Chapter 636 - 375: Aftermath

April 26th. Two days had passed since the Fumu finished its division.

On the forty-ninth floor of the Profound Palace Building, Chen Chuan stood at the window, facing the bright, dazzling morning sun.

He was currently reading the news feed on his Realm Token, which was almost entirely filled with reports about the downfall of the Ferris Wheel Company. However, public opinion was largely negative.

The moment the Fumu’s division ended and the Domain’s shielding was lifted, the City Council learned of the situation at Ferris Wheel almost immediately.

The City Council immediately issued harsh condemnations against the Administrative Affairs Hall and several other departments. They also mobilized their vast media network, which began to widely report on the Administrative Affairs Department’s infringement on commercial interests and its use of excessive violence to suppress the company.

They stated that this move left many corporations feeling uneasy, causing them to question the Jibei Dao Central City Government’s ability to maintain a stable environment for business and public order. They also demanded that the Administrative Affairs Hall provide a reasonable explanation.

Some council members even suggested that the Civil Affairs Chief personally come forward to explain and apologize. They also proposed amending the emergency act to ensure similar incidents would not happen again in the future.

However, the Administrative Affairs Hall seemed unresponsive. This lack of reaction didn’t suggest an inability to parry the attacks, but rather that they were biding their time and waiting for the right moment.

Chen Chuan thought for a moment. ’The Administrative Affairs Hall took the initiative on this matter. They must have a counter-strategy and a backup plan.’

But even if the City Council knew this, they had to take such a stance. They represent the interests of various corporations and local factions, and they were obligated to speak out on this issue.

After watching for a little longer, he turned off the news. All the clamor, like a thousand repeating voices, vanished at once, leaving only the sound of the wind brushing against his face.

He raised his head and looked toward the far end of the city, feeling as if his spirit had instantly traveled to a very distant place.

For the past three days, he had been continuously absorbing Pure Essence, and he could feel the barrier blocking his path forward growing weaker and weaker.

However, all the Pure Essence he had absorbed in the last few days didn’t add up to what he had obtained on that first day. Even though his spirit constantly hovered on the other side, it took a long time to capture even a single wisp.

This was consistent with what Chen Bitong had said. The Pure Essence was likely beginning to scatter across Dashun and even the rest of the world, which was why he could access less of it.

Moreover, someone was probably starting to mend the breach in the World Ring by now. That was why he hadn’t slept at all these past few days, seizing every moment, day and night, to capture and absorb as much as possible.

But even if the breach could be sealed, it couldn’t stop the stirring in people’s hearts.

Anything that happens once in this world is bound to happen a second time.

It would have been fine if it had never happened before, but now that it had—and was proven to be possible—someone would definitely try again. Before, they couldn’t see the path; now, they knew another option existed.

He looked up at the dazzling sun, feeling its omnipresent light shine down upon him. ’This is probably what Teacher Chen truly intended,’ he thought. ’Not just to open a breach, but to create hope.’

After standing there a moment longer, he turned and returned to his training room. Having absorbed so much Pure Essence, he needed to convert it into true power as quickly as possible.

The morning passed as he cultivated. As noon approached, he received a voice message. It was from Counselor Pei, asking if he was free to discuss something.

He sent a reply, agreeing to meet in two hours.

A little after one in the afternoon, he emerged from the training room, washed up, changed his clothes, and came downstairs.

Just as he stepped out of the Profound Palace Building, a familiar car drove up. Once it was in front of him, the window slowly rolled down. From the back seat, Counselor Pei raised a hand in greeting. "Captain Chen, hop in."

Chen Chuan walked over, opened the door, and got in. The car started moving slowly, heading for the overpass.

Counselor Pei asked, "Have you seen the news these past few days?"

"I have," Chen Chuan said. "It’s all criticism and condemnation."

Counselor Pei smiled. "That means we did the right thing."

Just then, the car drove onto the overpass. He continued, "The higher-ups sent me to ask for your thoughts on how to handle Chen Bitong’s case. They want to hear your opinion."

Chen Chuan looked at him. "And what are the higher-ups considering?"

Counselor Pei sighed. "Letting him be remembered as a fallen hero is for the best. It preserves his reputation and provides a proper resolution for everyone else."

After several days of investigation, the Defense Department had a general idea of what Chen Bitong was ultimately trying to do.

But whether it was to control the flow of information or for other considerations, they didn’t want to expose the truth. Doing so would implicate more people and complicate matters further.

Having Chen Bitong die a hero’s death was the best option. That way, they wouldn’t have to worry about affecting military morale, and many of the people associated with him could be appeased.

