Chapter 640 - 379: Waiting

Inside the Defense Department office, a female assistant received several reports in succession. They had arrived from different intelligence channels. She quickly skimmed and organized them before passing them to Specialist Liang.

"Specialist, Captain Chen’s test came back with no issues. The Emergency Affairs Center wanted to find an excuse to keep him, but Mr. Xue came forward to vouch for him in the end. He has now left safely."

Specialist Liang was a bit surprised. "Mr. Xue vouched for him?"

But on second thought, it wasn’t too strange. After all, Mr. Xue was from Wuyi General Hospital. If Chen Chuan was studying under him, it was highly likely he would step in to vouch for him.

After all, every part of the world operates on networks and connections. Not to mention, Chen Chuan’s own demonstrated talent and strength made him worth it.

This was the best possible outcome.

However, his relief didn’t last long. As he continued to read, his brow furrowed. "Wang Weiguang?"

Given Wang Weiguang’s abilities and the mission he was tasked with at the time, it would have been impossible for him to have had the spare time to absorb Pure Essence. Afterward, when the Celestial Gate closed, it was even more out of the question.

So, this was clearly arranged by the City Council. They were turning the tables on them. This tactic was disgusting, but effective.

Especially since it currently seemed highly probable that Chen Bitong was responsible for the Pure Essence leak. If this was now linked to an employee under a government department, it would be a huge black mark.

The trust the government’s upper echelons had in the Jibei Dao Administrative Affairs Department, and in the abilities of people like them, would be called into question. Even with the merit of having destroyed the Ferris Wheel Company and eliminated the entity from the other side, it would be difficult to completely erase this stain.

Just then, an encrypted signal came through on his Realm Token. He glanced at it, accepted the call, and said, "Director Wu?"

Director Wu’s voice came through. "Specialist, you’ve seen it, haven’t you?"

Specialist Liang said, "I have."

Director Wu said, "It’s clear their original plan was to find a breakthrough with Captain Chen, thereby implicating the Defense Department and the Processing Bureau, and use that as their sharpest weapon in a counterattack.

But they were probably afraid we would go all out to protect Captain Chen and weren’t completely confident they could take him down. So, they found Wang Weiguang as a backup. They just didn’t expect Mr. Xue to suddenly step in, so they had to hastily push Wang Weiguang to the front.

But Wang Weiguang himself doesn’t carry enough weight. Even if they throw this stone, it won’t make much of a splash. There’s a limit to the trouble they can stir up with this."

Specialist Liang said, "I know of Wang Weiguang. He has a very strong desire to get ahead. He probably felt that since he didn’t come from Wuyi or the military, he had to make this choice."

Director Wu agreed with this assessment. Wang Weiguang was a talent they had recruited from the outside, not someone cultivated within the government system. For someone like him, reaching the rank of Execution Captain was already the pinnacle. This time, he must have felt there was no path for further advancement, and the Council must have promised him something, which is why he switched sides.

He said, "Even without Wang Weiguang, the Council could have found someone else; it would just depend on the terms they offered. If it weren’t for this vulnerability with the Pure Essence leak, the handling of the whole affair would have been quite satisfactory. But I never expected Old Chen to make a move at this time. It really caught us off guard."

Specialist Liang sighed. "We have to take things one step at a time. Chen Bitong’s desire for change is a good thing, but he’s a bit too radical."

Director Wu said, "You and I haven’t been through what Chen Bitong has. I don’t know his specific thoughts, but that he dared to step up and do this—and succeeded—I personally admire him for it."

Specialist Liang said, "An individual is insignificant."

But Director Wu’s voice was firm. "But they can also be great."

Specialist Liang was silent for a moment, then shook his head. "For now, let’s figure out a way to handle the aftermath as best we can. The Council’s moves won’t stop."

"Didn’t we already anticipate this? It would be strange if they *didn’t* react. I’m waiting for them to make their move."

Specialist Liang nodded. "Director Wu, I also need to tell you—Captain Chen refused that matter."

Director Wu said, "It’s good that he refused. Captain Chen is still young and has already attracted enough attention. No need to roast him over the fire any further. It just means we need to find someone else if we’re not choosing him.

Hmm, it’s just that Old Xu has no ambition. Otherwise, he would be the most suitable."

Specialist Liang considered it. "I still think it has to be Old Xu. With his seniority and age, he’s the only one who can bear this kind of fame and honor. If not him, then who? In my opinion, we’ll just have to inconvenience him a little."

Director Wu thought for a moment. "I’ll talk to him then."

After bidding farewell to Teacher Xue, Chen Chuan drove back toward Wuyi Academy.

As he was approaching the Profound Palace Building, he suddenly saw a familiar car parked there, with Counselor Pei standing beside it.

He immediately parked his car in the lot and walked over. "Counselor Pei? Are you looking for me?"

