I Cultivate in a Government Office

Chapter 140: Chapter 98: Four Years Later

The two exchanged a few words, but Wang Jianchao could still barely contain his excitement. He carefully put away the 500,000-yuan note and the draft paper sketched out by the genius, then left Linjiang Pavilion with Yang Wenqing to return to the City Defense Sub-Bureau.

They then went straight to Vice Director Gao’s office on the top floor, knocked, and went inside.

Vice Director Gao was at his desk reviewing a document. When he saw the two of them enter, a smile appeared on his face. "You’re back. How did things go with Specialist Lin from the Provincial Hall?"

Wang Jianchao stepped forward, his voice still brimming with excitement. "Director Gao, you should have seen it! Specialist Lin glanced at my rudimentary framework, and in a matter of moments, he deduced a new direction I never could have imagined. And... and he gave me this!"

He took out the note and offered it with both hands.

Vice Director Gao took the note and casually glanced at the numbers and stamp on it, showing little surprise. He simply nodded and handed the note back to Wang Jianchao. "It’s yours, so keep it. What the Provincial Hall values is the practicality and growth potential of your framework. You’ve earned this money fair and square."

"Yes, Director Gao!" Wang Jianchao replied solemnly.

Vice Director Gao then turned his gaze to the silent Yang Wenqing, his eyes holding a hint of scrutiny. "Wenqing, and you? You spent half the day with that genius. What were your impressions?"

Yang Wenqing’s mind stirred as he instantly understood his superior’s deeper meaning. Vice Director Gao had specifically arranged for him to handle the reception—it likely wasn’t just a formality or a security measure, but an opportunity to broaden his horizons.

He took a deep breath and answered candidly, "It was a profound experience. It really shows you there’s always someone better out there. Specialist Lin is only eighteen, yet his Cultivation is already at the peak of the Third Refinement. His comprehension and deductive abilities with runes and Dharma Seals are far beyond what I could have imagined. More importantly..."

He paused to organize his thoughts. "The way he approaches problems, his methods for acquiring resources, and everything that he represents... it’s on a completely different plane than what we encounter in our daily lives."

Vice Director Gao tapped his fingers lightly on the desktop. "In many cases, innate talent determines more than just cultivation speed. It sets the starting point for one’s horizons and access to resources."

"For Cultivators who possess innate talent and come from privileged backgrounds, the nine refinements of the Qi Cultivation Stage—especially the first Five Refinements—are practically a given. Their Cultivation Techniques, medicinal pills, personal tutors, and even the ambient energy in their daily training environments are all far beyond the ordinary. From the very beginning, their goal is to achieve Entry."

His gaze sharpened as he looked at Yang Wenqing. "But people like us, myself included, we don’t have that kind of innate talent. Nor do we have resources that simply fall into our laps."

"The path we walk is more arduous, one that relies on perseverance and opportune moments. In the Qi Cultivation Stage, we must expend ten, even a hundred times the effort to fight for every scrap of resource, to master every subtle technique, and to grow as strong as possible within the confines of the rules."

"But..."

Vice Director Gao’s tone shifted, growing stern. "Don’t let the achievements we’ve made in our own small pond blind you. When you see someone like Lin Xingyan, don’t just be envious or discouraged."

"An advantage during the Qi Cultivation Stage may crumble before someone who has truly achieved Entry. However, the solid foundation you build, the mental fortitude you hone, and the connections and merits you accumulate during this time are an indispensable cornerstone for whatever path you walk in the future."

Yang Wenqing straightened up, his expression solemn as he replied, "What I witnessed today has made me aware of my own insignificance and shown me how long the road ahead truly is. I will be even more diligent in my cultivation."

"Good, as long as you understand. But cultivation requires a balance of tension and relaxation; don’t get too caught up in it." Vice Director Gao’s expression softened as he looked at Wang Jianchao. "Jianchao, you go back and properly digest what you’ve gained today as well."

After Wang Jianchao left, Vice Director Gao looked at Yang Wenqing again and asked, "How are you settling into your new place?"

"It’s almost settled. Thank you for your concern, Director Gao," Yang Wenqing replied.

"Good. Once you’re settled in, calm your mind. The county has been fairly quiet recently, but the preparations for the New Town to the south are a top priority. You’ll all have your hands full when the time comes. Alright, you’re dismissed."

Yang Wenqing nodded and exited the office.

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