Chapter 135: The Spoils of War
Chapter 135: The Spoils of War
The group conducted a thorough search within the camp, ensuring no hidden bandits remained. They confirmed that all the bandits within the camp had been neutralized, except for a Maka Academy student with a severed hand lying outside, still alive despite significant blood loss.
Despite his injuries, the fighter's resilience kept him alive, albeit unconscious. They bandaged his wounds and prepared to bring him back with them. However, it was uncertain how the Yangzhi City Government Hall would handle and treat him.
During their search, they discovered a large underground room with handcuffs, shackles, and traces indicating recent captivity. The wilderness team likely engaged in human trafficking, but with the Rusty Crew's impending return to Maka, they had disposed of the captives beforehand.
After confirming the area was safe, they began to clean and inspect the camp's contents. In the largest tent, they found a substantial amount of small-denomination cash, neatly packaged.
The bag was small enough to be carried with one hand, but the amount was not insignificant. Surprisingly, Rusty had left it behind, leading them to believe it was meant for his gang members. They speculated that the bandits planned to return to Maka with the exchange delegation, hence the preparation of these funds.
Since Rusty had overlooked this money, they assumed he possessed something more valuable. Upon inspecting his and Venom Snake's bodies, they found two numbered gold certificates from the Wan Sheng Financial Institution.
These certificates could be cashed by anyone, and although the exact amount was unknown, it was likely substantial. The group discussed cashing the certificates and then deciding on how to distribute the funds upon their return.
In a corner of the tent, they also discovered a stack of Jiaoshan Trade Coupons, which were only useful in Jiaoshan. Nonetheless, they collected them due to their value.
At that moment, Feng Xiaoqi called out, "Come and take a look at this!"
The group approached and saw an electrically powered freezer containing packaged human organs, causing them to frown. These organs evoked unpleasant associations.
Chen Chuan glanced at them, noticing some with signs of transmutation. He deduced that the Rusty Crew likely lacked the capability to obtain such organs, suggesting they were either stolen or being transported for someone else. "Destroy them," he ordered.
The group nodded in agreement.
"And this," Feng Xiaoqi pointed to a locked box, its contents unknown.
Unsure how to open the lock without damaging its contents, they couldn't simply load it onto their vehicle.
Wei Chang'an called out, "Lao Si, go and find Lao Fan."
Cai Sai nodded and left. After a while, a team member skilled in technology arrived, examined the lock, and returned with tools to work on it carefully.
As unlocking the lock would take some time, the group continued their inspection elsewhere.
Wei Chang'an instructed a team member to photograph each bandit and the overall camp, along with collecting identifying items. These would be useful for claiming bounties later.
Although the bounties were not substantial, and some bandits had none, it would help offset their financial investment.
After completing these tasks, a team member informed Wei Chang'an, "The vehicles in the camp have been repaired and had their tires changed. They should all be drivable."
The Rusty Crew had nine vehicles, one of which was severely damaged and overturned outside. The rest could be driven back, except for two armed vehicles that couldn't enter the city. They could be sold to those dealing in illegal vehicles, recovering some funds.
Ren Xiaotian offered to handle the sale, having connections in this area.
Wei Chang'an also had connections, but as a Wu Yi Academy student and official client, he preferred to avoid such dealings.
The bandits had left behind numerous firearms and ammunition, including homemade and Maka weapons, which they had no interest in. They decided to destroy the homemade ones but kept several Da Chuan-made guns and ammunition, anticipating their potential future use.
As they continued their work, a voice announced that the locked box had been opened.
The group gathered around as the box was opened, revealing a strange, sealed object about thirty centimeters in size. It resembled an oversized silkworm cocoon with several limb-like protrusions.
Feng Xiaoqi curiously asked, "What is this? A bug?"
Ren Xiaotian replied gravely, "It's a biological implant."
Most of those present were familiar with biological implants, but none had seen one with such an odd appearance.
Ren Xiaotian approached, examining it closely without touching. "There's no company logo, indicating it's likely experimental in nature."
Chen Chuan added, "The Maka people revere nature and never use biological implants. The team probably obtained this to sell, but we don't know what kind of implant it is."
Feng Xiaoqi's eyes lit up. "So, this thing is valuable?" The technician nodded, "It's valuable, but it might also bring trouble."
Feng Xiaoqi quickly shook his head. "Then let's forget about it."
Chen Chuan considered for a moment. "Since we've found it, let's take it with us. I'll figure out how to handle it later."
There was no need for excessive worry. Experimental items like these were intentionally released into the market by domestic or foreign companies to gauge product effectiveness. They wouldn't care about the intermediaries involved. Later, they could consult Cheng Zitong on how to handle it or, if necessary, turn it over to Director Lei or the Patrol Bureau.
After sorting through the valuable items in the camp, it was already past nine in the morning, and everyone was preparing to return.