Counselor Pei said, "Specialist Liang specifically sent me to explain the matter of the earlier test. The test was unavoidable; the Defense Department couldn’t stop it because it relates to something very important."

He looked at Chen Chuan. "I just don’t know if you’ve heard about it from Mr. Xue?"

Chen Chuan said, "Teacher Xue didn’t mention it to me."

Counselor Pei said, "In that case, I’ll explain it to you, Captain Chen."

Since Chen Chuan’s test came back clean, it meant that, in their eyes, he had not absorbed any Pure Essence.

However, the breach in the World Ring hadn’t been sealed yet. It was possible someone wouldn’t give up and would continue to use this matter to implicate Chen Chuan. Moreover, given the position Chen Chuan was about to be promoted to, he should know about this anyway. So, they simply had Pei come and explain it clearly.

Right there in the plaza, he gave a general overview of the situation with the Pure Essence.

As Chen Chuan listened, some of it was what Chen Bitong had told him, but Pei also added details that Chen Bitong hadn’t had time to mention that day.

"In the past, before the World Ring blocked it, Pure Essence would scatter across the world during every Period of Change. Many people could find it, but this also led to the rise of many local powers and warlords.

Every time a dynasty changed, these people were the most active. Although many among them were cautious and discreet, the majority acted unscrupulously.

These people are highly destructive, have few restraints, and inflict severe harm on those beneath them. This isn’t just a problem here in Dashun; this issue exists all over the world. Furthermore, many of them harbor thoughts of restoring the Old Dynasty.

So, during the Great Alliance Period, after the World Ring was established, the various governments and corporations reached a consensus to lock away the Pure Essence. From then on, it could only be granted after a specific application and review process.

This is one of the few statutes from before the Grand Alliance’s collapse that is still upheld and maintained by all nations.

The idea might have been good back then, and it suited the circumstances of the time. But now..."

Counselor Pei sighed. "The situation may have changed."

He was being rather cryptic, but combining this with what Chen Bitong had said, Chen Chuan understood what he meant. He nodded and asked, "Counselor Pei, what are the conditions for obtaining Pure Essence?"

Counselor Pei said, "It requires signing an agreement. But for certain reasons, the terms are quite harsh, and many people find them unacceptable. However, Captain Chen..."

He looked at Chen Chuan. "If you want to move up and can’t accept the agreement, then I suggest you wait."

Chen Chuan looked at him. "Wait?"

Counselor Pei nodded. "Because you’re still young. Your strength probably hasn’t been honed to its absolute peak yet, has it?"

Chen Chuan nodded. "That’s true."

Counselor Pei leaned back against the car, looked up, and pointed. "The great impact is coming. It could be in a few years, or maybe a dozen. During that period, the world order is bound to change.

Right now, many people are fighting to change these conditions to cope with the crisis, but there’s a lot of resistance. But even if things don’t change, once the great impact arrives, I’m afraid many rules will no longer be rules."

He looked at Chen Chuan seriously. "So, there’s no need for you to rush into a decision right now. And don’t go head-to-head with certain people or factions. If you wait, an opportunity will come."

Chen Chuan nodded.

’If I can’t obtain Pure Essence through normal or any other means, then waiting isn’t a bad option.’

’But with a drastic global change imminent, no one knows what will happen. Only by gaining greater strength beforehand will I have the ability to cope.’

’Besides, I remember that I’ve driven away the entity from the other side twice. If the two worlds connect, they might come looking for me. By then, I must have the power to protect myself, not just hope for a lucky break.’

Seeing him nod, Counselor Pei felt that he had taken his words to heart and was quite gratified.

He thought for a moment, then added, "Let me tell you something else you need to know, Captain Chen. This matter isn’t over. The City Council is planning a counterattack. When I came out, I heard they were holding a vote, trying to invite major international corporations to establish a presence in Jibei Dao Central City.

Since the Federation’s inspection team is currently in the White Bird District, we suspect they will most likely invite members of the Federation to move in.

He sighed. "Ever since Dashun was founded, these corporations have been deeply involved in the construction of the Central City. This is a legacy issue from the early years that’s hard to resolve. The higher-ups have always wanted to regain control, but it’s very difficult. There’s external resistance and internal entanglements. Sometimes the internal difficulties are even greater. We might face an even more severe situation in the future.

So, my advice is still to play for time and wait for change. The advantage is on your side. These days, countries all over the world are ramping up their efforts to train Fighters and increasing the number of commoner students entering academies. The status of Fighters is also rising year by year. It’s like I said: you all are still young. There’s no need to be too hasty."

At this, he smiled. "When I first started, a senior once said something to me. Now, I’ll pass those words on to you.

We may not live to see the results of our efforts, but as long as there are young people like you, there is hope for the world."

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