Chapter 201: Chapter 200: Joining the Awakened Association with an Alias? (Subscribe please)
"In my memory, these four are the most formidable. It’s possible that in the three years that have passed, other Awakeners in Anshan City have also grown strong. When the time comes, you may not only face these four people."
Zhang Ren looked at Chen Fan, feeling a sense of powerlessness in his heart.
It wasn’t that he didn’t want to include himself in the last sentence; after all, a person should have self-awareness.
Forget about encountering any one of them, even if he met just one Entry Force Martial Artist under their command, he could only run as far away as possible.
"Hmm, Uncle Zhang, I understand, I’ll be careful."
Chen Fan nodded seriously.
He planned to subtly gather some information about these Awakeners from the chairman once he returned to Anshan City.
Of course, the most important thing was that he could not stop his cultivation.
As long as his strength was sufficient, even if there were more than four C-level Awakeners, so what if someone among them reached B-level?
"By the way, Uncle Zhang, there are still a few military vehicles and two cannons parked at the Chen Family Stronghold. Later, you can take some people to bring them back. However, taking these things out might be too conspicuous, so it’s better to keep it confidential for now."
"Hmm, I’ll take some people to retrieve them first. It’s not too late to bring them out after things settle down."
Zhang Ren nodded.
The two walked out of the house, Zhang Ren headed towards Chen Guodong and the others, while Gu Ze also approached.
"Chen Fan, can we talk?"
Chen Fan smiled and nodded.
It had been two or three days, and Gu Ze must have already made up his mind.
He just didn’t know whether he would choose to stay here or join the Awakened Association.
But either way, he would choose to support him.
The two entered the house.
Gu Ze took a deep breath and, looking at Chen Fan, said, "Chen Fan, I’ve made up my mind. I want to join the Awakened Association."
The last time Chen Fan spoke, he had thought about it seriously.
Although the stronghold was currently peaceful and lacked nothing, it all seemed harmonious.
But this was only temporary.
One upheaval, one beast tide, and everything could be destroyed.
And if he continued to stay here, reaching the Muscle Refining Realm in Martial Arts would already be hard enough. Even if he counted his superpower and doubled his total power, so what?
Uncle Zhang was an Entry Force Martial Artist. According to him, even a Transforming Force Martial Artist armed with heavy weapons dared not claim they could escape unscathed before a high-level fierce beast.
So how about Chen Fan?
His strength was indisputable, being the best in the stronghold, even stronger than Uncle Zhang.
Yet even so, Chen Fan resolutely went to higher places, striving to become even stronger.
What did he have to hesitate about?
"Have you really thought it through?"
Chen Fan stared into his eyes.
"Yes, in the Yan Country, the Awakened Association is undoubtedly the most powerful force, surpassing others in both strength and resources. Even the Jiangnan District Martial Arts Association I was in is just a little brother before such a giant."
"However, that doesn’t mean that after you join the Awakened Association, a smooth path awaits you.
You will face not only fierce beasts but also other Awakeners, and even Martial Artists."
"I understand."
Gu Ze nodded.
"I am fully aware."
The atmosphere quieted, and Chen Fan saw the burning determination in his eyes.
"Alright, does Uncle Gu know about your decision?"
"Yes."
Gu Ze nodded, "Chen Fan, the next time you leave the stronghold for Anshan City, please take me with you too."
After all, it was dangerous to travel from here to Anshan City.
He had some self-awareness about his own strength.
"Ahem."
Chen Fan cleared his throat, saying, "Anshan City, well, forget it."
"Hmm?"
Gu Ze was somewhat confused.
Isn’t Anshan City the closest place from here? And Chen Fan was also in the Anshan City Martial Arts Branch Association.
"Mainly, I’ve had some minor conflicts with the Awakeners there. If you join them, it won’t be good."
"!"
Gu Ze’s body shook.
Then he nodded, saying, "Then let’s go to another city."
"Hmm."
Chen Fan thought for a moment, saying, "There is another small city in the south called Wang City. Its strength is not inferior to Anshan City. Of course, you could also choose a mid-sized city."
"Wang City then."
Gu Ze gritted his teeth.
If possible, he still wanted to stay somewhat close to the stronghold.
This way, in case of any danger, he could return as quickly as possible.
"Alright, Wang City it is. I’ll take you there later."
"Okay."
Gu Ze was stunned, then feeling grateful, he said, "Thank you, Chen Fan."
