Chapter 94: Sheathed and Ready
Chapter 94: Sheathed and Ready
After Guan Yuming led the Patrol Bureau's personnel back to the city, he did not relax but remained vigilant throughout the night. Only when they confirmed that there were no issues the next morning did he allow the team to take shifts and rest.
The higher-ups in the Patrol Bureau were well aware that the incident involved the intervention of the Resistance Organization, and it was unlikely that the organization would help Fang Dawei's group without expecting something in return.
The current silence could only mean that Guan Yuming's swift return prevented the Resistance from acting in time. This hidden threat still loomed, and no one knew when it would explode.
Nian Fu Li, the captain of the Baofeng District, had been on duty all night. The next day, just before noon, he was summoned by the director for questioning before being allowed to leave.
As he exited the bureau, countless people greeted him along the way, and he knew it was because of his nephew's connection. He couldn't help but feel proud, and on his way back, he rang his bicycle bell louder than usual.
"Old Nian, it's Old Nian returning."
"Captain Nian is back! You must be exhausted!"
"Old Nian, just got back? You must be tired. My husband was on duty last night and complained to me about it."
"Big Head, you're not young anymore. Don't overwork yourself."
As Nian Fu Li passed through the alley, it was almost time for lunch. After hearing the bell, people kept popping their heads out to greet him enthusiastically.
Everyone in this residential area knew that his nephew had returned the previous day in the Patrol Bureau's official vehicle, personally escorted by Chief Patrol Officer Bei to their doorstep. They heard that he had helped the bureau capture Fang Dawei's gang, bringing great honor to the entire Patrol Bureau.
Nian Fu Li responded to each greeting, and it took him a while to walk through the narrow alley. When he entered the courtyard, he was humming an opera tune. As he stepped into the living room, Yu Wan took his bag and patted him on the shoulder, saying, "Quickly, change your clothes. You're covered in dust and smell like smoke."
Nian Fu Li replied, "I've already dusted off outside." He handed her a newspaper, "Take a look." Yu Wan asked, "What's this?"
Nian Fu Li said, "There's a small article about it."
Yu Wan quickly snatched the newspaper and read the article, reciting, "The brave and talented youth of Wu Yi, assisting the Patrol Bureau in capturing fierce bandits..." She criticized without hesitation, "Such a rustic headline, it doesn't showcase my son's greatness at all." She flipped through the pages again, "And they didn't even mention his name..."
"Don't understand? That's to protect him!" Nian Fu Li poured himself a glass of water, "The newspaper mentioned it, and the Patrol Bureau and Wu University will remember it. Just wait and see, he'll definitely benefit from this."
Yu Wan still seemed dissatisfied. She took the glass from Nian Fu Li and poured him hot water instead, "Why are you drinking cold water? Drink this! I've prepared hot water for you, and you don't even know!" She was constantly worried about everyone, big and small. As for the newspaper, it was as if they hadn't mentioned it at all."
"It's already in the newspaper, what more could you want?" Nian Fu Li muttered to himself, "I've never been in the newspaper before."
Although Yu Wan said this, she picked up the newspaper and carefully read it several times.
Nian Fu Li yawned and changed his clothes and shoes.
Yu Wan pressed the newspaper down and said, "By the way, from yesterday afternoon until now, I've been busy answering phone calls. They were all from the Patrol Bureau, asking about our son and his age, whether he's engaged or not. Our son is only sixteen years old. Even if this is true, he should make his own decisions. Didn't Second Sister also disobey her parents back then?"
Nian Fu Li said, "Our son knows what he's doing, so we don't need to worry."
Yu Wan looked at the floor, stood up, and grabbed a mop to clean the floor. As she did so, she said, "I saw others return earlier. Didn't Captain Sun come back earlier? Why are you so late?"
"Late?" Nian Fu Li chuckled, "Why would I be late? Captain Sun called me over earlier, saying he remembered my hard work over the years. He asked me a few questions before letting me go."
Yu Wan, being his wife for many years, could sense something from his words. She stopped mopping and looked up, saying, "Old Nian, I sense there's more to your story."
Nian Fu Li waved his hand, "Don't overthink it. It's not even a glimpse of reality yet. I'm going to take a nap. Call me when lunch is ready." With that, he strolled leisurely towards the bedroom.
Yu Wan pouted, "Show-off." As she resumed mopping, she hummed a tune from her youth.
At Wu Yi Academy, Chen Chuan's roommate, Feng Xiaoqi, walked around with a newspaper in his hand. He read the article and looked at Chen Chuan with a mix of awe and envy, "Chen, you're incredible!"
Luo Kaiyuan nodded in agreement, "Chen, you've done an amazing job." However, his focus differed from Feng Xiaoqi's. He was more interested in the part where the newspaper mentioned villagers thanking Chen Chuan for avenging their loved ones.
Chen Chuan said, "If you were there, you would have done the same."
Luo Kaiyuan nodded in agreement.
Feng Xiaoqi shook his head vigorously, like a rattle, "I couldn't do it. I just couldn't. It's mainly because I'm not as capable as you."
Chen Chuan said, "Feng, don't underestimate yourself."
Being a first-class student at Wu Yi Academy meant there were no weaklings among them. They were either born with talent or had exceptional abilities. Chen Chuan had observed both of his classmates, and their skills were equally impressive.
Feng Xiaoqi felt a bit embarrassed but thought for a moment and said excitedly, "Chen, will the school reward you for this?"
