Chapter 404: Lower City
Chapter 404: Lower City
As the vehicle drove into the tunnel, the surroundings became monotonous. Chen Chuan and Lao Zhan chatted casually, recalling what they knew about the Lower City.
It was said that when Central City was constructed, the planning for the Upper and Lower Cities was initiated simultaneously. However, for some unknown reason, the construction of the Lower City was not completed as planned and was eventually abandoned.
With the withdrawal of the last management and maintenance team thirty years ago, the area has now become a gathering place for vagrants and gang members without identification.
The Lower City has vast, divided sections and a complex network of tunnel roads. These roads crisscross, connecting various areas, even reaching the Upper City. The population here cannot be accurately counted but may not be less than that of the Upper City.
As the area has been abandoned by the Central City management system, various experimental implants, prohibited drugs, and dangerous items flow in daily, making it a free testing ground for various companies.
The Lower City is also home to the most esoteric believers and rebels, harboring a large number of illegal esoteric and heretic worshippers. There are even some unaligned resistance organizations hiding within, while numerous gang members engage in various illegal businesses.
For example, the esoteric materials that Lao Qi purchased previously came from this place.
Many wanted fighters from the Upper City sometimes hide here. Previously, the bureau had considered sending their invested students, including Chen Chuan, to the Lower City to arrest criminals, but Ni Qianqian scolded them for the idea.
Wei Wusheng, during his initial escape, was also suspected to have entered the Lower City, so the place is often associated with words like chaos, disorder, and madness.
At this moment, the vehicle jolted slightly, probably due to hitting some pebbles on the road. Chen Chuan's thoughts were interrupted, and he noticed the car turning into another tunnel that sloped downward.
After driving for about ten minutes, the space gradually opened up, and the ceiling seemed to be rising. Chen Chuan estimated that they had descended about twenty to thirty meters before it stopped.
Every so often, a massive cylindrical glass column leaning against the wall would come into view. These columns contained dark green plants wrapped around them, emitting a faint green glow. There were similar plants hanging from the ceiling like beams, providing ample light to this underground space.
However, in some places, the glass was already shattered, including the pillar bases and some metal support frames, which had collapsed onto the road, with plants growing from there, spreading onto the road and occupying the original space, resulting in scattered and flickering fluorescence everywhere.
The glass columns on the ceiling were even more damaged, but they seemed to have formed their own structure over time, with numerous vines hanging like a curtain of rain.
The vehicle often had to navigate through the narrow gaps that remained. Chen Chuan noticed that at one point, they drove directly over a "bridge" formed by collapsed pillars and intertwined plants.
Chen Chuan used his Boundary Vessel to examine the plants and identified them as Sun Vines, a product of the giant plant company from the Linaks Federation. In addition to these, the company collaborated with the Dushun government to cultivate a large number of economic and food crops underground.
However, it seemed that the company later had a disagreement with the Dushun government and was eventually banned. The plants they cultivated and the facilities they built were left without maintenance and supervision, resulting in the current dilapidated state.
2. Navigate the Lower City: The Lower City has a vast network of divided sections and complex tunnel roads. Chen Chuan and Lao Zhan navigate through this maze-like underground city, avoiding the areas with severe dematerialization signs.
3. Encounter with the Ant Toxin Transport: A convoy of vehicles belonging to Ant Toxin Transport, a company with ties to the Moss Gang, passes by. Chen Chuan and Lao Zhan hide in a dark corner, using a spray to keep insects and small animals at bay.
4. The Lower City's Past: Chen Chuan learns that the Lower City was initially planned alongside the Upper City but was abandoned and became a haven for vagrants, gangs, and rebels. The government's initial plans for an underground defense circle were abandoned, leaving behind a network of tunnels and plants.
The plants, originally from the Linaks Federation, adapted to the environment, providing cheap lighting for the Lower City.
Lao Zhan explains that while the plants may seem fascinating at first, they become mundane after a while.
The vehicle continues its journey, turning at various intersections, as the tunnels are interconnected and confusing without a guide. As they venture deeper, Chen Chuan notices more dematerialization signs, some areas more affected than others.
Lao Zhan, with his experience or knowledge, skillfully avoids the more severely affected areas.
"By the way," Lao Zhan says, reaching under his seat and handing Chen Chuan an old Boundary Vessel. "Chen, use this inside. Yours is too eye-catching, and we won't receive any messages from the Upper City down here."
Chen Chuan, not wanting to cause trouble for Lao Zhan and his team, quickly takes and replaces his Boundary Vessel.
Lao Zhan silently approves of Chen Chuan's decisive action.
Suddenly, the sound of vehicles echoes from another tunnel entrance. Lao Zhan's expression changes, and he swiftly changes direction, maneuvering the vehicle into a dark corner where the light struggles to penetrate. He sprays the area, causing insects and small animals to scatter.
After a brief wait, a convoy of vehicles roars past. Chen Chuan notices some individuals with moss-like hair, dyed in various colors, making them easily recognizable. "The Moss Gang?" he asks.
After about ten seconds, the convoy finally passes.
Lao Zhan explains, "That was Ant Toxin Transport. They're backed by the Moss Gang and have their eyes on this area. Recently, they've been clashing with Road Connect Logistics over this territory."
Chen Chuan nodded at the boy and bid farewell to Lao Zhan before following the boy away.
At that moment, a young man with white hair and a vibrant appearance rode a two-wheeled motor vehicle to the side. He propped his foot on the ground and glanced in the direction Chen Chuan had left, saying, "Uncle Zhan, is that Mr. Yu's student? Hey, he looks pretty good-looking, almost as handsome as me."
The bearded man asked, "Lao Zhan, tell me, what's his background?"
Lao Zhan replied, "He's indeed Mr. Yu's student. Lu Ke gave me his address, or I wouldn't have brought him here."
The bearded man's expression turned slightly serious. "He doesn't seem ordinary."
"A fighter, I'd say. At least, he's on par with Mr. Yu's level of fighting prowess."
The white-haired young man's eyes lit up. "So he's almost as good as Sister Nan?"
Lao Zhan pondered for a moment. "I think he's even better."
The young man disagreed. "No way. I'm not even talking about old-timers like Uncle Bian. As for Sister Nan, I've rarely seen anyone her age who can match her. This guy may be as handsome as me, but he's younger, how can he compare to Sister Nan?"
Lao Zhan didn't argue but turned to the bearded man. "The stronger he is, the better. I think Lu Ke asked him to come here to help us solve our problems."
At this moment, Chen Chuan, led by the boy, arrived at a modified camper van. On the side of the vehicle was a circle of palm-sized, fine gears, which from a distance looked like a ring of fire—a trademark of Feng Hai Manufacturing.
Feng Hai Company was best known for producing medium and large vehicles like these, but these models seemed like older versions.
After thanking the boy named Xiao Dan, Chen Chuan knocked on the door.
"Who is it?" a familiar voice asked through the speaker.
"Lu Ke, it's me," Chen Chuan replied.
Suddenly, rapid footsteps reverberated through the vehicle's walls, and the door was flung open. Lu Hao's figure appeared, and he exclaimed with delight, "Chen Ge!"
Chen Chuan raised his hand, and Lu Hao jumped out of the vehicle, slapping Chen Chuan's hand in a friendly gesture. "Chen Ge, it's been a while since we last met!"
Chen Chuan sighed, noticing the new scars on Lu Hao's face. "Yeah, it's been a while. What happened to you...?"
"Oh, it's nothing. Just got into a fight, that's all. Come on, let's talk inside the vehicle." Lu Hao enthusiastically invited Chen Chuan into the van.
...
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(End of Chapter)
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