Chapter 63: Another Commission
Chapter 63: Another Commission
In mid-October, Cheng Zitong checked on Chen Chuan's training progress and optimistically informed him that, based on his current rate, he might only need until the end of this month, or at most, the first half of November, to master the combat technique.
Once this commission is completed, he can start applying for the weapon permit.
However, Cheng Zitong reminded him that after the first limit, the growth of altered tissue usually slows down, and observation is necessary during this period.
For some, the altered tissue will slow down and stagnate, while others will continue to grow after a period of lull, as if it's just a phase of adjustment and energy accumulation. So, extra caution is required. If this is the case, one should prepare to advance to the next limit ahead of schedule.
Chen Chuan himself didn't know what to expect, as his progress relied entirely on uninterrupted breathing techniques rather than innate talent. In theory, once the basic breathing technique reaches twenty-four hours, it's at its peak, and further progress might not be possible through this method.
In reality, this is just the most ideal estimate, and the effectiveness of the breathing technique might gradually diminish before he reaches this level.
So, what's next? Should he rely on medicine or other means? It's still early to consider this, but it's time to start paying attention.
On this rest day, he began preparing for the second commission arranged by Cheng Zitong.
Once again, Ren Xiaotian accompanied him.
After 10 a.m., Chen Chuan received a call from Ren Xiaotian and went downstairs. Outside, he immediately spotted the familiar SUV parked steadily.
Approaching the driver's seat, he greeted Ren Xiaotian and noticed a lively-looking girl in the passenger seat. Her short hair gave her a boyish appearance, but upon seeing him, she waved and said, "Hey there, I'm Lin Xiaoti. Call me Xiaoti."
"Hello," replied Chen Chuan.
Ren Xiaotian explained, "She's my senior's disciple, and we need her for today's commission." After Chen Chuan got into the car, Ren Xiaotian handed him a notebook, saying, "Here's today's task."
Chen Chuan took the notebook and flipped to the page he had seen before. The task description read: An affluent merchant's daughter frequently sneaks out to watch the Bloodstain Gang's underground arena fights and often stays out all night.
The merchant tried to persuade his daughter to return, but to no avail. He even resorted to forceful methods, only to be beaten back by the bodyguard hired by his daughter with her allowance. The bodyguard is highly skilled, and without using excessive force, there's no immediate solution. So, this time, the commission company has been tasked with bringing the girl back.
This commission seems simple but is challenging to execute. Most people who have any connection with the Bloodstain Gang try to avoid them, and even with high rewards, very few are willing to take on such tasks.
Ren Xiaotian's specific plan is for them to go in first and persuade the girl to leave. They should avoid using force if possible, but if necessary, they will handle the bodyguard while Xiaoti brings the rich girl back.
This arrangement is reasonable, and having Xiaoti along is essential. By having her take action, it reduces many potential complications from physical contact.
Finally, two key points are highlighted in red:
1. Be cautious of possible interference from the Bloodstain Gang members.
2. Protecting oneself is the top priority.
After reading, Chen Chuan returned the notebook to Ren Xiaotian, who repeatedly glanced at him. On Chen Chuan's third glance, he understood Ren Xiaotian's intention and spoke up, "Senior Ren, I have no objections."
Only then did Ren Xiaotian stop looking at him and focus on driving.
After leaving the school, the SUV headed south, then west, reaching the underground arena operated by the Bloodstain Gang in about ten minutes.
The location is at the border between the Preservation Zone and the Great Plain District in the southwest, not too far from the bustling city center.
The so-called "underground arena" is actually a non-professional fighting arena. Although not recognized by the Fighting Association, it is a legally operated entertainment venue in Yangzhi City, officially registered and taxed by the City Hall.
The exterior of the arena resembles the training hall of Wu Yi Institute, and although it's still daytime and not the busiest time, several vehicles are already parked outside.
As they entered the venue, the security guard on duty gave them a few scrutinizing glances but didn't approach to inquire further.
