Chapter 239: Rebirth
Chapter 239: Rebirth
Are there people specialized in handling these cases?
Chen Chuan was slightly surprised by Old Qi's statement. Usually, ordinary people couldn't withstand the invasion of urban legends, especially with long-term exposure, which was even more dangerous. But it was hard to say, after all, this was the Central City, and there might be some special methods to deal with such situations.
He asked, "Is it someone from the government department?"
Old Qi replied, "Not exactly. These kinds of anomalous commissions always involve strange things. We commissioners know to stay away from them, but there's a group of people who specifically take on these kinds of commissions."
However, it seems like they don't do a good job. I only know of one place where they went, but they couldn't resolve the issue. Yet, the commission notes show that the commission was completed."
As he spoke, his tone carried a hint of disgust and rejection. "And in some places they visited, there were no people left, but no one pursued the matter. Yet, they can still keep taking on these commissions."
Chen Chuan thought for a moment. From what he could see, these people seemed to have a lot of power and might not follow the rules. The anomalous commissions he had seen earlier were now nowhere to be found, possibly taken by these people.
Old Qi asked with a hint of expectation, "Chen Xiao Ge, can you really handle these anomalous commissions?"
Chen Chuan said, "Urban legends have complex origins, and not all of them can be handled by me. But when I was in Yangzhi City, these events would always be referred to me first."
"Then that's fine."
Old Qi thought for a moment and said, "There are many anomalous commissions. We can try to pick up some that slip through the cracks. Chen Xiao Ge, you don't have to worry about these trivial matters. I'll take care of everything. You just focus on handling the anomalies."
Chen Chuan looked at him and saw that he seemed excited, so he reminded him, "Old Qi, I didn't know someone was doing this before. After hearing what you said, this group of people doesn't seem simple. You should be careful."
Old Qi was clear about this. These people must have turned the anomalous commissions into their own business, not allowing others to interfere. Doing a few deals secretly might not be a problem, but if they did too many, they might come after him. When that happens, Chen Chuan might not be affected, but he could be targeted.
However, he had loans to repay, and his daughter's school fees were still outstanding. Chen Chuan had also paid the fine for him, and because of this incident, there would be a record at the company. Clients might avoid him after checking his record, and he would definitely be out of work for a while. So, it was better to follow Chen Chuan and earn a few commissions first to get through this difficult time.
He pretended to be relaxed and said, "Chen Ge, I've thought about it. If we only do a few, they won't notice."
Chen Chuan said, "Old Qi, you know the Central City better than I do. Be careful."
Old Qi gave a short laugh and said, "I've been in this business for almost twenty years. I know what I'm doing." He patted his neck, and his eyes flashed with an orange light. "Chen Ge, let me treat you to a meal while I quickly search for these commissions. I'll have some news for you soon."
Chen Chuan didn't refuse and agreed.
Old Qi was a bit embarrassed and couldn't afford a fancy meal, so he ordered a few snacks from a nearby food truck. Chen Chuan didn't mind; he could even eat the tasteless nutritional paste, so anything with a bit of flavor was a delicacy to him.
Old Qi was initially worried that Chen Chuan might find it distasteful, but seeing Chen Chuan eating with relish, he became hungry himself and started wolfing down the food. After finishing a bowl of fried noodles, he felt rejuvenated. He then started a conversation, "Chen Ge, how old are you?"
Chen Chuan replied, "Seventeen." He was referring to his age in the traditional Chinese way, but he was actually eighteen. However, he didn't mind a year or two difference, and those who dealt with him often overlooked his age.
"Seventeen, so young. I have a daughter who's thirteen and already in middle school. She's doing very well in her studies." As he spoke of his daughter, the originally somewhat dejected middle-aged man's face lit up with a smile, and his eyes sparkled.
Just then, he saw a contact flashing on the Boundary Token. He felt a surge of energy and said, "Here." He immediately answered the call, and a voice came through, "Old Qi, what are you looking for these anomalous commissions for?"
Old Qi said, "I'm looking for them for a client. He's interested in these and wants to satisfy his curiosity. Send me more if you have any confirmed ones."
"Is that so? Old Qi, let me tell you, you shouldn't get involved with these. The Golden Shrimp gang is not easy to deal with. They have the Moss Gang backing them, and they have connections with higher-ups."
Old Qi replied casually, "I know. I'm just satisfying my client's curiosity."
The voice on the other end softened and spoke with a sense of gravity, "Old Qi, you're not alone now. Think of Xiaoqi before you act."
"Mhm."
After ending the call, Old Qi immediately received several anomalous commissions. He looked them over and then forwarded them to Chen Chuan's Boundary Token.
"Chen Ge, look, these are all anomalous commissions. I had someone check them, and they're definitely accurate."
Chen Chuan said, "Let me take a look first."
Old Qi looked at him and smiled, "Chen Ge, I know what you're worried about. Don't worry. Anomalies are anomalies, and secret sects are secret sects. I can distinguish between them."
