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Chapter 970: A Journey of Discovery and Return
Chapter 970: A Journey of Discovery and Return
After leaving the secret treasury, Chen Chuan did not return directly to the airship. Instead, he decided to explore the tourist attractions he had passed by the day before and indulge in some local delicacies.
The area offered a wide variety of pastries and meat dishes, all of which were incredibly delicious. As he walked and tasted the local cuisine, he also purchased some unique souvenirs.
Unlike the Central City of Jinbei Province, the area outside the city walls of Longyou Province consisted mostly of industrial zones and wastelands, dotted with ancient buildings and temples from each of which had a rich history. Many of these renowned sites had been restored by later generations and were open to tourists.
With the sun shining brightly and time on his side, Chen Chuan decided to explore these historical places. Local guides were available to explain the origins and historical anecdotes of the buildings, and many of their stories involved the Ying Emperor and Yuwen Yuanqi.
Having encountered these two historical figures just the night before, Chen Chuan was amazed to learn that they had lived hundreds or even thousands of years ago. It was only half a day ago that he had crossed paths with them, and he couldn't help but feel a sense of awe.
Due to the abundance of ancient ruins and buildings, Chen Chuan decided not to return to the airship immediately. Instead, he found accommodation in a traditional guesthouse nearby. Coincidentally, a traditional folk lantern festival was being held that evening, and he joined the local tourists in the celebration.
During the festival, Chen Chuan noticed that the event seemed to have traces of a ritual. Upon inquiry, he learned about a local legend of a ghost bride who only appeared at night to get married. Anyone who witnessed this, regardless of age or gender, would be invited to be a guest at the wedding. Afterward, they would lose their souls and become lost. To counter this, the locals would invite the gods from the temple to provide protection, and over time, this practice became a traditional custom.
Chen Chuan suspected that this might be a local ghost story. Places with a rich history and dense population often have their own unique ways of dealing with such tales.
Historically, the area had numerous temples, making it impossible to completely eradicate such occurrences, but they never reached a level of serious harm.
Chen Chuan spent the night in the guesthouse and visited a famous Zen pagoda the next day before returning to the airship with Chao Ming.
Once inside the main cabin, Chen Chuan sat down to reflect on his journey. Aside from the yet-to-be-discovered secrets of the treasury, his experience in the previous night's battle had solidified his spirit form, and he had also obtained a set of secret teachings and a set of combat gear, significantly enhancing his fighting prowess.
Among his acquisitions was a peculiar item. He opened his luggage and took out a crimson egg.
Based on his conversation with Xu Mutang, Chen Chuan was certain that this was an egg of a dragon snake.
It was a unique egg, created at the cost of countless lives and offerings. As he held it in his palm, he could sense the thick vitality within.
When he brushed his spirit over it, he felt a faint tremor, indicating that the egg had already developed a consciousness of its own, and he could sense a hint of cruelty emanating from within.
Chen Chuan shook his head, and a white-golden light emanated from his hand, accompanied by the radiant light of the Grand Radiant Light Technique. In an instant, the egg began to shake, and a faint red light flickered inside. There was a sense of pleading in the spirit, but Chen Chuan remained unmoved.
Perhaps sensing his unwavering determination, the consciousness within the egg quickly turned violent and aggressive, as if trying to escape. However, its efforts were in vain, and after a while, the consciousness dissipated, leaving behind wisps of black smoke that seeped out of the egg.
Eventually, the crimson egg transformed into an egg with a pale crimson hue, emitting a faint yet pleasant fragrance.
Chao Ming, drawn by the scent, approached curiously.
Chen Chuan smiled and gave the egg a gentle shake, causing the outer shell to crack and reveal the soft, white interior. A rich and peculiar aroma filled the air, and Chen Chuan handed the egg to Chao Ming, who chirped in excitement and began to eat it with his claws.
At that moment, the stone tablet in Chen Chuan's pocket vibrated, and the lynx from the ghost story leaped out, chewing on the discarded eggshell with a crunching sound. It stared at the fragrant dragon snake egg in Chao Ming's embrace.
Chen Chuan reached for a recent newspaper from Longyou Province, which a crew member had collected from the Central City. He wanted to stay informed about the local situation.
Aside from the news, most of the opinion pieces focused on the Horizon Line Initiative, with arguments for and against it. However, regardless of one's initial stance, there was always a logical argument to be made, and neither side could convince the other. The purpose of these discussions was to sway the undecided or those unaware of the full story.
The fact that this topic was being discussed indicated that the Longyou Province Government Hall was indeed considering taking action.
After reading the newspaper, Chen Chuan noticed that Chao Ming had finished the dragon snake egg and was now drowsy, likely due to an excess of absorbed nutrients. He let Chao Ming sleep it off.