The only problem was that they didn’t know Chen Chuan’s thoughts on the matter. After all, if they finalized this version of events, the credit Chen Chuan earned for dealing with Chen Bitong would be erased. For an ordinary Fighter, a simple notification and some compensation would have been enough, but with Chen Chuan, they had to consider his feelings.

Chen Chuan had displayed incredible strength during the incident, and his actions had been critical at every turn—especially the final strike that fell from the sky, which thousands of people witnessed firsthand. As word of the incident spread, his influence grew. Unbeknownst to him, he had even gained considerable prestige among the rank-and-file troops, a fact that forced them to consider the situation carefully.

When Chen Chuan didn’t answer immediately, Counselor Pei added, "Don’t worry, Captain Chen. The Defense Department gave me instructions before I came. We will provide you with appropriate compensation."

Chen Chuan actually had no objection. To be honest, this was the best outcome he could have imagined. "Then handle it as the higher-ups see fit," he said.

Seeing that he had no objections, Counselor Pei’s expression relaxed.

"Right, there’s one more thing. The Administrative Affairs Hall will be working to emphasize the just and necessary nature of this operation. In their official reports and narrative, they will likely promote a representative figure."

He paused for a moment before continuing, "And since Chen Bitong has already been sacrificed, his vacant position will need to be filled. The most likely candidate for that is you, Captain Chen."

He looked at Chen Chuan. "This isn’t necessarily a bad thing for you. Why do you think the higher-ups didn’t remove Chen Bitong, even though they knew he might be a problem?

"Was it a lack of evidence? No. It was because he had extensive influence and connections. That’s why they needed concrete evidence to move against him. Otherwise, not to mention his powerful, high-ranking old friends, military morale could have been severely affected.

"Of course, with fame comes its own burdens, so we will respect your decision. If you are unwilling, we won’t force you."

Chen Chuan wasn’t interested in any of that. Being put on a pedestal meant his every move would be watched, and he would be influenced and restricted to some extent. That wasn’t what he wanted.

He believed personal strength was what mattered most, not these superficialities. Once his power reached a certain level, others would have to accommodate him, not the other way around.

Seeing his lack of interest, Counselor Pei didn’t press the issue and moved on. "Captain Chen, I have some news I’m sure you’ll be happy to hear. In light of your meritorious service, the Defense Department has specially approved a three-month leave for you. You can get a good rest. If you’d like to visit other Central Cities or travel abroad, we can grant you special clearance."

Chen Chuan looked at Counselor Pei. "Is there a problem?" ’Even if they were giving him a vacation, they wouldn’t have specifically suggested he should leave the city,’ he thought.

Counselor Pei sighed before saying, "Captain Chen, you did an excellent job this time, but you may have also been targeted by certain people."

He warned, "The City Council is paying very close attention to your performance. They might try to use you to find an opening."

Chen Chuan thought for a moment. "Thank you for the warning, Counselor Pei. I understand."

After driving around for a while, Counselor Pei dropped him back off at Wuyi Academy. As Chen Chuan got out of the car and was about to walk into the building, a communication signal on his Realm Token began to flash and chime.

He glanced down and saw it was Yu Lie. After a moment’s thought, he accepted the call. "Major Yu, what is it?"

Yu Lie’s voice came through. "Captain Chen, sorry to bother you. Someone would like to meet with you. I was wondering if you might be available."

Chen Chuan asked directly, "Someone from the Temporary Special Action Committee?"

Yu Lie paused for a second, then answered frankly, "Yes. Don’t worry, I guarantee they only want to meet with you to discuss a few things. There’s no other motive. Captain Chen, if you feel uneasy, you can notify your contacts first."

Chen Chuan considered this. ’Yu Lie’s guarantee is worthless, but I have nothing to fear.’

From what Counselor Pei had said, the case on Chen Bitong was likely closed, with no possibility of it being reopened. They were probably looking for him for a different reason.

But if the people from this action committee kept pestering him, he wouldn’t be able to avoid them even if he tried. It would be better to just meet them, hear what they had to say, and then figure out how to respond.

"In that case, let’s meet," he said. "I’m free right now."

Yu Lie quickly agreed, adding that someone would come to pick him up immediately and asking him to wait. He then hastily ended the communication.

Chen Chuan, meanwhile, drafted a report on the matter and sent it directly to Director Wu. A mere five minutes later, three armored vehicles drove up and stopped in front of him. A door opened, and Yu Lie stepped out.

He walked up to Chen Chuan, gave him a complicated look, and said, "Captain Chen, Mr. Chu is waiting for you in the car." After speaking, he took a step aside and gestured for him to proceed.

Chen Chuan looked toward the vehicle, adjusted the brim of his hat, and walked toward it.

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