I handed over to another world

"Logistics Department, the payment of the third phase of the Seventh Starport expansion project is abnormal."

Another accomplice then reported, "The payment was made three months in advance. Within 24 hours of the funds being received, the recipient's account transferred the money in seventeen separate transactions to seventeen different personal accounts. Three of these account holders have been listed as associates in the Zhang Hongyu case."

The Director of Logistics' face turned ashen, like a dead man.

“Star Harbor Operations, VIP Lounge Annual Maintenance Fee List,” the third “Abacus” voice rang out, “The cleaning fee for a single session is listed as 20 Red Dragon Coins. Compared with other Star Harbor data and market quotations during the same period, it is inflated by about 1500%.”

"The related payment vouchers are unclear."

The crowd was speechless, all waiting for the final verdict against the guilty party.

It's just that her crime was less serious compared to Zhang Hongyu's.

Each and every one of them was precise, ruthless, and irrefutable.

Data doesn't lie. With the computing power of "Jin Kui" and the analysis of professional "abacus", no clever disguise or complex nesting can hide.

Only the cold, detached voices of the audit experts and their increasingly heavy breathing filled the briefing room.

When initial screening pointed to a clear suspect, the Ministry of the Interior's "cleaners" operation was launched.

Without a word, a single glance was enough to signal the two named officials to be silently led away from the briefing room and taken to the "Black Stone" standard interrogation room temporarily set up on the "Arbitrator" amidst the horrified gazes of their colleagues.

Inside the interrogation room, the environment was similar to that of the headquarters, the "Blackstone" center, with all signals cut off.

The cold, nerve-collecting helmet is put on, and the invisible "logic paradox interrogation device" is activated.

"Explain the price anomaly in contract EPC-7742."

The interrogator's questions were direct and pointed.

Suspect: "That...that's a specially customized model, including extra..."

The interrogation equipment instantly detected a violent fluctuation in brainwaves at a point of logical inconsistency, emitting a low, buzzing warning.

The interrogator's voice grew even colder: "'Golden Chest' indicates that this model is a standard mass-produced product. Are you aware of the supplier's background?"

"I...I don't know much about the people below..."

The buzzing sound grew louder, and the brainwave spectrum showed obvious signs of deception.

Interrogator: "This is your last chance. Who authorized you to sign it? What was the benefit?"

Under the immense psychological pressure brought by irrefutable evidence and interrogation equipment, psychological defenses often collapse faster than expected.

The breakdown in his confession and the tears of remorse were exactly the same as Zhang Hongyu's situation at the headquarters "Blackstone" center.

The full recording of the testimony became a new and weighty link in the chain of evidence.

The Arbiter only stayed in Kunlun Port for five days, during which time three senior officials were directly arrested and taken back to headquarters for trial; seven mid-level managers were suspended from their duties for investigation; and more than twenty suspicious contracts were immediately cancelled and filed for investigation.

All accounts and assets related to Zhang Hongyu's case, no matter how well hidden, have been reviewed and frozen again.

Their efficiency and ruthless methods left the entire Seventh District of East Asia trembling in fear.

The bureaucratic practices of shirking responsibility, delaying, and relying on personal connections are as fragile as a sheet of paper in the face of the absolute authority and ruthless efficiency of the "iron broom."

Everyone truly feels that times have changed.

Chairman Chen Lin's will is like the Sword of Damocles hanging high, ready to fall at any moment.

However, the Arbiter did not stay there for long. After initially clearing out the severely affected area of ​​Sector Seven, its massive ship was activated again and headed towards its next target—an important resource refining center located in the asteroid belt, following the established risky route.

Secretary-General Zhao's team worked like tireless machines, starting to analyze preliminary review data for the next target area right on the ship.

On the holographic star map, the "Arbiter's" route is marked in red, like a cold, ruthless whip patrolling the sea of ​​stars.

The association's internal platform, the "Anti-Corruption in Progress" column, updates every step of the "Iron Broom" campaign in real time: new suspension lists, new case filing notices, new asset freeze orders... The accompanying pictures are often the majestic silhouette of the "Arbiter" ship, or a sealed office or warehouse.

The number of visits to the whistleblower hotline continues to surge.

Chen Lin remained at the command center of the "Candle Dragon," where a corner of the star map displayed the real-time position of the "Judge" and mission briefings.

He would occasionally glance at another screen next to him, where the image of the blood-red wreckage of the "Stardust Fantasy" was frozen in time.

This "Operation Iron Broom," driven by his will, has transcended mere case handling.

It became a storm that swept through the entire association, a ruthless purge.

