Afterward, Long Jiu carefully verified specific intelligence with him.
Feeling assured, Meng Chuan thought everything was under control, ready to unleash chaos!
The stronghold he needed to annihilate had its strongest fighter at a level of middle-tier seven gates.
As for the three black market merchants, they were just low-level Martial Artists, treating them as if they were nothing was fine.
"Wait a moment, Xiaomeng."
Long Jiu took out a silver-white briefcase from the office cabinet, the handle part printed with a military logo.
"Inside here is a set of military combat armor. Don't you already have an Armor Holding Certificate?
Take it to get acclimated first, wear it during the mission. But remember to return it afterward, as I need to hand it back."
This was something Long Jiu applied for Meng Chuan, worrying that Luo Guanyun might be concerned, specifically a military-grade Type II terrestrial combat armor.
"Alright."
Meng Chuan accepted it with curiosity.
While teaching Meng Chuan how to wear it, Long Jiu introduced:
"You need to differentiate these modules, especially the anti-field radiation insert panels on the chest and back, be sure not to insert them upside down.
Adjust the joints yourself, they are adaptive and stretchable, move around a bit and it'll fit well."
Once dressed, Meng Chuan stood up and slowly tried to move.
Subsequently, he secured the tactical visor and chin protector of the helmet module, becoming fully armed.
The deep gray alloy armor plates, resembling the scales of a mechanical beast, tightly enveloped every blind spot of his body.
Set off by the armor, Meng Chuan's figure became even more imposing.
"Awesome!"
Long Jiu raised his thumb in admiration.
Meng Chuan attempted to raise his wrist and throw a punch, without a hint of sluggishness.
Despite the armor being quite heavy, Meng Chuan's strength was more than enough.
With brief wear before physical exhaustion, the impact on speed was negligible.
Long Jiu explained:
"This is the basic armor worn by elite Martial Artist soldiers when executing tasks inside the Demon Nest.
For about an hour, it can withstand attacks from middle-rank solid-type Celestial Demons.
Which means, in case you encounter an adversary of the Martial Arts Family level during the mission, you can hold out until reinforcements from the police arrive."
"Impressive!"
Meng Chuan praised this, assured of absolute security now.
He couldn't help but marvel at the power of technology, how merely a set of alloy armor could fend off attacks from the Martial Arts Family.
Long Jiu seemed to perceive his thoughts and said:
"Our Great Chu's technological strength is indeed strong now, but this set of alloy armor within the Demon Nest, is only to leverage its sturdy materials for protection while collecting resources.
All electronic signals and technological devices inside the Demon Nest will be rendered ineffective by field interference, weapons like space-based weapons or nuclear bombs become mere scraps inside.
Therefore, trying to rely on technological forces to explode and destroy the Demon Nest isn't feasible.
If humanity truly wants to exterminate Celestial Demons and seal the Demon Nest, it has to depend on Martial Arts!
This is also why the status of the Martial Arts Family is held in such high regard."
Meng Chuan nodded, Luo Guanyun had explained these principles to him before.
He was also purely invincible in physical body, but armor was one of men's romanticisms, using it occasionally wasn't a problem.
"Alright, it's getting late, I have other matters to attend to first.
Go find Captain Liu Jinglong, select your squad members for the mission.
Remember to keep your phone accessible for subsequent calls, awaiting notification of the mission's onset."
With that, Chief Long took a phone call and hurriedly left.
He had to quickly receive the two Great Venerables coming to support the police in annihilating the residual spirit of Jiao Demon in Yong'an City.
[Unrivaled Flying General · Yang Huan] and [Candle Dragon's Eye · Yin Tianshou]!
Among these two, Yang Huan was his old professor during school, thickly pleading he had managed to invite him over.
As for Principal Yin, it was a matter of mutual benefit exchange. After all, he had resolved numerous employment issues for Yong'an Martial Arts University graduates for him, returning a favor was also convenient...
Regarding Principal Yanhua of Yong'an Branch School, Long Jiu wasn't very acquainted with the Buddhist Sect, so he didn't want to ask, having the two Great Venerables Yang and Yin would suffice.
On the other hand, Meng Chuan followed the instructions to find Liu Jinglong.
"Hello Meng Chuan, the standard given by the Chief is a fast-combat squad of four.
Due to this action, all Martial Artists above three gates from the police are mobilized to annihilate four main strongholds, hence no powerful officers can cooperate with you.
I suggest you find a deputy striker proficient in long weapons, to assist your attack, which is more effective than finding a striker like yourself.
Among the remaining two, find a scout with outstanding body technique, responsible for onsite investigation.
Although weaker in strength, sometimes intelligence in the mission process is more critical than combat prowess.
The last one should be a sniper, to handle cover during attack and retreat."
Captain Liu Jinglong, being very experienced in deployment and dispatch, quickly analyzed the optimal team composition upon hearing Meng Chuan's personal report.
"Hmm, I'll follow your guidance."
Meng Chuan nodded, thinking Liu Jinglong made solid points.
Subsequently, Meng Chuan locked in four squad members based on the police data repository.
Excellently wielding long whips and firearms, six-gate female officer Yang Lan.
Unfamiliar with intelligence aspects, selected veteran scout, six-gate Chen Dalu based on Liu's suggestions.
Sniper, Meng Chuan chose Old Wu from the last chemical plant operation.
