There were quite a few people who could affect government proceedings with just a single call, but those who would be targeting Zhang Lie at this critical juncture could only be the Wang, Qin, or Li clans.

"What do you propose, Lawyer Zhang?" Zhang Lie didn't seem particularly concerned. The reason that Zhang Hong had asked to meet up for a face-to-face discussion likely wasn't just to report this failure.

"Mr. Zhang, that person's attitude was unusual enough that I'm afraid my team won't be able to deal with the situation alone, so..." Zhang Hong paused as she turned to Zhang Lie. The fact that she had to rely on his assistance, despite his handing everything over to her, meant that she had failed in her duties. On the other hand, if Zhang Lie didn't step forward himself...

Zhang Lie nodded. "Don't worry. I'll handle the certification myself. Thanks for your help, Lawyer Zhang."

Contacting Zhang Lie had been Zhang Hong's last resort, and she was thankful that he had been so understanding.

Zhang Lie headed straight toward the branch of the dojo consortium in Ning. 

The dojo consortium was responsible for all dojo-related affairs on Earth, and all those who wanted to establish a new dojo would have to have their qualifications tested and paperwork handled at one of their branches worldwide.

The pale blue building that was the Ning branch had an unusual ball-like shape. Before the front doors were two armored soldiers. As Zhang Lie strode forward, the two soldiers stared at him, and by the time he reached the doors, they had both rushed forward.

Zhang Lie frowned. Were they going to attack him before he could even enter the building?

Just as Zhang Lie prepared to circulate genetic energy to counter the two soldiers' attacks, one of them stepped forward, his body trembling slightly out of excitement.

"May I ask if you're the Dragonwolf Zhang Lie?"

"Er—yes, I am," Zhang Lie responded.

"Wonderful! It's truly honor to see you in person. May I get your autograph?" He turned and elbowed his companion. "I told you that was him! I sensed him from a distance!"

Both soldiers began laughing out of excitement, reminding Zhang Lie of how famous he had become.

After signing an autograph for the two soldiers, he entered the building, causing yet another commotion at the front desk as he inquired about the certification process for a dojo leader.

The receptionist pointed Zhang Lie to a door hidden by a secluded alcove, and Zhang Lie was about to walk in when he heard voices from within.

"Don't worry, that lad won't have a chance to open his dojo! 

"Yes, there's no way he'll be able to obtain the certification with me around.

"Perhaps another day? I'm going to be rather busy lately with work. Yes. Yes? I'll gratefully accept, then," a greasy, unctuous voice came from behind the door. Zhang Lie narrowed his eyes. There was indeed a problem, and the source of it was right here.

Once everything had settled down inside, he knocked on the door.

"Enter." The man within seemed a little irritated to have been disturbed.

As Zhang Lie entered the room, he saw a bald figure arranging a few documents on his desk. The man continued sorting through his documents even as he heard Zhang Lie approach. Without looking up at him, he asked, "Are you here for certification? Come back tomorrow, my work day's almost over!"

"Almost over? Isn't it only 3:30 PM?"

The man shot Zhang Lie an annoyed glance. Seeing that Zhang Lie was a young lad, his distaste only grew.

"You really don't know how things work around here, do you? Who's the representative in charge of your dojo? Go back and tell him to come back next month!"

"You'll have me wait a whole month just because of something I said? I'd consider that an abuse of power, Official Yang. I'm the representative for my dojo, and I'm here to be certified as a dojo leader." Zhang Lie sat down in the chair before the other man's table.

Only then did the official focus his full attention on the arrogant upstart who had dared offend him. His eyes widened. This—this was the Dragonwolf Zhang Lie!

As expected, he was brash and arrogant, and he still expected to be able to found a dojo despite all the enemies he had made.

"As I've said, it's time for me to get off work. Return tomorrow!" Official Yang made to leave.

"I'll repeat myself: I'm here for the dojo leader's certification. From your expression, it looks like you've recognized me, haven't you? With my newfound popularity, I wonder if I could make you famous by lodging a complaint against you?"

Zhang Lie was still smiling pleasantly, but his words were as sharp as his blade.

Silence descended on the room until Official Yang broke it with a laugh. "I do have some recollection of your intention of founding a dojo, and I believe I've met with your lawyer, but there's simply no way you'll be able to obtain your certification. Stop wasting your time."

He seemed unperturbed by Zhang Lie's threat, and his beady eyes glanced disdainfully at Zhang Lie.

"Is that so?"

"Of course! In Ning, I have complete authority over this certification." Do you think I'd ever let someone from the slums start a dojo here?

"Let me guess who your backer is, then. The Li clan? The Qin clan? Or perhaps... the Wang clan?"

Zhang Lie pinned Official Yang down with a piercing glance. Although he wasn't circulating his genetic energy, his killing intent was sufficient to make Official Yang jumpy and anxious. Furthermore, when Zhang Lie brought up the Wang clan, he had swallowed slightly, and his pupils suddenly contracted.

It was clear just who was responsible for this annoyance.

"I don't understand what you're talking about. The reason you won't ever get the certification is because you're unqualified!" Official Yang shouted.

Zhang Lie smiled with his teeth. "Is that so? Please, tell me more."