Chapter 212: The Old Mansion
Chapter 212: The Old Mansion
The man sitting across from him had a gentle and refined smile. "Allow me to introduce myself. I am Mr. Wen, the Chief Martial Arts Instructor of the Yangzhi City Patrol Bureau. The patrolmen all call me Mr. Wen. I was sent here to ensure the safety of Mayor Zhu Zheng."
He continued, "We have confirmed that many members of your security team are infiltrators from various companies. I have taken care of them for you. Rest assured."
Zhu Xian frowned and asked, "Are you certain?"
"I am absolutely certain," Mr. Wen said sincerely. "These companies are trying to influence and manipulate your decisions. They have placed their people close to you to ensure their business interests are met."
Zhu Xian's expression turned serious.
Mr. Wen smiled and stood up from his seat. "I won't disturb your meal any further. Rest assured, I will take care of your security from now on. I'll make sure you arrive safely in Yangzhi City."
Zhu Xian seemed to have a moment of absent-mindedness. When he snapped back to reality, he suddenly realized the man across from him had disappeared. All he could hear was the rhythmic sound of the train's wheels and the swallowing of saliva from his assistant. He looked out and confirmed that he was still on the moving train.
After a moment of thought, Zhu Xian stood up and walked to the carriage door. He held the handle and waited for a while before slowly opening it. Outside, he saw the security personnel lying against the carriage wall, each with their skulls cracked open.
The brain tissue inside their heads appeared charred and dried up, with hot steam still escaping. It was evident that a sudden surge of high temperature had cooked the brain tissue, causing the skulls to crack.
The assistant, a local from Yangzhi, trembled at the sight and exclaimed, "Skullsplitter Demon..."
Zhu Xian took a few glances and closed the door, returning to his seat. He pondered for a moment, then retrieved an application form from underneath and swiftly signed it. He handed it to his assistant, saying, "Send it back."
Half an hour later, at the First-Class Student Dormitory of the Wu Yi Academy, Cheng Zitong received the news and immediately called Chen Chuan. "Little Chuan, your application process is complete. I didn't expect the Minister of Civil Affairs to approve your application while still on the train. It seems this term's Minister is very supportive of the Wu Yi Academy and has high hopes for you."
After a few more words, Cheng Zitong hung up the phone and turned to his uncle, Cheng Shang, who was sitting and drinking tea. "Uncle, look..."
Cheng Shang looked up and said, "I'll be returning to the headquarters in a couple of days, and I'll bring his file and application with me. Zitong, you may not be doing so well, but the student you're teaching is quite impressive. It seems your father overlooked your abilities in this regard. How about coming back with me this time?"
Cheng Zitong returned to his seat and scoffed, "I can't even sneeze without you commenting, as if you're the only capable person in the world. Now you're meddling in your student's affairs, and I'll handle mine. It's best if we stay out of each other's way."
Cheng Shang shook his head, "You two have the same stubborn attitude. Neither of you wants to back down first. Fine, I won't interfere anymore."
He took a slow sip of his tea and sighed, "The water in Yangzhi is the best for tea. The filtered water in Central City has no flavor."
Cheng Zitong snorted, "You're just used to the good life, and now you're complaining about the food."
Cheng Shang glared at him and said sternly, "In Central City, there are many opportunities, but also many responsibilities. It's like someone is constantly pushing you forward, and you can't stop to catch your breath.
Even here in Yangzhi, my mind is still preoccupied with Central City matters, fearing that I might miss something important during my stay here."
Cheng Zitong was unconcerned, "That place is perfect for my student. I believe he can adapt well."
"Alright, I've heard you praise him enough."
Cheng Zitong protested, "I have only one student, and you won't even let me compliment him? You can praise your student, but I can't praise mine?"
Cheng Shang sighed, "Do as you please. I won't stop you. Anyway, I'll be returning in a couple of days. As for the headquarters, it's not an easy place to stay. Whether he can stand firm is up to him."
In the First-Class Student Dormitory, Chen Chuan returned from lunch with Luo Kaiyuan and Wei Dong. They noticed the internal delivery box was full again, so Chen Chuan took out the letters inside.
Back in the dormitory, he flipped through the pile and found mostly invitations to lectures, except for one letter from an Assistant Qiu, who worked with Old Lady Ni.
