Chapter 94: Sheathed and Ready
Chapter 94: Sheathed and Ready
After Guan Yuming and the patrol bureau personnel withdrew to the city, they did not relax but remained on high alert throughout the night. It was not until the next morning that they confirmed there were no immediate issues, and only then did they allow people to return home in batches for rest.
The higher-ups in the patrol bureau were well aware that the incident had indeed involved the intervention of the resistance organization, and it was unlikely that they would help Fang Dawi's group without expecting something in return.
The current lack of movement could only mean that Guan Yuming's response was too swift, leaving them no time to act. This hidden threat still lurked, and no one knew when it would explode.
Nian Fulong, as the captain of the Baofeng District, had been on duty all night. The next day, as noon approached, he was summoned by the director for a conversation before being released.
As he left the bureau, countless people greeted him, and he knew he was basking in the glory of his nephew's achievements. He couldn't help but feel proud, and on his way back, he rang his bicycle bell louder than usual.
"Ah, it's Elder Nian returning."
"Captain Nian is back! You've worked hard!"
"Elder Nian, just got back? You must be exhausted. My husband was on duty last night, and he complained to me about it."
"Big Head, don't overwork yourself."
As Nian Fulong passed through the alley, it was almost lunchtime. After hearing the bell, many people stuck their heads out and greeted him enthusiastically.
Everyone in this residential area knew that Nian Fulong's nephew had returned the previous day in the patrol bureau's special vehicle. Chief Patrolman Bai had personally escorted him to the door, and it was said that he had helped the bureau capture Fang Dawi's gang, greatly enhancing the bureau's reputation.
Nian Fulong responded to each greeting as he walked through the small alley for quite some time before entering his home's courtyard, humming an opera tune. Upon entering the living room, Yu Wan took his bag and patted him on the back, saying, "Quick, change your clothes. They're covered in dust and smoke."
Nian Fulong handed her a newspaper, saying, "There's a small report in here. Take a look." Yu Wan exclaimed, "What's this?"
Nian Fulong replied, "There's a mention of your son." He handed her the newspaper, and she quickly grabbed it, reading aloud, "The brave and talented youth of Wu Yi University assists the patrol bureau in capturing fierce bandits..." She criticized without hesitation, "Such a rustic headline! It doesn't showcase the excellence of my son at all." She flipped through the newspaper, "And they didn't even mention his name..."
"Don't you understand? That's to protect him!" Nian Fulong poured himself a glass of water, "The newspaper reports on the incident, and both the patrol bureau and Wu University will remember. You'll see the benefits for him soon enough."
Yu Wan still seemed dissatisfied. She took his cup, fetched hot water, and said, "Why are you drinking cold water? Drink this hot water! I prepared it for you, and you didn't even touch it! You worry me, both you and the kids. That newspaper report is as good as nothing."
Nian Fulong muttered to himself, "You're still not satisfied even after making it into the newspaper? I've never been in it once."
Yu Wan took the newspaper back and carefully read it several times.
Nian Fulong yawned and changed his clothes and shoes.
Yu Wan pushed 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, and whether he's engaged or not. He's only sixteen, and even if something like that happened, it should be his decision. Didn't Second Sister also ignore her parents' wishes back then?"
Nian Fulong said, "Little Cicada knows what he's doing. We don't need to worry."
Yu Wan looked at the ground, stood up, and fetched a mop to clean the floor. As she did, she said, "I saw others return much earlier. Didn't Captain Sun come back early? Why are you so late?"
Nian Fulong chuckled, "Why late? Today, the old battalion commander called me over and acknowledged my hard work over the years. After chatting for a while, he let me go."
Yu Wan, his wife of many years, sensed something amiss. She stopped mopping and said, "Elder Nian, I sense there's more to your story."
Nian Fulong waved his hand dismissively, "Don't overthink it. It's not even close to happening yet. I'm going to take a nap. Wake me up when lunch is ready." He walked slowly towards the bedroom with his hands behind his back.
Yu Wan pouted, "Show-off." As she resumed mopping, she hummed a tune she often sang during her younger days.
At Wu Yi University, in Chen Chuan's dormitory, Feng Xiaoqi walked around with a newspaper in hand. He looked at the article and then at Chen Chuan, his face filled with awe and envy. "Chen, you're truly amazing!"
Luo Kaiyuan nodded in agreement, "Chen, you did a great job." However, his focus differed from Feng Xiaoqi's; he was more impressed by the mention of Chen Chuan helping villagers avenge their relatives.
Chen Chuan said, "You would have done the same if you were there."
Luo Kaiyuan nodded in understanding.
Feng Xiaoqi shook his head like a rattle drum, "I couldn't do it. I'm not as capable as you two."
Chen Chuan said, "Feng, don't underestimate yourself."
Those who become Class A students at Wu Yi University are no weaklings. They either possess innate talent or exceptional aptitude. He had observed both of his classmates, and they were equally remarkable.
