Chapter 251: Contact
Chapter 251: Contact
The snake eye on the interface, once revealed, quickly retreated, and a triangular area appeared around it, with a selection category at each corner.
Simultaneously, a rustling sound echoed, reminiscent of a slimy snake slithering through a cave.
Chen Chuan took a look; at the center was the Sect Introduction, with purchase projects and category inquiries on either side.
The categorization was clear; he first checked the Sect Introduction, which provided a general overview of the Serpent Sect.
The Serpent Sect was founded in the ancient era and quickly embraced the new era, discarding old traditions and actively integrating itself with the upper echelons of power.
As a result, unlike many conservative sects that were branded as heretical, the Serpent Sect managed to survive and thrive, even if it had to hide in the shadows.
The Serpent Sect was not a tightly-knit group; its structure was loose, and there were few constraints on followers outside the core. It was more like a company wearing the skin of a sect.
Ordinary people only needed to pay an annual fee to become sect members, gaining the privilege of calling themselves members and accessing cheaper services from the Serpent Sect.
The Serpent Sect merely provided an internal marketplace for its peripheral members, without imposing obligations or restrictions. Therefore, members wouldn't intervene in each other's affairs unless they were willing to pay.
Since the information was just a general overview, Chen Chuan skimmed through it and moved on to the purchase projects.
There were numerous items, including publicly available self-developed implants, private combat instruction and training, and even the enhancement services he was interested in to strengthen his foundation.
However, the prices were steep, even more expensive than the teaching courses offered within Wu Yi Academy, with the addition of some unique Serpent Sect services.
The difference was that the Serpent Sect accepted not only money but also other forms of payment, such as agreeing to join the Serpent Sect, participating in implant experiments, or completing commissions for the sect.
He tried to view the details but found that a deposit was required, along with a detailed discussion with the contact person, rather than openly displaying the information. So, he skipped it for the time being.
As he scrolled down, he discovered that the Serpent Sect had been acquiring various special items. They offered monetary compensation or a service in exchange for these items, and a series of such items were listed below.
As none of the items were labeled, and only images were provided, Chen Chuan couldn't identify them clearly. Some appeared to be unique altered organisms, but one particular item caught his attention.
He had seen it before—a clump of rubble-like substance with a dark red hue and a faint glow. If he remembered correctly, he and Ren Xiaoxing had carried this very item on their first trip to Jiaoshan.
The fact that even the Serpent Sect was acquiring it indicated its value was greater than he had imagined. However, the quantity required to fulfill a service was substantial.
He pondered for a moment and decided to list it as an alternative option.
After reviewing each service, he discovered a special category at the bottom: the Serpent Sect was recruiting fighters for a project, offering payment in cash or equivalent services.
He examined the details; the Serpent Sect had its own bio-cultivation facility and was currently cultivating a species with special applications. They required fighters to interact with these organisms, warning that the task was highly dangerous and required signing a waiver agreement in advance.
After considering the specifics, he decided to make a note of this as another alternative option.
Having browsed through everything, he exited the interface. Although he hadn't found what he was looking for, it wasn't a fruitless endeavor. Even if he chose nothing, he could still use it as an alternative information platform.
Despite setting his sights on the Third Limit, Chen Chuan didn't feel the need to rush. In situations like this, haste often led to mistakes, and some matters would only become clear once school started.
Regarding Teacher Wu, after some consideration, Chen Chuan sent a reply: "Teacher Wu, I appreciate you informing me of these opportunities. However, after careful consideration, I feel that your techniques are not suitable for me, so I must politely decline your kind offer."
After parting ways with Chen Chuan and returning to his residence, Teacher Wu was pleased with his performance.
He understood these students too well—an outsider from a small city, suddenly exposed to the overwhelming offerings of the central city, would undoubtedly be shocked and overwhelmed.
But what followed was the invisible boundaries and the dauntingly expensive services of the central city, which would inevitably lead to confusion and embarrassment.
Even though the student appeared calm and mature on the surface, he was undoubtedly anxious and uneasy on the inside. Combined with the half-truths he had spoken earlier, his anxiety would reach its peak, and he would soon contact Teacher Wu of his own accord.
As Teacher Wu changed his clothes, his boundary token suddenly alerted him of an incoming contact. He couldn't help but smile as he checked the message, but his expression quickly turned grim, his face contorting into a terrifying visage, and his fingers began to tremble.
