Chapter 230: The Journey Begins
Chapter 230: The Journey Begins
After receiving the notification from the Central Academy, Chen Chuan began preparing for his trip to the Central City. To avoid distractions, he moved to Cheng Zitong's training hall in South City for his daily combat training.
This location was also close to the commission company, so Chen Chuan took the opportunity to meet with Ren Shu and the others for a meal, informing them of his upcoming journey to the Central City.
Although Ren Shu felt a sense of reluctance and regret, he also expressed his understanding, and in his heart, there was a mix of envy and admiration. Especially among them, there were several people who deeply admired Chen Chuan, and their eyes revealed a sense of uncontrollable worship and excitement.
After all, it was the Central City. To study at the Central Academy, even those who were once held up as role models among the powerful and influential families, only a select few had the opportunity to do so.
But Chen Chuan had no influential background; he was going to the Central City on his own merits. This made him someone they admired but could never become.
Before his departure, Chen Chuan gave them a small booklet he had written in his spare time. It was a compilation of solutions to various 'lore' based on the 'Three Mountains Legend' and some of Cheng Zitong's resources. If Ren Shu and the others were determined to continue taking on such commissions, it would be of great help.
After settling matters at the company, Chen Chuan felt a sense of closure and devoted himself wholeheartedly to combat training at the training hall.
Time flew by, and on December 15th, Chen Chuan changed into formal attire and took a car to a private club in South City.
Today was the wedding of Director Lei and He Nan, and he was there to celebrate with them.
Due to Director Lei's position, the wedding was kept low-key, with fewer than twenty guests in attendance.
He Nan had inherited the family business at a young age and did not have her parents present. So, aside from her disciple Lin Xiao Ti, only one distant relative came to witness the ceremony.
Director Lei was not a local, and his parents' situation was unclear. In their place, a representative from the Central City had come.
The couple drank the wedding wine and completed the wedding rituals, then proceeded to offer toasts to the guests.
As a fighter, Chen Chuan did not drink alcohol, but He Nan had thoughtfully provided him with a beverage resembling wine. He drank with the couple, wishing them a long and happy marriage.
After the toasts, Director Lei approached, holding the hand of a boy who looked five or six years old.
"Xiao Ying, this is the big brother you've been wanting to meet. He's the one who chased away the fake Xiao Ying, allowing me to find you again."
Xiao Ying looked up and said, "Big brother, if Dad mistakenly loses me again, can you help him find me?"
Director Lei, who usually kept his emotions in check in front of others, couldn't help but have slightly reddened eyes as he patted his son's head.
Chen Chuan gently replied, "The fake Xiao Ying has been locked up by me, and he won't be able to escape again. Your dad has also found a way to identify you, so he won't lose you again."
Xiao Ying became excited and asked, "Really?"
Chen Chuan assured him, "It's true."
Although Xiao Ying was young, he could sense Chen Chuan's sincerity. He politely said, "Thank you, big brother!"
He Nan then approached, taking Xiao Ying's hand, "Big brother and Dad have more to talk about. Xiao Ying, come with Mom."
Xiao Ying obediently said, "Okay," and waved to Chen Chuan, "Goodbye, big brother." He followed He Nan and left.
Director Lei smiled and said, "Chen, I'd like you to meet someone." He led Chen Chuan over to an elderly man and introduced them, "This is Deputy Director Cao from the Central City's Secret Sect Review Bureau. Deputy Director Cao, this is Chen."
Deputy Director Cao was a lean old man with sagging skin and hollow cheeks, but his thick eyebrows and large eyes gave him a particularly sharp and spirited look, and his salt and pepper hair appeared very sturdy.
Chen Chuan politely greeted him, "Deputy Director Cao."
Deputy Director Cao looked Chen Chuan up and down, and his sharp gaze softened a little. He seemed pleased with how Chen Chuan addressed him and said, "Young man, Lei Guangcheng has been mentioning you to me, and I've been curious about you. I wanted to meet you, and today, you've exceeded my expectations."
"I heard that you'll be going to the Central City soon. If you encounter any difficulties or troubles there, you can come directly to me."
Chen Chuan was straightforward in his response, "Since Deputy Director Cao has said so, I will remember it."
Deputy Director Cao showed a hint of a smile. He liked young people who spoke directly without beating around the bush.
He picked up his hat, put it on, and adjusted it. Then, addressing Director Lei, he said, "I have some matters to attend to in the Central City. Lei, don't push yourself too hard. Spend more time with He Nan and your child.
