Chapter 368: Starward Tower
Chapter 368: Starward Tower
After leaving the hill, Chen Chuan didn't head straight back to the Mystic Palace Tower. Instead, he drove towards Ink Mountain, where Cao Guiqi, who was clearly aware of this matter, might provide more insights.
Since he had contacted Cao Guiqi with his Boundary Token on the way, Uncle Ding was already waiting outside the Cao family estate when Chen Chuan arrived.
This was a rare treat.
After parking the car, Chen Chuan walked up and followed Uncle Ding into the estate. Upon seeing Cao Guiqi, the first thing the latter said was, "The Specialist has already told you?"
Chen Chuan nodded and replied, "Yes."
Cao Guiqi said, "Follow me," and then turned to walk towards the back of the courtyard.
Chen Chuan followed him out of the courtyard and boarded a vintage carriage. Uncle Ding took the reins and drove the two of them towards the back of the mountain.
Chen Chuan glanced outside. He had noticed before that there seemed to be a tower standing tall on the high ground of Ink Mountain, but it was obscured by dense trees, making it hard to see clearly. However, as the carriage approached, he could now make out its general shape.
It was an octagonal tower with a distinct old-era religious style. From its weathered appearance, it seemed to have been standing there since the old era, rather than being a modern replica.
The carriage arrived at the base of the tower, and Chen Chuan and Cao Guiqi got out and entered the tower. In contrast to its dilapidated exterior, the interior was entirely decorated in the New Era style, with reinforced and renovated structures.
The original wooden staircase had been removed and replaced with an observation elevator.
Uncle Ding approached to start the elevator, waiting for Chen Chuan and Cao Guiqi to enter before pressing the button. However, he did not follow them inside, standing at the door instead.
Cao Guiqi remained silent throughout the ride. They took the elevator all the way to the top of the tower. He stepped out and walked to the railing, gently placing his hand on it.
Chen Chuan joined him and looked out. This was the highest point of Ink Mountain, from where he could faintly see the sprawling estates and villas, as well as the vast Central City.
Cao Guiqi then said, "This tower is called the Starward Tower. In the old era, it was a crucial place where the imperial families would engage and resist another 'world.'"
Chen Chuan was slightly moved and asked, "So, is this considered the Central City of the old era?"
Cao Guiqi replied, "You can say that, but it's a bit different. The Specialist Liang told you that the Central City is the frontline against that world, a focal point where the two worlds intersect, the closest place to the other side?"
Chen Chuan said, "He told me that."
Cao Guiqi continued, "These places weren't always like this. Initially, they were scattered, densely distributed across the world. If you compare our world to a blank sheet of paper, the points where the two worlds first touched are like countless black dots scattered on the paper.
In the old era, the world's understanding of the Transition Period was still based on ancient records. Therefore, the imperial families didn't try to resist but instead built these Starward Towers at the more active seams and sought to harness the power and technology they could study from them.
Later, they gradually realized what was happening and began to strictly control the seams, trying to guide and consolidate them, centralizing them under the management and control of the various empires.
However, due to the lack of advanced technology and insufficient information dissemination and surveillance, despite their efforts, there were still numerous gaps and openings in the world. Many things leaked through these gaps, but they also provided opportunities for many people."
Chen Chuan said, "Specialist Liang told me that the collapse of the empires was due to technological advancements."
Cao Guiqi shook his head and said, "It's not entirely like that. The true situation is more complex. However, what the old empires failed to achieve, the New Era did.
After the establishment of the Grand Alliance, they eliminated, guided, and centralized most of the discovered gaps and anchor points, building Central Cities on them and constructing the World Ring for defense and resistance.
In this sense, the Grand Alliance made significant contributions to the entire world.
Moreover, in the New Era, fighters at least have a chance to rise. In the old era, everything was determined by birth and lineage, with all paths to advancement completely blocked. The empires failed to fulfill their responsibilities and were ultimately eliminated, a natural selection by the world.
However, the Grand Alliance only lasted thirty years before collapsing. The Specialist Liang was right when he said that the Central Cities are the frontlines of resistance. But the governments and companies of various countries also benefited greatly from this. If you consider these as resources, the governments and companies monopolized almost all of them.
