On January 19, a large airship arrived outside Center City of Vea State. The passenger aboard was none other than Dayel Rossard, National Advisor of the Federation's West Bank.
This man had acted faster than many had imagined. After Chen Chuan sent his reply telegram, Rossard made up his mind to attend the duel.
Because of his status, Center City of Vea State had not only dispatched an escort unit in advance, but an administrator had also come out to greet him in person.
Rossard declined the invitation to enter the city, however, replying, "Order maintenance in Center City is under great strain, so I will not enter the city." Handing a letter to the official before him, he added, "Please also deliver this letter into Mr. Chen's hands for me."
The official assured him it would definitely be delivered.
After the official departed, Rossard stood alone inside the airship's cabin. His deep green eyes gazed toward Center City, a faint trace of worry showing beneath their depths.
With public opinion being inflamed, more and more martial artists of Tawatinian descent seemed eager to involve themselves in this duel.
Yet he acutely perceived the danger therein. If the situation were allowed to deteriorate further, the conflict between both sides would inevitably escalate, and in the end, it would be Tawatinia alone that paid the price.
He knew full well that Tawatinia alone could never contend with Great Shun. Regrettably, many young people failed to see their own place and the gulf in strength. He hoped his personal intervention could slam on the brakes in time at this critical juncture.
Before long, Chen Chuan received the letter forwarded by the Vea State official. Strictly speaking, it was a formal duel challenge, inviting him to a sparring match outside Center City three days later, politely inquiring if this suited him.
Naturally, he saw no issue with it.
He could ask for nothing better than to battle a seasoned veteran martial artist like this. He also wanted to see which of the two was stronger between Rossard and Su Kuo.
Moreover, judging by the wording and how swiftly the man had arrived, he could roughly guess the old gentleman's intentions.
Both of them were martial artists at the Longevity View tier, so a duel between the two of them alone would be enough to decide victory and defeat for both sides. The other Tawatinian martial artists would not need to take the field, thereby preventing even greater losses.
He handed the letter over to Delegation Leader Xie to read. Having reviewed it, Xie felt a slight pang of regret; in his heart, if they could seize this chance to deal a heavy blow to the Tawatinians, their influence in the southern Outer Ocean would inevitably shrink, which would be exceedingly advantageous to Great Shun.
He said, "This old gentleman certainly possesses vision. Over the years, I've heard he has continuously sponsored young people in the Tawatinia region to help them grow. Many youths view him as an idol and revere him, yet he has walked down the wrong path."
With that, he shook his head. "The more successful he is in the Federation, the more it gives Tawatinian youths the illusion that they can emulate him and achieve success in the Federation too. As a result, more and more local talent drains into the Federation."
Chen Chuan nodded. The old gentleman's intentions were noble, but the ultimate outcome ran completely counter to his initial aim. And Tawatinia's youth still didn't realize anything was amiss—after all, there was an established role model right before them.
Delegation Leader Xie asked, "Section Chief Chen, are you confident?"
Chen Chuan said, "I will do my best."
Delegation Leader Xie nodded. Even though Chen Chuan gave no outright guarantee, for some inexplicable reason, Xie felt confident.
Once the two settled on this, they promptly sent Rossard a polite reply and publicly acknowledged the challenge.
This time, out of respect for both figures' status, the news was not disclosed to the general public. It circulated only within the Vea State administration, the two delegations, and international martial arts circles. Even so, worldwide attention was not the least bit diminished; many martial artists who were nearby even sought to come in person to witness the battle.
The administration of Vea State rapidly carried out a series of arrangements to ensure the duel could proceed as smoothly as possible.
That very same day, the parking lot in front of the Non-Body style dojo was packed with vehicles. Representatives from numerous corporations and security personnel stood gathered there. For the dojo master, Rowena, had stated that by today or tomorrow at the latest, she would decide on the ownership of the dojo.
In truth, the various corporations could have employed far more forceful measures, seeing as the old woman had no cards left to play. Yet having operated in Center City for so many years, she had accumulated some network of connections.
Those people were not entirely devoid of sentiment, though it amounted to very little. They could stall the sale and transfer process, but they wouldn't prevent it outright—especially when many harbored designs of their own.
At this moment, two corporate representatives were checking their watches. One said impatiently, "Are we just going to keep waiting like this?"
The other said, "It's the higher-ups' call. Just wait. Anyway, once midnight passes, we'll use other methods." He glanced at the other corporate representatives. "Their thinking is likely the same."
"With so many people eyeing the dojo, no single party will be able to swallow it whole."
"Perhaps. But in the end, it still comes down to the old woman's decision."
"She hasn't stepped out these past two days?"
