Di Du, Long Jing, Zhu Jin Cheng, the Yan Zhao region.
These titles, each exuding solemnity and gravitas, all referred to this city located in the northeastern part of the Dragon Country. Despite the passage of time, the spiritual qi resurgence, and the bloody battles of spiritual energy, this imperial city had retained most of its ancient appearance.
Within the inner city were Zhu Jin Cheng, Bei Hai Yuan, Gong Wang Fu, Qing Tian Plaza, Ba Da Hu Tong, the Grand Canal… symbols of the city's antiquity, history, and the secrets buried in the past. The outer city boasted the Technology City, the modern port, Imperial Capital University, Long Jing University, Imperial Capital Airport… representing the city's progress, future, and boundless vitality.
Yet, no one could have imagined that a thousand years ago, when that ancient dynasty first established its dominion here, this place was considered a harsh and cold land by the Central Plains inhabitants. The frigid winds from the northern tundra blew through dark clouds and swaying grasses, and the warhorses of Yan Shan galloped freely across the moonlit grasslands.
Dynasties rose and fell, eras shifted, all seemingly in the blink of an eye.
Mo Fei now stood at the foot of Yan Shan. Although it was only August, the mountain breeze felt a little chilly.
Cha Zhu had brought her up the mountain, walking ahead in silence.
As they traversed the rugged, uneven mountain path, the air was permeated with the scent of earth, and the buzzing of cicadas filled the air, reminding Mo Fei of the season.
"We'll reach a pine forest halfway up the mountain soon. You must follow me closely, don't look around, don't talk to me, and focus on walking," Cha Zhu reminded her as they made their way.
Mo Fei tilted her head slightly and saw, on the mountainside not far away, several pine trees standing alone in the wind, unmoving and steadfast.
...
Huzhou Airport.
Tao Tu dragged her suitcase, looking at Mo Chuan with apprehension.
She, who had almost made a move moments ago, suddenly noticed a purple mark on the back of Mo Chuan's neck. In that instant, Tao Tu felt as if she had been glared at fiercely by something, and she immediately became much clearer-headed, realizing her own abnormality: although he was very attractive to her, and she did indeed want to touch a man, she would never have lost control like that.
Fortunately, no one saw…
But this kid dared to use charm on her? But he wouldn't have the guts for that… Wait, could it be an innate skill? One that couldn't be turned off?
Tao Tu glanced at Mo Chuan's back as he conversed with Tang Jing Jing ahead, sighing inwardly, "This kid is definitely going to wreak havoc on a lot of young girls when he grows up…"
The group was picked up by personnel from the Supernatural Ability Administration responsible for airport reception and transfer. After settling in, Tao Tu convened a small meeting with them.
"First, we need to clarify the mission: our main objective is to restrict the flow of people entering the 'Zhong Yuan Da Ji' haunted house, and to prevent anyone from entering it."
Tao Tu stood on a small stool, pointing at the words on the whiteboard with her pointer stick. "Our people from the Supernatural Ability Administration and the staff from the carnival organizers will disguise themselves as volunteers or tourists to help position the haunted house in a corner of the venue. Meanwhile, we will divert or block most of the crowds heading in that direction. Your role is to pick up the stragglers and observe the situation of the haunted house staff. Be extremely careful not to attract their attention."
Tao Tu pinned several photos onto the whiteboard and tapped the pointer stick. "You need to memorize the appearances of these haunted house staff members to deal with any potential situations that may arise."
"Next are some important points…"
...
Tao Tu tidied up some documents and said to Mo Chuan, "Mo Chuan, come here for a moment."
Mo Chuan, who was about to inquire about Mo Fei's situation, stopped and looked down at Tao Tu. "What is it? Captain? Is something wrong?"
Tao Tu took out a small bamboo slip from her pocket and handed it to Mo Chuan. "This is a magical artifact requested by Senior Xin Lei for you. You can input spiritual energy to activate it at a critical moment. I only know the basics of your mission, but I still urge you to be extremely careful and prioritize your safety. Also, remember to return this treasure to me after you've used it."
After speaking, Tao Tu turned and left, leaving Mo Chuan looking down at the bamboo slip in his hand, sensing a familiar aura on it… Wait, could this be what I dropped when I fought King Yama?!
Damn it, I was so focused on chasing people at the time that I forgot about such an important thing as looting. It was truly inexcusable. Those hundreds of bamboo slips, probably hundreds of them! They were likely all cleaned up by the Supernatural Ability Administration and the military. httpδ:/m.kuAisugg.nět
"Swift as the wind, quiet as the forest, fierce as fire, immovable as a mountain, mysterious as the dark, and thundering as lightning…"
Holy crap!
Isn't this Sun Tzu's Art of War?
This is an epic upgrade!
...
Meanwhile, at the "Zhong Yuan Da Ji" haunted house, Team Number One.
The white-faced scholar, holding a map, frowned as he walked. "Old Huang, why did they assign us to such a remote spot? How many people will actually come to this corner?"
The dwarf beside him chuckled. "They must have colluded with their peers and the organizers to push us to this spot. I've seen this kind of thing before. There will still be plenty of people." The dwarf then transformed into a lynx and lay on the sofa. "Little Zhao, if you have this much free time, you might as well finish your work. Old Chou submitted two reports yesterday."
"Holy crap… Right, where's Old Chou?"
On the other side, inside a scene depicting a carriage.
The old monk—Old Chou, or rather—Guo Dahai sat on a prayer mat. Behind him was a giant, pitch-black statue. The room was dimly lit, with only a small oil lamp flickering in the wind, illuminating Guo Dahai's expressionless, aged face. In the red glow, he quietly looked at the list in his hand.
After a long while, Guo Dahai spoke, "Is this all that's left?"
"Yes… Esteemed Chou, this is all that's left."
The old woman who had been making "bean soup" and the cursed fisherman knelt before Guo Dahai and replied respectfully.
Guo Dahai slowly turned his gaze to the name of the last person on the list and murmured to himself, "Mo Chuan… will you come…"
...
Three days later, in Huzhou Guangzhou, Thirteen Hang Street.
As a famous commercial port and trade hub of the past, Thirteen Hang was arguably the most prosperous place in the Dragon Country's history. From the east came Japanese sashimi and knives, from the west came French gems and gold, from the south came Southeast Asian timber and spices, and from the north came Siberian furs and medicinal herbs, all converging here.
With the establishment of modern ports, airports, trade buildings, stock exchanges, and banks, the appearance of this area had become even more dynamic, giving it an air of overnight rise.
The annual Summer Carnival was not just for people to relax during their holidays, but also to stimulate public consumption and expand the market for businesses.
After all, money was the true hard power.