Chapter 115: Entering the Mountains
Chapter 115: Entering the Mountains
After ending his call with Ren Su, Chen Chuan immediately dialed Cheng Zitong's number. Since the matter couldn't be discussed over the phone, he decided to visit the administrative building once he confirmed that Cheng Zitong was in his office.
Chen Chuan thought for a moment, returned to his dormitory, and picked up the stack of documents that Gao Ming had sent him. He then headed out from the dormitory building, following the path along Chunqiu Lake, and entered the administrative building, climbing up to the logistics office.
Cheng Zitong waited for him to enter, closed the door, and asked, "A commission from the Government Hall? The Flying Head Haunt?"
Chen Chuan replied, "Yes, Teacher. This time, we might encounter the source of those flying heads, so I wanted to consult you to see if there's anything else students should pay attention to."
Cheng Zitong spoke seriously, "First, I want to ask you something. Since your last commission, have you felt any discomfort in your body? How's your mental state?"
Chen Chuan answered, "I felt a bit odd at first, but it went away after a day."
Cheng Zitong glanced at him a few times and said, "In a few days, the exchange students from Maraka will be going to the Foreign Affairs Bureau. At that time, they will showcase an oak leaf they gifted us, which can help heal some injuries and boost spirits. It's a rare opportunity, and I'll arrange for you to join them."
Chen Chuan solemnly said, "Thank you, Teacher." Regardless of whether he needed it or not, Teacher Cheng Zitong genuinely cared for him.
Cheng Zitong relaxed and said, "Alright, since you feel fine, as a member of the Insight Sect, I trust you. Now, let's talk about that Flying Head."
He sat back down at his desk, took a sip of tea to clear his throat, and then said, "I know the method to deal with the source of the Flying Heads, but I haven't personally handled it before. So, what I say next might not be entirely accurate.
Also, some details are only known by those who have dealt with it firsthand; it's hard for others to understand. So, what I say next, you should remember, but don't treat it as absolute truth. You must adjust according to the actual situation; don't be stubborn and rigid."
Chen Chuan nodded seriously, "I'll remember that, Teacher."
Seeing that Chen Chuan was listening attentively, Cheng Zitong continued, "The ordinary Flying Head monsters can be dealt with using simple methods, like regular attack techniques. But the source of the Flying Heads, that's a real Urban Legend, and it's hard to eliminate external attack methods. We can only adopt a delaying tactic to solve this."
"Yes, a delaying tactic."
Cheng Zitong spoke solemnly, "The daily sacrifices for the Flying Head monsters are like meals for humans. The key is to hold the ceremony while also preventing them from fully enjoying the offerings. With each missed offering, they will grow weaker, until they eventually disappear.
However, this thing constantly affects people's minds, stirring emotions and awakening deep-seated desires. The more people, the more obvious the effect. So, when encountering this, you must first guard against your companions.
They might attack you from behind at any moment. When dealing with this, it's best to have as few people around as possible, ensuring only a small group or even just yourself. Then, you can delay and wear it down until it vanishes completely."
Chen Chuan considered the challenge; the difficulty was indeed significant. In truth, he wasn't afraid of delaying the Flying Head, but he had little control over others' actions.
Cheng Zitong walked to another cabinet, took out a key to unlock it, and searched inside. He retrieved a box, from which he took a piece of yellow jade, and handed it to Chen Chuan, "This should help protect you for a while, allowing you to endure longer."
However, Chen Chuan understood that he shouldn't be stubborn. Preserving himself was more important than solving the problem. As long as he was alive, there would always be a solution.
At this moment, Cheng Zitong added, "I have more to say. We've only encountered a few of these Urban Legends; there are many we've never seen before. If you've decided to focus on Urban Legends, you'll inevitably face things you've never encountered, perhaps even without any precedents. You should expand your knowledge in this aspect as much as possible. I've organized some materials here; you can take them back to read when you have time."
He walked to another cabinet, and Chen Chuan saw it filled with numerous file bags. Knowing he couldn't finish them all at once, he decided to take his time. He pulled out one and said, "I'll take this to read. Also, Teacher," he handed over the stack of documents he brought, and Cheng Zitong asked, "What's this?"
Chen Chuan explained, "My cousin, Wei Jun, is a Legal Advisor. These are his assessment materials for several Martial Academy Branches in the Governorate and his personal opinions. I want to ask for your advice on these."
Cheng Zitong was surprised, "This is worth examining carefully."