Chen Chuan replied, "Perhaps, but it's a pity that Liu didn't receive the same recognition. The newspaper only briefly mentioned him, which seems a bit unfair."
Luo Kaiyuan said seriously, "If you continue to do more, his sacrifice won't be in vain.
Chen Chuan glanced at him and nodded.
After returning to school, it was as if he had entered a sheltered harbor. Although he could see the outside world, once the dormitory door was closed, the outside commotion had no effect on him.
He quickly resumed his daily training routine.
It wasn't until the evening that Cheng Zitong came to visit. He entered and sat on the sofa, looking at Chen Chuan, and said, "Hmm, nothing much. It's going well."
Chen Chuan said, "I've caused the teacher some worry."
Cheng Zitong waved his hand and said, "This task was a bit adventurous, but the teacher knows you have your reasons."
Chen Chuan said, "The only pity is Liu Xingxue."
Cheng Zitong said, "I know about Liu Xingxue. He has a strong sense of justice and loves to take on responsibilities. He reminds me of another student I know, and I often look up to him as a role model. Perhaps it's also because of this reason. The school will pay attention to his affairs, and he deserves the honors he should receive for his bravery in life."
He picked up his briefcase and took out a list. "There's one more thing I need to tell you today. In a few days, you'll accompany me to the Review Committee to get your firearms license."
Chen Chuan was very surprised. He exclaimed in astonishment, "I thought the designated assignment was canceled. How can I still get a firearms license?"
Cheng Zitong said, "It's said that someone from the Government Hall spoke up, believing that canceling such a major assignment on a whim is too frivolous. So, it was reinstated, probably due to the intervention of a powerful figure or a force. You should have an idea about this."
Chen Chuan recalled how Guan Yuming had arranged a special car to send him back yesterday, and he already had an answer in his heart.
"There's something else I want to remind you of," Cheng Zitong said with a more serious expression. "Mulan Corporation is a formidable entity, not something that an ordinary person or force can easily challenge. When you're still weak, be cautious and don't rush to confront them."
Of course, if you're pushed to your limits, don't back down either. This world is vast, and as long as you have ambition, ability, and belief, there will always be opportunities to regain what's yours in the future."
Chen Chuan nodded and said earnestly, "Yes, thank you for your advice."
Cheng Zitong's expression softened a little. "The teacher understands that you, as a student, are clear about these matters. I don't need to give you too many instructions. Just be sure to think carefully before taking any action in the future."
Chen Chuan acknowledged and, after some thought, asked another question, "Oh, by the way, teacher, it's been some time since the last Well Baby mission. I wonder when I can take on the next one? I'm also very interested in these missions."
Cheng Zitong laughed, "In the future, who can say you're not my student, Cheng Zitong?"
Few people inquire about urban legend missions, and in the academy, only he researches them out of interest. Chen Chuan, his student, is the only one who suits his taste.
Cheng Zitong considered for a moment and said, "Don't worry. These missions have an impact on people. Let's wait until you get your firearms license; it'll be more convenient for assignments. Moreover, many places are under lockdown due to the resistance organization's activities, making it difficult to handle matters. Let's wait for this storm to pass."
Chen Chuan agreed; indeed, he had been under a lot of pressure recently, and these days were a good time to calm down.
Since Cheng Zitong had something to attend to, he didn't stay long. He reminded Chen Chuan to meet him at the committee in three days and then left with his briefcase.
After seeing Cheng Zitong off, Chen Chuan returned to the living room, took out the Snow Lady Sword, and sat down to polish it with the oil given by Nee Grandma.
After yesterday's battle, the sword was drenched in fresh blood and had endured the transmission of his power during the fight. At this moment, as he held it, he could feel it becoming more harmonious, and it seemed to have become lighter.
Especially after the intense battle, there were always minor damages on the blade, but after a night, they seemed to have disappeared when he looked at it again today.
Indeed, this was a self-repairing sword, and he could feel that the more he used it, the more it suited his preferences and became sharper.
The second method of sword maintenance indeed showed rapid progress. However, he always remembered that it was humans who made swords, not swords that made humans. He didn't need to pursue slaughter for the sake of sword maintenance. Every swing of the sword must align with his intentions and beliefs.
At this moment, he looked up, and his "Second Self" was leaning against the wall.
Yesterday's battle also brought an immense response from his "Second Self," even surprising himself. This time, the fusion time had increased by more than half an hour, surpassing all previous progress and the accumulated fusion time.
As a result, the fusion time approached an hour! This was a significant improvement.
But it wasn't enough.
Not nearly enough.
Chen Chuan looked out the floor-to-ceiling window, as if gazing into the distant horizon.
It was foreseeable that as he moved forward, the opponents he would face in the future would not be limited to skilled fighters on the training path or mere bandits. They might be far beyond his current imagination.
However, it was precisely these opponents and goals that made him feel his direction of progress was more meaningful.
With this thought, he raised the well-maintained Snow Lady Sword and lightly slashed forward. A loud buzzing sound reverberated, and a dazzling light flashed in the room, as if the air in front of him had been torn apart for a moment.
After a brief pause, he turned his hand, rested his elbow on his chest, held the sword across his shoulder, and slid the blade into the sheath. A crisp sound echoed, and the gleaming light faded, returning everything to tranquility as it waited for the next strike.
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(End of Chapter)
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