174: Chapter 124: Vertical Qi like Thunder, Courageous Both Inside and Out 174: Chapter 124: Vertical Qi like Thunder, Courageous Both Inside and Out Qin Shi returned to the Talent Apartment at four in the afternoon.
Wei Zheguang drove him back.
Among those accompanying him was old Feng, whom he’d met before.
Today’s high-intensity battle had been incredibly rewarding, just as old Liang and old Ren had said, relying on virtual combat could only enrich his experience in offense and defense.
But to truly improve his combat skills, he needed to experience the real danger and thrill of actual hand-to-hand combat.
He sought the essence of new growth and transformation from the rapid adrenaline rush and the extreme concentration that came with it.
Sitting in the passenger seat, Qin Shi closed his eyes to reflect on the reasons this “exam” had been so easy.
It was probably because the most troublesome adversary, the Gray Adder, had been eliminated first, reducing the pressure of the whole process by sixty percent.
“Having a young-looking face is an advantage.
After all, who would treat a high school student as a major threat?”
He quite enjoyed the thrill of single-handedly taking down famous experts as an unknown.
Once his reputation spread, he wouldn’t be able to play the “hidden tiger” role anymore.
“Old Tan was eyeing you quite keenly earlier, Mr.
Their Operations Department needs people like you,”
Wei Zheguang said while driving, not stopping talking the whole way:
“They even asked for your contact information, saying they hope to collaborate more in the future.”
Wei was a good person, and he was decent-looking.
Unfortunately, he just couldn’t keep his mouth shut.
Qin Shi sighed inwardly, no wonder handsome guys had to act all cold and distant.
Constantly babbling was indeed annoying.
“Is the Operations Department really short of manpower?”
Wei Zheguang replied:
“Mainly short on field personnel.
Law and order in the Tai’an Metropolitan Area has been stable for years, the occasional small-time gang stuff doesn’t have much impact.
But outside the main city, there are plenty of lawbreakers like Niu Tou and She Zai.
They are active in electronic lockdown zones, often coming out to cause trouble.
If you send highly skilled Martial Artists into such dangerous areas, the risk is very high; it’s always a matter of great concern.”
Qin Shi nodded, understanding the problematic aspects.
In those lockdown zone areas, the electronic security was very high.
Even a slightly strong electronic signal could cause equipment to malfunction.
Not only would communication devices fail, but even weapons like kinetic chain saws and energy-charged batons would behave unpredictably, let alone firearm-equipped personnel.
To sweep and eliminate hiding wanted criminals, a large-scale deployment of inspection personnel was necessary for a carpet-search and eradication.
The input and output were completely disproportionate.
Furthermore, with such a huge commotion, the highly alert criminals, all with blood on their hands, would not show up, making it easy to return empty-handed.
“The Operations Department is the frontline combat unit of the Inspection Department, their casualty rates are high, but they also get promoted the fastest.”
Wei Zheguang turned the steering wheel, a touch of lamentation in his tone:
“For our division, frankly, it’s like waiting to die, handling no more than trivial matters, day in and day out, mediating small disputes.
The Operations Department’s work is thrilling, combating the spread of Esoteric Buddhism, clearing the wanted list, arresting major criminals, and the toughest part is those field operatives, who spend most of the year out there, only occasionally returning to headquarters for supplies and resources.”
Qin Shi curiously asked:
“What do the field operatives mainly handle?”
He had heard from Chen Yun that typically, the Inspection Department’s jurisdiction was within the main city.
Even though there were many uncharted “wilderness” or “no-man’s lands” and “polluted zones” outside.
They were generally marked as dangerous zones, mostly to prevent travelers from accidentally entering.
“Mainly tracking down major criminals and hunting Esotericists.
These days, too many people dabbling in the extraordinary go astray, even in information-isolated places like Heng Province, it’s still rampant.”
Wei Zheguang shrugged, expressing helplessness, as not everyone followed the path of high school, university, and specialized development of life force.
Especially outside the Urban Circle, in impoverished places like Barrier City, the underprivileged often had no chance.
Even if they got a lucky break, the cost could be unfair, turning criminals, Esotericists, into weeds in the wilderness.
“In the end, Dongxia is just too big.”
Buried in his terminal, playing a card-drawing game, old Feng interjected.
“Just like the grander the city, the bigger its sewer system, always able to shelter creatures living in shadows.”
Wei Zheguang clicked his tongue twice:
“Old Feng indeed deserves to be a top student from Jia Kai Science University!”
He parked the car under the Talent Apartment building, then thick-skinnedly pushed Tan Cong of the Operations Department onto Qin Shi.
Qin, old Tan is reputed to be the top expert in the Operations Department.
He is from the Old Martial Sect, you two should find time to discuss.”
Qin Shi took out his terminal and accepted the request.
[“The Operations Department’s Tiger” has become your friend]
The next day, Qin Shi went to Dangyang East Suburb as usual.
He opened the dormitory door of Sons and Daughters Ninth Middle School, and saw Ren You and old Liang enjoying their drinks.
“Brother Liang, this bottle of old Maotai from Gu Province is one of my treasured collections.
As they say, a thousand cups are too few for close friends, come, have a taste!”
The best drink I’ve ever had should be the ‘Thousand-Day Drunk’ from Jing Province, brewed by Star Sea Products.
Once opened, the aroma invigorated me!”
Old Liang, rarely in high spirits, was narrating tales ceaselessly.
Seeing his disciple enter, he finally quieted down.
Qin Shi frowned, opened the window to let out the smell, and muttered:
“I’ve been telling you to quit smoking and drinking.
Smoking harms the lungs, binge drinking damages the liver.
The master’s notes clearly say, after forty, one must focus on health.
At your age, why don’t you heed the advice?”