Chapter 608: The Secret Vault
Chapter 608: The Secret Vault
Chen Chuan grabbed a handful of bait and sprinkled it into the pond, creating ripples that spread in circles. The golden-red fish beneath the water swam swiftly, competing for the bait.
Chen Chuan said, "Someone told me about Pure Essence, and because the World Ring has been damaged recently, a lot of Pure Essence has leaked out. So, I was asked to conduct some tests with a few others."
Cao Guiqi was surprised, "Pure Essence has leaked?" He shook his head again, "It will be sealed soon enough."
Chen Chuan sprinkled some more bait into the water and handed the remaining bait to Ding Shu. He then took a cloth from the latter's hand and wiped his hands before saying, "Follow me." As he spoke, he stepped towards the pond's outlet.
Chen Chuan followed him and reached the outlet of the pond, where he saw a winding river flowing outwards. Along the bank stood a row of lush weeping willows, and at the embankment, there was a moderately-sized, exquisite painted boat moored.
Cao Guiqi stepped onto the wooden planks and boarded the boat. Once he reached the elegant cabin, he called out to Chen Chuan, who then sat down. The attendant, who had been waiting there, immediately poured the freshly boiled water into the teacups.
Ding Shu followed and signaled the attendant to untie the mooring rope. The boatman at the back picked up a long pole and pushed off, slowly moving the boat away from the shore.
The boat drifted with the current, turning around a protruding sandbar. Ahead, the river gradually widened, reflecting the lush greenery on both banks as it stretched towards the inner lake of the Ink-stained Mountain. A few egrets flew out from the forest, skimming over the water in a flash.
Cao Guiqi said, "Power groups and factions exist everywhere. If you're not part of them, you won't be able to rise. After all, there are only so many paths and connections. If you're not one of them, they won't proactively offer you any opportunities."
As the boat moved forward, the scenery on the shore slowly drifted backward. Chen Chuan looked at the distant, dark green mountains and the scattered greenery nearby and said, "The new era is much better than the old times. If it were the old era, you wouldn't even have the chance to reach this point."
"You probably don't know that during the old dynasty, unless you were from the imperial clan, noble families, or a few high-ranking families, even scholars who served for generations had to pay the Marrow and Blood Tax every year."
Chen Chuan pondered over the words, "Marrow and Blood Tax?"
Cao Guiqi explained, "It means exactly what it says. Since the essence, blood, and marrow of warriors can be used to create medications, refine pills, tame animals, and even create various weapons and artifacts, the imperial court listed it as a tax.
The old imperial court did this not only for the aforementioned purposes but mainly to suppress and weaken powerful clans outside the imperial family. Warriors had to go through this process every year, which inevitably drained their vitality, preventing them from gaining power and posing a threat to the imperial family and noble families."
Cao Guiqi continued, "Initially, this law was very strict, but over time, it became more relaxed. Powerful clans found ways to use the essence, blood, and marrow of warriors from the common people or their own to meet the requirements, secretly accumulating their strength.
The common people, however, still had some remnants of power from the previous turbulent periods. The major powers still retained some influence, and among them were many exceptionally talented individuals. Having endured exploitation for a long time, they held deep grudges. After the Algae Liquid Revolution, these two forces became one of the main forces that overthrew the old imperial court.
In the new era, the Dashun government learned from this lesson and provided a path for fighters to rise. They also collected resources scattered during the turbulent periods, combined with technological advancements and changes in the world's landscape, they almost monopolized all resources for martial arts cultivation.
Nowadays, if a fighter wants to improve their strength, they might be able to reach the Third Limit through their own efforts and hard work. But if they want to go further, it's almost impossible without aligning with certain powers."
After listening to this, Chen Chuan asked for advice, "If I want to continue progressing, do you have any suitable suggestions, Senior?"
Cao Guiqi said, "I won't comment on the paths of the government or companies. With your current position, you'll eventually understand. But if you want my suggestion, I think you might be able to find a way to join a certain sect."
"A sect?" Chen Chuan's thoughts shifted, and this idea aligned with his previous considerations.
Cao Guiqi explained, "When the Grand Alliance was established, several major sects participated in the process, and they have influence within the government and companies. They adhere to the same principles, and legally, they are also members of the Grand Alliance. So, the resources they provide are recognized by both the government and companies, and they have to acknowledge it."
He reached out his hand, and Ding Shu immediately came forward, handing him an object. Cao Guiqi then passed it to Chen Chuan, "If you really can't find a way, you can use this token to try contacting the 'Jing Xiu' sect."