"Not these past two days, no. She's been holed up inside without showing herself, nor has she gone to see—"
Mid-sentence, his companion suddenly nudged him and pointed forward. "Look!"
Everyone in the parking lot saw Rowena emerge from within.
Was she going to make her decision?
Rowena leaned on a cane, draped in a brown silk coat. Although she appeared advanced in years, no one present forgot that she was a third limit fighter. That cane could turn into a lethal weapon at any second. Only in this city of fighters, where so many corporations were tied to martial artists, was she cornered; otherwise, she was more than capable of protecting the properties under her name.
Rowena did not look at the corporate representatives. After stepping down the stairs, she got into her private car with the assistance of several female assistants, then drove away from the grounds.
Those around couldn't help wondering: where was she headed?
Ten minutes later, they received confirmation from resonators: if her travel route was anything to go by, she was heading to the hotel where the Great Shun delegation was staying.
The Great Shun delegation?
Everyone exchanged glances. Did she want to seek asylum from Great Shun?
Yet that made no sense. The corporate representatives present knew full well that Rowena's father, Luo Xiao, had met his demise at Mr. Chen's hands, which stripped her of her backing and prompted their predatory visits in the first place.
Or had she gone to demand an explanation?
That would be vastly overestimating herself.
Or perhaps...
A possibility crossed all their minds. Though it felt unbelievable, with no way out left to her, it might not be impossible.
Inside the Great Shun delegation's quarters, Chen Chuan learned of Rowena's visit. He glanced at the display on the field screen, thought for a moment, and said, "Send her in." At the same time, he opened a communication link with Delegation Leader Xie.
After waiting a short while, Rowena stepped inside and bowed to him. "Section Chief Chen, greetings."
Chen Chuan said, "Ms. Rowena, please have a seat."
Rowena bowed in thanks and sat down to the side. After thanking the attendant who served her tea, she looked at Chen Chuan.
"I thought you would give me a cold reception." She added, "Then again, a great figure like you would hardly care about an old woman like me, a pirate's daughter."
Chen Chuan said, "Ms. Rowena, your father is your father, and you are you. Besides, as I recall, your mother took you away from Luo Xiao when you were very young. Your mother was an admirable woman who raised you on her own and provided you with a complete Great Shun education. Mm, I remember your Eastern Continent calligraphy is quite accomplished as well."
Rowena looked at him with some surprise. "Mr. Chen even knows about that?"
Chen Chuan said, "I have seen the calligraphy entries you submitted to Great Shun competitions when you were young. Even back then, your foundation was solid."
Rowena nodded silently. Evidently Chen Chuan was already well aware of their background, so there was no need for her to beat around the bush.
She said, "Here is the matter: this old woman has come today to discuss a piece of business with you."
Chen Chuan said, "Business?"
Rowena said, "Yes. My Non-Body style dojo... I feel I can no longer sustain its operations. So I would like to transfer this dojo..." She looked at Chen Chuan. "...to you, sir."
When she arrived, Chen Chuan had already guessed part of it. He asked, "And your reasons, Ms. Rowena?"
Rowena said, "I can no longer protect this hall. I want to return to Great Shun, to see my mother's homeland. At my advanced age, I have never been back to see it. I always heard my mother say the red maple forests of her hometown were extraordinarily beautiful; I want to see them with my own eyes. Furthermore, I heard that you defeated Cui Xuanhui at Liberty College, Mr. Chen. In terms of both credentials and strength, you are the most suitable person."
Delegation Leader Xie's voice sounded through the boundary credential: "Section Chief Chen, if possible, find a way to purchase this dojo!"
The Non-Body style dojos were premium assets spread across the Federation. Weren't all those corporations coveting them? If feasible, this business could serve as a valuable addition to Great Shun's assets within the Federation.
Chen Chuan looked at her and said, "Ms. Rowena must have conditions?"
Rowena said, "I have only one condition: the founders of the Non-Body style dojos are my mother and me. That must never change. As long as Mr. Chen agrees, we can sign the transfer agreement today."
Chen Chuan pondered for a moment, then nodded. "Ms. Rowena, if that is your only condition, I can personally agree to that on my own authority."
Hearing him say this, a spark of vitality appeared in Rowena's eyes. "I trust Section Chief Chen's word." Pausing, she added, "Could this matter be finalized today?"
Chen Chuan said, "Are you in such a rush, Ms. Rowena?"
Rowena sighed. "Mr. Chen knows the situation of the dojo. The sooner it is settled, the sooner I can find peace of mind. Out there, so many eyes are watching me."
Chen Chuan looked at her for a moment. "In that case, Ms. Rowena, please wait here for a while."
Chapter 1139