Chapter 446: Rest Station
Chapter 446: Rest Station
Several people around witnessed Chen Chuan receiving an invitation from Chen Bitong, and they couldn't help but look on with envy.
Chen Bitong had already announced this training class, and although they had undergone implantation, they knew they couldn't take this path themselves. However, some of their relatives and friends were in need.
But Chen Bitong was strict about this, requiring those he mentored to possess a certain level of talent and pay a substantial training fee. However, those like Chen Chuan who received invitations were exempt, but there were hardly any such people.
After speaking with Chen Bitong, Chen Chuan didn't linger and politely greeted him before heading towards his teammates. But just as he took a few steps away, he heard Zhan Yi calling out to him from behind.
He stopped and turned around, waiting for Zhan Yi to approach. Then he asked, "Captain Zhan, is there something I can help you with?"
Zhan Yi came closer and said, "Captain Chen, it seems that the teacher holds you in high regard, and I also have high hopes for you. So, I'd like to invite you to join our Blood Eagle Corps."
Chen Chuan asked in surprise, "Blood Eagle Corps?" He hadn't heard of this name before.
Zhan Yi explained, "It's an organization formed by like-minded individuals who are determined to serve the country. I'll send you some information later, and if you're interested, you can contact me. I can be your reference." He smiled and nodded, then turned to leave.
Chen Chuan pondered for a moment, realizing that factions and cliques existed everywhere. He had encountered the Mutual Aid Society before, and the Blood Eagle Corps was likely a similar group.
After that, there was no further interaction with Chen Bitong. Instead, young officers approached Chen Chuan from time to time to chat and exchange contact signals.
After the tea party concluded, Chen Chuan politely bid farewell to Chen Bitong and left with Qin Qingque and Yuan Qiuyuan, who still had unfinished business.
After a brief exchange with his teammates, Chen Chuan walked back alone and returned to the meeting room where he had previously met Pei Canshi.
Pei Canshi was waiting for him there, and upon seeing Chen Chuan, he proactively brewed a cup of tea for him. After Chen Chuan sat down, Pei Canshi asked, "Captain Chen, how did things go with Chen Bitong today?"
Chen Chuan replied, "It's hard to tell for now, but today he invited me to his training class. I plan to go and take a closer look when I return to Central City."
Pei Canshi said, "That's great. First, build a good relationship with him, and attending his class will give you an opportunity to observe him up close. But remember to avoid arousing his suspicions as much as possible. Then, even if he has a chance to return after his forced vacation, we can arrange for you to be by his side."
Chen Chuan asked, "Can he still come back?"
Pei Canshi paused before answering, "It's hard to say. This person has too much influence, and his impact on the middle and lower levels is significant. Captain Chen, you must have noticed this today. The way they handled it was the most appropriate course of action under the circumstances, but the duration of his vacation is truly difficult to predict. It depends on his influence and the balance of power above.
However... this person has real skills. Captain Chen, you can take the opportunity to learn from him, but you need to maintain a proper distance. Remember to take notes after each conversation and report promptly."
Chen Chuan nodded and added, "There's one more thing. Earlier, Zhan Yi invited me to join the Blood Eagle Corps. Can I ask, Pei Canshi, what kind of organization is this?"
Pei Canshi's expression turned serious as he replied, "Executor Chen, do not join them. This is a group formed by young and radical officers, originally emerging abroad, but this trend has now reached our country. They advocate using force to eliminate all companies and bring them under national control.
It sounds good, right? But first, let's not discuss whether it's achievable or not. Even if it is, is it any different from when the companies were under national control.
Sounds good, right? But first, let's not even sure if it's feasible. Even if it is, wouldn't it be different from when the companies were under national control? Moreover, slogans are just slogans. What they truly seek are the benefits they can gain from it.
And these people are just a small group, not representative of the entire military's opinion. So, it's best to avoid getting involved with them, or there will be problems in the future."
Chen Chuan said, "I understand, thank you, Pei Canshi. But since the higher-ups are aware, why not take measures to control them?"
At this, Pei Canshi sighed and said, "Since the old era ended and the Great Collision drew near, the struggle for technology and power has never ceased in various countries. But now, with the impending Great Collision, any internal conflicts must be resolved and delayed as much as possible."
Hearing this, Chen Chuan recalled what Senior Cao had told him about striving to reach a higher limit before the Great Collision.
But as he thought of Senior Cao, he suddenly remembered something. When he had removed the Iron Demon Mask, he felt that the Iron Demon's face looked familiar, as if he had seen it somewhere before.
At that moment, he realized who it resembled.
Uncle Ding.
The Uncle Ding by Senior Cao's side. The Iron Demon's face had many similarities to Uncle Ding's, but was it just a coincidence, or was there a blood relation? Perhaps he could ask Senior Cao about it later, but it wasn't a matter of great importance. He'd bring it up when the opportunity arose.
