Free Web NovelChapter 390: Chapter 120: Departing Homeward
Chen Chuan considered for a moment. For a long blade, the Snow Monarch Blade was more than sufficient. The weapon had been with him all this time, and its Mutated Organization’s growth was already in sync with his own. There was no need to replace it; he would only have to familiarize himself with a new one from scratch.
They claimed they could forge an identical one, but in reality, the slightest deviation would make a world of difference. He could, however, get a short blade for close combat. A long and short blade combination would allow him to handle any situation.
Thus, he said, "A short blade will do."
Manager Qiu diligently recorded his request and asked several detailed questions about his requirements for the blade’s shape, dimensions, and weight. After cross-referencing with the database and making adjustments, an image of the short blade appeared on the Realm Token. After confirming with Chen Chuan that it was what he wanted, Manager Qiu sent the order directly to the logistics department.
He said, "The blade will be ready in about ten days. It will be stored in your personal locker, Mr. Chen. You can come and pick it up anytime."
Chen Chuan said, "Thank you."
Even though this was Manager Qiu’s first time meeting Chen Chuan, he had a good impression of him.
’He knew that Third Limit Fighters almost always had a temper. There were plenty with extreme personalities, and those not cultivated through the state system were often unhinged. Someone as normal as Chen Chuan was exactly what the bureau truly needed.’
’But a talent like him was surely a target for recruitment by all factions. I wonder if we’ll be able to keep him this time,’ he thought.
He said, "Mr. Chen, we noticed in your records that you know the Throwing Skill, is that correct?"
Chen Chuan said, "I know a little."
"That settles it, then." Manager Qiu held out a polished wooden box with a smile. "This is a gift for you from Director Wu. Go on, take a look."
Chen Chuan took the box and opened it. Inside lay a set of finely polished Throwing Pills. A single glance told him they were perfectly suited for throwing.
Manager Qiu said, "Director Wu used these when he was younger."
"Director Wu knows the Throwing Skill, too?" Chen Chuan looked up at him.
Manager Qiu smiled. "Of course. The Throwing Skill is extremely useful. In the hands of a Fighter, it can be more convenient than a gun. Many have trained in it, but mastering it is very difficult. Gaining a basic understanding, however, isn’t hard."
Chen Chuan nodded. He closed the lid and put the box away. "Please thank Director Wu for me, Manager Qiu."
"I’ll pass on the message."
Manager Qiu agreed, then added, "That concludes our business at the bureau. I heard you’re planning a trip home, Mr. Chen, so please get some well-deserved rest." He stood up and offered his hand. "There is one other important matter, but it’s not urgent. We can discuss it after you return to Central City."
Chen Chuan nodded, rising to shake his hand. He then asked, "Manager Qiu, may I ask what ultimately happened to Wei Wusheng’s body?"
Manager Qiu replied, "Ah, that. His master, Yu Hongming of the Celestial Forgiveness Gang, paid a compensation fee and had it returned to him."
Chen Chuan understood. "Thank you, Manager Qiu."
He gathered his things and left. After walking out of the Processing Bureau, he glanced at the bright sunlight. After a moment’s thought, he contacted Ni Qianqian. "Sister Ni, I’m planning to head back to Yangzhi for a bit. Before I leave, I’d like to treat you to a meal. I don’t know the restaurants in the city very well, so could you pick a place?"
Ni Qianqian replied, "Of course! How about lunch today? Let me think... Shu Tianxia is nice. Their master stock is one of a kind, has a real old-world flavor. Why don’t we go there?"
Chen Chuan agreed. After ending the communication, he used his Realm Token to locate the restaurant and book a private room. He then looked at some pictures and discovered the restaurant was built on a mountainside. It wasn’t just a highly-rated dining establishment, but also one of Central City’s famous scenic spots.
He had been in Central City for a while now, but he had spent most of his time training and had never really visited any of its attractions. Checking the time, he saw it was a little over an hour until their lunch. So instead of going back, he decided to just get his car and head straight there.
He arrived half an hour later. Getting out of his car, he looked ahead. The most striking sight was a pair of glazed, jade-white trees flanking the main gate at the foot of the mountain. Light seemed to flow within them, threatening to spill out. Following the mountain path upwards with his eyes, he saw pavilions rising in tiers among the concealing foliage, each level higher than the last, beckoning visitors to climb.
Of course, for those who preferred not to climb, there were also sightseeing elevators on either side of the mountain face.
But walking up the path had more charm and offered better views of the scenery. For a Fighter like him, as long as he wasn’t pressed for time, it was a perfect approach.
As he made his way up, he saw many young men and women around his age passing by.
They were students from Central City’s various universities. It was summer vacation, so the place was bustling with them. They frequently stopped to take pictures, using their Realm Tokens to frame the perfect shot.
