My Arms Can Turn into Blades

Chapter 426 1: Collective Contamination

Chen Lusi wasn't visiting the Imperial Capital for the first time, nor was it his first visit to the Celestial Strategy Mansion Headquarters.

In fact, this was his third time here.

Unlike his first two visits, his first time was with Xia Yue to solve the problem of the Monkey Anomaly Realm.

His second visit was with the Security Army to resolve the issue of the Celestial Punishment Weapon.

And this third time... he came of his own accord, not to solve someone else's problem, but to deal with his own.

"No wonder it's the headquarters, it's so grand."

Wu You stood in front of the headquarters, marveling at the building in front of him, and remarked, "They really know how to justify a budget."

"..."

Chen Lusi gave him a strange look.

He hadn't expected Wu You to have this pessimistic side.

"Isn't that the truth?"

Noticing Chen Lusi's gaze, Wu You understood what he was thinking and laughed, "And aren't members from branches supposed to resent headquarters at times like this? It's just like working a job, where branch folks think the headquarters is filled with bureaucrats who only give orders and have no idea how hard it is for those working below.

Meanwhile, headquarters people think those in the branches are all useless, only making things worse. This is called the branch-headquarters conflict."

"..."

Chen Lusi thought about his own work experience and had nothing to say, so he just shook his head and walked forward.

But before he could enter, he encountered Shan Li.

Chen Lusi paused slightly.

Shan Li glanced at Ivan and Yevgeny beside her, then silently mouthed the word "Talisman."

Seeing the shape of her lips, Chen Lusi could roughly guess how she got to the headquarters and said nothing more.

Shan Li nodded at Chen Lusi and then directly approached Ivan and Yevgeny, "Mr. Ivan and Yevgeny, I've arranged a hotel for you. Please go and rest first."

"No need."

Ivan instinctively wanted to refuse at those words.

They came to the Imperial Capital solely to meet Anna.

"It's necessary."

Shan Li shook her head and insisted, "You've traveled a long way and must be exhausted."

"We..."

Ivan wanted to say more.

But Yevgeny lightly waved his hand, stopping Ivan from continuing, and volunteered, "Then we appreciate it."

Ivan looked displeased, turning to Yevgeny.

But staring at Yevgeny's calm expression, he eventually swallowed his words.

Soon enough.

Shan Li arranged for someone to escort the two to the hotel.

And their stay there likely wouldn't be just a simple overnight stay.

Surveillance would surely not be lacking.

"Why?"

Chen Lusi glanced at the backs of Ivan and Yevgeny, then curiously asked.

"Even though they're in a hurry, they intentionally delayed their visit to the Imperial Capital. Ji Xin Celestial Strategy found it unreasonable, so he plans to let them wait a bit."

Hearing this, Shan Li turned back and replied earnestly, "No matter their intentions, we won't let them meet Anna just yet."

"Unreasonable?"

Chen Lusi originally wanted to ask more, but then reconsidered and let it go.

Because it wasn't something he needed to worry about, he quickly changed the subject, "So can I meet Anna now?"

"Certainly, you can meet anyone you wish right now."

Shan Li nodded, then glanced at the sisters, Wu You, and Xia Panqiu, "But do you want to meet them together?"

"...Forget it. Please arrange accommodations for them too."

Looking back, Chen Lusi noticed Lin Ying seemed fine, but Lin Wan appeared drained, likely from too much social interaction in a short period.

"Alright."

Shan Li promptly agreed.

Thinking for a moment, Chen Lusi added, "Don't arrange for that previous place."

He was referring to where he stayed during his second visit to the Imperial Capital.

"Rest assured, apart from you and Ji Xin Celestial Strategy, I have no inclination to parade around in a maid outfit for anyone else."

Shan Li shook her head, then headed toward the two sisters.

Upon hearing this, the sisters immediately looked at Chen Lusi.

The formerly weary Lin Wan suddenly perked up, staring at the back of Chen Lusi's head with her clear, innocent eyes full of curiosity.

Chen Lusi pretended not to notice and accompanied the sisters to the hotel, settling them in before returning to the Celestial Strategy Mansion Headquarters.

This time, Xia Panqiu didn't come along.

Wu You did, however.

In his words.

He wasn't particularly keen on seeing Anna, but merely curious about witnessing the headquarters empowerers' demeanor.

"Is Anna at the headquarters now?"

Upon seeing Shan Li again, Chen Lusi inquired.

"Yes, she's downstairs."

Shan Li nodded, "It's quite challenging to restrict the freedom of empowerers like her, so she can only be kept at the headquarters."

"Got it."

Chen Lusi nodded in understanding.

Shan Li began to lead the way, entirely ignoring Wu You's question about whether Anna was beautiful.

Yet Wu You wasn't upset about being ignored; instead, he nudged Chen Lusi with playful gestures.

But this situation didn't last long.

As soon as the three of them entered the Celestial Strategy Mansion Headquarters, they ran into a stunning woman.

She was a tall woman, not as tall as Shan Li but certainly tall compared to the average woman.

With her flowing blond hair, fair complexion, high nose, and distinct features, she was unmistakably recognizable.

Clearly a foreigner.

And she didn't fear unfamiliarity; seeing Shan Li and Chen Lusi, she actively greeted them.

"Hello."

"..."

Chen Lusi paused in his steps, finding the woman's appearance odd yet unable to pinpoint what was strange about her, so he turned to Shan Li and asked, "Are there any foreigners in headquarters?"