CHAPTER 413: CHAPTER 413: THE CORPSE IN THE DEPTHS OF THE INSPECTION DEPARTMENT!

"Uh, his name?"

"No, no, no, I’m talking about the name of the book. In this society, if the book’s title is no good, you can’t get by."

"Is the title that important?"

"Of course, the title is super important. Take ’Doomsday Halo’ for example, it sounds much better than ’Wasteland Dragon Arrogance’."

"Seems kind of reasonable!"

The chubby Young Master Yun thoroughly humiliated the members of the Inspection Department in attendance. Although his status was quite special, he was still unaware of what had happened in the Inspection Department yesterday. If he had known that his father had already classified the incident, he would have skedaddled long ago. He wouldn’t be here putting on airs to the point of delirium.

After the Inspection Department left, the chubby Young Master Yun waved his hand dismissively.

"Tsk, what a load of crap!"

"Brother Yun is so strong, he doesn’t even take the Inspection Department seriously."

"Not really, I’m usually very low-key. If it weren’t for you today, I wouldn’t have lost my temper."

Listening to the somewhat nauseating conversation between the two, Yang Di was close to vomiting. However, Lu Luo sported a full-faced smile, completely oblivious. He took the initiative to step forward, casually tossed a handful of banknotes to the ground, then picked them up again.

"Hey, you dropped something."

Young Master Yun turned around reflexively. He wanted to say that he hadn’t dropped anything. But when he saw the stack of cash that Lu Luo brought over, he suddenly held his tongue.

Could this guy be trying to bribe me? But that stack of cash is only a few thousand at best, not really worth calling a bribe.

"Well, thanks then!"

"No need to thank me; returning lost money is a noble virtue among Imperial citizens. I’m all about being virtuous!"

Lu Luo laughed as he breezed past Young Master Yun, seemingly uninterested in the prestigious son of the district governor. Young Master Yun also watched Lu Luo, initially indifferent to the rather attractive man. But Lu Luo’s virtuous act of returning the lost money, coupled with his nonchalant demeanor, suddenly sparked some genuine interest from him.

"Hey, wait a second."

"Hmm? What’s up?" Lu Luo turned his head curiously.

"I am Yun Luo, and you are... how may I address you?"

Yun Luo? How on earth did this chubby guy come up with such a name? It’s ridiculously over the top!

Lu Luo also thought Yun Luo’s name was excessive, but at this moment, it no longer mattered to him because the district governor’s son had taken the bait.

"Oh, I’m Lu Luo, from Dong’an City, just touring the Coal Capital!"

"Mr. Lu Luo is here for tourism? That’s perfect. I’m quite familiar with the Coal Capital, born and raised here. If Mr. Lu Luo doesn’t mind, shall we tour together?"

Lu Luo pondered for a moment.

"Would that be convenient?"

"What’s inconvenient about it? Come on, come on! While the Coal Capital might be remote, there are still plenty of fun things to do."

And so, the district governor’s son, Yun Luo, took the initiative to invite Lu Luo.

Yang Di stood by with a look of astonishment, still not quite understanding how Lu Luo had managed it.

A few thousand yuan and you get to know the district governor’s son? That’s just too slick!

"What are you staring at? Join us!"

Lu Luo waved at Yang Di, snapping the bewildered Yang Di out of her amazement.

"Oh, alright!"

「...」

Along the way, Lu Luo and Yun Luo had a great conversation. Yun Luo, after all, was the son of the district governor. Although he did show off a bit, he did have some substance. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have been able to write a fine piece like ’My District Governor Father’. Throughout the conversation, Yun Luo mostly bragged and talked, while Lu Luo always played the role of an attentive listener. But occasionally, Lu Luo would offer some opinions and insights of his own. Lu Luo’s thoughts were detailed, his reasoning surprising. He often brought unexpected outcomes when Yun Luo felt he was blabbering pointlessly. Seizing the key points made Yun Luo feel that his statements were being heard. After talking this way for a while, Yun Luo already considered Lu Luo a close confidant; he was nearly ready to swear brotherhood with him.

