Chapter 320: The Hidden Connection
by xennovel“The question of whether Demented Persons are still considered human, whether they should be treated, and whether they should be reintegrated into society is too complex, too profound. It’s beyond the scope of our discussion. However, regarding research on Demented Persons, I believe the Alliance, the Research Institute, Central City, and indeed all humans still living in this world share the same stance.”
“Research aimed at curing or restraining Demented Persons, restoring their rationality, is pardonable and understandable.”
“But any organization or individual conducting experiments focused on exploitation and enhancement, even touching upon certain bottom lines absolutely unacceptable for humans, are targets we must strike down, even eliminate.”
“The Black Table falls into this category!”
…
After explaining the context, Chen Jing’s expression turned serious as she concluded:
“I came to Central City with the Qinggang Support Team precisely because I learned about this matter.”
“Qinggang’s stance is clear: we strongly demand an investigation into the White Tower Town forbidden experiments and the truth about the Black Table, and their complete annihilation!”
…
She finished speaking and gave Lu Xin a stern look.
Feeling the pressure from his leader’s gaze, Lu Xin quickly straightened up. “Yes.”
Chen Jing nodded, then turned to Xia Chong. “Can you share your preliminary investigation results now?”
Xia Chong glanced at Chen Jing. Something seemed to cross her mind, but she remained silent.
She lowered her head expressionlessly and took out another file marked confidential.
Opening it revealed fresh printer paper, likely printed just moments ago.
Holding the materials, she began, “Based on the remnants of the underground experimental base in White Tower Town, inquiries with the Hongling City convoy, analysis of the file you… picked up… and comparison with yesterday’s sudden special pollution incident in Satellite City Seven.”
“I believe we can now determine the Black Table’s true objective!”
“They are using a special mental power to modify Demented Persons, attempting to create powerful biological weapons.”
“Judging by the scale of the White Tower Town experimental base, these experiments have been ongoing for quite some time. It’s certain they’ve achieved some results. We have reason to suspect they have other experimental bases and backing from numerous factions!”
“The above conclusions are derived from the information you submitted.”
“Next, I will share the findings gathered by Central City’s Undercover Units. Please maintain confidentiality.”
She looked up, her gaze sweeping over Lu Xin and Chen Jing. When her eyes landed on Gecko, he instinctively flashed a bright smile. But Xia Chong’s face was impassive, cold as ice, and Gecko’s smile froze halfway.
“First, concerning the chemical factory they infiltrated and stole important materials from, we’ve confirmed through certain channels that this factory was also conducting secret experiments related to modifying the human body using special mental power.”
“The Black Table’s attack on the chemical factory and the kidnapping of Dr. Zhao Shiming, a Level 2 researcher from the Research Institute, suggest their plan might require some of Zhao Shiming’s research results, possibly related to a critical point.”
…
“Furthermore, there’s reason to believe their attack on this chemical factory was planned long ago.”
“Zhao Shiming’s only son, Zhao Hui, appears to be the quality inspection supervisor for the Dadi Group’s warehouse management department… But in reality, he used this identity to provide necessary resource support to the chemical factory’s research lab. It’s been proven that the Black Table targeted Zhao Hui much earlier. Yesterday’s smooth attack was closely related to some of Zhao Hui’s unusual actions.”
“The in-depth investigation into this aspect is ongoing. We should see results soon.”
“Previously, the Black Table’s activities were hidden, conducted cautiously. Even the Undercover Units hadn’t noticed significant anomalies.”
“But last night, they suddenly took numerous abrupt and somewhat risky actions. Overnight, they attacked the convoy, kidnapped Zhao Shiming, unleashed special pollution, infiltrated the chemical factory, and stole key materials along with some special experimental samples…”
“This abnormal behavior suddenly exposed the Black Table to the Undercover Units’ eyes.”
“We can interpret this as certain external factors making them nervous, thus accelerating their plans.”
…
“Certain external factors?”
Lu Xin frowned. “Like what?”
The others in the cabin glanced at him, unsure how to respond.
“The hypothesis that they have a major experiment underway isn’t just based on this abnormality.”
Chen Jing looked apologetically at Xia Chong, then added for Lu Xin’s benefit, “Last night’s special pollution was strange. It started suddenly and ended just as abruptly. If the pollution hadn’t automatically stopped after an hour, the casualties in Satellite City Seven would have been several times higher. The sudden cessation of this special pollution also led to a hypothesis.”
“Perhaps the Black Table was using this method to send a signal to certain parties…”
“Regarding this type of pollution, they have achieved complete control and manipulation to some extent.”
…
“What’s the use of that?”
Lu Xin blurted out, his expression puzzled.
“Its use is to inspire confidence in their research among others.”
Xia Chong explained impassively, “Being able to precisely control this type of pollution demonstrates they’ve reached a deep level of research into that dangerous special mental power. It also signifies that the biological weapons they are developing…”
“Have a high probability of success!”
“Many people, upon hearing this news, might develop significant interest in them.”
…
Lu Xin’s brow furrowed suddenly, and he pressed his lips together.
He understood Xia Chong’s words, but he strongly disliked such behavior.
Chen Jing glanced at Lu Xin, let out a slow breath, and said, “It’s time to tell him the investigation results about the Black Table.”
