Atlas of Heaven and Man

Wei Chang'an hummed in acknowledgment. Was this a trick he'd learned from storybooks? This plan wasn't entirely without merit, but the coordination involved would be complex, and there were too many uncertain factors.

Besides, the Macca delegation wasn't stupid. You couldn't just claim to have obtained it; they would definitely verify. If you refused to produce it, they would immediately know something was wrong.

However, he didn't want to discourage Feng Xiaoqi's enthusiasm. He used to be the same, always thinking his ideas were brilliant, but the actual execution was often a disaster. So, he said diplomatically, "It's worth considering."

Chen Chuan treated everyone equally. Seeing that Feng Xiaoqi had offered a suggestion, he asked the others for their opinions. Luo Kaiyuan said he didn't have any good ideas.

Wu Han's idea was simple and brutal. He suggested finding a way to kidnap a member of the delegation and force them to reveal where the Macca people were hiding.

It had to be said, if they were truly out of options and put aside unnecessary scruples, this might actually have a chance of success.

As for Wei Dong, Wei Dong said he didn't understand what they were talking about. He only needed to know who they were going to deal with and where those people were.

When it was Wei Chang'an's turn, he stroked his chin and, staring at the map, said, "There are three major checkpoints on this national highway leading to the port. The first one is under the control of Yangzhi City and will definitely have strict inspections. So, if I were the delegation, I definitely wouldn't make the exchange on this stretch of road.

The last checkpoint is set up by the Yuanwang Port. Although the inspection won't be as strict as Yangzhi City's, the surrounding area is heavily guarded to crack down on smuggling, making it difficult for ordinary people to get close.

Therefore, the most likely place for the exchange is in the middle section. At worst, we can take radios and split into several teams. One team can lie in wait near the checkpoint, while the other teams patrol back and forth on the road before the delegation departs, or simply follow the delegation from a distance. We might be able to find some clues."

Chen Chuan thought about it. Although this approach was a bit rigid, it wasn't complicated and might actually succeed, but it could also lead to conflict with the delegation.

Director Lei's reminder to observe more at the checkpoint was reasonable and also hinted at a solution.

Because with something so important, the Macca delegation's mental state would definitely be different before and after obtaining it. Careful observation could lead to certain judgments.

The delegation would stop at the checkpoint and have their vehicles inspected. They wouldn't be carrying weapons at that time. They could enter the checkpoint in advance under the name of the Political Affairs Office. If they detected any problems, they could immediately conduct a thorough search. Even if the delegation resisted, it would be much easier to deal with them without weapons.

However, this would be an all-or-nothing gamble. If they didn't find anything, it might cause some foreign affairs issues, and they wouldn't be able to conduct any further searches.

Just as he was considering this, there was a sudden knock on the door.

He walked over and opened it. As expected, Ren Xiaotian was standing outside, accompanied by the lively Lin Xiaodi, who waved at him and said, "Hello, Brother Chen."

Chen Chuan smiled and nodded, then said to Ren Xiaotian, "Senior Brother Ren, I've been waiting for you. Please come in."

Ren Xiaotian followed him in, but when he suddenly saw so many people in the living room, his steps faltered slightly, and his posture became a little stiff.

Chen Chuan first introduced everyone to each other, then returned to his seat and said, "Senior Brother Ren, your timing is perfect. We're discussing the plan and would like to hear your opinion." He also explained the general outline of their discussion and finally asked, "Senior Brother Ren, what do you think?"

Although Ren Xiaotian sat down, his small frame was ramrod straight, and he didn't take off his sunglasses. He said, "If you want to find those escaped Macca students, I think there's one target worth noting. You can take a look." As he spoke, he took out a notebook that Chen Chuan recognized immediately and handed it over, "Here."

Chen Chuan took it and flipped through it, his expression changing slightly.

The notebook that Ren Xiaotian gave him contained information about the wilderness leading to the port. There were many armed groups active there, mostly engaged in smuggling and human trafficking.

The larger groups were involved in selling foreign contraband drugs, human tissues, weapons, and even experimental biological implants domestically.

These groups, regardless of size, usually engaged in human trafficking and contraband, or did dirty work for the powerful.

However, in the past year or two, a new group had emerged. The upper echelons of the group were all Macca people or Macca mixed-bloods. Because they liked to wear green armbands and had bronze skin, they were known as the "Copper Rust Gang." Over time, they themselves accepted the name.

Because they used many weapons produced by the Macca people, it was certain that this group, even if not supported by the Macca government, had close ties to it.

After Chen Chuan finished reading, he had a judgment in his mind. He looked at Ren Xiaotian and said, "So, if those Macca people escaped from Yangzhi City with something, the most likely place for them to go would be the Copper Rust Gang, who know the wilderness, can bypass the main roads, and have a base of operations?"

Ren Xiaotian nodded.

Chen Chuan thought for a moment and then said, "It's not that simple. This group emerged in the last year or two. Could it be that the Macca government arranged this in advance, and their main purpose is to facilitate the transfer of the Oak Leaf?"

