Under One Person: The End of Technique, Company Building

"Young Master Wang is suspected of using dangerous substances, intentional injury, and provoking trouble. The chain of evidence is extremely complete and has already been uploaded to the cloud and copied to major media outlets. This matter can no longer be suppressed."

Zhuge Qi extended a white-gloved finger and gently tapped the stands not far away: "Look at the eyes of those rogue cultivators up there. If the company lets you take everyone away unharmed today, then tomorrow Na Du Tong's credibility will be completely bankrupt, and this Luo Tian Grand Ceremony will have to be canceled."

"Don't try to intimidate me with your credibility!" Wang Ai sneered. "That rogue cultivator named Li Fan only suffered some internal injuries. Our Wang family has plenty of money. At worst, I'll compensate him and guarantee him a comfortable life for the rest of his days! Is that what you call intentional injury?"

"Mr. Wang, you really need to improve your legal awareness. The injury assessment isn't something you can decide on your own."

Zhuge Qi sighed, took the tablet from Ma Hong, and casually flipped through the preliminary medical diagnosis that had just been transmitted back: "Li Fan's soul was torn and damaged by the Yin spirit, and his meridians were forcibly blocked by the 'Dispersing Qi Powder' and then subjected to a violent attack. The preliminary assessment is that he is severely disabled, and even if he is cured, his cultivation for this lifetime will be ruined."

Zhuge Qi raised his head, his previously gentle gaze instantly turning as sharp as a knife: "Destroying someone's foundation is like killing their parents. Do you think Elder Wang can smooth things over with just a 'pay some money'? Do you treat the company's laws like a joke, or all the unaffiliated cultivators in the world like straw dogs?"

These words caused an uproar among the audience in the stands!

"The section chief is right!"

"Severely punish Wang Bing! A blood debt must be paid in blood!"

"Our company is mighty! We will never bow to privilege!"

The deafening roar turned Wang Ai's face deathly pale.

He then realized that Zhuge Qi was not targeting Wang Bing from the beginning, but was using Wang Bing as a tool to frantically win over the hearts and minds of the people at the bottom of the supernatural world!

How could this young man, at such a young age, be so adept at using the underhanded tactics of "manipulating public opinion" in officialdom?!

"What exactly do you want?" Wang Ai gritted his teeth, finally lowering his stance. He knew that if he continued to resist, the Wang family's centuries-old reputation would probably be ruined today.

"That's right. If we sit down and talk, we can always find a solution."

The sharpness on Zhuge Qi's face vanished instantly, replaced by a smiling expression. He took two steps forward, lowered his voice, and spoke in a volume only he and Wang Ai could hear:

"Mr. Wang, before coming here, Mr. Zhao specifically instructed me that the Ten Elders are the cornerstone of stability in the world of supernatural beings, and we should try our best to avoid damaging the relationship. Since you are willing to go through the 'mediation process,' I will also give the Wang family some face. I have three conditions here. As long as you agree, this criminal case can be converted into a 'civil dispute.'"

Wang Ai's eye twitched. He knew these "three conditions" were absolutely outrageous and exploitative, but he had no way out now: "Go ahead and say it."

Zhuge Qi raised the first finger: "First, due to 'physical discomfort,' Young Master Wang Bing is hereby withdrawing from all subsequent competitions of this year's Luo Tian Grand Ceremony. Furthermore, for the next ten years, Wang Bing will be banned for life from any competition or event organized or co-organized by the company."

Wang Ai took a deep breath.

A suspension? What's that? Wang Bing's already been eliminated today, and his reputation is ruined anyway, so this condition is insignificant. "Okay, I agree."

Zhuge Qi smiled slightly and raised his second finger: "Secondly, regarding the compensation for the victim Li Fan. Since Old Master Wang said the Wang family is wealthy, that makes things easier. In addition to covering all of Li Fan's subsequent medical and rehabilitation expenses, the Wang family must pay a one-time 'Special Person Vulnerable Group Assistance Fund' of 50 million RMB to the company account."

This money will be managed by the company and used specifically to help low-level independent cultivators like Li Fan who have suffered unfair treatment. Furthermore, this donation must be publicized in Wang Bing's name on the front page of the *Strange People's Daily* for three days.

"Fifty million?!" Wang Ai's eyes widened, almost spitting out blood. "Zhuge Qi, this is extortion! This is robbery!"

