Chapter 299: The Route
Chapter 299: The Route
Gao Ming stood up and pulled out a map from the drawer, spreading it flat on the table in front of the two men.
It was a map of Center City, with red lines outlining various routes.
He said, "Lianwei Heavy Control Corporation's main business area used to be in the inland regions, and it's only been over a decade since they established operations in Jibei Dao Central City."
"The company primarily offers overland cargo transportation services between central cities, with some involvement in surrounding cities, and also provides mercenary and security services."
"Although major corporations now have their own security teams, most are concentrated near the company's headquarters due to intense competition, which sometimes leads to mutual attacks. These security teams are not easily able to leave their posts. Nowadays, many non-critical transportation services are entrusted to Lianwei Heavy Control Corporation."
"Zhao Qian, the Director of External Agency Division, is responsible for coordinating and ensuring the success rate of operations. For important escort missions, he also participates personally."
"Based on Lianwei's public business records, he typically leaves Central City once every two months."
"However, once away from Central City, many of the city's technological functions will be significantly weakened, and only a portion of the company's security forces will be present. If you're considering a more direct approach, this is the only opportunity to get close to him."
"But this method is too risky."
Gao Ming cautioned seriously, "This kind of security escort service is designed to counter attacks from other companies. Besides the necessary equipment, the team often includes more than one Tier Three Combatant."
Chen Chuan nodded, acknowledging that this was no simple matter. Aside from potentially facing a Tier Three Combatant, there was also a whole Heavy Armed Team to contend with.
Considering that the team itself might be specifically trained to deal with Tier Three Combatants and the near-impenetrable armored vehicles, the difficulty was far beyond what he could handle with his current strength.
Especially if he couldn't eliminate everyone in one go, the operation would be exposed. He wouldn't choose to do that. If he were to initiate an attack on the company's convoy, whether it was personal or for other reasons, Lianwei Heavy Control Corporation would definitely investigate. The situation would become even more complicated.
Unless...
Unless he could reach the Third Limit right now, then it might be worth a try.
He pondered for a moment. The first method seemed more stable but was filled with uncertainties and required a longer time. The second method also seemed difficult to achieve immediately.
However, he had one more option.
It was the Ghost Story he had just captured.
Using the Ghost Story as a condition wasn't complicated, and it wouldn't be difficult to fulfill. But he wasn't going to sacrifice his own Altered Tissue.
Based on his inference, this was likely a pact formed through a ritual with the Ghost Story. Once the user complied, they would be listed as a backup offering, and the fate of You Xing was sealed from the moment the ritual began.
However, if he could redefine a new covenant, he could kill Zhao Qian from a distance.
This was not impossible. If his guess was correct, the old book he obtained from You Xing depicted the original ritual covenant, and he had already photographed it and sent the pictures to Director Lei. He believed results would come soon.
After some thought, Chen Chuan said to Gao Ming, "Gao Ming, thank you for your hard work. I have an idea, but I can't confirm it yet. I'll come back to you in a few days."
Gao Ming nodded and said, "Sure, cousin. You can contact me anytime you have a question."
Chen Chuan chatted with him for a while longer and then returned to Xuan Gong Mansion.
The next few days were calm, and no one attacked him. Wu Bei also informed him that there were no suspicious individuals nearby.
On the first rest day in April, Chen Chuan visited Cao Guiqi again. After meeting, Cao Guiqi led him to a courtyard located at the back of the estate.
Mo Tie Mountain's residential area indeed had a pleasant environment. All around, the flowers and plants were exquisite and luxurious. The air was exceptionally fresh upon entering, and from time to time, clear bird songs could be heard, making one feel as if they were in a secluded valley deep in the forest.
After sitting in the courtyard for a while, Chen Chuan felt his mood become serene and tranquil. Cao Guiqi set down his teacup and asked the tea-serving staff to leave, leaving only Uncle Ding in the room. "I heard you underwent another assessment and achieved over eighty percent."
Chen Chuan replied, "Yes. The assessment results are visible to all teachers at Wu Yi Academy. Although Cao Guiqi isn't a teacher there, it's not difficult to imagine he would know."
Cao Guiqi gave Chen Chuan an expectant look. "You've made great progress. It seems you're adapting well to the medication and sunlight exposure." He called out, "Uncle Ding, bring that thing over."
Uncle Ding bowed and left the room. After a while, he returned, carrying a flowerpot with both hands. The flowerpot was exquisite and unique, with colorful leaf patterns on its surface, making it quite eye-catching. On top of it was a cluster of plants with white branches, intertwined and entangled, resembling a delicate work of art.
