Chapter 61: Chapter 53: Temporary Worker

The door to the training room was pushed open.

Sure enough, inside stood not only Principal Chen Zhenguo, but also two familiar figures in black Public Security Bureau uniforms: Director Zhou and Manager Wang, the same men from last time.

Director Zhou wore an expression of undisguised awkwardness and apology. He met Lin Yi’s gaze and was the first to speak, his voice low and solemn.

"Student Lin Yi, I’ve come today on behalf of the Public Security Bureau to formally apologize to you for Yan Hao’s escape. Our mistake has needlessly endangered your life. It was a dereliction of our duty."

Lin Yi nodded calmly, saying nothing, simply listening in silence.

Director Zhou continued,

"To ensure your safety and provide you with the means to protect yourself in an emergency, the Bureau has made a special decision to temporarily loan you this C-grade Energy Gun for self-defense."

He signaled with his eyes.

Manager Wang immediately stepped forward and placed a black, high-tech-looking metal case flat on a nearby training bench.

He unfastened the latches, and the lid rose slowly, revealing the weapon lying quietly inside.

It was a firearm with smooth lines and a distinct industrial aesthetic.

The main body of the gun was matte black, with inlaid blue lines marking energy conduits on key parts. The barrel was thicker than a conventional firearm’s, ending in a complex energy-focusing device.

The entire weapon exuded a cold and dangerous aura.

"This is the ’Hunting Falcon III Type’ Energy Pistol, C-grade standard, with an effective range of three hundred meters," Manager Wang explained. "It uses special Energy Boxes, and its power is sufficient to penetrate a Third-Grade Martial Artist’s protective Qi and Blood within a hundred meters. It’s simple to operate and has a basic aim-assist system."

Lin Yi’s gaze was instantly captivated by the gun.

He stepped forward and carefully lifted the heavy Energy Gun from its case. It was cool to the touch and felt substantial in his hands.

He reflexively tested its weight, a glint flashing in his eyes as he muttered to himself under his breath:

’This gun... how much is it worth?’

Hearing this, Zhang Quan, who was standing nearby, felt the corner of his mouth twitch almost imperceptibly. He explained in an annoyed tone:

"An Energy Gun of this level is a strictly controlled strategic weapon. The official starting price is twenty million Huaxia Coins, and... even if you had the money, there’s nowhere to buy one! They aren’t allowed to be sold on the open market at all!"

"Twenty million?!"

Lin Yi’s heart skipped a beat, and his eyes instantly lit up with a frightening intensity.

’Twenty million!’

’How many Bone Tempering Pills could that buy?’

’Two thousand!’

’Enough to complete the Refinement of another twenty torso bones!’

’My strength would absolutely soar!’

’By then, I could totally rival the Second-Grade Yan Hao!’

When Director Zhou heard this, he immediately added in a serious tone:

"Lin Yi, this type of Energy Gun is a crucial national strategic resource. Every single one is strictly registered and documented. We are only loaning it to you temporarily for personal defense. You are absolutely forbidden from selling, transferring, or dismantling it for research! Remember, the technology of the energy-gathering core is a state secret and must not be leaked under any circumstances! Even if the gun breaks and is decommissioned in the future, it must be returned to the Public Security Bureau in one piece!"

The light in Lin Yi’s eyes dimmed considerably in an instant as a huge wave of disappointment washed over him.

’The gun is powerful, sure. Used correctly, it could definitely take down a Third-Grade Martial Artist. But for me, if it can’t be converted into cultivation resources, its value is greatly diminished.’

’No matter how good this thing is, is it more important than rapidly increasing my own strength?’

’What a shame...’

"Hmph! ’Temporarily loan’?" Chen Zhenguo snorted coldly from the side, glaring at Director Zhou in dissatisfaction. "Can’t your Public Security Bureau be a little more generous? Just give it to Lin Yi! He’s the pride and joy of our Yang City right now, a star of the future! You can’t even part with a single gun?"

Director Zhou gave a bitter smile and waved his hands repeatedly.

"Old Chen, please don’t make things difficult for me. This isn’t a matter of being stingy. It’s a matter of principle, an ironclad rule! The whereabouts of every single Energy Gun must be clear and controllable. If I dared to just give it away, I’d be under investigation tomorrow! Loaning it to Student Lin Yi is already an exceptional privilege that the Bureau approved under pressure! Once Yan Hao is captured, or the threat is confirmed to be neutralized, this gun must be returned."

