Chapter 152: The Certification Ceremony
Chapter 152: The Certification Ceremony
In an upstairs room, Chen Chuan was behind a desk, meticulously cleaning and oiling his Xuejun Blade. After today's battle, he could distinctly feel a deeper connection with the blade, and a faint bloodline had even formed on its spine.
This was likely due to the metamorphosis of the mutated tissue within the weapon, but it wasn't necessarily a bad thing.
As he wiped the blade, he mentally replayed the day's fight, scrutinizing his own shortcomings to see if he could have done better.
In reality, the fact that the Fist Lion had allowed him to get so close meant the outcome was already certain. At this distance, he could unleash his full speed and strength, and in a typical martial arts confrontation, nothing was more crucial than that.
With the team's primary fighter defeated, the rest should be easy to handle.
But if they were to engage in an all-out brawl...
He pondered for a moment. If the mysterious bio-weapon hadn't joined the fight, the result would probably have been the same, but the process might have been longer, and the consumption of resources greater. There might have even been a chance for one or two henchmen to escape. And if the fight had dragged on, another buyer might have shown up, making everything unpredictable.
He glanced at the metal box leaning against the wall, inside which lay the Tayana Battle Spider. It wasn't very big and could fit into a briefcase, making it highly portable.
After hearing Hu Xian's words, he had also found three high-energy nutrient cans in the same building. It seemed that one can was needed to feed the spider each time it was awakened.
These nutrient cans were hard to come by, and their high price was understandable. No wonder the Fist Lion had been eager to sell; for someone like Chen Chuan, who wasn't wealthy, it was more of a useless "pet" than anything else.
Just then, a strong, rhythmic knock sounded on the door, accompanied by a voice, "Chen, are you asleep?"
Chen Chuan sheathed the Xuejun Blade, walked over, opened the door, and stepped aside, "Agent Feng, please come in."
The older man, Agent Feng, entered, his eyes swiftly scanning the room before breaking into a smile. He wasn't on a mission now, but old habits died hard.
Turning back, he said to Chen Chuan, "Chen, I just received a telegram from above. Your matter has been settled." As he spoke, he handed over the translated telegram, "Congratulations."
Chen Chuan took the telegram and, after reading its contents, thanked Agent Feng, "Thank you, Agent Feng, for personally delivering this."
Agent Feng smiled, "Good news should be shared with the person it concerns as soon as possible. I also wanted to let you know that, according to custom, someone will come to hold a simple certification ceremony for you."
Chen Chuan asked, "Where do I need to go?"
Agent Feng replied, "Unless the telegram specifies otherwise, someone will come directly to you. So, you just need to wait here."
"Here?"
"Yes, here."
Agent Feng continued, "As far as I know, the content of the assessment varies, and so do the efficiency and methods of completion. The attitude from above also differs. In the past, very few students who came to the Chaos Region for assessment could complete it independently, and none have ever completed it as efficiently... as effectively as you. Therefore, holding the certification ceremony here also has special significance."
These things didn't need to be said before the assessment, but afterward, it didn't matter. Moreover, students who obtained such a certificate were practically under the watchful eye of the higher-ups. It was a favor to be granted, and even without this, Agent Feng personally admired Chen Chuan.
Chen Chuan asked, "I wonder how long I'll have to wait."
"It shouldn't be too long, a few days at most," said Agent Feng, then added with feigned seriousness, "But you'll have to cover the accommodation costs. The review committee won't bear any expenses."
Chen Chuan chuckled.
"It's getting late," Agent Feng said, "We can discuss other matters tomorrow. But remember, this is the Chaos Region. The assessment is over, but stay vigilant."
Chen Chuan nodded.
After seeing Agent Feng off, he considered calling Cheng Zitong as they had agreed—once he passed the assessment, he would dial a designated number. However, after thinking it over, he decided against it. He had only arrived yesterday, and calling today might give Cheng Zitong the wrong idea. Since he would receive the certificate in a few days, he resolved to wait until then to contact them.
He returned to his room after cleaning and sharpening his blade and freshening up.
The inn was peaceful, but the town, bordering the Chaos Region, was bustling that night. Telegrams were flying back and forth.
Word had spread that the Fist Lion, who had been carrying cargo, had met with an outside buyer and tried to double-cross them. However, the buyer's formidable bodyguard had eliminated them all. The buyer was someone even Blue Jay didn't dare to offend, and he left as soon as he arrived.
Because Blue Jay remained tight-lipped about the incident, various factions in the Chaos Region, who initially had no interest in the matter, became curious. They wanted their informants in the town to find out what had happened and who this buyer was. But for the moment, no useful leads had been found.
Three days later, a special train arrived at the station and came to a stop. From it emerged a group of people in black coats, each with sharp eyes. As they exited, the armed guards around the station all saluted.
Among them was the middle-aged man with a square face, none other than Specialist Cao, who had personally delivered Chen Chuan's assessment documents. After leaving the station, he looked at the snow-covered square and said, "I remember when I took the assessment twenty years ago, it was snowing then too. How time flies."
Someone beside him said, "Specialist, the place hasn't changed, but the people have."
"Yes," Specialist Cao emphasized, "The people have changed." At that moment, a car emerged from the station behind them and stopped nearby, but they all remained standing.
After a few minutes, a vehicle approached from the main road and entered the snowy square, stopping in front of them. The door opened, and Agent Feng stepped out, walked up to Specialist Cao, and extended his hand for a handshake. With a smile, he said, "Specialist, we've been waiting for you."
"Specialist Cao and Mr. Feng shook hands warmly, "Mr. Feng, you've worked hard. How are you doing?"