Xia Chong nodded, simultaneously giving Lu Xin a deep look. “The matter of the forbidden experiments was discovered only recently, and the information you shared played a crucial role. However, the investigation into the Black Table began long ago. Central City’s Undercover Units, affiliated with the Research Institute, detected signs of Black Table activity over a year ago.”
“Through their series of investigations, they captured some clues. The most important one was finding a key figure of the Black Table and attempting to capture him. Unfortunately, that capture operation failed.”
“The only success was confirming his identity through materials that couldn’t be completely destroyed in time.”
…
As she spoke, she handed a file to Lu Xin.
Lu Xin took the file, glanced down, and his head buzzed slightly.
In that instant, he felt like all his blood rushed to his brain.
The noise of the propeller spinning overhead seemed to recede suddenly.
Everything before his eyes blurred for a moment, then sharpened.
Because the first page looked incredibly familiar. He had seen the photo on it before.
Inside File 003, retrieved from Qin Ran back then, there was a surveillance photo. It showed a man in a cap walking down the street. His cap was pulled low, but it still captured his face…
…Chen Xun!
The Old Director’s assistant. A man who once wore gold-rimmed glasses and presided over a dissection.
He was also the relative Lu Xin had come here to visit.
He never expected that the incidents he stumbled upon would ultimately connect back to him…
Well, now there’s no need to worry about not finding him…
Confirmation of the whereabouts of a living relative from the orphanage…
How nice.
Xia Chong frowned at Lu Xin, slowly straightening up, her distinct black and white eyes fixed on his face.
Chen Jing also frowned slightly, looking up at Xia Chong and slowly shaking her head.
Gecko looked startled, boldly reaching out to poke Lu Xin. “Captain, what’s wrong with you?”
Lu Xin snapped back to reality, looking at Gecko with some surprise. “What is it?”
Gecko watched him warily, leaning back slightly, and asked tentatively, “Are you really happy right now?”
Lu Xin was puzzled. “I’m alright… Why do you ask?”
Gecko looked like he’d seen a ghost. “You… If you’re not happy, why are you smiling like that?”
Lu Xin was taken aback. He raised a hand to his face and realized a smile had indeed been plastered there.
“Ah…”
He vigorously rubbed his face and said apologetically, “Sorry, I suddenly thought of something happy.”
Silence fell in the helicopter cabin for a moment. No one spoke.
…
…
“This is the B-level Spider-type Ability User you described as highly stable with zero violation records?”
Amidst the hollow drone of the propeller, Xia Chong finally looked up at Chen Jing after a while and asked expressionlessly.
“Is there a problem?”
Chen Jing asked back, seemingly confused.
After a moment, Xia Chong replied, “No problem.”
Then she tapped a few times on the tablet beside her and read out impassively, “Lu Xin, 23 years old. Recruited into the Qinggang Special Pollution Cleanup Department eight months ago. Ability… suspected Spider-type? Participated in handling two large-scale mental pollution attack incidents. Specific cleanup process unknown, but confirmed to have played a crucial role… Violation record: Zero?”
Chen Jing’s face first tensed, then relaxed into a smile. “See? Just like I said, right?”
She then added, “Besides, although we in special pollution cleanup often deal with the Administration Hall and the City Defense Department, our main focus is still cleaning up pollution. Don’t act like a spy, digging up everyone’s files…”
Xia Chong ignored her deflection and continued expressionlessly:
“We only started monitoring him after he shot Zhao Hui last night. We watched him enter the detention center.”
She glanced at Lu Xin. “We thought he might attempt a prison break or had some other scheme. We even suspected yesterday’s special pollution incident caused by the Black Table was related to him. So my subordinates watched him for half the night. But until you found me in the early hours, he showed no sign of coming out. My subordinate reported back, saying this was the most honest Ability User he’d ever seen…”
Gecko’s expression twitched unnaturally. He muttered, “He really is quite honest…”
Chen Jing, however, remained completely composed, her expression unchanged.
Xia Chong’s gaze swept over both their faces as if confirming something, then she slowly said:
“Central City has two main cities and ten satellite cities. Additionally, there are dozens of large and small settlements scattered around.”
“Every day, the flow of people numbers at least hundreds of thousands, maybe even millions. Everyone has their own purpose, their own life, their own secrets. Here, we deal with all sorts of people and incidents daily. There are Pollution Sources who break down under life’s pressure, mysterious organizations with ulterior motives, spies sent by various factions, and ambitious warlords selling war…”
“A preliminary estimate suggests the number of wild Ability Users in and around Central City is more than ten times the number in our recruited Action Teams.”
At this point, she glanced at Lu Xin and continued:
“So we don’t have the energy, nor would we care about, an occasional Ability User entering Satellite City Seven.”
“Even if that Ability User is S-level!”
“But our principle is…”
For the first time, something resembling a smile appeared on her face. She leaned forward slightly. Her petite frame suddenly seemed to exude a terrifying pressure. “Central City tolerates everything, but that absolutely does not include people or matters intending harm to Central City or the Research Institute. And we have the capability to make anyone causing trouble in Central City pay the price, regardless of whether that person is a monster…”
“…or a so-called god!”