Chen Chuan gave it some thought. As far as long blades went, having the Xuejun Saber was more than enough. That weapon had accompanied him until now, and the growth of its mutated tissue was already in complete harmony with his own body. There was no need to replace it, which would only require getting used to a new weapon from scratch.
Even if they claimed they could forge an identical replica, in practice the slightest difference was worlds apart. On the other hand, he could take a short blade for close-quarters combat. Pairing a long blade with a short one would allow him to handle any situation.
Thus, he said, "A short blade will be enough."
Officer Qiu carefully recorded his specifications and asked detailed questions covering his preferences for blade shape, dimensions, weight, and other specifics. After making adjustments against the database, the image of a short blade materialized within his boundary credential. Once Chen Chuan reviewed and confirmed the design, Officer Qiu sent it directly to the Logistics Department.
"This blade should take about ten days to forge," he said. "It will be stored in Enforcement Officer Chen's personal locker, ready for you to pick up at any time."
"Thank you," Chen Chuan said.
Officer Qiu understood clearly... Still, a talent of this caliber was bound to be a prime target for recruitment by all factions. He wondered whether they would truly be able to keep him this time.
He spoke up. "Enforcement Officer Chen, we came across a note in your records mentioning that you know throwing arts?"
"A little," Chen Chuan replied.
"Then this is just right." Officer Qiu reached out and passed over a polished wooden box with a smile. "This is a gift from Director Wu. Take a look."
Chen Chuan took it and opened the lid. Inside lay meticulously polished throwing pellets; a single glance told him they were exceptionally well-suited for throwing.
"Director Wu used these in his youth," Officer Qiu explained.
"Director Wu knows throwing arts as well?" Chen Chuan looked up at him.
Officer Qiu chuckled. "Of course. Throwing arts are remarkably versatile. In the hands of us fighters, they can sometimes be far more convenient than a gun. Plenty of people have trained in them. Mastering them to a high degree is difficult, but gaining a basic proficiency isn't hard at all."
Chen Chuan nodded, closed the box, and put it away. "Please thank Director Wu on my behalf, Officer Qiu."
"I'll pass along the message."
Officer Qiu agreed, then added, "That covers our bureau business for now. I hear you're heading home, Enforcement Officer Chen, so make sure to get some good rest." He stood up and offered a hand. "There is another relatively important matter, but there's no rush. We can talk about it once you return to Center City."
Chen Chuan nodded, stood up, and shook his hand. Then he asked, "Officer Qiu, may I ask how Wei Wusheng's corpse was ultimately handled?"
"Ah, that," Officer Qiu said. "His teacher, Yu Hongming of the Tianshu Gang, paid a sum of compensation and took it back."
Chen Chuan understood. "Thank you, Officer Qiu."
Gathering his things, Chen Chuan took his leave. After exiting the Disposal Bureau, he looked up at the bright sunlight outside, thought for a moment, and contacted Ni Xixi. "Sister Ni, I'm planning to head back to Yangzhi in the coming days. Before I go, I'd like to treat you to a meal. I'm not familiar with the restaurants in the city, so why don't you pick a place?"
"Sure," Ni Xixi said. "Let's do lunch today, then. Let me think... 'Shu Tianxia' is pretty good. Their aged broth is exquisite and carries a wonderful old-era flavor. How about there?"
Chen Chuan agreed. After hanging up, he located the restaurant through his boundary credential and reserved a private dining room. Looking over the photos of the venue, he found that the restaurant was built on a mountainside. Not only was it a highly rated dining spot, but it was also one of Center City's renowned vantage points for scenic views.
In all the time he had been in Center City, he had spent most of his days training, never really touring these leisure spots. Checking the time, he saw that lunch was less than an hour away. Rather than heading back, he simply fetched his car and drove straight over.
Half an hour later, he arrived at the location. Stepping out of the vehicle, he looked ahead. What left the deepest impression were two glazed glass trees of pure jade-white flanking the main gate at the foot of the mountain; light flowed within them as though it might spill out at any moment. Looking up along the mountain path, multi-tiered pavilions rose one above another amidst the sheltering greenery, requiring a climb on foot.
Of course, those who preferred not to walk could take the sightseeing elevators running along the cliffsides.
Walking up, however, held far more charm and allowed one to take in the scenery on both sides. For a fighter like him who wasn't pressed for time, it was perfect.
As he made his way up, he could see many young men and women around his age passing by on either side.
They were students from Center City's various higher academies. It was summer vacation, so there was plenty of foot traffic, and they frequently stopped to take pictures through their boundary credentials.