Mr. Feng replied, "I'm doing well, and let me tell you, this examination has been my most spirited one yet. That young man is truly inspiring."
Specialist Cao nodded, "That's how the young generation should be."
Mr. Feng gestured, "Come, ride with me."
Specialist Cao agreed and walked towards the car, saying, "Just don't lead me astray." Mr. Feng pointed at him, "Still holding a grudge, huh? It's been twenty years, and you're still bringing it up."
Specialist Cao got into the car and said, "When revisiting old places, it's natural to bring up old stories. It's hard not to."
As he settled into the car, the others also boarded the vehicles on either side. The doors slammed shut, and the convoy headed towards the street where the inn was located.
The lead car drove straight to the house where the Fist Lion and the others had originally stayed. Specialist Cao and Mr. Feng got out and Mr. Feng said, "I'll go get them..."
Specialist Cao waved him off and walked inside.
Chen Chuan had followed Mr. Feng's instructions and waited here early in the morning. When the people outside entered, he recognized the one leading the group.
Mr. Feng introduced them, "Chen Chuan, this is Specialist Cao."
Specialist Cao said, "Chen Chuan, we've met before. I'm here today on behalf of the Review Team to issue you the 'Infinite Defense Certificate'."
He raised his hand, and a gloved subordinate carried a box forward, opening it in front of Chen Chuan. He held it with both hands, displaying its contents for Chen Chuan to see.
Chen Chuan glanced at it and saw a jade card similar to a weapon permit, with a greenish-black hue and a blood-hued pattern like spreading cinnabar. His name and number were engraved on it, and like the weapon permit, it used ancient seal script.
Specialist Cao took a small booklet from another subordinate, opened it, and read aloud, "Be it known that the student Chen Chuan, courageous and resolute, quick-witted and resourceful, is hereby granted the authority of infinite defense. A gentleman conceals his abilities, acting when the time is right. May you temper your body and sharpen your mind, diligently pursuing knowledge without cessation. This is a special commendation.
The correct version is the one with the '1619' mark on the book cover.
Signed,
National Review Committee Leader, Liang Yonghang.
Great Shun Republic, Summer of the 93rd Year."
After reading, Specialist Cao closed the book and handed it to Chen Chuan.
Chen Chuan straightened his expression and stepped forward, accepting it with both hands. Once he had put it away, the subordinate holding the box with the 'Infinite Defense Certificate' presented it to Chen Chuan.
Chen Chuan took a breath and removed the certificate from the box. It felt cool to the touch and had some weight, the material quality seemed even better than the weapon permit.
Specialist Cao spoke solemnly, "Chen Chuan, I must remind you that obtaining the Infinite Defense Certificate is akin to becoming a semi-enforcer. With rights come responsibilities. If the nation calls upon you, you may refuse twice. Cumulative refusals beyond that will result in the revocation of your certificate and examination eligibility."
Chen Chuan nodded, "I understand." He was well aware that the privileges granted by the higher-ups wouldn't come without obligations.
Specialist Cao's expression relaxed, "Chen Chuan, I look forward to your future performance." He didn't say more and turned to leave, with his subordinates following him out.
Specialist Cao knew that the Review Team had debated whether to allow Chen Chuan to participate in this examination.
The number of examinees was limited each year, and Chen Chuan was only a first-year student. Logically, he should yield to third-year students. However, his recommendation was too excellent to ignore, and there was no reason to hold him back. But it also meant taking a spot from a third-year student, which would naturally spark a debate.
It wasn't about personal gain, but some believed his skills might not have reached the required level. They suggested holding him back and giving him a chance in his second year.
Others opposed this view because Chen Chuan had received evaluations from three departments, not including the Processing Bureau, which was unprecedented. This was an exceptionally talented youth, and they believed he deserved an exception.
Now, all debates should be over.
Back in the car, a subordinate asked, "Specialist Cao, where to next?"
Specialist Cao looked outside, "Since we're here, let's visit some old friends." He looked ahead, "Let's go." The vehicle slowly left the area.
On the other side, Chen Chuan had received his certificate, and his business here was concluded. He returned to the inn to pack up, ready to leave. He had planned to stay a few more days, but the Review Team had already booked his return ticket for that afternoon, emphasizing their tight budget. He didn't want to burden them further.
After packing, he bid farewell to everyone in the inn and prepared to leave. Hu Xian and Mr. Feng came to see him off.
Chen Chuan said, "Sister Hu, Agent Feng, I'm heading back. Take care."
Mr. Feng solemnly replied, "Take care!"
Hu Xian said, "Chen, remember to write."
Chen Chuan smiled, "I will." He waved to them, carrying the box containing the Xuejun Blade and his suitcase, and walked towards the station.
Hu Xian watched him walk away, saying, "I've been here for years, not counting those forever resting here. Those who passed the examination stumbled along the way. But someone like Chen, I've never seen it before. He will surely achieve great things in the future. By then, I'll probably still be here, watching over this broken-down place."
Agent Feng sighed, "Indeed, but don't make it sound so bleak. Chen passing the examination has caught the attention of the higher-ups. Your position might truly be changing."
Hu Xian was surprised, "Who will take over then?" She laughed at herself, "Why do I care? This miserable world will turn without me."
Mr. Feng spoke softly, "The more people like you, the better."
"The more people selling their lives, huh?" Hu Xian tightened her collar and walked back into the inn, "Let's go. Are we standing here in the cold? I'm cold, and you're not?"
Mr. Feng looked up at the deep blue sky and smiled, "Is that so? But I feel my heart warming up."
...
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(End of Chapter)
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