Chapter 457: A Visit
Chapter 457: A Visit
Two days later, it was Chinese New Year's Eve.
As the snow began to flutter outside, the lively sound of firecrackers crackling filled the air around the residence.
Inside the cozy house, Chen Chuan sat with his younger aunt's family, surrounded by a table full of dishes, chatting and eating while the radio played festive New Year's programs.
However, there was a slight disappointment as his cousin, Nian Qian, had been on a mission with the military to an overseas island since last year, and this year, he could only send a telegram back.
After finishing the meal, Chen Chuan stepped out, his hands in his pockets, standing in the courtyard, gazing up at the falling snowflakes and the colorful fireworks dancing in the sky.
Even though the scenery in the Central City was dazzling and magnificent, it felt as if he was peering into another world, even though it was right before his eyes. These fleeting fireworks allowed him to feel the vibrancy of life and the authenticity of the atmosphere, even from a distance.
"Cousin, cousin, let's light some fireworks!"
Chen Chuan watched as the two little ones ran out of the house with excitement. He smiled slightly and said, "Okay, cousin will take you to light some."
Amidst the noisy firecrackers, the 94th year of the Daxun Republic had passed.
After the New Year, Nian Li Fu's home was filled with subordinates coming to pay their respects, including Guan Bureau, who had also called ahead to wish him a Happy New Year.
However, this was mainly because of Chen Chuan's current position, which was now one level higher than Guan Bureau. Even though they were not in the same system, some rules still had to be followed.
After the initial days of the New Year, Chen Chuan had accompanied Nian Li Fu in visiting colleagues and friends who were closer in proximity. Then, he headed to Instructor Wen's place to pay his respects.
Instructor Wen was not a native of Yangzhi, and his family lived elsewhere. The bureau had assigned someone to do the cleaning and cooking for him, allowing him more time to instruct and train the patrol officers.
During the New Year, he was alone at home, and the courtyard seemed a bit quiet.
Upon entering the living room, Chen Chuan presented the gift he had brought, "Instructor Wen, this is a gift from the Central City for you, please accept it."
Instructor Wen's guidance had been of great help to him, so this time, he had also prepared some gifts, including high-end tea sets and protective gear from the Central City.
Instructor Wen smiled and took the gift, setting it aside. He then turned and brought out a can of tea, brewing two cups and placing one in front of Chen Chuan.
"This is tea from an old friend of mine. It has a calming effect. Take a can back with you later."
"Thank you, Instructor."
After they sat down, Instructor Wen asked, "How long will you be staying this time?"
Chen Chuan replied, "I'll be back before the start of the new semester in February."
Instructor Wen said, "Someone came to Yangzhi to inquire about you recently. Guan Bureau specifically asked me to pay attention, but no one has come again since then."
Chen Chuan said, "Thank you, Instructor Wen, and thank you to Guan Bureau as well. These people are indeed after me, but I've already dealt with some of them."
Instructor Wen smiled and said, "Some weeds won't disappear on their own. Only by uprooting them can we feel at ease."
Chen Chuan nodded, "I understand, Instructor."
Instructor Wen looked at him for a few moments, as if sensing something, but he wasn't sure. He said, "Have you taken special medication?"
"Yes."
Instructor Wen nodded, "As I thought. It seems you've already participated in defense missions." He took a sip of tea and slowly said, "The changes in the world are not something we can control, but we can master ourselves.
"At this stage of martial arts training, you're about to face the most critical hurdle. If we say there's no threshold for the first limit, it's just a matter of having sufficient resources to cross it. But to go further, it's not that simple, as there's a genuine bottleneck here."
He looked at Chen Chuan, "This isn't solely dependent on your original talent."
Chen Chuan's heart stirred slightly.
Instructor Wen said, "Wait a moment." He stood up, entered the inner room, and after a while, he brought out a handwritten booklet and handed it to Chen Chuan with a smile, "Don't rush to read it. When you know how to proceed, then you can take it."
Chen Chuan took the booklet, which reminded him of the one He Xingxing had given him initially. They looked similar, and he instantly realized this was something circulated within the Pure Sect.
However, since Instructor Wen had asked him not to read it now, there must be a reason. So, he put it away and thanked him sincerely.
After sitting with Instructor Wen for a while and finishing a cup of tea, Chen Chuan bid his farewell.
This New Year, Chen Chuan had many people to visit. He had already called Teacher Cheng Zitong, but with various invitations during the holidays, he might not have time until the sixth day of the New Year. So, he decided to visit Director Lei first.
After the New Year, Director Lei would be heading to the Central City to work for the Secret Sect Review Bureau. Perhaps the two of them could travel together.
Returning home, Chen Chuan got into his Gaud car and drove from the Patrol Bureau residential area. Amidst the continuous sound of firecrackers on both sides, he arrived at Director Lei's residence.
Since they had already exchanged New Year's greetings over the phone, as soon as the car stopped in front of the mansion, the gate opened from within. Director Lei and He Senior Sister walked out, holding Xiao Ying's hand.
