Chapter 130: The Team
Chapter 130: The Team
Wei Chang'an let out a thoughtful hum, realizing that this idea was likely inspired by a novel. While the plan wasn't without merit, it was complex to coordinate and involved too many uncertain factors.
Furthermore, the Maka Exchange Delegation wasn't composed of fools. If they were told the item had been obtained, they would certainly verify it. If they didn't produce it when asked, the delegation would immediately know something was amiss.
However, Wei Chang'an didn't want to dampen Feng Xiaoqi's enthusiasm. He himself had been in a similar situation before, always feeling that his ideas were brilliant, but the actual execution was another matter entirely. So, he gently suggested, "It's worth considering."
Chen Chuan, treating everyone equally, saw that Feng Xiaoqi had an idea, so he asked the others for their opinions. Luo Kaiyuan indicated that he didn't have any better suggestions.
Wu Han's idea was simple and brutal. He suggested capturing a member of the delegation and forcing them to reveal the location of the hiding Maka people.
To be honest, if they set aside unnecessary concerns, this plan did have a chance of success.
As for Wei Dong, he said, "I don't understand what you're saying. I just need to know who we're dealing with and where they are."
When it was Wei Chang'an's turn, he stroked his chin and, staring at the map, said, "There are three major checkpoints along this route to the port. The first one is under Yangzhi City's control, and they will conduct rigorous inspections. Therefore, if I were to hand over the delegation, I certainly wouldn't do it at this checkpoint.
The last checkpoint is set up by Yuanwang Port, and while the inspection might not be as strict as Yangzhi City's, it is heavily guarded to combat smuggling groups. It's challenging for ordinary people to get close.
So, the most likely place for the exchange is this middle section. At worst, we can split into several teams with radios, have one team wait near the checkpoint, and have the others patrol the road before the delegation sets off, or even follow the delegation from a distance. We might just discover their trail."
Chen Chuan pondered this approach. While it seemed a bit rigid, it didn't involve complex operations and had a chance of success. However, it might also lead to a confrontation with the delegation.
Director Lei reminded him to observe the checkpoint carefully, which was both a suggestion and a hint on how to handle the situation.
Such valuable items would undoubtedly affect the mental state of the Maka Exchange Delegation before and after obtaining them. Through careful observation, one could make certain judgments.
The delegation would stop at the checkpoint and exit their vehicles for inspection. They wouldn't be carrying firearms, so they could use the name of the Government Hall to set up an advance inspection. If they noticed any issues, they could immediately conduct a thorough search. Even if the delegation resisted, they would be easier to handle without weapons.
However, this approach was a high-risk gamble. If they didn't find anything, it might cause some international repercussions, and they wouldn't be able to conduct additional searches afterward.
Just then, there was a knock on the door.
Chen Chuan walked over and opened the door. As expected, it was Ren Xiaotian standing outside, accompanied by the lively Lin Xiaoti, who waved at him, "Hey, Chen."
Chen Chuan smiled and nodded, then said to Ren Xiaotian, "Brother Ren, we've been waiting for you. Please come in."
Ren Xiaotian stepped inside, slightly startled by the number of people in the living room. His stride momentarily faltered, and his posture became somewhat stiff.
Chen Chuan introduced everyone to each other, then returned to his seat and said, "Brother Ren, your timing is perfect. We're discussing our plan, and we'd like to hear your opinion." He summarized their previous discussion and finally asked, "Brother Ren, what do you think?"
Although Ren Xiaotian sat down, his short stature remained rigid, and he didn't remove his sunglasses. He said, "If you want to find those escaped Maka students, there's one target worth noting. Take a look." He took out a notebook that Chen Chuan was very familiar with and handed it over, saying, "Here."
Chen Chuan took the notebook and flipped through it, his expression slightly stirred.
The notebook Ren Xiaotian gave him recorded some information about the wilderness leading to the port. This area was teeming with armed groups engaged in smuggling, human trafficking, and other illegal activities.
Among them, the most influential group was involved in smuggling banned drugs, human organs, weapons, and even experimental biological implants from abroad into the country.
Regardless of their size, these groups generally engaged in human trafficking and illegal trade, often doing dirty work for the privileged.
However, in the past one or two years, a new group had emerged. Its upper echelon was composed entirely of Maka people or their mixed-race descendants. Due to their preference for wearing green arm badges and their bronze-toned skin, they were known as the Rusty Crew by outsiders, a name they eventually accepted.
Given that many of their weapons were of Maka origin, it was certain that, even if this group wasn't directly supported by the Maka government, it had intricate connections with it.
After reading the notebook, Chen Chuan formed a judgment in his mind. He looked at Ren Xiaotian and said, "So, if those Maka people escaped from Yangzhi City with the item, the most likely place for them to go would be the Rusty Crew, who can bypass the main road, are familiar with the wilderness, and have their own base of operations?"
Ren Xiaotian nodded in agreement.
Chen Chuan thought for a moment and continued, "Could it be that the Maka government had already arranged for this group in advance, and their primary purpose was to facilitate the escape of Oak Leaf?"
Given the importance the Maka people attached to this item, Chen Chuan felt this possibility was increasingly likely. He hadn't expected Ren Xiaotian to bring him such a pleasant surprise. Inviting this senior brother to join them was indeed the right choice.