Chen Chuan was a bit surprised, "Old Qi, you know about this?" Most people couldn't tell the difference.
"Hey, everyone has their youthful days. I was once into the secret sect scene and even learned a few tricks. But I quit when I felt it wasn't right." Old Qi spoke with a hint of nostalgia.
Chen Chuan took a look at the commissions. They not only had precise locations but also detailed descriptions of the events. Compared to what he had seen in his previous searches, these were much more informative. Just from this information, he could determine that they were most likely related to urban legends.
With the objective now clear, he made his decision without hesitation. Chen Chuan's willingness to front the money to get him out of trouble made him trust the man. After all, he had seen Chen Chuan's Infinite Defense Permit, so he was willing to take a chance.
Chen Chuan suggested, "Let's go check out one of the locations first. If it's confirmed, we'll take on the commission and try to handle the situation."
Lao Qi was quick to respond, "Alright, I have a car. I'll drive you there." He dashed out and soon returned with the vehicle from the checkpoint parking lot. He drove Chen Chuan to the location provided.
Chen Chuan glanced at the map and noticed they were currently in the Radiant Zone, and the commission's location was at the intersection of the Radiant and Steadfast Zones. If all went well, they could conveniently return to Wu Yi on their way back.
After about three quarters of an hour, the vehicle approached the site, a shantytown located in a low-lying area. Crude makeshift houses made of simple boards were everywhere, and through the Interface Token, they could see that most of the residents lacked Citizenship Status.
As they drove down a sloping road, Chen Chuan glanced to the side and spotted a bright Esoteric Symbol on a wall.
Lao Qi also noticed it and explained, "These symbols are all over the city. It's better up here, but down below, it's rampant..." He gave a knowing chuckle, "There's no other way. With no visible way out, if they don't have something like this to cling to, they can't live."
Chen Chuan understood that he was referring to the vast underground slums below, where no one knew how many people lived. The order of the Central City didn't reach there, and it was no surprise that the Esoteric Sect was rampant in that area.
After driving a bit further, the car could go no further, so the two men got out and walked along the uneven ground, stepping on various boards and stones laid on the muddy path.
Following the guidance of the Interface Token, they advanced three to four hundred meters and reached a circle of makeshift sheds. Chen Chuan's steps slowed as he noticed a hint of dematerialization on the Second Self.
While the Esoteric Sect could cause dematerialization, this was different. He tapped his ear, turning off the Interface Token, as the upcoming actions should not be recorded. It was better to avoid any potential trouble by bypassing the Platform for this commission.
Although his previous conversation with Lao Qi might have been recorded, he was aware of the regulations. Chatting was just chatting; without evidence of implementation, it wasn't considered a violation.
Of course, this was just a precaution. In reality, no one would pursue such matters except for those directly involved. Even when he encountered those organ traffickers earlier, no one came to arrest them.
Lao Qi pointed to one of the shacks and said, "This is the place. The commission came from the resident here. Chen Xiao Ge, I'm the Commissioner, and I'm experienced in these matters. I'll talk to them, you wait outside."
"Okay, I'll wait here then," Chen Chuan agreed.
Lao Qi gave him a reassuring gesture, straightened his clothes, and went inside. After about ten minutes, he returned.
"Chen Xiao Ge, I've found out the details, and it matches the Platform's description," Lao Qi reported.
Chen Chuan nodded. The commission, in brief, involved a pair of brothers whose parents had passed away early. The older brother dropped out of school and joined a gang to support his younger brother's education. The younger brother was doing well, and it seemed like he was about to make it, but the older brother died in a gang conflict.
This was undoubtedly a blow to the younger brother, but a few days later, he discovered that his deceased brother had come back to life. Although he couldn't speak or move, he just stood there watching over his younger brother.
The younger brother knew this was strange, and initially wanted to hide it. But soon, the neighbors found out, and they noticed that the surrounding plants were withering, and their pets were dying. So, they came to persuade him to bury his brother.
Although reluctant, the younger brother knew something was wrong, so he buried his brother with the help of the neighbors. However, the situation didn't end there, as the signs persisted. Now, the shantytown residents demanded that he cremate the body.
The younger brother refused and took up his brother's gun to stand guard. To resolve the issue, the neighbors sought out a former resident who had left the area and now held Citizenship Status. They posted a commission on the public Platform.
Chen Chuan hadn't encountered such a Haunt before, but he had seen similar cases in the archives. As long as he found the root cause, he could solve the problem.
Lao Qi hesitated, "Chen Xiao Ge, that Little Man's child is pitiful. He's only fourteen and already facing this situation. Will it really affect outsiders?"
Chen Chuan looked at him and replied, "It will have a significant impact, and it's a big one. It might be fine in the short term, but long-term problems could arise."
"What kind of problems?" Lao Qi asked subconsciously. Chen Chuan didn't answer, but he already knew the truth. He sighed softly, "Alright, I'll go talk to them. We'll take on the commission."
...
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(End of Chapter)
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