https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-934-Eliminating-the-Source-of-Trouble/13041391/
Chapter 933: Unraveling the Hive
Chapter 933: Unraveling the Hive
The entity, having been lured to the hive-like structure by Chen Chuan, unleashed its spiritual pressure, affecting the Plague Gang members and the combat creatures within the building. Even the field creatures, densely distributed throughout the building, were impacted.
Most of the gang members, already inferior in combat strength and physical abilities to the external fighters and fighters, were now lying unconscious, their minds hazy. This was due to the gang members' use of mystic rites on their bodies, which partially shielded them from the initial impact. However, the subsequent destruction by Chen Chuan significantly reduced the effect, preventing immediate fatalities.
Those gang members closer to the entity were less fortunate, silently collapsing where they stood. When the action team members rushed in, they found the gang members lifeless, still in their positions.
Many seemingly impenetrable areas were easily breached by the team. The combat creatures and biological pathogens within the Plague Gang's defense system, crucial components, were also paralyzed by the earlier impact. Only the toxins in the air remained as a minor hindrance.
After the team's breakthrough, the technical team members swiftly followed, tasked with identifying any remnants that could cause significant future troubles.
Upon learning the roles of some of the biological entities, they couldn't help but be secretly astonished. Had it not been for the impact of the entity, dealing with these creatures without casualties would have been extremely challenging.
On the final level, they encountered sporadic resistance, but with the defense system severely weakened, these resistors were swiftly overwhelmed and subdued by the team's relentless assault.
Several Plague Gang leaders were captured, and their identities revealed multiple fugitives wanted for serious crimes, including accidents, water pollution, and illegal human experimentation. However, some identities were initially unclear due to body modifications, requiring further examination back at headquarters.
The kidnapped Full Chancellor was also found, unconscious and unaware of the events outside. According to his young son, he had been unconscious since his capture, unaware of the outside world and unable to resist.
The team leader remained noncommittal, ordering the man's immediate arrest and removal.
Chen Chuan approached the soft, rotting hide, picking it up for inspection. His conjecture was correct; this was likely a remnant.
The entity's level was similar to the one he had encountered at the Ferris Wheel, but that entity had intentionally suppressed its power to attach itself to Tailed Eagle Director.
Its desire to seize an active conscious body was to find a vessel capable of containing and unleashing its greater power. However, before it could complete this process, Chen Chuan and Crimson Whisk had severed its vessel, preventing the transition from the void to reality.
The entity's power surpassed that of the Ferris Wheel entity. Had it possessed such strength from the beginning, it would have been impossible to cross the World Ring. Therefore, it must have acquired some form of reinforcement, then used this membrane to solidify and contain its power, preventing leakage.
All evidence pointed to an insider aiding Chen Chuan, a stark contrast to the Tailed Eagle Director's situation, which was entirely self-inflicted. This was a meticulously planned operation.
Who could be behind it?
Chen Chuan pondered; some members of the Municipal Parliament might have partial knowledge but were unlikely to be direct participants. They wouldn't have withheld such power when he was on the verge of failure unless they had ulterior motives.
The Plague Gang was a direct participant, backed by Green Source Ecology Corporation. It seemed the culprit had been found, but Chen Chuan felt it wasn't that simple. The target was too obvious, and while Green Source Ecology might be connected, the true mastermind might be someone else.
A vague thought formed in his mind.
He stored the remnant and turned towards the tunnel entrance, where he saw Lei Jingli, the director, overseeing the restraint of the long-haired man and the containment of the demon deity's residual power using esoteric rituals.
"Director Lei, thank you for your assistance," Chen Chuan said.
"Cleansing esoteric rituals is our duty," Lei Jingli replied. "I couldn't have done it alone. We're also grateful to Chen Chuan for finding Mr. Lan, who is deeply knowledgeable about esoteric rituals, especially the ancient national religion. Some of these rituals are not commonly known even within the old religion."
"Such individuals are likely trained from a young age in religious rituals, but I haven't encountered him within the esoteric system. If my guess is correct, he probably has close relatives who held positions in the ancient national religion."
Chen Chuan nodded, "Director Lei, rest assured. I'm aware of this man's background. He does have a connection to the ancient national religion but currently serves a national enterprise. He can be trusted."
"I trust anyone Chen Chuan brings," Lei Jingli said, "but I believe someone of his talent should be retained in Jinbei Province. This way, he could nurture more talent instead of relying solely on the esoteric bureau."
