Chapter 457: The Visit
Chapter 457: The Visit
Two days later, on New Year's Eve, snowflakes gently floated outside the house, accompanied by the lively crackling of fireworks.
Inside the cozy home, Chen Chuan sat with his aunt's family, surrounded by a table full of dishes, chatting and laughing while a festive New Year's program played on the nearby radio.
However, there was a tinge of regret as his cousin, Nian Qian, was still on a mission with the army on Foreign Island, just like last year, and could only send a telegram to celebrate.
After the meal, Chen Chuan stepped outside, his hands in his pockets, gazing up at the falling snowflakes and the colorful fireworks dancing in the sky.
Although the scenery in Central City was dazzling, even being so close felt like peering into another world. Yet, the intermittent fireworks allowed him to sense the vibrancy of life and the authenticity of the atmosphere through the distance.
"Cousin, cousin, it's time to set off firecrackers!"
Chen Chuan watched as the two little ones rushed out of the house with excitement. He smiled and said, "Cousin will take you to set them off."
Amidst the noisy firecrackers, the 94th year of the Great Harmony Republic had passed.
After the New Year celebrations, many subordinates came to Nian Fuli's home to pay their respects, including Guanju, who had called earlier to extend his greetings.
This was mainly due to Chen Chuan's position, as he now held a higher rank than Guanju. Although they were not in the same system, some rules still had to be followed.
After the third day of the New Year, Chen Chuan visited all his colleagues and friends with close relationships, including Nian Fuli. Then, he made his way to Instructor Wen's residence to pay his respects.
Instructor Wen was not a local from Yangzhi, and his family did not live here. The bureau had assigned a cleaner to take care of his daily chores and cooking, allowing him more time to mentor and train the patrol officers.
During the holidays, however, he was alone at home. When Chen Chuan entered the courtyard, it felt a bit desolate.
Upon entering the living room, Chen Chuan handed Instructor Wen a gift, saying, "Instructor Wen, this is a small token from Central City. Please accept it as a gesture of respect."
Instructor Wen's guidance had been immensely helpful, so Chen Chuan brought him some gifts, including high-quality tea sets and combat protection gear from Central City.
Instructor Wen smiled and accepted the gifts, setting them aside. He then fetched a can of tea, brewed two cups, and placed one in front of Chen Chuan.
"A friend of mine personally grew this tea. It has a calming effect. Take a can with you when you leave."
"Thank you, Instructor."
After they settled down, Instructor Wen asked, "How long will you stay this time?"
Chen Chuan replied, "I'll return before the new semester in February."
Instructor Wen shared, "Someone came to Yangzhi to inquire about you recently. Guanju specifically asked me to keep an eye out, but no one has come by since then."
"Thank you, Instructor Wen, and thank you to Guanju as well. Those people were 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. You have to pull them out by the roots to feel at ease."
Chen Chuan nodded, "I understand, Instructor."
Instructor Wen observed him for a moment, sensing something but unsure of what it was. He pondered and asked, "Have you taken any special medication?"
"Yes."
Instructor Wen nodded, "As I thought. It seems you've participated in a defense mission. The world's changes are beyond our control, but we can master ourselves."
He looked at Chen Chuan, "At this stage of combat cultivation, you're about to face the most challenging hurdle. While there's no concept of thresholds from the first to the third tiers, as long as you have sufficient resources, you can cross over. But moving beyond that is not so easy because there's a genuine bottleneck."
He continued, "This isn't something that can be overcome solely by relying on one's natural talent."
Chen Chuan's heart stirred slightly.
Instructor Wen said, "Wait a moment." He stood up, entered the inner room, and returned with a handwritten booklet, which he handed to Chen Chuan with a smile. "Don't rush to read it. When you know how to proceed, then you can take it out and look."
Chen Chuan accepted the booklet, which reminded him of the one He Xiaoxing had given him. They appeared similar, and he immediately realized it might be something circulated within the Pure Sect.
However, since Instructor Wen had asked him not to read it now, there must be a reason. So, Chen Chuan carefully put it away and expressed his sincere gratitude.
After spending some time with Instructor Wen, Chen Chuan finished his tea and took his leave.
This New Year, Chen Chuan had many people to visit. He had already called Teacher Cheng Zitong, and with invitations for banquets everywhere during the holidays, he might not have time until the sixth day. So, he decided to visit Director Lei first.
After the New Year, Director Lei would be moving to Central City to work at the Secret Sect Review Bureau. Perhaps the two of them could travel together.
Chen Chuan returned home, got into his Gaud car, and drove out of the Patrol Bureau residential area, surrounded by the continuous sound of firecrackers. He made his way to Director Lei's residence.
Since they had communicated during the New Year's greetings over the phone, the car had barely stopped in front of the mansion when the gate opened from within. Director Lei and his sister, He, emerged from the house, leading their child, Xiaoying.
Chen Chuan stepped out of the car, exchanged a few pleasantries at the door, and they all entered the house together.
