Becoming a Deity from Planting the Bodhi Tree

After being brought to the Order Office headquarters, it was already a sea of people.

The burly man from before shouted to everyone, "Don't rush, everyone line up to verify your identity. After a simple statement is recorded and confirmed, you can leave!"

Hearing this, many people breathed a sigh of relief.

Jing Qiu was about to line up when someone grabbed his arm from the side, pulling him out of the crowd.

It was Zhang Xingshan.

"Come with me."

With a smile on his face, Zhang Xingshan led him into a nearby corridor.

The burly man from before was also there.

His arms alone were thicker than Jing Qiu's thighs, exuding a fierce and masculine aura.

He bared his teeth in a grin and slapped Jing Qiu heavily on the shoulder:

"Good kid! You must be Ji Jingqiu, right? These days, Little Shan here keeps mentioning you at home. I haven't seen him care so much for someone his age in a long time!"

Zhang Xingshan's face flushed with embarrassment. He hadn't constantly mentioned Jing Qiu, just mentioned him a few times casually, and that was because he was feeling competitive!

"My name is Zhang Xingyi, I'm his second brother. You can also call me 'second brother.'"

"Old Yao originally entrusted the Luo family to fish you out, but unfortunately, that effeminate Luo is useless. I had to step in myself!"

Zhang Xingyi boasted proudly.

"Alright, I have some business to attend to. You've been through enough. Let Little Shan take your statement quickly, and then we'll arrange for someone to send you back."

With that, he turned and left efficiently.

Only Zhang Xingshan and Jing Qiu were left.

Zhang Xingshan quickly composed himself and said, "Come on, let's take a break first. I'll find someone to take a quick statement from you, then arrange a car to take you home."

Jing Qiu followed him into a private office, which was empty, and on the desk was a nameplate with Zhang Xingyi's name.

"Sit down, I'll get you something to eat and drink."

With that, Zhang Xingshan walked out.

Jing Qiu found a place to sit, first sent a message to his senior brother to report his safety, then fell into deep thought.

*What concerned him most now wasn't the sudden attack event, but that suddenly appearing buzz-cut man!*

*Who exactly was this guy? Did he have anything to do with this terrorist attack? Otherwise, why would he coincidentally show up there too?*

*The man had too many suspicions, and it seemed like he had targeted him.*

The Jade Buddha was proof of that.

Realizing this, Jing Qiu felt like he was sitting on pins and needles.

*No way... I need to do something.*

After thinking for a moment, the only solution he could come up with was to take this chance to report the man's suspicious actions to the Order Office.

A cult member with strange behavior who appeared near a terrorist attack—there's no way the Order Office would ignore it!

It wasn't long before Zhang Xingshan returned with some food and brought an officer to take a quick statement from Jing Qiu.

Hearing that Jing Qiu had joined other passersby to save the passengers on a tram, Zhang Xingshan couldn't help but show admiration and approval.

Both had youthful spirits, especially since they were both involved in Martial Arts. Zhang Xingshan felt that if he had been there, he would have done the same!

The officer taking the statement praised,

"If you hadn't chosen to help, you'd have had time to evacuate.

The crowd that was stopped consisted of those who couldn't evacuate in time.

Once the Order Office and the Security Bureau arrived, they quickly defeated the terrorists, but some of them scattered and fled. To prevent them from blending into the general population, they decided to check everyone once more.

Anyone among these people who resides in the lower area won't be leaving tonight; they all need further investigation."

After the statement, Jing Qiu hesitated and said, "When I was rescuing people, I saw a suspicious person."

"Recently, there's been a lower-tier gang preaching near where I live, and there was a person I saw just in that vicinity earlier."

Hearing this, the officer became serious, asked Jing Qiu for more details about the preaching's time and place, and then had him describe the person's appearance before hurriedly leaving.

Moments later.

Zhang Xingyi entered with a tablet, his brow furrowed.

"Qiu, have a look. Do you recognize this woman?"

Jing Qiu appeared bewildered. How did it become a woman?

Hadn't he just mentioned the buzz-cut man?

Taking the tablet, he saw two photos.

One was a candid shot, with tall grass bending low and wind blowing across a lake, the scenery beautiful but outshone by the figure in a white dress blooming like a flower by the lakeside. It was a girl with dark eyes filled with mischief, seemingly plotting a prank.

The second picture was a video, showing a girl climbing out of a tram, somewhat disheveled.

It was her?!

Jing Qiu nodded and shook his head, making Zhang Xingyi dizzy.

He quickly explained, "I don't know her, but she was trapped in the tram earlier, and I smashed the window to get her out."

Zhang Xingyi breathed a sigh of relief: "In that case, it's nothing."

"Second brother, what's wrong with this girl?" Zhang Xingshan asked from the side.

"Not sure, but earlier the one from the Security Bureau, surnamed Wang, came looking for trouble, saying the city hall ordered them to gather all information about this girl's whereabouts. They reviewed nearby video footage, and now they're asking us to hand over Jing Qiu."

Zhang Xingshan was shocked, "Is this girl also a terrorist?"

"That's not our concern, why are you so worried?"

"Then what do we do now; should we really hand over Jing Qiu?"

