Chapter 286: Clearing Up Affairs
Chapter 286: Clearing Up Affairs
In the depths of the city, within the Lian Wei Zhong Yu Corporation building.
In a 31st-floor office, Zhao Qian stood by the floor-to-ceiling glass wall, sipping from a glass cup as he gazed out at the rain-drenched city.
The office was adorned in contemporary decor, filled with dark metallic reflections and ubiquitous neon accents, creating a cold, dim atmosphere with a hint of vibrant glow.
His tall, slender figure, standing at 1.98 meters, was reflected on the glass wall, his neatly combed grayish-white hair standing out against the dark backdrop. He was in his early twenties, dressed in a well-tailored imported suit, his narrow eyes, and handsome, aloof face.
A barely noticeable seam on his cheek and neck revealed the presence of an embedded Boundary Vessel. This custom-made vessel, which came at a hefty price, was almost seamlessly integrated with his body. It could repair itself using his own tissue, ensuring no distractions during combat, and it also provided an internal shield, effectively preventing any disturbances during his altercations.
His gaze was fixed on a massive, dark building ahead, a stark contrast to the surrounding area illuminated by bright neon lights. It stood like a gaping void, a lifeless monster amidst the vibrant cityscape.
This was the original headquarters of Mo Lan Corporation. Its exterior walls were designed in a petal-like shape, with slender curves extending to the top. Within, there was a passage known as the 'Gao Ling Stairway,' a private route reserved for the company's CEO and directors, providing direct access from the rooftop helipad to the underground company premises.
This place had once shone with dazzling brilliance, but now, all that glory had faded. The once-mighty Mo Lan Corporation had withered and fallen, and the government had seized not only the building but also all valuable assets, while external markets were filled and divided among other corporations.
According to post-incident disclosures, the company's fate was sealed forty-three years ago when its cultivated active consciousness was compromised, ensuring it would never rise to the top tier of corporations.
The attack that followed was not the end, but its aftermath and consequences. Despite Mo Lan's refusal to succumb, its desperate struggles to survive, and its attempts to prolong its existence, it was ultimately torn apart and devoured.
Upon discovering Mo Lan's predicament after arriving in Central City, Zhao Qian had promptly joined Lian Wei Zhong Yu Corporation and discreetly transferred a portion of Zhao's business to the city, leaving only the family's collaboration with Mo Lan in Wu Yi. This was an obligation he couldn't escape.
Zhao Qian chose not to disclose Mo Lan's situation to his family, as even in its decline, Mo Lan still held significant influence over Zhao's family. He couldn't voice his concerns, but he prepared for the inevitable and ensured a timely exit before the ship sank.
His decision proved wise, as the early detachment from Mo Lan spared him from direct involvement. However, as a Zhao family member, he gained benefits and encountered troubles.
Government investigations and corporate inquiries followed, forcing him to utilize connections and money to navigate the situation. This ordeal consumed most of his energy, but fortunately, it was now almost resolved.
Sipping his favorite 'Chun Xue' beverage, Zhao Qian enjoyed a rare moment of leisure. This specially crafted drink enhanced his altered tissue's activity, uplifting his mood.
At that moment, an internal communication arrived through the Boundary Vessel.
He accepted the call, asking, "What's the matter?"
"Young Master, a piece of information has been sent from Xuan Gong Mansion. You might want to take a look."
"Send it over."
Zhao Qian took a sip from his glass, and a student's profile appeared on the light screen before him. He glanced at the name, and his pupils involuntarily contracted.
He vividly recalled this student's crucial role in the annihilation of the Annihilation Mutual Aid Society and the downfall of Mo Lan Corporation.
On that fateful day, Wei Jun had called, seeking his help. However, the person he dispatched was intercepted, leading to the society's destruction, the government's seizure of the family and company, and Mo Lan's demise.
Subsequently, Zhao Qian suspected this student to be a pawn of the Da Shun Government, as the timing and involvement seemed too coincidental, and the student was suspected of orchestrating the entire affair.
He had already learned that this student secured a spot at the Central City Main Institute, but he was too occupied with his own affairs to pay attention.
Now, with the information before him, his good mood was instantly shattered.
As he read through the report, his brow furrowed. Upon reaching the end, his expression turned grim. The assessment showed a value of '81%!'
Eighty-one percent...
His eyes turned cold. While the numerical assessment might not fully reflect reality, the lower limit was assured. This level of proficiency in the Third Limit was almost unquestionable.
Once they reached his level, many things would become possible. If this student believed the matter was unresolved, or if others thought the same, then...