"Brother Luo is truly a remarkable person! Don’t leave tonight; let’s drink well. Coal Capital may not boast much, but the beer is still good. Don’t decline, it’s on me!"

Seeing Yun Luo’s beaming face, Lu Luo almost felt bad about refusing.

"Alright, if it’s on you, I’ll come."

"Hahaha, excellent!"

As evening approached, Lu Luo and Yun Luo stopped at a beer house in the Coal Capital. Due to their growing familiarity and the effects of several rounds of drinks, their conversation began to veer off course. They moved on from cultural environments and writing to discuss women, money, and, most importantly, power!

As the son of a district governor, Yun Luo had a clear understanding of the strength of the Empire. From his words, Lu Luo learned much that he hadn’t known before. For example, in the Empire, humans had completely suppressed the bizarre creatures! Even if some of the creatures were very powerful, they didn’t dare to misbehave in human settlements. Otherwise, they would incur human wrath, meaning war!

What confidence! This must be why the Empire, despite having its share of bizarre creatures, has no need for high walls!

"Now, with the three War Gods standing guard over the Empire, those creatures don’t even dare to squeak. Otherwise, we can wipe out their beast nations in mere minutes!"

Three great War Gods, ten top martial experts! Although it’s not clear what the upper limit of these War Gods and martial experts is, I can be sure that their strength must be more than just at the Seventh Tier. Because even a narrow place like the Wasteland Alliance can nurture 20-30 Seventh Tier individuals. I don’t believe that the vast land of the Empire would only have about ten Seventh Tier existences. Thus, it’s highly probable that these experts and War Gods are at the Eighth Order, or even above. Impressive stuff!

"What do you usually do, Brother Luo? Didn’t you say you are a Transcendent too? How about you quit whatever you’re doing and come to the Coal Capital instead? I can find you a job. Join the training team of the Coal Capital Inspection Department or work as security here: isn’t that better than living in the countryside?"

That’s right, in Yun Luo’s eyes, a place like Dong’an City is no different from the countryside. When he extended the invitation, I was indeed a bit tempted. If I could directly enter the Inspection Department system, it would undoubtedly be a leap forward for my work in the Empire. But after thinking about it, I still rejected it. My identity and background couldn’t withstand an investigation. The Inspection Department is a core sector of the Empire; they wouldn’t recruit members as casually as those struggling clubs in Dong’an City. If I were to join, I would definitely be thoroughly investigated. My situation is bound to cause trouble, so it’s better to let this go.

"I’ll keep Yun Luo’s kindness in mind, but I’m a bit temperamental. I want to see what my limits are. There’s a club meeting after a while, and that will be the perfect time for me to prove myself."

When Lu Luo spoke these words, there was a flash of the confidence that a young man should have in his eyes. This confidence also affected Yun Luo at his side.

"Good, well said! Young people should have their own temper; otherwise, what’s the difference from a salted fish? Come on, to the youth of young people, cheers!"

"Cheers!"

Yang Di watched the whole process of Lu Luo bamboozling Yun Luo.

How can this guy be so good at bamboozling? How can he spin such tall tales? Really, it’s just too much.

However, hearing Lu Luo spontaneously suggest participating in the club meeting, Yang Di was very happy. Before coming to the Coal Capital, Luo Yi had alluded to this a few times vaguely. But Yang Di knew Lu Luo’s temperament, so she had never broached the subject.

Unexpectedly, Lu Luo already has his own plans, which is great. I’ll be able to collect payment when I get back.

"Brother Luo, if there’s anything you need help with, just say so. Your brother here will spare no effort."

"No, no, I really don’t need help with anything. Don’t trouble yourself, Yun Luo."

With polite refusals, the two continued drinking and deepening their rapport. By the end of the meal, Yun Luo was still somewhat unsatisfied, as if he were very capable and had found a kindred spirit, yet he couldn’t do anything to showcase his own abilities, which made him uncomfortable. How to describe it? It’s like Yun Luo wanted to show off in front of Lu Luo, but Lu Luo never gave him the chance. For a seasoned show-off enthusiast, there’s nothing more frustrating than that.

