In the name of supernatural powers

Chapter 104 Running for an Official Position
"Don't be nervous. This is the unique outward release of life force of a third-tier transcendent being, which was called Qi in ancient times," Ding Shoujin reassured him. "The healing ability of a second-tier transcendent being relies on Qi, but it can only be released outward at the third tier."

Developing vitality is itself part of cultivating both body and mind, and naturally there exists this kind of energy called Qi.

The difference lies in the fact that modern life development regards Qi as instinct, and cannot use Qi to achieve similar supernatural effects, such as Taoist arts, like masters of Buddhism and Taoism.

After a moment, Ding Shoujin released Lu Zhao, looking somewhat surprised and suspicious, and asked, "You only have 42 points of vitality, how did you find me?"

She originally thought Lu Zhao had already reached the second level of transcendence, but she didn't expect him to only be at the first level.

Lu Zhao was also surprised by the abilities of high-level superhumans, who could calculate his own life force level without using instruments.

Lin Zhiyan explained from the side, "Aunt Ding, Lu Zhao has been taking low-grade life supplements for the past four years, and they are of inferior quality. He has never been able to obtain good resources."

"No wonder."

Ding Shoujin expressed his understanding: "Man is made of iron, and food is made of steel. Without high-quality life supplements, even the best talent is useless."

Developing life resources is the top priority; without resources, even the best talent is useless.

With enough resources, becoming a second-tier transcendent is as easy as eating and drinking; a third-tier transcendent requires a certain amount of talent; a fourth-tier transcendent requires genius; and a fifth-tier transcendent is basically a matter of fate.

Subsequently, waiters brought dishes to the table one after another. At the table, Lin Zhiyan kept serving food to Ding Shoujin, showing particular attentiveness.

"What is Aunt Ding doing in Fangshi all of a sudden?"

“I didn’t come to Fangshi on purpose. I just happened to be on a mission nearby, and you happened to be here, so I came to visit.”

"What mission is Aunt Ding on?"

"It's a state secret, I can't tell you."

Ding Shoujin could see through her little scheme, but he didn't expose it.

Both of the Lin family's military commanders had been kind to her, so she would generally not refuse to help Lin Zhiyan if she could.

As for Lu Zhao...

Ding Shoujin had read Lu Zhao's information and had a good impression of him even before meeting him.

He was of impeccable character and graduated from the capital. He guarded the frontier for four years without causing any trouble, and instead fulfilled his duties responsibly.

My impression of him improved even more after meeting him. The young man was incredibly handsome; most celebrities probably couldn't compare to Lu Zhao.

In particular, he possesses a masculine aura that is lacking in the entertainment industry.

He's a bit lacking in life development, but very talented in mental strength. From our conversation, he seemed rather quiet and reserved, but showed no stage fright whatsoever.

Overall, Ding Shoujin was very satisfied, and even considered taking her over as his secretary.

After a few rounds of drinks, Lin Zhiyan stepped forward, hugged Ding Shoujin's shoulder, and said in a coquettish tone:
“Aunt Ding, Lu Zhao has been guarding the border for the Federation all these years, sweating and bleeding. Now he has to drink inferior life supplements. Could you help me ask Langjiu for some compensation?”

Ding Shoujin shook his head and said, "Grandma, this is not within my jurisdiction. And it's not a problem with the winery either. The life supplements are procured by the city and then redistributed."

A federal behemoth like a winery is not something a mere Director-General of the Daojian Bureau can touch.

"Then Lu Zhao suffered losses for four years, shouldn't he get some compensation?"

"What compensation do you want?"

"Master Liu said he would arrange for Lu Zhao to work as the supervisor of Yulin County next year, but I think Cangwu is better. Do you think we can arrange it?"

Lin Zhiyan's true intentions were revealed: today's meal was not only to make Lu Zhao known to Ding Shoujin, but also to transfer him from Yulin County to Cangwu.

Master Liu wanted Lu Zhao to start from the grassroots level, but the grassroots level in the capital city is still the grassroots level.

