Chapter 161: Mountain Spirit
Chapter 161: Mountain Spirit
Three days later, with the intervention of the Bloodstain Gang's legal advocate, Zhuo Bao was released from the Patrol Bureau after paying a substantial temporary restraint fee.
Due to the deliberate delay by the Patrol Bureau, the best time for reattaching his severed arm had passed, and during his detention, despite his injuries, he was thoroughly dealt with through various overt and covert means. As a result, he now appeared exceptionally listless.
When he arrived at the car that came to pick him up, an elderly man sitting in the backseat glanced at his bandaged stump and advised, "Forget about reattaching your hand. We'll get you an implant that will be even better than your original arm and won't affect your combat abilities."
He gestured to the driver to start the car and continued, "But how did you manage to get beaten by a Wu Yi Academy student? You're one of the Bloodstain Gang's Five Claws, our company's star fighter. This is embarrassing, don't you think? I've already suppressed the news, so don't mention this incident again."
Zhuo Bao cracked a nervous smile, revealing a thin, nervous grin. "I want to kill that kid."
The elderly man shook his head. "Forget it. I've checked, and that kid's uncle is a captain in the Patrol Bureau, and he himself has connections within the Bureau. If you go after him, the Bureau will make things difficult for us."
Zhuo Bao turned his head, his bloodshot eyes staring intently at the elderly man. With this look, he seemed on the verge of exploding. "Uncle Han, are you saying we should just let this go?"
Uncle Han turned to face him and spoke in a low voice. "The gang has been dealing with various issues lately, not just the Iron Chain Gang. Another force is targeting us, and there are those who want to take a bite out of us in secret. Don't cause any trouble for now. Once the gang settles external matters, you can seek your opportunity. At that time, I won't stop you."
Meanwhile, as soon as Zhuo Bao was released, Chen Chuan received a notification from the Patrol Bureau, informing him that during the restraint period, if Zhuo Bao appeared before him and caused any trouble or attacked, he could directly eliminate him without any consequences.
Chen Chuan thanked the notifying officer, but he didn't take this seriously. If it weren't for the need to keep his Infinite Defense Certificate a secret, he would have killed Zhuo Bao on the spot.
As for the Bloodstain Gang's retaliation, not only was the gang currently preoccupied with its own problems, but even if they did come after him, it would only serve as practice for his combat skills, provided they didn't use guns.
Ordinary people and fighters were not on the same level. With the gradual strengthening of the Altered Tissue, the gap between him and regular people had widened significantly, making comparisons meaningless.
Compared to the Bloodstain Gang, he now had to be more vigilant against the Mutual Aid Society.
A few days later, Cheng Zitong came to visit. After sitting down, he said, "Little Chuan, I've made some inquiries, and Director Lei's information is accurate. Due to the recent water pollution incident, many officials from the political departments were dismissed. Consequently, numerous officials are being reassigned, and Liu Zhan has been actively seeking a new position."
"His reassignment might not happen as quickly as expected, but that's just the formal procedure. The reassignment letter may arrive early, and once he gets his hands on it, he might consider the promise null and void."
Chen Chuan nodded in understanding. He could comprehend that Liu Zhan, being the type of official he was, had made the promise solely out of respect for Director Lei. Moreover, with the Foreign Affairs Bureau being manipulated by the Secret Sect Review Bureau, they had no choice but to heed Director Lei's wishes. Once reassigned, he would no longer feel obligated.
In Director Lei's words, this person would likely exploit the situation for personal gain, and the news of the evaluation would likely reach the Mutual Aid Society immediately.
Cheng Zitong spoke gravely, "The teacher will keep an eye on that matter, and there shouldn't be any significant changes before the end of the month. You can focus on your activities. The teacher sent a telegram to Uncle He a few days ago, but there's been no response yet. He might still be in seclusion. I sent him a letter as well, so he should receive it in the next few days."
Chen Chuan thought for a moment and said, "Teacher, I want to try taking on that Haunt request. It will also provide a good explanation to the company."
"That Haunt..."
Cheng Zitong immediately understood which one he was referring to. This Haunt was particularly challenging and had been a topic of discussion between them on multiple occasions.
"Your approach is correct. If the Mutual Aid Society comes after you and you're unable to handle it, you'll have no choice but to lay low for a while. The company also needs a proper explanation, and completing this Haunt will be a way to make amends."
Although this Haunt seemed far from simple, he had confidence in his student. Thus, he didn't stop him but instead offered a few words of caution and reminders of things to watch out for. After the instructions, he stood up and said, "Alright, I have to go now. I'll call you about Uncle He."
Chen Chuan bid farewell to Cheng Zitong and began preparing to tackle the Haunt.
His pursuit of the Haunt wasn't just to provide an explanation to the company but also because he needed to enhance his combat abilities as much as possible.
Especially, he needed to increase the time of overlap with his Second Self.
He didn't know what kind of enemy he would encounter, but the Mutual Aid Society would undoubtedly gather all sorts of information about him, creating a meticulous and targeted plan. The increased overlap time would effectively improve his chances of victory.
