Chapter 479: The Situation
Chapter 479: The Situation
"At 11:20 a.m., the United Security Transport Company's warehouse in the Thin Street of Shenmi District was attacked by armed thugs. As of the latest report, there are over twenty casualties, five vehicles destroyed, and an unknown amount of property damage..."
"Mr. Yu Shan, the security consultant of United Security Transport, stated that they have increased security measures and will rigorously investigate the mastermind behind the attack. He also assured that the company's operations will not be affected."
"In other news, a large-scale conflict occurred between the Elephant Gang and the Swordfish Gang in the Yinglu District..."
"The city patrol spokesperson, Guan Song, declared that they will swiftly apprehend this group of armed criminals..."
On his way back to the dormitory, Chen Chuan heard several news reports from the Inter-Realm Connector, and they were all closely related.
This must be the Ferris Wheel Corporation's retaliation against United Security Transport.
The Ferris Wheel Corporation is currently under scrutiny from all sides, so it seems unwise for them to retaliate against United Security Transport in this situation.
However, upon further thought, it's likely that the constant pressure from external forces has compelled the Ferris Wheel Corporation to make a fierce and resolute response.
Just like an injured and agitated beast, their aggression is often at its peak in such circumstances.
United Security Transport is much larger in scale than the Ferris Wheel Corporation, but its Jinbei Circuit branch is just a division, and they can't deploy many resources here. The Ferris Wheel Corporation's headquarters is located here, and they have the backing of the Outer Sea Islands.
The conflict between the two gangs in Yinglu District is likely related to this incident, as the Swordfish Gang is backed by the Ferris Wheel Corporation.
After being expelled and driven back, the Elephant Gang had retreated to a secluded corner and couldn't come out. Now, they are fighting again, and it's impossible for them to do so without the support of another powerful force, most likely United Security Transport.
However, as he thought further, the sudden adoption of such violent methods by both companies made him feel that there was more to it than met the eye. He suspected that there might be some significant changes behind the scenes that he was currently unaware of.
He shook his head, realizing that these matters were not for him to ponder. His focus was solely on the task at hand. He took out and consumed several nutrient gels, then entered the training room and sat down to begin his spiritual cultivation for the day.
He remained seated until the incense medicine was completely burned.
Chen Chuan got up to stretch, drank a cup of water, and then returned to the center of the room. "Crimson Whip."
A crimson shadow appeared in the training room.
Chen Chuan said, "Crimson Whip, I need your assistance in my external cultivation."
The eyes behind Crimson Whip's veil looked at him, and she nodded lightly. The surrounding scenery changed, and the two of them seemed to have instantly teleported into a temple.
Incense smoke curled up from a bronze furnace, and mysterious chants filled the air. Behind them was a statue with an indiscernible face, and above it, in the cloud layer, was a divine statue overlooking them. The two of them were in the palms of the divine statue, which were spread flat above their heads.
After a glance, Chen Chuan took a deep breath and sat down.
As soon as he entered a meditative state, he felt a ball of red light permeating his spirit. Unlike Teacher Xue's radiant light, Crimson Whip's manifestation was like a sea of raging flames, constantly tempering and refining the Heart Jade he had condensed.
Crimson Whip adjusted the intensity based on his performance, ensuring it was within his tolerable range, not a bit more or less.
Teacher Xue had reminded him that external cultivation should focus on not consuming the Divine Constant, as it was cultivated through spiritual cultivation with great effort. It was like essence energy, crucial for survival in battles, and it had an even greater role in advanced techniques, so there was no need to waste it.
After external cultivation, he could proceed with internal cultivation, which, although not as fast as external cultivation, did not consume much of his mental power. This combination of internal and external cultivation far surpassed his previous cultivation methods.
However, he thought that finding someone to assist with external cultivation shouldn't be difficult.
Teacher Xue had explained that external cultivation was not as simple as it seemed. It wasn't something anyone could use, and it involved a complex set of techniques. It required the accumulated wisdom of past generations and the help of an active consciousness body for repeated calculations.
Another reason was that external cultivation carried a certain risk. One mistake could easily erase one's spirit, and few nobles from the old era dared to take such a risk.
After completing the external cultivation, Chen Chuan opened his eyes, and a flash of bright light passed through them. He nodded to Crimson Whip in gratitude.
Crimson Whip's shadow vanished, and the surroundings returned to normal.
Chen Chuan continued with his internal cultivation, which was not as apparent as external cultivation but steadily accumulated his mental power, step by step, with great firmness and strength.
