Put away your magical powers now!.

Chapter 158 [The New Boss] (6200)

Chapter 153 [The New Boss] (6200)

Reading during the day helps to control and harmonize one's mental state.

Sharpen your knife at night, letting the malevolent energy stimulate your spirit.

In the days that followed, these two things became Chen Yan's daily routine.

The first time Chen Yan sharpened the knife, he was in excruciating pain, but he still gritted his teeth and persevered.

He is aloof—but aloof people often come with another attribute:
ruthless!
People who are cold-hearted are often ruthless.

Chen Yan is quite ruthless; he's ruthless to himself too.

After enduring half an hour of pain during his first attempt at "sharpening the knife," Chen Yan only rested for the time it takes to drink a cup of tea before proceeding to the second round.

In the second round, he suffered for another half hour, but this time he was more experienced. He stuffed a towel in his mouth and gritted his teeth, but it was difficult to make a sound.

Then came the third round...

The fourth round was too difficult; the spirit could still hold, but the physical strength couldn't keep up.

Yes, during this knife-sharpening process, Chen Yan discovered that his biggest weakness was not his willpower, but his physical strength.

When a person is in pain, they will exert all their strength, with every muscle tensing up.

Each round of sharpening takes half an hour.

For a full half hour, you have to exert physical strength continuously, which is extremely physically demanding.

Chen Yan sensed something was wrong the day after he sharpened the knife.

My whole body aches and hurts!

He realized one thing... he had strained a muscle.

This is somewhat ironic.

With his current physical strength, the effect of nourishing his vital energy is already comparable to that of a superhero, like Captain America. Chen Yan could fight him to a standstill with his bare hands.

It's fair to say that if you threw Chen Yan into the Olympics now and let him participate in any individual event that relies on physical ability, he could easily win the championship and break the world record to an unbelievable level.

But even with such a monster, Chen Yan managed to injure himself.

The next day, Chen Yan still went to the academy, but he had several plasters on his body, which smelled strongly of medicine.

His insistence on going to the academy to study was deliberate—not to have more contact with Chu Keqing.

However, he found that in order to adjust his mindset, he could not lock himself at home all day; he had to go out, meet people, and spend time outside.

So, he would go to the academy to study during the day and stay home at night to sharpen his knife and torture himself.

And so, a week passed.

·
A week later, Chen Yan finally felt the effects of "sharpening the knife".

The size of his primordial spirit did not increase—of course, since he had not cultivated any primordial spirit techniques, so the size of his primordial spirit would not increase.

His spiritual perception range remained unchanged.

With Chen Yan's current cultivation level, his primordial spirit consciousness can cover an area of ​​about ten meters around. In other words, if he is sitting at home, the entire villa is under his consciousness and he can sense changes in the vicinity.

After a week of sharpening, the area did not expand.

However, the quality of the primordial spirit has indeed improved!

The difference is that it still senses objects within a range of about ten meters, but the details are much richer.

With a thought, he could detect even the slightest movement in the entire house.

It turns out that this sense of being enveloped is still a bit rough, and it is still impossible to capture very small details clearly.

And now, we are making progress toward seeing through everything perfectly!

It's like evolving directly from the original 480p standard definition to 4K high definition—we haven't reached that point yet, but it's clearly making progress.

Chen Yan finally felt the improvement in the "quality" of his primordial spirit.
This knife sharpening was worthwhile!

·
A week later, Chen Yan's daily life was interrupted by a phone call.

He sat on the living room sofa, holding his phone in his hand, with a strange expression.

I just finished a phone call; the call lasted less than a minute.

The dialogue was also very simple:
Are you Chen Yan?

"Yes."

"This rogue cultivator in this realm is at the early stage of the Returning Origin Realm?"

"Ah."

"Alright then, you've found the right person."

"who are you?"

"Let me tell you, buddy, I'm the Assistant Inspector of the Inspection Division. You've already started working here, haven't you? I've assigned you to work under me. From now on, you'll be working for me, understand? I'll be responsible for assigning you tasks, and I'll review them after you finish them. Once they're completed, that's your performance record. Do you understand?"

