Chapter 71: Aftermath
Chapter 71: Aftermath
Having been assured by Wei Chang'an that he would handle the situation, Chen Chuan didn't linger at the scene. He rode his bike away, unaware of the surreal and beautiful doll-like figure that had just climbed up the well wall and vanished with the moonlight as the clouds parted once more.
On his way back, Chen Chuan took the back roads, yet he still heard the occasional roar of modified cars racing through the streets, sometimes accompanied by the sound of chains dragging and shattering bottles.
The night belonged to gang members, and he had no desire to cross paths with them. Now that he knew some urban legends were real, he was extra cautious, avoiding quiet alleys whenever possible.
After cycling for over an hour, he reached the city center square and made a call from the number listed in the materials.
When the call connected, there was no response, so he followed the instructions and said, "The item has been captured."
A deep, emotionless voice from the other end asked, "Location."
Chen Chuan replied, "City center square, opposite the Do Yi Grand Hotel."
"Wait there. The vehicle will arrive shortly."
Chen Chuan hung up and waited by the roadside. Within moments, a vehicle turned onto the main road, its headlights shining brightly. It was a delivery truck, and as it drew closer, he noticed a blooming ink orchid logo on its body.
Ink Orchid Corporation? Chen Chuan wondered.
The truck stopped in front of him, and two men in Ink Orchid Corporation uniforms stepped out.
Chen Chuan stood up, carrying the bag with him. One of the men took it, opened the rope, examined the contents, and nodded. "The goods are correct."
The other man took the slip from Chen Chuan, signed it, and stamped it with a seal before returning it.
As Chen Chuan took back the slip, he watched the two men carry the bag to the back of the truck. A chill seemed to emanate from the cargo hold.
After securing the goods, the men returned to the front and drove off without a second glance at Chen Chuan.
Chen Chuan put away the slip and checked his "Second Self." The faint signs of virtualization were still there, persisting even after the well baby had been delivered.
However, the damage was minimal, so he didn't dwell on it. He headed back to the Wu Yi School.
At this hour, security patrols were active outside the school. Chen Chuan showed his Class A student card and was immediately allowed to pass.
Upon returning to the dormitory, he used the public phone to call Cheng Zitong. "Teacher, I'm back. Everything went smoothly, and I delivered the item to the client as instructed in the materials."
Cheng Zitong asked, "What do you think about it?"
Chen Chuan replied, "Well, it's fascinating to encounter something like this for the first time. But teacher, what exactly is it?"
Cheng Zitong explained, "Although we have some speculations, it's hard to say for sure. To find the answer, you'll have to seek it yourself. Very few people take on urban legend assignments because they are extremely dangerous. It's best to avoid such things until you know how to deal with them.
The information I gave you today is based on the experiences of our predecessors, proven to be successful solutions. In reality, a lot of time and resources have been invested in understanding these matters, and many people avoid them because they'd rather spend their time on other assignments."
Chen Chuan understood the risks and uncertainties associated with such commissions, which often offered no better rewards than other assignments.
Cheng Zitong continued, "But if you specialize in these types of assignments, you'll receive more and more of them in the future. The more you encounter, the more you'll learn. Since others can't handle them, you'll become the expert, the go-to person when problems arise.
Ordinary assignments can be handled by anyone, but these require a unique skill set. Your evaluation will be in a league of its own."
Chen Chuan asked, "Teacher, do high-ranking students not care about evaluations? I'm genuinely interested in these kinds of things."
Cheng Zitong laughed and said, "Yes, who cares what it is. As long as we're interested, we'll do it because we want to. Nothing can bind us, and that's what our Insight School is all about."
Chen Chuan said, "Teacher, you once said not to be confined by labels. But by identifying ourselves as the Insight School, aren't we also limiting ourselves?"
Cheng Zitong was taken aback but laughed, "You cheeky kid, questioning your teacher now, huh?"
"Speaking frankly, isn't that also a characteristic of our school?"
"Haha, you've got a way with words, young one."
Cheng Zitong was delighted at this moment because he had never met anyone who clicked with him like this student. But alas...
He sighed inwardly, then lifted his spirits and said, "Based on past experience, these assigned tasks shouldn't be done consecutively. There's an indescribable influence, so you should take a few days off. During this time, we can also check on the growth of your transmutation organs and see if we need to arrange for the next level of training."
Chen Chuan said, "Okay, Teacher. By the way, I encountered something today that might have some impact later on." He then proceeded to tell him about unexpectedly meeting Tong Qianjiang and the potential involvement in this assignment.
After listening, Cheng Zitong said, "I've heard about this matter."
He paused to think, "In my opinion, since you're already involved, you should actively participate. Don't miss this opportunity. This matter is likely linked to the Government Hall, and it can significantly boost your assignment evaluation. Moreover, this might bring you additional benefits, but it's hard to say right now. Remember..."
His tone turned serious, "...to be cautious. These people have been hiding for so long; they're not ordinary."
"Teacher, I'll be careful," Chen Chuan assured him.
After the call, as it was already late, he took a quick shower and went to bed.
The next morning, after his early morning workout, he returned to the dormitory and saw Feng Xiaoqi and Luo Kaiyuan. They agreed to go to the cafeteria for breakfast together.
Feng Xiaoqi and Luo Kaiyuan had also started their training in the past few days and were currently in the consolidation phase. Normally, it takes three to four months, or even half a year, to become familiar with the techniques before moving on to the next step.
In reality, this is a waiting period for the growth of transmutation organs. The specific arrangements depend on the varying degrees of growth, but regular students are usually unaware of this.
Therefore, some students only master the power techniques in their second year. However, the 'Great Power' they refer to is relatively easier to achieve with the 'Small Power.' Even without transmutation organs, one can still develop these techniques through personal effort and the use of potential-enhancing medicines. Many Class B students follow this path to master power techniques.
During breakfast, Feng Xiaoqi gave each of them a set of martial belts, saying, "These are martial belts made especially for me by my family. I had two sets made for you guys as well."
Chen Chuan didn't hesitate and thanked him before taking the belts. In the spirit of reciprocity, he would return the favor when the opportunity arises.
Luo Kaiyuan received his set and solemnly said, "Thank you."
Feng Xiaoqi laughed, "No need for thanks. It's just a small thing. Although the academy has comprehensive training equipment, having personal items like these martial belts, resistance bands, grip strengtheners, and resistance trainers is more convenient. My family specializes in making these; I'll take you to see it one day."
Chen Chuan smiled and said, "Sure."
After breakfast, the three returned to their dormitory. As they entered, they saw the dormitory manager holding a phone and speaking. Upon noticing Chen Chuan, he quickly called out, "Chen, it's your call." Then, into the phone, he said, "He's here. Hold on."
Chen Chuan immediately approached and took the call, asking, "Hello?"
Wei Chang'an's excited and slightly hoarse voice came through the line, "Junior, we've located Scarface's hideout! Are you free now? I'll come to pick you up."
"I'm right here at the dormitory building," Chen Chuan replied.
"Don't move, I'll be there in a flash!"
...
...
(End of Chapter)
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