Chapter 149: The Entrance
Chapter 149: The Entrance
Hu Xian stuffed the gold ticket into her pocket and said, "Remember our deal. This is an extra job, and whether it succeeds or not, I'll be expecting a finder's fee afterward."
Chen Chuan nodded, "Of course."
Hu Xian smiled, "That's why I like you, young man. I know how tough it is to make a living. Consider this arrangement taken care of."
After leaving the room, she walked downstairs and found the middle-aged man in the room below. She informed him of Chen Chuan's request, and he asked, "Did you agree to his terms?"
Hu Xian replied, "He pays, and I deliver. It doesn't break any rules of the assessment. The instructions were to cooperate as much as possible, and that's what I'm doing."
The middle-aged man glanced upstairs and said, "I hope he knows what he's getting into."
Hu Xian nonchalantly responded, "It's just a daring reconnaissance mission. Don't be silly; he won't just rush into it. This young man looks cautious, but he's not the type to hold back. It's not their style to wait when they've got a scent."
The middle-aged man thought for a moment and agreed.
He believed that Chen Chuan would likely pass this transaction, getting a close look at Fist Lion and his team. After a brief encounter, they'd form an impression and he could proceed with his plan.
It seemed dangerous, especially with Fist Lion's notorious disregard for rules, but now was the time to be fearless.
Fist Lion was currently seeking buyers, and this deal was crucial for their entry into the Chaos Region. Killing the buyer wasn't an option; who would dare to trade with them then? The Chaos Region had all sorts of characters, but even they appreciated bold moves. Fist Lion's rule-breaking nature didn't mean he wanted others to break his rules.
The middle-aged man admired Chen Chuan's bold yet cautious approach, seeing it as a quality befitting an applicant for the Infinite Defense Certificate. Considering Chen Chuan was only a first-year at Wu Yi Academy, the assessment should be even more favorable.
After Hu Xian left, he retrieved a file from the cabinet behind him, containing records of Chen Chuan's assessment journey. Most of it was blank, awaiting the outcome.
He took out a pen and began writing his thoughts and evaluation seriously. Finally, he added a sentence, believing that such a student deserved greater attention and cultivation.
As time passed, Chen Chuan carefully polished the Xuejun Blade in his room. There was a knock on the door, and he sheathed the blade, saying, "Come in."
Hu Xian entered, a cigarette dangling from her lips. She glanced sharply at the Xuejun Blade on the table and turned to Chen Chuan, "I've made contact, and the gold ticket is with Fist Lion. They've decided to meet you tomorrow."
Chen Chuan asked, "When tomorrow?"
Hu Xian replied, "They didn't specify. But I think, with the bait in front of them, and their dog noses twitching, they won't wait long. It's not their style."
Chen Chuan agreed, "Indeed, they need cash, and now they know I have it. It's strange they haven't rushed to meet me."
"What's your take on this, Hu Xian?" Chen Chuan asked.
Hu Xian took a moment to consider, "In my opinion... I think they've found another buyer. They're trying to play both sides, getting the best deal."
Chen Chuan nodded, "Makes sense."
Hu Xian asked, "So, will you go tomorrow?"
Chen Chuan's voice was light, "Since it's set, I'll go and see for myself."
Hu Xian removed the cigarette from her mouth, "Even if you're just observing, be prepared. Do you need anything?"
Chen Chuan thought for a moment, "Do you have smoke bombs, Hu Xian?"
Hu Xian's eyes lit up, "Smoke bombs? Sure! What type? Fog screen or colored smoke? Want the extra punch to shut that Ran Xiaoli's nose?"
Chen Chuan chose, "The latter. How much?"
"Fifty each, no credit," Hu Xian stated.
Chen Chuan considered, then said, "I'll take four."
Hu Xian raised an eyebrow, "No haggling? You're sure?"
Chen Chuan's voice was sincere, "I'm new here, and I can't find these things. Your help is much appreciated."
Hu Xian waved her hand, "Alright! For your decisiveness, buy two get one free! Here's two more!"
"Thank you, Hu Xian," Chen Chuan said.
Hu Xian offered, "Need guns? Pistols, rifles, or submachine guns, I've got them all."
"I have my own," Chen Chuan replied.
"Fair enough. You're just negotiating, and big guns won't help. Let me know if you need anything," Hu Xian waved and left, closing the door behind her.
As she departed, Chen Chuan sheathed the Xuejun Blade again, continuing to oil and maintain it. As he held the hilt), he felt a subtle vibration, like a gentle breath.
With his entry into the Second Limit, the connection with the blade deepened. Each swing felt lighter, not flimsy, but a perfect fit for the moment, as if it were an extension of his body.
He glanced out the window, noticing white snowflakes drifting down.
It was snowing.
His gaze returned to the blade, its gleaming surface reflecting his figure, cold and sharp.
Tomorrow would be cold.
After Hu Xian's departure, the middle-aged man confirmed Chen Chuan's request for smoke bombs, a wise choice for a quick escape.
As a member of the review team, Chen Chuan had to observe the examinee's actions when selecting the assessment target, regardless of their performance, in order to accurately record their evaluation.
