Seeing Yue Shi's "innocent" look, Ling Xun sighed and spoke plainly.
"According to the Investigation Bureau's covert observations, we suspect Tulip Security Company might be backed by an illegal organization involved in the trafficking of live transcendents, corpses, organs, and personal intelligence..."
"How could that be?" Yue Shi showed an appropriate expression of shock, though his eyes remained calm.
Ling Xun said, "You've likely been targeted, which is why I said your situation is dangerous."
Yue Shi lowered his gaze and asked, "Since the Bureau suspects Tulip Security Company, why not just take action? You came to see me privately; do you want me to do something?"
Ling Xun's tone grew heavy. "We only have suspicions, no hard evidence. Besides, the higher-ups want to follow the vine to find the root and identify the mastermind."
"To be honest, there are similar small private agencies like Tulip Security Company in other cities. They're usually newly registered and recruit transcendents with extremely generous terms, meeting almost any request and not even checking backgrounds. They take everyone."
"But before long, the transcendents who joined these agencies start disappearing or dying in 'reasonable' ways, often without even a corpse left behind."
"This dark force operates very cautiously, disappearing quietly before they attract the local Investigation Bureau's suspicion."
"Fortunately, six months ago, the Bureau headquarters conducted a census of transcendents in certain areas. They found that the disappearance and death rates of registered non-official transcendents had risen abnormally, which is how we noticed this."
Yue Shi raised an eyebrow. "What you're telling me sounds like classified information. Is it appropriate to just tell me like this?"
"Of course." Ling Xun smiled meaningfully.
"Given your current situation, you don't have many options. To be blunt, a lone wolf transcendent like you—with a narrow social circle and no big shots or factions backing you—is a prime target wherever you go. Even if you leave Tulip Security Company and move to another city, new trouble will likely find you. Joining the Investigation Bureau is your best way out."
Yue Shi fell silent. He knew the benefits of being official—top-tier information and privileges.
But... he was a transmigrator. He had no foundation of trust for this world's authorities. He guarded against everything equally.
Plus, his identity was a liability. He held a massive secret. If discovered, who knew how the authorities would treat him?
Sensing Yue Shi's hesitation, Ling Xun said, "I think I know what you're worried about."
Meeting Yue Shi's surprised gaze, Ling Xun continued, "I've seen your file. On the surface, it's fine, but it doesn't hold up to scrutiny. It might fool outsiders, but internal staff aren't so easily tricked. A single clue is enough to strip you bare."
"Your past seems to be a blank. All your records—ID, phone number, bank cards, social accounts—were only recently created..."
As he spoke, Yue Shi's fingertips gradually turned into sharp claws. His muscles tensed, ready to strike at any moment.
Ling Xun seemed oblivious and continued, "Maybe you have a past you'd rather not remember, or maybe you came from a Chaos Zone outside Federal jurisdiction and used unconventional means to get a legal identity to do something bad later."
"I'm not saying this to blackmail you. I just want you to know that I don't care about your past or future. I only need you to work for the Investigation Bureau now. If you want to leave later, no one will stop you."
"Huh???" Yue Shi was stunned.
Ling Xun spoke frankly: "You can treat the Amber City Investigation Bureau as a springboard. Accept protection while you're weak, work hard, and when you've grown, it won't be too late to go solo."
"It's hard to imagine an official transcendent saying such things. As a member of the Investigation Bureau, shouldn't you be protecting its interests?" Yue Shi asked, his voice sounding magically raspy.
Ling Xun gave a disdainful smile. "I'm an individual, not someone who sold their soul to the Investigation Bureau. Being an official transcendent is just a job at the end of the day."
"My hard work is to make myself better, not to make the Investigation Bureau better. In an era where great power can be concentrated in one person, as a transcendent, who doesn't have personal ideals and pursuits..."
His voice trailed off, his eyes darting around. He seemed to realize he'd spoken too much truth in his slip of the tongue.
Yue Shi accepted this quite well. He guessed it was because this world had no concept of nations, only a unified Federation. People hadn't been raised with patriotism, leading to this unique ideology where even official transcendents were self-interested.
Thinking this, he asked, "Is the Investigation Bureau's recruitment and regulation of members always this loose? Letting transcendents develop freely for personal gain?"
"You're overthinking it. Where would you find such a good deal?" Ling Xun denied it with a fake smile, clearly annoyed at his slip-up. His attitude toward Yue Shi became subtle.
"Headquarters and branches in other cities have very strict background checks. To prevent leaks, leaving isn't that easy."
"But the Amber City Investigation Bureau is different. Our director... is an eccentric. He's always been unconventional. After joining us, you can even take part-time jobs in other organizations."
Ling Xun stopped there, not saying more about the director, but those few words painted a mysterious and intriguing figure.
Yue Shi narrowed his eyes. If the Amber City Investigation Bureau was as good as Ling Xun described, it should be overcrowded, not short-staffed.
However, he didn't use any more influence on Ling Xun's mind. His identity issue was already out in the open.
"Based on the current situation, joining the Investigation Bureau is indeed a good choice," Yue Shi said.
"More than 'good.' Believe me, you won't regret the decision you're making now. Time will prove everything!" Ling Xun promised solemnly.
Rate on N.U.
