Chapter 496: Provocation
Chapter 496: Provocation
After leaving the office building, Garder's vehicle headed west, quickly exiting the Weiguang District and entering the densely verdant Deep Green District, an area abundant with lush greenery.
Through the car window, Chen Chuan noticed Chen Xiaojin staring curiously at the outside world. "Xiaojin, do you usually stay indoors?" Chen Chuan asked.
"My family's nanny says it's dangerous outside," Chen Xiaojin replied. "Without protection, it's best not to venture out. I was only allowed to move around in the Weiguang District, and I haven't been to other areas."
"Your nanny is right," Chen Chuan agreed.
The security in the Central City's Weiguang District was relatively good, but in other places, it was hard to say. If they encountered violent individuals outside, they wouldn't bother asking who Xiaojin's father was.
After half an hour, the vehicle stopped in front of the martial arts club where Lu Fang taught.
Having already informed Lu Fang of his arrival through the Interdimensional Link, Chen Chuan parked the car and, accompanied by Xiaojin, walked up the stairs. Lu Fang came out to greet them.
Upon seeing Chen Chuan, Lu Fang was slightly startled.
It had been over two months since they last met during the New Year. Chen Chuan's demeanor had changed; there was a tangible brightness in his eyes.
While it wasn't the kind of sharp and piercing aura, there was an undeniable force that captivated the heart, creating an intangible pressure in Lu Fang's mind.
It was clear that his junior's abilities had improved again.
Lu Fang sighed inwardly. This was the mark of talent. He himself had worked very hard, but he still felt a long way from reaching the Third Limit. In contrast, his junior seemed to make progress at regular intervals.
Lu Fang greeted Chen Chuan and turned to Xiaojin, saying, "So, this is the Xiaojin you mentioned?"
"Yes, this is Xiaojin," Chen Chuan confirmed. "Xiaojin, this is Mr. Lu. You can learn from him from now on."
Lu Fang had been teaching at this martial arts club for over a year. He had instructed children and teenagers of various ages, accumulating significant teaching experience. Moreover, he was a responsible and trustworthy person, making him the most reliable choice.
Additionally, there were many students Xiaojin's age, providing him with peers to spar with.
"Mr. Lu," Xiaojin called out.
Lu Fang looked at him in surprise. "Has Xiaojin started training already?"
"His family has a relative who is a fighter," Chen Chuan explained.
Lu Fang didn't ask why a relative who was a fighter had sent Xiaojin to him. He assumed there must be a compelling reason.
After considering for a moment, Lu Fang realized that once Xiaojin started training, he could be considered a fighter. However, not many continued training at the martial arts club, and most of them were older than Xiaojin. After counting, he found only three or four suitable candidates, but it was still manageable.
Lu Fang welcomed Chen Chuan and Xiaojin into the club and used the Interdimensional Link to contact someone. Soon, a young man around seventeen or eighteen years old, close in age to them, entered. He bowed and said, "Lu Fang."
"Chu Wu, this is Xiaojin," Lu Fang introduced. "Spar with him for a while." Then, turning to Xiaojin, he added, "Xiaojin, give it a try. I'll observe your fundamentals."
"Okay!"
Xiaojin had never sparred with anyone before; he had always practiced alone. Facing Chu Wu, he felt a mix of nervousness and eagerness.
The two exchanged glances, and Xiaojin took the initiative, throwing the first punch. However, Chu Wu effortlessly caught his arm and effortlessly brought him to the ground.
Xiaojin quickly got up, only to be taken down again by Chu Wu. He didn't lose heart and continued after getting up.
But the two had a significant gap in practical experience. After more than ten falls, Lu Fang interrupted them and began pointing out Xiaojin's mistakes. He taught Xiaojin how to judge combat opportunities and how to conserve energy. Lu Fang also provided feedback to Chu Wu, showing him how to be more efficient and which moves were unnecessary.
When Xiaojin returned to the ring, he indeed felt his improvement. It didn't take long for him to become convinced of Lu Fang's skills.
Seeing this, Chen Chuan took advantage of a break in their training to call Xiaojin over. "You'll stay here today and learn from Mr. Lu. I'll pick you up in the evening, and if you have any questions, feel free to ask me."
"Okay," Xiaojin agreed. "Thank you, Captain Chen."
Chen Chuan nodded, patted Xiaojin's shoulder, and left.
Lu Fang escorted him out and assured, "Don't worry, I'll ask number thirteen to keep an eye on things here. If there's any issue, I'll have her inform you promptly."
"Thank you, senior," Chen Chuan said. "Charge whatever tuition is appropriate. Don't worry about the cost." Reaching the door, he added, "Senior, I'll take my leave now. I'll come to pick him up in the evening."
After bidding farewell to Lu Fang, Chen Chuan exited the martial arts club and approached his car. Glancing across the street, he noticed someone watching them.
