Heavenly Ascension Chronicles Chapter 926: A Single Gain - Novel Cool

Chapter 926: A Single Gain

Chapter 926: A Single Gain

As the Processing Bureau's armored convoy drove deeper into the underground, they reached a fork in the road with three tunnels leading in different directions. Based on the traces left behind earlier, they were supposed to take the left tunnel.

However, Xu Chan instructed them to take the right one instead.

A staff member spoke up, "Supervisor Xu, according to the Lower City District's maps, if we take the right tunnel, we might have to make a big detour, adding an extra hour to our journey. We could miss some crucial traces."

Xu Chan confidently replied, "These traces were probably left intentionally by them." Even if they weren't, he had no intention of taking that route. He wouldn't follow the path laid out by their enemies.

"Yes, sir!"

The staff member saluted, and the entire convoy immediately turned, heading down the chosen tunnel. Despite the longer route, they encountered no obstructions in the first half of the journey. However, as they approached the tunnel exit, they found a man-made roadblock with a large pile of collapsed bricks, blocking their path.

It seemed like they couldn't proceed any further.

Xu Chan remained unperturbed. After a quick assessment, he found that the blockage wasn't extensive. He immediately ordered the combat creatures on the vehicle to assist the logistics staff in clearing a path.

During this process, Xu Chan didn't just stand by and wait. He got off the vehicle and deployed field creatures to establish strong signal connections.

Every time he reached an intersection, he made similar arrangements and assigned a team to stand guard, preventing interference creatures from disrupting communications. This ensured smooth communication between the dispersed squads and the ground, eliminating the possibility of being outmaneuvered from the rear.

All three of the Bureau's investigation supervisors were present, with Xu Chan leading the main assault team. The other two supervisors were responsible for the other two directions, gradually closing in to compress the space and eventually seal off the area.

By the next day, a barely passable road for vehicles had been cleared.

Xu Chan still chose to ride in the lead vehicle, personally leading the way.

For this operation, he brought along two of his trusted subordinates, as well as Yuan Qiuyuan and Qin Qingque, who were sent by Chen Chuan to provide support.

With at least five Tier Three Fighters working together, their lineup was incredibly powerful. During the Wumei split, they couldn't concentrate such a solid force in one direction.

Behind them were Wei Chang'an, Luo Kaiyuan, Feng Xiaoqi, and others, along with their support squads.

Although they were only Tier Two Fighters, they were already considered the Bureau's intermediate strength. This group was full of confident fighters with rich team collaboration experience, and at this moment, they were all wearing the most advanced equipment. Calling them elite was not an exaggeration.

To be honest, such a team seemed like overkill for dealing with an ordinary gang. However, they were up against the remnants of the Plague Sect, as well as some unknown entities.

Just then, a voice sounded, "Scans indicate a risk of collapse ahead." It was the non-corporeal entity in their vehicle, constantly scanning and checking the road conditions.

The convoy immediately stopped, and the engineering team that had been following them quickly moved forward under the protection of the fighters to inspect and fill in the gaps, searching for any signs of explosives.

After all, operating underground was different from other places. A simple explosion could create obstacles and blockages. Although the tunnel's main structure couldn't be destroyed, many years had passed since its construction, and the surface's anti-corrosion and anti-invasion measures, along with some of the original architectural features due to lack of maintenance, had already deteriorated. These were the things that had blocked their path earlier.

As they were inspecting, they suddenly heard a buzzing sound that grew louder.

Xu Chan was the first to hear it and immediately ordered, "Everyone, back to the vehicle!"

Everyone immediately stopped what they were doing and retreated into the armored vehicle. Xu Chan stood alone at the very front. In less than a minute, he saw countless insects crawling on the tunnel walls, causing goosebumps to rise on the skin of those behind him.

Xu Chan stood his ground, and just as the leading edge of the insect swarm was about to reach him, there was a series of explosions, and the lights behind him illuminated the scene. Simultaneously, an invisible sonic wave emanated from within the vehicle.

In recent years, the Central City had been plagued by insect infestations, so they had recently authorized the development of this pest-repelling sonic wave technology, which originated from a special biological entity.

The effect was remarkable. The insects that had swarmed forward seemed to lose their vitality and fell in large numbers. After about seven or eight minutes, the commotion in the tunnel finally subsided.

Xu Chan remained vigilant and took a few steps forward. The ground seemed to be covered in a thick layer of carpet, and when he stepped on it, it felt like he would sink. At the same time, he smelled a foul odor.

He frowned and ordered everyone to put on protective masks and connect to oxygen tanks.