Director Lei spoke, "Do you remember the case from half a year ago?
Chen Chuan nodded and said, "I remember."
Director Lei said, "Soon after I submitted the case, someone came to warn me, trying to suppress the matter. I had anticipated this and had already reported it through secret channels. This went on for a few months, and it only calmed down by the end of the year."
Chen Chuan said, "Director Lei mentioned that there might be Baoyang Sect members in the country, perhaps in high positions."
Director Lei said in a solemn voice, "Higher than I initially thought."
Chen Chuan looked at him, "It didn't affect you, Director Lei, did it?"
"Things went relatively smoothly. The person has already been secretly detained. The higher-ups don't want to make a big fuss, so there was no public judgment. They used another pretext."
Director Lei shook his head and said, "At this time, the more we publicize matters involving cults, the more people will be tempted to follow. This approach is currently the best."
He paused and then said in a solemn voice, "The Central City's decision to transfer me over likely indicates that the cult issues in the lower districts have become more severe, and many foreign forces have infiltrated. It has reached a point where action must be taken."
Chen Chuan suddenly had a feeling that the reason for transferring Director Lei over might not be that simple, but rather to address something else.
He said, "Do you know when you'll take up the position, Director Lei?"
Director Lei said, "I'll arrive at the Esoteric Sect Review Bureau by the end of February, but I'll leave ahead of time to handle some matters."
Chen Chuan said, "Then Director Lei can travel with me?"
Director Lei looked at him and nodded, "Alright."
At this moment, Senior Sister He brought over some snacks and scolded, "Old Lei, it's rare to see you during the New Year, and you just talk about work?" She then called out to Chen Chuan, "Junior Brother Chen, try this Date Jelly Lotus Ear Soup I cooked."
Director Lei smiled, "It's been a while since you last tasted Senior Sister's cooking."
Chen Chuan said, "The last time I came, I haven't forgotten that meal." He picked up the soup and took a sip, finding it incredibly clear, smooth, and refreshing. He nodded in approval, "Senior Sister's cooking is top-notch."
After finishing, they stopped talking about work and discussed Chen Chuan's recent experiences in Central City. However, he did not mention the matters of the Convergence Zone, as he had signed a confidentiality agreement.
Given Director Lei's level and the matters he was involved in, he would likely learn about them soon after arriving in Central City.
He stayed until noon, had a meal with Director Lei's family, and then bade farewell and left.
After driving out, he headed westward, eventually arriving at the building where Wei Dong lived. He parked the car and went upstairs, knocking on the door and saying, "Wei Dong, it's me."
"Coming!"
Wei Dong ran over, opened the door, and upon seeing Chen Chuan, looked very excited, clearly eager for a fight.
However, after looking at Chen Chuan a few times, he suddenly deflated and said honestly, "I can't win."
Chen Chuan smiled. He had released a bit of his biological field just now, and Wei Dong had immediately sensed it. His instincts were still sharp. Chen Chuan walked into the room and asked, "What are you doing?"
Wei Dong scratched his head and said, "I'm going to Central City after the New Year. These training tools aren't easy to maintain, so I plan to clean and store them."
Actually, after he started training, he rarely used the tools left by that old man. After becoming a formal Fighter, they mostly served as mementos, but he kept them and would clean and maintain them when he had time.
Chen Chuan said, "Let me help you."
He helped Wei Dong organize the tools. After packing a few pieces of equipment, Wei Dong suddenly looked up, his eyes burning with fierce determination. "No, Little Brother Chen, I still want to fight you once!"
As he spoke, he raised his bandaged fists.
Chen Chuan gently pushed with his hand, and Wei Dong flew horizontally across the room, crashing heavily into the back wall with a loud thud heard throughout the building.
After a while, Wei Dong shouted and charged out again, but once more, he was sent flying back without any doubt.
Chen Chuan put down a protective helmet and picked up a grip strengthener to clean it.
Next, Wei Dong repeatedly shouted and charged out of the room, but each time he was sent flying back before he even finished his shouts.
Ten minutes later, Wei Dong lay sprawled on the ground, gritting his teeth and hissing cold air.
Although his Horizontal Strength was strong, Chen Chuan's punches were not just simple attacks. They carried a penetrating force that made Wei Dong feel pain all over his body.
Chuan finished cleaning the last item, placed it aside, and said to Wei Dong on the ground, "Little Brother Wei, you've made progress."
Wei Dong lay there for a while, rubbed his head and back, then sat up and asked, "Little Brother Chen, can I learn what you just used in Central City?"
Chen Chuan smiled and said, "Sure, but my path is different from yours. I think you should continue to focus on Horizontal Strength."
Wei Dong sat there for a while, and after a few words, the pain in his body subsided, and he became lively again. He clapped his fists together, "I agree! Little Brother Chen, you'll see, I can definitely keep up with you."
...
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(End of Chapter)
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