NOVPUBQi Yan’s words immediately stirred up a wave of unrest within the hall.
Many ministers showed expressions of surprise. 𝑛𝑜𝑣𝑝𝑢𝘣.𝘤𝑜𝘮
Mid-to-high-ranking positions within the Sect had always been scarce, each as indispensable as radishes in their holes, and were a critical cornerstone for the maintenance of the Sect’s operations.
Normally, one would compete fiercely for them; the situation of someone willingly resigning was simply inconceivable.
The new Vice Minister of the Beast Control Department had only just assumed office not long before he volunteered his resignation, a move that was incomprehensibly bizarre.
However, upon seeing Qi Yan’s solemn expression, everyone quickly came to a realization.
"It seems Qi Yan really does think highly of Wang Ba... but in the field of Beast Control, does he truly possess such profound accomplishments?"
This doubt arose in the minds of the various departments’ ministers.
Sitting behind his desk, Ma Shengxu saw Qi Yan make such a bold move and his face too revealed a look of astonishment, followed quickly by contemplation.
When Cui Daqi heard Qi Yan’s statement, he couldn’t help but show a look of amazement.
He knew Qi Yan valued Wang Ba highly, but never imagined he would to this extent.
With thoughts stirring in his mind, Cui Daqi was about to speak.
However, Song Dongyang’s face darkened slightly as he said,
"Resign? For what reason?"
Though he had guessed it was Qi Yan’s doing, he couldn’t help but ask.
Qi Yan’s expression remained unchanged, and he calmly replied,
"Sang Gongyang is at a crucial juncture in his cultivation and worries it may delay important matters of the Sect, therefore he is requesting to resign."
"Cultivation..."
This reason left Song Dongyang at a loss for words, pausing for a moment before shaking his head,
"I have no problem on my end. I will consult with Master Xi later. After obtaining approval from Rende Hall and turning in the Identity Plate, it should be fine."
"I appreciate the effort, Vice Master Song."
Qi Yan bowed slightly, then added,
"And please also consult Master Xi on behalf of Wang Ba, to see if he can be transferred to the Beast Control Department, to serve as the Vice Minister."
Upon hearing this, Song Dongyang instinctively glanced at Cui Daqi.
To his surprise, he found no sign of the expected frustration on Cui Daqi’s face, but instead saw a pensive look.
Song Dongyang grew somewhat curious.
He knew that Cui Daqi placed great importance on Wang Ba.
The extent of Cui Daqi’s regard for Wang Ba was in no way inferior to Qi Yan’s.
"Strange."
Song Dongyang’s mind raced with thoughts before turning to Qi Yan and saying,
"Wang Ba is the Vice Minister of the Spirit Food Department. Transferring him to the Beast Control Department to serve as the Vice Minister is possible. However, while I might agree to this, Minister Cui’s opinion is also essential."
Upon hearing this, Qi Yan immediately turned to Cui Daqi.
Cui Daqi, returning to the moment, slightly furrowed his brows and looked at Qi Yan,
"Minister Qi, from what I can tell, you mean to say that even if Wang Ba moves to the Beast Control Department, he can still work for the Spirit Food Department?"
Qi Yan caught on to the shift in Cui Daqi’s tone and promptly assured him,
"Certainly. As long as Wang Ba can manage, and perform his duties well, I shall not hinder him."
The furrow in Cui Daqi’s brow relaxed immediately,
"In that case, I suppose there is room for negotiation."
Cui Daqi was aware that Wang Ba had quite the leisurely role in the Spirit Food Department at present.
But that was a testament to Wang Ba’s capabilities; as long as he could properly complete the tasks assigned to him, it was sufficient.
Whether he was busy or idle in the department didn’t concern him.
After all, big drinker He, who drank heavily every day, still lived a comfortable life.
Moreover, at its core, Cui Daqi felt that staying in the Spirit Food Department was indeed a waste for Wang Ba.
After all, the Dao of Spirit Food had its limits and was considered a lesser path.
If possible, he too hoped that Wang Ba could have better prospects.
Of course, all this was conditional on ensuring the stability of the Spirit Food Department, such as dealing with various chaotic materials and scrolls that could impact his cultivation.
Considering this, Qi Yan’s guarantee that Wang Ba could still assist eased his concerns.
With these thoughts in mind, a smile appeared on Cui Daqi’s face,
"If what Minister Qi says is true and Wang Ba can freely move between the two departments, then I have no objections. My only worry is whether he can handle the responsibilities of Vice Minister in both departments without being stretched too thin..."
"Hold on!"
"Who said anything about having Wang Ba hold the position of Vice Minister in both departments?"
Song Dongyang quickly caught on and stared at Cui Daqi with knitted brows.
Cui Daqi responded with a puzzled look at Song Dongyang,
"Vice Master Song, isn’t Wang Ba the Vice Minister of the Spirit Food Department, as decided by Master Xi and Rende Hall together?"
Song Dongyang’s brows furrowed further at this.
Indeed, the decision had been made together with the Hall Master and Rende Hall. Although he had anticipated Wang Ba being transferred to the Beast Control Department and therefore had informed Rende Hall in advance, not issuing the Identity Plate yet, Wang Ba’s position as Vice Minister had already been recorded in the Sect.
He couldn’t help but look at Qi Yan.
Qi Yan instantly understood the implications in Cui Daqi’s words and said firmly,
"Vice Master Song, Wang Ba has been undertaking the role of Deacon in my department. With Sang Gongyang’s resignation, he is now the person with the highest Beast Control expertise below the rank of Vice Minister... If he does not take the position of Vice Minister, elevating another person would hardly convince the department."
Hearing this, Song Dongyang’s gaze swept over the two men, fully aware of their intentions.
He didn’t want to flatly reject Qi Yan’s statement, though.
With a thought, he came up with a solution, and a warm smile appeared on his face,
"I am aware of Wang Ba. Although he has only recently reached the Golden Core stage, his triumph as the top Golden Core contestant at the Dao-asking Conference shows that his Beast Control proficiency is indeed exceptional. However, since he has only been in the Beast Control Department for a short while and hasn’t yet achieved any notable success, promoting him so suddenly might not sit well with others in the department, don’t you think?"