He couldn't understand why, even after he had made his intentions clear, the student still chose to decline his offer. Did the student not fear the consequences of rejecting such a powerful figure? Or was the student already set on a different path? Perhaps the student had an unexpected background.
He couldn't let this opportunity slip away, not after finding such a suitable target.
Since words weren't working, he'd have to resort to other means.
His expression soon calmed, and he glanced at the calendar. There were still about ten days until the start of school, and he had time. He slowly said, "You'll find your way back to the right path."
For the next few days, Chen Chuan spent his time training in the dormitory.
Wu Bei was busy organizing data obtained from the Golden Shrimp Commission Team. Since the Golden Shrimp Team didn't maintain separate files for Anomaly Investigations, they were mixed with other commissions, requiring time to reorganize.
However, he didn't plan to take on the next commission immediately. The Golden Shrimp Team had just disappeared, and there was already someone lined up to take over the Anomaly Investigation without any delay. Even without evidence, it was obvious to those with insight that the two were connected. So, he decided to wait for a while before accepting another commission.
During the mid-month rest day, he called home again. He had planned to contact Cheng Zai as well, but before he could, Cheng Zai called him first.
"Xiao Chuan, how are you? Have you gotten used to living in the Central City?"
Chen Chuan replied, "There's nothing I'm not used to. It's just that the prices in the Central City are a bit high. It seems like I'll need to purchase every course offered at the school, so there might be some additional expenses."
Cheng Zai said, "That's right. That's why Teacher asked you to save up some money. If there's a shortfall, let Teacher know, and I'll figure something out."
"Thank you, Teacher," Chen Chuan said, thinking for a moment before continuing, "But I heard some things. It seems like the situation at the Headquarters is quite complicated."
"Teacher knows a little about what's going on at the Headquarters," Cheng Zai smiled, "Xiao Chuan, don't be hasty. Don't listen to the rumors going around. Keep your calm, and we'll talk about everything after the start of school."
Chen Chuan's heart stirred slightly, and he said, "Teacher, I understand."
"Yes, Teacher trusts you. If there's anything, remember to call Teacher."
"Yes, Teacher."
……
After hanging up the call, Chen Chuan returned to his training for the day. As he prepared to watch the news on the Edge Channel after dinner, a message suddenly appeared on his communication interface. It was from that Wu Teacher again.
He thought for a moment before accepting the call. "Wu Teacher, is there something wrong?"
"Chen Student, I'd like to meet you again," Wu Teacher said.
"I'm sorry, Wu Teacher," Chen Chuan replied, "I've already made my intentions clear. I don't plan to follow you and learn your combat techniques."
"No, it's not about that," Wu Teacher's tone was somewhat dejected. "I respect your decision, but I'm planning to leave the academy soon after the start of school. I have some things that will be of no use to me, and I want to entrust them to you."
"Some are medications that you students might need, along with my course summaries and some experiential insights. These things are my life's work. Even though you don't plan to cultivate the skills I've prepared for you, I believe you are the most promising student I've seen, and these things might be of some use to you."
Chen Chuan remained silent for a while before speaking, "Teacher, where do you want to meet?"
"Tonight at eight o'clock. I'll send you the address. I hope you can make it."
"Okay, I'll be there."
After ending the call, Chen Chuan's thoughts turned. He had read the teacher's profile; he was a Tier Three Combatant. Even if he couldn't stay at the school, it was unlikely that his situation would be as dire as he claimed.
And then there was the location...
He walked over to the map on the desk and checked the address Wu Teacher had sent. He also contacted Wu Bei, "Wu Xiao, can you check this place for me?"
Wu Bei readily agreed, "No problem."
Soon, Wu Bei sent him a topographic map of the location. It was an empty lot on the outskirts of the Hong Sheng District, surrounded by desolation with only a small hill featuring a two-story wooden house. The position Wu Teacher had provided was right there.
Upon seeing the location, Chen Chuan had an intuition that Wu Teacher intended to harm him. He didn't know where this feeling came from or what reason the teacher might have, but the feeling was there.
Nevertheless, he decided to keep the appointment.
If things were as he suspected, and he didn't show up, Wu Teacher might fixate on him. A Tier Three Combatant acting in secret would be extremely difficult to deal with. Instead of avoiding the situation, he chose to face it head-on.
Chen Chuan looked at the Xuejun Blade on the shelf. The last time he killed Jing Li and his men, it hadn't been much of a challenge, and he was close to achieving 24-Hour Convergence.
Perhaps this time, he could reach his goal this time.
……
……
(End of Chapter)
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