With Zhang Hongyu's fate and the iron hooves of the "Arbiter," it proclaimed to every corner: in this life-or-death moment when humanity faces the threat of the abyss, any worms that erode combat power will be ruthlessly crushed without mercy!

Every penny of the association's resources must be used wisely.

……

The massive hull of the "Arbiter" resembled a giant beast returning to its nest, slowly mooring into the exclusive berth of the "Candle Dragon" in its home port.

Unlike the somber atmosphere when they arrived at Kunlun Port before, this time there was no extra commotion, only the usual high-level guidance and silent stares.

The bridge hatch slid open, and Secretary-General Zhao was the first to step out.

He was still wearing his crisp uniform, but the fatigue from the long journey and intense work was evident in his brows. His eyes were heavily shadowed, and his steps were slightly heavier than usual.

He refused the company of his entourage and walked alone through the quiet passageway, heading straight for the command center where Chen Lin was located.

The command center remained immersed in the tense atmosphere of fighting against "Purple Eclipse," with the cursors of patrol fleets flashing on the star map and data streams rolling silently.

At this moment, Chen Lin was facing away from the entrance, staring at the spacetime scar that represented UDF-7243.

Hearing footsteps, he slowly turned around.

"Chairman, the initial objectives of the 'Iron Broom' patrol and inspection mission have been achieved."

Secretary-General Zhao's voice was slightly hoarse, but clear and powerful.

He didn't salute, but nodded slightly, a tacit understanding they had developed when dealing with such sensitive matters.

Chen Lin's gaze swept over Secretary-General Zhao's tired but still sharp eyes, and he nodded, signaling him to continue. "Three key areas: East Asia Seventh District (Kunlun Port), the 'Heart of Refinement' resource center in the asteroid belt, and the 'Frontier' research station in the Cygnus Gamma star region." Secretary-General Zhao spoke steadily, as if reporting a battle briefing, "The operational mode is as you authorize: highest-level data access, 'Golden Chest' in-depth analysis, logical paradox interrogation device assistance, and on-site handling authority."

"At Kunlun Port, as mentioned before, we have thoroughly investigated the remaining influence of Zhang Hongyu, arrested 3 people, suspended 7 people for investigation, abolished 21 suspicious contracts, and frozen related assets totaling approximately 8.7 million Red Dragon Coins. The logistics and procurement systems have been initially rectified."

"A case involving the smuggling of rare minerals using refining byproducts was discovered and dealt with in a restricted area near the 'Heart of Refinement' in the asteroid belt. The case involved falsely reporting losses and falsifying transportation records. Two managers were arrested, four were suspended, and stolen goods worth approximately 120 million yuan were recovered. The loopholes in the supervision of resource flow have now been initially plugged."

"The 'Frontier' research station has conducted a thorough investigation into the use of funds for large-scale scientific research projects (especially those involving zero-point fields and high-dimensional detection). Currently, they have discovered one case of using project funds to purchase personal experimental equipment that exceeds the standards and then misappropriating it for private purposes. The chief scientist involved and one financial staff member have been arrested. The flow of project funds has been fully audited and suspicious portions have been frozen."

"A total of 7 key suspects were arrested in the three locations, 15 people were suspended from their duties for investigation, and more than 10 billion Red Dragon Coins of funds and assets involved in the case were recovered and frozen. The evidence chain of the relevant cases is complete and has been transferred to the Supreme Court of the Association for trial."

Secretary-General Zhao paused, his voice lowering slightly, "During the process, we also discovered some systemic loopholes and regulatory blind spots. A detailed report has been compiled and archived, and we recommend that the permanent body conduct a systematic revision."

He straightened his weary body slightly and made the most important statement: "Chairman, judging from the situation on the ground, the systemic panic triggered by the Zhang Hongyu case has created a sufficient deterrent."

"Further in-depth investigation and systemic reform require the intervention of more professional and regular forces. The mission of the 'Iron Broom' special roving inspection team has been initially accomplished."

“I suggest that the focus of the subsequent anti-corruption work be shifted back to the association’s standing disciplinary inspection committee, internal affairs department and audit department. On the basis of their original functions, strengthen coordination and authority, and embed the real-time monitoring module of ‘Golden Chest’. The ‘Iron Broom’ group… can be disbanded.”

After Secretary-General Zhao finished speaking, he looked quietly at Chen Lin.

He did not boast of his achievements, nor did he complain about the arduousness of the task. He simply stated the results clearly and offered a logical suggestion: to transform this thunderous storm driven by the highest will into a sustainable institutional force.

This is the ultimate goal of combating corruption.

