Arrival

Instructor Wen smiled and said, "Although there is no explicit regulation, by long-standing tradition, a sponsor is not only a guide, but also a protector for the protégé within the faction, bearing the duty to provide essential instruction and pass down the faction's secret arts." With a touch of regret, he continued, "Had this been earlier, I would have gladly served as your sponsor, Supervisor Chen. But given your current strength and status, I believe I am no longer suitable." In terms of fighting techniques, Chen Chuan had already mastered Mind Jin, whereas Wen Tong himself stood at this very level. Aside from a few secret arts and techniques, he had virtually nothing left to teach Chen Chuan, let alone act as his shield and support. As for government posts, the gap between them was wider still. Although that was partly due to his personal choices, he clearly could offer Chen Chuan no meaningful backing in that sphere either. Such a sponsor was obviously inadequate. Looking at Chen Chuan, he said, "Supervisor Chen, I accept your application. I will find a suitable sponsor for you. Please leave a way to contact you, and I will get back to you as soon as I receive word." Chen Chuan nodded. Taking a notepad from his pocket, he jotted down his contact details, tore off the sheet, and left it on the table. "Instructor Wen, Center City granted me three months of leave. I'll likely stay in Yangzhi City for about a month, so I can generally be reached here during this period. If I travel elsewhere, I can still be reached via this telephone number or telegraph frequency." Instructor Wen said, "I'll send a telegraph shortly to submit your application upstairs. Go on back and await word, Supervisor Chen. If things move quickly, we should hear something within half a month; if slower, it might take forty to fifty days." "Thank you, Instructor Wen," Chen Chuan said, rising to his feet. "Then I'll head back and wait for news. Sorry to have troubled you today. I'll take my leave." Instructor Wen rose and escorted him all the way to the door. Chen Chuan turned back and said, "Please don't trouble yourself, Instructor Wen." With a polite nod, he stepped out and departed. Walking back, Chen Chuan reflected on what Instructor Wen had told him. He felt that these major modern factions could no longer be viewed merely as martial arts schools. Capable of advancing their own distinct ideologies and political agendas, they were organizations wielding substantial influence at the upper levels. However, Instructor Wen had only asked him a few questions and had not explained much about the Purist Faction itself—doubtless because he was not yet a true inner member. For now, the Purist Faction imposed virtually no demands or restrictions on peripheral members, leaving them free to come and go as they pleased. Once one became a true member, however, that clearly would no longer be the case. Still, the evaluation established by the Purist Faction went both ways: while they assessed him, he could also evaluate them. If their ultimate philosophy ran contrary to his own, he could always consider other options. Upon returning home, he conducted some routine training in the courtyard. He intended to wait a few days before visiting Teacher Cheng, as Wuyi was currently approaching the end of the term—typically the busiest time of year for everyone across the academy. Given his current standing, Wuyi Academy would surely arrange a formal welcoming ceremony if he went now, which would only impose an unnecessary burden on the school. It would be far better to visit on a rest day so as not to disturb anyone. Come afternoon, he departed in his assigned vehicle and made his way to the place where Molan Company's personnel had been wiped out by artillery fire. A railway was under construction here as a joint venture between Yuangan Company and the government, aimed at linking the northern naval port of Hangu City with Yangzhi City. Work on this line had commenced around the time he left Yangzhi City to study in Center City, and it was projected to take another two to three years to complete. Once finished, there would be a fully connected overland transport corridor to the north, allowing troops to drive straight down from northern overland regions while the south could ship more soldiers and supplies north. Seated inside his dedicated vehicle and flanked by escorting armored vehicles before and behind, he toured along the completed section of the route. It wasn't that he possessed any personal interest in the project; rather, upon his return, the Disposal Bureau had instructed him to inspect the site if he had time. Although Yuangan Company was a state enterprise, the Disposal Bureau still bore the duty of keeping it in check, as such corporations had to remain firmly in state hands. At his level, he was already privy to certain internal workings: aside from the Disposal Bureau, personnel from the State Administration Bureau kept constant watch inside these state enterprises. Together, an inside and outside presence held firm control, ensuring they did not slip out from under governance. As he conducted his inspection, Yuangan Company's security guards noticed the motorcade and immediately reported it to the local supervisor. Recognizing the motorcade's extraordinary caliber, the supervisor promptly contacted company headquarters and was instructed at once to let them proceed without questioning. If the visitors came to inquire, they were to answer truthfully with whatever they knew; if they did not stop, there was no need to approach, and they should simply remain silent. The supervisor immediately realized that some prominent figure must