Chen Chuan had no objections to this. To be frank, if Lutong Logistics lacked a suitable power backing them up, whatever they swallowed now would eventually be coughed back up once he left.
Perhaps the opposition wouldn't push things to extremes out of fear of his deterrence, but that was about all.
They likely understood this themselves.
Under such circumstances, unexpectedly crossing paths with Convergence Boundary—and having them show a willingness to offer support—made it completely natural that both sides would hit it off immediately.
Compared to other corporations, Convergence Boundary was at most in an exploratory expansion phase, so their conduct wouldn't be quite as predatory yet.
Naturally, he also understood that expanding market presence was only one aspect. The executives' real intention was probably to gather feedback through market deployment, speeding up the research and development of combat implants to prepare for the approaching new era.
This was something every company was doing; those incapable of keeping up would be gradually phased out, just like Molan Company.
He said, "If this is what both sides want, I have no reason to object. However, as the company's chief security consultant for now, I should remind you: once you step into the chessboard of the Lower District, it won't just be business competition—you'll likely face armed conflict as well."
Tang Zhang's expression grew a bit solemn. "We understand that, and we have prepared for it."
"Then handle it as you see fit," Chen Chuan said.
He would report this truthfully to the Disposal Bureau. He believed the other party had told him not only because of his possible ties to the people here, but also as an indirect way of briefing the Disposal Bureau.
Tang Zhang said, "Thank you for your understanding, Consultant Chen. I need to report this to the company as soon as possible. Please excuse me for a moment."
After speaking with him, Chen Chuan walked back. The parking spot chosen for the camp was carefully positioned; the encroachment felt through his Second Self was extremely faint, yet it was still there. This had to be a unique form of contamination.
He didn't know whether this was related to why the government had abandoned this place in the past. But for those living here long-term, unless they were fighters, the demand for implants would inevitably be very high.
Returning near the temporary motorhome Lutong Logistics had prepared for him, he saw Lan Xinnan walking toward him. It was obvious she was in high spirits. Once she reached him, she said, "I've talked it over with Master. The surgery is scheduled for the day after tomorrow. Brother Chen, thank you."
Chen Chuan said, "There's no need for thanks, Captain Lan. Seeing Teacher Yu regain normal mobility is what I want as well."
Lan Xinnan said, "I want to push the team to cooperate with Convergence Boundary Company. I hope this didn't cause you any trouble, Brother Chen."
Chen Chuan said, "Not at all. You truly do need a major power to rely on. As the leader of your team, this is a sensible choice and entirely beyond reproach.
"It's just that, Captain Lan, no matter where you are or who you work with, martial strength is the foundation of everything. Teacher Yu told me you're a talented individual. If you live up to your potential, I believe you will lead this team forward even better."
Lan Xinnan clearly took these words to heart. A resolute, hopeful smile appeared on her spirited face as she said, "Brother Chen, thank you for the reminder. I will."
Poison Ant Express retreated very quickly this time. Within just a single day, they pulled out from the territory they had seized from Lutong Logistics. Moreover, upon hearing the news, several former members of Lutong Logistics returned to the fold.
Among them, there were bound to be people planted by outside factions and Poison Ant Express. However, the team was currently short-handed and couldn't give up eating for fear of choking, so they adopted the approach of taking them in first and observing them closely.
Once Convergence Boundary finalized the partnership with Lutong Logistics, a security squad immediately deployed into the Lower District. This included a resonator team, who worked alongside Lutong Logistics to directly establish a powerful signal link with the surface.
With the assistance of the company's medical team, the camp spent two days preparing for the operation. On the third day, the implant surgery on Yu Gang officially began.
The surgery lasted a full day. The following day, as the medical pod door slid open, a tall figure stepped out.
Lu Ke had been waiting anxiously outside. Seeing Yu Gang walk out under his own power with all his limbs intact and functioning, he was instantly overcome with excitement. Rushing forward, he looked him up and down. "Master, you're recovered?"
He reached out to touch Yu Gang's new arm. Feeling its solid, powerful grip and texture, his eyes welled with warmth.
Yu Gang said, "Yes, I'm well."
He moved his arm. Though it wasn't his original limb, there was not the slightest stiffness or lag in its motion, and it even seemed to hold a strength he had never felt before. The sensation was novel.
The doctor responsible for implant maintenance walked over and advised, "Mr. Yu, your implanted limbs are currently capable of supporting normal activity, but the muscles and synthetic mutated tissues require adaptive training to integrate properly.
"When the time comes, we will conduct a systematic checkup.
"During this period, you will need regular injections of nutrient serums to restore and maintain your joints and nerves, along with a prescribed daily dosage of anti-alienation drugs in the early stage. You should fully adapt in about three to five weeks.
"Our implants also feature functional capabilities. If your heart and lungs undergo certain modifications, the synergy can unleash even greater power. And even if they suffer damage, placing you in a culture bed will allow for rapid repair."
Noticing the surrounding crowd gathering to listen, the doctor felt quite satisfied and continued, "Of course, even more important is the synthetic mutated tissue. With synthetic tissue, there's no need to worry about overgrowth or atrophy. When necessary, it can even be made to proliferate in an orderly manner with equipment support, accommodating the demands of your increasing strength."
