Chapter 70: Did I Earn Another Merit?

Hearing that name, Jiang Feiyu was momentarily stunned, then became a bit excited. "So you're Chen Meng? I've heard about you. Last time, during the operation against the Crescent Cult, you made the merit list at our Enforcement Bureau."

Chen Meng was taken aback; he hadn't expected to be a celebrity even within the Enforcement Bureau.

"I participated in that operation as well, but only as a city guard. My main task was to ensure the safety of the citizens," Jiang Feiyu continued.

As the two spoke, a sudden scream echoed from nearby. Chen Meng looked over and saw the middle-aged woman had been captured, her other hand severed. At the same time, several enforcement vehicles arrived, sirens wailing.

"Come on, let's go down," Jiang Feiyu said, slinging his sniper rifle onto his back and, with Chen Meng in tow, leapt from the seventh floor.

Chen Meng was startled; from such a height, even a first-stage Divine Body would suffer serious injury. But he quickly realized their descent was slow. Only then did he notice Jiang Feiyu was using a rope—the same rope he'd used to save him earlier.

"This is tendon from a first-stage Fire Ox beast. It may look less than ten meters long in my hands, but when stretched, it can reach over a hundred meters, and its strength is enough to lift a three-ton car," Jiang Feiyu explained as they landed. Then, lowering his voice, he said to Chen Meng, "You’ve earned another merit this time, and honestly, it’s not a small one."

Chen Meng froze, his eyes lighting up. Last time, his merit had earned him the chance to become a Divine Body. Now, with another merit, he wondered what reward the Enforcement Bureau might grant him.

"So many vehicles got wrecked—insurance companies are going to have a headache," Jiang Feiyu murmured as he led Chen Meng to the Enforcement Bureau personnel. There, Chen Meng spotted Han Hao.

Han Hao regarded Chen Meng curiously. "What are you doing here?"

Chen Meng, embarrassed, recounted the events.

After listening, Han Hao gave Chen Meng a strange look, secretly muttering to himself, "Calamity star."

"What about casualties?" Han Hao asked, pondering the severity if any civilians had died.

"No deaths, but a dozen or so injured. The worst is the truck driver; he likely has a concussion and a broken leg. The rest is just wrecked vehicles," said Xiao Li, the driver whom Chen Meng had met before.

"As long as no one died. Send all the injured to the hospital; damaged vehicles go through insurance," Han Hao replied calmly. Then, glancing at the unconscious middle-aged woman, he added, "You from the Academy can take your belongings, but this woman is coming with me."

"Our section chief—"

"Don’t bring up your section chief. Leaving his post without permission, no matter the reason, he’s likely to be dismissed," Han Hao said coolly. "Take her. Let's go."

"Understood," Xiao Li replied.

"Why are you standing there? Get in the car," Han Hao said, looking at Chen Meng.

"Oh," Chen Meng was about to board when he saw a stretcher pass by, carrying the fat driver.

"Uncle, are you alright?" Chen Meng asked, hurrying over.

"No worries, no worries. Thankfully the airbag in the pickup wasn’t just for show, or things would’ve been much worse," the fat driver chuckled. "But today was thrilling. Our battle against the cultists—I’ll tell my grandkids all about it someday."

Chen Meng smiled. Every taxi driver dreams of being a hero.

After Chen Meng and the others left, several fire engines and tow trucks from the traffic police arrived, swiftly clearing the road. The bloodstains were washed down the drains, and soon there was no trace of the battle that had taken place.

…

Chen Meng followed Han Hao to the Enforcement Bureau's office building, then took the elevator to a rooftop office. He knocked several times on the door, and a voice responded from inside.

"Come in!" It was Wu Tengkong.

Han Hao opened the door, and Chen Meng hesitated briefly before entering with him.

Wu Tengkong glanced at them, released the mouse, and put away a document from his desk, playing the part of a busy official.

"Is the matter resolved?" Wu Tengkong asked Han Hao offhandedly.

"It’s resolved," Han Hao replied, recounting the events. After listening, Wu Tengkong looked at Chen Meng with a strange expression.

"This kid took down another Divine Body?" He still had trouble believing it.

"Only one died, the other was seriously injured but survived," Han Hao answered coolly.

"Did I earn another merit?" Chen Meng asked, feigning innocence.

"Yes, you did," Wu Tengkong laughed. "You’re quite something. This time you took down a first-stage Divine Body, seriously injured another, and held off a second-stage one, all while protecting many civilians. That’s no small feat."

"It’s only under your wise leadership that I dared to step forward and defend justice," Chen Meng said earnestly. "It was your guidance. I still remember your valiant stand against the cultists last time—I vowed then to become someone like you, serving the country and its people."

"Well said! That’s exactly who I am—a servant of the nation and its people." Wu Tengkong looked at Chen Meng approvingly, clearly appreciating his flattery. Han Hao received a disdainful look from Wu Tengkong, as if to say, 'You should learn from him.'

"Director, work is important, but you must also take care of your health! Seeing how busy you were just now, it truly pains me. You can't afford to wear yourself out; the citizens of Jiangzhou still need you," Chen Meng said with concern, pretending not to notice the computer game reflected in the mirror behind Wu Tengkong.

"Alas, what can I do? Holding this position is never easy. As long as I am here, I’ll guarantee a peaceful environment for all of you. I, Wu Tengkong, am willing to devote myself to Jiangzhou, even unto death," Wu Tengkong sighed, finishing with righteous conviction.

"Director, you’re truly great." Chen Meng was nearly moved to tears.

Han Hao, standing to the side, felt only one thing: Who am I, where am I, and what are these two shameless men up to?

"By the way, what brought you here today?" Wu Tengkong asked.

"Oh, right. The Bureau rewarded me with a promotion potion, so I plan to become a Divine Body today," Chen Meng explained.

"I remember now. Han Hao mentioned it to me. You chose the Pale Potion, correct? Actually, with your new merit, you could opt for the better Crimson or Azure Potion, or even try for the special admission at Jiangdu University," Wu Tengkong mused. Chen Meng knew his flattery had paid off; otherwise, Wu Tengkong would never have suggested this.

But a better potion?

Chen Meng immediately dismissed the idea. He had already decided to use the Pale Potion for his promotion, and would consider a second or even third potion later. There was no need to change now.

As for special admission to Jiangdu University, it wasn’t reliable. First, his merit might not be enough, and second, he was confident he could get in on his own; he didn’t want to waste his merit on that.

"You should reconsider," Han Hao advised kindly. Since Wu Tengkong had made the suggestion, he thought it was a good opportunity for Chen Meng.

Chen Meng pondered for a moment, then shook his head. "No need. I’ll stick with the Pale Potion. I don’t need special admission—I can get into Jiangdu University myself."

Han Hao shook his head helplessly and said no more.

Wu Tengkong admired Chen Meng for sticking to his own plan. "Very well. Since you have your own goals, follow them. As for your merit, I’ll consider a different way to reward you. Now, since you’re here to become a Divine Body, let Han Hao take you. I imagine you’re eager, aren’t you?"

Chen Meng nodded; especially after today’s battle with Divine Bodies, his desire to become one had reached its peak.