The trio proceeded smoothly, first encountering a ramp leading upwards to a circular corridor. After circling around, they reached a heavily guarded entrance, which marked their official entry into the main arena. The moment they stepped inside, the surrounding noise intensified, with the sound of beating instruments and howling echoing back and forth.
About twenty meters ahead, Chen Chuan noticed a raised platform over a meter high from the ground, brightly lit. Two muscular fighters were engaged in a fierce battle, throwing vicious punches. After a while, they grappled with each other, their sweat and blood indistinguishable.
Below the platform, a sparse crowd of around twenty people cheered and whistled. On the surrounding cushioned seats, several individuals lay haphazardly, surrounded by scattered bottles and cans.
Lin Xiaoti stopped a passing attendant, slipping a banknote into their hand, and asked, "Which box is An Qingqing in?"
The attendant swiftly took the banknote and pointed in a direction, saying, "Box number seven on the second floor."
At this moment, Chen Chuan surveyed the surroundings, noting the layout and the positions of both the security guards and gang members. But Ren Xiaotian pulled him, and when Chen Chuan turned, Ren shook his head, saying, "This position isn't good. Let's keep looking."
Chen Chuan nodded in agreement.
The three of them exited through a passageway in the central arena and climbed the stairs at the back, reaching the second floor. Following the colorful lights, they located box number seven.
Lin Xiaoti knocked on the door and asked, "Is Miss An in there?"
The person inside seemed to have no guard up, perhaps because Lin Xiaoti's feminine voice didn't trigger any alertness. As footsteps approached, the door soon opened, revealing a robust woman's silhouette.
This woman was significantly taller than Chen Chuan, definitely over two meters in height. In a deep voice, she asked, "Who are you?"
Lin Xiaoti produced a commission form and replied, "Mr. An sent us to find you."
Before the female bodyguard could respond, a voice from inside called out, "Another one sent by the old man? Let them in."
The female bodyguard stepped aside, and Chen Chuan's trio entered. Inside, they saw a seventeen or eighteen-year-old girl sitting on a sofa, wearing a loose shirt and tight canvas pants. Her eyelashes were thick, and she wore shimmering, glittery lipstick, making her quite attractive.
She propped herself up with her hands on either side, her legs swaying as she paid attention to the match below. Without glancing at them, she said, "You can go back. I've already told my dad that I won't return until I've had my fill of fun."
Lin Xiaoti asked, "Miss An, how will we know when you've had enough?"
"How will I know...hmm?" An Qingqing turned to look, intending to glance past, but when she saw Chen Chuan, she turned back to study him for a few moments. Suddenly intrigued, she knelt up, resting one hand on the back of the sofa and the other on her cheek, her gaze sweeping back and forth. "You've all trained in combat, right?"
With great enthusiasm, she continued, "Here's the deal. There's a round-robin tournament coming up soon. Choose one among you to participate. If you win, I'll leave with you."
She smiled again, "Actually, you can also choose to take me by force. Just defeat Xiao Zhen, and I won't resist."
Chen Chuan could tell that An Qingqing was probably just making an excuse, mostly wanting to watch them fight and seek more thrills and excitement.
Using force was a less desirable option. Dealing with a single female bodyguard was one thing, but the situation was more complex. An Qingqing was currently a client of the Bloodstain Gang, and if they forcibly took action, the gang wouldn't let it slide.
At this moment, Ren Xiaotian abruptly walked out, and Chen Chuan wasn't sure what he had in mind. But Chen Chuan wasn't one to meddle, so he followed without hesitation. Lin Xiaoti waved goodbye to An Qingqing, saying, "Goodbye, Miss An."
An Qingqing pouted, seemingly losing interest, and sat back down.
Ren Xiaotian stepped outside, slipped a note to Lin Xiaoti, and said, "Xiaoti, wait outside for half an hour. If we don't show up, call the number on this."
Lin Xiaoti took the note without further questions and waved goodbye to the two before leaving briskly.
Ren Xiaotian approached a Bloodstain Gang member who seemed to hold some status, took out a client's name card, and said, "I want to see your boss."
...
...
(End of Chapter)
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