During the previous execution of the Infinite Defense Certificate assessment, he had gained more than an hour of additional overlap time, bringing the total overlap time to over four hours.
The recent defeat of Zhuo Bao, however, only added a quarter of an hour, a relatively limited increase. This was because Zhuo Bao hadn't pressured him enough to force him to abandon his weapons and engage in hand-to-hand combat.
Even if they fought again, he wouldn't do so. If he could defeat his enemies using simpler methods, he would opt for those methods without hesitation.
In the pursuit of a stronger opponent to defeat, the only way to effectively extend the overlap time was to take on more formidable challenges. The company's Haunt assignment seemed like the perfect opportunity.
However, preparation was crucial. He spent a day gathering the necessary tools and equipment, and he made a call to the company, informing them of his decision to accept the assignment.
The next day, accompanied by Xiao Wei, the driver, they headed southeast towards the Xieshan Mountain, located in the outskirts of Yangzhi. Upon reaching the foot of the mountain, they stumbled upon a small village, unnoticed on any map, as Xiao Wei pointed out.
Chen Chuan was well aware that many villages, especially those a little further from the city, were often omitted from maps, particularly if they were small in size. These communities were often unrecognized by Yangzhi's authorities.
The village exuded an air of antiquity, typical of settlements from the Great Pioneer Era. Former watchtowers had been converted into warehouses, a common sight in such places.
Upon entering, they inquired about the Haunt. The villagers, intrigued by their mission to tackle the mountain's Haunt, gathered around, curious. After the last team's failed attempt to eradicate it, years had passed without any visitors. Even the villagers had grown accustomed to its presence.
An elder, perhaps the village chief, asked skeptically, "Can you really handle this, young man?"
Xiao Wei assured them, "Don't doubt him. This expert, Chen Chuan, has dealt with the Flying Head Monster, a direct commission from the Administrative Bureau."
At the mention of the Flying Head Monster, the villagers' perception of Chen Chuan shifted. The Flying Head Sect had a long and widespread influence in this region, far surpassing the notoriety of their local Haunt.
Having dealt with the Flying Head Monster, he should be able to handle this as well," the villagers thought. After all, this Haunt had plagued them for years. Initially, they had pooled money to hire help, but after several failed attempts, no one dared to take on the task. Who would willingly live with a Haunt in their midst?
The villagers, eager to help, offered a hunter to guide them.
The mountain trail was narrow, allowing only a short drive before they had to proceed on foot.
Chen Chuan sent Xiao Wei back to the village, following the hunter into the mountain. After a couple of hours, they reached a hilltop. The hunter pointed to the opposite peak, "Expert Chen, it's over there, in that temple. My grandfather and great-grandfather's generation had ventured in there."
"Thank you," Chen Chuan said. "You may return. I'll handle the rest."
The hunter, concerned, offered, "Expert Chen, are you sure you don't need help? I can gather a dozen skilled men from the village."
Chen Chuan patted his sturdy shoulder, reassuringly, "Go back. I'll take care of the rest."
"Then be careful," the hunter warned.
As the hunter left, Chen Chuan gazed at the distant peak, recalling the Haunt's details.
The Haunt was known as the Mountain Spirit, an ancient legend in the Three Mountains. A temple in Xieshan Mountain, once housing a divine statue, had been replaced by a demonic figure.
Two children, playing in the temple, noticed the statue's moving eyes. The villagers, believing it to be a divine manifestation, offered abundant offerings. The Mountain Spirit, 'devouring with its belly, chewing like candy,' delighted the villagers.
Initially thrilled, the villagers soon realized the Mountain Spirit's appetite wasn't limited to offerings. It devoured not only the gifts but also the gift-bearers. Monthly, it descended upon the village, devouring villagers.
Each night, villagers locked themselves in, praying to avoid being chosen. Yet, none dared to leave the village.
Their remote location offered an advantage: no taxes or labor for the government. They endured the risk of being devoured, unwilling to descend from their mountain refuge.
The legend concluded with the villagers' dispersal, leaving only the Secret Sect to seal the Mountain Spirit, a recurring protagonist in Three Mountains tales.
With the establishment of the Republic, the once-abandoned land saw the rise of new villages. The initial decades were peaceful until the discovery of a Mountain Spirit temple, reigniting the ancient terror.
However, the modern villagers were different. Many, having arrived during the Great Pioneer Era, were tough and resilient. Upon sensing danger, they mobilized weapons and manpower, even hiring help. Yet, all attempts failed, and few returned alive.
In recent years, villagers sought refuge in distant fortresses during the night, leaving offerings in the village to appease the Haunt.
Despite these measures, over two decades, the villages surrounding Xieshan Mountain gradually disappeared, most succumbing to an enigmatic illness.
Chen Chuan, aware of this, had long pondered a solution. Initially, he felt unprepared, but now, having reached the Second Limit, he was confident.
As he contemplated his next move, a sudden sensation drew his attention. He glanced at his wrist, where a strand of the Flying Head Monster's hair was tied, now subtly reacting.
He pondered this, attributing it to his earlier pat on the hunter's shoulder. Lowering his hand, he tightened his grip on the Xuejun Blade and headed towards the distant peak.
...
...
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
