Atlas of Heaven and Man.

Chapter 1348 Unwavering Determination

"That senior personally discovered Zhao Zhenye and for a time took him under his wing and carefully nurtured him."

Mr. Zhuan said in a deep voice, "Back then, Zhao Zhenye was groomed as the successor of the new generation, and that senior broke the rules several times to teach him the secrets of the Pure Sect ahead of time."

Zhao Zhenye was indeed exceptionally talented, living up to expectations; he could apply what he learned to new situations.

Mr. Mask couldn't help but add, "That senior is just like that; he's so devoted to those he cares about that he'd give them his whole heart."

However, at that time, Zhao Zhenye was indeed very capable. After learning something, he could share his understanding with others, and many people actually made progress as a result.

So many of us from that generation genuinely respected Zhao Zhenye. We implicitly saw him as the next leader. Well, although we never said it explicitly, that's what we all thought.

Even when compared to other schools of thought among the younger generation, there were few who could rival Zhao Zhenye.

As for what happened later, you know about it, Officer Chen.

We were all surprised when we heard the news. We really didn't expect him to choose this path. He had such a bright future. We really don't understand why he would do this.
Perhaps, he was pursuing power?
The senior felt extremely guilty after learning about what had happened. The demise of the Jebu branch made him feel even more remorseful. He believed it was all his fault and that he had misjudged the person. Therefore, after this incident, he almost retired from public life.

And Mr. Zhuan Sheng…”

He sighed, "Later he went to guard the World Ring, and disappeared during a battle with the opposing force. There has been no news of him since."

Mr. Zhuan slowly said, "Because of Zhao Zhenye's incident, it actually proved that the conservatives were right, so the whole thing turned back to the conservative state it was back then, and all those who insisted on this idea at that time were devastated."

Mr. Mask said, "So now everything has regressed, and the momentum of the reformists has been broken. However, some things from before have been preserved, such as continuing to recruit talent from outside the faction and providing certain resource subsidies."

However, these people are not usually regarded as core members of the faction, and the higher-ups only retain a limited degree of trust in them. They are extremely cautious in approving any applications for secrets and resources, and unless they have particularly outstanding achievements, it is difficult to get approval in a timely manner.

"Counselor Chen, the reason we were able to get the resources you requested last time was because of your actions. Everything you did was beyond reproach, which is why we were able to reach out to a senior colleague to speak on your behalf."

Mr. Zhuan said, “We told Councilor Chen these things because as your strength grows, it is impossible for the faction to ignore you. Since I am your mentor, those conservatives will definitely regard you as a member of the reformists and will be wary of you doing what the reformists have done before.”

They might even worry that you'll become the next 'Zhao Zhenye,' causing even more damage to the Pure Faction.

While they won't outwardly oppose you and may even support you in some ways, a degree of wariness will certainly exist. If you choose not to accept this, whatever your final decision, we will support you.

Chen Chuan pondered for a moment. In his opinion, this was not a big problem. As long as the Pure Faction was on the path of resisting the beings outside the world, they could stand together.

Compared to other factions, the Pure Faction at least genuinely disregarded casualties. If they had only focused on preserving their strength, the situations that occurred before would never have happened.

However, he will fight for the resources that are rightfully his. Indeed, everything he does is what he wants or is willing to do. But in the Pure Faction, as long as it is his achievement, he should receive the reward he deserves.

Actually, he agrees with Cheng Zhou's approach back then. It's perhaps unavoidable that members you've painstakingly trained will have problems. The key is that when problems arise, you need to have solutions. If you can give something away, you also need to have the ability to take it back.

There's nothing wrong with not having any organization or faction, but as long as you have the ability to correct things, you can still move forward. Don't throw the baby out with the bathwater.

He said earnestly, "Mr. Zhuan, Mr. Tang, thank you both for telling me this. You are my guides, but this path is also my own choice. I think there may be disputes within the faction, but we should be united on the position of fighting against another world."

Both Mr. Zhuan and Mr. Mask nodded.

Chen Chuan's gaze was deep and calm as he said, "As for the problems we may encounter in the future, we can find ways to solve them one by one."

Mr. Zhuan glanced at him, then nodded silently.

Chen Chuan then glanced at the buildings that had been erected around the Pivot Tower.

"I haven't been here much since the branch was built, and it's still under expansion. As more comrades join, I believe it will grow bigger and bigger."

"This is also the first time for you two seniors. Why don't you come with me and show us around? This place can be considered a new starting point for us."

The masked man said loudly, "Well said! Yes! This is our new beginning."

Chen Chuan smiled, stood up, and walked down the tower with the two of them. Chang Dong, having heard their idea, took the initiative to lead the way as their guide, since he had almost single-handedly established the branch.

