At the bottom of the crater, Corva had already dropped out of his Exotic Visage. Blood seeped from his facial features, his eyes rolled back, and his body lay twisted at an awkward angle, unmoving—whether he was dead or alive was unclear.
Chen Chuan paid him no more heed and turned to walk back inside the building.
Skarson was still lying there. His injuries were severe, and under the lingering effects of Cold Claw, he couldn't recover on his own anytime soon.
Hearing Chen Chuan return, he was not surprised at all. Straining his voice, he rasped, "Section Chief Chen, could you do me a favor? There's a case of medicinal liquid in my luggage."
Chen Chuan walked over, spotted the medicine box immediately, and retrieved it. Stepping back in front of Skarson, he gave his fingers a squeeze. The box cracked open, and the medicinal liquid flowed over Skarson's face and body, quickly absorbed into his skin. His rate of recovery accelerated at once.
Because field interference here prevented any communication with the outside, Chen Chuan was about to head out when Skarson called after him from behind.
Turning back, Chen Chuan saw Skarson struggling into a half-seated position against the shattered wall, his face filled with guilt. "Section Chief Chen, may I ask a favor of you...?"
Chen Chuan watched him in silence.
With great difficulty, Skarson said, "Could I ask you... not to disclose this matter to the outside world for now?"
If this affair involving the investigation delegation were exposed, it would be an absolute scandal. An organization whose mission was to safeguard global security had secretly plotted to usurp a nation's Center City. Once the rest of the world learned of it, it would deal a devastating blow to the entire delegation.
Chen Chuan said, "Mr. Skarson, even if you hadn't mentioned it, I wouldn't have leaked this."
The implications were simply too vast. As the sole direct remnant surviving from the Grand Alliance era, if the Investigation Delegation collapsed like this, it would exert an immeasurable impact on the world stage, severely undermining the defense of the Ring of the World.
Throughout the world today, not every nation was strong and dominant. Under certain circumstances, the Investigation Delegation still upheld a degree of limited fairness—at least on the surface.
Not to mention that the delegation harbored many martial artists—some trained within its ranks, others who had joined voluntarily out of admiration. If the delegation ceased to exist, chaos would inevitably follow.
Yet choosing not to expose it publicly did not mean he would let it slide.
He said, "Regarding this matter, I need the Investigation Delegation to provide Jibei Dao with a clear explanation—one that satisfies us."
Gratitude showed on Skarson's face. He solemnly promised, "Section Chief Chen, we will. I swear it on my life and honor."
Chen Chuan nodded slightly. He did trust the man's integrity; even at the most perilous juncture, Skarson had never wavered. Still, trust aside, certain precautions had to be taken.
He said, "As for Mr. Corva, his actions crossed the line. For now, he must remain in our custody. We'll discuss how to deal with him later."
In a subdued tone, Skarson said, "I understand. It might be better for him to stay with you. Once I return, I will explain everything to the members of the delegation."
"Then that's settled," Chen Chuan said. "If you need assistance, contact me." With that, he turned and left, his footsteps fading away as his silhouette vanished into the light.
Only after quite a while did Skarson finally manage to stand up again. He shuffled slowly toward the exit. Stepping outside, he saw the scars left by the earlier fight. Corva had already been carried away, and the shield and short sword he had used were gone as well.
After leaving the interference zone, Chen Chuan first instructed the Disposal Bureau and City Patrol to secure the perimeter and search for anything suspicious.
Then he contacted Qi Weizhao and briefed him on the situation. Qi Weizhao responded swiftly, saying, "Section Chief Chen, bring him back immediately. We need to convene a security policy meeting as soon as possible."
Chen Chuan agreed and promptly summoned an airship, boarding with his captive. Barely fifteen minutes later, all members of the security group appeared on the field screen.
Qi Weizhao began by recounting in detail the situation reported by Chen Chuan, then solicited the group members' opinions and countermeasures on how to handle the incident.
After some thought, Yao Zhiyi was the first to speak. "Allow me to share my view. In the past, I came into contact with several members of the Investigation Delegation. They were people of self-sacrifice and profound dedication. I do not believe this issue stems from the entire delegation, nor does it reflect their collective will. It is likely just a small faction harboring these ambitions.
"It isn't that I place blind trust in them, but rather that all delegation members are bound by treaties and pacts—one of the reasons the international community trusts them. Even if one or two individuals stray temporarily, it's impossible for everyone to follow suit. In fact, the very fact that they failed to win over even both of the members sent here reinforces my judgment.
"In my personal opinion, this looks more like a rogue action by certain rogue elements within the delegation. They may have been enticed and provoked by interest groups, acting as pawns leading the charge."
