Chapter 189: Armor

Jeremy Burt didn't wait until the next day; that very afternoon, he arrived at Unicorn Apartment looking disheveled for an interview with Li Mochen.

By this time, Mr. Burt had been fired from the Clairvoyant Detective Agency, and the Nathan Sports Group had also terminated their contract. The Fenrir Hunting Party's visit had exposed his involvement in the hunt for the Black Scale Fire Dragon. This was undoubtedly a breach of his employment and commission contracts. Fortunately, his employer was fairly decent, and the Nathan Sports Group was lenient, not pursuing the matter further.

There wasn't much to interview about. Mr. Burt was renowned in Atlanta for his powerful investigative and detective skills. A former military man who later worked for the CIA, his resume was impressive. Unfortunately, his occasional violations of regulations had hindered his career.

What Li Mochen really wanted to know was Mr. Burt's reliability. He feared the latter might be a plant from the Nathan Sports Group or an agent from other forces, given the timing was too coincidental.

Li Mochen intended to establish an intelligence system within the Rising Sun Company precisely to break free from reliance on the Nathan Sports Group. If he ended up tied to them again, it would defeat the purpose, even though he was currently cooperating closely with Nathan. The future was uncertain.

The interview went well. Jeremy Burt answered a dozen questions, and even in his Heavenly Mind state, Li Mochen detected nothing unusual—no anomalies in Burt's heartbeat, gaze, or soul fluctuations.

This wasn't enough to prove Mr. Burt's reliability, as a former CIA employee might have received relevant training. But Li Mochen had no other way to verify; for now, he had to rely on the Styx Contract and Elisa's surveillance.

"So at this stage, you're only required to monitor the company internally and ensure the security of the Rising Sun Company's eleven stores, dormitories, warehouses, and headquarters, providing early warnings, right?"

Jeremy Burt smiled. "Two million in startup funds should be enough. But are you sure you want to go to war with the Blood Hand Gang?"

"What else? You've already said that my large-scale hiring of magic energy professionals at the Red Sparrow Club has stirred up all of Atlanta. Now many know that a young upstart who just made some money plans to go to war with the Blood Hand Gang."

Li Mochen placed a glass of red wine before Jeremy Burt and clinked glasses with him. "I'm counting on you, Mr. Burt."

"Of course, I'll earn the generous salary you're paying, boss."

Jeremy Burt chuckled. "I'll make targeted intelligence arrangements against the Blood Hand Gang. The only trouble is time—setting up effective surveillance within a day. You're lucky I have decent connections in Atlanta."

"That's why I hired you."

Li Mochen added with a compliment, "If possible, also keep an eye on the movements of Fenrir the Wolf. If funds run short, you can apply to me or the finance director."

"Understood!"

Jeremy Burt downed the wine and stood up. "Honestly, I'm looking forward to your war with Antonio, even if it might cost me my job again. Time is tight, so I won't disturb you further. See you tomorrow or the day after, boss."

"Do you trust him?"

After Jeremy Burt left, Elisa looked at Li Mochen with confusion. "Don't you think the timing is too coincidental?"

She thought anyone who knew Li Mochen was about to provoke the behemoth Blood Hand Gang would steer clear, not come forward willingly.

"Not a word."

Li Mochen suspected Mr. Burt was likely problematic, but he didn't know which faction was behind him.

"But I sense he has no ill intent toward me or the Rising Sun Company. Of course, telepathic techniques aren't always reliable, so I'll rely on you, Elisa. I doubt Mr. Burt will stay with us long."

"Alright!"

Elisa shrugged helplessly and picked up her backpack. "I need to find people for you. Your personal donation to the Atlanta Police Mutual Aid Fund is far simpler than you think. If the donation doesn't go through the right hands, it won't help much. And one million gold shields isn't enough; you need at least three million."

Li Mochen sat on the sofa, deep in thought. After a while, he called the departed Carl Holton: "Reply to the Los Angeles Cultural Brokerage Company, that Belinda Harris. Raise the price to one million gold shields; I can agree to cooperate. Shooting times from Monday to Friday, limited to mornings. Yes, that's my bottom line. If they don't agree, forget it."

Though Belinda Harris had an inexplicable hostility toward him and the price was a bit low, every bit counted now.

Li Mochen did plan to strike at the Blood Hand Gang's treasury, but until the operation was over, he couldn't determine the haul or even if it would succeed.

Even if they gained a large sum, it would be illegal 'dirty money' that couldn't be used openly until laundered.

Afterward, Li Mochen returned to his training room, sat cross-legged, and began to carefully sense the changes in his body.

Last night, he had gained immensely. Both the level 7 'Titan Holy Warrior' and the level 7 'Dragon Blood Sorcerer' were extremely powerful magic energy professions.

Not to mention the various innate spells from his bloodline, the increase in strength and physique alone would multiply his power several times.

Additionally, Li Mochen's magic energy swordsman profession had also reached level 7.

Li Mochen knew he was no longer what he used to be, but he hadn't fully grasped the specific changes and details of his body.

When he walked out of the chemical plant, he felt a bit unsteady—a sign that he hadn't yet perfectly controlled this new power.

He needed a deep and comprehensive 'inner vision' to regain his previous micro-level control.

Li Mochen sat for three hours. When he opened his eyes again, the sharp gleam in them had dimmed slightly.

Unlike at noon, he could now actively restrain his energy. This was his advantage—his former Mahayana cultivation allowed him to perfectly control any power below that level.

"As expected of Titan's blood. Strength increased the most, by at least seven times. Explosive power, reaction speed, and overall speed all saw leaps. Source power is six times what it was, intensity increased by 170%, and mana is even more exaggerated, nearly seven times—"

Li Mochen then threw a tentative punch, which faintly produced a sonic boom—approaching the speed of sound.

Then, a pale white aura covered his skin—what locals called 'Source Armor.'