Chapter 296: Disposal
Chapter 296: Disposal
Zhao Qian's face darkened.
You Xing had a perfect success rate in the past, and Zhao Qian knew that he had also worked for the company, completing tasks with equal efficiency. Thus, he trusted in the man's abilities.
But how could such a person fail?
What could be the reason? Since this cleanup was arranged through the Platform, it ensured that the Shadow Walker remained unaware of the client's identity. However, it also meant that Zhao Qian was unaware of the Shadow Walker's specific execution details.
He didn't believe that Chen Chuan could have achieved this on his own. Was it due to the protection of the Processing Bureau or the Wu Yi Academy? Or was there an unknown force involved?
If it was an unknown force...
He once thought that Chen Chuan was a pawn put forward by the government to deal with the Mutual Aid Society and the Mo Lan Corporation. But a pawn was just a pawn, usually discarded after use.
But what if the pawn wasn't just a pawn? What if they had already joined or were originally a part of it? In that case, You Xing's failure could be explained, and he had to consider that this matter might have already triggered the vigilance of certain departments.
He took a deep breath, preparing to wait and see, because the Zhao family had been investigated several times by the Processing Bureau, although he managed to escape through peril. However, there were also many people within the company who were dissatisfied with him, including some competitors.
If his personal actions affected the interests of the department and the company, these people would jump at the chance to bite him, even for insignificant matters. Even trivial issues might be blown out of proportion, and at this moment, he couldn't give them more excuses.
He was well aware that in Central City, the company was his primary source of benefits. Only by wearing the company's skin could he preserve his current status.
In any case, he was in the shadows, and he still had time. He would first clarify the situation before making any moves.
After considering these thoughts, he said to the person on the other end: "No need for now."
"Understood, the reply has been recorded. If you still require cleaning services, the Platform is always welcoming. The deposit will be refunded to your account within three days."
Zhao Qian ended the communication, cleared the records, stood up, and walked to the window. He contacted someone using the Boundary Vessel and waited for a while. When the other party answered, a very formal voice came through: "Boss, what do you need me to do?"
Zhao Qian said, "I need you to investigate a matter and also a Wu Yi Academy student. Remember, don't alert anyone, and don't send the information through the Platform. Deliver it to me personally."
"Boss, you're being so cautious. It seems the target has some background. How much time can you give me?"
"I want results within a month."
"Okay, but what about the other matter?"
"Let's put that aside for now. This matter is more important."
"Understood, boss. I'll keep you updated."
After ending the call, he remained standing there, deep in thought.
Footsteps approached from behind, and a petite girl of fourteen or fifteen years old walked in from outside.
She had obvious embedded lines on her neck, scattered bioelectric glows on her cervical vertebrae, and from her thighs down, it was clear that she had undergone limb implantation.
She picked up a drink from the table, poured a cup, and brought it to Zhao Qian with both hands. She slowly knelt down in front of him and offered the drink.
Zhao Qian took the drink, took a sip, and looked down at her pure and delicate face. "Every time I see you, I feel a strong resemblance. Well done. Stay kneeling like that."
The girl remained silent.
Zhao Qian turned and left, but the petite figure remained kneeling, reflected in the glass wall.
Outside the North Channel Checkpoint of Central City, Chen Chuan drove his Gader Car and slowly parked it by the roadside.
He gazed at the broad road ahead and the city patrol personnel on duty. This was one of the main entrances to Central City. Due to the initial roadblock, he hadn't entered the city from here but had chosen to go around from the side.
Such incidents were not uncommon. Central City was vast, and it was impossible to monitor every location. Most people without identification entered the city through these peripheral areas, where smuggling activities were rampant. Even the checkpoint had experienced assaults and violent attacks.
Chen Chuan had only waited a short while when a gray-white sedan approached the checkpoint and began a tedious inspection process. After more than ten minutes, the car slowly drove out of the checkpoint.
The recent days of continuous rain gradually dissipated, and sunlight shone through the clouds, casting its rays on the road. Chen Chuan opened the door and stepped out of the car.
The sedan also slowly came to a stop, and Gao Ming emerged from the back seat, adjusting his gold-rimmed glasses and his tailored deep brown suit. He walked towards Chen Chuan.