have arrived, and promptly instructed his subordinates not to interfere, to grant unobstructed passage throughout, and to accommodate any requests as best they could. Chen Chuan was merely going through the motions, and both sides understood the implied message. After a cursory look around, he headed straight back without stepping out of the vehicle or contacting anyone. Back home, he drafted a report on the spot. Once transmitted to the bureau by telegraph the next day, his obligation would be fulfilled. The next morning, just as he was preparing to leave for the bureau, the telephone in the living room rang. Picking it up, he found that it was Mr. Wen calling. "Supervisor Chen, the faction has responded. In two days, an evaluator will arrive, and he will most likely serve as your sponsor as well." Chen Chuan was slightly surprised. "So soon?" Wen Tong smiled and said, "It is rather quick. It shows that the faction values you highly." At first, he too had been surprised by how swiftly the faction reacted, but on second thought it was hardly unexpected. For Chen Chuan to reach his present position, he required not only unimpeachable achievements but also ironclad personal strength. And to accomplish this before the age of twenty... while there might be comparable youths among those he knew, they all possessed extraordinary pedigree or powerful backgrounds to rely upon. Chen Chuan was the only one who had reached such heights purely by his own efforts. Once restrictions from above were lifted from such a talent, the heights he could reach were hard to fathom; in the future, he might even become a pillar sustaining the faction. If he could see this, those within the faction could see it just as clearly, and they certainly would not let him slip away. If they delayed, another faction might well recruit him first. He glanced at the incoming telegram. The sponsor named was not the one he had requested, but someone else. After a moment's thought, he murmured to himself, "Perhaps this is for the best." Two days later, a train was traveling toward Yangzhi City. In one of the VIP compartments sat a tall, slender man with medium-length hair. Though somewhat untidy, his hair was completely clean. He wore a semi-worn trench coat, and beside him rested a suitcase scuffed in numerous places. Throughout the entire journey, he remained motionless in his seat, and not a single soul came in to question him. Several hours later, the train's broadcast sounded an announcement, informing passengers that the train had arrived at the Yangzhi City station. The tall, thin man rose from his seat and walked off the train onto the platform. At that moment, a dense crowd of government officials, along with ranked formations of security soldiers and constabulary officers, stood waiting in the reception area. This was because an administrative official arriving from elsewhere had taken this very train—or rather, the train was his dedicated special. The tall, thin man cast a casual glance and walked straight past the ceremonial ranks. Yet neither the speaking official, nor the standing security soldiers, nor the accompanying fighter bodyguards noticed him at all. Even when he passed within half a meter of their eyes, it was as if he were entirely invisible. Leaving the station, he spotted an apple stall by the roadside, casually picked up an apple, and tossed in a coin. After walking for a stretch, he looked at the buildings and streets outside. As if recalling something, he patted down his pockets and produced a slip of paper, which read: "Number 53, Constabulary Family Quarters, Jingtan Road, Baofeng District. After exiting the station, head straight north along Station Boulevard until Caiyuan Street, then turn west..." After the detailed address, the note suggested taking the local tram or a rickshaw, noting that it would be more convenient than searching on his own. He seemed thoroughly dismissive of the latter advice. Looking up to get his bearings, he strode forward with supreme confidence. By now, Chen Chuan had arrived at Instructor Wen's residence, sitting there awaiting the sponsor's arrival while inquiring about his identity. Instructor Wen smiled and said, "He is a martial artist whose lineage can be traced back to the early Purist Faction of the old era. For him to serve as your sponsor and evaluator is exceedingly fitting, Supervisor Chen." "A martial artist..." Chen Chuan's interest was piqued. That they would dispatch a martial artist to act as his sponsor gave him a fresh appreciation of the Purist Faction's strength, while also conveying just how seriously they regarded him. He asked, "Instructor, shouldn't we go out to meet him?" Instructor Wen shook his head. "His temperament is somewhat eccentric. He dislikes formal welcomes and send-offs, so it's best we simply wait here." Chen Chuan nodded. Yet their wait stretched until seven in the evening, and still no one had appeared. Chen Chuan had heard from Instructor Wen that the train was scheduled to arrive around one in the afternoon. Furthermore, Wen had called earlier to confirm there were no delays today. Even with minor hold-ups along the way, the man should have arrived by now regardless. Instructor Wen did not seem surprised. Smiling, he said, "Let's wait a bit longer." Chen Chuan suddenly felt a subtle sense of déjà vu. The two sat there until nearly midnight, when almost the only lights remaining in the vicinity came from their house. Finally, footsteps sounded outside. Instructor Wen smiled. "He's here." Chen Chuan stood up and followed him out of the living room into the courtyard outside. There, carrying a suitcase, a tall, thin man strode in from the entrance.