After all, Wang City was to the south while Anshan City was to the north. Meaning Chen Fan would be making a significant detour just for him.
Chen Fan waved his hand.
Going to Wang City was not just to send Gu Ze there.
This battle, along with Uncle Zhang’s words earlier, made him realize that he knew too little about the Awakeners.
As the saying goes, "Know yourself and know your enemy, and you will never be defeated."
If he wanted to understand the opponents, what could be better than infiltrating their ranks?
That’s right, he was considering whether to join the Awakened Association.
After all, the main difference between Awakeners and Martial Artists, besides superpowers, was Spiritual Power.
His spiritual power was so strong that pretending to be an Awakener should not be difficult. Regarding what kind of superpower to claim, he could, like Gu Ze, lie that it was a body-enhancement power.
Once he joined, he could learn about the Awakeners’ tactics and even get to purchase them.
Of course, he would need to use a different identity.
After all, no one knew whether the Awakened Association had already gathered the Martial Arts Association’s data on him. Even if they hadn’t, if the Martial Arts Association found out, it would be embarrassing too.
With a different identity, there were fewer worries. After all, what does capturing Zhou Shuren have to do with me, Lu Xun? Moreover, both the Awakened Association and the Martial Arts Association fought for the Yan Country’s sake.
Of course, this led to a problem.
How to change his identity?
His face, fingerprints, and voice were all recorded in the database.
Unless he became someone else, he would surely leave traces.
"Become someone else?"
An idea flashed through Chen Fan’s mind.
Yes,
Disguise Technique!
It’s said the technique can completely change one’s appearance, voice, and even aura. Unless he revealed himself, no one would think he belonged to the Martial Arts Association.
"Hmm... I need to see if the old man has Disguise Techniques. The association doesn’t have them yet, but maybe after my permissions are unlocked, they might."
Chen Fan made up his mind, sensing it was feasible.
The two walked out. At the training ground, his father, Uncle Zhang, and the others were nowhere to be seen, likely already gone to retrieve the military vehicles from the Chen Family Stronghold.
Chen Fan looked into the distance.
Should he go to the old man first or find Meng Yu?
Thinking it over, the order didn’t seem that important.
Might as well find the old man first.
Inside the bright and spacious room, the old man sat on a chair, reading a book.
Someone behind him kneaded his shoulders.
"A bit harder."
The old man muttered, "So light, I can’t feel anything."
"Yes."
The woman behind him quickly responded, applying more pressure.
"Water."
The old man smacked his lips.
A young woman standing nearby quickly brought a bowl of water.
"Ah."
The old man opened his mouth.
The young woman scooped a spoonful, blew on it, and then placed it into his mouth.
Just then, a voice rang out unexpectedly.
"Yo, sir, looks like you’re enjoying your days."
"Pfft!"
The old man spat out all the water in his mouth, trembling as he looked ahead. A figure was walking towards him with a smile.
"Brother Chen."
"Brother Chen, you’re here."
The two women beamed, their smiles almost overflowing.
"Brother Chen, we’ve been taking good care of this gentleman these days. Look at his complexion, much better than when he first arrived with no blood color on his face."
The middle-aged woman said hastily.
"Why is this guy here?"
The old man felt bitter.
Still, on his face, he smiled and said, "Little brother, you haven’t come these past few days. I thought you had forgotten about me."
"Don’t worry, sir, I won’t forget you no matter what."
Chen Fan smiled and waved to the two women, "You two can leave. I have some private words to say to the old man."
"Yes, yes."
The two women nodded quickly and left in a hurry.
The old man smiled wryly.
If he could, he would rather Chen Fan forget him.
"Sir, let’s be straightforward. You probably already know why I’m here this time."
Chen Fan sat beside him, wearing a harmless smile.
"I- I know."
The old man swallowed, "Every three days, a flawed martial arts technique. Every five days, a complete one. I remember, little brother. You’ve come for another flawed technique, right? No problem, it’s already prepared, right in that cabinet."
He pointed not far away.
Chen Fan glanced at him, feeling strange.
What was going on?
Why was the old man so cooperative?
The old man looked at Chen Fan ingratiatingly.
When he saw his massacre at the Song Family Castle, he knew he was ruthless. Living here these days, he found out about Chen Fan’s series of achievements. Any sinister thoughts were gone.
Besides, living here felt like home.
So why cause trouble for himself?
"No rush."
Chen Fan eyed the cabinet, "Do you have any martial arts secret manuals that can change a person’s appearance? Preferably complete. If not, flawed will do."