(End of Chapter 933)
Chen Chuan heard him mention this and said, "Director Lei, you mentioned earlier that there are some people in the bureau that you don't trust?"
At this point, Director Lei asked the surrounding staff to leave, then said, "The mastery of esoteric rituals relies on talent and seniority. Talented individuals are actually quite rare, and most of the time, it's seniority that matters."
Some members of the Central City Esoteric Bureau even date back to the old era. They've spent their entire lives dealing with esoteric rituals and possess extensive experience. When it comes to handling various rituals, they are truly formidable.
However, these individuals hold many old-fashioned ideas. The students they mentor, if you can even call them students, are more like their apprentices. Once these apprentices rise, they proactively uphold the old ways.
Within the bureau, these individuals rely on their seniority, making it difficult to command them. Even during Director Qian's time, it was challenging to give them orders. Yet, without relying on them, nothing gets done, and the entire Esoteric Bureau would come to a halt. This is a deeply rooted issue, not just within our Jinbei Province Esoteric Bureau but also in other places.
After listening to Director Lei, Chen Chuan understood his thoughts. Since these individuals are not easily swayed, the only option is to start anew and find another group of people. After some consideration, Chen Chuan said, "Director Lei, please submit a report to me, and I'll bring it up for discussion at the decision-making meeting."
Esoteric rituals are of utmost importance. Even his security protocols rely on rituals to function. Nowadays, many high-ranking individuals are obsessed with utilizing esoteric means, even going as far as joining demonic cults. To counter them, you must first understand these rituals yourself.
Some issues within the Esoteric Bureau are significant enough to be included in security defense agendas. As a member of the security decision-making group, he has both the obligation and the ability to handle this matter.
Director Lei said, "Alright, I'll submit a detailed report after returning."
Chen Chuan glanced at the tunnel again and said, "Director Lei just told me that the ritual there has two layers. The upper layer has likely been prepared for over two years, and the artist responsible for this layer should be the painter we were looking for in Yangzhi. He was probably there, and the lower layer is likely unrelated to him."
At this moment, Director Lei also felt a sense of wonder at the unpredictability of life. He recalled the person they had overlooked earlier, never expecting to catch them here.
"After examining the patterns below, I initially estimate that it's been about a decade," Director Lei added.
Chen Chuan pondered for a moment. "A decade? Was it used to summon a demonic deity?"
In the 6th book, 9th chapter, 1st section, a look at the error-free version!
Director Lei said, "It's very similar. Although the ritual performers are different, the ritual's function is inherited. Previously, it was likely used to feed a certain entity with resentment and flesh. However, this ritual has been executed once, and I suspect the demonic deity above was devoured by that entity."
Chen Chuan couldn't help but nod. If that's the case, it makes sense. The source of the entity's power enhancement might lie here.
Director Lei continued, "The ritual has been executed once, but some parts can still be reused. By adding another layer above, we can form the 'Double Overmountain Pattern' and summon another, more powerful demonic deity. However, I believe the ritual artist, this 'painter,' might have other ideas. This indicates he understands the ritual's function. I'll take him back for questioning; perhaps I can extract some valuable information."
"Alright, then we'll leave this matter to Director Lei," Chen Chuan replied.
Meanwhile, Lan Shengu finally regained his strength. Instead of dealing with the situation at the other end of the tunnel, he rushed outside to find his well-protected younger sister.
"Elder Brother!" Xiao Yi exclaimed as she hurried towards him, examining him from head to toe with concern. "Elder Brother, are you okay?"
"I'm fine," Lan Shengu replied. "The Jinbei Province Government Hall is reliable. Someone came to the rescue at the critical moment instead of leaving a mess behind."
"Can we leave now?" Xiao Yi asked.
"Not until I get the other half of the money," Lan Shengu said. "I think the Jinbei Province Government Hall is capable. Other places can't compare in this regard."
He had been to the Central City several times and found that, while there were similarities, there were also differences. They had ideas to solve problems, but implementation was often lacking. Whenever it involved matters of interest, they could only address the surface issues without resolving the root causes.
Jinbei Province was different. They had a relentless determination to investigate to the end. Even taking down the Municipal Parliament, a bold move that defied conventions, seemed to be within their capabilities.
"Let's stay here for a while," he said. "Elder Brother, I need a rest too. These past few days have been exhausting." Just then, he received a message from the World Token and, after reading it, paused in surprise. "Let's discuss it after we return."
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Chapter end
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