"……able."

"Alright, let's meet. If you're going to work with me in the future, we'll have to meet first. From now on, you can call me 'brother,' and I'll take care of you."

Then, the other party gave an address and asked Chen Yan to meet at 5 p.m. that afternoon.

Chen Yan had to use sheer willpower to keep from laughing out loud on the phone.

He recognized the voice on the phone.

Ouyang.

·
The place we met was called "Xiao Penglai," a small restaurant that supposedly served authentic Luzhou cuisine. It was located in an area near the old city wall of Jinling Prefecture.

Chen Yan arrived at the restaurant five minutes to five.

Upon entering, Chen Yan noticed the restaurant was deserted. The small dining area was empty, with only two uniformed waitresses with professional smiles on their faces, warmly ushering him inside.

The two waiters were so enthusiastic, it was as if they were afraid Chen Yan would run away.

Even when they sat down, one girl ordered food for Chen Yan, while the other ran out to make tea.

Chen Yan could clearly hear the waitress who ran out to make tea mutter, "Finally, we have a customer!"

The food was ordered quickly, but it was obvious that he was the only customer in the restaurant...

The lobby was empty, and there were three or four private rooms next to it, which were also empty.

I glanced at the time and it was already 5:10.

It should be dinnertime now. The restaurant is deserted…

With this kind of business, it's probably not far from going bankrupt and closing down.

Chen Yan sat down and drank a cup of tea, glancing at the doorway from time to time, when suddenly footsteps approached.

The waitress has already brought the dishes.

The food was served quite quickly, only ten minutes after Chen Yan finished ordering.

but……

Chen Yan frowned: "Didn't I say I wouldn't serve the dishes first? I'm waiting for someone. I'll serve the dishes when my guests arrive."

The waitress looked bewildered: "Really? But the kitchen wants me to bring it here right away."

"..." Chen Yan glanced helplessly at the waitress. She was plain-looking and her eyes had a hint of naivety.

Well, with this level of service, it's no wonder this place isn't doing well.

Moreover, the dishes were served in the wrong order.

Before the cold dishes were served, they brought out a braised pork knuckle first?

Chen Yan looked at the somewhat conflicted and timid waitress and sighed, "Never mind, just put it down."

If it's not a big deal, he's not usually the type to make things difficult for waiters. They're all low-level workers, and there's no point in making things difficult for them.

The braised pork knuckle smelled delicious and was steaming hot. After taking a look, Chen Yan was a little curious, so he picked up his chopsticks, stabbed it, and tore off a piece.

Chen Yan's eyes lit up after putting it in his mouth!
It has a rich aroma, is stewed until tender, and tastes good.

The chef at this restaurant is pretty good!
Chen Yan was somewhat surprised.

Then, the waitress brought over another dish...

This is even more outrageous.

The cold dishes still haven't been served, and neither have the hot dishes.

They actually served the main course right away?!
"These are the mackerel dumplings I ordered?" Chen Yan looked at the somewhat bewildered waitress and said with a wry smile, "Does your restaurant always serve the main dishes first?"

"...Uh, I'm sorry, the kitchen asked me to cook, I...should I go ask?"

"Forget it, just put it down." Chen Yan waved his hand, though he felt somewhat helpless inside.

But there's no need to argue with the waiter. Besides... it's silly to start a fight with the waiter before you've even finished your meal at a restaurant.

If you really want to complain or anything, wait until you've finished eating!
Aren't you afraid of offending the waiters? Some of them might have bad intentions and spit or blow their noses in your next dish.
The mackerel dumplings tasted surprisingly good. After Chen Yan picked one up and put it in his mouth, he felt the fresh and delicious flavor explode in his mouth!
After eating one dumpling, Chen Yan became a little greedy and unknowingly ate five or six in one go.

The chef at this restaurant is really good, so why is business so bad?

Chen Yan sighed as he ate.

