Chapter 621: The Journey
Chapter 621: The Journey
After Specialist's spiritual fluctuations subsided, he said, "I'll write you another letter. Go find him there, but you need to hurry."
With the collapse of the Ferris Wheel Company, the Far Ocean Expansion Group and the Canglong Corporation have been strengthening their control over the Far Ocean, and there may also be infiltration and disruption from the Linax Federation.
No matter which power gets involved, they won't tolerate the existence of this intergenerational rift. Once discovered, they will undoubtedly try to sabotage or reclaim it.
I don't know how much longer this place can last. If you want to go, it's best to do it as soon as possible. The earlier you go, the more cultivation time you'll have."
Chen Chuan sensed the message conveyed through his spirit and nodded, "I understand. Thank you, Specialist."
Specialist opened his suitcase and took out a smooth piece of jade stone, carved in the shape of a pig-nosed dragon, and handed it to him.
"Take this with you. After entering the rift, contamination is inevitable. This can help you resist, but it's just an aid. Remember what I said—the key is to fight against it. The base of the jade has my telegraph contact information. If you have any questions, you can reach me through this."
Chen Chuan took it, and as soon as he held it, he felt a cool sensation, as if his entire spirit was soothed. He knew it was a valuable item, and after turning it over, he found a string of frequencies on the back, so he thanked Specialist again.
Specialist patted his suitcase and said, "I need to deliver these things back as soon as possible. The headquarters will send you some Pureline Sect items later, but these are not urgent. They will be delivered to you by a designated person."
Instructor Wen said, "Just now, Chief Chen told me that someone from the Polished Sect came to see him in the afternoon, introduced by Commissioner Zhu Xian. I deduce that someone in the upper echelons of the Polished Sect has high hopes for Chief Chen."
Specialist stood up, "Is that so? I'll handle this matter." He extended his hand and shook hands with Chen Chuan again, "Then, Chief Chen, farewell."
Chen Chuan nodded, "Specialist, goodbye."
Specialist shook hands with Instructor Wen and then took his leave.
Chen Chuan watched him leave, noticing that he had removed his mask as soon as he was on the road. He wondered when the internal affairs of the sect would be settled, estimating that it might take some time...
Fortunately, he wasn't in a hurry about this. Instead, arranging his trip to the Far Ocean needed to be prioritized.
He didn't linger and bid farewell to Instructor Wen. Then, he took the items and returned home.
Over the next few days, with some free time, he contacted his classmates and old friends by phone. They agreed on a date, especially for those like Wei Chang'an who were leaving for Central City. A farewell meeting was necessary.
On this day, which happened to be the school's holiday, Chen Chuan rode in a special vehicle and entered the Wu Yi Academy through the north gate.
At this time, third-year students were no longer residing in the academy. They should have found their paths long ago, perhaps half a year or more ago. Even if they returned to school, it would only be a formality.
Only the first and second-year students were facing the necessary end-of-term assessments, making this the last and most intense period.
The car drove to the foot of South Hill and then stopped, not continuing forward. Instead, it followed the mountain road uphill, eventually stopping in front of the Questioning Hall at the summit.
This was where Cheng Zitong had first taught him about Jin Fa. When they spoke on the phone, Cheng Zitong knew that Chen Chuan didn't want to cause a stir at the school, so they agreed to meet here.
After the car stopped, Chen Chuan noticed another vehicle parked nearby. He recognized it as Cheng Zitong's car, indicating that he had already arrived.
After the attendant opened the door for him, Chen Chuan took a briefcase and stepped out.
He looked around; nearly four years had passed, yet the surroundings remained unchanged. He turned to look towards North Peak, where the estate still stood—the place where the recommended students used to live.
However, starting last year, there had been almost no recommended students. Although some students with exceptional backgrounds could still buy their way in, there were virtually no special treatments left. Everyone had to pass the assessment to enter the academy.
It was said that someone suggested that Commissioner Zhu Zhengzhang restore the recommended student system, but he had rejected the proposal, citing internal affairs within Wu Yi Academy.
After a few glances, Chen Chuan walked towards the Questioning Hall. He passed through the open doors, across the spacious training ground, and into the main hall, where Cheng Zitong sat in a guest chair, his round body radiating health and vigor. Upon seeing Chen Chuan, he called out, "Ah, Chuan, you're here."
Chen Chuan immediately changed his shoes and bowed, "Teacher."
"Come, sit down, my student."
Cheng Zitong laughed and invited him to sit.
"There's no one here. No one will disturb us as we reminisce about the past, ah, Chuan, do you remember the first time I brought you here?"
Chen Chuan looked around and said, "I remember. At that time, Teacher, you placed great trust in me and allowed me to choose the Zhou Yuan Jin Fa. I am very grateful for your support back then. Without your help, I wouldn't be where I am today."
Cheng Zitong shook his head, "Chuan, in your eyes, I helped you, but didn't you also help me?"
Over the past two years, the central city's martial arts families, who rarely contacted him before, had been visiting him. They not only wanted to establish connections but also openly and secretly expressed their desire to entrust their younger generation to his guidance.