Your position is secure, so don't try to do everything in one go. Take it easy."
"Director Lei spoke solemnly, 'I will remember the teachings of Director Cao, Guangcheng.'"
"Alright, you go and spend time with those you should be with. Don't worry about me, an old man, or about you young people."
Deputy Director Cao turned around and extended his hand to Chen Chuan. They shook hands, and he said, "To be honest, I'd rather you didn't have to come to me, as that would mean you're doing well."
Chen Chuan could see that this elderly gentleman was stern on the surface but didn't pay much attention to details. He bowed slightly and said, "I can only try my best, sir."
Deputy Director Cao laughed and left under the protection of the two guards at the door.
Although the wedding banquet had few attendees, most of them were familiar and trustworthy people, creating a pleasant atmosphere. By 8:30 in the evening, the banquet came to an end.
Chen Chuan and several guests exited the room and bid farewell to Director Lei and his wife at the door. He then boarded the car arranged by He Nan and headed back to the training hall. Not long into the journey, he noticed it had started to snow outside. By the time he returned to the training hall and stepped out of the car, a layer of silver snow had already covered the ground.
He took a breath of the cool air outside, gazing at the fluttering snowflakes in the sky. The New Year was approaching. He smiled slightly and entered the training hall.
Ten days later, Chen Chuan returned to school, accompanied by Cheng Zitong, and they arrived at the Registration Office. In front of teachers Gao, Bian Feng, and Yue Hong, he filled out an application for an early graduation certificate from Yangzhi Wu Yi University.
After he finished writing, he handed it to Cheng Zitong, his instructor, for a signature. Teacher Gao took the form, looked it over, and said, "Chen, after this stamp is affixed and the principal signs it, you will no longer be a registered student of Yangzhi Wu Yi University. Instead, you will be a student of the Central Academy in the Central City."
Before affixing the stamp, Teacher Gao added, "Since you are from Yangzhi Wu Yi, wherever you go in the future, students from Yangzhi will look up to you as a role model. So, when you act, consider the impact of your actions carefully. Whether good or bad, they will have a profound influence on them."
"However, I cannot restrict you. Fighters have their own minds, and how you act ultimately depends on you. I'm just saying what a teacher should say."
After speaking, he didn't elaborate further. He directly stamped the two copies of the form and instructed Yue Hong, "Take this to the principal's office."
Yue Hong nodded and left with the forms.
Teacher Gao then pushed forward the graduation certificate he had prepared in advance. "Keep this safe."
Chen Chuan stepped forward and took it. "Thank you, Teacher Gao."
Cheng Zitong said, "Xiao Chuan, we've completed the procedure here. Let's go."
Chen Chuan bid farewell to Teacher Gao and Bian Feng, and they left the office. After taking about ten steps, they heard Bian Feng's voice from behind. Chen Chuan stopped and turned to ask, "Teacher Bian, is there something else?"
Bian Feng approached and said, "Chen, follow your heart and keep going. Do what you believe is right, and don't be swayed by others' words or burdened by too much responsibility." He looked at Chen Chuan, "Compared to yourself, no one has the right to tell you what to do."
Chen Chuan understood his meaning. The past incident involving Shen, his senior, might have left a lasting impression on this teacher. Chen Chuan replied earnestly, "Teacher Bian, there's no need to say that. I know you've always been very supportive of me, and I appreciate it." As he spoke, he took a few steps back and bowed to Bian Feng.
The convenience he received at school was not only due to Cheng Zitong's help but also had the support of these administrative teachers. Otherwise, he wouldn't have been able to obtain so many conveniences.
Bian Feng said, "Chen, work hard, and I wish you find what you're seeking in the Central City."
Chen Chuan thanked him again and left with Cheng Zitong. Shortly after they left, Yue Hong approached Bian Feng and said, "Hey, Old Bian, why did he bow to you and not to me?"
Bian Feng replied, "Because you weren't there. Don't worry, there's a share for you and Teacher Gao. I just accepted it on your behalf."
Yue Hong spoke seriously, "Old Bian, does that mean you should bow one-third to me? I'll accept Teacher Gao's share, but you can bow half to me."
Bian Feng glanced at him and headed towards the office, saying, "Later, I'll bow three times for you."
"Hey, Old Bian, what do you mean by that?"
Chen Chuan and Cheng Zitong exited the administrative building. Cheng Zitong said, "I've contacted the Central Academy, and we can set off on the 10th. I'll accompany you part of the way. Someone will meet you in the Central City. Remember to prepare in advance, Xiao Chuan."
