Heavenly Ascension Chronicles Chapter 1178: The Treasure in the Wall Attracts Spies - Novel Cool

Chapter 1178: The Treasure in the Wall Attracts Spies

Chapter 1178: The Treasure in the Wall Attracts Spies

The fighting arena stood about five stories tall, complete with its own small internal stadium. Chen Chuan stood on the upper level, gazing out at the shimmering surface of Crikland Grand Inner Lake.

The lake was dotted with ferries, cargo ships, and small sailboats.

Faithwarden stood beside him, providing a detailed introduction to the surroundings. Despite his burly appearance, he had an unexpectedly eloquent and logical manner of speaking, occasionally adding a touch of humor. Although he was from the Outer Ocean, he did not fit the typical stereotype of a stern and unsmiling Outer Ocean native.

Chen Chuan turned his gaze and said, "I’ve read the files, Mr. Faithwarden. You took over the arena ten years ago, right?"

Faithwarden respectfully replied, "Sir, I took over the dojo from the previous master ten years ago, as arranged by Ms. Luo. I don’t possess the charisma and capability of my predecessor, so I had to hire some experienced coaches. They are the main source of our revenue, and over the years, we have maintained a good working relationship with them. However..."

He paused slightly, "Many of them have requested salary and profit-sharing increases twice in a row. If we don’t meet their demands, they will leave the dojo en masse, which would irreparably damage our reputation."

Chen Chuan asked, "When did this situation start?"

"It began at the end of last month."

Chen Chuan had a rough idea. This coincided with his taking over the dojo, suggesting that someone was orchestrating this behind the scenes. While he didn’t want to speculate about other places, here in the Federation’s capital, some people might be unwilling to see the dojo fall into the hands of someone from Da Shun.

He said, "Mr. Faithwarden, you must know each of them well?"

"Yes."

Faithwarden calmly replied, "I personally invited each one of them, and I know their situations very well."

Chen Chuan said, "If they have genuine talent and are merely being swayed, we can offer them better terms and try to retain them. If they are simply stirring up trouble, there’s no need to negotiate further. Let them leave."

"Yes, sir!"

Faithwarden respectfully agreed, not asking what would happen after dismissing these people. As a caretaker, he would follow Chen Chuan’s decisions.

Chen Chuan didn’t care much about revenue. This place was primarily for Da Shun’s use, and he would maintain it even at a loss.

In reality, it wasn’t that difficult. If you lacked people, Da Shun would find a way to fill the gaps. If you lacked funds, you would receive donations from various companies.

Faithwarden then led Chen Chuan to other areas, explaining the current operational status along the way. Through their conversation, Chen Chuan realized that Faithwarden was indeed a skilled manager.

Ten years ago, when the previous master retired, the Feishen Dojo faced a shortage of talent. Faithwarden took some bold measures at the time.

He invited students from fighting academies who were either still learning or had just graduated to join the dojo. Using his experience and deep expertise, he helped them improve their skills. Since Feishen Style can be categorized as a form of free fighting, these students naturally picked up some elements of Feishen Style during their training.

Some of these students decided to stay and join the dojo, while others left without looking back, with the latter being the majority.

The investment was significant, but with Lavinia’s support, he was able to implement his plan. This model ensured a steady stream of talent for the dojo and, as those who left had received training and support, they formed a vast network of connections, expanding the dojo’s influence.

Now, for those who were willing to stay, Faithwarden had no intention of making any changes. He planned to let Da Shun professionals handle the subsequent matters. As for people like himself, Chen Chuan would suggest improving their treatment or integrating them into his team.

Faithwarden maintained a respectful demeanor throughout, leading Chen Chuan to the central area on the third underground level of the dojo. He stopped there, while Chen Chuan pushed open the door and entered alone. In the spacious room, a porcelain jar stood, with some tubes converging towards it.

At this moment, a young voice came from his boundary token: "Hello, Mr. Chen. I am Aku."

Aku was the Active Consciousness of the Feishen Dojo, maintaining its daily operations. To fully utilize its capabilities, including combat functions, usually required the resources of a powerful company or government. Therefore, in normal circumstances, it maintained only minimal functions.

In fact, Lavinia had implemented a lower-consumption non-Active Consciousness at other branches, which periodically compiled data and submitted it to Aku for processing, resulting in rarely any issues in financial or operational matters.