Chen Chuan recalled the name and opened the letter. It stated that Old Lady Ni wanted to meet with him to discuss something. He wondered if it was about the Snow Lady Sword.
In the afternoon, Chen Chuan chose an appropriate time and went to the training hall where Old Lady Ni usually stayed. He found Assistant Qiu and was led to the reception room. Assistant Qiu offered him a cup of tea and asked him to wait while he fetched Old Lady Ni.
After only five or six minutes, Old Lady Ni entered the room, supported by Assistant Qiu. Chen Chuan stood up from his seat.
Old Lady Ni said, "Have a seat, Xiao Qiu. Go outside and keep an eye on things. I have something to discuss with this young man."
"Yes, ma'am."
After Assistant Qiu left the room, Old Lady Ni sat down and said leisurely, "Young man, your mother's name is Yu Zhen, right?"
Chen Chuan glanced at her and nodded, asking, "Does Teacher Ni know my mother?"
It wouldn't be surprising if she did know her, as his previous life's mother was also a fighter and a local from Yangzhi City. She had spent her youth there, but why bring it up now? Was there some connection between them?
"I do know her. It's quite a coincidence; her teacher was my junior sister. About ten years ago, your mother entrusted something to her, asking her to give it to her child if they ever entered Wu Yi Academy and had the chance to go to Central City. If not, it was to be forgotten."
Old Lady Ni continued, "My junior sister, despite her age, couldn't sit still. She's been abroad for over a decade, so she left the item in my care. Since you have the potential to enter Central City, I'll return what she left with me today and fulfill my promise."
As she spoke, Old Lady Ni placed a small package on the table, saying, "Take a look at this."
Chen Chuan stepped forward and took the package, feeling its surprising lightness. It seemed to be a notebook or something similar.
"I haven't looked through its contents, so you can rest assured. I've lived a long life and have no interest in your youthful affairs."
"I trust you, Teacher Ni." Chen Chuan asked, "Have you met my mother?"
Old Lady Ni nodded, "Once. She was a pretty and spirited young lady, clever but stubborn. I saw her sparring with a fellow disciple; she lost over a dozen times, but she got up each time, more determined. She managed to gain an advantage with each attempt, but she never won that match. I heard she won a later bout, but I didn't see it, which is a pity."
Chen Chuan nodded gravely, "Thank you, Teacher Ni, for keeping this safe all these years."
"No need for thanks. My junior sister did pay me a fee for safekeeping. If the time had come and you hadn't gone to Central City, I would have destroyed these items as agreed."
Chen Chuan said, "Teacher Ni, if you see that senior again, could you possibly convey my thanks?"
"If I see her again, I will. Now, I know young people like you are impatient and don't enjoy conversing with old folks like me. You should head back."
Chen Chuan nodded and bid farewell to Old Lady Ni. As he left the training hall and stepped outside, he thought back to his initial encounter with her. When she gave him the sword, it wasn't solely because of the monthly exam incident.
He hurried back to the dormitory, closed the door, and opened the small package. Inside was a notebook filled with loose, damaged pages, seemingly unrelated and incomprehensible.
At that moment, something stirred within him as he recalled a similar item in the old mansion. He decided it was time to return there.
He hadn't gone back before because his previous life's death was mysterious, and he lacked the strength to protect himself then. Now, with his new protective gear and Second Self Defense, he felt ready.
After making his decision, Chen Chuan didn't act immediately. He waited for the early-month rest day, donned all his protective equipment, and informed his acquaintances, including Cheng Zitong, of his plans. Then, carrying the Snow Lady Sword, he rode out.
After leaving the city, he cycled north for over an hour until he reached a small river bend. There, he spotted a house near a riverbank—the old house left by his parents.
About half a kilometer away stood a larger mansion where Meng Shu had lived with her servants. He rode towards the river's lower reaches and found a path paved with cobblestones, which he followed until he reached the house and stopped.
It was a sizable residence with five rooms and a large living room. Outside, a balcony with a railing surrounded the house. Chen Chuan recalled his previous life often walking along that railing.
His past self had died on that balcony after being struck by a small stone. Now, Chen Chuan had returned to continue the story.
He parked his bike, propped it against the wall, and stepped onto the creaking wooden planks, making his way to the door. He took out the key, unlocked it, and gently pushed it open. After a quick glance inside, he entered.
...
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(End of Chapter)
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