As for whether this was the case or not, they could simply raid this group without waiting for the delegation's departure date.
The others were still puzzled, and Chen Chuan explained the situation to them. After some thought, everyone agreed that it was likely.
Chen Chuan asked, "Senior Ren, do you know where these people are located?"
Ren Xiaotian nodded and replied, "I know."
Lin Xiaoti spoke up, "For this matter, Uncle Ren personally went into the wilderness to investigate and located the Rusty Crew's base. Only then did he come to you, Chen."
Chen Chuan turned to Ren Xiaotian and said earnestly, "Senior Ren, we are truly grateful for your help this time."
Ren Xiaotian shook his head, "Let's not jump to conclusions yet. We don't have all the information."
Chen Chuan agreed, "Yes, Senior, do you know how many members are in the Rusty Crew? What about their equipment?"
Ren Xiaotian walked over and pointed out the approximate location of the Rusty Crew on the map.
They were located about 150 kilometers southeast in a stronghold near the He River, which provided easy access to a water source. It used to be a gang's base, but was later taken over by these people.
He then described the specific situation. The Rusty Crew had around forty to fifty members, with about a quarter of them possessing Makah firearms and homemade guns. However, a significant number of them carried bows and arrows, and they had about nine vehicles, two of which were self-modified armed vehicles.
The good news was that the Makah people were a highly nature-worshipping tribe, and this ideology had long been deeply ingrained in their bones. As a result, none of these individuals had any biological implants.
Ren Xiaotian added a word of caution, "If it's arranged by the Makah government, there might be experts involved."
Chen Chuan took this seriously. The last time he fought Dumu, he did it barehanded, but this time, he intended to be armed.
Even if they were experts, as long as they weren't wearing armor that could withstand a blade, they would still be cut in two. However, it was necessary to take precautions. He decided to obtain several powerful assault rifles through Cheng Zitong's connections, just in case.
Chen Chuan spoke decisively, "We don't have much time. Since there's a high possibility that the Rusty Crew is hiding the fugitive, we should take action as soon as possible." He looked up at the group, "Even if they're not there, it doesn't matter. We'll consider it a mission to eliminate an armed smuggling group."
Wu Han was the first to agree. He showed his disgust, "Even if we're wrong, it doesn't matter. We'll consider it a raid on bandits. Those groups in the wilderness, the ones who survive, are all bloodthirsty. Is there anyone who isn't wanted?"
Wei Chang'an smiled, thinking to himself, "Even if they're not wanted, it's fine. We'll just have the Patrol Bureau write a report after killing them."
Luo Kaiyuan spoke cautiously, "Chen, do we have enough manpower?"
Wei Chang'an replied, "I can call my team. There should be about six of us, all of them are absolutely trustworthy."
His team consisted of old friends from Wu Yi Academy, as well as some close friends. Almost all of them were from Patrol Bureau families, and their relatives, friends, and elders were well-known and could be trusted.
Feng Xiaoqi added, "We also need enough firearms and vehicles."
The group had no objections. Once they were in the wilderness, even without a firearms license, who would know who was carrying what? As long as someone in the team had a license, it would be fine.
Wei Chang'an assured them, "I can take care of this. I'll arrange for a batch of firearms and borrow some anti-stab vests to increase our chances." Although anti-stab vests offered limited protection against firearms, they provided some defense against cold weapons and crossbow bolts.
Chen Chuan asked, "Wei, is that okay?"
Wei Chang'an gave him a reassuring look and said, "Junior, don't worry. I have a firearms license, and it's not difficult to get a batch of decommissioned firearms from the Patrol Bureau."
Chen Chuan paused for a moment, then asked, "Wei, can you get smoke grenades?"
He remembered seeing the resistance group throwing smoke grenades in the square and thought they would be useful. It would be suitable for a team like theirs, where individual skills were high, but teamwork was lacking.
Wei Chang'an replied, "I'll try. It shouldn't be a problem. If not, I can find someone inside the bureau to make them."
Chen Chuan said, "Great, let me know how many we need, Wei."
Wei Chang'an agreed readily, "Sure!" He was even willing to pay for them himself, as he owed Chen Chuan a favor. However, he also understood that since they were a team, it was better to clarify financial matters beforehand.
Lin Xiaoti walked up to Chen Chuan and tugged at his arm, speaking softly, "Chen, I have something to tell you."
Chen Chuan excused himself from the group and followed her to the side. "What is it?"
Lin Xiaoti handed him a list and whispered, "This is what Teacher asked me to give you. She said you might need it for this assignment."
Chen Chuan took the list and saw that it was a vehicle rental agreement. The payment had already been made in advance, and all he needed to do was make a phone call beforehand.
He understood that He Senior Sister was returning a favor on behalf of Director Lei. Chen Chuan thought about it but didn't refuse.
In fact, he had already figured out the firearms and vehicles and made the necessary arrangements beforehand. He hadn't expected that he wouldn't need to worry about it anymore.
"Please thank Senior Sister for me," he said.
"Sure, Chen," Lin Xiaoti raised her hand and said playfully, "I'll make sure to bring it."
Chen Chuan returned to the group and discussed the plan further. After confirming that there were no objections, he said, "Then let's set the time for the day after tomorrow. Everyone, get ready tomorrow, and we'll depart at one o'clock. We'll aim to resolve this within a day!"
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(End of Chapter)
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