https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-968-The-Passage-of-Time-and-the-Legacy-of-the-Past/13041495/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-970-A-Journey-of-Discovery-and-Return/13041497/
Chapter 969: The Reemergence of Faint Light
Chapter 969: The Reemergence of Faint Light
As Chen Chuan and Xu Mutang exited the grand hall, they noticed that the sky was no longer dark and gloomy but had become bright and clear, almost as if it were filled with vitality.
Chen Chuan glanced up and saw a large sun rising in the east. This was not an illusion but a real sight, as this place had been perpetually shrouded in anomalies and rituals, leaving it perpetually gloomy.
The root of the problem here was likely the Ying Emperor and the Wu Wei Xuandi. With the Ying Emperor gone and the wishes of that person likely fulfilled, the rituals here naturally began to dissipate with the departure of the deity.
Xu Mutang also witnessed this scene, and his heart felt relieved. After spending half the night in this eerie place and being affected by it, he couldn't help but feel stifled and uncomfortable. Now, facing the rising sun, his accumulated gloom instantly dissipated.
At that moment, a faint sound approached, and a black dog, almost the size of a lion or tiger, ran towards them. Its fur was as shiny as silk, and it seemed only slightly larger than an ordinary dog. But Chen Chuan immediately recognized it as a modified creature.
The black dog approached Xu Mutang and immediately jumped, rubbed, and nuzzled him. Xu Mutang patted the dog's head and said, "It's called 'Fierce Beast.' I implanted a part of my own aberrant organization into its body. It's always been clever and reliable, and it even understands human speech. Its combat abilities are not bad either."
The black dog seemed to genuinely understand its master's words and barked happily. Its face even showed a bit of human-like pride, and then it barked loudly at Xu Mutang.
Chen Chuan could sense from the barking that the dog was trying to convey something important.
"Mr. Xu, there were quite a few people who entered and got trapped here. I need to go and check on them first." Xu Mutang said solemnly.
"Then let's go together," Chen Chuan suggested.
"Okay," Xu Mutang agreed, patting the black dog, which quickly spun around and sprinted off in a certain direction, barking as it ran.
The two followed, and after descending the hill and traveling some distance, they reached a forest where every tree was a thousand-year-old giant. The black dog suddenly started running in circles and barked towards the back.
Xu Mutang frowned, saying, "Fierce Beast says the scent here suddenly became chaotic."
Chen Chuan took a look and explained, "This is probably the impact of the ritual's change. Fierce Beast remembers the previous scent, but now that the ritual is broken, it's confused."
At that moment, a shrill cry came from above, and Xu Mutang looked up to see a medium-sized, colorful creature, resembling a bird but not a bird, and a lizard but not a lizard, flying in circles above. It seemed to be indicating something to them.
"This is..." Xu Mutang began.
Chen Chuan smiled and said, "This is 'Chao Ming,' which I brought in. It's guiding us in the right direction. We just need to follow it."
Xu Mutang looked on in surprise. Chao Ming's flying posture clearly showed the support of aberrant organizations within its body, and its limb movements were naturally fluid and interconnected, unlike a modified creature.
Xu Mutang didn't recognize this creature and couldn't help but ask, "Mr. Chen, this little companion is very spiritual. Is it from the Convergence Zone?"
"Not exactly," Chen Chuan replied. "I got it as a bonus from the Serpent Sect. It's not particularly special, just relatively clever and able to practice breathing techniques on its own."
Xu Mutang fell silent, glancing at the black dog spinning in place. The dog seemed to sense its master's gaze and stopped, raising its head to look at him expectantly.
Xu Mutang mentally noted the name 'Serpent Sect' and followed Chao Ming's indicated direction with Chen Chuan.
After about ten minutes, they reached a clearing in the forest where several thick bronze pillars stood. Each pillar had two or three people hanging from it, totaling around two hundred. At a glance, they were wearing either combat suits or martial arts training clothes, likely the same group who entered with Xu Mutang's grandnephew.
Chen Chuan observed that although these people were unconscious, they were still breathing, and their bodies didn't seem severely injured. This was not due to the kindness of the local ghost stories but was probably a plan to gather them for sacrifice at an appropriate time.
These people were clearly all martial artists, at least in training, while those killed outside were all ordinary people, not even qualifying for sacrifice, and were beheaded directly.
Xu Mutang walked up to the pillars, and as he passed each one, the people hanging from them fell to the ground. Soon, they woke up, but each one was weak and couldn't even crawl, a result of severe spiritual energy depletion.
After asking a few questions, Xu Mutang instructed them to take their medicine. Seeing they were fine, he said to Chen Chuan, "Mr. Chen, I think there's no danger here. I need to go back and discuss with the Government Hall. Would you like to come with me?"