Yu Gang flexed his arm again. The muscles bulged naturally beneath the surface. From the outside, apart from a slight difference in skin tone, no abnormalities were visible, and his finger joints moved effortlessly. He asked, "When can I begin my rehabilitation exercises?"
The maintenance doctor said, "Mr. Yu, your physique is exceptionally robust, and the implant compatibility is quite high. The surgery was very successful, so you can begin training as early as tomorrow. We recommend starting with light combat conditioning and gradually increasing the intensity each day.
"We will accompany you throughout the process to monitor your physiological changes, but please allow us to collect some data to aid our follow-up research."
"That's fine," Yu Gang replied.
Lan Xinnan stepped forward at this point, saying somewhat apologetically, "Master, I'm sorry."
This time, she had arranged for Yu Gang to receive all the implants at once, replacing even the leg that had barely been supporting him. To ensure Yu Gang would agree, she hadn't stated this openly at first, so Yu Gang had originally assumed he was only getting a single implant replaced.
Yu Gang sighed. "It seems my stubbornness only caused you all trouble."
"Master..."
"Xiao Nan, listen to me," Yu Gang said. He rested a hand on Lan Xinnan's shoulder and gave it a pat. "I don't blame you. I just didn't want to see you dragged down by this matter—that was never my intention. Starting tomorrow, accompany me in my rehabilitation training. Let's see if your combat skills have gotten rusty."
Feeling the broad, powerful palm resting on her shoulder, Lan Xinnan gave a heavy nod.
Yu Gang then looked outside. "Chen Chuan helped with this, didn't he?"
Lan Xinnan said, "Brother Chen arranged both the procurement channel and the implants."
"Where is he?"
Lan Xinnan said, "Brother Chen was here earlier, but he has business in the Upper District. Once he heard the surgery went smoothly, he left ahead of time. He asked me to bid farewell to you on his behalf, Master."
At that moment, Chen Chuan was riding back in Tang Zhang's private vehicle. Tang Zhang said, "Consultant Chen, I checked with the medical team. His injuries weren't sustained too long ago, and his physical foundation is solid. After a period of recuperation, he should regain sixty to seventy percent of his former strength. And our technology will continue to improve..."
As the car approached the tunnel entrance, Tang Zhang glanced at the rearview mirror and couldn't help saying, "Consultant Chen, look..."
Chen Chuan turned to look back. In the direction of the camp, the clustered vehicles had suddenly turned on all their headlights at once. The beams blazed brilliantly in the subterranean darkness, carrying an intense vitality found nowhere else.
Tang Zhang said, "They're seeing you off."
Chen Chuan nodded. Withdrawing his gaze, the vehicle soon turned into a long, deep tunnel. However, they didn't head straight back up; instead, they veered in another direction. About ten minutes later, Tang Zhang pulled the car to a halt and said, "He's right here."
Chen Chuan pushed the door open and stepped out, walking forward alone. Not far ahead, Old Bian was sitting by himself on a toppled concrete barrier. Upon seeing Chen Chuan, he slowly stood up.
"Elder Bian?" Chen Chuan said.
Old Bian stared at him, his entire body slightly tensed. Although he had watched Chen Chuan fight through the boundary credential, seeing Chen Chuan in the flesh and watching the young man stride toward him still made him tense up involuntarily.
Keeping a calm facade, he said, "It's me. Young man, out with it—why did you call an old fellow like me out here?"
When Chen Chuan had initially requested a meeting, he hadn't wanted to come at all. He had no idea what Chen Chuan intended. What if the young man feared he might cause trouble behind the scenes and decided to bump him off?
Yet circumstances were stronger than men. If he truly refused, not only would he lose the last shred of his formidable reputation, but if Chen Chuan were determined to target him, there was no guarantee he could stay hidden. If that happened, plenty of people would jump at the chance to kick him while he was down.
Noticing his tension, Chen Chuan smiled and said, "Nothing serious. I merely came to discuss something with you, Senior. I cannot stay in the Lower District for long, yet Lutong Logistics needs a skilled expert to watch over them. I recall you previously had a good relationship with Lutong Logistics, which makes you an ideal fit. So, I would like to ask Elder Bian to look after them on my behalf."
Old Bian was fuming inside, thinking, *Damn it, they kicked me out earlier, and now you want me to go back and do free labor? Are you threatening me? Do you think I'm that easily pushed around?*
Yet aloud, he said with a solemn air, "I've always viewed the people of Lutong Logistics as my own juniors. If they run into trouble, I certainly won't stand idly by."
Chen Chuan nodded. "I believe you, Elder Bian." He signaled toward the distance, and a company security guard immediately carried a case over and placed it before Old Bian.
Old Bian fixed his eyes on it. "This is..."
"Third-limit training medicine."
Chen Chuan smiled. While it wasn't special medicine, Old Bian clearly had no need for that anyway. "Then it's settled. Elder Bian, until next time." With that, he waved his hand and turned to leave.
After Chen Chuan left, Old Bian listened to the fading rumble of the vehicle in the distance. He stared silently at the case on the ground, let out a sigh, and bent down to pick it up. Patting it and feeling its hefty weight, he couldn't help cursing under his breath, "Damn it, he's got this old man completely figured out."
Striding toward the far end of the tunnel, he muttered as he walked, "Looks like this old man has to keep busting his back for another few years."
Chapter 412