it's inadequate and unsustainable, failing to stir motivation.

Leadership is an art.

Sole reliance on oppression is ineffective.

As a Taoist who understands human nature, Yi Chen knew that a General's prestige comes from victories.

The law-enforcing agency of Tianfeng Prefecture was the least impressive Yi Chen had seen, even Longjiang Prefecture was more imposing, hence, as a special envoy dropped from the sky, after initially using violence to unify the Tianfeng Prefecture law-enforcing agency, it was essential to lead the team to a victorious endeavor, to bring wealth and benefits.

Violence brings intimidation, supplemented with monetary gain, and then the Tianfeng Prefecture law-enforcing agency would come to life, and the subordinates would loyally follow.

Interest is the real bonding agent for a team.

Of course, each person has different needs which must be addressed. Idealism is for those above, while money is the topic for those below.

Qi Yuan aspired for promotion and more resources, so Yi Chen drew him a picture of the bounty.

For others, it was money; he wanted people to know that following Yi Chengzi diligently would reward them with money—abundant money. They could use it to exchange for cultivation resources or indulge at the Pleasure Towers as they pleased.