Hidden Truth

Chen Xia was unaware of the conversation Jiang Xinglan and the others were having.

He had already gotten off the elevator on the seventh floor.

This time, he had expected to at most be promoted to Mid-level Captain, but he hadn't anticipated Jiang Xinglan promoting him to Headquarters.

It was an unexpected joy. With the promotion, he would also gain access to more resources.

Then, he would continue to grow with the help of the Seven Injuries Fist and the Eternal Night Blood Scripture.

"Captain Chen."

Just as Chen Xia was feeling pleased, as he stepped out of the elevator, someone greeted him.

Chen Xia recognized him as the Patrol Squad Leader who had warmly welcomed him the last time he visited Headquarters. His name was Dong Wen.

"Captain Chen is truly remarkable. You cracked the Evil Cult case. I'll congratulate you in advance on your promotion, Captain Chen."

Dong Wen, who appeared to be in his thirties, cupped his hands towards Chen Xia with a face full of smiles and said, "I was also at the scene that night, though I didn't participate in the killing. The projection of you confronting the Blood God is still vivid in my memory. I'm truly impressed."

"I was just lucky to get some information. The one who truly repelled the Blood God was Director Jiang."

Chen Xia chuckled. After a brief exchange, Dong Wen waved his hand. "If you have time to visit Headquarters another day, I'll treat you to a drink. You must grace me with your presence, Captain Chen."

"Alright!"

Chen Xia smiled back as he turned away.

If he remembered correctly, Dong Wen had said something similar last time. But it was just politeness, which was normal.

Dong Wen watched Chen Xia's retreating figure with envy. "He's truly young and promising!... But, Captain Chen looks a bit familiar. Have I seen him somewhere before?... It shouldn't be him."

Dong Wen stroked his chin, then suddenly froze. He recalled seven years ago, when he was picking up his younger sister from school, he seemed to have seen a male classmate trying to chat her up. Unfortunately, his sister wasn't very interested, and later he heard nothing came of it.

That person looked a bit like Chen Xia, but he figured it couldn't be the same person. So many years had passed, and his memory from that brief glance was too hazy.

Most importantly, what were the odds? Someone his sister wasn't interested in would later become a rising star at Headquarters, soaring to the heavens? That seemed too unrealistic, Dong Wen thought to himself.

This time, he had waited here specifically to get acquainted with Chen Xia. Don't underestimate such small gestures; many relationships start this way.

He was almost certain Chen Xia was about to be promoted, and getting to know more people could only be beneficial.

Chen Xia hailed a taxi to go back.

He planned to return to the South City Branch Office because he had an appointment notification that afternoon and needed to be prepared.

On the way, he saw the taxi's TV screen showing the latest news.

"Hello everyone, this is Yijiang TV's latest report..."

"Some time ago, Yijiang City experienced a series of missing persons cases, causing widespread panic. Now, the cases have been solved, and many missing girls have been rescued and are safe. This is truly exhilarating news."

"Furthermore, the entire group has been apprehended by the Yijiang City Patrol Inspection Office... Now, let's interview the parents..."

"My Lulu is back! Thank you to the Patrol Inspection Office, thank you to that young man who investigated the missing persons case..."

"Thank you. I never thought my daughter would return. Heaven truly has eyes!"

On the screen, a woman wearing a fisherman's hat hugged her daughter, weeping with joy.

Other parents who had lost their daughters were also overcome with gratitude.

Chen Xia didn't see any reports about the Blood God. He figured such frightening matters couldn't be disclosed. As for himself, he hadn't been publicly revealed either. If Jiang Xinglan hadn't been, then he certainly wouldn't be. This approach was more prudent.

The Night God Sect was still active; only one small branch had been eliminated. Edel was currently being rescued, and later they would need to interrogate him to find the whereabouts of other branches and capture them all.

Showing off on television might not be a good thing.

Seeing the parents in the news crying tears of joy, Chen Xia felt a small sense of gratification.

Soon, Chen Xia returned to the South City Branch Office.

He was warmly received by his superiors.

They thought Chen Xia had been injured and had been resting at home for two days. In reality, he was perfectly fine and had simply been cultivating his Spirit Technique. However, those present still felt Chen Xia's courage was commendable.

That night's situation had been witnessed by the two Directors of the South City Branch Office and Liu Jun from Headquarters. Even they were extremely wary and fearful of the Blood God. After all, Edel alone was so powerful; how much more so the Blood God? Yet Chen Xia dared to face the Blood God, which was an achievement in itself.

Moreover, the document from Headquarters had already arrived.

Today, the Director of South City presented Chen Xia with his appointment letter and offered some praise.

"Brother Chen has been promoted not long ago and has already achieved merit. He's truly soaring to the heavens, making people incredibly envious."

Captain Zhou Tong also cupped his hands in congratulations, a brilliant smile on his face, though his heart was turbulent. He had approached Chen Xia initially because he saw Chen Xia's favored status with Headquarters. While he expected Chen Xia to be promoted, he hadn't anticipated such speed, reaching Headquarters Deputy. It would be a lie to say he wasn't envious.

What made him secretly relieved was that Chen Xia had solved that troublesome missing persons case, finally quieting the anxious families who had been frequenting his jurisdiction. Otherwise, he might have faced dismissal.

"Not at all, it was just good luck."

Chen Xia responded humbly, his smile gentle, neither arrogant nor distant.

Previously, he had only met the Chief Captain. He rarely saw the other two Deputy Directors and the Director.

Now, these people were also starting to become familiar with Chen Xia.

This was a change brought about by his elevated status. But he remained grounded, knowing that the higher one's position, the more important it was not to get carried away.

The Director of South City, a man who looked to be in his fifties, said, "Chen Xia, your appointment letter is here. These are clothes from the Logistics Support Department, along with new equipment. I've already had them prepared for you."

"I can handle this small matter myself. I wouldn't dare trouble you, Director."

Chen Xia quickly took the supplies belonging to Headquarters with both hands, saying with a smile.

The Director smiled and said, "Headquarters oversees two streets. There's a branch point on Mengtang Street. If you have nothing else to do, you can take over now. Deputy Chief Wei heard about your appointment today and specially rushed here from the hospital to personally hand over the duties to you."

"Alright!"

Chen Xia nodded, but he was a little confused inside.

From his previous conversation with Jiang Xinglan, he learned that the Deputy Chief had been injured mentally and physically fighting Edel. Coupled with his old age and no hope for promotion, he had retired and taken up a less demanding post.

But the problem was...

Given the extent of his injuries, Deputy Chief Wei shouldn't have been at a retirement level. He didn't know why, but it seemed he had voluntarily used his injuries as an excuse to step down.

There must be a hidden reason behind this.

He could ask for details when he went to take over.