Chapter 479: The Situation
Chapter 479: The Situation
"At 11:20 a.m., the United Heavy Machinery Company's warehouse in the Thin Street area of Shenwei District was attacked by armed militants. As of the latest report, there were over twenty casualties, five vehicles destroyed, and an unknown amount of property damage..."
"Mr. You Shan, the security consultant for United Heavy Machinery, stated that they have increased security measures and will rigorously investigate the mastermind behind the attack. He assured that the company's operations will not be affected."
"...A large-scale conflict occurred between the Elephant Gang and the Swordfish Gang in the Dewy Zone..."
"The City Patrol spokesperson, Guan Song, declared that they will swiftly apprehend and bring this group of armed criminals to justice..."
On his way back to the dormitory, Chen Chuan heard several news reports one after another from the Interdimensional Link, and they were all closely related.
This was likely a retaliation by the Ferris Wheel Corporation against United Heavy Machinery.
The Ferris Wheel Corporation is currently under scrutiny from various parties, and it seems unwise to retaliate against United Heavy Machinery in this situation.
However, upon further reflection, it's possible that the constant pressure from external forces has compelled the Ferris Wheel Corporation to respond aggressively and forcefully.
Just like an injured and stressed beast, they often exhibit the strongest aggression during such times.
Although United Heavy Machinery is much larger in scale than the Ferris Wheel Corporation, its Jibei Dao Central City branch has limited resources. In contrast, the Ferris Wheel Corporation's headquarters are located there and have the support of the Distant Sea Islands, ensuring timely reinforcements.
The conflict between the two gangs in the Dewy Zone is likely connected to this incident, as the Swordfish Gang is backed by the Ferris Wheel Corporation.
After being driven back, the Elephant Gang retreated to a secluded area, unable to venture out. Now, they are fighting again, and it's unlikely that they don't have the support of another powerful force, possibly United Heavy Machinery.
However, upon further consideration, Chen Chuan felt that there might be more to this than meets the eye. The sudden escalation of hostilities between the two companies seemed to suggest a larger underlying change that he was currently unaware of.
He shook his head, knowing that these matters were not his concern. His focus should solely be on his spiritual cultivation.
Upon returning to the dormitory, Chen Chuan brought some food for Chao Ming and placed the incense he had purchased from the academy on the table.
This incense, used in conjunction with the meditation technique, had a limited time effect. It needed to be collected daily, and it would be easier to do so at the Fusion Ground. If he were to go on an external mission and get delayed for a few days, he wouldn't be able to cultivate. Therefore, his immediate goal was to quickly pass this stage.
At that moment, he thought of the booklet given to him by Instructor Wen, but he had been told to wait until he found his path before opening it. So, he decided to wait a little longer.
Chen Chuan took out and consumed several nutrient gels, changed his clothes, and entered the training hall. He sat down and began his meditation cultivation for the day.
He remained seated until the incense burned out.
He stretched, drank a glass of water, and returned to the center of the hall. "Hong Fu," he called out.
In the training hall, a red figure appeared in an instant.
Chen Chuan said, "Hong Fu, I need your assistance in practicing the Outer Cultivation Technique."
Hong Fu's eyes, visible through her veil, looked at him, and she nodded slightly. The surrounding scenery changed, and the two of them seemed to be instantly transported inside a temple.
The air was filled with the fragrant smoke of a bronze incense burner, and mysterious chants echoed. Behind them was a statue of a deity with an indiscernible face. Looking up further, they saw that above them, in the clouds, was a deity looking down upon them, and they were in the palms of the deity's outstretched hands.
After a glance, Chen Chuan averted his gaze, took a deep breath, and sat down.
As soon as he entered the state of meditation, he felt a ball of scarlet light penetrate his spirit. Unlike the radiant light of the sun that Teacher Xue had demonstrated, Hong Fu's manifestation was like a sea of scorching flames, constantly tempering the Heart Jade he had gathered and guarded.
Hong Fu adjusted the intensity based on his performance, ensuring it remained within his tolerance level, neither increasing nor diminishing.
However, Teacher Xue had reminded him that the Outer Cultivation Technique should primarily focus on not consuming the Divine Stillness, as it was cultivated through the meditation technique and was as vital as essence blood in battles. Furthermore, it had more significant uses in subsequent techniques, so there was no need to waste it.
After completing the Outer Cultivation Technique, he could proceed with the Inner Cultivation Technique, which, although not as effective as the former, also had minimal consumption. This combination of inner and outer cultivation far surpassed the previous cultivation methods.
Previously, he had wondered why it seemed easy for others to find someone to assist in their outer cultivation.
Teacher Xue explained that the Outer Cultivation Technique was not as simple as it seemed. It required a complex set of skills, accumulated through generations of trial and error by predecessors, and the results of repeated calculations with the help of active mind bodies.
Another reason was the inherent risk involved in this practice. One wrong move could easily erase one's spirit, and few nobles from the old era dared to attempt it.
When Chen Chuan finished the Outer Cultivation Technique, he opened his eyes, and a flash of bright light passed through them. He nodded to Hong Fu in gratitude, saying, "Thank you."