Ding Shoujin asked, "What kind of position do you want?" "A position with good resources, fast promotion, safe, with real power, starting as a deputy clerk..."

Before Lin Zhiyan could finish making his wish, Ding Shoujin interrupted him, saying:
"Stop! Are you trying to make a wish to me, girl? There are so many people in Cangwu, and they're all vying for a position. Either start from the bottom, or leave Cangwu altogether, or you can go find Chief Liu."

The South China Sea is the most populous province in the entire Federation, and its resources are second only to the capital. Moreover, compared to the capital, where nobles and officials are everywhere, Cangwu City is relatively less concerned with background.

As long as you have the ability, you can still succeed.

The competition for positions in Cangwu City is naturally extremely fierce. There are at least fifty people competing for an ordinary position, and a thousand people vying for a popular one.

Every year, many people would rather sit on the sidelines than be sent to serve as officials in local areas.

Lu Zhao had lived in Cangwu for four years and knew the situation there very well.

Lin Zhiyan's series of demands were something he wouldn't even dare to dream of.

As the teacher said, becoming an official is like a bird taking flight; it always requires riding the wind and gaining momentum.

The idea that one can climb to a high position without any connections or relationships only exists in a bandit's den. In the Federation, a machine that sustains billions of people, there's always a group of people who are similar to oneself.

Conversely, you can't climb high just by relying on connections.

Lin Zhiyan receives all sorts of preferential treatment, but when it comes to fame and possessions, she can't act recklessly.

"Aunt Ding, you must have a solution, right? My dad said that if we ever need anything, we should ask Aunt Ding for help..."

Seeing Lin Zhiyan unleash his killer move, Ding Shoujin was immediately overwhelmed and waved his hand, saying, "Let me think about it for you, okay?"

Lin Zhiyan stood obediently to the side: "Take your time thinking, I'm not in a hurry."

She wasn't like Lu Zhao, a stubborn person who would call for help for anything she couldn't handle herself.

If Lu Zhao were to arrange everything himself, it would be an eternity before he could become a high-ranking official. In any case, his family had a mountain of political resources, and he could use any available resources to avoid missing out.

Ding Shoujin pondered for a while and said, "There is a position that meets the requirements. Its resources and promotion opportunities are among the best in the entire Federation, but to be honest, it is quite dangerous."

Upon hearing this, Lin Zhiyan seemed to have guessed what was going on and immediately shook his head in refusal: "No, not anything too dangerous."

"Don't rush to refuse. This isn't a job for you. Xiao Yan, you must respect Lu Zhao's choice. He is not a servant of your Lin family."

Ding Shoujin offered a reminder, then looked at Lu Zhao and asked, "The Cangwu City Federation District's Special Rapid Reaction Force has vacancies every year. Do you dare to give it a try?"

"The average annual salary of the Confederate Special Countermeasures Team is $50. A full year of service is considered a third-class merit. Life supplements are provided at the intermediate level and special drugs are provided for the second-stage development."

"I can arrange for you to become a deputy captain of a detachment, with the rank of deputy officer, and then be recommended for captain the following year."

Lin Zhiyan regretted it and kept shaking her head at Lu Zhao.

The Cangwu City Federation District is the most dangerous region in the Federation, a super-giant district of 3000 million square kilometers, home to nearly 1 million citizens.

It has a larger population and area than many regional powers before the Great Cataclysm.

At the beginning of the Great Cataclysm, the Federation intended for it to exist as a special administrative county, and at that time, the concept of Eastern unity was still upheld.

After restructuring and a series of upheavals, the Confederate District was in a state of complete anarchy for a long period. In recent years, Nankaido has begun to invest a lot of manpower and resources in the fight against crime to restore order to the Confederate District.

The Special Countermeasures Team is one of the main forces, specializing in handling crimes committed by superhumans.

However, due to the need to venture deep into the Confederate territories which are not entirely under federal control, the risk is very high, with a fixed annual casualty rate of 10%.

(End of this chapter)