"Mr. Wang, watch your wording. This is called 'a manifestation of social responsibility,' it's helping Young Master Wang salvage his reputation. Spending fifty million to save Young Master Wang from jail, and incidentally getting the title of 'philanthropist,' you've made a killing on this deal." Zhuge Qi adjusted his glasses, his tone still unhurried. "If you think it's too expensive, no problem, Ma Hong, put him in handcuffs and take him away!"

"Wait!" Wang Ai gritted her teeth, swallowing the blood, her old hands trembling violently. "I...I'll give it! Consider it a loss to avoid further trouble!"

"Old Wang is indeed very strategic." Zhuge Qi nodded in satisfaction, then raised his third finger. "The third point is even simpler. Although he has been spared criminal detention, in order to give the public an explanation, Young Master Wang must be transferred to our Department of Extraordinary Persons and 'assist in the investigation' in the temporary detention room for forty-eight hours."

Forty-eight hours later, once the payment is received, you can send someone to pick him up and take him home at any time.

"No! Absolutely not!" Wang Ai finally exploded. "Zhuge Qi, don't push your luck! Wang Bing is a direct descendant of my Wang family. How can you detain him like a prisoner for forty-eight hours? Where will that leave the Wang family's reputation?! What if you do something to him while he's inside?!"

Zhuge Qi's smile vanished completely, and an even colder and more domineering [Dragon Tiger Aura] erupted, directly causing Wang Ai to take a half step back.

"Mr. Wang, I'm informing you, not discussing it with you."

Zhuge Qi looked down at the Ten Elders, his voice as cold as ice: "This forty-eight hours of detention is the bottom line! It's a procedure the company must follow to uphold the dignity of the law! You have to sign it today, or I'll arrest Wang Bing as a violent criminal in front of everyone in the world!"

"If you think your Wang family's reputation is more important than the laws of the country, then you're welcome to attack me right now. I want to see whether your cane, as the Tenth Elder, is stronger, or the official seal of my All-Tong Corporation is stronger!"

Dead silence.

The air in the ring felt like it was about to freeze.

Wang Ai stared intently at Zhuge Qi, his chest heaving violently. He had dominated the world of supernatural beings for decades, and never before had he been driven to such a desperate predicament by a young man in his early twenties!

But he dared not make a move.

He could see clearly that behind Zhuge Qi stood the Nadutong Company, representing the official will, and the surging public opinion of countless independent cultivators. Moreover, this kid's strength was unfathomable; that casual "Earth River Chariot" technique just now had already proven that he possessed terrifying cultivation no weaker than the Ten Elders.

If we really take action, not only will we lose, but we will also drag the entire Wang family into an abyss of no return.

"Well... well, Section Chief Zhuge, well, the Department of Extraordinary People Affairs..." Wang Ai seemed to have aged ten years in an instant. He slumped down his cane, like a defeated old dog, "This old man... admits defeat."

Upon hearing this, Wang Bing, who was lying on the ground half-dead from being crushed, rolled his eyes in despair and fainted.

"Old Ma, 'invite' Young Master Wang back to our designated reception hotel. Remember, arrange a single room, treat him to good food and drinks, and make sure he doesn't 'self-harm'." Zhuge Qi instantly withdrew his imposing aura and returned to his kind, old-fashioned demeanor.

"Yes, Section Chief!" Ma Hong strode over, picked up the unconscious Wang Bing like a chick, and then locked his hands tightly with a pair of specially made handcuffs.

Wang Ai didn't even glance at his good-for-nothing grandson. Leaning on his cane, he shuffled towards the edge of the stands. He had already lost all face today, and he didn't want to stay in this godforsaken place for another second.

Watching Wang Ai's dejected figure leave, Zhuge Qi picked up his thermos and took a big, hearty gulp.

"Ding! Detected that the host has successfully used extreme administrative pressure and psychological warfare to force Wang Ai, one of the Ten Elders, to bow down in public and sign a humiliating settlement treaty. Demonstrating the unshakeable authority of the company!"

"The host's reputation in the entire world of supernatural beings has reached an unprecedented peak!"

"Congratulations, host! Reputation points increased by 5000!"

Current reputation level: LV4 (31300/100000)

"Not bad, this wave of leeks was harvested very well." Zhuge Qi silently gave Young Master Wang a thumbs up in his heart. This is no ordinary playboy, he is clearly a walking reputation ATM.

After dealing with the Wang family's affairs, Zhuge Qi turned around and walked towards Li Fan, a rogue cultivator who had been given simple bandages by medical personnel and had barely regained a sliver of consciousness.

He knelt down and, surprisingly, pulled a clean white handkerchief from his suit pocket, personally wiping the bloodstains from Li Fan's face.

