Chapter 301: The Binding
Chapter 301: The Binding
Due to the complexity of this ritual, where the three patterns were intertwined instead of separate, it took Chen Chuan until midday the next day to complete the intricate design. This task required intense focus and prolonged concentration without any mistakes, something most people couldn't endure.
The person who set up the Secret Sect ritual might not have been alone but instead took turns with one or several others.
Fortunately, Chen Chuan was a Fighter, and with preparation, he could maintain such prolonged combat. The current situation was nothing compared to that.
When he was almost done, he stood up and looked around. Within a six-meter radius, the area was filled with intricate and enigmatic patterns, with lines as red as blood and as black as deep ink, intertwining the three designs.
To an untrained eye, the patterns might induce dizziness, and staring at them for too long seemed to reveal numerous eyes blinking on their own.
Chen Chuan checked his work once more, ensuring everything was in order, and then stepped out through the designated path.
Once outside, he checked his watch; it was 1 p.m., slightly earlier than his estimated completion time of the afternoon.
The exact time of the initial Secret Sect ritual was untraceable, but such rituals typically activated a few hours before or after midnight. Chen Chuan decided to wait until then.
With some time to spare, he took out some medicine he carried and began practicing his sword techniques.
His sword moves appeared the same as before, but the changes within were profound. Each technique could now produce contrasting forces, and through intense, high-intensity combat training, his moves had become more versatile.
His recent battle with the Shadow Walker had taught him the difficulty of facing a skilled technique-type opponent. Their force variations, ranging from hard to soft and fierce to vicious, left him little room for strategic maneuvers, forcing him to adapt on the fly.
Thankfully, his previous offense-defense training provided a solid foundation, and his unique Alienated Organization allowed for repeated, alternating resistance. Combined with the opponent's damaged Alienated Organization, Chen Chuan found an opportunity to counter-attack and kill the enemy. The intense combat experience significantly enhanced his understanding of previously unclear areas, leading to a deeper comprehension. Zheng Laoshi also noted his remarkable progress over the past few days.
However, this wasn't Chen Chuan's limit. Since he was essentially relearning techniques from scratch, his room for improvement was vast. When his progress slowed, it would be time for a technique assessment.
Time flew by, and as dusk approached, Chen Chuan planted the Snow Lady Saber into the ground and sat on a carried cushion. He took out the Cat Stone and held it in his hand, using the Cat Monster Tale to stimulate his breathing exercises.
Hours passed as he sat there, and by 10 p.m., the moonlight peeked through the clouds, illuminating the ruins and broken walls around him, with only the howling wind as company.
Chen Chuan stood up and followed the designated path to the center of the ritual, where he bent down and placed the stone tablet beneath him.
As he straightened up, a shallow Dematerialization appeared on his body, but there was no Screech, only silence.
He sensed the Ghost Story lurking behind him, seemingly more cautious after their previous encounter, realizing Chen Chuan was not to be trifled with.
The Ghost Story seemed sentient, perhaps because of this awareness that it had become more elusive.
Ignoring it, Chen Chuan walked towards the outer circle's second ritual as if defenseless. Suddenly, intense Dematerialization occurred on his body, and for a moment, he seemed to disappear.
This undoubtedly indicated an attack from the Ghost Story, yet Chen Chuan remained unaware, continuing his walk to the outer Binding Ritual. He picked up the pen and drew the final stroke.
Then, he tossed the pen aside and looked towards the center of the ritual.
In the moonlight filtering through the clouds, a translucent cat-like shadow appeared where Chen Chuan had been standing, its body filling the central circle of the ritual. Its glowing cat eyes stared intently at him.
Chen Chuan calmly returned the gaze.
Now, it was up to the Ghost Story to accept or refuse the Binding. If it refused, Chen Chuan was prepared for a prolonged stalemate, but he believed the Ghost Story would eventually yield.
Fortunately, this didn't happen. Perhaps sensing Chen Chuan's determination and realizing it had no advantage, the Ghost Story succumbed to the outer ritual's power and returned to the stone tablet.
The visuals were breathtaking, and the voice talent brought the characters to life. The animation seamlessly blended with the live-action elements, creating a captivating viewing experience.
Chen Chuan glanced down at his feet, and the ritual pattern on the ground completely dissipated within a short moment, leaving only a faint trace. This indicated that the ritual had been successfully concluded.