"Really, no requests, Brother Luo? You’re making me seem very dumb."

"I truly have no requests. Cultivation and such are my own business. Even if you showed me other Cultivation Techniques, it’s too late for me to train them now!"

Lu Luo was making sense, but Yun Luo was still not ready to give up.

"No way, Brother Luo. Even if you can’t train, if you have an understanding of others’ combat styles, that would be a big advantage, right? How about this: I’ll take you to the Inspection Department tomorrow. They have a collection of many combat skills, methods, Cultivation Techniques, and you’ll surely gain something by seeing them."

This kid... is a real prodigal!

The conversation with Yun Luo had actually completely fulfilled my purpose. This time in our exchange, I did not use Nightmare Power. After all, he’s the son of a district governor; I don’t know if there are any hidden powerhouses in his family. Therefore, during this interaction, I always used a self-guiding approach. Success would be gratifying; even if I failed, there would be nothing to say. However, it’s clear that I succeeded.

"The Inspection Department? That... doesn’t seem quite right. After all, the Inspection Department is a national security department."

Lu Luo’s hesitation clearly caught Yun Luo’s attention, and finally finding something that interested Lu Luo was not easy. How could he possibly miss out? He absolutely couldn’t.

"No way, no way, Brother Luo, you wouldn’t deny me face, would you? I’m not afraid, so what’s there to be afraid of? Just go. Even if it’s not useful, it’s still good to broaden one’s horizons."

Lu Luo appeared very conflicted. He wanted to go, but felt a bit embarrassed about it.

Yun Luo, being more considerate, quickly said again, "If you don’t go, it means you’re not giving me face. Are we still brothers or not?"

"Well then... I’ll take a look!"

Just like that, Lu Luo reluctantly agreed to join Yun Luo for a visit to the Inspection Department the next day.

This kind of thing really puts a person in a tough spot!

「...」

The next day, Yun Luo proactively contacted Lu Luo, and driving his own car, he took Lu Luo to a location on the outskirts north of the Coal Capital. Since exploring the Inspection Department was a very secretive affair and involved certain risks, Lu Luo didn’t bring Yang Di, and Yun Luo didn’t bring his female companion either.

From a distance, this place looks like nothing more than a Gobi Desert landscape, but through the Observer, I can roughly sense that there must be a secret base hidden underground here. Of course, in front of the chubby kid, I can’t show too much.

"Yun Luo, where is this?" Lu Luo asked knowingly.

"This is a branch of the Inspection Department! Heh heh heh, confused, aren’t you? This is the Empire’s latest technology, invisible armor!"

Yun Luo drove the car up to a cliff in the Gobi and stopped, flashing the high beams, then got out of the car himself.

"Come on down, Brother Luo."

"Okay."

After the two of them got out, the air on the opposite side of the cliff suddenly became blurred.

Some kind of energy camouflage, with Sequence Force.

Lu Luo nodded slightly. So, another application of Sequence Power, huh...

After the camouflage was lifted, a transport platform slowly rose up, moving in front of them.

Yun Luo gestured to Lu Luo. "Come on, Brother Luo, quick. I come here to play often, it’s safe."

"Mm, okay!"

Lu Luo remained cautious, following Yun Luo inside.

I naturally wouldn’t pass up an opportunity to get this close to the Empire’s core military departments.

When the two came before a checkpoint after passing through the security, the guards began to verify their identities.

"Is Young Master Yun here to play?"

"Yes, and I’ve brought a friend. Make it quick."

Although Yun Luo was the son of a district chief, authorized to enter the Inspection Department and even bring others in, he couldn’t avoid the routine checks that were required. The inspection for Yun Luo was perfunctory, but Lu Luo’s was different. He took out his ID card, handed it to the guard, and began to wait patiently.

To say I wasn’t worried would be a lie, but worrying is useless; the more critical the moment, the more I need to remain calm. If I pass, then naturally there will be no problem. If not, then I can turn the tables using Nightmare Power! However, using Netherflame would be a last resort.

