Chapter 712 63: The Situation

As they stepped into the light, their figures were fully revealed. They were giants, each one clad in thick, heavy biological armor.

The armor was a slate gray color, covering their heads, faces, torsos, and limbs entirely. It looked incredibly thick and robust, yet their movements weren't sluggish. In fact, they seemed quite agile, though they were deliberately slowing their pace at the moment.

This was a military-grade External Implant. The bulk of the implant was external to the user's body, but it connected to their internal organs and nervous system, forming a single, interconnected unit that could also be detached.

This implant technology was extremely prevalent in the Lynx Federation. Dashun also conducted research in this field but lagged behind slightly, a gap rumored to be the result of a Lost Object.

In the Lynx Federation, there was a specialized military unit armed with External Implants called the Eternal Hero Corps, and its soldiers were known to the public as "Giant Guards."

After emerging, these Giant Guards lined up neatly on both sides of the carpet and the behemoth armored vehicles. They held melee weapons and firearms appropriate for their size, and from the humped protrusions on their backs, it was clear they were equipped with other biological weapons.

As Chen Chuan watched, the Domain screen suddenly grew blurry, making it difficult to see clearly. This was likely due to some form of Domain interference from the Lynx Federation.

He thought for a moment, then said, "An Shield, give me the personnel report for the Lynx Federation delegation."

"Acknowledged, Manager Chen. Please be ready for the file. This personnel list is classified and will be deleted in ten minutes."

A moment later, a file was transferred to Chen Chuan's Realm Token. Because the other party was a diplomatic team on an official visit, they had provided a list of their personnel to Dashun in advance.

And as the Investigation Chief of the Processing Bureau, his position and rank gave him the authority to view this list.

He took a look. This time, the Lynx Federation's diplomatic team was quite high-level. It was led by a State Councilor, the deputy head was a military advisor, and they were accompanied by several corporate representatives from the Lynx Federation.

Among them was the Giant God Plant Company, which had previously collaborated with Jibei Dao Central City. The plants in the Lower City District had been introduced from Giant Divine Plant. However, for some undisclosed reason, the Giant God Plant Company was expelled at the time and had not established any branches or offices in Jibei Dao since.

After reviewing the administrative and corporate representatives, he focused on the accompanying armed personnel, who were primarily Fighters.

There were a total of fifteen Third Limit Fighters on the list, most of whom had military backgrounds.

But three individuals stood out. They were wrapped from head to toe in grayish-white bandages, their bodies gaunt, with only their eyes exposed.

According to the brief description provided, all three were from the Sag Bone Fist Sect. This was a martial art that had originated on the Isthmus connecting the East and West Continents, and it was an equally renowned Fighting Style.

In the old days, this sect split into over a dozen branches, producing a great number of skilled practitioners. One of these branches made its way to the Lynx Federation during the Great Migration, where it took root, flourished, and spread widely. Today, the sect has produced many internationally renowned fighters.

Practitioners of this School possess incredibly tough bodies, with resilience nearly comparable to that of Horizontal Training Strength. They can maintain their combat effectiveness even when maimed. Additionally, the School instills a strong code of loyalty, so its members are often hired as security personnel.

After finishing the report, he mulled it over. 'The Lynx Federation chose Jibei Dao as its first stop. It's impossible that they're not after the Lost Object.'

'So these people are likely just for show. There are probably more armed personnel who have already entered Central City covertly.'

Ten minutes later, the list was automatically deleted from the Realm Token.

He was about to look up some other information when a voice sounded from the Realm Token: "Manager Chen, this is Wu Quan. If you have time, come to my office now."

Chen Chuan said, "I have time. I'll be right over."

He left his office and made his way to Director Wu's office. The attendant at the door saluted him and opened it for him.

Director Wu was waiting inside. He first had an attendant pour tea, then gestured for Chen Chuan to take a seat. "Manager Chen, I saw you accessed the list for the Lynx diplomatic team. That's good. We need to keep a close watch on them and proactively learn about them. However, that list is just for show."

He took out a report from the side and pushed it across the glass coffee table. "This one is more detailed. Take a look."

Chen Chuan reached out and picked it up. This list contained far more information than the previous one. The number of armed personnel, in particular, was more than four times higher, with most of them stationed on a warship positioned further back.

He was also surprised to see that among those accompanying the diplomatic team was a Fighting Master from the Lynx Federation.

However, this person was neither on the warship nor had they landed in Central City. Instead, they were on an Airship docked at an offshore island.

Director Wu said, "I've read your report on the arrests. This is likely the Federation making small moves. Since they deployed mercenaries and went through contracting firms, there's no evidence that points directly to them. They won't give up."