He concluded, "They've been used."
Commissioner Liang said, "I agree with Principal Yao's assessment. Furthermore, I believe ordinary members of the delegation were likely kept in the dark, as common personnel are far too prone to leaks, which runs counter to keeping the operation covert."
"Indeed, they were probably used. And did they genuinely believe they could take over Center City through this opportunity?"
Qiao Weiting shook his head. "That notion is far too naive. Perhaps they truly bought into that international rhetoric."
To be sure, if successive security incidents befell a Center City, the Investigation Delegation was nominally permitted to take charge. But from an operational standpoint, that was utterly impossible to achieve.
Even setting aside national interests and the views of the majority of Jibei Dao's populace, strength was what ultimately mattered in the world. Great Shun's military was stationed right here, and three martial artists—Chen Chuan included—were in Center City. You want to take over? First ask if they agree.
Besides, could anything that couldn't be won through strength really be obtained through a few hollow words and a nominal title? It was an outright joke.
Permitting the Investigation Delegation to intervene this time was already the utmost concession and cooperation. The delusion that a single security incident could hand them control of Center City was sheer fantasy. Unless the Grand Alliance still existed today, such an outcome was inconceivable.
Commissioner Liang said in a heavy voice, "Those driving this from the shadows never expected to seize Center City. Their goal was to provoke internal conflicts within Great Shun, stymie Jibei Dao's progress, and drag us back to the past—back to the days when certain individuals and factions could plunder benefits at will."
He looked up. "We must find whoever is behind this."
Qi Weizhao turned to Chen Chuan. "Section Chief Chen, what are your thoughts?"
Chen Chuan replied, "The culprits must be found, but I suggest waiting for word from Mr. Skarson first. With foreign delegations gathered here right now, anyone could be behind this. The open conference is at the end of the month. I believe we should first tend to Jibei Dao's own affairs. Once the situation stabilizes, we can address the rest."
Qi Weizhao nodded with approval. "Indeed. We must prioritize our own agenda; there is no need to let others lead us by the nose. If we lose our footing, we will only play into our enemies' hands. For now, we must ensure our current efforts bear fruit, and only then sweep away that dross.
"However, the security work right before us must be executed flawlessly. Not a single slip-up can occur." He added gravely, "I must entrust this to everyone present."
Chen Chuan and the other group members answered with solemn assent.
After the meeting adjourned, Qi Weizhao shut off the field screen. Sitting in his chair, he contemplated in silence for a moment, dismissed Secretarial Officer Qiao Yang, and walked over to his desk.
He reached for a standalone telephone he rarely dialed, picked up the receiver, and entered a series of numbers. After a brief wait, he spoke into the phone: "This is Qi Weizhao. I have a matter to report."
In Bainiao District, two figures dressed in black evening wear still stood before the floor-to-ceiling windows, gazing out at Center City.
The tall, thin man on the left spoke: "No word has come back. The plan has likely failed."
The short, stout man on the right looked down at his dial, where the hand had wound backwards a few more turns. "Another variable has been added," he said.
"Then do we need to take the initiative and expose it?"
"The world cannot endure too much turbulence yet. The Investigation Delegation still has its uses, and exposing this offers no real benefit in containing the situation in Jibei Dao."
The short, stout man said, "The plan has failed, and there's no reason to linger here. Let's pull out. But before that, clean up all loose ends here."
The tall, thin man said, "I'll handle it."
Two hours later, within an underground post in Jiyang District.
A deputy approached Commissioner Cao's desk. Without lifting his head, Cao asked, "From which quarter?"
Noticing the silence, Cao looked up. The deputy solemnly presented a report. "Just transmitted from Bainiao District."
Commissioner Cao took it. Inside were photographs of two slain men, but he could recognize them as agents he had planted there.
He fell silent for a moment, then said, "Look after their families. Deliver the compensation pensions in person."
"Yes, Commissioner, I will handle it personally."
The deputy acknowledged, but then could not resist asking, "Commissioner, could these people possibly be..." He hesitated, stopping himself before saying more.
Commissioner Cao waved a hand. "Go on."
"Understood." The deputy saluted and took his leave.
Commissioner Cao sat there, seemingly waiting for something. Before long, the telephone on his desk began to ring. He reached out and lifted the receiver.
A voice came through the receiver: "Commissioner Cao, there are things you may investigate, and there are lines you must not cross. I shouldn't need to teach you that."
Commissioner Cao said, "Old Chu, you are a member of the National Special Operations Committee. I'd hope you would at least act like a human being first, rather than be their dog."
The other end stayed silent for a long moment before finally saying, "Don't say I didn't warn you." The line went dead immediately after.
Chapter 951