Chapter 135: The Spoils of War
Chapter 135: The Spoils of War
The group conducted a thorough search of the camp, ensuring no hidden bandits remained. They confirmed that all the bandits within the camp had been neutralized, except for a Maka student with a severed hand lying outside, still alive despite significant blood loss.
His tenacious fighting spirit kept him alive, and they bandaged his wound, intending 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 and chains, indicating recent captivity. The wilderness team had likely been involved in human trafficking, but with the Copper Rust Gang's impending return to Maka, they might have disposed of the captives.
Once they confirmed the area was safe, the group 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 contained a significant sum. It was surprising that Mitai had left it behind, leading them to believe it was meant for the gang's members, possibly in preparation for their return to Maka with the Makah Exchange Delegation.
Mitai's disregard for the money suggested he possessed something more valuable. Upon inspecting his and Yu'an's bodies, they discovered two numbered gold vouchers from the Yuanshan Financial Bank, which anyone could cash. The exact amount was unknown, but it was likely substantial, and now it would benefit the team.
The group decided to cash the vouchers and discuss distribution later. In the tent's corner, they also found stacks of Jiaoshan trading coupons, only useful in Jiaoshan but still valuable.
Feng Xiaoqi called out, drawing their attention to a powered refrigerator containing packaged human organs, which made them frown.
Chen Chuan glanced at the organs, noticing some with altered tissues, which the Copper Rust Gang likely lacked the means to obtain. He suggested, "Destroy them."
The group nodded in agreement. Feng Xiaoqi pointed to a locked box nearby, its contents unknown.
Unsure how to open the lock without damaging its contents, they decided to call for an expert. Wei Chang'an summoned a team member skilled in lockpicking, who arrived with tools and carefully worked on the lock.
As the process took time, the others continued their search. Wei Chang'an instructed a team member to photograph each bandit and the camp's overall layout, collecting identifying items for potential bounty and reward claims.
Although the amounts were small, and some bandits had no bounty, it would help offset their expenses. After completing these tasks, a team member approached Wei Chang'an, saying, "Wei Ge, all the vehicles in the camp have been repaired and had their tires changed. They should be drivable."
The Copper Rust Gang had nine vehicles, one severely damaged and flipped on its side. The others could be driven back, except for the two armored vehicles, which they could sell to black market dealers for a profit.
Ren Xiaotian offered to handle this transaction, and Wei Chang'an, though also having connections, preferred to avoid such dealings due to his status as a Wu Yi Academy student and official client.
The bandits had left behind numerous firearms and ammunition, including homemade and Maka weapons they had no use for. They decided to destroy the homemade and Maka firearms but keep the Dushun-made guns and ammunition for future use.
As they worked, the lockpicking expert announced the successful opening of the box. Inside was a strange object, about thirty centimeters long, resembling an oversized cocoon with several extended limbs.
Feng Xiaoqi, intrigued, asked, "What is this? Some kind of insect?"
Ren Xiaotian replied gravely, "It's a biological implant."
Most of the group was familiar with biological implants, but this peculiar design was new to them. Ren Xiaotian approached it, studying it closely without touching.
"There are no obvious company markings, suggesting it's an experimental model," he observed.
Chen Chuan added, "The Maka people value nature and never use biological implants. This team might have obtained it for trade, but we don't know its type."
Feng Xiaoqi's eyes lit up. "So, this thing is valuable?"
The technician confirmed, "It's valuable, but it might also bring trouble."
Feng Xiaoqi quickly shook his head. "Then we'll leave it."
Chen Chuan considered for a moment. "Since we've found it, let's take it. I'll figure out how to handle it when we return."
There was no need for excessive worry. Experimental items like these were often intentionally released into the market by domestic or foreign companies to gauge product performance. They wouldn't care about the chain of possession, and they could consult Cheng Zitong or even Director Lei or the Patrol Bureau for guidance.
After organizing the valuables in the camp, it was already past 9 a.m., and the group prepared to head back.
Since they needed to drive the vehicles back, almost everyone would be behind the wheel. Only Chen Chuan, Feng Xiaoqi, and Wu Han didn't know how to drive, so they decided to teach them right then and there.
Out in the open wilderness, there was no need to worry about traffic rules or fuel efficiency. They could drive as they pleased, and it wasn't a difficult task. Wei Chang'an and his team took the opportunity to teach the others, and soon enough, they all had a basic grasp of driving.