Chen Chuan then reached out and grabbed the lynx by the nape of its neck, still licking the remains of the dragon snake egg, and returned it to his pocket. He proceeded to the practice room to cultivate.
On that afternoon, a response came from Longyou Province, and Xu Mutang personally boarded the airship, bringing with him an inventory of all the items in the secret treasury.
Chen Chuan took the inventory and found that it not only listed the quantity and value assessment of various items in the treasury but also included a detailed allocation proposal.
The introduction of the inventory mentioned the gold and silver statues, and Longyou Province could exchange the gold and silver for an equivalent value of Jianyuan coins or other items specified by Chen Chuan, based on the allocation ratio he approved.
Chen Chuan thought about it. At his position, most of his daily needs were provided by the state, and he didn't have many opportunities for personal expenses. The critical resources required for his current cultivation were often not something money could buy.
However, in the Longyou Province Government Hall, gold and silver had long transcended their monetary attributes and served as industrial raw materials, playing a significant role in various fields. Therefore, Chen Chuan had no objections and simply marked a check on the inventory.
Next were the medications for cultivating dragon snakes, which had been reasonably evaluated by the expert group, offering a similar option to the previous one. Chen Chuan didn't need these items, so he checked them off as well.
After that, there were alchemy formulas, ancient texts, esoteric ritual manuscripts, and other items. Due to their large quantity and complex content, Chen Chuan couldn't handle them all at once. Longyou Province promised to provide him with a printed copy after organizing them, and they could discuss the rare and valuable manuscripts later.
For the remaining items, Longyou Province proposed reasonable allocation suggestions, and Chen Chuan checked them one by one. Finally, on the allocation list, he saw the two Continuous Mountain Branches.
Regarding these plants, the Longyou Province Government Hall clearly stated that they would not participate in the allocation of these plants and the items on them, leaving them entirely to Chen Chuan's discretion.
This time, Chen Chuan demonstrated his tolerance and magnanimity, and Longyou Province and Xu Mutang reciprocated his gesture. They made a reasonable allocation of all the items and specifically asked for his opinion, indicating that they were open to further adjustments if he was dissatisfied. It was evident that they valued establishing a good relationship with Chen Chuan more than acquiring the treasury.
Chen Chuan thought for a moment and adjusted some of the allocation ratios, mainly increasing the portion for Longyou Province. He had already gained quite a few advantages from this. There was no need for him to hold onto items that were not particularly necessary and had little relevance to his martial arts cultivation. It was best for both parties to take what they needed and benefit accordingly.
After Chen Chuan handed the revised allocation list to Xu Mutang, the latter took a look and said solemnly, "Director Chen, Longyou Province will remember your help."
Chen Chuan replied, "Inspector General Xu, you are too kind."
In the 16th year of the 9th month, the book was flawless!
Xu Mutang said solemnly, "We know Director Chen is very busy. Please rest assured that we will handle this matter promptly and won't keep you here for too long."
Chen Chuan said, "In that case, I appreciate your efforts."
Xu Mutang nodded and, after a brief chat, left with the inventory.
Chen Chuan stayed in Longyou Province for three days, leaving only after all matters were settled. He then returned to Jinbei Province.
The airship carried many items, especially a significant amount of medications exchanged from Longyou Province, and this was not even everything. Some items needed to be procured from state-owned enterprises, and the Government Hall, as a representative, couldn't obtain these quotas.
Of course, the most valuable item was the Continuous Mountain Branch. Chen Chuan only took one, and he gave the other to Longyou Province.
This plant required a particular environment and needed to be replanted in special soil every month. For Chen Chuan, one was sufficient, and he didn't have the time to manage more.
Four days later, the airship returned to Jinbei Province.
Upon returning to the central city, Chen Chuan received a message from the Government Hall. It was Qi Weizhao, who proactively contacted him and informed him that representatives from Ocean Expansion Group and Canglong Corporation had arrived and were working on the Skyline Initiative, aiming to promote it before the end of the year.
Chen Chuan couldn't help but ask, "Is the promotion that fast?"
Qi Weizhao said, "We have to be fast. Every day we delay increases the variables. Additionally, we received news from the capital that the Linax Federation has sent invitation letters to our government officials and martial artists to visit their country.
Since you left a deep impression on them, one of the letters was addressed to you. However, due to the current situation, the decision is still pending, but I received a message that they are leaning towards approval.
As we now occupy the overseas islands, we need some time for assimilation and control. Since they have shown goodwill, we should respond accordingly. Of course, the final decision on this matter still depends on your personal attitude, Director Chen."
After hearing this, Chen Chuan pondered for a moment and said, "Okay, thank you, Director Qi, for the information. I understand."
...
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(End of Chapter)
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