BEEP. BEEP.

The guard swiped Lu Luo’s ID card on some kind of machine, then examined Lu Luo up and down after picking up the ID card.

Yun Luo urged impatiently, "Is it done yet? We’re in a hurry here."

"All right, go on in."

"Many thanks."

Lu Luo nodded slightly, his heart also easing a bit.

Luo Yi did a trustworthy job; our ID cards seem to be genuine and valid for now.

The two followed a guard and walked slowly into the interior of the Inspection Department.

The armory, the training room, the canteen—Yun Luo led Lu Luo through each room for a visit. Besides ordinary Inspection Department members, Lu Luo also saw a very large number of logistical and standing personnel here.

It made sense. For a high-end military organization like the Inspection Department, weaponry, equipment, and logistics must be very important. The elite members of the Inspection Department and their excellent quality gave me some insight into how I could improve my own subordinates in the future. But these weren’t what I truly wanted to see. What I wanted to see were the Empire’s cultivation system reserves and the research labs. What exactly is the difference between the Empire’s cultivation system and that of the Wasteland Alliance? And what is the Inspection Department’s current research direction? Their application and exploration of Sequence—what kind of situation is that in?

Lu Luo’s curiosity couldn’t be satisfied just yet because someone from the leadership seemed to have arrived at the Inspection Department around lunchtime.

Yun Luo cautiously said, "Hey, Brother Luo! Duck your head, that idiot Zhang Changming has arrived. He’s got a few screws loose, let’s not get on his nerves."

"Zhang Changming?"

"The branch chief of the GuiXi Inspection Department, the top head here. Although he’s not as high-ranking as my father in name, the military force and power he actually controls are quite outrageous. This person has issues, and he’s much too severe. We shouldn’t stick our necks out at this time."

Yun Luo’s warning certainly reminded Lu Luo.

Zhang Changming, huh! The leading figure of the GuiXi Inspection Department. I’ll likely have a lot of contact with someone like him in the future, won’t I?

Lu Luo locked his gaze onto this somewhat austere man.

Human, Seventh Tier, unknown profession, energy unclear. Slight Sequence reaction, manifestation unclear. Strength: 290, Agility: 210, Constitution: 150.

Indeed, he has a Sequence! Even though the Observer’s prompt only mentioned a slight Sequence reaction, I can basically ascertain that this Zhang Changming definitely has a Sequence. He’s also the first person with a Sequence I’ve seen in the Empire after all this time.

Zhang Changming, striding along confidently, took his plate and casually chose a table to sit at. He was a very meticulous soldier. Even having reached his current position, he hadn’t changed his habits much. Although he didn’t exactly share a life with the soldiers, he also didn’t provide himself with too many conveniences in his living conditions.

From these details, I already sensed the man’s rigidity. A rigid person would find it difficult to accept an outsider like me. It also meant that my contact with the Empire’s high-ranking officials might not go as smoothly as I imagined. At the very least, my interaction with Zhang Changming could no longer follow the normal route of integrating into the Empire.

"Brother Luo, stop looking. That guy is pretty strange!"

Yun Luo tugged at Lu Luo’s sleeve, pulling his head down. As Lu Luo bowed his head, Zhang Changming seemed to sense something and looked in their direction. Seeing Yun Luo’s plump body, Zhang Changming immediately frowned.

"Yun Luo!"

He could spot Yun Luo in the crowded cafeteria so easily for a simple reason. In the Inspection Department, everyone had to manage their figure. Anyone working here, even a cleaning lady, needed to have a relatively standard figure. These people even had a certain level of military discipline, and in case of danger, they could instantly become fighters, engaging in auxiliary combat. Therefore, Yun Luo’s chubby figure couldn’t possibly belong to the Inspection Department.

Hmph! Arrogant!

Zhang Changming suddenly put down his cutlery and headed straight towards Lu Luo and Yun Luo.

