Before Chen Chuan had accepted the Ocean Exploration Group's invitation, they had promised to provide ample compensation and reward for his participation in the operation.
Anticipating that his upcoming training would require vast amounts of medicinal resources, he had submitted a requisition list to the group. He hadn't expected them to move so quickly and have everything assembled in such short order.
Upon seeing the notification, he didn't rush to collect the items. Instead, he picked up the prepared fragrant dew from the low table before him, took a sip, and asked Hu Kan, "What does Big Brother Hu plan to do next?"
Hu Kan replied, "Me? Born to toil, I reckon. Once this wraps up, there'll still be plenty to do. You see, the fissure at Anyao Arena definitely needs to be realigned, and going forward it'll only be allowed to lead to the Confluence. That means our people will have to occupy that section and extract the resources we need from within.
"Heh, that's a massive undertaking. Plenty to keep us busy."
Chen Chuan said, "It doesn't seem like Big Brother Hu is averse to it."
Hu Kan laughed aloud. "If I don't fight and sharpen my skills, I always feel like I'll fall behind the pack."
He patted the massive war hammer resting on the floor. "Your big brother makes a living off this pair of burly arms. If I can't outfight others, I won't even be able to hustle a decent meal, right?"
Chen Chuan nodded.
The logic was sound. Even as a martial artist, the moment one grew slack or went too long without clashing with others, one's techniques and combat instincts would deteriorate immediately.
Those who fought on the front lines year-round possessed the highest standards. There was no such thing as a martial artist who surpassed others purely through solitary, closed-door cultivation.
There was also the vital factor of maintaining one's physical condition. Without consistently sustaining a certain state and sufficient nutrition to preserve oneself, one's physical constitution would degrade. Although a martial artist's lifespan was theoretically boundless, in practice it required immense external support. Deprived of sufficient supplies, their bodies would gradually decline into decrepitude and meet their end.
Within the Fourth Limit lay a stage that served as his next objective—referred to in ancient texts as the "Longevity View." Upon attaining this stage, a martial artist could lock down their internal power, preventing spontaneous regression even in times of depleted energy.
The Purist Faction's *Mystic Void True Life* detailed methods for cultivating to this level. However, he remained quite a distance from it. At the very least, he needed to achieve full mastery of the Heaven and Earth Furnace, the Great Radiant Form, and the Great Firmament Form, tempering his body and spirit into unified harmony before he could attempt to enter that realm.
Hu Kan glanced outside, leaned in slightly, and said, "Brother Chen, you've heard of the Skyline Project, haven't you?"
Chen Chuan said, "I know of it."
He had first heard of the project from Ni Xixi, and later, after becoming an investigation team captain, he had read several files on the matter.
The initiative aimed to link every Center City across the globe. Yet it encountered staggering opposition, primarily because too many vested interest groups were involved. Despite widespread international calls for it, numerous nations and corporations whose immediate interests were at stake actively opposed it.
Corporations feared the emergence of an even greater centralized authority, reminiscent of the Grand Alliance of the past. Smaller nations feared falling under the thumb of major powers, while major powers refused to permit foreign infiltration into their internal affairs, let alone share their wealth and resources with other nations for nothing.
To say nothing of the worldwide scale, even domestic consensus remained unachieved. Consequently, the project had languished purely on paper.
Hu Kan said, "Domestically, there's no way to pull it off in a single stroke. But from what I've gathered through the company, certain figures up top who genuinely want to get things done are dead set on making it happen. The coastal Center Cities will be the first batch to unite, planning to establish a Center City at sea and string it together with the coastal hubs.
"Previously, there were no Center Cities in the Outer Ocean. The scarcity of fissures was one reason, but primarily, neither Great Shun nor the Linax Federation would permit it. Now that Ferris Wheel has collapsed, leaving a maritime power vacuum, we need to erect a Center City out here. Doing so will not only turn the Outer Ocean into a defensive bulwark against the exterior, but also serve as a beachhead against the Linax Federation.
"Oh, right. Brother, you're from Jibei Dao, aren't you? Once this Center City is built, Jibei Dao will surely be among the first to connect to it. When that day comes, we'll have another chance to fight side by side."
Chen Chuan agreed, "We will."
After chatting with Hu Kan a bit longer, Chen Chuan left the lounge and returned to the cabin prepared for him aboard the vessel. Standing by the railing and gazing at the churning seawater below, he sent a message through his boundary credential.
After a brief wait, the liaison arrived.
Following their greetings, the liaison produced a requisition sheet and handed it to Chen Chuan. "Mr. Chen, we have secured all the primary medicines on your list. As for the non-essential ones, we sent personnel to gather whatever they could, and about half have been located so far."