"But if you have a choice, it's best not to approach them. This token is just a stepping stone, and it doesn't guarantee your acceptance into the sect. Even if you do get in, don't trust them too much. Just focus on getting what you need from them."
Chen Chuan took the token and examined it. It was a beautifully crafted wooden token, heavy in his hand. There were no visible inscriptions, but he could feel the presence of writing on its surface. He didn't examine it closely but said seriously, "Thank you, Senior."
Cao Guiqi solemnly reminded him, "If they don't have what you want here or can't get in, it's better to turn to the government than to follow the company's path."
Chen Chuan nodded.
Cao Guiqi picked up the teacup and took a sip, sighing, "After the World Ring was sealed, the Pure Substance didn't actually decrease, but the ways to obtain it became limited, blocking too many people."
At this moment, Ding Shu suddenly spoke up, "Young Master, have you forgotten about the Secret Vault?"
Cao Guiqi paused for a moment and nodded. He turned to Chen Chuan, "Regarding the Secret Vault, you can try to find out more about it."
After a moment, he continued, "The former Imperial Court gathered resources from all over the world, and many of the resources they couldn't use were sealed in the Imperial Treasury. Later, when they retreated from the Fusion Ground, they took a portion of it with them.
However, the Imperial Treasury is not just one place; there are hidden treasuries in various places, even overseas. These are the fallback options the Imperial Court left for themselves.
Not only the Imperial Court, but also the local princes and the former dynasties of foreign countries, all have similar secret treasuries. Even the previous dynasties did the same.
So, for decades now, there have been rumors of secret treasuries being discovered in various countries and in Dashing.
In the old times, there were always court and civilian organizations searching for these things. Nowadays, the government and companies encourage exploration and discovery of these treasures. If they are found and handed over, the seekers can legally obtain a portion of them."
Chen Chuan seemed deep in thought, "I think I've heard similar rumors."
Cao Guiqi said, "The legends of hidden treasures are everywhere, which are actually extensions of the Secret Vault. Every year, some forces, groups, and even cult organizations keep an eye on these places. As soon as there's definite news, the government and companies also send people to search.
If you happen to come across such a place, you can take a look, but many people are watching. There may be old-time defense measures inside, so be extra careful if you get the chance."
Chen Chuan nodded.
After that, they stopped talking about it and went boating on the lake, enjoying tea and the scenery. As evening approached, the boat returned to the manor, and Chen Chuan bid farewell.
After Ding Shu sent Chen Chuan away, he said, "I thought the Young Master would tell Manager Chen about that Secret Vault."
Cao Guiqi shook his head, "I don't know the exact location of that place, and the things inside are extremely dangerous. Moreover, that kind of thing is very likely to be inside, involving too much. The company and the government are both watching, and even if I tell you, it will only harm people."
Ding Shu said, "I've heard that someone has been looking for this place for years."
Cao Guiqi said, "Let him search then. Even if he finds it, what can he do? The old towers have long turned into ruins, and it's impossible to put them back together. Even if they're forced to put them together, they'd just fall apart with a push."
He stood with his hands behind his back, gazing at the distant sunset, "You saw it too, Ding Shu. After the Integrity Rift separated, the Conquering General and his cavalry of the former dynasty appeared, but they were blocked by one person. They were helpless, and the times have changed. What should be discarded must be discarded."
After returning from the Cao Manor, Chen Chuan contacted Wei Dong and Wu Han. He planned to invite them out for a meal. In a couple of days, when the Yangzhi people wake up, and after handling some remaining chores, he would return to Yangzhi.
Wu Han recommended a restaurant she often visited, saying it was lively and the owner was from Yangzhi, so the food was guaranteed to be authentic.
Chen Chuan agreed, and the restaurant was decided.
The next day, he drove to the restaurant without his armored vehicle and security personnel. As he parked, he casually scanned the area.
Countless pieces of information appeared, floating on the World Ring.
Ever since connecting with An Dun, various advertisements, including those from large companies like Jade Capsule Workshop, were directly blocked. Wherever he looked, specific information about the person would immediately appear, including any criminal records or wanted status.
At least a third of the people on this street 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. As he entered the restaurant, he saw Wu Han and Wei Dong, who had already arrived. They sat by the window, waving at him.
Chen Chuan looked at them; Wei Dong was fine, and he saw him at Wu Yi College every now and then. Wu Han, on the other hand, he hadn't seen in a few months. Now, looking at him, he seemed a bit different than before. His skin was tanned, and he had grown a beard under his chin, making him appear more mature. Chen Chuan walked over and greeted them, then sat down.
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(End of Chapter)
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