World's No. 1 Swordsman-Chapter 45: The Authorities

The man was named Li Yankui, and the woman was Mou Yue. Both belonged to an organization called the Paranormal Incident Investigation Unit.

The information in the projection contained only these details and a few official seals.

Wang Sheng nodded and waited quietly for them to continue.

Mou Yue glanced around. The Li residence was still in complete disarray from the early morning aftermath, but at least things had settled down, and the situation now seemed fully under control.

Since Fu Ai and his men had already been recalled for debriefing, only Wang Sheng and the people before him were near the attic.

Mou Yue hesitated for a few moments before asking, "Daoist Priest Wang, before we talk about official matters, can we... discuss something personal first?"

Wang Sheng frowned slightly. "As you wish."

Mou Yue first let out a sigh of relief. She then took a few quick steps toward Wang Sheng and covered her mouth.

"This is amazing! I can't believe I'm seeing a real-life sword immortal! Thank you, Captain, for giving me this mission! Thank you, Mom, for giving birth to me! Hahaha!

"Mr. Idol, can you sign an autograph for me? You looked so cool using your sword! Can we take a picture together? Is it alright if I stand a little closer? Can you put your hand on my shoulder?"

"This pose feels a little embarrassing..."

Wang Sheng's forehead was immediately covered in metaphorical black lines. Beside him, Li Yankui could only cover his face with his hand, pretending he didn't know his partner.

Honestly, if Wang Sheng didn't know how much influence the Special Incident Investigation Unit had, he would have already turned around and left. He certainly wasn't going to humor her just because she looked cute.

However, maintaining good relations with such an organization could only be beneficial.

After taking a few pictures, Wang Sheng politely declined any further requests for close interactions and steered the conversation back to the main topic.

"Did you two come just to take photos with me?"

Mou Yue quickly shifted into a professional mindset, restraining her playful side and regaining her calm and composed demeanor. She spoke seriously:

"Daoist Master Wang Sheng, we're here regarding last night's fierce spirit attack. We wanted to personally express our gratitude for your intervention—"

"Let's talk inside," Wang Sheng indifferently interjected.

The three entered the attic that Wang Sheng had temporarily occupied. Acting as the host, he gestured for them to take a seat before sitting down on a wooden chair.

"So, just a verbal commendation?"

Mou Yue smiled awkwardly. "We haven't finalized any reward measures yet. You are a recluse beyond worldly matters, though. You wouldn't be as petty about these things as us common folk, would you?"

"Fair enough. Other than expressing your verbal gratitude, is there anything else?"

"Yes. Multiple matters, in fact."

Mou Yue reached into her pocket and took out her phone, but instead of unlocking it, she simply looked at Wang Sheng seriously. "Please don't take this the wrong way; we are simply doing our job. We have a few questions we must ask you, but you are free to refuse to answer."

Wang Sheng focused. "Go ahead. I'll answer at my discretion."

"To start with, do you think the cultivation world poses any threat to society?"

Wang Sheng gave Mou Yue a half-smile. "Is your Special Incident Investigation Unit conducting a survey among cultivators?"

Mou Yue blinked, then grinned. "It's somewhat like a survey. We need to understand your stance and opinions before deciding what to ask next. Please answer as practically as possible."

"Fine. I don't think the cultivation world poses any major threat to society." Wang Sheng paused for a moment. "Generally speaking, of course. There are many cultivators out there—some are driven by selfish desires, while others devote themselves entirely to the Dao.

"Different perspectives and values lead to different actions, which in turn result in different impacts. Still, most practicing Daoists uphold virtue and kindness. As a whole, we have a more positive than negative influence on society."

"That's a very insightful summary," Mou Yue replied softly.

Beside her, Li Yankui—nicknamed Bulldozer—curled his lips, likely muttering to himself, "Bootlickers have nothing better to do with their lives. Being a fangirl is the most exhausting way to live."

Wang Sheng chuckled dryly and waited for her next question.

"The second question is a bit more sensitive. As I said earlier, you may choose not to answer," Mou Yue said in a hushed tone. "Where do you believe your strength ranks within the cultivation world?"

"Somewhere in the middle, I suppose."

Wang Sheng wasn't being modest—right now, the true powerhouses were still the reclusive, old Daoists living deep in the mountains. His self-assessment was quite accurate.

Mou Yue blinked. "But based on our estimates of your abilities, you should be ranked among the top fifty."

"That's impossible. Who knows how many experts are still hidden in secluded mountains and vast rivers." Wang Sheng waved his hand. "I'll decline to answer this one. What's next?"

"When we examined Jiang Zhongyi's injuries, we figured that you initially didn't intend to outright kill him. Why is that?"

"I am merely a cultivator. I do not have the authority to enforce the law or the right to decide another person's life." Wang Sheng spread out his hands. "You two seem like you have just graduated from the Armed Police Force Academy recently. I'm sure you understand these principles."

"How did you know we just graduated...?" Mou Yue asked, a little surprised.

Wang Sheng pointed to his own face. "You look too young."

