Chapter 71: Proof! It Was Crimson Gold All Along!
Although Yang Yan didn’t speak, his eyes were also very cold.
“Sigh…” Seeing the three instantly stand in a line, Zhang Hongbo was also speechless inside and explained, “Of course not every report will be accepted, nor will they all escalate to me.”
“This time someone made a real-name report, and personally came to the Inspection Department. This person, Su Chen, you still know.”
Real-name report? Personally came? And knows Su Chen?
Yang Yan’s eyes flickered slightly, his expression softening a bit.
“City Lord, could you be more specific?” Su Chen muttered inwardly, but with a clear conscience, he still had plenty of confidence.
Zhang Hongbo had anticipated this, merely pressing a few buttons on the desk. Soon, several Inspector Guards escorted someone forward.
A flash of surprise crossed Su Chen’s eyes; he really did know this person. “Huang Peng.”
It was the former leader of the refugee small group his predecessor had been in.
“He has known you for at least ten years,” Zhang Hongbo said.
“Su, Su Chen…” Huang Peng looked up, a complex expression surging in his eyes—resentful yet sorrowful. “You didn’t expect this, did you? To see me again.”
Gu Bing frowned beside him. These two really knew each other, for over ten years?
Su Chen then said, “City Lord, haven’t you investigated? He should have mysteriously disappeared before.”
“That’s exactly why we investigated and called you here.” Zhang Hongbo gave his explanation, his eyes deepening. “The ones who took him should be Heituo followers, but they sent him back and accused you of being a Strange God Follower.”
“This means the Heituo followers, for some reason, think you’re also a Strange God Follower and want to borrow our hands to get rid of you.”
“This is strange. They went to such great lengths, painstakingly finding someone who’s known you for so many years to accuse you, as if afraid we wouldn’t take it seriously.”
After hearing this, Yang Yan and Gu Bing’s eyes changed, their gazes toward Su Chen inevitably carrying scrutiny.
Old Zhang’s reasoning sounded logical, but also a bit far-fetched. It could only be said to be a coincidence. With South Wind City’s current situation, Strange God Followers were undoubtedly a sensitive topic, plus Huang Peng and his predecessor really had known each other for a long time.
Su Chen nodded. “So that’s how it is. You’re wise.”
“He… he… he was mediocre and accomplished nothing for over ten years before. Without some sudden change, how could he become so powerful!” Huang Peng gnashed his teeth. “Moreover, I’ve seen him at home fiddling with strangely shaped statues, all secretive.”
“For a while, he was muttering to himself, saying he was about to strike it rich.”
These were complete fabrications. Su Chen listened quietly.
But Zhang Hongbo asked, “Do you have nothing to explain?”
“Self-proof is too foolish. I could even say I’ve seen Zhang Hengyu doing the same.” Su Chen shook his head.
Zhang Hongbo’s mouth twitched slightly, but Yang Yan directly said, “Then just proceed with Mental Analysis to check for Strange God aura.”
“What are the consequences?” Su Chen looked at this white-haired man. If it were that simple, Zhang Hongbo wouldn’t have gone to such lengths.
Yang Yan was very straightforward. “You’re a Physical Profession, not skilled at mobilizing Mental Power. We’ll extract a portion of your Mental Power, and the consequence is mental trauma that needs time to recover, but it’s the simplest proof method.”
Su Chen’s heart stirred slightly. “Wouldn’t Mental Side Professionals suffer trauma?”
“No.” Yang Yan shook his head. “But Mental Side Professionals recover very quickly.”
“If I’m not a Strange God Follower…” Su Chen felt relieved inwardly but feigned difficulty on his face. “Then I’d suffer this trauma for nothing?”
He didn’t mind using this method to completely clear his suspicion, but he had to show some reluctance.
Yang Yan crossed his arms, saying nothing.
Gu Bing helplessly explained, “But the Heituo Followers’ actions also need explanation. The current situation is very troublesome.”
“Guilty, he’s guilty!” Huang Peng roared hoarsely.
Zhang Hongbo waved his hand, making him collapse. This guy was just proof, and now useless.
“Your teacher is here and would probably approve.” Zhang Hongbo added, “Afterward, we’ll compensate you with the Potion needed to repair your Mental Power.”
