...
Early morning, the streets of Yong'an City were slightly damp, as the watering truck had just passed by.
Uncle was driving, and Meng Chuan sat in the passenger seat contemplating his fist skill.
Meng Yongzhi was the first to break the silence:
"Chuan'er, how has your practice been with Teacher Luo lately?"
"It's been good, I've gained a lot. Teacher Luo is not only strong but also very professional in his teaching."
Meng Yongzhi praised:
"Is that so? Your uncle never dreamed that Hall Master Luo would take you as a direct disciple, but sometimes when I see you practice martial arts tirelessly, it all seems deserved. Perhaps it's the heavens rewarding diligence."
Upon hearing his uncle's praise, Meng Chuan didn't know what to say. He knew his hard work was crucial, but without the panel and the eternal certificate, he wouldn't have these opportunities and strength.
"Oh, by the way, has Elder Bai contacted you lately?"
"Not yet. Master Luo asked for me a couple of days ago, but the investigation team hasn't arrived yet. Uncle, don't worry."
"Haha, I'm not in a hurry. It's just that... I've already boasted about it, so be sure to tell me as soon as there's any result."
...
Qindu District Police Station.
Meng Chuan and Meng Yongzhi parked the car at the entrance, and as they walked in, someone greeted them.
A spirited young policewoman strode up, warmly grabbing Meng Chuan's hand and said:
"You must be Xiaomeng, follow me inside, the chief is waiting for you."
Meng Yongzhi went off to chat with his former police academy classmates.
Inside the reception room, Meng Chuan noticed that aside from the Mountain-Shaking Ape, Long Jiu, there was also a young man in a white coat.
Seeing Meng Chuan arrive, Long Jiu spoke:
"Xiaomeng, you're here? Let me introduce you. This is Director Fang Jianxing from our Yong'an Headquarters' Technology Department. He came specifically to meet you, our little hero today."
"Hello, Director Fang."
The young man in the white coat stood up, extending his hand, his bespectacled face adorned with a cheerful smile:
"Hello, Xiaomeng. No need to call me director; it makes us seem distant. I'm not much older than you, just call me Brother Fang."
As Fang Jianxing stood up, Meng Chuan could finally see his full appearance. His build was slim, and the veins on his extended right hand were particularly prominent.
"Alright, Brother Fang."
After shaking hands, Long Jiu invited them to sit:
"Please, everyone, sit down. Xiaomeng, your Brother Fang studied abroad and joined the national 'Celestial Net' project when he returned. We're all just physical laborers; your Brother Fang uses his brain, so learn from him well."
Meng Chuan nodded with a smile, but thought to himself:
"Celestial Net, is it related to that night at Tong Family Lane?"
Master Luo had previously told him that the tragedy occurred because the Celestial Net near Tong Family Lane malfunctioned, unable to promptly detect the Celestial Demon Force Field covering it.
Fang Jianxing waved his hand with a smile:
"I don't dare to take credit, Chief Long. I only participated in the research of Celestial Net and did not lead it. Chief Long flatters me; we learn from each other."
"Brother Fang, but you're still impressive. Chief Long, was it because of the Celestial Net that Master Luo was able to rush over and save me then?"
When Meng Chuan mentioned the Tong Family Lane incident, Long Jiu's expression turned somber. After a moment's silence, he said:
"Yes, at that time, our Celestial Net system detected unusual magnetic field fluctuations and identified them as the presence of a Celestial Demon.
We combined big data analysis to confirm the victim's identity and, considering Hall Master Luo's speed, informed him to rescue you."
"Your willpower was strong enough to withstand the first wave of the Celestial Demon's onslaught, holding on until Hall Master Luo's support arrived, and in saving yourself, avenged all the residents of Tong Family Lane."
Hearing Long Jiu's words, memories of that night resurfaced in Meng Chuan's mind.
In the dark alley, with suspended corpses and the Celestial Demon's rampant laughter, anger surged in his heart.
"Chief Long, Brother Fang, why didn't the Celestial Net previously detect the Celestial Demon Force Field at Tong Family Lane? There were so many deaths before, could it be that among us..."
Fang Jianxing adjusted his glasses and preemptively replied:
"I can answer that question. The Celestial Net has been in use for less than three years since its development, and to be precise, the Celestial Net system in Yong'an City only began widespread installation earlier last year.
Some minor issues are quite normal because, not only in Yong'an, but other cities' Celestial Net systems also have various minor issues that need subsequent debugging and fixing.
Fang Jianxing paused, then continued:
"As for what you're speculating, feel free to say it boldly.
I think you are wondering if we have an internal traitor, right?"
Meng Chuan remained silent, and Chief Long continued:
"Xiaomeng, you can rest assured. This time, not only in our Qindu District, but throughout all city districts, we conducted a comprehensive screening of all Celestial Net department staff, and the results did not reveal any suspicious individuals.
And after experiencing this event, due to the Celestial Net failure leading to the large-scale death incident at Tong Family Lane, as a solemn reminder, our Technology Department, led by Director Fang with national funding, is conducting a large-scale inspection of Celestial Net equipment citywide."
Fang Jianxing continued:
"I am also deeply saddened by the Tong Family Lane incident. For this large-scale inspection initiative, I have pledged to ensure that Yong'an's Celestial Net system operates well for the next five to ten years."
After hearing their explanations, Meng Chuan felt he might have indeed overthought it.
"Thank you. I understand now. Brother Fang, thank you on behalf of all the citizens of this city."
Meng Chuan stood up and bowed.
Fang Jianxing suddenly asked:
"By the way, Xiaomeng, I have a small question. How did you withstand the Celestial Demon's first possession?"
At that time, Meng Chuan had not yet passed the first Qi and Blood Gate and couldn't even be considered a Martial Artist. Even with his current strength, it would have been impossible to break free.
"It was probably willpower that helped me. When I saw the horrors inside Tong Family Lane, my mind instantly flooded with blood. At that moment, I had only one thought: to kill it."
Hearing Meng Chuan's words, Fang Jianxing was the first to applaud:
"There are still many secrets within the human body that we have yet to discover. As people say: true willpower can pierce through stubborn stone. I think Xiaomeng's willpower is somewhat similar."
Then, he glanced at the time and continued:
"Time's almost up. Chief Long, Xiaomeng, I have to leave. There's something at headquarters I need to attend to."
Hearing that Director Fang was leaving, Chief Long said:
"Alright, Director Fang, I won't keep you. You research people are busy."
Simultaneously, he took out his phone and made a call:
"Xiaoyue, come to Building No. 3 to pick up Director Fang."