"Yes, Li, I understand! In that case, are we going to publicize this recording?" Liu swallowed a gulp of saliva, realizing the significance of the footage that he had captured.

Although he hadn't recorded the entire fight, the last blow was sufficiently shocking that the recording would nevertheless spread like wildfire. Furthermore, it had even recorded the techniques that Zhang Lie was using.

"No, wait. This recording is likely worth far more than we can imagine." Li touched the rim of his glasses. His expression was calm, but his trembling palms betrayed his excitement.

"In fact, don't tell anyone about the fact that we have this recording," Li warned Liu again, who hastily nodded.

Li forced himself to remain calm as he and Liu left the testing ground. The lights flickered out, and all that remained in the arena were sparks of electricity flashing in the darkness.

Back in the building, Official Yang was resting languidly in his office, sipping a warm cup of tea as he dreamt of Zhang Lie's downfall. He glanced at the time: it had been over two hours since Zhang Lie entered the testing ground, and his corpse was likely stiff by now.

Looks like it's about time to send a few cleaners in! "Go have someone clean up the testing ground," he instructed a subordinate.

"But, sir, no one's been inside."

"So? Do as I command!" As Official Yang raised his voice, that worker rushed off toward the arena.

Meanwhile, Official Yang packed his bags and prepared to leave work for the day.

"Oh? Are you leaving already, Official Yang?"

"Yes," Official Yang responded by reflex, not paying attention to just who was speaking to him. Where to go to relax after work? Decisions, decisions...

"In that case, what shall I do about my certification?"

Official Yang froze as the owner of that voice finally registered in his head. He glanced at the door, where Zhang Lie was standing with a half-smile on his face.

"You..." Official Yang stared at Zhang Lie in shock and horror, pointing at him and gaping but unable to force out another word.

"Sir, something's gone very wrong in the testing arena. The reinforced ground's been smashed to pieces, as though a frightening battle just took place!" His subordinate returned bearing even more shocking news.

Had Zhang Lie managed to defeat two peak second-realm hunters on his own? Two?! Not only that, Zhang Lie didn't even seem the worse for wear!

"Well, Official Yang? I'd like to discuss my certification with you."

Zhang Lie sat down in the chair opposite Official Yang's.

Sweat dripped down Official Yang's back and stained his shirt. All he wanted to do was escape from the frightening hunter in the same room as him, but, faced with Zhang Lie's cool stare, his legs seemed to turn to jelly.

"Hm?" When Official Yang didn't respond, Zhang Lie frowned and seemed to grow visibly displeased.

"I'll check on the testing arena later. Leave me alone for now." Official Yang dismissed his subordinate and drummed up the courage to sit down opposite Zhang Lie, forcing out a pained smile.

He knew that his position would be in danger now that Zhang Lie had passed the trial. Given Zhang Lie's current popularity and status, if Zhang Lie were to report this incident and spur an investigation against him, he could well spend the rest of his life in prison.

In fact, if Zhang Lie wanted to be even more vicious, Zhang Lie could even kill him on the spot. Given Zhang Lie's status as a galaxy fighter, it would be viewed as rightful retribution for the crime he had committed against Zhang Lie.

At the moment, he felt a deep well of hate toward the Wang clan, who had instigated him into carrying out this series of affairs.

"Mr. Zhang, you've successfully passed the trial, and will naturally be certified as a dojo leader. If you need the certification immediately, I'd be happy to assist you at once."

Official Yang couldn't care less about the Wang clan at that moment. All that was on his mind was satisfying the galaxy fighter in front of him and preserving his own life.

Zhang Lie didn't respond. He considered his fingers in silence, leading to an awkward pause in the conversation. The tension seemed to clench a fist around Official Yang's throat, making it difficult for him to breathe.

"Of course. I am, however, quite concerned about the rigor of the test. Who knew I would have to face peak second-realm hunters, and even two of them at that?" Zhang Lie's eyes gleamed.

Official Yang clutched his armrests, not knowing how to defend himself. After all, according to plan, Zhang Lie should have perished within the arena as an 'accident'. His loss would be mourned, but that would be it.

However, Zhang Lie had walked out of that trial alive. What was he to do?! He was a galaxy fighter, and Official Yang was nothing compared to that!

"You're a rather unfortunate scapegoat, aren't you? You might have managed to get a few things with your success, but if you were to fail—well, you'd lose your job, and perhaps even your life."

Zhang Lie rapped his knuckles against the table, and his words caused Official Yang's expression to grow more and more despondent.

"Was I taken advantage of?" Official Yang murmured to himself. "The Wang clan, no, the Wang family head himself contacted me..."

"Do you have a recording?" Zhang Lie smiled, as if praising him for his deduction.

"N-No!"

"A pity, then. Prepare a recording next time." With an ambiguous smile, Zhang Lie gave him a command, seemingly resigned to letting him live.

"Yes, yes, of course, Mr. Zhang! I'll definitely record our conversations in the future!" After all, this was the only reason he had been kept alive.

Zhang Lie beamed. "In that case, I'll await your good news. I hope you aren't foolish enough to try anything funny. Once you have the certification ready, send it over to my house. I'll have my lawyer, Zhang Hong, be ready to accept it. I'll be leaving much of the dojo's affairs in her care, so I hope you'll be friendly toward her, Official Yang."

Zhang Lie sauntered out of his office.

Only then did Official Yang, his forehead now beading with copious amounts of sweat, sink down into his chair, the fat on his face trembling because of his rage. The Wang clan had almost killed him!

At the same time, back in the Wang clan's meeting room, Wang Han was seated at the top of the table with a glower on his face, as the old man with blackened teeth lay prostrate on the ground, not daring to raise his head.

"Didn't you assure me that two peak second-realm hunters, along with a bottle of restricted potion, would be all you needed to take care of Zhang Lie?!"

As Wang Han's genetic energy surged, the wizened old man trembled in fear.

However, Wang Han was equally confused as to how the two peak second-realm hunters had failed. Surely there was no way Zhang Lie could overcome such overwhelming odds against him. What could have gone wrong with the plan?