Celestial Human Diagram

"At 11:20 AM, a warehouse belonging to the Lianwei Zhongyu Company, located on Bao Street in the Deep Unexplored District, was attacked by armed thugs. As of this report, there are over twenty casualties, five vehicles destroyed, and an unknown amount of property damage..."

"Lianwei Zhongyu’s security consultant, Mr. You Shan, stated that they have raised their security level. He added that they will rigorously pursue the masterminds behind the attack and ensure that Lianwei Zhongyu Company’s business operations will not be affected."

"...A large-scale conflict has erupted between the Elephant Gang and the Swordfish Gang in the Yinglu District..."

"City Patrol spokesperson Guan Song announced that they will apprehend and bring this group of armed criminals to justice as soon as possible..."

On his way back to the dormitory, Chen Chuan heard these news reports one after another on his Realm Token. They were all closely related and came in quick succession.

’This must be the Ferris Wheel Company’s retaliation against the Lianwei Zhongyu Company.’

’The Ferris Wheel Company is being watched from all sides right now. To still retaliate against Lianwei Zhongyu under these circumstances seems very unwise.’

’But on second thought, it’s probably because they’ve been under so much external pressure that Ferris Wheel has to respond so fiercely and forcefully.’

’Just like a wounded and cornered animal, they’re at their most aggressive right now.’

’The Lianwei Zhongyu Company is much larger than Ferris Wheel in terms of scale, but they only have a branch in Jibei Dao Central City. The power they can project here is limited. Ferris Wheel’s headquarters, on the other hand, is right here, and they’re backed by the Outer Ocean Islands, so they can get support at any time.’

’And the conflict between the two gangs in Yinglu District must be related to this as well, because the Swordfish Gang is backed by the Ferris Wheel Company.’

’After the Elephant Gang was driven out, they were just huddled away in a small corner, unable to make a move. For them to suddenly start fighting again... it’s impossible that they don’t have another power supporting them from behind. It’s most likely Lianwei Zhongyu.’

However, he thought about it again. For both companies to suddenly resort to such drastic methods of confrontation... he felt there had to be more to it than just these surface-level reasons. There was probably some greater change happening behind the scenes, but it was beyond his ability to know for now.

He shook his head. He didn’t need to waste his thoughts on these things. For now, he just needed to focus on his own cultivation.

After returning to his dorm, he changed the water and food for Chaoming, then placed the Aromatic Medicine he had just purchased from the academy on the table.

This medicine, used in conjunction with the Meditation Method, had a limited effective period and had to be collected daily. If he went to the Merging Land, it would be fine as long as he stayed at the outpost. But if he was out on a mission and got delayed for a few days, he wouldn’t be able to cultivate. Therefore, his short-term goal was to get through this stage quickly.

At this moment, he couldn’t help but think of the booklet Instructor Wen had given him. However, he had been told to wait until he found his own path before opening it, so he decided to wait a little longer.

He took out a few tubes of Nutrition Paste and ate them, then changed his clothes. After entering the training room and sitting down, he began today’s Meditation Method practice.

He sat there until the Aromatic Medicine had completely burned away.

He stood up, stretched a bit, drank a glass of water, and then returned to the center of the room. "Hong Fu," he said.

Instantly, a crimson shadow appeared in the training room.

Chen Chuan said, "Hong Fu, I need your assistance in practicing the External Refining Method."

Hong Fu’s eyes, visible through her veil, looked at him and she nodded lightly. The surrounding scenery immediately changed, and the two of them seemed to be instantly transported inside a temple.

Incense smoke curled up from a bronze censer amid waves of profound chanting. Behind them stood a statue of a god with an indistinguishable face. But when he looked up, he saw it wasn’t just the one statue. High above in the clouds, another divine effigy looked down upon them. They were standing in the two upturned, flat palms of this colossal statue.

After a single glance, he retracted his gaze, took a deep breath, and sat down.

The moment he entered his meditative state, he felt a crimson light seep into his spirit. Unlike the bright light like a great sun that Teacher Xue had displayed, the one Hong Fu manifested was like a sky full of scorching flames, continuously burning and forging the Heart Jade he was condensing and maintaining.

Hong Fu would adjust the intensity based on his performance, keeping it perfectly within the limits of his endurance—not an iota more, not a fraction less.

However, Teacher Xue had reminded him that the main principle of the External Refining Method was to not consume one’s Divine Constant. This was because the Divine Constant was something he painstakingly accumulated through the Meditation Method. It was like Essence Blood—it could save his life in battle and had even greater uses in later techniques. There was no need to waste it on this.

After finishing the External Refining Method, he could practice the Inner Refining Method on his own. Although the progress wasn’t as fast as the External Refining Method, it also didn’t consume much of his own energy. This combination of inner and outer far surpassed the refining methods of the past.

He had a question about this before, though. It seemed like it wouldn’t have been difficult for people in the past to find someone to help them with Outer Refining.

Teacher Xue’s answer was that the External Refining Method wasn’t as simple as it seemed; not just anyone could use it. It involved a complex set of techniques accumulated through generations of trial and error by their predecessors. Furthermore, the results were derived from repeated calculations performed with the help of an active Consciousness Body.

"Another reason is that this practice carries a certain degree of risk. A single misstep could easily result in one’s spirit being annihilated. Few of the nobles from the old era dared to do it."

