Chapter 326: Bloom
Chapter 326: Bloom
The Processing Bureau's convoy headed towards the martial arts academy, the site of the incident, with Sun Rao riding in an armed patrol vehicle at the rear.
Sun Rao seemed to receive some news and, after listening for a while, informed Chen Chuan, "The situation over there has been resolved."
Chen Chuan realized he was referring to the clash between the Swordfish Gang and the Elephant Gang and asked, "What was the outcome?"
Sun Rao let out a cold laugh. "Consider them lucky. Their close-protection security is formidable; it's incredible that they managed to escape unharmed from such a clash. But this may not be a good thing; their escape this time will only encourage them to try again. However, it's no longer our concern."
Chen Chuan nodded slightly. According to the information leaked by Captain Li, the Bureau had been keeping a close eye on them, deliberately transferring them around to create opportunities for Wei Wusheng to make his move.
This had been a good plan, and it had almost succeeded, but they had underestimated Wei Wusheng's strength, which led to the subsequent setback. It was said that both Trisector Fighters had sustained varying degrees of injuries, so the Processing Bureau members dared not pursue them, fearing they would be counter-attacked if they were isolated.
But did the Processing Bureau truly assess Wei Wusheng's strength accurately? Perhaps not. It's possible that Wei Wusheng's strength exceeded their expectations, and maybe...
He looked outside. After killing these two, his strength had improved again.
The convoy soon arrived at another incident site, but unlike the chaotic scene in the bustling district they had witnessed earlier, there was only one casualty here—Zhe Rong, who had collapsed while walking, her neck broken. Those around her hadn't realized she was under attack, and some even thought she had been secretly attacked by an opponent during the exchange.
It was only when they discovered her broken neck that they realized a skilled fighter had been at work.
Captain Li went up to examine the body, taking a long time to compare the field information and power release techniques. Finally, he confirmed that Wei Wusheng was responsible, and despite their mental preparation, they felt a sense of frustration.
After confirming the results, the remaining task was left to the city patrol. Captain Li and his team discussed with the Bureau, glanced at Chen Chuan and his group, nodded repeatedly, and then withdrew. The Bureau informed Sun Rao that they should return to their duties, and by the time they finished, it was already 6 p.m.
The sky had darkened, and various neon lights along the roads and on skyscrapers lit up, while in the distance, a massive Ferris wheel slowly turned beneath the night sky, like a fiery ring.
Sun Rao said, "It's time for the shift change. There are others on duty tonight, so we're off. Chen Xueyuan, how about we grab a bite to eat first? I know a good deer rib restaurant nearby."
Chen Chuan had no objections.
The patrol car changed direction, and after about ten minutes, they arrived at a bustling district filled with restaurants featuring cuisines from various foreign islands.
Sun Rao led the way into a restaurant with the words "Deer House" on its signboard. They sat down, and Sun Rao, familiar with the place, ordered scallops, lobster, crab, fresh fish slices, and the restaurant's signature dish—grilled venison on a hot stone plate.
These dishes were typically paired with wine, but as fighters, they both abstained from alcohol and ordered lemon juice instead.
Soon, the ordered dishes were served one after another. Under the bright lights, the white meat of the scallops with garlic sauce, the fresh red lobster with lettuce, and the golden crab with its legs and claws tightly closed, all looked incredibly tempting.
The signature dish was presented with a hot stone plate, sliced venison, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and sauce.
Sun Rao picked up a thick slice of venison and placed it on the hot stone, listening to the sizzling sound as the color of the meat changed slightly. He then flipped it to cook the other side, and once it was ready, he picked it up amidst the fragrant aroma and dipped it in the sauce before putting it in his mouth.
Chen Chuan had never eaten here before. He picked up his chopsticks, followed Sun Rao's technique, cooked the meat on both sides, dipped it in the sauce, and took a bite. The meat was sweet, tender, and juicy, with a unique fragrance. It felt warm and satisfying in his stomach—indeed delicious.
As they enjoyed their meal, outside, several Resonators arranged by the Processing Bureau were keeping an eye on them through Boundary Vessels and Boundary Points in various locations.
This surveillance had been in place since the start of their shift earlier in the day.
After all, Chen Chuan, along with Zhe Rong and Tong Daguang, was a potential target for Wei Wusheng. So, these Resonators had been monitoring their situation throughout.
However, from day to night, there was no sign of Wei Wusheng approaching Chen Chuan.
"This Chen Xueyuan is said to have fought Wei Wusheng. Why hasn't Wei Wusheng come after him? Is it because he lacks confidence or dares not challenge the Processing Bureau?"
"Both are possible. Oh, and if this Chen Xueyuan had helped during the day, could they have captured Wei Wusheng? But I heard he needs to take medication beforehand..."
"They're really enjoying their meal, and we haven't even eaten yet!"
