Then let them offer their loyalty!

Chapter 544 Old Pang: Let's Flip the Table! (10,000 words)

Upon hearing Pang Haichen's words, Pei Jing was startled.

Even though he had been in a high position for many years and was used to remaining calm in the face of adversity, Pei Jing still couldn't control his expression for a moment when he heard the shocking news.

He was even more shocked when the news came from Pang Lao, the head of the "academic school".

So he couldn't help but turn to look at Pang Haichen, "Old Pang... how is this possible?"

It's no wonder Pei Jing asked that question.

The "academic faction" has the trump card of the "Eighth Sanctuary Officers' Academy." As a school specifically for training mid- to low-ranking officers in the Eighth Sanctuary, the "academic faction" has supplied the sanctuary with far too many talents over the years.

Half of them were sent from other factions for further study, but nearly half of them joined the "academic faction" after graduation and then went to work in various unplanned areas.

This allowed the "academic faction" to expand its influence rapidly throughout the Eighth Sanctuary.

It has long since become the second largest faction after the "Iron-Blooded Faction".

If it weren't for the fact that the "Fengtian Clique" had so many middle and senior-level members, even Tang Lao's second-in-command position would probably have been given to Pang Haichen.

Such a large scale itself is a form of protection.

After all, in peacetime, the principle of "the law does not punish the masses" still applies.

In such chaotic times, if you dare to attack a major faction, they might rebel at any moment.

This is why Pei Jing hesitated to tell Pang Haichen what he had said.

Pang Haichen was not surprised by Pei Jing's surprise and doubt. He looked ahead without any joy or sorrow.

To ensure the secrecy of this conversation, he even replaced his driver with his personal secretary.

Therefore, without outsiders present, he can also talk about more sensitive topics.

He said with a stern face, "Why is it impossible?"

He seemed to read Pei Jing's mind, so he countered with a question, "Do you think that our 'academic faction' is now so powerful and entrenched that the shelter can't touch us?"

Hearing Pang Haichen's blunt words, Pei Jing hesitated for a moment, but finally replied, "Yes."

Upon hearing this, Pang Haichen did indeed shake his head slightly.

He said with a disappointed look, "If you think that way, then you're wrong."

"It is precisely because our 'academic faction' has become so prominent that it has become a thorn in the side and a stumbling block for other factions."

Upon hearing Pang Haichen's words, Pei Jing frowned deeply and did not speak easily, but continued to listen to Pang Haichen.

Pang Haichen leaned back in the car, eyes closed, fingers lightly tapping his knee, then slowly said, "The 'Officer Academy,' as the cradle for training lower- and middle-ranking officers in the entire shelter, wields immense influence."

"Holding the academic school in hand is equivalent to holding the lifeline of the shelter in hand."

"Don't think I'm exaggerating. You only see the present, but not the future."

"The 'Officer's Academy' has only been established for ten years, yet the 'academic faction' has already swelled to this extent."

"In another 10 years, a large portion of the middle and lower classes will be graduates of our academy. The military, the investigation department, and the city hall will all be staffed by our people."

"And the middle and upper management of other factions are all getting old. Who can check and balance our 'academic' faction?"

"Has the shelter suddenly become the domain of us 'academics'?"

Do you think the "Fengtian Clique" or the "Iron-Blooded Faction" would be willing to see this situation?

At this point, Pang Haichen paused for a moment, then concluded, "This is the reason why the shelter was in such a hurry to attack us."

Upon hearing Pang Haichen's words, Pei Jing fell silent for a moment.

His square face was filled with deep thought and seriousness, as if he were truly contemplating the "future scenario" that Pang Haichen had mentioned.

After thinking quietly for a while, he slowly said, "Schools and education are inherently a more scientific and faster way to discover and cultivate talent."

"They're targeting us."

Upon hearing Pei Jing's words, Pang Haichen gave a deep "hmm," and then began to talk about recent events.

“A lot has happened at the shelter recently. At first, the incidents were isolated, so I didn’t think much of it.”

"But gradually, I realized that something was wrong."

“I have been transferred away from the central government, and you have had your military power revoked. Huang Shangzong has been dismissed from his post.”

"Old Tian and Old Cao were both arrested for some very minor things."

"Many of our 'academic' mid-to-senior level staff have been reassigned for various reasons."

Pang Haichen paused his movements slightly, then slowly opened his eyes, his gaze filled with anger and resentment.

He said, "I originally genuinely believed it was all a coincidence."

"But last night, the more I thought about it, the more I felt something was wrong."

"One or two things can be considered a coincidence. But three, four, or even five things can't all be said to be coincidences, can they?"

Pang Haichen's eyes blazed with fury. "So, after thinking it over, I think they're just slowly boiling a frog in water!"

"They are gradually dismantling our 'academic' school!"

"They think that if they act gently and offer some sweet treats, keeping us hanging on, we'll eventually develop an ostrich mentality or deceive ourselves!"

At this point, Pang Haichen slapped his leg hard and roared, "Why?!"

"Even a fool's rage can spill blood five steps away!"

"We've been in the 'academic' camp for so many years, surely we can cause a huge uproar?!"

Pei Jing was originally a staunch loyalist of Pang Haichen; otherwise, Pang Haichen would not have promoted and recommended him time and time again!

Therefore, upon hearing Pang Haichen's resolute words, Pei Jing, who had initially hesitated and felt that something was amiss, finally stopped considering and hesitating!

He turned his head, then gave a firm salute and said, "Teacher! Please don't hesitate to ask if there's anything you need me to do!"