This person didn't hide their presence and had followed them all the way. They were likely responsible for protecting Xiaojin.
The person approached and greeted Chen Chuan, "Hello, Captain Chen. Assistant Fang asked me to accompany Xiaojin."
Chen Chuan immediately used the Interdimensional Link to contact Assistant Fang Zhixin. He quickly confirmed the arrangement.
"Captain Chen," Assistant Fang said, "Is Xiaojin coming back today?"
"I'll bring him back in the evening," Chen Chuan replied. "You know what Xiaojin wants to learn, Assistant Fang."
"Fang Zhixin sighed and said, "I understand. How about this, if Xiao Jin likes that place, I'll arrange for someone to pick him up and drop him off here daily. That way, you won't have to bother Captain Chen."
Chen Chuan replied, "If Xiao Jin is okay with it, then it's no problem. But not today, since I brought him out, I'll take him back."
Fang Zhixin agreed and sincerely said, "Thank you, Captain Chen."
Chen Chuan responded, "Don't mention it. Mr. Chen has also taught me a lot."
After leaving, he returned to his residence in Wuding District, having learned a great deal today. This included several methods of exerting force and power, as well as techniques for mental focus and soul pattern visualization. He needed to consolidate these teachings upon his return.
By late afternoon, he brought Xiao Jin back, who was still excited from the trip.
Although it had only been an afternoon, Chen Chuan could see that Xiao Jin had become much livelier after this trip, unlike his previous sullen self.
When they returned, Chen Bitong stood upstairs, looking down through the floor-to-ceiling window. He saw Xiao Jin's slightly lively steps and silently watched for a while before turning and leaving.
---
The next day, Chen Chuan conducted another training class, and as expected, 'Lao Yan' was eliminated, replaced by someone else.
It was evident that what Chen Bitong taught was not easy to learn. Over the next two days, after Ding Mai left, the other two trainees were also eliminated one after another.
Thus, out of the initial five, only Chen Chuan remained after three days, while the others had all left.
Even those who left had learned a lot from just a day or two with Chen Bitong. These teachings would take them a long time to fully absorb. If they could completely integrate them, they would undoubtedly improve their combat experience and personal strength.
No wonder many people were trying hard to get into this training class.
The four replacements were quite capable, keeping up with Chen Bitong's lessons for several days. However, they seemed to be acquaintances, sticking together and subtly excluding Chen Chuan. They didn't interact with him.
Chen Chuan also had no interest in socializing with them. Later, when he spoke with Advisor Pei, he learned that these four were from the National Temporary Special Action Commission.
Their presence in the training class likely had a similar purpose to Chen Bitong's. Officially, they were there to learn from him, but they might also have been assigned to monitor and investigate him.
Advisor Pei reminded Chen Chuan that this organization had an extreme approach, so it was best to minimize contact with them. However, if they did anything out of line, he shouldn't hold back.
Chen Chuan acknowledged this, stating that the training was one-on-one, and there was usually no interaction. Furthermore, these individuals hadn't caused him any trouble so far.
Two days later, as Chen Chuan exited the elevator, he heard a loud voice coming from the training hall: "It's a waste of time for Mr. Chen to spend time on you people! Isn't that right? Only the elite deserve Mr. Chen's guidance.
But with you mediocre talents taking up his time, it not only goes against his principles but also reduces the opportunities for the true elite to receive his guidance."
Chen Chuan then heard a sarcastic voice: "Yu Lie, you think you're the elite?"
The speaker, without a hint of embarrassment, admitted, "Yes, it's me. And who else could it be? You? Don't make me laugh."
Chen Chuan reached the training hall entrance and saw a tall young man in a foreign-style suit with medium-length hair. He was around twenty-seven or twenty-eight years old, with a sturdy chin, high cheekbones, and a clear-cut face. His expression carried a hint of arrogance and cynicism.
At that moment, he had one hand in his pocket and was playing with a coin in the other, speaking with a mocking tone: "Do you think Mr. Chen would object to this?"
"No way.
I've followed Mr. Chen for so long; I understand him. Only the true elite can catch his eye. If I beat you all today, he won't blame me. In his eyes, I alone am worth more than all of you combined."
With a sinister smile, he continued, "So, we can fight together. If I lose, I'll turn around and leave, never to appear before you again. From then on, if I see any of you, I'll avoid you. How's that? Don't say I didn't give you a chance."
The four men scoffed. While they admitted they weren't his match individually, they found it arrogant to claim he could take on all four of them.
Moreover, Yu Lie only stated what would happen if he lost, not what would happen if they lost. Even if things didn't go smoothly, they could still hold on to their positions.
After a brief tactical discussion, one of them smirked, "Alright, let's have a match."
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(End of Chapter)
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