Conferral of the License

In the upstairs room, Chen Chuan sat behind the desk, wiping down the Xuejun Saber and applying maintenance oil. After today's battle, he could clearly sense a deeper affinity between man and blade, and along the spine of the saber, a faint trace of a bloodline had subtly emerged. This was likely the mutated tissue inside the saber undergoing its own metamorphosis, which was by no means a bad thing. As he wiped the blade, he reviewed today's battle in his mind, examining his shortcomings to see if he could have done better. In truth, the moment Fist Lion let him sit so close, the outcome had already been decided. At that distance, he could unleash his full speed and power, and in a conventional clash between fighters, nothing mattered more than that. Once Fist Lion—the gang's core pillar of combat strength—was dealt with, the rest were easy pickings. Yet if it had been an all-out, chaotic melee... He reflected for a moment. As long as that bio-weapon of unknown combat power didn't enter the fray, the outcome still wouldn't have been in doubt. The process might have dragged on longer, costing him more stamina, and one or two lackeys might have slipped away. Moreover, if the fight had drawn out and the other buyer had arrived, things could have become far more unpredictable. He turned his gaze toward the metal case resting against the wall. The Tayana combat spider was inside. It wasn't large—it could fit into a briefcase, making it very easy to carry. Following Hu Xian's suggestion, he had also found three high-energy nutrient cans in that building. From the looks of it, waking the creature required feeding it a can each time. Such nutrient cans were fairly difficult to come by and required special channels, mostly because of their exorbitant cost. No wonder Fist Lion had been so eager to sell it off; keeping it in his hands served little practical purpose. It was a "pet" only the wealthy could afford to maintain. Just then, a firm, rhythmic knock sounded at the door, followed by a voice asking, "Student Chen, are you asleep?" Chen Chuan sheathed the Xuejun Saber, walked over, opened the door, and stepped aside. "Commissioner Feng, please come in." Old Feng stepped inside, his eyes swiftly sweeping over the room before he smiled wryly to himself. They weren't on an active mission right now, yet his professional habits died hard. He turned around and said to Chen Chuan, "Student Chen, I just received a telegram from above. Your matter has been officially confirmed." With that, he handed over the decoded telegram. "Congratulations." Chen Chuan took it. After reading its contents, his heart settled. Looking up, he said, "Thank you, Commissioner Feng. I appreciate you bringing it over in person." Old Feng smiled. "When there's good news, of course I have to—" Chen Chuan asked, "Where do I need to go?" Old Feng said, "If there's no further notice in the telegram, someone should be coming straight here to see you. So all you have to do is stay put." "Right here?" "Yes, right here." Old Feng continued, "From what I know, different assessment tasks, completion methods, and efficiency elicit different responses from higher-ups. In the past, among the students who came to the Chaotic Lands for their assessments, aside from those who gave up voluntarily, very few managed to complete it entirely on their own. And there has never been anyone who accomplished it as... as efficiently as you did. So awarding the license here carries a special significance." There had been no need to mention these things before the exam, but now that it was over, it hardly mattered. Besides, a student who could earn this kind of license was practically guaranteed to have caught the eye of the upper echelons, so offering a bit of goodwill did no harm. Even setting that aside, having reviewed Chen Chuan's personnel file, he personally held the young man in high regard. "I wonder how long I'll have to wait," Chen Chuan remarked. "Shouldn't be too long, a few days at most." Saying that, Old Feng put on an exaggeratedly stern expression. "Though you'll have to cover your own lodging expenses. The evaluation panel won't reimburse a single copper." Chen Chuan couldn't help but smile. Old Feng said, "It's getting late. If there's anything else, we'll talk tomorrow. But this is the Chaotic Lands after all. The assessment might be over, but you still need to stay alert." Chen Chuan nodded. After seeing Old Feng off, he considered whether to make a phone call to Cheng Zitong. They had agreed earlier that once he passed the assessment, he would dial a designated number without needing to let the call go through. Yet after giving it more thought, he realized that having just arrived yesterday, calling today might only cause Cheng Zitong to overthink things. Since obtaining the license would take only a few days