Upon hearing Long Jiu say this, Meng Chuan could only smile wryly and nod in agreement.
"At the end of the month, let Meng Yongzhi bring you to the police station for some publicity work,
and while you're at it, collect your prize money. Besides the 200,000 yuan special reward for demon-slaying, I'll add another 100,000 yuan from my own pocket."
"Don't refuse. If you hadn't stalled the Celestial Demon until Hall Master Luo arrived, it would have caused me a great deal of trouble. Consider this 100,000 yuan my thanks to you."
A large sum of money suddenly dropped on his head, making Meng Chuan feel a bit dizzy. However, he was still aware that Hall Master Luo was the main contributor last night.
Luo Guanyun seemed to understand Meng Chuan's thoughts and spoke preemptively:
"You don't need to look at me; I'm not short of this amount. If you're inclined, just transfer 100,000 yuan into our martial arts hall's account. What you learn is yours, after all."
Meng Chuan nodded gratefully.
Long Jiu spoke:
"Alright, it's getting late. There's a lot to deal with at the station, so I'll head off now, Brother Luo."
"Xiaomeng, you come with me. I'll give you a lift. Your aunt and uncle were worried and waited for you all night at home, almost blowing up our station's phone lines."
Not wanting to worry them any further, Meng Chuan bid farewell to Luo Guanyun and followed Chief Long out.
Only Luo Guanyun was left in the room. He lit a cigarette and fell into deep thought:
"This kid is covered in black mud, which seems awfully similar to the cleansing I went through when I first mastered the Primordial Spirit Thunder Planting Skill."
But the other party was just a child who hadn't even reached the Qi and Blood Gate, so it was impossible for him to cultivate True Skill. Luo Guanyun suspected, though, that Meng Chuan might have awakened some traits related to cleansing.
In ancient times, people of the martial world referred to those with traits beyond the ordinary as "Abnormal People."
As the saying goes, "Those with their peculiarities are entrusted with a divine mandate." Some superstitious individuals also called them "Destined Ones."
Since the founding of Great Chu, there has been significant advancement in scientific research. Experts studying genes discovered that these so-called Destined Ones possess certain genes that have mutated and specialized.
It's neither some divine decree nor a superstition. Thus, they have been more appropriately termed as "Awakened Ones."
Further surveys and research showed that innate awakening was not the only phenomenon.
Many interviewed Awakened individuals noted that at birth, their genes showed no difference from ordinary people.
It was only after encountering various stimuli later in life that their bodies gradually transformed, differing from the norm.
After extensive further research, the Martial Arts Association validated this, terming those who experienced awakening later in life as "Awakeners." Regardless of innate awakening or acquired awakening, the cause of these mutations was uniformly termed as "Traits."
There is a possibility of awakening latent traits within the body after encountering certain stimuli.
Meng Chuan's encounter last night also aligns with this viewpoint. Coupled with the cleansing-like characteristics observed in him this morning, Luo Guanyun suspected he was indeed one of these acquired Awakeners.
At this thought, Luo Guanyun became invigorated, speculating:
"Could it be traits like 'Meridian Passage' or 'Small Dragon Form'?"
Traits are treasures buried deep within the body, ascertainable only through external bodily manifestations, not detectable for definitive conclusions.
The manifestation of the Meridian Passage trait includes easy cleansing, opening the eight meridians, and making martial arts training much more efficient.
Meanwhile, the Small Dragon Form is even more extraordinary. An individual awakened with this trait is akin to being reborn, with cleansing resulting in renewed bones and tendons, possessing 12 animal forms, making them naturally suited for practicing Elephant Form martial arts.
Moreover, they also have features of strong tendons and bones, with vital organs generating fluids, making them equally suited for martial arts practices with certain destructive side effects, such as the Primordial Spirit Thunder Planting Skill!
"This kid seems to have grown taller, and his spine has an abnormal shape. Could he truly be of the Small Dragon Form?"
Luo Guanyun became instantly interested but maintained his composure as a Martial Arts Master, refraining from making rash conclusions. He thought silently:
"No rush, I'll observe a bit longer. Since traits are hidden within the body, they cannot be discerned unless one stays day and night. This kid still needs to renew his fee for the martial arts hall, so he won't run away anytime soon."
...
Officer Long drove quickly, and before long, Meng Chuan was home.
The officer had other matters to attend to, so he didn't linger, reminding him to remember to visit the Qin Capital Sub-bureau at the end of the month before leaving.
At home, Xue Na was cooking, making all of Meng Chuan's favorite dishes.
"This time the child was really frightened, so cook more of his favorite food to properly nourish him."
In the morning, Meng Yongzhi had already received a call from Chief Long, stating that Meng Chuan was safe and would be brought back by noon.
Just as the meal was ready, Meng Chuan pushed the door open and came in.
"Uncle, Aunt, I'm back."
Meng Yongzhi hurriedly stood up from the sofa and went over to inspect Meng Chuan thoroughly.
"Glad you're back, glad you're back. Nothing happened, right?"
Meng Yongzhi only knew that many people died at Tong Family Lane last night but was unaware of its connection to his nephew.
Meng Chuan stretched out his arms and legs to show his uncle, and then jumped a few times on the spot.
"All's good. I ran into the Celestial Demon while walking at night, but fortunately, Hall Master Luo rescued me. See, I'm perfectly fine."
"Looking at you, I could tell nothing happened."
Meng Yongzhi didn't think much about it, seeing Meng Chuan unharmed, he patted his shoulder robustly.
Somehow, Meng Chuan seemed different since coming back. Though hard to put a finger on where the change was, he seemed more spirited.
Meng Chuan used to bury himself in researching how to break limits in National Righteous Fist, which made him somewhat dull. Now, he appeared full of vitality.
The focus of women invariably differs from men. Aunt came out of the kitchen in an apron, and upon seeing Meng Chuan for the first time, she exclaimed with delight:
"Oh Chuan'er, why does it feel like your skin has improved in just one day?"
Meng Chuan explained with a smile:
"I ran into a Celestial Demon last night, which scared my face white."
With Meng Chuan safely returned, the family basked in laughter and joy as they finished lunch.
After the meal, Meng Chuan couldn't wait to return to his room to practice martial arts, but his uncle stopped him.
"Hall Master Luo said you still need some rest. Don't train just yet. Health is most important, and there's plenty of time to train once you're fully rested."
"I'm fine now, Uncle. If you don't believe me, let me show you."
With that, Meng Chuan threw a few punches, using Ming Strength technique, creating a crisp explosion sound in the air.
"Is that... Ming Strength?"
"It should be. I just realized it."
Meng Yongzhi nodded happily.
"Good boy. When I broke the three Qi and Blood Gates, I only learned Ming Strength technique. You learned it so quickly, which surely means you've reached a level. Remember to measure your Qi Blood at the martial arts hall this weekend."
"Oh, by the way, Uncle. Chief Long mentioned that I should go with you to Qin Capital Sub-bureau at the end of the month to collect the prize money, totaling 300,000 yuan."