Since they needed to drive the vehicles back, almost everyone had to take the wheel. However, Chen Chuan, Feng Xiaoqi, and Wu Han didn't know how to drive, so they were taught on the spot.
Out in the open wilderness, there was no need to worry about traffic rules, stop-and-go driving, or fuel consumption. They just needed to get the vehicles moving, which wasn't too difficult. So, after Wei Chang'an and the others gave them a quick lesson, they all grasped the basics.
On their way back, they received a radio message from Lin Xiaoti, informing them that the Maka Exchange Delegation was showing signs of departure. Everyone was relieved, fortunate to have intercepted this group today and recovered the items from them. Otherwise, this assignment would have been challenging, and they would have had to resort to taking action during the inspection.
As the convoy approached the outskirts of Yangzhi City, the people previously notified via radio had already arrived and were waiting to take over their vehicles.
Ren Xiaotian came to handle the exchange with these people, who were clearly experienced in such matters, and the process went smoothly and amicably.
After completing the transaction, the group parted ways with these people and drove their original vehicles back into the city, returning to Wu Yi Academy without incident.
Chen Chuan, Wei Chang'an, and his team bid farewell and asked the latter to take the unconscious and injured Maka student with them, along with the wanted criminals' photos, to the Patrol Bureau.
Then, he called the rental company to have the car picked up, assuring them that they could send the bill for any damages later.
After settling these matters, he, Luo Kaiyuan, Feng Xiaoqi, Wei Dong, and Wu Han headed towards the dormitories.
Having just returned from a fierce battle, especially Chen Chuan and Wu Han, who were still holding weapons, they exuded a subtle air of danger as they walked. Instinctively, some perceptive students avoided them, while experienced senior students gave them sidelong glances.
It was lunchtime, so they went for a meal before returning to their dormitory.
The next task was to inventory the cash and Jiaoshan trade coupons in the bag, a task Feng Xiaoqi eagerly took on.
As for the two gold certificates, without any time limit, Chen Chuan decided to wait until the assignment was completed before claiming them and determining how to distribute them.
With most matters settled, Chen Chuan briefly instructed the others to take a break.
After the group left, Chen Chuan took out the box containing the Evergreen Oak Leaf and carefully examined it after opening it. The leaf's veins were distinct, and it was entirely green with a faint, pleasant fragrance. However, after the initial touch, his second self only flickered once, and there were no further signs of transmutation.
This item required a Maka ritual to be effective, but the Makas had not yet revealed the ritual to Dachuan. Dachuan hadn't been concerned about it before, but that might change in the future.
Regardless of the item's usefulness, it was irrelevant to Chen Chuan. He couldn't possibly unravel its secrets alone, nor did he need to understand them. His primary goal was to obtain a positive evaluation from the Government Department to gain access to Central City, with everything else being secondary.
After examining the leaf for a while, he put it away and walked to the phone, dialing a number. When the call connected, he said, "Director Lei, I've retrieved the item."
"You got it back?" Director Lei was surprised. He had received information that the Maka Exchange Delegation was preparing to depart today, so he had specifically notified them in advance. Yet, before the delegation took action, Chen Chuan had already recovered the item.
"Tell me the process, and I'll see if there are any overlooked issues," Director Lei said.
Chen Chuan recounted the key points of the events, and after listening, Director Lei nodded. "So, you received the information first, which is the best-case scenario. This way, you won't have to meet the exchange team directly.
If possible, it's best to bring the item to me now. I'll accompany you to the Foreign Affairs Bureau to handle this matter promptly and avoid any further complications."
"Okay, Director Lei. I'll come right away."
Director Lei thought for a moment and said, "Don't take any other vehicle. Are you at the school? Wait there, and I'll send He Nan's driver to pick you up."
Chen Chuan agreed, first taking a shower and changing clothes before leaving the dormitory for the school gate. As he arrived, He Nan's sedan also pulled up, and he got into the car. Forty minutes later, he reached Director Lei's residence. After a brief exchange, they headed to the Foreign Affairs Bureau.
Upon arriving at the Foreign Affairs Bureau, Chen Chuan, accompanied by Director Lei, handed over the item to the Director of the Foreign Affairs Bureau, Liu Zhan. Liu Zhan was overjoyed, as the loss of the item had put the Foreign Affairs Bureau in a difficult position, tarnishing his reputation. But now that it was recovered, it could be a blessing in disguise, potentially drawing positive attention from higher-ups.
Grasping Chen Chuan's hand, Liu Zhan expressed his gratitude and enthusiastically asked, "Chen, is there anything the Foreign Affairs Bureau can assist you with? Please don't hesitate to ask, and I, Liu, will certainly reciprocate."
Chen Chuan thought for a moment and sincerely replied, "There is something I'd like your help with."
(End of Chapter)
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