"Stingy!" Chen Zhenguo commented bluntly.

But then his eyes darted, as if a brilliant idea had suddenly struck him. A cunning smile appeared on his face as he changed the subject.

"Director Zhou, since you can’t just give the gun away, how about... we just have Lin Yi join your Public Security Bureau?"

"Join the Public Security Bureau?"

Director Zhou was taken aback. He looked at Chen Zhenguo, then at Lin Yi, a thoughtful expression in his eyes.

Chen Zhenguo struck while the iron was hot.

"That’s right! Let Lin Yi get his name on the books at your Public Security Bureau! Make him a special consultant or a special operative, something like that, to make his status official and legitimate! That way, he can apply for an Energy Gun as a member of the Bureau for official duties and self-defense. Wouldn’t that be completely in line with regulations? And you wouldn’t have to worry about the gun’s whereabouts! It’s the best of both worlds!"

Director Zhou instantly understood Chen Zhenguo’s scheme.

’This old fox is trying to use a position in the Public Security Bureau to let Lin Yi gain permanent ownership of this gun, so he won’t have to return it!’

’Besides, Lin Yi would only be a member in name only. His main focus would definitely still be on his cultivation and the college entrance exams. There’s no way he’d actually show up for a desk job at the Bureau.’

’But would this really be a loss for the Public Security Bureau?’

’An eighteen-year-old First-Grade Martial Artist, a prodigy who’s a shoo-in for one of the top ten universities in the future...’

’Having his name associated with the Yang City Public Security Bureau, even if it’s just a nominal title, holds potential value and influence that far exceeds a single C-grade Energy Gun!’

’This is practically a long-term investment that can’t possibly lose money!’

’Even if Lin Yi goes to North City or Demon City later on, the Yang City Public Security Bureau could still proudly say that he’s a genius we helped foster!’

At this thought, Director Zhou instantly made up his mind.

An enthusiastic smile immediately spread across his face. He looked at Lin Yi, his tone filled with sincerity.

"Principal Chen’s proposal is excellent! Student Lin Yi, on behalf of the Yang City Public Security Bureau, I formally invite you to become our ’Special Temporary Commissioner’! Don’t worry, it’s just a nominal position to get you on the record and allow you to enjoy basic stipends and benefits. We absolutely won’t send you on any dangerous missions! The main purpose is to solve the issue of legally assigning this gun to you. At the same time, the Public Security Bureau will be your strong backing!"

Lin Yi was overjoyed!

’This is a completely unexpected turn of events!’

’Just for being a member in name only, I get a Big Killing Artifact worth twenty million that you can’t even buy with money!’

’This deal is too good to be true!’

He immediately straightened his back, an expression of utmost sincerity and high-mindedness appearing on his face, and said in a clear voice:

"I accept! For the safety and stability of Yang City, I am willing to contribute my part! Thank you for your trust, Director Zhou!"

"Excellent! Wonderful!" Director Zhou clapped his hands and laughed, extremely satisfied with Lin Yi’s sensible attitude. "Manager Wang, bring out the application form for the Special Temporary Commissioner immediately! Student Lin Yi, just fill out the form, sign your name, go through the process, and this ’Hunting Falcon III’ will be legally yours to use from now on! It will be your sidearm!"

"Thank you, Director Zhou!"

Lin Yi took the electronic tablet and stylus from Manager Wang, suppressed his inner excitement, and began filling out his personal information.

Chen Zhenguo watched from the side with a broad smile, like a proud parent who had just secured the best possible deal for their child.

Once Lin Yi had signed and the electronic filing was complete, Chen Zhenguo spoke up again slowly.

"Director Zhou, now that the gun rightfully belongs to Lin Yi, you have to provide the supporting services too, right? Just giving him the gun without any bullets... oh, I mean, without any Energy Boxes, is that proper? Are you expecting Lin Yi to scare people with an empty gun? Or make him pay for them out of his own pocket?"

The smile on Director Zhou’s face immediately stiffened a little.

He knew this old fox wouldn’t be satisfied so easily!

Energy Boxes were a much bigger expense than the gun itself!