"Yes, Teacher, I will," Chen Chuan replied earnestly.
After parting ways with Cheng Zitong, Chen Chuan returned to his dormitory and organized his remaining belongings. He stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, gazing at the Chunqiu Lake below and the distant scenery. After a while, he turned and left, picking up his suitcase and slowly closing the door behind him.
As he reached the bottom floor, about to leave, he returned the dormitory key to the dormitory supervisor, "Teacher, the student is leaving."
The dormitory supervisor smiled and said, "Student Chen Chuan, this is what they asked me to give you." He reached out and pushed over a photo album.
"This is..."
Chen Chuan took it and flipped through it. It was filled with scenic photos from the school, as well as pictures of familiar classmates. There were also well-wishes written below, from Wu Han, Feng Xiaoqi, Luo Kaiyuan, and Wei Dong. Even the dormitory supervisor's photo was there, looking exceptionally handsome.
He smiled and said, "Thank you, Teacher."
The dormitory supervisor laughed, "Just remember to increase my retirement fund, okay?"
Chen Chuan smiled again, bid him farewell, and walked out of the dormitory building. Perhaps it was close to the holiday, as the road was quiet and deserted.
However, when he reached the school gate, he noticed quite a few students waiting there, some he knew, and some he didn't. Shu Han came out and said, "Senior Chen, we heard you're leaving, so we came to see you off."
Chen Chuan looked at everyone and said, "Thank you, classmates. Thank you for coming to see me off."
"Goodbye, Senior Chen!"
"Have a safe journey, Chen!"
"Remember to come back and visit when you have time, Senior Chen!"
The students responded in unison. Chen Chuan saw the anticipation and hope in their eyes as they looked at him, knowing that they had placed their aspirations and expectations for Central City upon him.
As he reached the school gate, about to leave, he suddenly stopped, turned around, and faced the vast sky behind him. Looking at everyone, he said in a powerful voice, "My friends, there are no limits ahead of us!" After saying this, he strode out towards the vast world beyond.
Soon after his departure, he heard the students behind him repeating his words, their voices shaking the treetops. A flock of birds soared through the square and into the high sky behind him.
Chen Chuan smiled, opened the car door, and got in.
Upon returning to the Patrol Bureau's residential area, Chen Chuan and Wei Chang'an parted ways at the alley entrance. Chen Chuan went back home, and in the final stretch before heading to Central City, he would spend time with his family.
However, this year, his cousin, Nian Qian, couldn't make it back, but he sent a telegram saying that with the railway opening next year, he should be able to return and congratulated Chen Chuan on his journey to Central City.
In the following days, Chen Chuan didn't go out again. He spent the New Year at his aunt's house.
In the blink of an eye, it was the 94th year of the Great Harmony Republic.
During the holiday, Chen Chuan accompanied Nian Fuli and Yu Wan to visit friends, watch martial arts tournaments, and also met up with Ding Jiao and others for a meal. The rest of the time was spent preparing for his journey to Central City.
On the morning of the tenth day of the New Year, Cheng Zitong called, "Little Chuan, are you all set?"
"Teacher, I'm ready," Chen Chuan replied.
"Good, I'll come to pick you up. I'll be there soon."
After hanging up, Chen Chuan turned to Nian Fuli and Yu Wan, "Aunt, Uncle, I'm leaving now."
"Little Chuan, remember to call when you arrive."
"Aunt, I will," Chen Chuan assured her. He then said to Nian Fuli, "Uncle, I'm off."
Nian Fuli said, "Take care of yourself out there, Little Chuan. There won't be any family around."
"Cousin, goodbye!" The two younger cousins chimed in as well.
Chen Chuan smiled and nodded at them. After bidding farewell to his aunt's family, he carried his luggage and held the Xuejun Blade, leaving step by step under the watchful eyes of his family.
At the alley entrance, within minutes, Cheng Zitong's sedan arrived, and the window rolled down, revealing his plump face, "Little Chuan, put your luggage in the back."
Chen Chuan greeted him and placed his luggage in the trunk. He then took the passenger seat and fastened his seatbelt.
Cheng Zitong smiled, "All set?"
"All set," Chen Chuan replied.
"I'll drive you a bit further," Cheng Zitong offered.
"Thank you, Teacher."
"You're too polite, my student."
The car moved slowly, bathed in the post-snow sunshine, along the national highway towards a brighter and more dazzling destination.
...
(End of Chapter)
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