Celestial Human Diagram

Chen Chuan followed the secretary into the Civil Affairs Chief's office. Mayor Zhu was waiting there and, upon seeing him enter, smiled and greeted him. "Manager Chen, please have a seat."

He instructed his secretary to bring out his prized tea. After they were seated, he said, "Manager Chen, has it already been two years?" He sighed wistfully. "I still remember when I first invited you here. I had only just taken office myself not long before. Time really does fly."

Chen Chuan said, "Yangzhi is in much better shape than it was two years ago."

Zhu Xian smiled. "You could say I lucked out as Civil Affairs Chief. You all cleaned house for me before I moved in. If Molan Company were still around, do you think I could have possibly done better than my predecessor?"

He said with conviction, "It would have been a case of ambition with no outlet, talent with no stage. It's like an actor—if the stage isn't built, or is built poorly, you can't put on a good show."

He looked at Chen Chuan and smiled. "I've reviewed the old case files. You were involved in the downfall of the Molan Company, Manager Chen. It would be no exaggeration to say you fired the first shot. So, while others might think you've been promoted too quickly, I find it entirely appropriate. Dashun needs capable young people like you.

"And what people like me can do is pave the way for you, making the road ahead solid and smooth so you can travel it all the faster."

Chen Chuan replied, "If the path is too smooth, I'm afraid one won't appreciate the hardships our predecessors faced."

Zhu Xian chuckled. "You have a point there, Manager Chen. 'Jade must be carved to become a treasure,' as they say. Ah, come, have some tea. This is Yun Ge Tea from my hometown. The best time to pick it is when you can hear the rhythmic tapping of stones echoing from the mountains. Back then, the tea pickers would be singing folk songs as they climbed among the misty cliffs. I've been away for so many years... I haven't seen a sight like that in a very long time."

As he spoke, he tapped the armrest of his chair and recited softly, "The stream strikes the mountain stone, / A Zen-like peace envelops the evening woods. / A traveler leans on a pine, listening, / To a sound that comes from the clouds."

Chen Chuan raised his teacup and took a small sip. Mayor Zhu had indeed served him an excellent tea. It was fragrant and refreshingly sweet, leaving a pleasant moisture in his mouth and an endlessly complex aftertaste.

Zhu Xian took a sip, a nostalgic look on his face. "You know, when I was young, I was hot-blooded and reckless, afraid of nothing. I got a lot done, but I also offended many people. My colleagues were always complaining about me, and my superiors rarely gave me the time of day."

He suddenly let out a self-deprecating laugh. "A colleague once joked that I'd bruised my forehead from banging it against things so much, but unfortunately, I was banging it in the wrong direction. I shouldn't have been aiming up; I should have been bowing down."

"I was furious back then and refused to believe it. As a result, I stagnated for many years, watching people far less capable than me climb the ladder. Even now, thinking back on it leaves a complicated taste in my mouth. Oftentimes, exceptional ability isn't enough to get you to the top. You need someone who appreciates you, someone to support you, someone to help you."

"Fine horses are common, but true judges of horses are rare."

His voice became somber. "Without someone to give you a lift, no matter how much skill or talent you possess, it's impossible to put it to use."

Chen Chuan asked, "And you believe those people can help me, Mayor Zhu?"

Zhu Xian looked at him. "Manager Chen, I watched you rise from this very city, so I'm willing to be frank with you. I don't know if those people can help you or not. But in this world, there's no such thing as getting something for nothing. If they offer you a benefit, it's because they expect an even greater return from you."

"You've refused them this time. If they leave you alone after this, then it might be a good thing. The scary part is if they decide to target you. Many people are incapable of building anything, but they're masters of sabotage. You need to be careful."

Chen Chuan nodded. He took another sip of tea, then set the cup aside and stood up. "Thank you for telling me all this, Mayor Zhu. I understand your meaning. And thank you for the tea. I believe it's time for me to leave."

Zhu Xian smiled and rose to his feet. "Take care, Manager Chen." He then called to his secretary, "Please see Manager Chen out."

Chen Chuan gave him a nod and walked out. Zhu Xian watched him go, then returned to his desk, put on his glasses, and resumed reading the files before him.

After a while, the secretary returned. "Mayor, he's been seen out."

Zhu Xian didn't look up. "Understood."

The secretary hesitated for a moment before leaning in closer and whispering, "Mayor, you seem to think highly of Manager Chen. But those people... they might be from the Central City Council."

Zhu Xian scribbled a note on the file before taking off his glasses. "Ah, you. Just look at the times we're in. They're promoting Fighters everywhere. Those who command martial strength have never been so highly valued. This is the way the tide is turning, and of course, we must ride the wave."

"The Central City Council? A capable man like Manager Chen might face temporary setbacks, but it won't last forever. When an opportunity arises, he'll soar. How could anyone truly hold him down? There's no harm in getting on his good side."

