At this point, Gao Wenfu was unlikely to make things difficult for Deng Chun. He had also lost interest in pressing for details. He made no threats and tried no friendly overtures. He questioned Deng Chun as he would any subordinate he saw every day, purely as a matter of routine.
He asked about Deng Chun's experiences aboard the airship. Deng Chun told him exactly what had happened, repeating the account he had given Mora and the others.
As for his second trip into the airship, he said only that Hundun's commissioned-training version had possessed and empowered him, allowing him to lock onto and analyze Deng Yunwei. He did not explain how it worked or describe the various things he had sensed about the Hundred Peaks Monarch's Blocks.
Most of it was guesswork anyway. There was no point bringing up such vague impressions. At most, he mentioned what he knew for certain: blurred boundaries and overlapping interfaces.
Gao Wenfu barely questioned the vague parts of his account. For the most part, he listened attentively with a calm expression. Only after Deng Chun had finished did he pause in thought and say:
"Twenty-Seven."
Deng Chun had come to loathe that number, but he still answered respectfully.
Gao Wenfu spoke at an unhurried pace. "After this, I'd say you've been put through your paces. You can stop working at the storage yard."
"Uh, yes."
"You have experience being possessed and empowered by the Hundred Peaks Monarch. It's time you took on more responsibility. The cult's situation has changed recently, and after what happened to your father, some people are bound to feel unsettled. Adapt to the circumstances and do what you can to help everyone regain their footing."
Deng Chun stared at him.
Gao Wenfu continued at his own pace. "Of course,