Dr. Meng Ji was truly infuriated. He stormed directly into Aviloya's office to file a complaint. Aviloya, at least better versed in the ways of the world than Dr. Meng Ji, tried to appease him with kind words. She assured him that she would definitely find a way to have Chen Gu come over soon to collaborate on his research, but after the doctor left, she didn't actually rush Chen Gu at all.

Qing Ruyan treated Chen Gu to a meal. After Chen Gu went home and took a bath, he leisurely made his way to the Bureau of Mystic Security's headquarters.

Only after settling Chen Gu did Qing Ruyan drag her exhausted body back to her own apartment. If Chen Gu could enter Qing Ruyan's "boudoir," he would certainly curse that the more beautiful a woman was, the more deceitful she could be. Qing Ruyan's apartment was so spacious it rivaled his three-story villa in size. Moreover, located on the top floors of the building, it offered an excellent view. Its location was prime—situated in the golden district of Capital Star, the price would likely be no cheaper than his house…

On Chen Gu's part, after Dr. Meng Ji had resentfully pestered him for several days, he finally had some time to himself. He gathered his courage a few times only to back down again. In the end, he gritted his teeth, squeezed his eyes shut, and went to find Aviloya. He had to find out what exactly had become of Chen Jixian.

Although his son was "unfilial," he was still his own flesh and blood.

He seemed to have a natural "fear" of Aviloya, like a mouse before a cat. But in reality, he knew it was just his guilty conscience.

When he reached Aviloya's massive office and announced his name, requesting to see the Director-General, he was stopped by the secretary. The secretary earnestly checked the Director-General's schedule for the day and then gave Chen Gu a professionally courteous smile. "Sorry, you don't have an appointment. How about I set one up for you? Let me see… In six days, at four-fifty in the afternoon, the Director-General has about five minutes of free time."

Chen Gu's expression darkened. He turned and left, well aware the secretary only dared to do this because they had surmised Aviloya's intentions—she obviously didn't want to see him.

What a coincidence, he thought. Truth be told, I didn't want to see you either.

But who else could he ask for news about his adult son? Chen Gu walked out of the Bureau of Mystic Security building, hesitated for a moment, and then called Gong Shuxu.

Gong Shuxu agreed readily. "I'll ask for you."

He immediately called the Director-General…

Aviloya had, of course, instructed her secretary to block "that little thief" if he came by. So, when Gong Shuxu's call came through, she wasn't surprised in the slightest. After composedly waiting for Gong Shuxu to ask his question, she replied, "As you know, Chen Jixian's 'Abyssal Blacksmith' profession is rather unique. Compounded by his personal issues, the entire promotion process is very complex. The Bureau's experts have devised a seven-stage promotion plan. We've just entered the third stage, and it will likely take at least another two months."

Gong Shuxu calmly thanked her, hung up, and relayed the information to Chen Gu.

Aviloya didn't find it troublesome at all. As long as she didn't have to see that annoying brat, everything was perfect.

Chen Gu breathed a sigh of relief, then began to complain to Gong Shuxu, "I submitted my promotion report for the Third Energy Level a long time ago, and there's been no response from the Bureau whatsoever. Tell me the truth, Elder, does the Bureau plan to keep me stuck at the Second Energy Level for the rest of my life?"

Gong Shuxu hesitated for a moment before revealing, "Not exactly. The current consensus is that they want you to collaborate with Dr. Meng Ji first. Once you clarify the secret behind holding multiple professions, the Bureau will consider your other demands."

Chen Gu sighed. I'll have to think of other methods, he realized. The reason I can hold multiple professions is entirely due to "The Past of Four Hundred People"—a secret Dr. Meng Ji could spend his entire life researching without ever uncovering, unless I tell him. And even if he did figure it out, it would be meaningless, as it couldn't be replicated.

The Bureau of Mystic Security naturally didn't want to promote Chen Gu. He was already so formidable at the Second Energy Level; if he reached the Third, they feared only someone at the Sixth Energy Level could control him. If he ever became unwilling to cooperate or suddenly decided to join another power, like the military, the Bureau of Mystic Security's efforts would have been truly in vain.

After returning to his residence, Chen Gu rested his chin in his hands and pondered. What other channels are there for promotion? The first choice is definitely the Atomic Holy Church. I already have the promotion resources. As long as I can borrow a generator from the Atomic Holy Church, I can begin my advancement to the Third Energy Level. But the Atomic Holy Church certainly won't want to offend the Bureau of Mystic Security by lending me a generator. What price would I have to pay for them to agree? Moreover, I can't openly seek a promotion pathway right now. If the Bureau of Mystic Security found out, they'd certainly find a way to pressure me, and my poor adult son is still in their hands.

Chen Gu seethed internally. I'll endure for two more months! Once Chen Jixian successfully promotes, we'll break away from the Bureau of Mystic Security together and join the military with Bai Yunpeng! I refuse to believe that, with the military's resources, they can't find a suitable generator for me!

But that was just angry talk; I definitely wouldn't do that unless it was absolutely necessary.

Not to mention, Aviloya's threat alone is chilling. Toying with a Ninth Power Level like that... do they really think the Valkyrie can't draw her sword?

Chen Gu called the priest of the church in Wuzhaoyin City, subtly expressing his intentions. The priest kindly offered to make some inquiries for him.

After a day, the priest's joyful feedback arrived: "Why not convert to our faith? Our church is extremely generous to its followers."

Chen Gu was speechless.

It's almost certain that the Atomic Holy Church path is a dead end. If this master actor were to change allegiances, the military would be my first choice anyway.

In short, Chen Gu's time on Capital Star had been anything but "pleasant."

This was evident in his daily routine. Dr. Meng Ji experimented on him all day. In response, Chen Gu maintained a stoic expression, remained silent, moved sluggishly, often "arrived late for work," and steadfastly refused overtime. This made Dr. Meng Ji extremely irritable, but he was helpless against Chen Gu. Deliberately making things difficult for Chen Gu during experiments only resulted in Chen Gu being even less cooperative in subsequent ones. Beyond his research capabilities and talent for cursing, Meng Ji was incompetent in other areas. Unsure how to handle the situation, he resorted to his usual grand move: "tattling to the higher-ups."

Aviloya, however, didn't seek out Chen Gu. She knew he was smart and would figure things out on his own.

Chen Gu still felt constrained, hesitant to act rashly because he cared about too many people—for instance, Chen Jixian, despite their mutually aloof demeanor. Chen Jixian was still under the Bureau's control. So, Chen Gu's recent "uncooperative actions" were merely him venting some dissatisfaction before burying everything deep down and appearing to return to normal on the surface.

But Chen Gu had already begun mentally sifting through suitable intelligence sources, actively looking for a generator outside the Bureau of Mystic Security and the military. The first person he thought of was "the Ape."

It's not safe to discuss over the phone; I'll wait for his next visit to Capital Star, he decided.

He had the resources for promotion, but to sway the generator's owner, he still needed to accumulate more capital.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.