"I have a few nutrient gels here. Let's have a quick bite."
The sound of tearing paper was followed by the dry swallowing of the nutrient gels.
After the meal, Chen Chuan and Sun Rao returned to the patrol vehicle, which drove Chen Chuan to the Xuan Gong Mansion. Chen Chuan entered the mansion, marking the end of their busy day.
By this time, several Resonators responsible for surveillance finally relaxed.
After taking the elevator back to his dormitory, Chen Chuan went to freshen up. Since Wei Wusheng was unlikely to reappear in the short term, and there was no need to be on duty the next day, he practiced his breathing techniques briefly before sitting down on the sofa to browse the fringe channels.
Today's incident caused a huge stir. Wei Wusheng had killed two targets in quick succession, and despite the Handling Bureau setting up a situation to capture him, he had managed to escape. Consequently, discussions about this event were everywhere.
Many people analyzed the situation, believing that Wei Wusheng's precise and consecutive killings of targets were backed by a powerful corporation, specifically the Ferris Wheel Corporation located in Yinglu District.
Some disagreed, as Tong Daguang, the leader of the Swordfish Gang, was known to be supported by the Ferris Wheel Corporation. Why would they kill one of their own?
However, many felt that this was precisely the issue. A minor boss meant little to the Ferris Wheel Corporation, so using his death to clear suspicions would be very beneficial.
Chen Chuan thought about it. The Ferris Wheel Corporation might actually be a smaller player in this situation, as the Palace Clan, an overseas royal family, was the primary investor behind the Ferris Wheel Corporation.
An important member of the Palace Clan, Gong Zhan Yi, had been killed by Wei Wusheng, who was believed to have taken something significant from them.
This time, the Ferris Wheel Corporation didn't cause any trouble and even provided support to capture Wei Wusheng, indicating their genuine desire to apprehend him.
However, upon further reflection, Chen Chuan considered that while the Ferris Wheel Corporation wanted to capture Wei Wusheng, they might not want the Handling Bureau to take him away. Although they couldn't openly cause disruption, they might create obstacles in secret.
If this was the case, Wei Wusheng might encounter sniping from the Ferris Wheel Corporation when he returns.
As he was thinking, he noticed that the people were discussing him.
"Do you know that on the ship that day, Wei Wusheng originally intended to kill everyone at once, but was stopped by someone, delaying the situation. It was only when the cruise ship's security forces rushed in that most people's lives were saved. But we still don't know who that person was."
"It's unlikely that someone could resist Wei Wusheng. Even if there is such a person, it could only be Du Geng."
"Yes, Du Geng is the most likely!"
A group of people below echoed this sentiment.
Chen Chuan looked at Du Geng, who was at the top of the betting leaderboard and was considered the last person who might be killed by Wei Wusheng.
He recalled that this Du Geng didn't leave a deep impression, mainly because none of these people could last more than one move against him.
As for Wei Wusheng's pattern in targeting...
He had a hunch about this.
He guessed that Wei Wusheng might be targeting individuals based on their future threat level and potential, but this potential was ranked from low to high.
For example, the first victim, the martial arts school principal, was targeted despite his strength because of his age, which made it almost impossible for him to reach the third limit. The subsequent fighters, regardless of their age, seemed to have hit a plateau and lacked the drive to improve.
However, recent targets have been different, but compared to those at the bottom of the betting leaderboard, they clearly lacked potential.
Most people would eliminate strong enemies first, but Wei Wusheng seemed to be keeping those with growth potential for last.
If this was the case, then Chen Chuan, who had sparred with Wei Wusheng, would be the last one to face him.
However, this was just his personal speculation, or even a mere feeling, as there was currently no evidence to support it.
But as Wei Wusheng was improving, so was Chen Chuan. He felt his senses becoming sharper lately. He intended to visit Cao Guiqi the next day to discuss the unusual changes in his body, as he hadn't collected his Essence Cream for the month yet.
After considering this, he finished browsing the interesting discussions and went to bed at the scheduled time.
The next morning, he arrived at Inkstick Mountain early and met with Cao Guiqi. He described the unusual changes in his body, and Cao Guiqi asked a few questions before instructing Ding Shu to bring out the "Silver Cage" plant again, placing it in front of Chen Chuan.
Following the previous method, Chen Chuan concentrated his thoughts on the plant. This time, unlike the last, he felt like he had touched something after only a few moments of concentration.
Immediately, he saw the plant's white branches stretching outward, its colorful petals blooming in layers, and strands of white silver rising upward, shimmering like the divine light behind a statue in a temple. The silver strands floated in the air, capturing everyone's gaze.
After about seven or eight minutes, the faint light suddenly scattered, and the silver threads fell, leaving only a pile of withered flower branches on the table.
...
...
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
