Chapter 753 104: The Plan

"What do you have in mind, Manager Chen?"

Chen Chuan's steady, powerful voice came through clearly from the Realm Token.

"Since we can't seal off the Merging Land, our only option is to clean up some of the personnel entering the Merging Land."

Specialist Liang fell silent for a moment before saying, "What are the specifics of your plan, Manager Chen?"

Chen Chuan's response was concise and to the point.

"The plan is simple. I will personally enter the Merging Land and take responsibility for eliminating the armed militants threatening us."

Specialist Liang said, "Manager Chen, as the Investigation Chief, it's no longer appropriate for you to be fighting on the front lines."

Chen Chuan said, "Specialist Liang, you know the situation at the Processing Bureau. Right now, there's no one else but me who is up to this task."

He looked at Specialist Liang. "And from what I know, the Defense Department is also extremely short-staffed. It would take too long to assemble a suitable force."

Specialist Liang asked, "In that case, Manager Chen, have you considered who will run the Processing Bureau's daily operations in your absence?"

Chen Chuan replied, "I have. Captain Zou is up to the task."

"Old Zou?"

Specialist Liang nodded. "His rank is a bit low, but he's certainly capable of handling daily affairs." He paused. "Manager Chen, I personally agree with this, but the stability of the Processing Bureau is critical—not just to the Defense Department, but to the Administrative Affairs Hall as well. I assume you understand what I'm getting at?"

Chen Chuan said, "I understand. But the crux of the matter isn't at the Processing Bureau right now, it's in the Merging Land. Besides…" He looked at Specialist Liang. "Isn't Teacher Xue here?"

Specialist Liang seemed a little surprised. "You've already met?"

Chen Chuan nodded. "Yes."

'This wasn't some spur-of-the-moment impulse or hot-headed whim, but a decision based on a pragmatic assessment of the situation.'

'With a Fighting Master present, the Administrative Affairs Hall has a final safety net. And with that foundation in place, he could finally act with some peace of mind.'

Specialist Liang's biggest worry was that Chen Chuan, due to his youth, would act too impulsively or aggressively and fail to consider all the angles. Seeing now that he had indeed thought everything through, Liang found himself leaning toward agreement.

He said in a low voice, "It's a viable strategy, but you must understand, Manager Chen, the situation in the Merging Land is extremely complex. Sheer power isn't always enough to succeed. Once you're inside, the enemies you face might not just be humans in the traditional sense. There are various creatures from the Merging Land, and possibly even certain entities from the other side."

Chen Chuan said, "It won't be any more difficult than what Captain Xu has to face."

Specialist Liang considered this for a moment, then said, "Alright, I'll communicate with the Administrative Affairs Hall and get back to you with a response shortly."

"Then I'll leave it to you, Specialist Liang."

The Domain screen went dark.

Chen Chuan picked up his Snow Monarch Blade, drew it from its scabbard, and began to slowly wipe it clean. After a good while, the Domain screen before him lit up again.

He placed the half-polished Snow Monarch Blade on the desk.

This time, two people appeared on the Domain screen. In addition to Specialist Liang, there was a friendly-looking, middle-aged man who appeared to be in his thirties or forties.

The man looked at Chen Chuan, then glanced at the Snow Monarch Blade on his desk, and said with a smile, "Hello, Manager Chen. I'm Qiao Yang, secretary to Civil Affairs Chief Qi. This is our first meeting. You're every bit as young and capable as your reputation suggests."

Chen Chuan nodded in response. "Hello, Secretary Qiao."

After the initial greeting, Secretary Qiao's expression grew more serious.

"Manager Chen, I'm here representing the Civil Affairs Chief to ask you something. The Chief has been briefed on your proposed plan by Specialist Liang, and he wants to ask: can you guarantee your plan's execution?"

Chen Chuan said, "If the Administrative Affairs Hall grants me sufficient authority and has the Defense Department's external outposts cooperate with my operation, then I can guarantee its success—provided there's no interference from additional Superpowers."

'Of course, his confidence was well-founded. First, on the outskirts of the Merging Land, he could get supplies from the various garrisons, so he wouldn't need to prepare them himself.'

'Second, he had the maps and data left by Chen Bitong. These maps included locations unknown to government agencies, with hidden passages that led to crucial routes.'

'Among these were hiding spots that Chen Bitong and his teammates from the Pioneer Team had established. As long as he brought enough supplies, he could stay hidden there for extended periods.'

'Finally, he had Hong Fu's support. Hong Fu's power was far beyond the simple Third Limit; it had only been restricted by protocols at the academy. But since separating from its main body, that power was clearly fading. Now, it could only sustain itself by attaching to him. He wouldn't use it unless it was a critical moment, but it was undoubtedly his trump card.'

Seeing his confidence, Secretary Qiao said, "If you're certain, Manager Chen, we will support you. However, we also hope you'll act within your means. You can undoubtedly make greater contributions from your position at the Processing Bureau."