"Old Chen, about that... The Bureau’s consumption has been high recently. After the Red Moon, our reserves of Energy Boxes are indeed a bit tight..."

Director Zhou tried to plead poverty.

"Alright, stop trying to pull a fast one on me!"

Chen Zhenguo cut him off directly, mercilessly exposing his excuse.

"Who doesn’t know that your Public Security Bureau is the biggest collector of monster Heart Cores after the Red Moon? Aren’t Energy Boxes made from those Heart Cores? You’re telling me you’re short on raw materials? You’ve already given him the gun, are you really going to skimp on the cost of bullets? Lin Yi is your Special Commissioner now. If you don’t even provide enough ammo for him to practice and get familiar with his weapon, your logistical support is just terrible, isn’t it? If word gets out, aren’t you afraid of disheartening the other team members?"

Chen Zhenguo’s barrage of words—a mix of attacks, accusations, and reasoning—left Director Zhou speechless.

He sighed helplessly, knowing he wouldn’t be able to walk out this door today without giving something up.

He gritted his teeth and looked at Manager Wang.

"Manager Wang, from my special discretionary fund, approve... ten standard Energy Boxes for Commissioner Lin Yi!"

He then turned back to Lin Yi and instructed him solemnly:

"Lin Yi, Energy Boxes are extremely precious. One standard Energy Box can support a maximum of only five full-power shots. You must use them sparingly. Unless absolutely necessary, don’t fire it casually. Be frugal with your practice, so you have enough for a critical moment!"

"Understood! Thank you, Director Zhou! I’ll definitely be careful!"

Lin Yi immediately responded with gratitude.

He was already calculating rapidly in his mind.

’One monster Heart Core is worth a hundred thousand.’

’Ten of them would be a million!’

’This was equivalent to Director Zhou giving me another million, in a way!’

’Although I still can’t cash it in, it’s better than nothing.’

’With this ammunition, at least this twenty-million-dollar Big Killing Artifact is no longer just for show. It can actually save my life or take someone out in a critical moment.’

Director Zhou watched as Lin Yi carefully placed the Hunting Falcon III Type Energy Gun and the ten shimmering, faint blue Energy Boxes into the special metal case, feeling as if his own heart were bleeding.

However, when he thought about the potential future returns Lin Yi might bring, the investment seemed worthwhile again.

With the paperwork finished, Director Zhou and Manager Wang hurriedly left with the documents Lin Yi had signed.

In the training room, Chen Zhenguo wore the triumphant smile of an old fox.

Zhang Quan, on the other hand, watched Lin Yi clutch the metal case as if it were a priceless treasure. He couldn’t help but shake his head, though the corners of his mouth turned up slightly.

’This kid... he really is someone who refuses to be taken advantage of.’

"Alright, you’ve got the Energy Gun, and your status is settled." Zhang Quan’s smile vanished, and he reverted to his strict-teacher persona, his gaze shooting toward Lin Yi like a bolt of lightning. "Now, put aside those greedy little thoughts of yours! Today, we’re practicing ’Shaking the Great Spear’! Don’t even think about resting until you can’t lift your arms anymore!"

He pointed to the Owl Dragon Long Spear weapon case that Lin Yi had set aside.

Lin Yi’s spirits lifted. He immediately placed the metal case with the Energy Gun carefully in a corner, then quickly slung his own weapon case over his back. His eyes became sharp and focused once more. "Yes, Teacher!"

The pleasant surprise of his newfound wealth was temporarily suppressed. The path of the Martial Dao, in the end, had to be forged one thrust at a time with the long spear in his hands.

But with this unexpected Energy Gun by his side, his confidence seemed to have grown a little stronger.

’As for those ten Energy Boxes... hmm, I’ll have to think carefully about how to use them most effectively.’

...

Next, building on his foundation from the lunge-and-hold spear stance, Zhang Quan began to systematically teach him spear techniques.

The ten basic moves—

Point, Thrust, Block, Seize, Coil, Press, Cleave, Smash, Lift, and Circle!

Footwork—

Bow-and-Lunge Step, Dragon-Riding Step, Low Step, Empty Step, Pad Step, Sliding Step...

And higher-level techniques—

Listening to the Spear’s Jin!

Before he knew it, seven days had passed.

During these seven days, Lin Yi was completely focused, and his spearmanship skills improved rapidly.

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