After bidding farewell to Cheng Zitong, Chen Chuan left the administrative building and returned to the dormitory area. He picked up the communal phone and called Ren Su. When the call connected, he said, "I'll take on this commission. Please ask Mr. Ren to have Master Wei come pick me up; I'll prepare and set off soon."
Ren Su, who had been eagerly waiting, became excited upon hearing this. He immediately responded, "I'll have Master Wei drive over to pick up Mr. Chen!"
This was a significant commission from the Central Academy, and if they could complete it, their company would earn a reputation, no longer remaining unknown.
Chen Chuan hung up the phone and went back to pack his things. Of course, he would bring the Snow Lady Sword and the Spear Gun. Considering some urban legends might have abnormal effects, and that clothes could get damaged in a real fight, he decided to pack a couple of extra sets of clothes.
As he was organizing, a light knock sounded at the door. He opened it and saw a young student with features similar to Teacher Duma standing outside. This was likely a Makara student.
The student greeted him warmly, "Hello, my name is Zua, and my Great Shun name is Qiu Chengzu."
Chen Chuan nodded in response, "I'm Chen Chuan. Nice to meet you, Qiu. What's the matter?"
Qiu Chengzu, a bit shy, said, "It's like this. Our Makara combat skills aren't as good as yours in Great Shun. Our teacher wants us to exchange more with Wuyi Academy students. May I spar with you, Chen?"
Chen Chuan didn't expect a Makara student to come so soon. Normally, he'd be happy to oblige, even though he could tell this Qiu Chengzu wasn't very skilled. But right now, he didn't have the time.
He apologized, "Sorry, I have something urgent to attend to and need to leave soon. I can't spar with you today."
"Oh, it's okay, no problem. I was too hasty." Qiu Chengzu seemed embarrassed and added hopefully, "Then... may I ask to spar with you next time?"
"We'll see when the opportunity arises."
"Okay." Qiu Chengzu also realized Chen Chuan was busy and quickly apologized for disturbing him before turning to leave.
Chen Chuan closed the door and resumed his preparations. After everything was ready, he held his sword and walked out, making his way to the school gate. There, a 4x4 vehicle was waiting, and the driver, Xiao Wei, stood by the door, waving at him from a distance.
Chen Chuan approached, and Xiao Wei opened the door for him. Once Chen Chuan was seated, Xiao Wei thoughtfully asked, "Mr. Chen, would you like the radio on?"
"Sure," Chen Chuan replied. There wasn't much to do on the road, so listening to the radio would be nice.
After turning it on, Xiao Wei asked what he wanted to listen to. Chen Chuan casually replied, "News, I guess."
After all, during this time slot, the Yangzhi City area only broadcasted a few programs like opera and news commentary. Opera was fine in small doses, but not for long stretches, so news it was.
The car quickly hit the road, heading northwest. After about three hours, they were outside the city. Just then, a news report came on:
"The Yangzhi City Government Hall recently shut down another polluting factory in Huoshui, the second closure this month following last month's crackdown... The Government Hall is committed to creating a better living environment for citizens..."
That incident again.
Chen Chuan paid closer attention. This story had been running for several days, apparently stemming from the Noon Family Town incident.
Although he knew the real cause was the Flying Head Monster, he couldn't rule out actual water pollution. Yet, the news had been covering this for over ten days, albeit in brief segments, but it felt like they were intentionally emphasizing it.
He pondered for a moment. Perhaps some officials in the Government Hall needed to show results, especially since it was just after the new year, and positions were rumored to be up for adjustment.
This wasn't his concern, though.
At that moment, he glanced outside. When they left the city, there were still many vehicles, but now they were fewer and fewer. On one side was a flat plain, and on the other, a dense forest.
"Mr. Chen, we're almost there," Xiao Wei reminded him.
Chen Chuan looked and saw a prominent road sign by the roadside. The car turned in that direction, heading towards a slope. It was a narrow road with many stones and dirt, but the middle was relatively smooth, likely from recent vehicle traffic.
After driving about two or three miles, they reached a large clearing. A stream flowed down from the mountain, and in the clearing were several cars and tents, all neatly spaced out.
Chen Chuan estimated there were at least two to three hundred people here, likely all participants in this operation.
The 4x4 slowed and stopped near the other vehicles. Chen Chuan and Xiao Wei got out.
Someone immediately approached and asked for their credentials. Xiao Wei showed his ID, and the person warmly invited them to the center of the camp.
...
...
(End of Chapter)
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