In reality, it was because they still lacked experience and depth of thought.

This was the kind of remark that could win favor with most young women—especially a fangirl who had just met her idol.

Mou Yue turned red, but thanks to her strong professional training, she managed to suppress a giddy giggle. Instead, she bit her lip to contain her amusement.

Beside her, Bulldozer nearly coughed out his Adam's apple. "Ahem!"

"It's rare to see a cultivator with such a strong sense of legal awareness," Mou Yue murmured in admiration.

Bulldozer couldn't help but ask, "Why did you try to end his life with your final strike, then?"

"In a battle to the death, one cannot afford even a shred of mercy," Wang Sheng answered.

Bulldozer nodded lightly.

Just as he was about to continue, Mou Yue glared at him with her big, round eyes. "Bulldozer, I'm in charge of this operation. Any questions for him should come from me."

"Alright, alright. Do as you please!" Bulldozer rolled his eyes. He quieted down as he sat back obediently.

"Last question," Mou Yue said solemnly, her eyes full of anticipation and sparkling with excitement. "Would you consider joining an official organization to help maintain order in the cultivation world?"

Wang Sheng was visibly shocked. Although he had somewhat expected this, he hadn't thought that it would actually happen to him.

The Special Investigation Unit was one of the Special Authority Departments that the Hua Republic had established to oversee the cultivation world.

In his past life, this organization was highly active, often initiating Daoist sect gatherings and mediating conflicts between different Daoist heritages.

Joining such an organization certainly had its benefits—at the very least, obtaining cultivation resources would be much easier than practicing alone in the mountains.

But everything had its pros and cons. If he were to join, he would likely often go on assignments, which would leave him little time for cultivation.

Hence, Wang Sheng instead offered a tactful refusal. "If I master my Daoist path, I naturally want to contribute to the world's order. Right now, though, my Daoist arts are weak, and my skills are lacking. I fear I wouldn't be of much help."

A hint of disappointment appeared on Mou Yue's face. She sighed softly. "That's true. Our department isn't very influential yet, either. If you ever change your mind, you can contact us directly. Mm! Ahem!"

She then whispered, "Everyone in our unit is your fan. The way you wield your sword is simply amazing!"

The corner of Wang Sheng's mouth twitched slightly. "Was the Daoist arts exchange meeting on Mount Mao organized by your unit?"

"Oh—" Mou Yue blinked. Realizing she had slipped up, she paled slightly. "That's classified. Please don't mention it to anyone!"

Beside them, Bulldozer frowned. "You gave yourself away before even making your proposal. Daoist Priest Wang is sharp—you two have never met before, so how could you act like this? You're too impatient!"

Mou Yue shot Bulldozer a quiet, sidelong glance. Bulldozer instinctively shrank his barely visible neck, making him look like a well-behaved bear.

Wang Sheng chuckled. "Don't worry, I won't tell anyone."

"That's a relief." Mou Yue pulled out her phone, sighed, and then perked up again. "Anyway, since you have declined our offer, and I've passed along the verbal commendation..." freewebnøvel.com

That's all? Are they leaving?

Wang Sheng was about to stand up and see them out when Mou Yue added, "Let's move on to a personal matter concerning you. The unlock code for this phone is six zeros. Please wait a moment—someone will call you via video."

She placed the phone on the table and stood up alongside Bulldozer.

She reminded him in a meaningful tone, "We'll be waiting outside. Once you're done speaking with our captain, just call us back in."

She pronounced the word "captain" clearly and deliberately, making Wang Sheng feel a bit puzzled.

Am I about to talk to the head of the Special Investigation Unit, then?

Their captain was quite a figure. In the future, they would hold real power in the cultivation world. Though not a cultivator themself, they would have the authority to influence the fate of many Daoist heritages.

With numerous questions running through his mind, Wang Sheng picked up the phone, which still carried a faint scent of perfume, and waited quietly.

About two minutes later, the phone vibrated, and an incoming video call popped up on the screen.

He answered, making the screen display a spacious office. Outside a large floor-to-ceiling window, a cityscape shimmered with dazzling lights, and in the distance, a great river gleamed like a silver ribbon.

In front of the window stood a slender woman with short, ear-length hair. She was dressed in a white professional suit.

With her arms crossed, she gazed into the distance, lost in thought, until someone called her from behind.

—Chairwoman, the video call is connected.

—Mm.

The woman slowly turned around. Wang Sheng's brow furrowed deeply at first, then his eyes widened. He abruptly stood up from his seat as he stared intently at her.

For the first time in two years, he was well and truly shocked!

It had been twenty years, but she still looked...

Ahem.

If she turned to dust, Wang Sheng might not remember her, but his master definitely would!

During the Chong Yang Festival in his first year on the mountain, his master got drunk and took out a photograph. Her features, expression, and eyes... She was without a doubt the person in that photo!

"Master's wife?" Wang Sheng blurted out.

The woman slightly furrowed her delicate brow. It seemed as though she was about to say something, but she just sighed softly instead, unable to hide the weariness and sorrow in her expression.