He understood that some genuinely cared for their younger ones, while others sought to establish a connection with Chen Chuan. So, he declined all their requests.
Chen Chuan reached into his briefcase and retrieved some documents, saying, "These are materials your student specifically gathered for you, Teacher."
The documents were all archived records within the Central City Processing Bureau regarding anomalies, and most of them remained unresolved.
It was only after becoming the team leader that he learned of the methods to counter and suppress anomalies within and around Central City, such as the active consciousnesses of companies and the government, which could effectively counter and suppress anomalies.
This also led to anomalies mostly appearing in remote and chaotic areas, which were difficult to handle for two reasons: one, these places were hard to manage, and two, the cost of handling them was too high. Therefore, the initial approach was to largely ignore them, only paying attention when the anomalies reached a certain threshold, which would then trigger the attention of higher-ups.
Due to various reasons, the government did not directly intervene but instead handed the matter over to clients or contracted companies. The most common approach for the latter was direct suppression, as the disappearance of people often meant the disappearance of the anomaly, as was the case with Golden Shrimp.
This cold and inhumane approach was, in fact, tacitly approved by certain higher-ups. Chen Chuan had already made up his mind that since he had become the Investigation Supervisor, he would pay attention to these matters and, within his capabilities, try to suppress and handle these incidents as best as possible.
Cheng Zitong took the thick stack of documents and ran his hand over them, sighing, "Xiao Chuan, you've put in a lot of effort."
He put down the documents and looked at Chen Chuan, "Hey, it's not convenient to talk over the phone. Xiao Chuan, tell me about what's been happening in Central City. How did you suddenly become the Investigation Supervisor? Oh, you don't have to tell me if you don't want to. I understand, Teacher."
Chen Chuan naturally wouldn't mention the matter of the cheekbone's reproductive splitting, but the official explanation was sufficient, and as for the specific opponents he fought, he could just omit their names and identities.
Cheng Zitong listened to Chen Chuan's account of his experiences in Central City over the past half a year, his round face beaming with excitement.
This was the student he had taught!
Admittedly, the student's current path had little to do with him, but the foundation he had laid during his training would accompany him wherever he went, and he could proudly declare that this was his student, Cheng Zitong's student!
Moreover, this student had not yet reached his true destination, and his current experiences might just be the beginning. A longer road awaited him, and his future was boundlessly vast.
After chatting for a while, Cheng Zitong asked, "Xiao Chuan, how long do you plan to stay this time?"
"Probably just a month," Chen Chuan replied. "After that, I might go abroad for a vacation."
Cheng Zitong smiled and said, "You've always been self-motivated in your training, which is very reassuring. But remember, there's a time for work and a time for relaxation. Go out and unwind. Xiao Chuan, you have your own judgment, and I'm not worried about you. But I can't help but remind you to think things through and observe more. Sometimes, if you can't proceed, don't rush. With your skills, you can go anywhere. Wait, and there might be a turning point."
"I'll remember that, Teacher," Chen Chuan said earnestly.
"Good, just remember it. Come, have some tea," Cheng Zitong gestured for him to drink the tea he had just brewed.
Chen Chuan picked up the cup and took a sip, then said, "By the way, there's something else I need to tell you, Teacher. I've been accepted as a teacher at the Wu Yi Academy."
Cheng Zitong was a bit surprised, "A teacher at Wu Yi?" He nodded, "Xiao Chuan, your abilities are indeed sufficient." Then he sighed, "I can't believe you're already a teacher now."
Chen Chuan smiled and said, "I can't appear at the academy right now, but I need to ask you to pass on a message to the dormitory supervisor. Tell him I haven't forgotten our agreement, and I'm currently working towards that goal."
Cheng Zitong smiled but didn't ask about the agreement. Instead, he said, "I'll make sure to deliver the message."
The two continued their conversation over tea, and the afternoon passed by. As evening approached, Chen Chuan prepared to leave, but Cheng Zitong said, "Xiao Chuan, wait a moment."
He stood up, walked to the side, and took out a thin, bound book from his briefcase, which he handed to Chen Chuan after returning.
"This book is a spiritual cultivation record written by an ancestor of the Cheng family. When I left Central City, my second uncle gave it to me, but I know I don't have the talent for it. However, you do."
"Don't worry, this is just a cultivation guide, and it doesn't involve any secret techniques. We're in a new era now, so there's no need to cling to outdated methods. Any practice kept hidden will never reach its full potential. Xiao Chuan, after you've read it, if you can innovate and promote it in the future, I'll be even more gratified."
Chen Chuan took the book without hesitation, "Then thank you, Teacher." He stood up, "Teacher, I'll be going now."
"Okay, I'll see you out," Cheng Zitong said.
The two walked out together, and Cheng Zitong stood on top of the southern hill, watching Chen Chuan get into his car and drive away along the mountain road. He couldn't help but think back to when he had left Central City, determined to prove that his path was not wrong.
He hadn't proven his path, but his student had helped him achieve it.
Over the past two years, many people from Central City had come to see him, but his father remained silent, as if nothing had happened. He snorted, "Old man, let's see how long you can hold out."
...
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(End of Chapter)
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