Feng Xiaoqi felt a bit embarrassed but soon became excited. "Chen, the school will probably give you an award for this, right?"
Chen Chuan replied, "Maybe, but it's a pity that Liu didn't receive any recognition. The newspaper only mentioned him briefly, which isn't quite fair to him."
Luo Kaiyuan said earnestly, "If you continue to do great things, his sacrifice won't be in vain."
As Chen Chuan gazed at him, he nodded.
Upon returning to the school, it was as if he had entered a sheltered harbor. While he could glimpse the outside world, the moment he closed the dormitory door, the clamor beyond had no impact on him.
He quickly resumed his daily training routine.
It wasn't until late afternoon that Cheng Zitong came to visit. Entering the room, he sat on the sofa and, after a glance at Chen Chuan, said, "Hmm, nothing much. It's all good."
"I've caused the teacher some worry," Chen Chuan said.
Cheng Zitong waved his hand dismissively. "This matter was a bit risky, but the teacher knows you have your limits."
"The only regret is Liu Xuelang," Chen Chuan said.
"I know Liu Xin is a student with a strong sense of justice who often takes on responsibilities. He reminds me of another student I know, and he's often held up as an example. Perhaps it's because of this that he's being honored posthumously. The school will pay attention to his legacy, and he deserves the recognition for his bravery in life."
Cheng Zitong picked up his briefcase and pulled out a document. "There's something else I need to tell you today. In a few days, you'll accompany me to the Review Committee to obtain your weapon permit."
Chen Chuan was taken aback. "I thought the designated assignment was canceled. How can I still get the weapon permit?"
"It's said that someone from the Government Hall spoke up, arguing that canceling such a significant assignment so casually was too trivial. So, it was reinstated, probably due to the intervention of a powerful figure or a hidden force. You should be able to figure it out."
Chen Chuan recalled how Guan Yuming had arranged for a special car to send him back yesterday, and he already had an answer in his heart.
Cheng Zitong's expression turned solemn. "The Ink Orchid Corporation is a colossal entity, not something that ordinary people or forces can easily challenge. When you're still weak, be cautious and don't rush to confront them.
"Of course, if you're bullied, don't back down. This world is vast, and as long as you have ambition, ability, and belief, there will be opportunities to reclaim what's yours in the future."
Chen Chuan nodded and replied earnestly, "Yes, thank you for the advice, teacher."
Cheng Zitong's expression softened slightly. "The teacher knows that you, as a student, understand these matters. There's no need for me to give excessive instructions. In the future, just consider things carefully before taking action."
Chen Chuan acknowledged, then asked, "By the way, it's been some time since the last mission with the well doll. When can I undertake the next one? I'm also very interested in these tasks."
Cheng Zitong laughed. "In the future, when you go out, who can say you're not my student? These urban legend commissions are rarely inquired about, and among the students, only you are interested in researching them."
After some thought, Cheng Zitong said, "Don't worry. These missions have an impact on people. First, let's wait for you to get your weapon permit, which will make assignments easier. Moreover, due to the resistance organization's activities, many places are under lockdown, making it inconvenient to handle matters. Let's wait for this storm to pass."
Chen Chuan agreed that it was indeed a good time to relax after the recent tension.
Cheng Zitong had other matters to attend to, so 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 and took out the Snow Lady Sword. He sat down and began polishing it with the sword oil given to him by Old Lady Ni.
The sword had drunk its fill of blood in yesterday's battle and had endured the transmission of his force during the fight. Now, as he held it, he could feel it becoming more harmonious, and it seemed lighter.
Especially after the intense battle, the sword would have minor damages, but overnight, they seemed to have vanished.
Indeed, this was a self-repairing sword, and he could sense that the more he used it, the more it aligned with his intentions and became sharper.
He looked up and saw "Second Self" leaning against the wall.
Yesterday's fight had also given "Second Self" a significant response, even beyond his own expectations. This time, the merging duration had increased by half an hour, surpassing all previous progress and the originally accumulated merging time.
This was a substantial improvement, with the merging time approaching a full hour!
But it wasn't enough.
Not nearly enough.
Chen Chuan gazed out the floor-to-ceiling window, as if seeing a distant place.
He could foresee that as he continued on his path, the opponents he would face wouldn't be limited to skilled fighters in training or mere bandits. They might surpass his current imagination.
However, it was precisely these opponents and goals that made his direction of progress more meaningful.
With this thought, he raised the well-maintained Snow Lady Sword and lightly slashed forward. The slender blade emitted a buzzing vibration, and a flash of bright light momentarily appeared in the room, as if tearing through the air ahead.
After a brief pause, he twisted his wrist, resting his elbow on his chest, and sheathed the blade across his shoulder. With a 'shh' sound, the cold light receded, and everything returned to tranquility, awaiting the next unsheathing.
...
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(End of Chapter)
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