"I won't be going," Chen Chuan replied. "I came here by airship, and it's not far. I'll head there first."
Martial artists entering the central city needed to report, and with his official duties, both he and the local government officials would have to go through the formalities. He'd rather wait for news at the airship.
Xu Mutang was well aware of the situation here, so he didn't say much. He apologized and said he would respond as soon as possible, then left in a hurry with the large dog.
He made his way out of the Secret Snow area and arrived outside, where Xu Shaoye and Mr. Qiao were waiting. Even Teacher Fan was there, completely unharmed.
Xu Shaoye, who had been sitting, stood up immediately upon seeing him and greeted him happily, "Uncle." Xu Mutang frowned and said, "Since you're out, why didn't you go back? Do you really think this place is fun?"
Xu Shaoye hurriedly replied, "Uncle, it's not like that. I came with many others, and I can't just abandon them. Otherwise, where would I put my face?
Also, I was just saved by someone, and I was still afraid. I didn't ask many questions, but now that I've regained my senses, I want to inquire about that person's name and background. I'll prepare a generous gift to thank them properly later. Otherwise, wouldn't it make people say that the Xu family lacks manners and doesn't understand etiquette?"
Xu Mutang asked a few questions upon hearing this and learned that Chen Chuan had saved him. He thought to himself that he owed another person a favor. "Alright, I know who that person is. You did the right thing, and I'll handle the rest. You should go back first."
Xu Shaoye was surprised and flattered to hear this. He greatly respected this uncle, who had never shown them any favor. Today, he was saying that Xu Shaoye had done the right thing. He couldn't wait to go back and boast to the family.
After Xu Mutang spoke, he glanced at Mr. Qiao and Teacher Fan but didn't pay them any more attention. He quickly left the place, taking the same airship back to Longyou Central City.
By the time they entered the city, the sky was completely bright. Longyou Central City was built upon the ancient capital of past dynasties. Although it had undergone many years of renovations, many historical sites were still preserved. As a result, one could see a mix of new and old-era buildings intertwined.
On both sides of the tall buildings were green bricks and black tiles, old houses, and narrow alleys. Vibrant neon lights shone from the mottled walls and large wooden structures.
The airship landed on the top platform of the tallest building in the city, the Yunxiao Building, which stood over 600 meters high, allowing a bird's-eye view of the entire central city. Xu Mutang stepped out of the airship and stood at the edge of the building, looking down. He then tapped the World Token.
In a 619 book, a bar, and a look, there was no mistake!
After a while, the other end of the line answered. He said, "I went to the Secret Treasury and found what we were looking for. It was very dangerous. If I hadn't met a pure-hearted fighter from the Pure Sect, I might have died there...
You know that person, Chen Chuan, the director from Jinbei Province Central City... Yes, that's him. Seeing is believing; his strength is even greater than what the rumors say... At least I'm no match for him. It's hard to describe the specifics; I lost consciousness at the time, yes, barely."
A serious expression appeared on his face, "No, I've searched every corner of the Secret Treasury, but I couldn't find the item you mentioned.
I think it's possible that the Ying Emperor's sudden demise left no arrangements. Even if there was something, it might have been taken by the Wuwei Mystic Scholar.
Yes, I'm sure..."
At this moment, he suddenly remembered the empty lacquer box on the long table, and after a brief pause, he continued, "Indeed, there's nothing."
The other end of the line paused for a moment before responding, "If it's not there, then forget it. Regarding the handling of the Secret Treasury, what's Director Chen's opinion?"
Xu Mutang said, "I came this time to discuss this matter with the Government Hall." He relayed what Chen Chuan had said earlier, and the other end sighed, "Director Chen is indeed very meticulous in his work. Xu, what's your opinion?"
Xu Mutang replied, "Without Director Chen, I wouldn't have been able to come out. I suggest we take a step back and not nitpick over these things. Compared to these items, I think it's more important to establish a connection with Director Chen and develop a good relationship with Jinbei Province."
The person on the other end agreed, "Yes, the great change is right before our eyes. Reliable people are far better than those who only offer verbal support. Jinbei Province has taken the lead, showing great determination from top to bottom. I believe they will soon promote the Horizon Line Initiative, and we can't fall too far behind here."
Xu Zong Chantou, you should prepare yourself. Some people will definitely not give up their interests willingly."
Xu Mutang said, "No one is willing. If I were them, I wouldn't be willing either. There will definitely be an internal shake-up, but I don't know if I can complete this task like Director Chen."
The person on the other end said, "Xu, rest assured. The faction will support you. Only by concentrating more resources and information can we bring about better technological progress. I have one request: I hope you can establish a good relationship with Director Chen. Perhaps he can lend a hand in critical moments."
Xu Mutang nodded and said, "I will."
...
...
(End of Chapter)
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