Zhao Qian realized he couldn't afford to do nothing. Could he guarantee this student wouldn't seek him out if he ignored the situation?
Can this student truly believe that he has no feelings for her?
Impossible. The annihilation of the Zhao family and the Mutual Aid Society has sealed the fate of one of them.
One must extinguish the weak before they grow powerful, instead of waiting to face them at their peak.
He was decisive, immediately using the Boundary Vessel to access the Secret Society's platform. He entered a page accessible only to internal members, and directly expressed his intention.
"I need to request a cleaning service."
He planned to directly hire the Secret Society's assassins to deal with Chen Chuan. This was the simplest and most direct way, as intricate plans were mere illusions, only giving the other student more time to grow.
A form immediately appeared on the light screen, and a voice prompted him to fill in the target and known information about the task below.
Zhao Qian quickly filled in the recently received information about Chen Chuan, but hesitated about his previous speculations regarding Chen Chuan's background, and decided not to include them.
After filling it out, he submitted it.
Soon, the voice spoke again, "We have received your submitted information. Do you have a preferred cleaner? If not, the platform can recommend one based on your target and financial status."
Zhao Qian spoke in a low voice, "I specifically request the cleaner 'Shadowy Form' for this task." This cleaner was known for their mysterious and brilliant skills, and most importantly, all the tasks they had undertaken so far were successful.
"The platform has accepted your request. A task inquiry has been sent to the cleaner 'Shadowy Form', and they will respond within 48 hours. Please wait patiently."
After the second assessment, Chen Chuan rested for a day in the Xuan Gong Mansion dormitory, allowing the overworked Altered Tissue to recover and fully absorb the nutrients from the Vitalizing Ointment.
The next day, as he was about to leave, a message arrived from the academy, "Chen Chuan, considering that your technique has reached the academy's requirements in the assessment, would you like to take the exam in advance?"
He thought for a moment and decided to decline for now.
The exam results were one-time records, including evaluation scores. Chen Chuan felt there was still much to learn regarding techniques, and he could wait a little longer.
After leaving the Xuan Gong Mansion, he went to see Teacher Zheng. She looked at him and confidently said, "Chen Chuan, you've improved since last time."
Chen Chuan was slightly surprised.
Teacher Zheng smiled and said, "This is just my feeling, a fighter's intuition, sometimes it's quite useful."
Chen Chuan's heart skipped a beat. Perhaps it was his battle with Hong Fu that led to this improvement, and he had been making progress these days, so the changes weren't as noticeable to himself.
Speaking of Hong Fu, she was the best sparring partner. No matter how he improved or what techniques he used, she could always counter him without the worry of causing injury, and her skills would grow alongside his.
So, the assessment wasn't just an evaluation but also an excellent training opportunity. However, this opportunity was only available three times after enrollment, possibly because it consumed some of the academy's resources.
Teacher Zheng said a few words and led him to the training ground, where Zheng Tongtong was already waiting. She said, "Today, we'll start with real combat training. You and Tongtong will have a match first, and based on your performance, we'll determine the next training focus."
Chen Chuan understood and drew the Snow Lady Sword, standing in the center of the field. He bowed to Zheng Tongtong and said, "Senior Sister, please guide me."
Zheng Tongtong returned the bow and said cheerfully, "Okay, Junior Brother, be careful."
Chen Chuan glanced at the broad saber in Zheng Tongtong's hand, which was likely her most proficient weapon.
Since this was genuine combat, Zheng Tongtong wouldn't just stand there. She could freely display her true strength.
He stepped back a few paces, nodded to her, and took the initiative to attack, sending out a slow blade. This was mainly to test the waters.
Zheng Tongtong wrapped her blade, deflecting the sword's edge. Their blades touched lightly and then separated, both holding back their strength, or perhaps only a portion of their power was on display, while the rest was hidden and restrained.
Teacher Zheng's eyes lit up as he noticed Chen Chuan's power technique. He realized that Chen Chuan was dividing the Altered Tissue into two sets and using them interchangeably.
This was the technique he was about to teach Chen Chuan, but apparently, Chen Chuan had already figured it out on his own, which gave him a pleasant surprise.
However, there was a trick to it. One needed to understand the breath technique for self-restraint and protection, as well as the technique for switching between power techniques.
He could see that Chen Chuan was relying solely on his superior physical qualities to withstand the power's pulling force, which made him highly susceptible to injury.
He didn't stop the training because he could halt it at any time, and such injuries could be quickly healed with the right medications.
...
...
(End of Chapter)
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