This precaution proved to be extremely wise, as the insects spontaneously ignited, engulfing the entire tunnel in flames and smoke, releasing harmful gases. The already thin oxygen in the surroundings was rapidly consumed, and without prior preparation, they could have suffered a significant loss here.

These insects seemed highly flammable, burning for over an hour before stopping. The tunnel was completely charred, and a strange smell lingered in the smoke.

Xu Chan didn't rush forward but instead went to the side of the vehicle and tapped his World Token, sending a report to the bureau as per the standard procedure. After the smoke had mostly dispersed, he led the convoy deeper into the area.

They encountered obstacles and damaged tunnel roads, which forced them to stop for repairs, significantly slowing their progress. It took them five days to cover two-thirds of the distance.

Xu Chan remained calm, preferring to take his time to ensure the safety of his team. They maintained a steady advance, and the pressure was more on the opposing side than on them.

In the meditation room, Chen Chuan was sitting cross-legged, floating in the air. The faintly shimmering light around him, which had been undulating and spreading, suddenly began to calm and slowly retract, leaving only occasional ripples on the surface.

Even these ripples gradually subsided, eventually fading into stillness. A bright, luminous membrane formed, seemingly adhering to his body.

At that moment, he slowly opened his eyes.

After six days and nights of uninterrupted cultivation, he finally subdued his own aura.

This stage was easier than he had imagined; the tedious part was straightening out his aura. After all, the power within his body far exceeded that of fighters of the same level, and straightening it required great patience.

The next step was the "Heaven Bridge" stage, and if he could master this, he would reach the Longevity Realm.

He descended and activated his World Token to check the progress in the Lower City District. He saw that a large area in the northwest corner had been sealed off by the Processing Bureau's investigators from three directions.

This area highly overlapped with the previously identified location of the Plague Gang, indicating that some individuals behind the scenes were connected to the gang.

However, he hadn't forgotten that the primary purpose of this operation was to find the existence, and the bait they had thrown out earlier was just a convenient excuse for their actions.

He observed for a while, then left the meditation room and activated his World Token again. "An Dun, have there been any unusual activities at Green Source Ecology Corporation?"

An Dun replied, "There are no abnormalities at Green Source Ecology Corporation. All data is normal, and I'll continue to monitor."

Chen Chuan acknowledged, but Green Source Ecology Corporation remained unmoved, seemingly trying to distance themselves from the situation.

The company's cautious nature meant they would never directly participate in actions that might harm them. Their patience suggested a deeper plot.

After a moment's thought, he activated his World Token and contacted Xu Chan. After a short wait, Xu Chan answered, "Director Chen, how's the situation on your end?"

Xu Chan's voice came through, "Director, we'll reach the final stretch tomorrow. According to previous intelligence, we might encounter fierce resistance.

The environment here is complex. All Sun Trees have been intentionally cleared, leaving almost no light. We've also detected toxins in the air, affecting the condition of our field creatures. We're requesting more combat creatures and a new batch of equipment."

Chen Chuan said, "I'll immediately allocate the resources you need. I'll also request a team of biological experts from the Convergence Zone to support your operation."

"Thank you, Director."

Chen Chuan continued, "The Plague Sect is complex and might include some heretics. According to the plan, members from the Esoteric Bureau will join your team tomorrow to prevent any accidents. Xu Chan, be careful and keep me updated."

"I understand, Director."

After communicating with Chen Chuan, Xu Chan continued deeper into the area. The next day, they indeed discovered suspected esoteric ritual patterns appearing around them.

Lei Jingli, upon learning of this, personally led a team to investigate. After observing, he immediately contacted Chen Chuan.

"Director Chen, I've examined it. Xu Chan has encountered some rituals of the old national religion, which I can decipher, but I'll need someone to assist me. There are capable colleagues in the bureau, but I don't trust them. If I do it alone, it might take a long time. I suspect this might be their intention."

Chen Chuan asked, "What about requesting personnel from above?"

Lei Jingli said, "That's possible, but I'm afraid someone might obstruct us. We can't afford any delays."

Chen Chuan nodded. "Lei, you start deciphering, and I'll find someone."

After ending the call, he pondered. If he personally intervened and used the Great Luminescent Style to disrupt things, it would be simple. But the commotion would be too great, and if that existence was there, it would surely trigger its extreme vigilance. He couldn't reveal himself until he found it.

Fortunately, he had anticipated this situation when making the plan. He walked to the side, picked up the phone, and dialed a number. Soon, Liao Donghai's voice came through, "Director Chen?"

Chen Chuan said, "Mr. Liao, please send Mr. Lan over."

"Okay, I'll arrange for the airship to bring Mr. Lan and the other two over."

...

...

(End of Chapter)

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