Among them was a middle-aged man with a square face, who was none other than Specialist Cao, the man who had personally delivered the assessment documents to Chen Chuan. Stepping out of the train station, he looked at the snow covering the square outside and said, "I remember when I took the assessment, it was snowing then, too. Twenty years have flown by, but this place hasn’t changed much."

The man beside him said, "Specialist, the place hasn’t changed, but the people have."

"Yes." Specialist Cao’s tone grew heavy. "The people are different." Just then, a line of cars drove out from the station behind them and pulled over to the side, but the men remained standing.

After a few minutes, a car approached from the main road. It entered the snow-white square and stopped a short distance away. The door opened, and Old Feng got out. He walked up to him, extended a hand for a handshake, and said with a smile, "Specialist. I’ve been awaiting your arrival."

Specialist Cao shook his hand firmly. "Old Feng, thank you for your hard work. Is he here?"

Old Feng said, "He’s here. And let me tell you, this was the most motivating assessment I’ve ever been a part of. That kid... he’s truly inspiring."

Specialist Cao said, "That’s how young people should be."

Old Feng stepped aside and said, "Take my car."

Specialist Cao nodded and walked toward the car. "Just don’t lead me into a ditch this time," he said as he went. Old Feng pointed at him. "Still holding a grudge, are we? It’s been twenty years and you’re still bringing that up."

As Specialist Cao got into his car, he said, "Revisiting an old place naturally brings up old memories. It’s hard not to."

After he got in, the others boarded the vehicles on either side. The car doors slammed shut one after another, and the long motorcade set off toward the street where the hotel was located.

The lead car pulled up in front of the house where Boxing Lion and his men had previously stayed. Specialist Cao and Old Feng got out. "I’ll go get him..." Old Feng started to say.

But Specialist Cao held up a hand and walked inside himself.

Following Old Feng’s instructions, Chen Chuan had been waiting there since early morning. When the group from outside entered, he recognized the man in the lead.

Old Feng made the introduction. "Chen, this is Specialist Cao."

Specialist Cao said, "Chen. We’ve met once. I am here today, on behalf of the assessment team, to officially present you with the ’Unlimited Defense Certificate.’"

He raised his hand, and a subordinate in gloves stepped forward, holding a small box. The subordinate stopped in front of Chen Chuan, opened the box, and held it up with both hands to display its contents.

Chen Chuan glanced inside and saw a Jade Card, much like his Weapon Permit. It was bluish-black, its surface marked with crimson patterns like blooming cinnabar. His name and number were engraved on it in an ancient seal script, just as on his Weapon Permit.

Specialist Cao then took a small booklet from another subordinate, opened it, and began to read aloud:

"Hereby, the trainee Chen Chuan, for his courage, determination, and acuity, is granted the authority of Unlimited Defense. A gentleman conceals his weapon, waiting for the opportune moment to act. It is our hope that he continues to temper his body and sharpen his mind, studying diligently without cease. This commendation is hereby issued.

Authored by: Liang Yonghang, Head of the National Assessment Team.

Summer, Year 93 of the Dashun Republic."

Having finished, he closed the booklet and presented it to Chen Chuan with both hands.

Chen Chuan’s expression turned solemn as he stepped forward to accept it with both hands. Once he had secured the booklet, the subordinate presented the box containing the "Unlimited Defense Certificate" to him.

He took a breath and lifted the Defense Certificate out. It felt cool and weighty in his hand, and the material seemed to be of a higher quality than his Weapon Permit.

Specialist Cao then said gravely, "Chen, I must remind you that possession of the Unlimited Defense Certificate makes you a de facto Law Enforcer. With this right comes an obligation. Should the state issue a summons, you may refuse twice. If you accumulate more than two refusals, your certificate and your qualification from the assessment will be revoked."

Chen Chuan nodded. "I understand." ’He knew perfectly well that the authority the Upper Layer granted him wouldn’t be without strings attached. Enjoying the rights meant accepting the obligations.’

Specialist Cao’s expression relaxed slightly. "Chen, I look forward to your future performance." With that, he said no more, turning and leaving directly. His subordinates followed him out.

’Specialist Cao knew that there had actually been a debate within the assessment team about allowing Chen Chuan to participate in this assessment.’

’The number of candidates for the assessment was limited each year. Chen Chuan was only a first-year student; by all rights, he should have deferred to the third-years. But his recommendation was too outstanding to justify holding him back. This meant he would take a slot from a third-year student, which naturally sparked a debate.’

’The argument wasn’t over personal interests. Rather, some believed his strength hadn’t yet reached the required level and thought it better to hold him back, giving him a chance in his second year instead.’

’But others disagreed. As a first-year, he had received evaluations from three separate departments, not including the Processing Bureau—something completely unprecedented. They argued that he was clearly a youth of unparalleled talent and that an exception should be made.’

’Now, all that debate could finally be put to rest.’

Back in the car, a subordinate asked, "Specialist, where to next?"

Specialist Cao glanced outside. "Since we’re here, let’s go see a few old friends." Looking ahead, he added, "Let’s go." The vehicle started moving slowly and soon departed.

Meanwhile, with the certificate in hand, Chen Chuan’s business here was concluded. He returned to the hotel to pack, ready to head back. He had wanted to stay a few more days, but the assessment team had already booked his return ticket for that afternoon. Recalling their repeated complaints about a tight budget, he decided not to be an extra burden.

Once packed, he said his goodbyes to everyone at the hotel and got ready to leave for the station. Hu Xian and Old Feng both came out to see him off.

Chen Chuan said, "Sister Hu, Special Envoy Feng, I’m heading back now. Please take care." 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝐰𝚎𝕓𝐧𝚘𝘃𝗲𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝕞

Old Feng replied gravely, "Take care!"

Hu Xian added, "Brother Chen, remember to write."

Chen Chuan smiled. "I will." He waved to the two of them, shouldered the case containing the Snow Monarch Blade, picked up his suitcase, and headed toward the station.

Hu Xian watched his receding figure. "In all my years here... never mind those who ended up buried here forever, even the ones who passed the assessment always struggled through it. I’ve never seen anyone like Brother Chen. He’s destined for great things. By then, though, I’ll probably still be stuck here, watching over this damn place."

Special Envoy Feng also sighed. "Indeed. But don’t be so pessimistic. Now that Brother Chen has passed the assessment, the higher-ups have taken notice of this station. Your position might actually be up for a change."

Hu Xian looked surprised. "Then who would take over here?" She quickly broke into a self-deprecating laugh. "But why the hell should I care? This messed-up world will keep spinning no matter who’s gone."

Old Feng said softly, "True. But the more people there are like you, the better."

"The more people willing to die for the cause, the better, is that it?" Hu Xian tightened her collar and headed back toward the hotel. "I’m going in. Are you just going to stand here in the cold? You might not feel it, Old Feng, but I do."

Old Feng looked up at the azure sky and smiled faintly. "Is that so? Funny, my heart feels quite warm."

...

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