Chen Lin remained silent for a moment, his deep gaze seemingly piercing through Secretary-General Zhao, seeing the traces left by the "iron broom" sweeping through these three key areas—the order after the cleanup, and the tension that had not yet completely dissipated.

He spoke slowly, his voice devoid of emotion, yet carrying a final, resolute tone: "The mission was accomplished very well, Secretary-General. Thank you for your hard work."

"Your judgment is basically correct... The storm needs to subside, but the levees need to be reinforced."

"Let's proceed with your suggestions. The Discipline Inspection Commission, the Ministry of the Interior, and the National Audit Office shall immediately establish a joint working group for 'anti-corruption and institutional strengthening,' with you in charge of overall coordination."

"The experience, authority templates, and monitoring interfaces of the 'Iron Broom' operation will be fully transferred to form a long-term deterrent mechanism."

He paused, his gaze sharpening: "Tell them this is not the end, but the beginning. The association's eyes will always be open."

“Zhang Hongyu’s type of operations are always a red line.”

"Understood, Chairman!"

Secretary-General Zhao nodded again, finally feeling a weight lifted from his heart.

He knew that after completing the most difficult task of paving the way, his sharpest "iron broom" would return to its original position as secretary-general coordinating the overall situation.

A more enduring and standardized anti-corruption network will be woven and maintained by the system itself.

"Go and rest, Secretary General. There are still tough battles to fight."

Chen Lin's gaze had returned to that deep star map, where the war against "Purple Eclipse" was the true core battlefield.

Secretary-General Zhao said no more and turned to leave the command center.

His back was still upright, but his steps seemed a little lighter.

The anti-corruption storm has temporarily subsided, but the warnings it left behind and the strengthened systems it established will be like the cold shadow of the "Arbiter," forever imprinted in every corner of the association.

Secretary-General Zhao's footsteps disappeared at the end of the corridor, and the heavy alloy door of the command center slid shut silently.

Just as Chen Lin turned his gaze back to the spacetime vortex symbolizing UDF-7243, the encrypted communicator on his wrist began to flash intensely—not a single alarm, but rather exclusive codes representing different factions and demands lighting up in turn, like restless points of light on a star map.

He activated the integrated information flow interface of the main control panel without any expression.

In an instant, dozens of reports, suggestions, and even veiled warnings from various sources, all encrypted at the highest level, unfolded before him like a surging undercurrent.

Information, like a cold tide, crashed against Chen Lin's core decision-making process.

The conflict between lockdown and people's livelihood, the clash between radical scientific research and ethical conservatism, the bureaucratic rigidity after the anti-corruption campaign and the emerging signs of corruption, and the difficult choice regarding Li Rui, the "living key"... Behind each report lies a powerful force, the demands of a group of people, and a heavy responsibility.

Instead of replying to any of the messages immediately, he accessed the encrypted communication channel of the association's highest decision-making body.

This channel is usually silent, but it is now active—clearly, the key contents of these reports have already been transmitted through their respective channels to those minds that can influence the direction of the association.

Chen Lin pressed the access button.

Instantly, several blurry but extremely majestic holographic images appeared in the projection area reserved in the command center.

Several different voices then arose, and the debate clashed fiercely in the encrypted channel, with each voice representing a part of the truth and a strong stance.

Chen Lin listened silently, like the eye of a storm.

His fingers tapped unconsciously on the console, his gaze shifting between the scars on the star map, the real-time stream of Li Rui's medical data, and Zhou Kerui's message awaiting instructions on the information interface.

The pressure is like a mountain.

Every decision can trigger a chain reaction or cause a missed opportunity.

Just as the debate was reaching its climax, Chen Lin stopped tapping his fingers.

He raised his head, his gaze piercing through the virtual projection, and spoke with a cold, clear voice that, though not loud, instantly silenced all the noise:

"Let's put this argument aside."

"Resources are limited, threats are imminent, and there is no foolproof solution. The core of all decisions is only one thing: the survival of human civilization is above all else."

"The blockade is for survival, the research is for counterattack, the allocation is for stability, and the discipline is for cohesion. Each should perform its duties and no one should slack off."

Chen Lin slowly spoke, "If there are fundamental doubts about the decision, a review can be initiated at the highest decision-making level according to procedure, but the current order shall be executed until the review results are released."

"Meeting dismissed."

Without giving any room for further argument, Chen Lin directly cut off the encrypted channel connection.

The command center instantly returned to its previous "silence," with only the hum of the instruments running.

The heated arguments seemed to have never happened, but a heavy sense of pressure still lingered in the air. (End of Chapter)