Chen Chuan walked up to him, and under the shining sun, they patted each other's hands. Chen Chuan asked, "Gao Ming, was your journey smooth?"
Gao Ming smiled and replied, "Just had to wait a bit longer at the checkpoint."
Chen Chuan inquired, "Have you found a place to stay?"
"The Office has arranged an apartment for me."
"
Chen Chuan said, "That's good. Once you've settled in, I have something to discuss with you."
High Ming pushed up his glasses and said, "Cousin, you're my first client. If there's anything, I'll be the first to know."
Chen Chuan nodded, "We'll talk about it when we get back."
He was well aware of his current driving skills, and he was using a temporary pass, so he asked High Ming to return to his original vehicle while he followed behind.
After dropping High Ming off at the apartment of the Office, helping him settle in, and ensuring everything was in order, Chen Chuan finally brought up the matter. He informed High Ming about Zhao Qian, a former member of the Mutual Aid Society and one of the masterminds behind Shen Xuelang's incident. Wei Jun's actions were merely an imitation of Zhao Qian's, but even though Mo Lan Corporation collapsed and the Zhao family was destroyed, Zhao Qian managed to evade reckoning.
High Ming said, "Cousin, according to the information you provided, this person has a major corporation background. If we want to deal with him, regardless of the method, I'll need to gather some necessary and detailed information, which will take some time."
Chen Chuan nodded, understanding that this matter couldn't be rushed. After all, they were not facing a lone wolf like You Xing but a mid-level manager of a major corporation, whose resources far surpassed those of an ordinary fighter.
After discussing the main issue, Chen Chuan and High Ming chatted about Yangzhi and home matters. They had a meal together before leaving the apartment, driving the Gader Car back towards the Academy.
On the way, the Boundary Vessel indicated an incoming call, and seeing it was Lao Qi, Chen Chuan accepted the call. Lao Qi's voice sounded, "Little Brother Chen, I've purchased the materials you requested in the amount you specified, and they're all stored in the warehouse."
Chen Chuan asked, "Lao Qi, did you encounter any trouble?"
Lao Qi replied, "No, none at all."
"Thanks, Lao Qi."
"It's nothing."
Chen Chuan thought for a moment and turned the car towards the warehouse.
The issue with the Lynx Statuette needed to be resolved as soon as possible. Even though the Ghost Story was currently satiated by You Xing, according to Chen Chuan's analysis, if the ritual activities were not conducted for an extended period, the Ghost Story might take matters into its own hands to satisfy its needs, and the binding might become ineffective.
This was why Chen Chuan brought the statuette back with him instead of leaving it unattended.
Chen Chuan drove to Wu Bei's warehouse and located the Viper Sect materials. He checked the quantity and quality, and Lao Qi had been reliable in this regard.
The next step was to hold the ritual, but the warehouse contained many important items, so it wasn't suitable for the ceremony. However, there was a perfect place nearby.
Chen Chuan parked the Gader Car and borrowed a small truck from Wu Bei. He loaded the statuette onto the truck and drove directly to the wasteland where Teacher used to live.
This location was secluded, and the domain surveillance seemed to weaken in this area, making it convenient to handle certain matters.
Upon arrival, Chen Chuan searched for a suitable spot and eventually found one. He unloaded the Lynx Statuette and placed it in the appropriate position.
The Lynx Statuette was ancient, and it was believed that its original form was crafted for the convenience of offering sacrifices and prostration. The Ghost Story had no fixed form.
Due to the statue's age, it was already capable of carrying the Ghost Story, so it could be reused later.
Chen Chuan extended his hand and pressed it against the head of the Lynx Statuette. His gaze intensified, and a force instantly permeated the statue. Cracks appeared on the statue's surface, and a loud roar echoed in his ears. At the same time, signs of dematerialization appeared on his body.
After the battle with You Xing, Convergence Time had reached two days and ten hours. Although his strength had drawn closer to You Xing's original body, the Ghost Story's release still rapidly diminished Convergence Time, making this the most intense invasion he had experienced.
However, as the Ghost Story invaded, it also continuously stimulated the transformation of his entire body.
As the sound of cracking filled the air and pieces of stone fell from the statue, it finally shattered into countless fragments. Simultaneously, a piercing screech that seemed capable of tearing his brain apart echoed in his ears.
(End of Chapter)
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