However, the branches were so thin and fragile that one couldn't help but worry that a gust of wind might break them, ruining the overall beauty.
Uncle Ding carefully placed the potted plant on the table.
Cao Guixi rolled up his sleeves and extended his hand towards Chen Chuan, gently pushing him a little and saying, "Pay close attention to this plant, and listen and feel carefully, just like in a meditation practice."
Chen Chuan understood and followed his instructions, clearing his mind and focusing his attention on the plant.
Cao Guixi waited patiently, slowly sipping his tea and observing both of them. After about twenty minutes, he asked, "Have you felt anything?"
"No," Chen Chuan replied honestly.
Cao Guixi nodded. He took another look at the plant and waved his hand. Uncle Ding then came and removed the plant.
"Senior, what is this?" Chen Chuan asked.
"This plant is officially called 'Perception Silver Cage,' and in the old times, it was widely cultivated in temples, known as 'Wisdom Root' or 'Divine Grass.' Nowadays, it's becoming increasingly rare because 'Perception Silver Cage' can only grow in high-quality environments and requires unique cultivation methods, which not many people know nowadays," Cao Guixi explained.
He turned to Chen Chuan, "Besides being a beautiful plant and a status symbol, it can also roughly measure your current progress.
If you are close to or have reached the edge of the Third Limit, your biological field domain will undergo a unique change, which in the old times was called 'Divine Qi Flutter.' 'Perception Silver Cage' is highly sensitive to this. Your gaze and perception will cause it to bloom because of you.
Although it didn't react much just now, I noticed that the topmost branches were slightly moving, indicating that your power is almost there, even if it's not yet full.
Don't ask me about the specific time; it's not something the 'Perception Silver Cage' can determine. Everyone's foundation is different, so their progress will vary.
In my opinion, if you feel that you are constantly improving, it's not a bad thing. It shows that you have great potential and a larger room for growth than others. So, don't be impatient; just maintain your current training pace."
Chen Chuan nodded.
Cao Guixi continued, "Remember what I told you last time. Even if I teach you well, it's not as good as providing you with more resources. Although you are still growing, this growth period is actually very short. During this stage, it's better to have more resources rather than less. I suggest you look for opportunities to enhance yourself from other sources."
Chen Chuan pondered for a moment and replied honestly, "I can try to find another opportunity for sunlight exposure from the Processing Bureau, but I currently have no leads for the treasure ointment."
Cao Guixi considered this and said, "Do you know about the Green Bag Jade Workshop?"
"Yes, it's the second-largest company in the country, right after Tiancong Hundred Herbs," Chen Chuan asked.
"The Green Bag Jade Workshop has been competing with Tiancong Hundred Herbs in various aspects, including drug development. Among their new medications, one is specifically designed to compete with the treasure ointment produced by Tiancong Hundred Herbs. They've been searching for suitable test subjects.
I know you have a high tolerance for medications and can always maximize their effects while minimizing side effects. This is a talent many envy. If you're interested, I can request a batch of medication from the Green Bag Jade Workshop. It might be helpful to you."
Chen Chuan thought for a moment and said, "Thank you, Senior. I'll consider it."
Cao Guixi nodded and said, "It's up to you. After all, you know yourself best. I'll ask Uncle Ding to provide you with the Green Bag Jade Workshop's information about this medication. If you're interested, let me know."
"Thank you, Senior," Chen Chuan said.
Cao Guixi hummed in agreement. "Regarding ways to enhance your muscles, bones, and internal organs, there's an opportunity that's easily accessible to you. You should know about the Viper Sect."
"Yes, Tan Wang is from the Viper Sect," Chen Chuan replied.
"The Viper Sect has ambitious business aspirations and is the most successful transformed old sect in Center City. Their business operates both openly and underground," Cao Guixi explained.
"They've cultivated a type of organism that, through certain methods, can enhance a fighter's muscles, bones, internal organs, and tendons. While it's not as effective as sunlight exposure, it can serve as a significant supplement. If you can afford it, you might consider it."
He emphasized, "Don't worry too much about the cost. The earlier you invest, the faster your progress. If you can reach the Third Limit, these initial expenses will be insignificant."
"I once fought against Tan Wang, and he's currently in prison. Is he a member of the Viper Sect? Won't they reject me because of my conflict with him?" Chen Chuan asked.
"The Viper Sect is a loose organization, and clients come first. Even if someone is a member of the sect, the upper echelon considers them as special clients. They won't reject you because of a conflict with a certain member.
The overall interests of the sect are prioritized over individual ones, and they have a good reputation in this regard. If you need it, I can vouch for you."
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(End of Chapter)
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