Yun Luo nearly buried his face in his rice as he whispered to Lu Luo, "Is Zhang Changming gone yet?"

"No."

"Ah? I remember he eats quickly, so why is this jerk still here?"

Lu Luo watched Zhang Changming approaching them, the corner of his mouth twitching.

"Well, that guy is walking towards us."

"What?"

Yun Luo suddenly lifted his head, only to see Zhang Changming wearing a black uniform, standing in front of them.

"Yun Luo, this isn’t a place for you."

"Tsch, what’s the big deal... This isn’t your house. I grew up here, why can’t I come?"

Yun Luo pouted, showing his defiance. Zhang Changming slightly frowned; in the past, he might have continued to scold Yun Luo. Their relationship wasn’t that bad. Sometimes, Zhang Changming acted like a strict elder to Yun Luo. Being strict was just his way of hoping for Yun Luo’s betterment. However, starting from yesterday, there had been no progress in the case involving the murder at the Western Suburbs’ Inspection Department, which diminished Zhang Changming’s will to reprimand Yun Luo.

"Forget it, you’re not young anymore. Save your father some worry."

"I don’t need you to meddle. I just won an award; my life is good!"

"Anyone knows what your award is all about. Your dad’s about to retire, so just stay out of trouble."

Our brief exchange gave me the impression that this Zhang Changming wasn’t that bad after all. Yun Luo stayed silent, and Zhang Changming shifted his gaze away from him, turning it towards me! Our eye contact seemed to spark something different. A Seventh Tier expert—would I be afraid? To say I was afraid was true, yet to say I wasn’t was also true! I have too many hidden cards, my foundational strength is too formidable, so even against a Seventh Tier powerhouse, I feel confident I can battle him. I even feel a twinge of certainty I could win after figuring out his specifics. Of course, fighting is the worst-case scenario. Generally, I wouldn’t do that.

"What’s your name?" Zhang Changming inquired.

"Lu Luo."

Yun Luo appeared somewhat surprised. Does Zhang Changming care about other people? Or is there something different about Brother Luo?

"Lu Luo... have we met before?"

Zhang Changming asked a strange question.

Lu Luo also started to feel that something was off. Could it be that Zhang Changming saw something in me?

"I’m from Dong’an City. We probably haven’t met before, right?"

Zhang Changming habitually narrowed his eyes. As a Seventh Tier Transcendent, my instincts told me there was something wrong with the person in front of me. However, this feeling was purely my intuition, without any evidence. If it were normal times, I might directly detain Lu Luo for questioning to see if he was some sort of fugitive criminal. But it doesn’t seem possible now, since Lu Luo was brought here by Yun Luo. Even if I don’t give Yun Luo face, I have to give face to the district governor.

"If we haven’t met, then that’s that. Continue your meal."

Zhang Changming left, his hands too full to closely examine Lu Luo.

But I’m certain that something is off with this Lu Luo!

"Hey, Old Zhang, can I bring a friend to look around inside this afternoon?"

"Inside?"

What Yun Luo referred to as ’inside’ were actually the Inspection Department’s weapon room, Cultivation Technique storage, and research institute. That was the core of a department, and also their goal for this trip. If they hadn’t encountered Zhang Changming, it would have been fine, but now that they had, as a person from that circle, Yun Luo still needed to ask properly.

Zhang Changming originally wanted to refuse, but he suddenly glanced at Lu Luo and seemed to think of something.

"Sure, if you want to see, feel free to take a look!"

"Really? Thanks. You’re usually so difficult to talk to; it’s rare for you to agree so easily today."

"Just don’t break anything."

"Absolutely, don’t worry!"

I could guess what the two were talking about by ’inside,’ and although I felt some joy, I kept silent. At this time, silence was the best choice.

As he left, Zhang Changming gave Lu Luo another look.

This glance seemed to carry some meaning, but I didn’t care; I’m confident in my control over my emotions.

By the time the afternoon came, however, Lu Luo’s expression was not as composed as he had imagined.

Because there was a dead body in front of him!

The Black Cat, Tong Yuan’s corpse!