Chen Chuan said, "I will."

Secretary Qiao nodded and asked, "Manager Chen, what do you require?"

Chen Chuan immediately sent over a file he had prepared. Secretary Qiao glanced at it. "Manager Chen, we will do our utmost to coordinate and provide what you need." Then, his expression turned solemn again as he said, "Manager Chen, we wish you a successful operation."

Chen Chuan said, "Thank you, Secretary Qiao. Please also thank Civil Affairs Chief Qi for his support on my behalf."

Secretary Qiao said, "I will."

After the screen on Chen Chuan's end went dark, Secretary Qiao and Specialist Liang continued their conversation via the Domain screen.

Secretary Qiao commented, "Manager Chen is a man of great responsibility and courage."

Specialist Liang replied, "Responsibility stems from duty, and courage from strength. In this matter, I have faith in Manager Chen.

When Mr. Xue arrived in Central City this time, he went to see Manager Chen first, even before contacting us. That shows how highly he regards him."

Secretary Qiao agreed. "With Mr. Xue's endorsement, we are also willing to trust Manager Chen. Since the decision is made, the Administrative Affairs Hall will do everything in its power to support this operation. Let's hope for a good outcome."

Specialist Liang said, "I believe Manager Chen can do it. His past accomplishments give me this confidence."

On his end, after the call ended, Chen Chuan reviewed the addendum to the confession transcript. It detailed matters that, while not part of the main testimony, were still of critical importance.

For example, the whereabouts of Manager Wen's body.

Manager Han had confessed that he hadn't dealt with the body himself. Instead, he had handed it over to a notorious Fighter from the Lynx Federation known as the "Flayer." Judging by that name, the outcome was likely grim. Regardless, if he was going deep into the Merging Land this time, he absolutely had to find a way to retrieve Manager Wen's remains.

The addendum also listed armed personnel Manager Han knew for certain had entered the Merging Land, along with his intelligence on them. After reviewing it, Chen Chuan pulled additional files from the Processing Bureau's archives to be as prepared as possible. Even though he considered his own strength sufficient, he would never underestimate a single opponent.

After he finished reviewing everything, he began making arrangements for his departure from the Processing Bureau. With An Shield handling personnel reassignments, there were unlikely to be any major issues.

Given the recent loss of personnel, he fast-tracked the approval for some reserve members still in training to join the Processing Bureau. He also transferred a few high-performing individuals from city security to fill the vacancies.

He also called in Zou Jinxing for a private meeting to brief him on his upcoming duties. Furthermore, he met with the supervisors and operations captains from the major districts individually to reassure them and stabilize morale.

By the time he had finished, it was late at night. He saw that the Defense Department had transmitted the latest map data for the Merging Land. He opened it and saw the current situation marked out, including not only the various garrisoned fortresses but also a number of concealed military locations.

Most of it was geographical data for the deeper regions of the Merging Land, information he could also find at the Processing Bureau. Overall, it was already quite similar to the data provided by Chen Bitong.

The current Pioneer Teams and government explorers weren't ineffective, but some locations and routes remained unmapped. This, however, might be an issue of capability. The paths Chen Bitong and his teammates discovered back in the day were ones that today's pioneers might not be able to traverse. It wasn't just a matter of strength, but also experience.

As expected, the Federation had obtained some map details from Manager Han's leaks. On top of that, they likely had map information provided by various corporations.

Their advantage wasn't as small as one might imagine. Although personnel from the Federation and the Lynx Federation couldn't get supplies from the military fortresses, various corporations had established their own settlements and cities within the Merging Land. They could stop there and receive a certain degree of support and manpower.

This was a factor that had to be considered when dealing with them.

He spent the entire night at the bureau, only just managing to get everything in order by the next morning. After eating a few sticks of Nutrition Paste, he meditated for a while in the training room. Around noon, his Realm Token indicated that Chang Dong was trying to contact him.

He accepted the connection. "Mr. Chang?"

Chang Dong's voice came through. "Manager Chen, headquarters has replied." He then lowered his voice. "Also, headquarters is specifically sending Mr. Zhuan this time. Uh, don't worry, Mr. Zhuan is arriving by train. If it's convenient for you, Manager Chen, how about we go pick him up together?"

Chen Chuan nodded and asked, "Which station?"

"Long Lake Station in the Southern Industrial District outside the city. I'll send you the location."

Chen Chuan heard a chime from his Realm Token as the location appeared on it. He glanced at it and said, "Alright, I'll come pick you up first."

After ending the call, he gave a few instructions to the key personnel at the Processing Bureau, then drove out alone. He first made a trip to Weiguang District to pick up Chang Dong and Gao Yanjun. Then, he continued on, leaving the Central City District and following the directions on his Realm Token toward the station in the Southern Industrial District.

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