Meanwhile, in a four-story building over three hundred meters away, the team leader, 'Fist Lion' Ka Tu, was listening to a henchman's report.
Ka Tu had a robust physique, his thick chest and back muscles stretching the tight vest he wore. The exposed muscles were well-defined, giving him a solid and sturdy appearance as if his body were filled with rocks. His hair was braided into small plaits that bounced as he moved, giving him a wild and untamed look.
"Boss, it's for sure. The Chaos Region's 'Great Horse' always keeps his promises. If he said he'd come to see the goods tomorrow, he will definitely be here."
The double-bodied Tuo Qi sat on a stool, looking like two people with their backs to each other. The one in front was playing idly with something in his hand, while the one behind stared at the henchman and said with dissatisfaction, "Didn't he give you any kind of deposit or something?"
The henchman awkwardly replied, "No." He was just a runner, how dare he ask for money from a boss in the Chaos Region? It was already good enough that he could return with his tail between his legs.
Ran Xiaoli, the Bee Woman, leaned against a nearby sofa. "Boss," she said, "it seems like the Fox Fairy's introduction is more sincere."
Fist Lion didn't confirm or deny, but he said to the henchman, "Good job. Go get your money."
Although he always broke the rules, he was generous to those who worked for him. He knew that these brothers were his lifeline, and with them, he could trample on the annoying rules.
"Thank you, boss!" The henchman happily left.
In the 619 book bar, there's a mistake-free version!
Fist Lion turned to Ran Xiaoli, "Did the person the Fox Fairy introduced say they'd come tomorrow?"
"They just replied, saying they'll be here tomorrow."
"Then let's meet them and see who's more sincere." A malicious smile appeared on Fist Lion's face. "We don't know their background, and if they're not strong enough, we can just eat them. We're lacking a business here, and I think the Fox Fairy's territory is pretty good."
"The Fox Fairy herself is pretty good-looking," a few henchmen chimed in, and the others snickered.
Ran Xiaoli reminded them, "To be able to set up shop here, the Fox Fairy's background is not simple."
Tuo Qi dismissed it, "It's just that they have a history with the Chaos Region's 'Great Horse.' I've already found out that the Great Horse is busy with other things and can't reach this far. When the boss contacts that person, who knows who will be the one bowing down?"
At this moment, Fist Lion reminded Ran Xiaoli, "Where's the goods? Prepare them to be in the awakening state; we might need them tomorrow."
"Boss, they're by the window," Ran Xiaoli pointed to a box on a table in the corner.
"Keep an eye on it," Fist Lion said.
"Don't worry, boss, I'm watching it," a voice suddenly spoke up, and a part of the wall separated, revealing a person. Only then did everyone realize it was a person, as their colors blended seamlessly with the wall, and no one had noticed them before.
Ran Xiaoli was annoyed, "Damn it, Song Zhi, you pervert, stop with this act. Don't let me see you where I shouldn't."
The henchmen chuckled, as if they understood something.
"You laugh at your mother!" Ran Xiaoli glared at them. Her pretty face took on a cruel look, and her eyes suddenly turned narrow, as if many pupils were flashing within, making everyone's scalp tingle.
The henchmen immediately fell silent.
Ran Xiaoli glanced at Fist Lion, whose eyes were deep and calm. If it were before, she would have smashed a few of their heads right there, but Fist Lion took care of his men, so she could only hold back for now, planning to find a way to release her anger after this deal was done.
At that moment, Fist Lion took the laced beverage from the table and drank it in one gulp. With a light squeeze, he crushed the metal cup in his hand and said, "Tomorrow's business is important, so go back and rest. Don't mess around too much tonight, or you'll be useless to me tomorrow."
"Yes, boss!" The henchmen scattered quickly.
The next day, Chen Chuan woke up early, washed up, and changed into a suitable windbreaker for the area, wrapping a scarf around his neck and filling his water bottle.
He opened the box and took out a small box of medicine.
This was the item Cheng Zitong had mentioned—a box of specially prepared marching powder. It wasn't meant for ordinary people but for martial arts experts in the military who carried out special missions. It could supplement missing nutrients and quickly enhance combat effectiveness in a short time, and since it was a finished product, side effects were minimal.
On the medicine box, there was also a contact for any questions.
He didn't plan to use it yet, but he kept it with him, then sat down and slowly guided his breathing, regulating his state while waiting for Hu Xian's notification.
Around ten in the morning, Hu Xian knocked and entered the room. She saw Chen Chuan sitting at the table, wearing a chestnut red scarf and a light brown long windbreaker. His long sword was placed to the side, and the bright sunlight shone through the window, illuminating his body, revealing a sharp edge beneath his calm demeanor.
Her eyes lit up, "Wow, Chen, you look so energetic in that outfit."
Chen Chuan lifted his head, "Is it time?"
Hu Xian nodded, "Yes, I came to tell you that we're ready to go if you are."
Chen Chuan stood up, holding the Xuejun Blade, and said, "Let's go."
...
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(End of Chapter)
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