He walked inside and picked up the amulet. This was the most ferocious and spiritual Whisper he had encountered so far. With this, he could launch an invisible counterattack against Zhao Qian.
However, there were considerations to be made. It would be best to strike when Zhao Qian was out.
E
Take Wu Yi as an example. People with intense anomalous reactions are unable to enter. Similarly, if an anomalous reaction is detected within the Xuan Gong Mansion, it will be suppressed to some extent.
The life of a Tier Three Limit Fighter is extremely tenacious. If a Whisper attacks and is repelled by the Biobound Field, but there are life-saving medicines or timely medical treatment, it might still be possible to save them. Therefore, the timing of the attack is also crucial.
Chen Chuan put away the amulet and returned to the car, driving directly towards Gao Ming. Before arriving, he had agreed with Gao Ming that once the ritual was successful, they would discuss the next step of their plan.
An hour later, Chen Chuan arrived at Gao Ming's apartment and placed the amulet on the table in front of Gao Ming.
Gao Ming couldn't help but glance at it several times. He had known that Chen Chuan was skilled in dealing with Whispers and had seen the remnants left by Whispers Chen Chuan had encountered before. But this was the first time he had seen a Whisper up close.
He asked, "Brother, are you confident?"
Chen Chuan replied, "I'm not sure if Zhao Qian has any necessary protection, but this is currently the most reliable method. Even if it fails once, we can try again later."
The ritual agreement with the Lynx was that as long as the offering was made and the Lynx attacked him in person, he could then attack the target specified by the Lynx. However, regardless of whether it's the same target or not, there's only one chance per month.
This restriction wasn't added by Chen Chuan; it was originally part of the old sect's rituals. Because Whispers, after absorbing enough offerings, would attempt to break free from their bindings. So, the old sect directly used rituals to sever their connection, and Chen Chuan agreed with this approach without adding any additional difficulties.
Gao Ming said, "If that's the case, Brother, we can proceed with the other two steps simultaneously. We can have the Processing Bureau pressure Liangwei Zhongyu first. If we can resolve Zhao Qian's issue through this, there's no need to continue with the subsequent steps. If not, we'll wait until he goes out and then take action."
"I've checked Zhao Qian's travel information. This month or next month, he might personally participate in an escort, which would be a good time to make a move."
At this point, Gao Ming reminded Chen Chuan, "During this period, Brother, you need to be prepared. The last attack on you was unsuccessful, probably not because Zhao Qian gave up, but perhaps because he failed in his investigation. Once he figures it out, before you take action, you might face another attack."
Chen Chuan nodded and said, "I'm prepared."
Wu Bei had been paying attention to see if anyone was watching him, but so far, no one had been discovered. Currently, Chen Chuan spends most of his time at the Xuan Gong Mansion and at Zheng Laoshi's home, and there's no opportunity to make a move in either of these places.
The only possible time to strike is when he goes to the Seashore Arena, just like the last time. However, with a bit of caution, it's possible to avoid this as well.
Gao Ming said, "Since Brother is prepared, tomorrow I'll submit a letter of prosecution to the Processing Bureau on your behalf as your personal solicitor, requesting the arrest and investigation of Zhao Qian for infringing upon the Bureau's reserve enforcer."
Chen Chuan asked, "What about evidence?"
Gao Ming replied, "The 'Ring Fat' that You Fen gave you is the evidence. That's a well-known alias for Liangwei Zhongyu. Once this is submitted, the Processing Bureau will definitely use it to pressure Liangwei Zhongyu, regardless of the final outcome. They will use this excuse to pressure the company."
"But how can we prove it's related to Zhao Qian?"
Gao Ming smiled and said, "There's no need for proof. If we must provide an explanation, it could be that You Fen said so before his death. As long as the Processing Bureau and Liangwei Zhongyu know that Zhao Qian is responsible, that's enough."
Chen Chuan's thoughts shifted slightly, and he nodded. This operation was indeed feasible. From Liangwei Zhongyu's perspective, whether you actually carried out the action or not isn't important. What matters is whether you can resolve the issue and prevent it from affecting the company's operations. If you can't, you'll definitely be held accountable.
At this moment, Gao Ming slightly raised his head, and his glasses reflected a hint of light. Smiling, he said, "Even if Zhao Qian can reach an agreement with the Processing Bureau to mitigate the impact of this incident, once it's brought to the public's attention, he won't dare to target you again for the time being. At that point, you can use that method."
...
(End of Chapter)
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