The realization dawned on the secretary, and a look of admiration crossed his face. "You're truly farsighted, Mayor."

After leaving the Administrative Affairs Hall, Chen Chuan had his motorcade take him back to the residential area. It was afternoon, so Instructor Wen was likely at the Patrol Bureau. Chen Chuan decided not to disturb him yet. Instead, once he was home, he took the opportunity to call some acquaintances and old classmates, making plans to meet up with them soon.

He then went through a simple daily training routine to maintain his condition.

Later that evening, around ten o'clock, he figured Instructor Wen had probably been back for a while. He went to a public phone booth outside and made a call. When it connected, he said, "Instructor Wen, it's me."

After a pause, he added, "Instructor, Kenwa has been dealt with."

Instructor Wen was surprised. He had expected the assessment wouldn't be difficult for Chen Chuan, but he hadn't anticipated it would be over so quickly. 'Hasn't it been less than two days?'

He replied, "Manager Chen, I'll call Mr. Zhuan to let him know right away. However, he may be busy and might not be able to come immediately. I'll inform you when he arrives."

Chen Chuan thought for a moment. "I'll just come over now. It wouldn't be right to make Mr. Zhuan wait for me. Besides, I have a few questions I'd like to ask you, Instructor Wen."

Instructor Wen smiled. "Alright. In that case, Manager Chen, you can come on over."

Chen Chuan hung up, changed his clothes, and gathered a few items he had recovered from Kenwa before heading out the door.

Less than ten minutes later, he arrived at Instructor Wen's home. After being welcomed inside, Instructor Wen smiled and said, "Mr. Zhuan is staying in a hotel not far from here. I just called and spoke with him. We just have to wait; he'll be over."

Chen Chuan nodded. After taking a seat in the living room, he said, "Instructor Wen, some people from the Refinement Sect approached me today."

"The Refinement Sect..."

Mr. Wen seemed a little surprised. He considered it for a moment before saying, "It's not surprising that other Schools would take notice of a talented and outstanding young man like yourself, Manager Chen. However, for them to track you all the way to Yangzhi City, it must have been an order from the Upper Layer of the Refinement Sect.

"But you can rest assured. The Schools have agreements with one another. As long as you've joined the Pure Sect, they won't bother you again. Even if trouble arises, the School will handle it for you."

Chen Chuan asked, "Do you know much about this Refinement Sect, Instructor Wen?"

Instructor Wen said, "The Refinement Sect, like our Pure Sect, is one of the Fighting Styles passed down from the old era. This School has considerable influence among the middle and upper classes."

"In the old era, this School would select talented individuals from among the children of high-ranking officials and nobles to train and mentor. This tradition continued throughout several Old Dynasties."

"They possess a rich heritage and deep roots. However, during the Old Dynasties, while the Imperial Family made use of them, they were also extremely wary of them. Thus, in every successive dynasty, while trying to win them over, the rulers would also continuously suppress and weaken them."

"In the new era, the Refinement Sect continues to follow an elite, upper-class path. They have extensive connections within the government and various corporations, and they leverage the School's influence to weave a vast web of mutual interests."

"The Refinement Sect often recruits promising individuals to bolster its ranks, absorbing them into the fold and having them serve the School's interests."

"By trying to recruit you, they likely want you to become an external affiliate—a pawn they can use."

"To this day, a member's standing within the Refinement Sect isn't determined by their strength, but by their birth and social status. Only those with a sufficiently high station receive greater favor and tutelage. A very small number are accepted by marrying into one of their families."

"But don't underestimate their martial prowess because of this. They are willing to invest significant resources in truly talented individuals. Many of the Fighters within their School are extremely capable."

Chen Chuan considered this. "From what you're saying, Instructor Wen, it sounds like this School has always survived by attaching itself to power." 'If that's all it is, then their methods are quite typical for a traditional Fighting Style.'

Instructor Wen replied, "That is what they appear to be doing, but it's likely just their superficial aim. They probably have a much deeper ambition, but that is something beyond my knowledge."

Chen Chuan asked another question, "Is there conflict between the Refinement Sect and the Pure Sect?"

Instructor Wen smiled. "As long as a School isn't colluding with the presence on the other side, or tainted by its power, then cooperation between them is possible."

"The Great Collision is imminent. Although friction and conflict have always existed between the Schools—and confrontation is inevitable due to ideological differences—there is a consensus among all parties, from the top down, that no major internal strife will be permitted."

Chen Chuan understood. He went on to ask more about the various Schools, and Instructor Wen patiently answered each question, giving him a preliminary understanding of the current landscape.

Although Mr. Zhuan was late, neither of them seemed anxious. They continued to chat while drinking tea until two or three in the morning, when the distinct sound of footsteps echoed from the street outside.

Instructor Wen smiled. "Mr. Zhuan is here."

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