Full-Time Public Enemy

Chapter 491: Chapter 445: The City-State Royalty (Three Chapters Combined)_3

Sadek was filled with remorse.

Chen Gu nodded slightly after listening to the man’s account, finally gaining a thorough understanding of the situation at the Potsdam City Shrine.

What he needed was precisely a breakthrough like the one Tanbudo provided. As for the subsequent investigation, the Bureau of Mystic Security had plenty of professionals. They didn’t need evidence; the Bureau’s own conviction was sufficient.

Representing the "Great True God," Chen Gu commended Sadek, "the most faithful believer of Our God," with a few words of praise and blessed him by laying a hand on his head.

No substantial reward was necessary. For a true believer like Sadek, those few words of praise brought him the greatest satisfaction.

Then, Sadek, who had clearly been a great help, departed, thanking profusely. He was reluctant to leave, repeatedly looking back as he went.

However, Chen Gu couldn’t entirely agree with Sadek’s assessment of the situation. It wasn’t that he suspected Sadek of deceiving him, but rather that Sadek’s own perspective and insight were limited.

For example, Sadek had concluded that the imperial family joined the shrine simply to gain leverage in their power struggles against other royals.

But Chen Gu wouldn’t view the issue so simplistically. While he subscribed to the notion that "those in power are often shortsighted," it didn’t necessarily mean there were no far-sighted individuals among the royalty.

What followed was simple. Chen Gu gathered everyone and briefly explained the situation. Chen Jixian then made a prompt decision: "Chen Gu, you go."

"You’re a Brain Domain Hacker. Extract what we need to know from the minds of these suspect royals."

"Charles and Boluo will go with you, under your command."

"Also, take Chu Zheng. This mission isn’t particularly dangerous; take her for some experience."

Chen Gu rolled his eyes. Is he really addressing his own father by his full name?

And stop trying to jinx it, will you? Don’t you know that saying ’this mission poses no real danger’ is just asking for trouble?

But his adult son was the commander; he could choose not to show deference to his old father. Parents, however, always had to "accommodate" their children. So, Chen Gu didn’t rebut Chen Jixian but waved to the three of them. "Let’s go."

Joseph volunteered, "Brother Chen, I’ll go too."

The skills of this group of professionals were considered "unmatched" on this planet; on the battlefield, they were "mighty warriors." They could hide their movements with ease. Barring those long-headed people with powerful spiritual power, no one would notice them.

Even so, Joseph conjured a mist to envelop them. In the dead of night, even if they strolled past openly, no one would see them.

At most, any onlookers might merely remark, "The night air is unusually heavy during this rainy season."

Chen Gu first sought out a leader within the shrine whom he had observed during the day. This leader was a confidant of the high priest and was sure to know many secrets.

Chen Gu invaded the man’s mind as he slept, effortlessly gathering the information he sought: the whereabouts of Tanbudo and the others.

Cities in this era all had inner fortresses where the royalty dwelled. These were heavily guarded—obviously to prevent revolts from the impoverished masses.

Within the inner fortress, "powerhouses" among the long-headed people were stationed. To Cyclops, the inner fortress was no less than a dragon’s den, yet the group of four easily bypassed all sentries and infiltrated it undetected.

As they passed through a large courtyard, they all sensed something and simultaneously looked towards the master bedroom, where a long-headed individual with abilities resided.

Curious, Charles whispered to Chen Gu, "How capable is he?"

Chen Gu briefly assessed the presence. "If we’re talking about Energy Levels, he’s probably equivalent to our Second Energy Level standard. However, his actual combat power is likely only at the First Energy Level, at best."

The spiritual power users of this world were far inferior to professionals in terms of ability application; the backwardness of their civilization was all-encompassing.

Charles nodded. They passed by quietly and soon arrived at Tanbudo’s residence.

In the vast courtyard, besides Tanbudo and his family, there were dozens of servants and nearly a hundred guards.

The four of them entered the courtyard. Although Tanbudo was a spiritual power user, he stood no chance against Chen Gu. While Tanbudo slept, his mind was effortlessly "crashed" by Chen Gu using his Brain Domain Hacker ability.

Then Chen Gu began his "inhumane" rummaging through Tanbudo’s mind, as if strolling through his own backyard.

This search, however, made Chen Gu grimace continuously. What kind of person is this, with such a degenerate collection of memories... He’s a true libertine! As vile and chaotic as they come!

This man was royalty, a member of the city-state’s ruling class. Yet, his most profound and extensive memories weren’t related to governance. As a spiritual power user, his deepest recollections also weren’t about training or enhancing his abilities. Instead, they were entirely consumed by his dalliances with various men and women—liaisons so varied and complex that even Chen Gu, with his past life in the entertainment industry, was left dumbfounded.

No wonder you’re marginalized by the other royals and can’t make your way, forcing you to try and carve out a new path in the shrine, Chen Gu grumbled internally as he continued his search. He finally managed to sort through the fool’s chaotic memories, but the meager findings nearly made him curse aloud.

This idiot was the mastermind who bribed Cyclops to ambush and assassinate me!

His motive was simple: even though the high priest had made thorough arrangements, what if this "Prophet" was genuine? That would significantly undermine Tanbudo’s own interests within the shrine.