Pei Jing came from an academic background and was the most outstanding among the first batch of students trained by Pang Haichen.

Therefore, by calling Pang Haichen "teacher," Pei Jing clearly made his attitude completely clear.

Sure enough, upon hearing Pei Jing's address, Pang Haichen showed a satisfied expression.

He looked at Pei Jing, patted him heavily on the shoulder, and said, "Pei Jing, I really have something I hope you can help me with."

Upon hearing this, Pei Jing quickly replied, "Teacher, please speak."

Pang Haichen looked at him, his eyes filled with darkness, and lowered his voice, saying, "I hope you can return to Beiyun Prefecture..."

Pei Jing was startled, but quickly calmed down.

He asked, "You mean...?"

The darkness in Pang Haichen's pupils had become as thick as ink...

His face turned ruthless. He raised his hand as if it were a knife and made a downward slicing motion. "Since the shelter wants to use us as scapegoats!"

"Then let's just stage a military coup!"

"As long as we have military power, plus the talent we've cultivated over the years, neither the shelter nor the other side will dare to act rashly!"

"At that time, we can negotiate with the shelter. Whether we take back our rightful place or the negotiations break down and we become independent and establish the 9th shelter, it's all fine!"

"We can attack or defend! We'll be in an invincible position right now!"

Upon hearing Pang Haichen's words, Pei Jing finally showed a troubled expression.

Pang Haichen's words sound nice.

A military remonstrance...isn't that just a rebellion?

However, everyone knows that rebellion is the most dangerous thing in the world, and also the thing with the lowest success rate.

If it succeeds, that's fine; if it fails... a lot of people will die.

So, if they weren't forced to, who would rebel?

However, Pang Haichen clearly understood his student's personality perfectly, so the closer it got to this crucial moment, the less he urged him, and simply waited quietly.

If Pang Haichen gives orders or tries to persuade him, Pei Jing might argue back and debate a few points.

Now that Pang Haichen had finished speaking, he stopped talking, which immediately made Pei Jing's thoughts even more complicated.

On one side was a refuge and a matter of life and death; on the other was his mentor who had guided him for many years...

Finally, after hesitating for a full two minutes, Pei Jing gritted his teeth, his square face hardening with determination, and said, "Okay, teacher! I'll listen to you!"

Upon seeing Pei Jing's agreement, Pang Haichen's face clearly broke into a smile.

He patted his prized student heavily on the shoulder and said with a look of satisfaction, "I knew I hadn't misjudged you."

After saying that, he added, "Don't worry, I've arranged everything for you."

“As the Speaker of the New South Wales Legislative Assembly, you certainly cannot leave New South Wales at will.”

"But it's alright, I'll use the 'Exchange Ring' to send you to Beiyun Prefecture."

The "Swap Rings" are a magical item. Generally, each pair of "Swap Rings" has two rings.

Each of the two rings is worn by one person, and no matter how far apart they are, as long as they do not cross worlds or spaces, they can instantly switch places with each other.

Both parties can provide the resources required for the summoning. The greater the distance and the stronger the power, the higher the cost will be.

Furthermore, the summoning will only take effect after the cost has been successfully paid.

Therefore, this Cataclysmic Treasure Artifact can indeed allow Pei Jing to travel to Beiyun Prefecture without anyone noticing, regain military power, and then stage a military coup!

But that's not all.

After helping Pei Jing solve the biggest problem, Pang Haichen continued, "Don't worry, besides you, I've also contacted some of our people."

“As soon as you start, they will immediately respond in other states or in shelters.”

"This way, we'll have a bigger voice, and the shelter will be even more hesitant to act."

"And I will go straight to the central government and confront Rao Shou and Tang Wanfeng."

Upon hearing Pang Haichen's words, the last trace of hesitation in Pei Jing's eyes finally vanished completely.

He gave a deep "hmm," his gaze sharp as an eagle's and a wolf's, "Understood."

Seeing that Pei Jing agreed, Pang Haichen finally seemed to relax a little.

His gaze was fixed on the rushing scenery outside the window, the darkness in his eyes so intense it seemed impossible to dissipate...

Last night, after discovering that Rao Shou, Tang Wanfeng, and Qiu Tu were plotting together, he began to think about ways to break the deadlock and protect himself.

This... might be the only way for him to escape unscathed...

......

Meanwhile, in Xingze City, Dizhou, Qiu Tu's villa.

"Waaah... Waaah... Cough cough cough... gulp..."

Seeing her like that, Qiu Tu said with a mix of amusement and exasperation, "You little glutton. Nobody's going to take it from you. Why are you in such a hurry?"

Upon hearing Qiu Tu's words, Shen Lingshuang got out of bed, stuck out her smooth little bottom, went to get a glass of water, and gulped it down.

Then she rolled her eyes at Qiu Tu and said, "Who said no one was trying to steal from me?"

"You really think I don't know? Sister Guan next door, she's been wanting it for a long time."

“She often scares me. If I can’t say it, she’ll do it.”

"She even generously allowed me to watch from the sidelines."

Qiu Tu:....6

After exchanging a few jokes with Shen Lingshuang, Qiu Tu carefully examined her body.

As he expected, Shen Lingshuang's strength had increased again. She was now only half a step away from the late stage of the first tier.

It looks like I should have no problem breaking through to the late stage of Tier 1 tomorrow.

'This rate of progress is outrageous...'

Thinking about this, Qiu Tu couldn't help but recall the talent development plan he had been implementing recently.

Because of the unique nature of his "catastrophic pathway," he actually consumes very few resources.