https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-1067-A-World-of-Strange-Sights-and-Sounds/13228916/
Chapter 1068: Shadows of Doubt in a Meeting
Chapter 1068: Shadows of Doubt in a Meeting
Upon entering the room, Wang Tongshan and Bian Zhijie saw Chen Chuan dressed in a training uniform, his eyes shimmering with a faint light, indicating he had just finished his cultivation practice.
The sight filled them with both admiration and a hint of embarrassment.
After arriving in the Federation, their first thought was to relax, but Chen Chuan, being stronger and more advanced in his cultivation, maintained his diligent training regimen. In that instant, they decided to hold back any questions and return to intensify their own training.
Chen Chuan invited them to sit and asked about their purpose for coming. They briefly explained the situation, but he didn't give an immediate response. Instead, he glanced at the box beside them and asked, "What's in there? Have you looked inside?"
"Not yet," replied Bian Zhijie. "I'd like to take a look."
He picked up the box and attempted to open it, unafraid of any potential issues. He believed that such a small object couldn't possibly pose a life-threatening risk to a martial artist, and they hadn't sensed any spiritual threats either.
As the box opened, a blood-red object resembling a heart, but seemingly a worm encased in a biological membrane, came into view.
"What is this? An implant?" asked Wang Tongshan, who seemed familiar with it. He picked it up for a closer look and confirmed, "This should be the military-grade 'Core Cocoon' implant. It can store drugs and nutrients in advance and, with proper adjustments, generate a special stimulation signal when needed to enhance a martial artist's neural response capabilities."
He paused for a moment, then continued, "Since the drugs and stimulation mechanisms can be customized, it can theoretically provide some benefit to martial artists as well."
"Oh? How does it work?" Bian Zhijie asked with interest.
Wang Tongshan held it up and gestured towards his heart, "It will automatically attach itself here, with its tendrils penetrating the body. If it's connected to the heart beforehand, the effect will be immediate."
"It's a one-time use item. I heard that the person who obtained this from the lab must have invested a lot. It's not something you can easily get your hands on."
"Interesting," remarked Bian Zhijie.
Wang Tongshan studied the object, seeing traces of forbidden experiments. The Federation seemed to have no qualms about pushing boundaries, and their technological advancements were rapid. This item appeared to have already surpassed the laboratory prototype stage.
If mass-produced, it could significantly impact the battlefield, and with technological progress, it might even be useful for them in the future. This realization filled him with a sense of urgency.
Chen Chuan contemplated the situation. On the surface, it seemed harmless, but in the Federation, especially on the West Coast, intelligence agencies often had limited oversight. High-level members of various teams and factions could move freely, and martial artists from around the world often infiltrated the area unnoticed. Ironically, those who entered openly, like them, would likely face heightened scrutiny and surveillance.
He hadn't forgotten the confrontation and attack they faced earlier. Now, with an invitation to go out, he needed to consider the situation carefully. Although the destination was also within the industrial park, as long as they remained at their residence, the Federation was responsible for their safety. If they ventured out and encountered danger or problems, the Federation's responsibility would be greatly reduced.
However, he personally leaned towards accepting the invitation, as it seemed significant. He suspected that many people were watching their next move, especially since the invitation was made publicly. If they were acting solely for themselves, it wouldn't matter, but as representatives of their team, they needed to be cautious. This event could be manipulated and interpreted by those with ulterior motives.
Digging deeper, he realized it might even affect the confidence of other Daxun people and companies in the Federation. In jest, he thought his decision today might impact the Serrano stock market tomorrow.
Another reason for his decision was the proximity of the company to their industrial zone. For martial artists, it was practically next door, and even if they encountered trouble, he was confident in his ability to handle the situation.
He raised his head and said, "I don't oppose this, and I won't restrict your actions. But I must inform you that you should only go to the designated location."
Wang Tongshan's expression turned solemn. "Rest assured, Chen, we understand the importance of discipline."
Bian Zhijie nodded in agreement.
"Then that's settled," Chen Chuan concluded.
The two men received his clear response and, for some reason, felt a sense of certainty. Knowing that Chen Chuan might be in the midst of his cultivation, they promptly bid him farewell and left.
After they departed, Chen Chuan returned to his meditation. Later that evening, a message arrived in the Jieping realm, informing him that Tao Huiya wished to meet with him at the hotel, and she would be there soon.
Chen Chuan checked the time and made his way to his private suite. Within minutes, a knock sounded at the door, and he gestured for the attendant to open it. A Foreign Affairs Team officer entered, carrying a box.