Chen Chuan stepped out of the car, and after a few greetings at the entrance, they entered the house.
Once seated, He Nan went to pour tea for them. Director Lei said, "Do you remember the incident from half a year ago?
"Chen Chuan nodded, "I understand."
Director Lei sighed, "Not long after I submitted the case, someone came to warn me, trying to suppress the matter. I anticipated this, as I had already reported it through secret channels. It's been going on for a few months, and it only calmed down around the New Year."
Chen Chuan added, "Director Lei mentioned that there might be Baiyang Sect followers in the country, possibly holding high positions."
Director Lei's voice turned solemn, "It's even more serious than I initially thought."
Chen Chuan glanced at him, "Has it affected Director Lei?"
"The situation is under control. The person has been secretly apprehended, and the higher-ups don't want this to become public. So, instead of a clear verdict, they used another excuse."
Director Lei shook his head, "During this period, the more we publicize these cult-related matters, the more people will imitate them. This approach seems to be the best for now."
He paused, then continued in a low voice, "This time, my transfer to Central City is likely due to the worsening cult problem in the Lower City. There are also foreign influences infiltrating, and it's time to take action."
At this moment, Chen Chuan suddenly sensed something. The purpose of Director Lei's transfer seemed more complex than a simple response to the cult issue. Perhaps there was something else at play.
"When is Director Lei taking up the new position?" Chen Chuan asked.
"I'll be at the Secret Sect Bureau by the end of February, but I'll leave earlier to handle some matters in advance," Director Lei replied.
"Will you be there when I arrive?" Chen Chuan inquired.
Director Lei looked at him and nodded, "Yes."
...
...
Senior Sister He walked over with some snacks, her eyes filled with playful blame, "Old Lei, it's rare to meet you, and you're not even bringing gifts." She then called out to Chen Chuan, "Senior Brother Chen, I made this honey date silver ear soup, try it."
Director Lei smiled, "It's been a while since you last tasted my cooking."
Chen Chuan recalled, "I've never forgotten that meal." He took a sip of the silver ear congee, feeling its unparalleled sweetness and smooth texture, and nodded in approval, "Senior Sister's cooking is unmatched."
After finishing the soup, they stopped discussing official matters and instead shared some news. Chen Chuan mentioned that he had signed a confidentiality agreement regarding the Convergence Zone, so he couldn't disclose any details.
Given Director Lei's position and the nature of his work, it was likely that he would soon become aware of the situation in Central City.
Chen Chuan stayed until noon, sharing a meal with Director Lei's family. They agreed on a date and then bid farewell.
After getting into his car, he drove towards the west of the city, arriving at the residential building where Wei Dong lived. Parking his car, he went upstairs and knocked on the door, "It's me, Wei Dong."
"Coming!"
The sound of hurried footsteps approached, and Wei Dong opened the door. He was visibly delighted to see Chen Chuan, and his body exuded a restlessness, eager for another fight.
But after a few glances at Chen Chuan, Wei Dong suddenly deflated, admitting, "I can't beat you."
Chen Chuan smiled, having released a hint of his aura earlier, which Wei Dong had sensed. His intuition was still sharp. He stepped into the room, "What are you up to?"
Wei Dong scratched his head, "I'm heading to Central City after the New Year. These training equipment are here, and I'm just going to wipe them down and store them properly."
In truth, after encountering that old man, Wei Dong rarely used these tools for training. As a formal fighter, they were more like mementos. Still, he kept them here, taking time to clean and maintain them.
"Let me help you," Chen Chuan offered.
They packed away several pieces of equipment, but just as Wei Dong raised his head, his eyes glowing with vigorous fighting spirit, "No, Senior Brother Chen, I still want to fight you!"
Wei Dong, his fists wrapped in bandages, rose to the challenge.
Chen Chuan gently pushed Wei Dong, and the man flew across the room, crashing heavily into the wall behind him.
The entire building seemed to shake from the impact.
After a while, Wei Dong once again charged out of the room, only to be knocked back without suspense.
Chen Chuan put down a protective headgear and picked up a grip strengthener to wipe.
Wei Dong repeatedly charged out of the room, but each time, he was sent flying back before he could finish his cry.
Ten minutes later, Wei Dong lay sprawled on the ground, his mouth twisted in pain, gasping for breath.
Although Wei Dong was skilled in horizontal training, Chen Chuan's punches were not merely simple attacks. They carried a penetrating force that made every part of Wei Dong's body ache.
Chen Chuan finished wiping the last item and set it aside, speaking to Wei Dong on the floor, "You're making progress, Wei."
Wei Dong sat up, rubbing his head and back, "Senior Brother Chen, can I learn those techniques you just used when we get to Central City?"
Chen Chuan smiled, "You can, but our paths are different. I think you should continue on the path of horizontal training."
Wei Dong sat for a while, and in that short time, his pain faded, and his energy returned. He clenched his fists, "I think so too, Senior Brother Chen! Watch me, I'll catch up to you!"
...
...
(End of Chapter)
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