Though somewhat lacking in prowess, this old geezer really hit the mark with his covert shooting.
"Captain Liu, I've picked them."
Liu Jinglong nodded and commented:
"Xiaomeng, head to the training grounds first, I'll send the three of them over to meet you.
Being this mission's squad leader, you should first get accustomed to your teammates."
"They've been working together for years, mainly to see how you can fit in."
After saying this, Liu Jinglong left.
This time, he was in charge of the Demon Summoning Hall, the largest base aside from the Bishop's hideout, with a daunting mission that required careful planning.
A moment later, Meng Chuan arrived at the police training ground.
It was his first time here, and he tried out the officers' training equipment while waiting for his team to come.
"Not bad, much better than Ping'an Middle School, but still far from United University Preparatory High School."
While he was practicing, Old Wu waved at him from afar.
"Meng Chuan!"
They walked up and shook hands.
"Didn't expect we'd be fighting side by side again. Don't worry, Brother Wu's shooting is still as sharp as last time!"
Old Wu was very excited; last time at the chemical plant with Meng Chuan, they had a blast and made a good haul.
On the way, Old Wu also introduced the remaining two members to Meng Chuan, providing some background about their [Captain] Meng Chuan.
Yang Lan and Chen Dilute were also looking forward to the mission since everybody wants to work with a captain promising wealth.
Meng Chuan sized up the new team member, Chen Dilute looked like an intelligence officer.
Although his body was lean, his arms were long and thin, just reaching above his knees.
He reached out to shake hands and said:
"Brother Chen, practicing Ape Form?"
Though older, Chen Dilute knew the rules and did not put on airs.
He quickly extended his hand and said:
"Captain, I'm slightly older so you can call me Old Chen, I practice Ape Form."
Old Wu introduced on the side:
"Don't worry Xiaomeng, leave the reconnaissance to him, this old guy's body technique is better than a real monkey, hahaha."
Meng Chuan nodded with a smile, he could tell that Chen Dilute had real skills.
"Thank you, Brother Chen, let's support each other."
Yang Lan also reached out to shake hands with Meng Chuan.
"I'm Yang Lan, skilled in Snake Form with the Spiritual Python Nine-Link Whip, please guide me in the future, Captain."
Meng Chuan laughed:
"No need to be so formal, Sister Yang."
He had originally thought with the name Yang Lan, it would be some sort of police beauty, never expecting an older aunt...
But it was his preconceived notions that were at fault, usually dealing with martial arts geniuses.
For most ordinary people, reaching six levels around forty years old was already quite an achievement.
Old Wu's expression shifted, stepping forward to say:
"Captain, want to try the pistol?"
Meng Chuan nodded, a look of interest on his face.
Chief Long had told him before, last time the situation was tense, but during this mission he could legally hold a gun, as long as he properly registers the use of the gun and bullets.
Of course, after the mission, the handgun would definitely be reclaimed.
Even if Old Wu hadn't mentioned it, Meng Chuan was preparing to practice his shooting, the battle armor conveniently had a magnetic weapon holster for quick drawing of the pistol.
At the range.
Meng Chuan held the gun single-handedly, aiming and firing in quick succession.
Old Wu, being the best shooter at the police station, occasionally gave guidance from the side.
"Captain, you've got it!"
He saw Meng Chuan empty two magazines, though not hitting the bullseye, all shots landed on the target.
For someone handling a gun for the first time, this was already very good.
After practicing a while longer, Meng Chuan returned the pistol and left with the battle armor box.
...
Three days later.
At the Martial Arts Dojo of United University Preparatory High School, Meng Chuan had just returned from the police station.
Over the past few days, Meng Chuan spent more than an hour each day at the police station.
Half an hour for shooting practice, the rest spent on team coordination.
Although he couldn't grind shooting proficiency, thanks to his Armor Holding Certificate, he improved with each shot.
In a short three days, though still a bit behind Old Wu, his accuracy was similar to Old Chen and Sister Yang.
Reaching this level was sufficient, as the gun's utility was limited and he still trusted his fists and feet more.
"Chief Long said the operation is tonight, there's still time this afternoon for some practice, can't let it go to waste."
In the varying heights of the Wooden Stake Area.
Meng Chuan stood on a stake, practicing Eight Steps to Catching a Cicada, while his hands continuously switched between three fist techniques, striking the air from a distance.
He still couldn't utilize the Kidney Water and Spleen Earth fist techniques, but could easily engage in melee with normal energy flow.
Nearby, Lu Zhuxiao was teaching other students the cultivation method after entering the basics of Eight Steps to Catching a Cicada.
The other students looked at Meng Chuan enviously; his body technique didn't seem like just an entry level.
Watching Meng Chuan slip between the stakes like a loach, drifting effortlessly, their eyes couldn't lock onto his figure before he instantly moved to another spot.
Seeing everyone watching, Lu Zhuxiao instructed:
"Pay attention to his footwork, this is called arching the foot like a cicada's belly, and feet generating wind like cicada wings.
I want you guys running around the stakes like crazy!
Look at his details, that's why some of you haven't even entered the door, while he's already proficient."
The crowd, shamed into action, promptly moved.
While Meng Chuan was practicing enthusiastically, he suddenly felt someone approach him.
"Brother Meng, can I borrow the clothes from your box to wear..."