After a moment's thought, Chen Chuan continued, "There's another thing. Earlier, my communication signal was leaked to Zhan Yi within the outpost. I asked Executor Qin to investigate, and it turns out someone in the communications department violated regulations."
Chen Chuan took out a pen and a piece of paper, writing down two names and pushing it towards Pei Canshi.
"Pei Canshi came to take a look, folded it and placed it in his chest pocket, saying, "I understand. I'll handle this matter."
Chen Bitong and his group stayed at the Fourth Convergence Zone for three days before departing back to Central City. With his departure, most of the others also left, and the fort once again fell into a cold silence.
On this day, Tactical Advisor Ding Mu, who had previously assigned tasks to Chen Chuan, found him again.
"The Command Center has issued an order. This time, your team is required to go to Fort Two-Eight-Five to investigate the situation. There has been no accurate information transmitted from there for two days."
Chen Chuan picked up the documents and took a look. For the past two consecutive days, Fort Two-Eight-Five had only been sending meaningless telegram signals. The nearest outpost had dispatched a team, but the result was the same, leading to the assumption that something was wrong there.
And it was highly likely that there was an abnormal influence.
He remembered what Tian Yu had said—that the outposts not only served military functions but also had certain expansion responsibilities. However, the Convergence Zone was complex, and one never knew what they might encounter.
Ding Mu said, "I recall you mentioned in your report that you understand certain secret sect rituals?"
"Yes, I have some knowledge in that area."
"That's good. We've determined that there's a possibility of encountering abnormal issues this time, and it's most suitable for you to lead the team."
Chen Chuan said, "But I'll need secret sect materials. The last time, I used up almost all of the materials I had."
Ding Mu assured him, "You don't need to worry about that. We'll prepare the necessary materials for you. The situation there is unclear, and I hope your team can set off as soon as possible to investigate the matter."
"Alright, I'll prepare and set off immediately."
Chen Chuan gathered the materials, returned to the dorm, and used the Interdimensional Connector to notify Yuan Qiuyan and Qin Qingque. "We have a mission. Come over, and let's discuss the arrangements."
Yuan Qiuyan responded loudly, "Yes, Captain! I'll be right there."
When Chen Chuan and the others arrived at the dorm, he showed them the materials and discussed some details before sending someone to notify the others.
Since this wasn't an operation targeting the enemy, the Tactical Advisor didn't accompany them this time. Instead, the same Support and Logistics Team provided support.
The situation there was still uncertain, and there might be survivors who needed medical attention. While the three of them had sufficient combat strength, they weren't skilled in handling such matters.
Two hours later, seven off-road vehicles departed from the outpost, heading towards the direction of Fort Two-Eight-Five.
There were no railways leading there, and the journey by car would take approximately four days round trip. Adding the time needed to handle the situation, they might not return until the end of the month, which meant they wouldn't make it back for the New Year. Therefore, Chen Chuan wanted to handle this matter as soon as possible, given the circumstances.
Four days later, they arrived at a rest station, and it was just one more day's journey to Fort Two-Eight-Five.
This outpost was relatively remote, with a distance of at least two days' travel from the nearest outpost. In between, there were only such rest stations.
When Chen Chuan and his team arrived, snow was falling from the sky. They had been in the Convergence Zone for not long, and at least a third of the time had been spent in snowy weather. The only time it hadn't snowed was when they were chasing the Iron Demon.
The rest station had a team of three soldiers on duty. They checked the orders and documents and allowed Chen Chuan's team to pass.
Although the place wasn't large, it had been well-planned during construction. The vacant barracks were sufficient to accommodate their team.
After parking their vehicles, Chen Chuan immediately assigned guard duties, especially for the vehicle carrying the Field Creatures, as it involved their biofield communication.
Once everything was arranged, he allowed the remaining personnel on duty to return to rest, preparing to set off at first light the next day.
As the captain, Chen Chuan stayed in a separate room, practicing his breathing technique and maintaining vigilance.
The first half of the night was peaceful, but in the second half, a rustling sound came from the Interdimensional Connector. A patrol member's voice reported the situation.
Chen Chuan immediately stepped out, and the two sentries on duty saluted him. He gestured for them to follow and quickly headed towards the reporting location.
It was an empty warehouse, and the reporting personnel was standing at the door. Upon seeing Chen Chuan, he saluted and immediately reported the situation.
"We smelled a strange odor when we passed by here earlier, so we came in to check. As a result, we found them..."
Chen Chuan entered and saw three corpses. From their faces and clothing, they were the same three soldiers who had received them earlier, but it was unclear why they were dead here.
However, judging by the situation...
He instructed, "Get the medical team to check them."
Two members of the medical team rushed over and examined the bodies. They had strange expressions and said, "Captain... We can't determine the exact cause of death, but..."
"But what?"
The medical team member hesitated, "Based on the traces, we estimate the time of death to be approximately forty-eight hours ago."
...
...
(End of Chapter)
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