After completing a round of meditation practice, two hours had passed. He felt exceptionally refreshed mentally, but continuing further would gradually reduce the effectiveness, and he might even tire himself out. So, he decided to stop for now.
However, he wasn't done yet. He still needed to try the purification method that Teacher Xue had taught him.
Once he mastered it, he could perform it once every ten days or so. No matter what method he used to temper his spirit in the future, he must not neglect this technique.
He recalled the key points. During this process, he needed to temporarily forget his own existence, clear his mind, and leave only a trace of memory. Then, he would gather back those scattered memories, while allowing the more aggressive ones to remain outside, although they wouldn't truly disappear and wouldn't occupy his main consciousness either.
He adjusted his inner and outer states and began to try.
He meditated in his dormitory for seven consecutive days, only stopping before the mid-month rest day.
He could feel significant progress. In terms of physical fitness, there was only a slight improvement, but as he embarked on the path of spiritual cultivation, his control over himself and his understanding of various techniques deepened.
This was just the effect of half a month's training, and he was still in the initial stages. With future progress, his strength should increase rapidly.
Tomorrow was a rest day. In the evening, he relaxed a little, poured himself a hot drink, played some upbeat music in the aura, and browsed through the latest movie trailers.
After a while, Ni Qianqian's avatar lit up, and he accepted the call, "Sister Ni?"
Ni Qianqian's voice sounded, "Brother Chen, have you heard the news from the bureau?"
Chen Chuan replied, "Sister Ni, you mean the conflict between the two companies? I saw it."
These days, he had also been paying attention to external news. The conflict between Skywheel Corporation and United Security Transport hadn't subsided; instead, it had escalated further.
Ni Qianqian said, "This matter was probably instigated by Skywheel Corporation. They likely want to blow things out of proportion, pressure the government departments to intervene, and then force us to compromise. Director Wu has already been called for several meetings."
Chen Chuan asked, "What's the bureau's plan?"
"Skywheel Corporation conducted a 'self-investigation' and deemed it a private matter of a high-ranking official who has already been dismissed and committed suicide."
Their conditions were to compensate Chen Chuan personally and the bureau for their losses, pay a fine, sign an assurance letter, and publicly apologize in the media.
The higher-ups believed the situation was still manageable, but if this continued, other companies might get involved. So, they also thought it was time to control the situation.
Ni Qianqian asked again, "Brother Chen, what's your opinion on this?"
Chen Chuan responded, "The bureau's handling is good. I have no objections."
After discussing with Gao Ming and Lei Jingli, he knew this matter was very complicated, with various restrictions. But it didn't mean he had given up on pursuing it; he was just biding his time for now.
Just like facing a powerful fighter who was almost impossible to defeat with a single strike, one must be patient, wear them down, gradually deplete their stamina, and then strike when the opportunity arises.
"Alright, I'll reply to the bureau like this. Director Wu said this is the best result we can achieve for now, and your compensation won't be less." Chen Chuan nodded. "Oh, by the way, do you know Director Lei from the Secret Sect Review Bureau?"
Chen Chuan nodded, "I know him."
"Director Lei directly sent a review team to Skywheel Corporation, but Skywheel is dissatisfied with this matter and has complained to the Secret Sect Review Bureau. They've also deployed lawyers and public relations teams to lobby government departments and politicians."
Ni Qianqian scoffed, "It's useless. The Review Bureau received an inquiry letter from the government and responded simply. If Skywheel has no problems, why fear the Review Bureau's investigation? Hmph, does Skywheel Corporation really think their methods will work on the Review Bureau?"
Chen Chuan slightly nodded. If a typical government department investigated Skywheel Corporation like this, they would indeed face restrictions. For example, the Handling Bureau, which was involved in the defense plan's logistical support, and the bureau's daily operations relied heavily on funding from the Central City Government.
Although the two departments weren't directly affiliated, it was impossible for them not to be influenced by the Central City Government.
But the Secret Sect Review Bureau was different. This department was relatively independent, and its funding and personnel were directly managed by the Supreme Academy.
This was because the Review Bureau was highly vigilant towards sects. Whenever such matters occurred, there was usually no room for negotiation.
At this moment, he suddenly saw a call coming through the aura. It was Councillor Pei looking for him. He apologized to Ni Qianqian and ended the call, then accepted Councillor Pei's signal.
"Is this Chen Chuan? Let's meet." Councillor Pei paused, "Regarding that matter."
Chen Chuan understood, and calculated the time. He said, "When?"
"Now. I'm already at the Mystic Palace Tower."
Chen Chuan replied, "I'll be right there."
...
(End of Chapter)
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