"And now, the Lynx Federation is about to get involved."

He pointed to the document in Chen Chuan's hand. "This list you're holding, along with the armed personnel from the Federation... every single one of them is a potential enemy. Any one of them could enter the Merging Land in the near future."

Chen Chuan looked up and asked, "Can the members of the Lynx Federation's diplomatic team also enter the Merging Land?"

Director Wu said grimly, "This time, it wasn't just a government team that arrived. There are also armed security personnel from several corporations. Ostensibly, these armed personnel can't do anything other than provide protection. But they can exploit certain regulations to second their people to local companies, then have them 'support' the Merging Land, thereby gaining indirect access."

Chen Chuan was about to ask how such an obviously flawed regulation could exist, but then the City Council came to mind, and he immediately understood.

"Looks like you've figured it out."

Director Wu said to him, "We're currently trying to repeal that regulation, but we're facing significant resistance."

"We've never been afraid of external enemies. What we fear are the enemies within. We've made great efforts, but certain people are constantly undermining them."

"The current situation doesn't allow for bold, decisive action. We can only chip away at it, piece by painful piece. Even so, it's incredibly difficult to hold on to the gains we make. One slip-up, and we'll have to hand it all over."

Chen Chuan understood what he meant. For example, the government had previously destroyed the Ferris Wheel Company, expelled the presence from the Outer World, and expanded and consolidated its authority, but this move had also drawn a counterattack from the City Council.

They had been relentless. Both the previous Federation delegation and the arrival of the current Lynx Federation diplomatic team could be seen as a continuation of that backlash.

Director Wu said, "If only for the sake of all we've sacrificed, we have to win this fight. The Lost Object in the Merging Land is crucial. We must find it, and we cannot let the City Council, the Federation, or the Lynx Federation get their hands on it."

"This time, the Defense Department has decided to send Old Xu and his team. That's the only way to stabilize the situation in the Merging Land."

When Chen Chuan heard that even someone like Captain Xu was being sent out, he knew that the higher-ups were placing extreme importance on this matter.

"But we're too short-staffed. We've already sent a contingent to support the Merging Land, and many of our remaining skilled personnel are needed to protect key figures and secure critical areas. If we reassign more people, many places will be left vulnerable."

Director Wu's voice was grim. "Manager Chen, as for the task you've been given, I'll have to ask you to be extra diligent. For the time being, the Bureau's support will be extremely limited. However, I can still provide some support in terms of funding and personnel slots. If you need anything, just submit a report to me."

Chen Chuan nodded.

He understood. This was another critical juncture, one that followed the Fumu schism, and in terms of intensity, it might even surpass it.

After all, last time it was just some rather ordinary mercenaries and groups, both domestic and foreign. Now, judging by yesterday's situation alone, some renowned international mercenary organizations were getting involved.

Furthermore, the various government departments had actually lost a significant number of personnel during the Fumu schism.

It was easy to replenish ordinary personnel, but elite operatives were a different story. Now, a mere three months later, some of those gaps still hadn't been filled. To suddenly have to face such a difficult situation was indeed a great challenge.

He said earnestly, "Director Wu, you don't need to worry about my mission. I'll get it done."

Director Wu looked at him for a moment, then nodded. "That's all for today."

He stood up and extended his hand. "Manager Chen, these are difficult times. I hope we can work together to overcome this crisis."

Chen Chuan stood up, shook his hand, and said, "I will."

After their conversation, he walked out of Director Wu's office, left the Processing Bureau, and took an official car back to Wuyi Academy.

After meditating for a night at the academy, the next morning, Chen Chuan took Chaoming to the port, boarded a small Airship out to sea, and continued his daily Spiritual Cultivation.

To avoid missing any important information, he had specifically brought a communications officer from the Processing Bureau onto the Airship, allowing him to rush back immediately in case of an emergency.

After the Airship stopped at a certain location over the sea, he walked into an inner cabin, holding the Snow Monarch Blade in one hand and a duffel bag in the other. He then took out the spine bone.

'I barely managed to kill the entity within the Lost Object last time. I know that entering again will be extremely dangerous.'

'The past few times I entered, however, I didn't merge with my Second Self. I relied purely on my own strength. That way, the progress of my physical body could also drive the progress of my Second Self.'

'Now, though, my body has reached the limit of what it can handle. So this time, I've decided to use my Second Self. That will allow me to face a stronger entity.'

He drew the Snow Monarch Blade. With a thought, his Second Self instantly merged with him. He then reached out and picked up the spine bone.

As his mind made contact once more, he instantly found himself standing again on the monster's deeply folded skin.

But this time, the moment he appeared, an immense shadow loomed over him.

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