anyway, he might as well wait until he had the license in hand before reporting everything at once. He went back, finished maintaining his saber, washed up, and turned in for the night. The hostel remained perfectly peaceful, but along the street adjoining the Chaotic Lands, tonight was buzzing with activity as telegrams flew back and forth without pause. Word had spread that Fist Lion, who was holding the goods, had met with an outside buyer today and tried to double-cross them once again, only for his entire crew to be wiped out by an expert at the buyer's side. What was more, the buyer possessed an immense backing—so formidable that even Mr. Blue Sparrow had dared not linger, turning around and leaving as soon as he arrived. Because Mr. Blue Sparrow refused to utter a single word about the incident afterward, several factions in the Chaotic Lands who had originally paid no attention grew curious. They instructed their informants stationed in the town to find out what had actually happened and who that buyer was, though none managed to uncover any useful leads anytime soon. Three days later, a special train pulled into the railway station. Once it came to a complete stop, a group of people in black overcoats stepped off. Every one of them possessed sharp, piercing eyes. As they walked out, the armed security guards stationed around the platform raised their hands in salute in unison. Among them, a square-faced middle-aged man was none other than Commissioner Cao, who had personally delivered the assessment dossier to Chen Chuan that day. Stepping out of the station, he looked at the snow blanketing the plaza outside and said, "I remember when I took my assessment back then, it was snowing just like this. Twenty years have flashed by in the blink of an eye, yet this place hasn't changed much." A subordinate beside him said, "Commissioner, the place hasn't changed, but the people are different." "Indeed." Commissioner Cao emphasized, "The people are different." By now, several vehicles had driven out from behind the station and parked nearby, but they remained standing where they were. After waiting a few minutes, a car drove toward them from the main road across the way. Entering the snow-dusted plaza, it stopped not far before them. The door swung open, and Old Feng stepped out, walked up to him, and extended a hand with a smile. "Commissioner, I've been waiting for you." Commissioner Cao gripped his hand firmly. "Old Feng, thank you for your hard work. Is the kid still here?" Old Feng replied, "Still here. I have to say, this assessment was the most invigorating one I've ever overseen. That kid really lifts one's spirits." Commissioner Cao said, "Young people ought to be like that." Old Feng stepped aside and gestured. "Ride in my car." Commissioner Cao nodded and walked toward it, remarking as he walked, "Just don't drive me into a ditch." Old Feng pointed at him and chuckled. "Still holding a grudge, are you? It's been twenty years, and you're still bringing that up." Getting into the car, Commissioner Cao said, "Revisiting an old haunt naturally brings up old memories. Hard not to think about it." Once he was in, the others boarded the cars alongside them. Doors slammed shut in a flurry of thuds, and the long motorcade set off toward the street where the hostel was located. The lead vehicle drove straight to the building Fist Lion and his crew had occupied. Commissioner Cao and Old Feng stepped out. Old Feng began, "I'll go call—" Commissioner Cao waved a hand to stop him and walked straight inside. Having heeded Old Feng's instructions, Chen Chuan had been waiting here since early morning. When the group entered, he recognized the man walking at the very front. Old Feng introduced, "Student Chen, this is Commissioner Cao." Commissioner Cao said, "Student Chen, we have met once before. I come today commissioned by the evaluation panel, tasked with presenting you with the 'unlimited defense license.'" He raised a hand, and a gloved subordinate stepped forward holding a small case. Arriving before Chen Chuan, the man opened the case and presented its contents with both hands for him to view. Chen Chuan glanced inside. Resting within was a jade card resembling a weapons license, dark teal-black in color, its surface adorned with patterns of blood-red haze that looked like diffused cinnabar. Inscribed upon it were his name and registration number, both written in ancient seal script, just like on the weapons license. Commissioner Cao took a booklet from another subordinate, opened it, and read aloud on the spot: "'Hereby certified: Student Chen Chuan, possessing bravery and resolve, astute and decisive in conduct, is approved for the authority of unlimited defense. A gentleman harbors his instruments and acts when the time is ripe; may you temper your body and hone your mind, persevering