The attendant closed the door and left, while the officer's expressionless face transformed as she approached, setting the box aside. "Greetings, Commissioner Chen."
Chen Chuan glanced at him, "Leader Tao?"
The officer replied, "It's me. I'm downstairs. The visit team received many gifts during the day, and now I'm here under the pretext of distributing gifts to the team."
Chen Chuan nodded slightly. This was an attachment of spiritual power, indicating that Tao Huiya herself possessed spiritual advantages.
He asked, "What's the matter?"
Tao Huiya explained, "According to our investigation, we've identified two suspicious targets, and the three here can be ruled out. Additionally, after sending out the contact signal, we couldn't reach the person we were looking for. Instead, we received a secret message from a comrade-in-arms who had been out of contact for a long time and was presumed dead.
"He mentioned having crucial intelligence to convey, including clues about the person we're searching for.
"I've decided to meet him in person, but since he's been out of contact for so long, this matter carries a certain risk. If I don't return..."
She removed the Jieping from the officer's head and said, "All the relevant information is inside. Someone will come to retrieve it and take over the subsequent tasks from Committee Member Chen."
Chen Chuan didn't ask further, merely nodding slightly.
Tao Huiya asked, "Is there anything else you'd like to inquire about, Committee Member Chen?"
After a moment of contemplation, Chen Chuan said, "Since Leader Tao is here, there's something I'd like to discuss with you and hear your opinions and thoughts." He then briefed them on the events involving Wang Tongshan and Bian Zhijie during the day.
Tao Huiya responded, "I just arrived today and haven't received any news regarding this matter. I can't confirm it, but based on the intelligence we've gathered, there doesn't seem to be anyone around Serrano Central City who poses a threat to Committee Member Chen."
Without questioning the reason, Tao Huiya thought for a moment and assured him, "No problem, Committee Member Chen. You'll receive the latest detailed intelligence by tomorrow evening at the latest."
Seeing that Chen Chuan had no further questions, she stood up and said, "Committee Member Chen, farewell." After that, the officer's face resumed its expressionless state, and he turned and left without hesitation.
Chen Chuan sat in the room, sensing that the officer had boarded a vehicle, and then both cars departed, one waiting below.
He didn't pay much attention to it and returned to his dedicated practice room to continue his cultivation. He needed to enhance his strength as soon as possible so that he could access the Gangyao's secret method the next day.
After Wang Tongshan and Bian Zhijie returned, they contacted Ge Jixiong. The following day, the car sent to pick them up arrived, but they didn't ride in it. Instead, they boarded a local vehicle purchased by the delegation and followed the car to the company.
However, at that moment, a black dot was flying overhead, seemingly following them, but due to its high altitude, no one noticed.
Twenty minutes later, the two men arrived at the headquarters of the Ge family company. The area was elevated, and the building resembled a fortress, with security personnel guarding critical locations. As Ge Jixiong led them in, they noticed various secret rituals inside and outside the premises.
Noticing their curiosity, Ge Jixiong explained, "I apologize for the embarrassment, but it's through these rituals that I've managed to survive until now."
Bian Zhijie asked inquisitively, "I recall there are quite a few religions in the Federation. Are these rituals reliable?"
Ge Jixiong exuded confidence. "Our company specializes in this business. In this regard, we have a unique approach, and most of our employees are from Daxun. Each of them has signed an agreement, prohibiting them from joining any religion."
He guided the two men around the company's premises and then invited them to his private collection room, where several armed dolls from the Yuanren Company stood guard.
Through the floor-to-ceiling glass, he pointed downward, "Down there is my private plantation, where a genuine Sun Tree grows. It's not a product of the Giant Company but an authentic Sun Tree. It is said to have grown from a branch taken from the First People's sacred tree. Initially, it had withered, but my father used his technology to revive it."
He spoke with pride, "This is the most valuable item here."
Wang and Bian looked in that direction and saw a tree shimmering with light. After seeing it, they unexpectedly felt a gentle spiritual solace, which surprised them. Indeed, the company had some impressive treasures.
Could this tree have attracted prying eyes? But the situation seemed more complex than that.
While they were touring the company, less than five kilometers away, almost at the edge of the industrial zone, there was a mound with a facility resembling an air-raid shelter.
Deep inside stood a man in full combat armor, his hair white, skin slightly tanned, lips thick, and face stern. He wore specially designed sunglasses, which, through the facility's technology and the assistance of several Resonators nearby, projected a clear image of the three men's movements.
He glanced at the projection and said, "Inform the action team to find a way to separate the two men."
...
...
Chapter end
Report