"Hand over, my ass!" Zhang Xingyi's fiery temper flared, "That Wang guy just got turned down by me, and now he wants to retaliate and embarrass me. How did your second brother always teach you? A good man, his head can be broken and blood can flow, but face cannot be lost!"

Zhang Xingshan breathed a sigh of relief.

If he handed him over, it would give the Luo family a chance to shine.

Besides, how would he explain it back at the Martial Arts Hall?

What would others think of him?

Soon enough, Deputy Director Wang from the Security Bureau barged in, fixing his gaze on Jing Qiu with excitement, and shouted back,

"You there, bring this kid back to the Security Bureau!"

Zhang Xingyi was furious, standing his ground: "Let's see who dares to take someone from my Order Office today!"

Wang An sneered, "Zhang Xingyi, harboring and protecting suspicious individuals, you must not want to work anymore!"

Zhang Xingyi suddenly retracted his anger, also sneering,

"According to Vice Hall Director Yang from the city hall, this terrorist attack case is fully under the jurisdiction of the Order Office.

We now suspect Jing Qiu is involved in this terrorist attack and will temporarily detain him for questioning!"

Seeing his airtight response, Wang An's expression darkened: "Don't regret it. This kid is someone Secretary Zhang specifically wanted!"

"Be my guest!" Zhang Xingyi remained unfazed.

"Fine, fine, fine!" Wang An was so furious he laughed, "Let's see how you handle this today!"

With that, he turned to make a call.

Zhang Xingshan looked worried; he hadn't anticipated that this matter would involve Secretary Zhang from the city hall, who represented the highest leadership in An City.

Zhang Xingyi lightly shook his head, signaling him not to worry, that everything was under control.

Ten minutes later, with Deputy Director Wang wearing a fawning smile, a man with gold-rimmed glasses hurried into the room.

He moved swiftly, breathing heavily, obviously having rushed, and his face was extremely unpleasant.

As soon as he entered, he erupted,

"Deputy Director Wang, causing a standoff between the Order Office and the Security Bureau, making sure everyone knows—this is your idea of a low-profile action?"

"I can't understand how you've become a deputy director at the Security Bureau! Utterly foolish!"

Surprisingly, Wang An was the one getting reprimanded, leaving him looking dumbfounded.

Zhang Xingyi folded his arms and stood to the side, looking on with interest.

This Secretary Zhang from the city hall, despite not necessarily holding a higher position than Wang An, didn't hesitate to scold him like a son who wouldn't dare talk back.

Still, this Wang was truly foolish—the orders from above were for low-profile action?

Clearly, that meant a secret investigation!

Yet he still dared to take advantage of the situation to cause trouble for the Order Office; with smarts like that, how did he even become a deputy director? Is there no one in the Security Bureau!

After reprimanding Wang An, Secretary Zhang stepped over to Jing Qiu, his face warm,

"Are you Ji Jingqiu?"

"Yes, that's me." Jing Qiu nodded.

"Do you know the girl in the photo?"

Jing Qiu repeated his account from earlier.

Secretary Zhang nodded, his expression unchanged, as if he had anticipated this response before arriving.

He smiled slightly, expressing admiration:

"I've seen the video; courageous and selfless! Very good, An City needs young talents like you, Ji!"

"The city hall will award you a bravery bonus as acknowledgment and reward for your actions, Ji!"

"And where are you currently studying, Ji?"

Zhang Xingyi interrupted, reminding, "Secretary Zhang, Jing Qiu is currently studying at Yang Yan Martial Arts Hall."

"Oh?" Secretary Zhang was visibly moved, "So you're a top disciple of Mr. Yang, no wonder, no wonder!"

Saying this, he turned back to Zhang Xingyi and subtly hinted:

"Captain Zhang, there's a push from above to attract and invest in local Martial Artists, overseen by the Order Office. This should be carried out effectively, especially in selecting and engaging the right candidates—exercise utmost prudence."

He paused, seeming to find his previous comments inadequate, adding:

"Young people like Jing Qiu who are responsible and daring must be prioritized!"

Zhang Xingyi inwardly applauded.

Previously, Yang Yao had asked him to arrange for a position for a foreign fighter from the Order Office, but due to approval delays, it hadn't been processed yet.

Unexpectedly, Yang Yao's junior got an advanced opportunity directly!

"Rest assured, Secretary Zhang, we will prioritize outstanding young Martial Artists like Jing Qiu who possess excellent character and valor!" Zhang Xingyi assured, patting his chest.

"Hmm," Secretary Zhang nodded, "I must rush back to the city hall, so I won't stay to chat further. Excuse me."

With that, he gave a slight smile to Jing Qiu and turned to leave.

Wang An left with a sullen face after Secretary Zhang, slamming the door behind him, drawing a loud protest from Zhang Xingyi.

By now, Jing Qiu finally understood that he seemed to have saved a girl with a complicated background.

Secretary Zhang's special visit seemed not just about confirming details, which could have been done by phone; there was no need for such personal involvement.

It felt more like a statement of position...

Recalling that inexplicable synchronized "sorry."

Jing Qiu had a perplexed expression.

He had apologized because it was clear that buzz-cut man came for him, nearly bringing danger to everyone present.

*Was the girl's apology for a similar reason?*

*Was this terrorist attack aimed at her?*