in diligent study without cease. Conferred with special commendation. Inscribed by Liang Yonghang, Head of the National Evaluation Panel. Summer, Year Ninety-Three of the Republic of Great Shun.'" With that, he closed the booklet and handed it to Chen Chuan with both hands. His expression turning solemn, Chen Chuan stepped forward and accepted it with both hands. Once he put it away, the man holding the case presented the unlimited defense license before him. Drawing a breath, he lifted the defense license from the case. It felt cool and noticeably weighty in his grasp, its material seemingly of a higher grade than that of his weapons license. Commissioner Cao then said gravely, "Student Chen, I must remind you: holding an unlimited defense license makes you half a law enforcer. You possess rights, but also obligations. Should there be a national summons, you have two opportunities to decline. Exceeding two refusals will result in the revocation of your license and your qualification." Chen Chuan nodded. "I understand." He knew full well that the rights granted by the higher-ups were never given for free; to enjoy privileges naturally meant assuming responsibilities. Commissioner Cao's expression softened slightly. "Student Chen, I look forward to your future performance." Without another word, he turned and took his leave, his subordinates following close behind him. Commissioner Cao knew in his heart that there had actually been a debate within the evaluation panel over whether to permit Chen Chuan to take this assessment. The number of candidates each year was limited, and Chen Chuan was only a first-year student. By all rights, he should have deferred to the third-years. Yet his recommendation evaluations had been overwhelmingly outstanding; there was no legitimate reason to hold him back, but doing so meant taking a slot from a third-year, which naturally sparked controversy. It wasn't out of self-interest; rather, some believed his strength had not yet reached the required level and thought it better to temper him and grant him an opportunity in his second year instead. Yet others objected, pointing out that having evaluations from three departments during one's first year—not even counting the Disposal Bureau—was completely unprecedented. He was clearly a talent the likes of which had never been seen before, and an exception ought to be made. Now, all debates could be put to rest. Back in the car, a subordinate asked, "Commissioner, where to next?" Commissioner Cao glanced outside. "Since we're already here, let's pay a visit to a few old friends." With that, he looked ahead. "Let's go." The vehicle started slowly, soon departing the area. Meanwhile, having received the license, Chen Chuan had concluded his business here. He returned to the hostel to pack his things, preparing for the journey home. He had originally thought about taking a few days to rest, but the evaluation panel had booked his return ticket in advance—for this very afternoon. Recalling how the evaluation panel repeatedly stressed their tight budget, he decided not to add to their financial burden. Once packed, he bade farewell to everyone at the hostel and got ready to catch his train. Hu Xian and Old Feng both came outside to see him off. Chen Chuan said, "Sister Hu, Commissioner Feng, I'm heading back now. Take care." Old Feng said solemnly, "Take care!" Hu Xian said, "Little Brother Chen, remember to write." Chen Chuan smiled. "I will." Waving to them, he slung the case containing the Xuejun Saber over his back, picked up his suitcase, and walked off toward the station. Watching his figure recede into the distance, Hu Xian remarked, "I've been here all these years. Setting aside those who ended up lying here forever, even those who passed stumbled their way through. Someone like Little Brother Chen... I've never seen anything like it. He's bound for great things in the future. It's just that by then, I'll probably still be stuck watching over this godforsaken place." Commissioner Feng sighed wistfully as well. "True. But don't make it sound so bleak. With Little Brother Chen passing the assessment, the higher-ups took notice of this place too. Your post might actually be shifting soon." Hu Xian looked a little surprised. "Then who will take over here?" Then she let out a self-deprecating laugh. "Why am I worrying about that? In this miserable world, things keep turning no matter who's gone." Old Feng said softly, "That's true. But the more people like you there are, the better." "The more people risking their lives, the better, you mean?" Hu Xian tightened her collar and turned back toward the hostel. "I'm going back in. Why stand out here in the freezing wind? If you're not cold, Old Feng, I certainly am." Old Feng looked up at the azure sky and smiled faintly. "Is that so? Funny, I feel quite warm inside."