Chapter 688 39: Asking the Reason

After his discussion with Counselor Pei, Chen Chuan returned to his residence. He brewed a cup of tea and mulled things over. 'Based on past experience, it's very difficult to find such an entity if it doesn't want to reveal itself.'

'Take the director of the Ferris Wheel, for example. Who would have ever guessed before he was exposed? All I can do is remain vigilant and wait for them to slip up.'

He took a sip of tea, tapped his Realm Token, and pulled up a to-do list for his upcoming work.

The two companies, Lianwei Zhongyu and Green Source Technology, were the primary targets of his investigation.

Lianwei Zhongyu had actually been inspected once before, right after the Fumu split, and had paid an enormous fine.

But Lianwei Zhongyu itself hadn't actually suffered any major losses, as those funds had been paid in advance by client companies and their backers.

Moreover, after completing this job, their reputation among many companies had actually improved, so they wouldn't be giving up their Jibei Dao operations anytime soon.

According to intel received by the Processing Bureau, they would soon be dispatching new personnel here. It would no longer be just an outpost but would receive increased investment and be operated as a major branch.

The intel suggested that the personnel sent by Lianwei Zhongyu would also arrive in September or October. It looked like Central City was going to be very lively from September through the end of the year.

But the people weren't here yet, so he could set that aside for now.

He could focus on Green Source Technology first.

Based on the available information, this company usually kept a low profile. Even during the Fumu split, there was no clear evidence that they, like other companies, had hired mercenaries or sent their own people to steal the splintered offspring.

However, some intelligence indicated that it had been conducting some sort of illegal biological experiments within Central City. Since many of the test sites were located in the Lower City District, this issue hadn't been prioritized over other conflicts in Central City.

This reminded him of the Plague Cult in the Lower City District, which was likely backed by Green Source Company. The two were deeply connected. And what demanded special attention now were the mutated flying insects spreading to every corner of Central City. Although there was no proof, he was certain Green Source Technology was the hand behind it.

Although the insects were currently just rampant in the Lower City District, they had already drawn the attention of the Processing Bureau.

He thought for a moment. 'Investigating this company won't be easy. The Lower City District seems to be the key, and I have a feeling this won't yield results anytime soon.'

'That's normal. Investigations and crackdowns on companies have always been long-term affairs.'

He looked over the personnel under his command, assigned to him by the Processing Bureau. The case had originally been handled by a team of over twenty people. The majority were investigators and Resonators, with a smaller number of field agents.

He first reviewed each person's file, then contacted each member individually for a brief talk, telling them to maintain their current investigative pace for now.

They were very respectful toward him and seemed responsible. They were competent enough to maintain the status quo, but if the investigation deepened, he would need his own trusted team.

He considered this. 'I can find a way to get my old team members transferred back. I can also give them some of the special medicine, aside from what I need for myself.'

'That would give me three capable hands, enough to handle most situations.'

'I can file a report later to have them transferred over.'

'And then there are my classmates and old friends who've come to Central City. If they're willing to join, I could form a squad completely loyal to me and that answers only to me.'

Having thought it through, he immediately wrote a report to the Defense Department and also informed Counselor Pei. Afterward, he contacted Wei Chang'an, Feng Xiaochi, and Luo Kaiyuan separately, arranging to get together in a few days.

By the time he finished with these matters, it was already past three in the afternoon. He got up and went to the training room to continue his daily cultivation.

Suddenly, a rustling sound came from his Realm Token, followed by Chang Dong's voice: "Brother, I'm at your door."

Chen Chuan's interest was piqued. He came out from inside and saw Chang Dong standing at the entrance, carrying a briefcase.

He went forward, greeted him, and welcomed him into the main hall, inviting him to sit down and pouring him some tea.

Chang Dong asked, "Has your situation been resolved?"

Chen Chuan said, "I got the news at noon. It's been resolved. The Refinement Sect acted quickly."

Chang Dong smiled. "Of course they were quick. This time, our sect sent two Fighting Masters."

"Two Fighting Masters?"

A flicker of understanding crossed Chen Chuan's eyes as he realized the weight of those words. No wonder the Refinement Sect had been so efficient under that kind of pressure.

Chang Dong said, "Actually, the key was the evidence you provided, Manager Chen. With that radio and the tape, we were able to prove that the Refinement Sect used some insidious methods of spiritual assault—techniques that only a Fighting Master could use."

He looked up, his voice deepening. "So this is no longer just your personal problem, Manager Chen. This kind of action is an attack on our Pure Sect. We couldn't possibly let it slide, nor could we act like nothing happened."