“Only that?” Su Chen was dissatisfied.
Zhang Hongbo chuckled. “I haven’t publicized this matter. Clearing suspicion is most important. Rest assured, there won’t be aftereffects after recovery.”
Su Chen fell silent, feigning unwillingness. “Alright.”
He had to go through with it anyway; compensation was best, but without it, he had no choice.
“I’ll do it.” Zhang Hongbo stepped forward but was stopped by Gu Bing. “I’ll do it. A Third Order Mental Side Professional can handle it.”
“This is official business.” Zhang Hongbo sighed.
Gu Bing ignored him and walked straight forward, her tone still gentle. “Relax. I’ll take a sample from your Spirit Body. You’re a Second Order Professional with decent mental resilience. If you resist forcefully, the pain will be more intense.”
“Will this Mental Analysis check my memories?” Su Chen asked further.
Gu Bing smiled faintly. “No, checking memories requires at least a Fifth Order Mental Side Professional.”
That time with Zhang Hongbo… oh, that seemed to be hypnosis.
Su Chen then nodded. Gu Bing extended her finger, lightly touching his forehead. The touch was cool, then ripples spread.
Yang Yan and Zhang Hongbo stared intently.
At a certain moment, Su Chen felt a stab of pain between his brows, while Gu Bing frowned tightly, her face changing dramatically as she exclaimed in shock, “How… how is this possible!”
A sharp glint flashed in Zhang Hongbo’s eyes. Really a Strange God Follower?
Yang Yan was surprised inwardly. He’d misjudged earlier, thinking the kid was so calm because he had a clear conscience.
“You… how are you a Second Order Mental Side Professional!?” Gu Bing stared in astonishment at the handsome youth before her.
“What!” Zhang Hongbo’s heart shook violently. Second Order Mental Side?
Su Chen’s speed in becoming a Second Order Physical Professional was already fast enough.
Unexpectedly, he was also a Second Order Mental Side Professional. Mental Side Professions developed slower than Physical ones, as they couldn’t use external aids like the Gravity Chamber.
A brilliant light burst in Yang Yan’s eyes as he pressed, “Is he a Strange God Follower?”
Gu Bing’s eyes were complex as she shook her head. “The Mental Power sample is very pure, with no Strange God aura.”
As for whether he’s a peripheral member, no one would mention it without solid evidence, or everyone would be.
“Mental Power is active, resilient, very high purity… According to the information, the time you took to become a Second Order Mental Side Professional was even shorter.” Gu Bing’s heart raced with a certain guess, unable to resist asking:
“Your Mental Talent, what level?”
Su Chen was silent for a moment, then smiled bitterly. “Teacher told me not to say casually.”
“Crimson Gold?” Gu Bing probed. Zhang Hongbo and Yang Yan both looked over, faces tense.
Su Chen nodded.
Gu Bing looked as expected. Yang Yan subconsciously clenched his fist, increasingly astonished and with a hint of amusement as he glanced at Zhang Hongbo.
Zhang Hongbo’s heart sank. Trouble.
A Brilliant Silver Level physique could be Zhang Hengyu’s competitor, but a Crimson Gold Level Mental Talent basically meant he couldn’t return to South Wind City to compete for City Lord.
But his previous little moves, plus today’s events, this kid probably already held a grudge.
He wasn’t afraid of Yuan Chenyang. Without this Crimson Gold Talent matter, Yuan Chenyang returning would at most argue a bit, and with some benefits, it would be over.
But now…
Zhang Hongbo thought of many things, his eyes flickering. Hengyu had a good relationship with him; it seemed not irreparable.
“I should be able to leave now, right?” Su Chen saw everyone silent and asked proactively.
“You have no issues, so you can naturally leave.” Gu Bing nodded, sighing inwardly that the Third Chief Judge had found another good seedling this time.
However, Old Xia was still here. If he found out, he might snatch it away.
“Wait…” Zhang Hongbo spoke. Su Chen looked warily, but saw the City Lord with an unprecedentedly sincere smile. “I’m also old friends with Old Yuan for many years. This time was out of necessity. Hope you don’t take it to heart.”
“Right, Hengyu has stayed with you so long, causing much disturbance. See if you’re short on anything or need something; you can tell me.”