A familiar voice came from behind: "How is it? Not bad, right?"

Chen Yan smiled, put down his chopsticks, and turned around.

Behind him, Ouyang stood there, wearing a white chef's coat, wiping his hands on the hem of his coat, his face full of a smug smile.

"You did it?"

"Yeah, I made it all." Ouyang's eyes were full of laughter: "From now on, if you follow a big brother like me, you'll live a life of luxury!"

With that, Ouyang shook hands with Chen Yan and sat down at the table.

Chen Yan stared at Ouyang. This guy... how should I put it, he looked so full of vigor and ambition!
He looked smug and triumphant!

"You must be Chen Yan. Let me introduce myself. From now on, I will be your superior in the Patrol Division. My name is Ouyang, not the surname Ouyang, not the Ouyang of Ouyang Feng, the Western Poison. My surname is Ou, the Ou of the Emperor of Ouyang, and my given name is Yang, the Yang of the sun."

Chen Yan was secretly pleased, but put on a polite, cautious, and somewhat humble smile like a newcomer to the company: "Hello, Manager Ouyang."

"What manager? Call me bro! Call me Brother Ou or Brother Yang, it's fine! I don't care about formalities!" Chen Yan sat properly with his hands on his knees, just like a new employee, his smile even carrying a hint of shyness.

"I've seen your information, it's quite impressive, brother. You've reached the Returning Origin Realm at such a young age, you're considered exceptionally talented in this world."

To be honest, we're quite destined to meet. I'm not actually from this realm; my hometown is...

"I can tell from your accent, you're from the three eastern continents, right?"

"OK."

Ouyang smiled, but then raised an eyebrow: "I don't think I have an accent either."

You don't have an accent?

You've ruined the accent of the entire Gu family!
Gu Qingyi, what a lovely little double-pitched voice, but you've managed to make it sound like a Northeastern accent.

Chen Yan inwardly scoffed, but outwardly remained polite, saying, "Brother Ouyang, you're from the three eastern states, how could you..."

"How did you get into the Patrol Division and even become an Assistant Patrol Envoy, right?" Ouyang slapped his thigh and laughed loudly, "I have good vitality. When I was young, I met a cultivator who came to our world. He thought I had cultivation talent, so he took me to the Domain Realm and accepted me as his disciple. Speaking of which, although I was born in this world, I actually grew up in the Domain Realm for most of the time."

After a pause, Ouyang looked at Chen Yan and laughed, "You're lucky that you were assigned to my team. Let me tell you, if you had been assigned to another group, you would have had a tough time."

"What?"

“Because cultivators from other realms mostly look down on the rogue cultivators of our world.” Ouyang shook his head and said, “You’ve been cultivating for so long, you should understand that the cultivation traditions of our world all originated from other realms. Many cultivation methods were incomplete when they were first passed down, and with each generation of cultivation and inheritance, many have been lost and missing, which has resulted in most of the native cultivators of our world being weaklings…”

Hey! I wasn't talking about you! You must be really capable to have been recruited into the Patrol Division.

However, generally speaking, the native cultivators of this world are not very skilled, and the cultivators in the realms also look down on their fellow cultivators here.

Anyway, it's discrimination.

Within the Patrol Division, there are very few cultivators from this realm. Those who are occasionally recruited are all in the lowest-level, lowest-ranking positions—like your current unofficial status.

If you were assigned to another group, their group leaders would all be from other realms, and they'd definitely discriminate against you. You wouldn't get any of the benefits, and you'd be made to do all the dirty and hard work—just think about it! In that situation, how long would it take you to get ahead?

Chen Yan nodded quickly.

"I'm different. I was born in this world, so I won't discriminate against a rogue cultivator like you! From now on, you'll follow me, and I'll take you under my wing!"

Chen Yan harbored wicked intentions, but on his face he feigned caution and admiration, and said with a smile, "Brother Ouyang, you must have a high level of cultivation to have reached this position, right?"