Chen Chuan nodded. He then thought of another question. "With two Fighting Masters arriving, what was the attitude of the Administrative Affairs Hall and the corporations?"

Two Fighting Masters carried immense weight. The Administrative Affairs Hall and the various companies must be on high alert. The subsequent impact would be anything but small.

"It's nothing," Chang Dong said, picking up his teacup and taking a satisfying gulp. He leaned back, looking relaxed.

"The two Fighting Masters were just passing through. They never entered Central City at all. They just had a... frank and friendly discussion with certain people. What's the problem with that?"

Chen Chuan nodded. It seemed the Pure Sect operated with a certain strategy, demonstrating its strength while also adhering to certain rules.

'Then again, it makes sense. When you demand that others play by the rules, you can't just act recklessly yourself.'

But he had another question.

He said, "I have a question."

Chang Dong said, "You want to ask why the person who attacked you with Spiritual Power targeted you?"

Chen Chuan nodded.

Chang Dong sighed. "You may already know this, but your current position is the pinnacle a Fighter from the bottom can achieve.

"To go any higher, you have to sign another contract, either with the government or a corporation. And the key lies in that contract.

"Let's not talk about the government's side for now. As for the corporations, each company's contract is different, but the terms are invariably harsh. Aside from the necessary restrictions, the most crucial part..."

He looked at Chen Chuan and said, "...is that they require you to periodically provide samples of your Mutated Tissue and your blood."

Chen Chuan's eyes narrowed.

Chang Dong said in a low voice, "Right now, all the corporations are researching and developing Implants, biological weapons, active Consciousness Bodies, or what have you. They also have all sorts of biological experiment programs, big and small. For all that, they need a large number of samples and test subjects.

"And Fighters, especially those with great potential, their Mutated Tissue and blood have extremely high research value.

"Of course, it's not just Fighters. There are also people with innate talents, like those with Spiritual Talent..."

He paused for a moment here. "They are also captured or recruited by the corporations. If they're lucky, some might even become high-level executives. If they're unlucky, they're nothing more than lab rats.

"You could say that most capable corporations are doing this. The only differences are their level of technology and their research focus.

"From what we know, some companies have already achieved certain results.

"So we deduce that the person who attacked you probably saw your potential and wanted to pull you into the Refinement Sect."

Hearing this, Chen Chuan's mind involuntarily raced with countless thoughts.

Chang Dong said solemnly, "You can rest assured. The two Fighting Masters our sect sent this time are a warning to that individual. If he doesn't want to trigger an all-out conflict between the two sects, he'll have to restrain himself."

Chen Chuan nodded, then asked, "And what about the government's side of things?"

Chang Dong said, "The government? Ah, that's even more complicated. Every government is different. Some are basically just larger corporations, and their actions are no different from those megacorps. Others are controlled by Fighter warlords, and their treatment of the Fighters under them can be either lenient or harsh.

"As for our Dashun Government, the contracts in each Central City are slightly different, but they're a bit more lenient than the corporations'. However, if you're not an insider from one of the powerful factions..."

He shook his head. "It should be easier for you to learn about that than for me, so I won't say more."

Chen Chuan grunted in acknowledgment.

Chang Dong seemed thirsty then. He picked up his cup and gulped down half of it, then bent down and lifted the briefcase onto the table.

"I brought the Pure Essence you needed."

He patted it. "I brought you three units this time. That should be enough. Use it if you can. If you can't, I'll just take the extra back with me."

Chen Chuan glanced at it and said, "That should be enough." He thanked Chang Dong, "Mr. Chang, thank you."

Chang Dong patted his belly and said with a laugh, "As long as it's enough. Saves me, Old Chang, from making another trip. Alright, next, let me tell you what we need to do.

"Heh, your situation actually served as a good deterrent to the Refinement Sect and the Fusion Faction. No one should be bothering us for a while.

"My plan is to use this time to set up our branch. The sect said they'll send me another assistant, so for the time being, it'll be the three of us.

"Manager Chen, you just focus on your own work for now. I'll handle the rest. We just need a base of operations. You've been in Central City for a long time, do you have any places you'd recommend?"

Chen Chuan asked, "Mr. Chang, do you have any requirements for the base?"

Chang Dong said, "It should preferably be a large space. A remote location is fine. The main thing is to not be disturbed in the initial stages."

'That's not too difficult a request,' Chen Chuan thought. He considered for a moment, then said, "There are a few places that might be suitable."

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