Back at the temporary residence, Chutian found that Liu Wei was not there. Chutian didn't mind and took out a spiritual energy crystal to start practicing.
After so much consumption, Chutian's first-level spiritual energy crystals were almost depleted. After all, these were meant for upgrading, and he didn't plan on saving them like some other talented warriors.
When he absorbed the last piece of the first-level spiritual energy crystal, he noticed that it was getting dark outside, and Liu Wei had returned. His combat suit was damaged, and he had some minor injuries.
Seeing Chutian awake, he smiled and asked, "How did things go? I didn't want to disturb you while you were practicing."
"It's fine. I was just absorbing spiritual energy crystals, not practicing martial techniques or skills, so there's no harm," Chutian replied and then stood up.
After glancing at the injuries on Liu Wei's body, he asked, "What kind of mission did they send you on that was so dangerous?"
Liu Wei smiled and said, "I accidentally took on a bounty mission posted by the Federation Biological Research Institute. They need someone to bring back a live werewolf."
"Werewolf?" Before Liu Wei could explain further, Chutian mentioned that it was a private matter and left the rooftop. He descended a few levels in the building and used a communicator to call Clea.
Before long, Clea answered the call, and a holographic projection appeared on the communicator. Clea seemed to have just finished bathing, wearing an oversized white shirt and holding a glass of red wine.
Chutian didn't waste time and went straight to the point, asking, "Where did you deliver the werewolf's body?"
"Why the sudden interest? I delivered it to the Sceskin Research Institute. Is there a problem?" Clea seemed puzzled.
However, after Chutian described Liu Wei's mission, Clea's attitude changed immediately. She furrowed her brows and asked, "Are you sure someone posted this mission?"
Chutian nodded, knowing that only a few people were aware of the werewolf matter, and Clea had not mentioned his name when she delivered the body. Clearly, there was an issue with a potential mole in the Sceskin family.
After hesitating for a moment, Clea checked her communicator and indeed found the mission to capture a werewolf with a generous reward of one hundred third-level spiritual energy crystals. This mission was even listed in every mercenary base, and the Federation military had issued it as well.
However, they had no way to know how many people had accepted the mission, as they couldn't check the other human bases. But in the third mercenary base, only Liu Wei had accepted the mission, indicating it wasn't very popular.
Considering the mission took place in the Borderlands, where the highest-level monsters reached the terrifying S rank, it was uncommon for individuals to venture there without a specific plan or route. Most wouldn't dare to enter the Deathlands.
"I'll go find someone to cancel this mission and recall Liu Wei's assignment. Meanwhile, make sure to communicate with the werewolf clan. I'll send a large aircraft to pick you and your werewolf friends up in three days," Chutian instructed.
Chutian then ended the call, but Clea was left with a troubled expression. She finished her glass of wine and forcefully smashed the wine glass on the ground, shattering it into pieces.
The sudden noise startled Ning Wan and Aya, who were nearby. Normally, Clea had a mature and composed demeanor, but her face now looked as cold as ice.
Ignoring their confusion, Clea walked into her room and retrieved an old-fashioned mobile phone from her vanity drawer. It had no brand markings and appeared to be an outdated flip phone from several centuries ago.
She powered it on and dialed her father's number. Within seconds, an elderly voice came from the other end of the call.
"Asha, it's rare for you to call me."
"Father, do you know why the Federation is aware of the werewolf you sent back? Don't you realize how dangerous it is if they expose him to the Federation?" Clea questioned directly.
There was a brief silence on the other end of the call before her father responded, "I will investigate it. I won't take the blame for this."
Hearing his response, Clea sighed in relief. It seemed that the issue was beyond her family's control. She spoke determinedly, "Father, make sure to investigate thoroughly. I don't care who it is, but I will ensure they pay dearly."
"At most, within ten days, I'll provide you with an answer. The Sceskin family cannot tolerate traitors," her father replied, his words sounding ordinary but carrying a hidden threat.
Chutian was unaware that the mission posted by the Federation had alerted the Sceskin family's leader, Jason Sceskin. After ending the call, he headed back upstairs.
Meanwhile, Liu Wei was busy preparing a meal. Upon seeing Chutian's return, he quickly said, "The food is almost ready. I'm not too picky about what I eat. It's just some stew and rice, so please bear with it."
Chutian nodded, took a seat at the simple folding table, and watched as Liu Wei continued to work.