The Dashun Government had established three major institutions of higher learning in Central City, including Wuyi. However, the major corporations also ran their own colleges to train staff, so without uniforms, it was impossible to identify which school these students attended.
As he walked past, the students couldn’t help but give him a second glance, and some even stopped what they were doing without realizing it.
As a Fighter, his physique was already outstanding, and he naturally possessed an aura that set him apart from the crowd. But after reaching the Third Limit, his personal Domain seemed to affect those around him. From a distance, he was impossible to ignore. Up close, people unconsciously quieted down and held their breath, growing wary.
With his hands in his pockets, he continued up the mountain path, causing even the security guards on either side to tense up instinctively.
Near the summit, Chen Chuan turned to look back. His position was perfectly aligned with the city’s central axis. The mountain path descended from this high point to connect with the straight avenue below, forming a thin white line that bisected the road. On either side, towering skyscrapers lined the way, stretching all the way to the horizon.
Gazing out from this spot truly broadened the spirit.
He stood there for a long moment before finally turning, under the tense watch of the security guards, and entering the restaurant’s pavilion, which was built in an old-world architectural style.
A server led him to the private room he had booked. He didn’t have to wait long before Ni Qianqian arrived. While they were ordering, she said, "This place is nice, isn’t it? Actually, the restaurant’s name used to have another word in it."
A thought struck Chen Chuan. "Renowned Shu Tianxia?"
"Exactly. That’s the ancient name from the old era, but they dropped it later. It’s said that before Central City was even built, this was a restaurant used exclusively by the Imperial Family." Ni Qianqian tapped her foot on the floor. "I think if they hadn’t dropped the ’Renowned’ from the name, it would be a perfect description of you now, Brother Chen."
Chen Chuan said, "I’m still a long way from that."
"Not that far, really."
Ni Qianqian stirred the hot drink in her cup with a small spoon. "Did you know? Even though all the Central Cities are far apart, they say the government and the big corporations have been pushing a ’Skyline’ project. The idea is to connect the Domains of all the Central Cities in the country, maybe even the world. If that happens, any little thing that happens in one Central City could be known across the globe."
Chen Chuan thought for a moment. ’If they really do that, the resources required must be immense.’
"Yes, they’ve been talking about it for years without any real progress. But if there’s ever a genuine need, things could change overnight." Ni Qianqian took a sip of her drink. "The situation at home and abroad is always in flux. That day could arrive when we least expect it. You’d better be ready."
Chen Chuan nodded slightly. He looked out at the road that seemed to split Central City in half, stretching toward the distant horizon. "I will be."
After his meal with Ni Qianqian, he drove to the Treasure Fruit Market, where he’d shopped before, and bought some gifts to take home. Once he was back at the Profound Palace Building, he started packing.
He was planning to stay home for a month, so he needed to pack his medicines for combat training. Chaoming was coming with him as well.
When he was almost done, he contacted Gao Ming. "Gao Ming, I’m about to leave. Should I bring anything for your family?"
Gao Ming replied, "No, that’s okay. You know how it is, Cousin, they’re rarely home. Just tell my aunt and uncle I said hi."
Chen Chuan said, "Will do." They chatted for a few more moments before he ended the call and got ready to depart.
This time, he changed into the custom-made uniform the Processing Bureau had provided him. It was a clear upgrade from his old one in both material and design. Dressed in the uniform with its large-brimmed cap, he cut a sharp, heroic figure.
The uniform also came with a protective cloak that could ward off wind and snow and offered a degree of protection, but it was meant for winter and unnecessary in the current weather.
Once dressed, he did a final check to make sure he hadn’t forgotten anything, then went downstairs with his suitcase and the small nest carrying Chaoming.
He had originally planned to drive the Silver Lightning that was parked in the garage, but on second thought, he decided against it. The car was sleek and fast, but it wasn’t practical for carrying luggage. Plus, it hadn’t been modified; even though he was a Third Limit Fighter, a car thief was still a car thief.
’A Gard Car would be better. It’s tough, durable, has plenty of room for luggage, and can handle off-road terrain. With so many advantages, it was no wonder You Xing himself had rarely driven the Silver Lightning.’
He left his dorm and took the elevator down to the garage. After finding the car, he carefully placed his luggage in the trunk and set Chaoming’s little nest on the back seat.
He was about to secure the nest, but it was Chaoming’s first trip out, and the little bird seemed very excited. It poked its small head out and let out a CHIRP. After a moment’s thought, Chen Chuan gestured with his hand, letting it climb up and perch on his shoulder. Only then did he settle into the driver’s seat, fasten his seatbelt, and start the car.
As he drove away from the Profound Palace Building, he suddenly sensed something. A glance in his rearview mirror revealed Hong Fu, standing on the corner of a high eave. He stuck his hand out the window and gave her a wave.
Hong Fu noticed. The lively eyes above her veil turned toward him, watching his car until it disappeared down the road.
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