Based on the Macca people's emphasis on this item, the more he thought about it, the more likely it seemed. He hadn't expected Ren Xiaotian to bring him such a pleasant surprise. It was definitely the right choice to bring this senior brother along on this mission.

As for whether this was the case, they could simply raid this group in advance, without waiting for the delegation to depart.

While others were still trying to figure out the situation, Chen Chuan explained everything to them. After thinking it over, everyone agreed that it was very likely the case.

Chen Chuan asked, "Senior Brother Ren, do you know where these people are located?"

Ren Xiaotian nodded and said, "I know."

Lin Xiaodi said, "For this matter, Martial Uncle personally made a trip to the wilderness, clarified the location of the Copper Rust Gang, and then came to you, Brother Chen."

Chen Chuan looked at Ren Xiaotian and said solemnly, "Senior Brother Ren, thank you very much this time."

Ren Xiaotian shook his head: "There are no results yet, no need to rush to a conclusion."

Chen Chuan said: "Right, Senior Brother, do you know how many people are in this Copper Rust Gang? What is their equipment situation?"

Ren Xiaotian walked over and first pointed out the approximate location of the Copper Rust Gang on the map.

It's roughly located at a stronghold about 150 kilometers southeast. This place is close to the Huo River, making it easy to obtain water. It used to be a gang's base, but it was later seized by these people.

Then, he explained the specific situation. The Copper Rust Gang has about forty to fifty members, about a quarter of whom possess Maca firearms and old-fashioned homemade firearms. However, a significant number of people have crossbows. They possess about nine vehicles, two of which are self-modified armored vehicles.

However, the good news is that the Maca people are a nation that highly respects nature, and this philosophy has long been ingrained in their bones, so none of these people have implanted implants.

Ren Xiaotian finally cautiously reminded: "If it is arranged by the Maca government, there may be experts."

Chen Chuan deeply agreed. However, last time when he fought Du Ma, he was empty-handed and could only fight head-on. This time, he plans to carry weapons.

No matter how skilled they are, even if they are wearing protective clothing, as long as they can't withstand a blade, they will still be cut in two. However, necessary precautions must still be taken. He decided to use Cheng Zitong's connections to get a few powerful Destroyer rifles, just in case.

Luo Kaiyuan cautiously said: "Chen Tongxue, do we have enough manpower?"

Wei Chang'an said: "I can call my team too, there are probably six of them, all of whom are absolutely trustworthy."

His team, in addition to the old guard who had a good relationship with the Wuyi Academy, also had some friends with good relationships, and almost all of them were from the patrol bureau's children. Relatives, friends, and elders all knew each other, and they could be trusted.

Feng Xiaoqi said: "We also need enough firearms and vehicles."

Everyone had no objection. Once in the wild, even if you don't have a firearms license, who would know who used it? As long as there is someone in the team with a firearms license.

Wei Chang'an said: "This is easy, I will find a way to get a batch of firearms, and borrow a batch of stab-resistant vests, so as to increase the chances of winning." Although stab-resistant vests don't provide much protection against firearms, they still provide some protection against cold weapons and crossbow arrows.

Chen Chuan asked: "Brother Wei, is there no problem?"

Wei Chang'an gave him a reassuring look and said: "Junior, don't worry, your Brother Wei, I have a firearms license, it is not difficult to get a batch of scrapped firearms from the patrol bureau."

Chen Chuan turned his thoughts, "Brother Wei, can you get smoke grenades?"

That day, he saw the smoke grenades thrown by the resistance organization in the square and thought this thing was very useful. It is more suitable for teams like them that are not good at teamwork, but have high individual skills.

Wei Chang'an said: "I'll try, there shouldn't be any problem. Even if it doesn't work, I can find someone in the bureau to make it myself."

Chen Chuan said: "Okay, tell me how much you need later, Brother Wei."

Wei Chang'an said very simply: "Okay!" In fact, it was no problem for him to pay in advance. He still owed Chen Chuan a favor. However, he also knew that since it was a team, it was better to calculate these things involving money in advance.

Lin Xiaodi walked to Chen Chuan's side, pulled his arm, and said softly: "Brother Chen, I have something to tell you."

Chen Chuan greeted everyone, followed her to the side, and said: "What's the matter?"

Lin Xiaodi gave him a list and said softly: "This is what the teacher asked me to give you, saying that you may need it for this commissioned task."

Chen Chuan took it and looked at it. This was a vehicle rental agreement. The money on it had already been paid in advance. Whenever he needed it, he only needed to make a phone call in advance.

He understood that this was Senior Sister He repaying him a favor. Of course, this was from the perspective of Bureau Chief Lei. He thought about it and did not decline.

In fact, he had already thought about the ways to get firearms and vehicles at the beginning, and had coordinated in advance. He didn't expect that he didn't have to worry about it now.

He said: "Thank you, Senior Sister, for me."

"Okay, Brother Chen." Lin Xiaodi raised her hand and said playfully: "I will definitely convey it."

Chen Chuan walked back, discussed it with everyone again, and after confirming that there were no objections, he said: "Then the time will be set for the day after tomorrow. Everyone will prepare tomorrow, and leave at one o'clock the day after tomorrow, and try to solve this matter within a day!"

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