On their way back, they received a radio transmission from Lin Xiaoti, informing them that the Makah Exchange Delegation was showing signs of departure. The group felt relieved, grateful that they had intercepted this group earlier in the day and had the items in their possession. Otherwise, this commission would have been much more challenging, and they might have had to resort to taking action at the checkpoint.
As the convoy approached the outskirts of Yangzhi City, the person they had notified via radio earlier arrived ahead of them to take charge of the vehicles.
Ren Xiao Tian came to handle the exchange with these individuals, who were evidently experienced in such matters, and the process went smoothly and amicably.
Once the transaction was complete, the group parted ways with Ren Xiao Tian, and they 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 to the others, asking them to take the unconscious injured Makaran and the photos of the wanted criminals to the Patrol Bureau.
Chen Chuan then called the car rental service, informing them to pick up the vehicles and that he would reimburse them for any damages later.
After settling these matters, he, along with Luo Kaiyuan, Feng Xiaoqi, Wei Dong, and Wu Han, headed towards the dormitories.
They had just returned from a fierce battle, and as Chen Chuan and Wu Han carried their weapons, their presence on the road exuded a subtle sense of danger. Instinctively, the more perceptive students gave them a wide berth, while the experienced upperclassmen couldn't help but glance at them curiously.
It was lunchtime, so they decided to grab a meal before returning to their dormitory.
The next task was to inventory the cash and Jiaoshan trading coupons in the bag, a task that Feng Xiaoqi eagerly took upon himself.
As for the two gold vouchers, with no expiration date, Chen Chuan planned to collect them after the commission was concluded and then decide on the distribution.
With not much else to do, Chen Chuan briefly briefed everyone before letting them rest.
After the group left, Chen Chuan took out the box containing the oak leaf. He opened it and carefully examined the leaf, which had distinct veins and a vibrant green hue, emitting a subtle fragrance that was soothing to the senses. However, after the initial touch, his second self had faded away, and the sensation didn't recur.
This item required a Makah ritual to be effective, but the Makah hadn't shared the details with Dashun. Dashun hadn't paid much attention to it either, but that might change in the future.
Regardless of its usefulness, it wasn't Chen Chuan's concern. He couldn't possibly uncover its secrets alone, nor did he need to. His primary goal was to obtain a positive evaluation from the government department to secure his qualification for Central City, with everything else being secondary.
After a while, Chen Chuan put the item away and walked over to the phone. He dialed a number and, upon connecting, said, "Director Lei, I've retrieved the item."
Director Lei was taken aback. He had received information that the Makah Exchange Delegation was set to depart that day, so he had specifically informed Chen Chuan in advance. He hadn't expected the delegation to still be stationary while Chen Chuan had already recovered the item.
"Tell me the process," Director Lei requested. "I want to ensure nothing was overlooked."
Chen Chuan summarized the key events, and Director Lei nodded in satisfaction. "So, you received the information first, which is excellent. It's better to avoid direct confrontation with the delegation.
"If you're available, it would be best to bring the item to me now. I'll accompany you to the Foreign Affairs Bureau to resolve this matter swiftly and avoid any further complications."
"Okay, Director Lei," Chen Chuan agreed. "I'll come right away."
Director Lei paused for a moment, then said, "Don't take any other vehicle. Are you at Wu Yi Academy? Wait there, and I'll send He Nan's driver to pick you up."
Chen Chuan confirmed and went to freshen up, changing into a new set of clothes. He then left the dormitory and arrived at the school gate just as the Yufulan car pulled up. After greeting the driver, he got into the vehicle and, forty minutes later, found himself at Director Lei's residence. They exchanged a few words before heading to the Foreign Affairs Bureau.
Upon their smooth arrival, Director Lei escorted Chen Chuan as he handed the item to Director Liu Zhan of the Foreign Affairs Bureau. Director Liu Zhan was thrilled, as the loss of this item had tarnished his reputation. But now that it was recovered, it could be a chance to regain recognition.
He shook Chen Chuan's hand, expressing his gratitude. "Chen, if there's anything the Foreign Affairs Bureau can do for you, please don't hesitate to ask. I assure you, we will repay your kindness."
Chen Chuan considered this for a moment and replied sincerely, "There is one matter I'd appreciate your assistance with."
...
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(End of Chapter)
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