Chen Chuan was somewhat surprised. Those non-essential items were actually exceptionally rare and exorbitant herbs, reportedly almost impossible to find on the open market and requiring specialized channels to acquire. He hadn't truly counted on obtaining them, having merely mentioned them in passing. He had not anticipated the Ocean Exploration Group to wield such vast resources, tracking down so many in such a short window.
The liaison continued, "The remaining medicines are held exclusively by state-backed enterprises like the Qingnang Jade Workshop and Tiancong Baicao. Purchasing them requires special government authorization, and the annual quotas are strictly limited. We must submit advance applications, and even then, acquisition isn't guaranteed."
Chen Chuan said, "Understood. What is already on the list is more than enough. My thanks to your company."
"Please, you're too polite," the liaison replied hastily. "We were the ones who troubled you and asked for your exertion, Mr. Chen." Pausing, he adopted a solemn tone and asked, "Mr. Chen, would you be open to taking up a post with the Ocean Exploration Group?"
They had already gathered an account of the battle that had unfolded. Chen Chuan had contributed the lion's share of the effort; it could be said that the subjugation of both maritime arenas had been achieved almost single-handedly through his power. Crucially, Chen Chuan currently held no official post. If they could recruit him, it would be a tremendous triumph.
Even if the odds were slim, it was worth an attempt.
The Ocean Exploration Group and Canglong Group were bound to clash with the forces of the Linax Federation in the near future. Enlisting a martial artist of such extraordinary prowess would be invaluable.
He said earnestly, "Mr. Chen, the government is currently pushing hard on both eastern and western fronts. Due to certain complications, progress in the west has stalled, but our achievements in the east are substantial. Consequently, the state's investment in our group going forward will be immense.
"We can provide whatever training resources you require. Whatever is missing, we can find a way to track down. You can place your trust in our group's capabilities."
Chen Chuan did not give a definitive reply, saying only, "I will consider it."
The liaison did not expect immediate results; so long as they demonstrated sufficient sincerity, another attempt could always be made later if it didn't pan out today.
Dropping the subject, he said instead, "Earlier, you were resting when we disturbed you. As compensation, during your stay overseas, the group will cover all of your supplies and requirements."
Chen Chuan pondered the offer. Coming out here hadn't been easy, and there was no strict schedule for his next move. Since the Exploration Group offered to cover his daily necessities, he planned to find a place to practice the Great Radiant Form first. "Is there a quiet, scenic island out in the Outer Ocean?"
The liaison thought for a moment and tapped his boundary credential. A light screen projected before him, displaying a map of the Outer Ocean. Pointing to a specific location, he said:
"This is Gaoshi Island. Formerly the private retreat and detached estate of the Gong royal clan, it has been meticulously maintained for over a millennium, boasting exquisite and scenic vistas. Even after the Old Era ended, it remained in their possession. Following the fall of the Ferris Wheel Company, the House of Gong voluntarily ceded the island to us.
"We have turned it into a private resort island, accessible only to individuals who receive internal invitations from the group. Having cleared obstacles for our company, Mr. Chen, you are an honored guest. We can arrange for you to rest there for a period."
Chen Chuan checked the coordinates on his boundary credential. It wasn't far from their current position, reachable in just a day. "Then I'll trouble your side to make the arrangements."
The liaison promptly departed. Within an hour, Chen Chuan boarded an airship with his spoils of war, setting off toward Gaoshi Island.
Just as he departed, two more airships touched down on Kongshan Island, disembarking a large contingent of personnel clad in black trench coats and fedoras.
Commissioner Cao strode at the head of the group, asking, "Has the island's dock been cordoned off?"
An operative beside him replied, "Rest assured, Commissioner. Our undercover agents seized control of the dock at the first opportunity. Since those two left, not a soul has departed. Over the past few days, only three ships left the island; aside from the one Mr. Peng pursued, the rest have all been detained."
Commissioner Cao asked, "Has Xiaoyuezhai's quarters been inspected?"
"Not yet. We secured the perimeter immediately, but..." The operative lowered his voice. "Mr. Chen appears to have taken Xiaoyuezhai's weapon."
Commissioner Cao replied, "That doesn't matter. Xiaoyuezhai forged his weapon himself later on. That is not what we are looking for."
At that moment, another operative tapped his boundary credential, having evidently received a transmission from the airship. He reported, "Commissioner, a telegram has arrived. Mr. Peng has successfully intercepted the relic."
Commissioner Cao asked, "Has it been examined?"
"It has. It is indeed merely a third-class relic, unrelated to what we seek."
Commissioner Cao said, "Have them send it back first." Having issued his orders, he led his personnel swiftly into the Hall of Bright Light on the island and directed his subordinates to begin a thorough search and cataloging.
Several hours later, the operatives hauled a massive stack of archival records into the great hall.
Gazing at the materials, Commissioner Cao said with utter gravity, "Go through these with the utmost care. Do not overlook a single entry."
Chapter 816