Chapter 608: The Secret Treasury
Chapter 608: The Secret Treasury
Chen Chuan grabbed a handful of bait and sprinkled it into the pond, creating ripples that spread across the water. The golden-red fish below swam eagerly towards the bait, their fins and tails fluttering.
"Someone told me about Pure Substance," Chen Chuan said, "and because of the recent damage to the World Ring, a lot of Pure Substance has leaked out. So, I was asked to conduct some inspections with a few others."
Cao Guixi was surprised, "Pure Substance has leaked out?" He shook his head, "It will be sealed soon enough."
Cao Guixi scattered more bait into the water and handed something to Ding Shu. He then took a cloth from Ding Shu's hand and wiped his hands before saying, "Follow me." He began walking towards the pond's outlet.
Chen Chuan followed him to the edge of the pond, where a winding river flowed out. Along the bank stood a row of lush weeping willows, and a not-too-large, exquisite pleasure boat was docked at the riverbank.
Cao Guixi stepped onto the boat and sat down in the elegant cabin. He called out to Chen Chuan, who joined him. A servant promptly poured freshly boiled water into the teacups.
Ding Shu also boarded the boat and instructed the servants to untie the thick mooring ropes. The boatman at the back picked up a long pole and pushed off, and the boat slowly drifted away from the shore.
The boat glided along the river, turning around a protruding sandbar. Ahead, the river widened, reflecting the green shadows of the trees on both banks. The river stretched all the way to the inner lake within Mo Tie Mountain, where a few egrets flew out from the trees, skimming the water's surface.
"Power groups and factions exist everywhere," Cao Guixi said, "and if you're not part of them, you won't be able to rise up. After all, there are only so many paths and connections, and they won't be offered to outsiders."
As the boat moved forward, the scenery on the shore gradually receded. Cao Guixi gazed at the distant, misty mountains and the lush greenery in the foreground and said, "The new era is much better than the old one. In the past, you wouldn't even have the opportunity to reach this point."
"You probably don't know," Cao Guixi continued, "that during the old dynasty, unless you were part of the imperial family, a noble family, or a few high-ranking clans, even scholars who served the court for generations had to pay marrow and blood tribute every year."
Chen Chuan pondered over the term, "Marrow and blood tribute?"
"It means exactly what it says," Cao Guixi explained. "The essence and blood of martial artists can be used to create medicines and refine pills, and their bones can be used to tame animals and create various weapons and tools. That's why the imperial court included it as a form of taxation."
"The old imperial court did this not only for those purposes but also to suppress and weaken powerful families outside the imperial family. Every year, when martial artists paid this tribute, it would inevitably damage their vitality, preventing them from becoming too powerful and posing a threat to the imperial family and the noble families."
"Initially, this system was very strict, but over time, it became more relaxed. Powerful families found ways to use the essence and blood of commoners or their own martial artists to fulfill their obligations, while secretly building their own power."
"Despite the changes during the transition periods, some large factions and sects retained their influence. Among them were individuals with exceptional talents who had endured exploitation for a long time and held deep grudges. After the Algal Revolution, these groups became one of the main forces that overthrew the old imperial court."
"The Dashi government learned from these lessons and provided a path for fighters to rise through their own efforts. They also collected resources that had been scattered during the transition periods, and with technological advancements and changes in the world order, they almost monopolized all martial arts resources."
"Nowadays, if a fighter wants to improve their strength, reaching the Third Limitation is still possible through their own hard work. But if they want to go further, it's almost impossible without aligning with certain powers."
Chen Chuan asked for advice, "If I want to continue advancing, do you have any suitable suggestions?"
"I won't comment on the government or company paths, as you'll understand them in your current position. But if I were to suggest something, I think you might be able to join a sect."
"A sect?" Chen Chuan's thoughts aligned with his previous ideas.
"When the Grand Alliance was established, not only companies and the government were involved, but also several major sects. These sects have influence in both companies and the government, sharing similar ideals, and they are legally recognized as members of the Grand Alliance. So, the resources they provide are acknowledged by both companies and the government."
Cao Guixi reached out, and Ding Shu immediately handed him an item, which he passed to Chen Chuan. "If you can't find a way in, you can use this card to seek out the Refinement Sect."
"But if you have a choice, it's best not to approach them. This card is just a stepping stone and doesn't guarantee your entry. Even if you join, don't trust them too much. Just take what you need and leave."
Chen Chuan examined the card and found it to be a beautifully crafted wooden plaque with a red tassel. It felt heavy in his hand, and although there were no visible markings, he could sense the presence of writing. Without examining it closely, he sincerely said, "Thank you, Senior Cao."