"Of course! I'm a veteran in the Inspection Division, and I've been around this world for many years. Don't worry, we know everyone here!"

Chen Yan nodded: "So, who else is in our group?"

"..." Ouyang's face stiffened, then he forced a smile and said, "Hahahaha... As of now, our group has no other members besides you."

Well, so there were only two people?
One team leader and me?

Chen Yan looked at Ouyang, feeling a sense of unease.

This guy was just an "intern" before, and according to him, it will take him several more years to build up his performance and seniority.

How did he suddenly get promoted? The original title of "Intern Assistant Inspector" was changed to "Intern"?

Afraid that Chen Yan would look down on him, Ouyang quickly said, "I won't beat around the bush with you, let's get straight to the point! This group is newly formed, I'm the group leader, and you're my first member..."

"Hmm, this is your first 'subordinate' in this lifetime, isn't it...?" Chen Yan sighed inwardly.

No wonder this guy is so excited and smug.

Getting promoted to a leadership position, even if you only have one subordinate, naturally feels different.

"...You are my first team member, and I will definitely be given more team members in the future. According to the regulations of the Inspection Division, a team should have four or five people."

However, since you arrived the earliest, and we are both natives of this world, I will naturally take care of you.

"You...do a good job! As for this deputy team leader position...you'd better perform well!"

As Ouyang spoke, he winked at Chen Yan.

Chen Yan sighed inwardly.

Deputy team leader?
There are only two people in total, a group leader and a deputy group leader?

Dude, your ability to make empty promises is so-so.

I've worked in the Flower Fox Department before, and their technique for making empty promises is truly professional.

Moreover... Chen Yan has a strong suspicion about something!
A newly formed team!
The newly promoted team leader, Ouyang!

What the hell!

Could this group have been specially created by my grandmother and Lin Qingquan just to take care of me?
If that's the case...

I doubt this group will be taking on any new members!

This is creating positions based on the individuals! This will prevent the creation and waste of more staff positions.

Looking at the spirited Ouyang, Chen Yan couldn't bear to dampen his enthusiasm.

However, I never imagined that one day I would enjoy this special treatment of "positions created for specific individuals" due to personal connections.

·
This "Little Penglai" restaurant was opened by Ouyang himself.

He serves as both the boss and the head chef.

In Ouyang's words, since he is an inspector, he must have a suitable secular identity to walk in this world.

He was also quite skilled in cooking, so he simply opened a restaurant.

"No, Brother Ouyang, since you're from the Three Eastern Provinces, why don't you open a restaurant serving cuisine from the Three Eastern Provinces? Why did you open a Shandong cuisine restaurant instead?"

Ouyang sighed and shook his head, saying, "Don't mention it, brother. It brings tears to my eyes... I used to run a restaurant in the East Three States when I was working in another group, but I failed miserably."

"What?"

Chen Yan was somewhat puzzled.

Honestly, judging from the braised pork knuckle and mackerel dumplings just now, Ouyang's cooking skills are really good.

"What else could it be? In our line of work, we have to go out from time to time. How can we stay at the restaurant every day? If I'm gone for several days, there will be no one to cook, and the restaurant will go out of business."

"No, why don't you hire a good chef to replace you when you're not around?"

Ouyang shook his head: "That won't do! I don't have any other hobbies, I just love cooking! If I open a restaurant, I have to be the chef myself. I'm the boss, why would I hire someone to fill my own position?"

Well, okay, then you deserve to lose money.

Chen Yan nodded.

However... for a cultivator like Ouyang, losing money is probably not a big deal for him.

·
Chen Yan actually ordered six dishes, but Ouyang told him that the restaurant had just opened and many ingredients were not yet ready, so tonight they could only serve one dish: braised pork knuckle and mackerel dumplings.

That's all.

Chen Yan couldn't help but roll his eyes.

Fine, you're opening a restaurant just to satisfy your hobby anyway. You don't care if you lose money, so why should I worry?
Afterwards, Ouyang and Chen Yan chatted for a while—after Chen Yan tested him a few times, he confirmed that Ouyang really didn't recognize him and didn't realize that he was "Wang Chuyi" from the Japanese Secret Realm Trial.