When he finished practicing the External Refining Method, he opened his eyes, a bright light flashing through them for an instant. He nodded to Hong Fu in acknowledgment and said, "Thank you."

Hong Fu returned the gesture with a bow. Her crimson figure fluttered and vanished without a trace, and the surrounding scenery faded away with her.

Chen Chuan then continued with the Inner Refining Method. Its effects weren’t as obvious as Outer Refining, but his Spiritual Power accumulated bit by bit, each step firm and solid.

By the time he finished one round of cultivation, two Hours had already passed.

He felt exceptionally sharp mentally. If he continued now, the effects would not only diminish, but he would also likely exhaust himself, so it was best to stop here.

But he wasn’t finished yet. He still needed to try the Refining Method that Teacher Xue had taught him before.

He had been advised to perform it once every ten to fifteen days after mastering it. And in the future, no matter what method he used to temper his spirit, he must never neglect this Dharma Gate.

He recalled the key points. During this process, he needed to temporarily forget his own existence, to empty his sense of self, leaving only a single point of awareness. Then, he would gather back the scattered parts bit by bit. Any parts that were too radical could be left outside; while they wouldn’t truly disappear, they would no longer occupy the dominant position.

He adjusted his inner and outer state and began his attempt.

He cultivated continuously in his dormitory for seven days, only stopping just before the mid-month rest day.

He could feel that he had made great progress. In terms of physical fitness, the improvement was only minor, but as he embarked on the path of spiritual cultivation, his self-control and his understanding of various techniques had become much more profound.

And this was the result of just half a month of training, while still only in the initial stages. As he progressed, his strength should advance very quickly.

Tomorrow was the rest day. As evening approached, he relaxed a little. He poured himself a hot drink, put on some light, rhythmic music on his Realm Token, and browsed through descriptions of newly released movies.

After watching for a while, Ni Qianqian’s profile picture started blinking. He accepted the call. "Sister Ni?"

Ni Qianqian’s voice came through. "Brother Chen, have you seen the bureau’s news recently?"

Chen Chuan said, "Sister Ni, are you talking about the conflict between the two companies? I saw it."

Over the past few days, he had been keeping an eye on outside news. The conflict between Ferris Wheel and Lianwei Zhongyu had not subsided; on the contrary, it had intensified.

Ni Qianqian said, "The Ferris Wheel Company is probably intentionally escalating this. They likely want to blow the matter up to get government departments involved, put pressure on our bureau, and force us to compromise. Director Wu has already been summoned to several meetings."

Chen Chuan asked, "How does the bureau plan to handle it?"

"Through their own ’investigation,’ Ferris Wheel has determined that it was the private action of a single company executive. This person has now been fired and has committed suicide.

The terms they’re offering are to compensate you personally and the bureau for our losses, pay a fine, sign a letter of guarantee, and make a public bow of apology to the media.

The Upper Layer’s sentiment is that the situation is still controllable for now, but if it continues like this, other companies might get involved. So they also think the situation needs to be brought under control."

Ni Qianqian then asked, "Brother Chen, the bureau wants to know your opinion."

Chen Chuan responded, "The bureau’s handling of it is fine. I have no objections."

After his conversation with Gao Ming and Director Lei, he knew this matter was extremely complicated and constrained from all sides. But that didn’t mean he was giving up on pursuing it; he was just biding his time for now, waiting for the right opportunity.

It was like facing a powerful Fighter who was nearly impossible to knock down in a single blow. You had to be patient, wear him down, drain his stamina, and only strike after finding an opening.

"Okay, I’ll report back to the bureau then. Director Wu said this is the best result we can get for now, and your compensation won’t be small. Oh, right, do you know Director Lei from the Esoteric Bureau?"

Chen Chuan nodded. "I do."

"Director Lei has stationed an inspection team directly at the Ferris Wheel Company. Ferris Wheel is unhappy about this and has filed a complaint against the Esoteric Review Bureau. They’ve even deployed Litigation Masters and PR teams to lobby and pressure government departments and council members."

Ni Qianqian scoffed. "But it’s useless. The Review Bureau received an inquiry letter from the government, and their response was simple: If Ferris Wheel has nothing to hide, then why are they afraid of the Review Bureau’s inspection? Heh, does the Ferris Wheel Company really think their tactics work everywhere?"

Chen Chuan nodded slightly. If an ordinary government department were to conduct such an investigation into the Ferris Wheel Company, it would indeed be easily restricted. Take the Processing Bureau, for example. The Central City Government covers its logistical support for the defense plan, as well as more than half of the bureau’s daily operating budget.

Although the two entities don’t have a direct subordinate relationship, it’s impossible for the bureau to not be influenced and restricted by the Central City Government.

But the Esoteric Review Bureau was different. That department is relatively independent, with both its funding and personnel under the direct jurisdiction of the highest Capital.

This stemmed from Dashun’s extreme vigilance against Cults. When it came to such matters, there was basically no room for argument.

Just then, he suddenly saw an incoming call on his Realm Token. It was from Counselor Pei. A thought struck him, and he apologized to Ni Qianqian, ended their conversation, and accepted Counselor Pei’s call.

"Captain Chen? Let’s meet." Counselor Pei paused. "It’s about that matter."

Chen Chuan understood. The timing was about right. He said, "When?"

"Now. I’m already in front of the Profound Palace Building."

Chen Chuan said, "I’m on my way."

...

...