Cao Guixi solemnly reminded him, "If they don't have what you're looking for here, or if you can't get in, it's better to turn to the government instead of resorting to the company's methods."
Chen Chuan nodded.
Cao Guixi picked up the teacup, took a sip, and sighed, "After the World Ring was sealed off, the pure essence didn't actually decrease; it's just that the means of acquiring it became limited, and that has blocked many people."
At this moment, Ding Shu suddenly spoke up, "Young Master, have you forgotten about the secret treasury?"
Cao Guixi pondered for a moment and nodded. He turned to Chen Chuan, "Regarding the secret treasury, you can try to find out more about it."
He paused before continuing, "In the old times, the imperial court gathered resources from all over the world, and since they couldn't use them all, most were sealed and stored in the imperial treasury. Later, when they retreated from the Convergence Ground, they took a portion of these treasures with them."
"But the imperial treasury wasn't just one place; there were secret repositories in various places, even overseas, which were the imperial court's backup plan. Not only the imperial court, but also the vassal kings and foreign dynasties had similar secret treasuries, and this practice was followed by successive dynasties."
"So, for decades now, there have been rumors of secret treasuries being discovered in various countries and within the Dashi Republic itself."
"In the old era, both the imperial court and private organizations were searching for these treasures. Nowadays, the government and companies encourage exploration and the discovery of these treasures. If someone finds and surrenders them, they can legally obtain a portion of the treasures."
Chen Chuan seemed deep in thought, "I think I've heard similar rumors."
Cao Guixi said, "Legends of secret artifacts are everywhere, and they are just extensions of the secret treasuries. Every year, there are forces, groups, and even cult organizations keeping an eye on these places. As soon as there's any solid news, both the government and companies send people to search for them."
"If you happen to come across such a place, you can take a look, but be cautious. Many people are watching these places, and there might be old-time defenses inside. So, if you do get a chance, be very careful."
Chen Chuan nodded.
After that, they didn't talk about this topic anymore. Instead, they went boating on the lake, enjoying tea and the scenery. As the evening approached, the boat returned to the Cao Family Estate, and Chen Chuan bid them farewell.
After Ding Shu sent Chen Chuan away, he said, "I thought the Young Master would tell Manager Chen about that secret treasury."
Cao Guixi shook his head, "I don't know the exact location of that place, and the things inside are extremely dangerous. Moreover, that person might be there, and the risks are too high. Both the company and the government are keeping an eye on it. Even if I tell you, it might only bring harm to you."
Ding Shu said, "I heard that person has been searching for this place for years."
Cao Guixi replied, "Let him continue his search. Even if he finds it, what can he do? The old-time towers have long turned into ruins, and it's impossible to put them back together. Even if they are forced to stand, they'll just collapse with a push."
He stood with his hands behind his back, gazing at the evening glow in the distance, "Ding Shu, you've seen it too. After the rift separated us, the conquering kingdom's generals and their cavalry appeared, but they were blocked by a single person, unable to do anything. Times have changed, and we should let go of what needs to be let go."
After returning from the Cao Family Estate, Chen Chuan contacted Wei Dong and Wu Han. He planned to invite them out for a meal. In a couple of days, when Chao Ming wakes up, and after handling some remaining trivial matters, he would return to Yangzhi."
Wu Han, upon hearing that Chen Chuan was treating them to a meal, recommended a restaurant he frequently visited. He said it was lively, and the owner was from Yangzhi, so the food would definitely be authentic."
Chen Chuan agreed based on Wu Han's recommendation.
The next day, he didn't bring his chauffeur or security personnel. He drove alone to the restaurant and took a glance around as he parked.
Numerous pieces of information appeared on the Intercom.
Ever since connecting with An-Shield, various advertisements, including those from large companies like Qingnang Yufang, had been directly blocked. Moreover, by simply looking at anyone, their detailed information would immediately appear before his eyes, including any criminal records or wanted status.
On this street alone, at least one-third of the people had criminal records, and most of them were from the same gang.
But this was a common sight in Central City, so he didn't pay much attention. He entered the restaurant, and as he opened the door, he saw Wu Han and Wei Dong sitting by the window, chatting. They waved enthusiastically when they noticed him.
Chen Chuan glanced at the two of them. Wei Dong was fine, as he was still in Wu Yi Academy, and they could see each other every now and then.
It had been a few months since he last saw Wu Han. They had only been in contact through the Intercom. Now, looking at him, he seemed a bit different; his skin was tanned, and he had grown a beard under his chin, making him appear more mature. Chen Chuan walked over, and they greeted each other.
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(End of Chapter)
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