The group chatted casually along the way, spending over an hour touring the various parts of the branch. It was already lunchtime, so they decided to have their meal at the branch, and afterwards, Mr. Zhuan and his companion stayed there temporarily.

Chen Chuan took care of some branch matters and met with some new members who had joined the branch. He didn't leave until the afternoon.

After returning home, he sat down to make himself a cup of tea, and was just about to continue writing his previous article when a message appeared on his phone from a government-arranged security personnel:
"Director Chen, two members of the National Temporary Special Operations Committee have arrived outside. Their identities have been confirmed by the City Hall. They say they have something to discuss with you."

Chen Chuan replied, "Tell them to wait a while."

"Yes, Director!"

The two members of the action committee, having received the reply relayed by the security personnel, had no choice but to wait there. They were also helpless; due to the special nature of their department, ordinary government officials wouldn't dare treat them this way. However, Chen Chuan, a world-class fighter, possessed power derived from within himself, and it was impossible to treat him as an ordinary official.

Chen Chuan didn't stop until he finished writing what he wanted to write that day. He checked the time and realized that more than an hour had passed before he asked the security guards to invite two people in.

When he came downstairs, the two of them were standing there. Upon seeing him, they immediately saluted him.

"Director Chen!"

Chen Chuan nodded, walked over to the sofa and sat down, saying, "Sit down."

The two waited for him to sit down before they sat down themselves.

The two men looked at Chen Chuan. They had met many fighters, and they all had a certain sense of pressure from them. However, they did not feel any of that in front of Chen Chuan. He seemed to be just an ordinary person with a better physique. But they knew in their hearts that this was even more terrifying.

Chen Chuan didn't ask their names, but said, "What do you want from me? Please tell me."

“Well,” one of them said cautiously, “we are here on behalf of the committee to ask for your views and attitudes on the rapid expansion of the skyline these days.”

Another person chimed in, "Some people now believe that if the Skyline is pushed too fast, it could trigger a series of unpredictable problems. In extreme cases, it could even cause internal strife, making it impossible for us to concentrate our efforts on countering the Big Bang."

So what's your opinion on this?

Chen Chuan said, "You asked what I mean, so I would say that the expansion of the skyline is too slow. I think we should speed it up. If possible, I don't mind putting more effort into this."

The two looked at each other, took out paper and pen to write down what he had said, and then asked him several more questions, all of which were related to the skyline.

Chen Chuan answered each question one by one, and each answer, like the first, expressed his opinions and stance without any concealment.

After asking a few more questions, the two handed him the notebook. "Director Chen, is this all you need? If so, could you please sign it?"

Chen Chuan took it, signed it, and returned it to them. The two looked at it, then put it away, stood up, bowed slightly, and said, "Then we won't disturb Director Chen's work any longer."

Chen Chuan nodded. "No need to see me out."

The two bowed again and left.

The two walked out in silence until they got into the car and leaned back in their seats, at which point they finally breathed a sigh of relief.

For some reason, even though this person didn't seem to be putting any pressure on them, they felt uneasy and nervous sitting in front of him, and cold sweat broke out on their backs without them even realizing it.

After a while, one of them spoke up: "It's finally over. Now we can go back and give ourselves a report."

Another person said, "Yeah, let's go. I don't want to come back. If you're wondering why we didn't ask more questions, let's have someone else come up and try."

After saying that, the two, still shaken, started their car and quickly left.

Chen Chuan didn't take this matter to heart. In the past, these departments might have been a deterrent to him, but now he didn't care at all.

After returning upstairs, he went into the training room, sat down, and began to ponder the techniques for enhancing Xuan Kong Fire.

The day passed quickly, and early the next morning, he took a private car and went to Wuyi Academy again.

He took the elevator to Chen Xiaojin's training room and looked at Chen Xiaojin, who was dressed in training clothes and waiting there early, and asked, "Have you come up with a solution?"

Chen Xiaojin turned around and looked at the arena, where Yun Kui's tall figure reappeared.

He walked up to Chen Chuan under Chen Chuan's gaze, and then suddenly started moving, rushing towards the man.

Following the previous method, he should have jumped up in one step, but this time he did not do so, instead his body suddenly plunged downwards.

The fist opposite him came crashing down on him. Chen Xiaojin seized the opportunity and threw a punch. The two clashed, and Yun Kui's massive body swayed backward, taking half a step back.

When he reached out his hands to grab Chen Xiaojin, he used the other's strength to roll to the side and successfully avoid the grab.

He let out a breath, then looked at Chen Chuan, excited and full of fighting spirit, and said, "Teacher, I dodged it! Give me a little more time, and I can defeat him!"

……

……

(End of this chapter)