One person said: The essence of Wuhou Qimen lies not in Qimen, but in Wuhou.

A robust, elderly voice came from the other end of the phone, so loud it couldn't be muffled by the receiver, causing Zhao Fangxu to move the phone half an inch away from his ear: "Chairman Zhao, I, Lu Jin, have always been straightforward and never beat around the bush! Are you in your office right now?"

Zhao Fangxu put the microphone back to his ear, and his smile immediately adjusted to a perfect curve—not flattery, not falsehood, but the respect and warmth a junior should have for a senior.

His tone was gentle and polite, every word carrying respect for the older generation of supernatural leaders: "Senior Lu, you flatter me. You don't need to call me Chairman Zhao—this isn't work time, we're in private contact. I'm the junior, you're the senior, you can just call me Xiao Zhao. Please tell me what you need, and as long as it's within my ability, I will do my best to handle it."

He changed the subject, his tone still as calm as lukewarm water, but his words subtly added a layer of protection: "However, recently—the higher-ups are cracking down on Party conduct and discipline, and the disciplinary requirements for work are much stricter than before. As you know, at this juncture, everyone is watching closely, and many things have to be done according to the rules. But as long as it doesn't violate the principles of the Party organization, as the Tenth Elder, you can speak up, and it will all be within the scope of your work. We'll handle things officially, and I'll make sure to take care of all the necessary procedures for you."

Lu Jin on the other end of the phone was silent for a second.

This moment wasn't one of being choked up, but rather one of savoring the meaning behind every word Zhao Fangxu said.

Although Lu Jin has a fiery temper and is straightforward, he is definitely not stupid to have risen to the position of one of the Ten Elders in the world of supernatural beings.

What Zhao Fangxu said can be translated as: I can help if needed, but don't make me break the rules. The higher-ups are cracking down hard right now, and I, Zhao Fangxu, am taking the fall myself.

"I understand what you mean. I won't make things difficult for you."

Lu Jin's voice was still loud, but it had softened somewhat, carrying a hint of understanding. "I'm at the company gate right now. I'm looking for the new Director Zhuge—he's here on the Old Master's orders—to find out what's going on. Is he here?"

There was a brief silence on Zhao Fangxu's end of the phone.

That wasn't ordinary silence; it was the kind of silence that comes from being hit by a "hot potato," where the brain races and frantically searches for the best solution.

He opened his mouth and uttered two monosyllables without any follow-through: "This? This?"

Upon hearing those two words, Lu Jin immediately objected.

He had lived for over a hundred years and had seen all sorts of things. What he disliked most was people playing coy and hesitant games in front of him.

His volume instantly rose by half an octave, his booming voice booming through the phone line, making Zhao Fangxu's eardrums ring: "What? Is it so difficult? I'm not looking for a fight! I just want to ask him about something! Is that not allowed? Are all leaders this arrogant these days? Back in the day, when I went to Zhongnanhai to see the leaders, it wasn't this difficult!"

Zhao Fangxu's voice, though polite, betrayed a hint of anxiety.

His speech quickened noticeably, but his wording remained impeccable, like a luxury sedan flooring the accelerator on a highway without veering off course: "Senior Lu, be careful what you say! Don't say anything that could be detrimental to unity! It's not that I don't want you to see me—look at the time! It's working hours! Where are we? This is the company headquarters!"

Director Zhuge just finished a meeting, conveying the important spirit of the Party organization. He has a huge stack of work documents in his hand, and tonight he has to take a special plane to Jiangxi—to put it more broadly, Director Zhuge is now conveying the spirit of the Party organization, and as members of the country, we must cooperate; it's every citizen's duty. As one of the Ten Elders, you should set an example. Don't you agree, Senior Lu?"

Lu Jin did not refute these words.

He remained silent for a moment—not because he was convinced, but because he understood.

In Zhao Fangxu's words, every "Director Zhuge" is preceded by "Party organization," and every "must" is followed by "obligation" and "exemplary role model." This is not to stop him, but to remind him.

Zhao Fangxu was telling him in a way only those within the system could understand: This person isn't someone you can just meet casually; he doesn't just represent himself, he represents the entire system. You can see him, but you have to follow the rules. If you follow the rules, I'll open the door for you. If you don't, even I, Zhao Fangxu, can't handle it.

Lu Jin's status and experience in the martial arts world were fully demonstrated at this moment.

He didn't get angry, nor did he force his way in. Instead, he asked directly, in a tone that suggested he already understood the rules of the game: "I didn't say I wouldn't cooperate. You're the company's leader, so frankly, it's about work—I understand. I, Lu Jin, have lived this long; what rules haven't I seen? I won't let you offend the wrong people. I understand—then tell me, how can I get in to see this Director Zhuge without offending anyone?"

Zhao Fangxu loosened his grip on the microphone slightly.

That's exactly what he was waiting for.

His voice returned to its gentle and steady tone, but with a hint of guidance, as if he were explaining a new procedure to a senior colleague. Every word was full of patience and respect: "Then you'll have to ask me, Senior Lu."

"What do you want to ask?"

Zhao Fangxu cleared his throat, sat up straight, and tapped his fingers lightly on the table.

His next words were deliberate and precise, each word like a standard template taken from an official document: "Senior Lu, you are the head of the Ten Elders. Recently, some noteworthy situations have arisen in the world of supernatural beings. According to relevant regulations and rules of procedure, it is necessary to report the current work progress to the company. This is the duty of the Ten Elders and an important part of the regular communication mechanism between the world of supernatural beings and the company."

He paused, then emphasized, "Moreover, this work report involves the relevant functions of the Party Committee's Inspection Office. According to organizational procedures, Director Zhuge needs to personally listen to the report and sign it for confirmation. This is both an organizational procedure and a sign of respect and recognition for the work of the Ten Elders."

Lu Jin paused for two seconds on the other end of the phone, then suddenly laughed.

The laughter carried a sense of sudden enlightenment, like "I finally understand," and also a hint of admiration for Zhao Fangxu's impeccable political maneuvering: "Good! Good! I understand—Chairman Zhao!"

His tone suddenly became serious, as if he were reading a formal application report, his voice loud and solemn: "I am Lu Jin, the Tenth Elder! I need to report on my recent work to the Party Committee's Inspection Office! I'm looking for Director Zhuge! Now, immediately, is that alright?"

Zhao Fangxu's lips curled up slightly; the smile was faint, but it was definitely there.

He adjusted his posture and finished the call in a standard official tone: "Received. Please wait a moment, Senior Lu, while I consult with Director Zhuge. In the meantime, please wait patiently at the main gate; staff will process your visitor registration. It's hot, so please take precautions against the heat. The road conditions are also poor, so please be patient and wait patiently."