It seems that the White Fox's inner core possesses an extraordinary innate ability: shapeshifting.

Ouyang was in high spirits and only mentioned a few of his own glorious achievements. Chen Yan naturally played the role of the straight man, responding with praise and encouragement.

When the atmosphere became lively, Ouyang had already opened several bottles of good wine and started boasting as he drank.

They even talked about his promotion.

"Brother, you don't know, I just accomplished something important in Japan a month ago! In that great battle, that guy... I directly destroyed a secret realm! A magical artifact spirit that could create secret realm spaces!"
"It was because of this performance that I was promoted despite not meeting the usual requirements..."

Yes, you destroyed it!

Chen Yan shook his head inwardly.

Do you think I didn't see you getting beaten to a pulp by the artifact spirit in the secret realm trial?
After they had eaten and drunk their fill, Ouyang took out a folder, placed it on the table, and pushed it in front of Chen Yan.

"According to the rules, you are an unofficial staff member and cannot take on tasks that are too difficult for the time being. The information here was issued from above and consists of tasks that are suitable for your current level and can be completed independently."

Well, you should have a general idea of ​​the rules. There's no rush; completing three tasks per quarter is considered satisfactory.

Even if it's too difficult to complete... just tell me privately, and I can help you out.

Even if we fail to complete it, it's not a big deal.

Brother, let's not mince words. With your background, you're a rogue cultivator in this realm with no foothold in any other realm. No matter how good your performance is, you won't get promoted in the future. I think you'll only ever be a deputy group leader at most.

Don't be too stressed. Since you're new here, you can take your time to adapt.

Let me be clear, for the first year, I won't put any pressure on you to complete any tasks! If you can finish them, great; if you can't, I'll cover for you!

The drinking session lasted until almost midnight before finally ending.

During this time, Ouyang was in high spirits and even went to the kitchen to cook two more dishes. The two of them also ate almost all of the mackerel dumplings in the restaurant.

Afterwards, Ouyang saw Chen Yan off with satisfaction.

Before leaving, he patted Chen Yan on the shoulder and said, "Once you've completed the task, come to me to submit it. I'll apply for your evaluation, and you can also collect your quarterly pills from me from now on!"

Chen Yan's heart stirred: "I don't need the Body Tempering Pill or the Spirit Refining Pill. Can I exchange them for other cultivation resources?"

Ouyang glanced at Chen Yan and frowned, saying, "The information says you're a cultivator who follows the Nascent Soul path, and the Divine Refining Pill should be suitable for your current level... You don't want it?"

"We don't need it for now." Chen Yan thought for a moment and said, "Can we get something else?"

Ouyang thought for a moment and said, "The higher-ups won't allow it to be replaced, but my colleagues and I often exchange things privately. If you don't need this pill, I can help you find someone to replace it with something else."

"Okay! I'll let you know what I need later." Chen Yan smiled shyly. "I'm new to this business and don't know anyone. I'll need your help with exchanging items..."

"No problem!" Ouyang was very satisfied with the attitude shown by Chen Yan, his "first subordinate in life," tonight, and laughed heartily: "I'll cover for you!"

Chen Yan had also drunk quite a bit, but after getting home, he circulated his energy for a while to sober up. After taking a shower and changing clothes to get rid of the smell of alcohol, Chen Yan sat in his study and began to look through the folder that Ouyang had given him that night.

This is a list.

The people on the list are either rogue cultivators or spirits who have escaped from other realms and do not follow the rules in this world.

Either the cultivation power from other realms has spread to this world, causing some negative effects and disrupting some of the rules and operations of this world.

As Ouyang said, given Chen Yan's level, the list in this document consists of targets that are not very difficult to obtain.

However, when I saw the first name above...

This very familiar name stunned Chen Yan on the spot.

"Holy crap? No way..."

(End of this chapter)