Hong Fu returned the gesture, and the red figure vanished in a flash. The surrounding scenery returned to normal.
Chen Chuan continued with the Inner Cultivation Technique, which, although not as noticeable as the Outer Cultivation, gradually accumulated spiritual power in a solid and powerful manner.
After a round of cultivation practice, two hours had passed. He felt incredibly refreshed, but he knew that continuing further would gradually diminish the effects and might even lead to exhaustion. So, he decided to stop for now.
However, he still had one more thing to try—the purification technique taught by Teacher Xue.
Once he mastered this technique, he could practice it once every ten days or so, and no matter what methods he used to temper his spirit, he must not neglect this technique.
He recalled the key points of the technique. During the process, he needed to temporarily forget his existence, clear his mind, and retain only a trace of his consciousness. Then, he would gather back those scattered fragments of consciousness, while allowing the more aggressive thoughts to roam freely, even though they wouldn't actually disappear but also wouldn't occupy the dominant position.
He adjusted his inner and outer state and began the attempt.
He practiced cultivation in his dormitory for seven consecutive days, only stopping on the rest day before the middle of the month.
He could feel significant progress, though his physical fitness had only improved slightly. But as he embarked on the path of spiritual cultivation, his control over himself and his understanding of various techniques deepened.
And this was just the result of half a month's practice, still at the initial stage. As he progressed further, his strength would likely advance rapidly.
The next day was a rest day. In the evening, he relaxed a little, poured himself a hot drink, and played some upbeat, rhythmic music in the Interdimensional Link while browsing through introductions to newly released films.
After a while, Ni Qianxi's avatar started flashing. He accepted the call, "Sister Ni?"
Ni Qianxi's voice sounded, "Brother Chen, have you been following the news from the Bureau recently?"
Chen Chuan replied, "Sister Ni, you mean the conflict between the two companies? I saw it."
He had read the news on the 16th of September.
In recent days, he had been paying attention to external news. The conflict between Ferris Wheel Corporation and United Heavy Machinery Company had not subsided but rather intensified.
Ni Qianxi said, "This matter was probably intentionally provoked by Ferris Wheel Corporation. They likely want to blow it out of proportion, forcing the government departments to intervene and pressure the Bureau, making us compromise. Director Wu has already been called to several meetings."
Chen Chuan asked, "What's the Bureau's plan?"
"Ferris Wheel conducted a 'self-investigation' and concluded that it was the personal behavior of a company executive, who has now been dismissed and committed suicide.
Their terms are to compensate you personally and the Bureau, pay a fine, sign an assurance, and publicly apologize in the media.
The higher-ups believe the situation is still manageable, but if this continues, other companies might get involved, so they think it's time to control the situation."
Ni Qianxi asked, "Brother Chen, what's your opinion?"
Chen Chuan responded, "The Bureau's handling is good. I have no objections."
After speaking with Gao Ming and Director Lei, he understood that the matter was very complicated, with many limitations. But that didn't mean he would give up pursuing it; he would just wait for the right opportunity.
It was like facing a strong and powerful fighter who was almost impossible to defeat with a single strike. In such cases, one must be patient, wear down their stamina, and strike when an opening presents itself.
"Okay, I'll relay this to the Bureau. Director Wu said this is the best result they can achieve for now, and your compensation won't be lacking. Oh, by the way, do you know Director Lei from the Secret Sect Review Bureau?"
Chen Chuan nodded, "Yes, I know him."
"Director Lei has directly sent a review team to Ferris Wheel Corporation. Ferris Wheel is dissatisfied with this and has filed a complaint against the Secret Sect Review Bureau. They've also deployed lawyers and a public relations team to lobby and pressure government departments and members of parliament."
Ni Qianxi scoffed, "But it's useless. The Review Bureau received an inquiry letter from the government and responded simply. If Ferris Wheel has nothing to hide, why fear the Review Bureau's investigation? Hmph, does Ferris Wheel really think their tactics can work everywhere?"
Chen Chuan slightly nodded. If a typical government department conducted such an investigation into Ferris Wheel Corporation, they would likely face restrictions, much like the Processing Bureau, which was involved in the defense plan's logistics and relied on the Central City government for most of its daily operations.
Although there was no direct affiliation, it was impossible not to be influenced and restricted by the Central City government.
But the Secret Sect Review Bureau was different. This department was relatively independent, with its funding and personnel directly managed by the Supreme Capital.
This was because Daxun was highly vigilant against cults. Whenever such matters arose, there was usually no room for negotiation.
At that moment, he noticed a communication request on the Interdimensional Link from Advisor Pei, who wanted to meet. Intrigued, he apologized to Ni Qianxi and ended the call, then accepted Advisor Pei's signal.
"Captain Chen? Let's meet." Advisor Pei paused, "Regarding that matter."
Chen Chuan understood, and the timing was just right. He asked, "When?"
"Now. I'm already at Xuan Gong Tower."
Chen Chuan said, "I'll be right there."
...
...
(End of Chapter)
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