At that moment, a limb resembling a hand emerged from the porcelain jar, slowly approaching him. However, it paused at a certain distance, seemingly wary of the red scarf wrapped around the Snow Lady Blade. After confirming there was no danger, it cautiously extended towards him again.

Chen Chuan extended his hand and took out the Mutated Tissue Key that Lavinia had given him. He poured the liquid inside onto the limb, waiting for it to be absorbed. The limb twitched a few times before extending forward again.

Chen Chuan reached out and gripped the limb as if shaking hands. After a moment, a voice sounded again, "Mr. Chen, welcome. From this moment on, you are the holder of the Feishen Style Dojo with the highest authority. Aku is here to serve you."

Chen Chuan nodded and asked a few questions, to which Aku answered truthfully and provided him with a data file.

He then walked out.

Back upstairs, he said, "Mr. Faithwarden, I just asked Aku about the important matter you mentioned earlier. Is it the recent challenge?"

Faithwarden's demeanor became even more respectful as he bowed and said, "Yes, Mr. Chen. As a dojo, we often participate in regular sparring matches with other dojos. In the past, we had both wins and losses, and we always maintained a mutual respect.

However, recently, they no longer care about past courtesy and frequently challenge us. If we lose, they publicize it extensively in the media. I believe this is a targeted commercial attack on us."

Chen Chuan hummed and asked, "Who is the main opponent?"

"The Migas Dojo. It was founded by a Federation native fighter, and they have always been hostile towards the Feishen Style. In the past, we had the backing of a Federation hero... but now..."

Chen Chuan hummed again. The root of the problem lay with the dojo's owner. Although he was a fighter, he was not a Federation native, which likely caused some people or organizations to be hostile. The coaches who had been stirred up probably had someone behind them.

He said, "Mr. Faithwarden, do you have a solution?"

Faithwarden, hearing his question, raised his head and said seriously, "Perhaps we can invite Mr. Wenlier, the owner of Migas Dojo, for a negotiation. I believe he will come, given Mr. Chen's reputation."

Chen Chuan thought for a moment and said, "Then let's do it. You send out the invitation."

"Yes, I will make sure it is done", Faithwarden bowed and added, "Would Mr. Chen be kind enough to join me for a light meal?"

Chen Chuan nodded, "Of course."

It was noon, so Chen Chuan and Faithwarden went to the dojo's internal restaurant. The dishes served were in the Eastern Continent style, and Faithwarden had thoughtfully invited a chef from Jibei Dao to prepare the meal, allowing Chen Chuan to taste the flavors of his hometown.

After the meal, Chen Chuan went to the dojo to watch the disciples train. Faithwarden brought over a boy of about sixteen, who looked very honest and earnest.

"Mr. Chen, this is my son, Faithson. He is sixteen years old." The young man immediately bowed traditionally and said, "Pleased to meet you, sir!"

Faithson's face was flushed red. Although this was not his first time meeting a fighter, the one in front of him was a Secret Temple Fighter, and being so close to him was overwhelming for the young man.

Chen Chuan appraised Faithson. At sixteen, he was already a second-level fighter, a level many people never reached in their lifetime. Chen Chuan remembered that at his age, he had just entered Wuyi Academy.

But considering this was the Federation capital, where talented individuals were abundant, it was not surprising.

He asked, "He practices the Feishen Style?"

"Yes", Faithwarden said seriously, "My son has not practiced any other style."

Chen Chuan nodded and said no more, only savoring the home-cooked meal prepared for him.

Faithson, meanwhile, was responsible for serving drinks and passing the plates.

Throughout the meal, until Chen Chuan was escorted out by Faithwarden, Faithson did not get another chance to speak or ask anything.

He was anxious, unsure if he had done anything impolite, but he maintained the proper etiquette and did not make any unnecessary moves or ask inappropriate questions.

After a long wait, Faithwarden returned from outside. Faithson immediately stood up from his kneeling position and said, "Father?"

Faithwarden walked back calmly, gesturing for him to sit down. He smiled and said, "Faithson, you did well today. I could see that Mr. Chen was impressed with you."

Faithson was puzzled, "Father, I didn't do anything special."

Faithwarden shook his head, his tone serious yet gentle, "Sometimes, just being yourself is enough."

He paused, his gaze becoming more profound, and said earnestly, "Faithson, Mr. Chen is a Changsheng Temple Fighter. If you can gain his guidance and support, it will be a significant opportunity for our family. You must seize this chance!"

...

...

(End of Chapter)

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