"Brother Li, I'm sorry you've been wronged." Zhuge Qi grasped Li Fan's trembling hand, his voice gentle yet firm. "I am Zhuge Qi, the head of the Extraordinary Affairs Department of Na Du Tong. On behalf of the company, I assure you that the company has already obtained justice for you."

For your subsequent treatment, please go to Beijing without worry; the company will cover all expenses. Once you've recovered, if you'd like, you can report to the unofficial logistics team of our Extraordinary Personnel Affairs Department at any time. Our company will always be the strongest support for law-abiding extraordinary persons.

Li Fan stared blankly at the high and mighty figure before him, tears instantly streaming down his face. He struggled to get up and kowtow, but Zhuge Qi held him firmly down.

"Don't move, just focus on healing. Leave the rest to us."

This scene was captured by countless mobile phones and cameras from the media at the scene.

The independent cultivators in the stands erupted in even more enthusiastic cheers and applause than before.

"Long live Section Chief Zhuge!"

"This company is awesome!"

At this moment, the image of Na Du Tong Company in the hearts of the lower-class outsiders completely changed from a cold "management organization" to a "protective umbrella" that could shield them from the bullying of powerful families.

In the VIP section, Lu Jin looked down at the young man below who had so perfectly won over the hearts of the people like a politician, and couldn't help but stroke his beard and sigh: "The younger generation is truly formidable... This little fox from the Zhuge family, with a combination of force and manipulation, not only crushed the Wang family's reputation, but also pushed the company's prestige among these rogue cultivators to its peak. That old fox Zhao Fangxu has really found a good successor."

Xu San and Xu Si stood at the edge of the stands. They looked at each other and saw a deep sense of awe in each other's eyes.

"Fourth brother, I'm completely convinced now." Xu San pushed up his glasses and said with a wry smile, "From now on, our North China branch will just have to obediently follow headquarters' orders. This Zhuge Qi's methods of manipulating people's hearts are even more terrifying than those of demons and monsters."

……

It was evening, in the simple office in the east wing of the guesthouse.

Zhuge Qi had just taken off his dusty suit jacket when the red secure phone on the table rang.

Upon answering the phone, Zhao Fangxu's signature slow voice came through: "Xiao Qi, the play on Longhu Mountain this afternoon was quite wonderful."

Zhuge Qi smiled, brewed himself a fresh cup of tea, and said, "President Zhao, you flatter me. It's all in accordance with your instructions to resolutely crack down on the illegal and unethical behavior of the privileged class and to maintain fairness and impartiality on the field. The 50 million fine will be deposited into the headquarters' account first thing tomorrow morning."

He naturally knew that what was happening here would soon reach President Zhao's ears, so there was no need for him to hide it.

He certainly had the right to make his own decisions based on his abilities, but he knew exactly who that right came from. He was also fully prepared for Mr. Zhao's questioning.

Or rather, he had been waiting for this all along.

"Don't give me that bureaucratic talk, kid." Zhao Fangxu chuckled and cursed on the other end of the phone, but his tone revealed undisguised satisfaction. "That old bastard Wang Ai just called me personally to complain that you detained Wang Bing without authorization. I shut him down with a simple 'I didn't know anything about it, I was in a meeting.'"

Well done! Those ten bastards really need a good trim.

The Wang family is a large family that needs to be controlled. Among the four families, the Wang family's actions are the least clean, but ultimately, their size is too large to easily take action against.

"With President Zhao backing me up, I, as the vanguard, naturally dare to go all out." Zhuge Qi flattered him.

"Alright, stop joking around." Zhao Fangxu's tone became more serious. "The Wang family's matter is just a side story. The main event is the clash between Zhang Chulan and Zhang Lingyu in the upcoming semi-finals and finals. You need to keep a close eye on them and absolutely cannot let anything go wrong."

Furthermore, intelligence from headquarters indicates that members of the Quanxing sect have been increasingly active around Longhu Mountain these past few days. It's time to play the card you're holding.

"Don't worry, Mr. Zhao." Zhuge Qi glanced at the darkening sky outside the window, his eyes deep and unfathomable. "The bait has been laid for a long time. Once the champion of the Luo Tian Grand Ceremony is determined, as long as they dare to take the bait, I guarantee they'll lose everything, including their principal, on Longhu Mountain!"

He had not forgotten the main purpose of his trip up the mountain; the most important thing was to protect the sect.

And facing that group of people, I can trust that they will definitely not let go of that last chance, and all I need to do is wait.