In Center City, there were three government-established higher academies founded by the Great Shun government, including Wuyi. However, major corporations also ran colleges to train their own personnel, so unless they were wearing uniforms, it was impossible to tell which school a student belonged to.
As Chen Chuan walked upward, students passing by couldn't help stealing a few extra glances at him, involuntarily pausing in their tracks.
As a fighter, he already possessed an imposing physique and naturally exuded an aura that commanded respect. Hands in his pockets, he strolled steadily up the mountain path, making even the security guards along both sides grow tense despite themselves.
Upon reaching the vicinity of the summit, Chen Chuan looked back. Because this spot happened to sit squarely on the city's central axis, the mountain road sloped down from the heights and merged into the straight thoroughfare ahead, parting the dense thicket of towering skyscrapers on both sides like a slender white line that stretched all the way to the horizon.
Gazing out from this height truly opened the mind and heart.
He stood there for quite a while before turning and, under the wary eyes of the security guards, entering the pavilion complex imbued with the architectural style of the old era.
Guided by a server, he took his seat in the reserved private dining room. Before long, Ni Xixi arrived. While ordering, she remarked, "Nice place, isn't it? Actually, this hotel's name used to have the word 'Ming'—Famous—in front of it."
Chen Chuan caught on. "'Ming Shu Tianxia'? Famed Across the Realm?"
"Right. That was its old title from the bygone era, though they dropped it later. Supposedly, before Center City was ever built, an imperial restaurant catering to the royal family stood on this very spot." Ni Xixi tapped the floor with her foot. "I was thinking, if they hadn't dropped that word 'Famous,' it would be an exact description of you right now, Brother Chen."
"I'm still a long way from that," Chen Chuan said.
"Not that far, actually."
Stirring her hot drink with a spoon, Ni Xixi said, "Did you know? Even though the various Center Cities are separated from one another, the government and the major corporations have supposedly been pushing a 'Skyline Project.' The goal is to link the fields of Center Cities across the country—and even the world—together. Once that happens, if anything happens in one Center City, the whole world might know about it instantly."
Chen Chuan considered this. "Pulling that off would take an enormous amount of resources."
"True. People have talked about it for years without it ever landing. But if a real need arises, things could shift overnight." Ni Xixi took a sip of her hot drink. "The domestic and international situations are in constant flux. That day might come when you least expect it, so you'd better be prepared."
Chen Chuan gave a slight nod. He lifted his eyes toward the road outside that seemed to divide Center City in two and stretched endlessly toward the distant horizon. "I will be."
After finishing lunch with Ni Xixi, Chen Chuan drove over to Baoguo Market, where he had shopped before, to pick up some gifts to bring home. When he returned to the Xuan Palace Building, he began packing his belongings.
Since he planned to stay home for a month, he needed to pack all the medicines required for his combat training, and Chaoming had to come along as well.
Once everything was more or less ready, he contacted Gao Ming. "Gao Ming, I'm about to head out. Do you need me to bring anything back to your family?"
"No need," Gao Ming replied. "You know how it is, Cousin—they're rarely home all year round. Cousin, just give my regards to Aunt and Uncle when you get back."
Chen Chuan agreed, and after a few more words, he ended the call and prepared to leave.
This time, he changed into the custom uniform tailored specifically for him by the Disposal Bureau. In terms of both material and cut, it was several tiers above his previous one. Wearing it along with the peaked cap gave him a sharp, valiant appearance.
The uniform also came with a protective cloak that shielded against wind and snow while providing a degree of defense. However, that was meant for winter; in this weather, it wasn't necessary.
Fully dressed, he checked to make sure nothing had been forgotten, then took his suitcase and Chaoming's little nest carrier and headed downstairs.
He had originally considered driving the Silver Lightning that sat parked down below, but on second thought, while that car looked flashy and boasted impressive speed, it wasn't great for carrying cargo. Moreover, the car lacked modifications, making it far less practical than the Jiade car, which was sturdy, durable, could haul plenty of luggage, and handled rough terrain with ease. With so many advantages to the Jiade, it was no surprise that even Youxing himself had rarely driven that Silver Lightning.
Exiting his quarters, he took the elevator down to the garage. Upon locating his car, he loaded his luggage neatly into the trunk and placed Chaoming's carrier on the back seat.
He had thought about strapping it down, but Chaoming settled in comfortably.
As he drove away from the Xuan Palace Building, Chen Chuan suddenly sensed something. Looking through the rearview mirror, he spotted Hongfu standing high atop an eave corner, and he stuck a hand out the window to wave to her.
Hongfu noticed, her lively eyes above the veil turning toward him as she watched his car drive off into the distance.
Chapter 349