While this was necessary, when these resources gradually flowed to the top and were tightly held by the governments and major companies, the situation changed..."
He sighed wistfully, "The imperial families and nobles of the past also wanted to do this. They sought to gain advantages from the other side and maintain their positions for generations. But what remains now?"
"He patted the railing beneath him, "But these are just remnants of ruins."
"Back then, the contact between the two worlds wasn't as close as it is now. Our world could afford to make mistakes and learn from them, but this time, we can't afford to make the same mistake again."
"Perhaps it's only a concern for us, and it might not affect the world itself. From the limited records, there might have been similar Great Collisions in history, but that was likely before the rise of civilization, long buried in a past we can't fully comprehend..."
He turned to face Chen Chuan solemnly, "Chen, in this upcoming new era, you must seize this opportunity for yourself. Otherwise, you won't have the chance to shape your own destiny."
Chen Chuan nodded in agreement, then after a moment's thought, he spoke, "Specialist Liang mentioned that some cultivation resources of the Third Limit are only accessible after making contributions and achievements during the recruitment of neutrals."
Cao Guiqi replied earnestly, "He's not wrong. From the First to the Third Limit, that's already the limit of what a human body can achieve. No matter how you cultivate, you won't be able to break through this level as long as you remain human."
"But the merging of that world with ours has caused changes in the material world we live in. It's become less restrictive, turning the impossible into a possibility."
"While that world brings danger, it also presents opportunities. Many crucial resources, including some technologies, have been obtained through the collision of the two worlds. These resources are entirely controlled by governments and major companies."
He looked at Chen Chuan, "Chen, when you're still weak, it's best to join them first. Slowly acquire what you need from within, and use this to strengthen yourself. Do your best to reach the next limit before the Great Collision, and only then will you have the qualifications to negotiate with them."
Chen Chuan understood his intent and knew that this path was the most suitable for now. However, a more practical issue remained: this alone couldn't satisfy his cultivation needs.
"Chen Chuan, I'd like to ask, aside from joining the government or companies, are there any other options available?"
Cao Guiqi didn't answer immediately. After a while, he spoke slowly, "Outside the Central City, there are scattered rifts that haven't been fully controlled, and some appear due to the world's collisions from time to time.
"Many of these rifts are in the hands of peripheral factions and organizations, who use them to recruit and gain benefits. However, most of these rifts are unstable, and it's hard to predict what might emerge from them. Without sufficient strength, you might face sudden annihilation at any moment."
"Moreover, governments and companies are vigilant about these rifts. Once discovered, they are promptly cleared and controlled. Aside from this... there are no other paths."
Chen Chuan contemplated for a moment, then sincerely thanked him, "Thank you, Senior Cao, for sharing this information."
"It's nothing. You'll gradually come across these things. But remember, if you've made up your mind, be cautious," Cao Guiqi added, "The things that seep through the World Ring are not easy to deal with, and the information they convey shouldn't be easily trusted."
"I will, thank you for the reminder, Senior Cao," Chen Chuan replied.
Cao Guiqi gazed outside, his robe fluttering in the wind, "The convergence of worlds profoundly affects us all, each and every one of us, throughout history. I don't know what the outcome will be, but if we can get through this, perhaps a brighter future awaits."
After staying a while longer, Chen Chuan bid farewell and left. Uncle Ding, after seeing Chen Chuan off, returned to the tower and bowed, "Young Master, Chen has left."
Cao Guiqi acknowledged with a sound, still standing there, gazing at the area below Ink Mountain, deep in thought.
Uncle Ding hesitated, then spoke, "Young Master, at Chen's current level, he should have learned about that matter. Young Master, you didn't tell him..."
With his back to Uncle Ding, Cao Guiqi said, "Uncle Ding, I've said this before. I'm helping him because of our connection, and his character and temperament are worth supporting. But I don't need to burden him with my past experiences."
"But Young Master, isn't this also an opportunity for Little Brother Chen? If you believe in his future, then why not..." Uncle Ding suggested.
Cao Guiqi shook his sleeve dismissively, "No need to say more. A path once taken in error should not be trodden again."
Uncle Ding bowed deeply, "Yes..."
(End of Chapter)
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