Jiang Chen gave a slight smile, provided no explanation, and walked away alone.

Fa'er's eyes darted as he stepped forward to follow, but Yan Hu stepped sideways, blocking him and stared emotionlessly.

"Fa'er!" Xi'er frowned and called out. Jiang Chen had avoided them because he didn't want them to know. Fa'er still wanting to follow was a bit clueless!

After glancing at Yan Hu, Fa'er returned to Xi'er's side and spoke in a low voice full of meaning, "Mr. Xi'er, who do you think Mr. Jiang is inquiring about?"

"We don't need to know that, as long as we know that Mr. Jiang is trustworthy!"

Xi'er glared at Fa'er. He certainly understood Fa'er's thoughts. If they had a way to obtain information about Gene Warriors, they could gain some initiative in future actions towards Gene Warriors. However, since Jiang Chen was clearly not going to tell them, if they continued to dig deeper, they would likely offend people.

A cold light flashed in Yan Hu's eyes, and a faint killing intent emerged, staring directly at Fa Lan.

He certainly knew who Jiang Chen was calling to inquire about the Gene Warrior, but that person was a brother recognized by Jiang Chen, which meant he was a brother to them all. Moreover, once that person was exposed, he would immediately face a life-threatening crisis; Yan Hu would never just watch his brother fall into danger!

"Mr. Yan Hu, please forgive us," Xi'er, noticing the killing intent, was startled and quickly stepped in front of Fa'er to apologize to Yan Hu.

Yan Hu glanced at Xi'er, emotionlessly withdrew his killing intent, but still stood between Xi'er's group and the distant Jiang Chen.

After avoiding the others, Jiang Chen's entire demeanor changed as he shrouded himself and began to make a call.

His phone had been doubly encrypted by Zhang Wenjie and the Dark Night Queen. Unless someone had both their keys and the triple encryption password personally set by Jiang Chen, no one could trace his call.

"Hello, sir," the voice on the phone sounded excited.

"How have you been?" Joy flickered in Jiang Chen's eyes. This was their first conversation since they last parted, not because Jiang Chen wasn't worried about him, but because he was afraid too much communication might expose him.

"I'm fine, I've gained a lot of attention from the leadership, and my responsibilities have increased significantly—I'm almost flying high!" the person on the other end said clearly and concisely.

Jiang Chen was taken aback, his expression suddenly turned serious, "You're almost flying high? Is your company that strong now?"

"I'm an exception; the others haven't reached flying high; they're all researching energy," the voice responded.

"How many are researching energy? Don't delay in flying high! Even so, your company's research technology is impressive!" Jiang Chen's brow furrowed lightly.

"I'm not exactly sure how many people are working on energy. Our branch has three people researching energy, other places should be similar, since our branch is directly under headquarters, other places probably don't have as many as we do…"

The person paused, seemingly recalling something, and then continued:

"Oh, I heard the other day that some people from another branch went on a trip to a very dark place. They found some very white stuff there. There might be more people involved in energy research there, but not more than five; research personnel are too scarce!"

Jiang Chen nodded slightly, speaking softly, "Alright, you get back to your work. Remember, health is paramount!"

"Sure, don't worry, I'm being well taken care of and even leading a group of people, life is joyful!"

"That's good to hear. If any difficulties arise, let me know. Our company's research has also reached a high level; I'm almost 'flying high' too. I have a dozen people working on energy research under me; if needed, we could collaborate!" Jiang Chen gently advised.

"Okay! If I have any trouble, I'll definitely come to you, but... I want to compete with you to see who can reach the heavens first. You've always been ahead of me in studies, but now I've finally caught up with you!"

Jiang Chen gave a slight smile, "Alright, let's see who can, and if you win, I promise you'll meet him in the heavens."

"Okay! Thank you! Thank you, Mr. Jiang."

"Go and get busy," Jiang Chen instructed as he hung up the phone.

Jiang Chen shielded his aura from detection, but he did not mute his own voice. Xi'er and the others were utterly confused and looked baffled.

What scientific research? What reaching the heavens? What on earth is all this?

"Mr. Jiang, are you engaged in scientific research?" Fa'er asked, looking puzzled.

Jiang Chen glanced coldly at Fa'er and paid no attention to him. He had noticed Fa'er's behavior earlier, and he had grown dissatisfied with him.

"Mr. Xi'er, according to my information, the Dark Church seems to have noticed your movement, and the Gene Warriors have assisted them with up to five Semi Venerable Venerables, which means, if you don't have other major operations against the Dark Church elsewhere, there should be up to five Semi Venerable Venerable Realm Gene Warriors here!" Jiang Chen said earnestly, looking at Xi'er.

"There are no major activities elsewhere, plan for the worst, assume there are ten Semi Venerable Venerables here!" Xi'er replied, frowning deeply and speaking gravely.

As Fa'er's eyes darted around, he suggested, "We currently have only nine Semi Venerable Venerables. Mr. Jiang, could you call the two Semi Venerable Realm strongmen from your end?"

"They cannot be exposed!" Jiang Chen shook his head.

"But then our safety cannot be guaranteed. There are not only ten Semi Venerable Venerables there but also many Paladin Knights!" Fa'er said urgently.

"That's your affair!"

Jiang Chen's expression turned cold as he spoke sternly, "Mr. Fa Lan, why do I feel like you are always targeting me? Constantly trying to make me expose all my forces, what are you trying to do?"

The expressions of Xi'er and others changed as they all looked towards Fa'er.

"I... I was only thinking of everyone's safety," Fa Lan argued awkwardly.

"Oh? Is that so? Then why doesn't your Holy Court send more people? Don't tell me you can't bring people over temporarily. If you can't bring people today, then cancel tonight's operation and talk when you have enough people!" Jiang Chen said coldly.

"We cannot cancel tonight's operation," Ha'er said gravely. "I've already alarmed them, and if we delay, it may bring unforeseen changes!"

"I won't bring more people over. I'm just here to help, not to be under your command!" Jiang Chen spoke firmly, "Either we proceed as is, or we part ways!"

"Mr. Jiang, please don't be agitated, let me think of a solution!" Xi'er replied gently, giving Fa Lan a sharp look as he tried to calm Jiang Chen.

Fa'er's eyes flickered repeatedly, and his expression kept changing.

Fa'erxi's eyes narrowed slightly, scrutinizing Fa'er carefully, revealing a thoughtful look in his eyes.

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