A Grand Era Approaches; A Frog in a Well?

"We found them." "The genetic match is eighty percent. The bloodline is verified, with limitless potential." Uncle Zuo nodded and continued, "This afternoon, the Third Young Mistress set out to bring them in personally." Wuzhou Group had its own genetic research institute as well. Though it was not quite on par with Longevity Genetics, there would be no issues on that front. "Eighty percent?" Hearing this, Zhou Yunqiong's eyes brightened slightly. Evidently, she was quite pleasantly surprised by this result. After all, this was no ordinary bloodline; it was scarcely weaker than that of the Zhou family's ancestors. An eighty-percent match rate in particular was virtually unheard of. Otherwise, it would never have warranted the Zhou family's Third Young Mistress going in person. "Furthermore, factions like Longevity Genetics and Tianshen Technology also seem to have discovered formidable bloodlines and are quietly making preparations. However, those are their top-secret matters, and we cannot look into them." Uncle Zuo recalled another matter and added, "Presumably, they also harbor intentions of competing against us." After the mutation, the stronger one's bloodline, the greater one's future achievements would be. Major factions like the one led by Wuzhou Group possessed immense strength and had prepared for many years. Even so, to be safe, they would naturally seek every means to gather and secure those who possessed such bloodlines. Nurtured over time, these individuals would become tremendous assets in combat, helping them seize the initiative in future struggles. "Is that so?" Zhou Yunqiong replied, "A grand era approaches. I can hardly wait." Indeed, in her eyes, the current era was far too dull. Day in and day out, it was always the same routine. On top of that, one had to endure the torment of gradual aging, whereas the new era would be different—everything was about to change. Possessing the powerful bloodline of the Zhou family, she was destined to be a leading figure. Therefore, Zhou Yunqiong looked forward to what was to come with immense anticipation. Mythic abilities, a long life, immense physical power, commanding wind and rain, towering above all else—that was what she truly desired. "Indeed. When that time comes, our Zhou family will no longer need to remain in the shadows and can step into the open." Uncle Zuo felt the same way. The Zhou family was one of Huaxia's oldest clans. Yet for thousands of years, heaven and earth had lain dormant, and divine miracles had hidden themselves away. Such an era was simply too ill-suited for them. Of course, he also knew that when the time came, the same phenomenon would occur not only across Huaxia, but throughout the world. Several great civilizations might experience their most brilliant collision. "Very well. I have a premonition that the mutation is drawing closer. Tell those below to exercise restraint." "At a time like this, it is best not to stir up disputes. We must wait for that final moment to arrive." Zhou Yunqiong did not dwell further on the thought and gave her instructions. Ever since graduating from university, she had begun taking part in major affairs of the clan and the group, becoming one of its key decision-makers. Thus, her orders carried great weight. Aside from the family head and a handful of elders, everyone answered to her. Upon hearing her words, Uncle Zuo immediately nodded. "Understood, Eldest Young Mistress. Rest assured, I will handle it properly." With that, he withdrew. Zhou Yunqiong was left alone. Still carrying her haughty demeanor, she walked over to the windowsill and stood beneath the faint moonlight. From childhood to adulthood, she had been the center of attention wherever she went, and that would remain true even when the new era arrived. Involuntarily, Zhou Yunqiong suddenly thought of Lu Yuan—the person who had once harbored a secret crush on her, had confessed his feelings to her in public, and then at the class reunion had cast aside his past warmth to become aloof. Had this been earlier, she might have looked into it, curious to know why. Now, however, everything was different. The gap between them would only widen, and going forward, they might never even meet again. Why bother troubling herself over someone like that? "In the end, he is nothing more than a frog in a well." Recalling that day at the hotel entrance, a trace of mockery surfaced at the corner of Zhou Yunqiong's mouth. None of it mattered anymore, though. She would let him fade completely from memory. *** Early the next morning. Having driven through the night, Lu Yuan finally returned home. During the time he had been away, many things had happened. In the end, however, everything had been properly settled. The final two divine artifacts were firmly in his grasp. In the courtyard, the Ancient Bodhi Tree still stood quietly, its green leaves swaying in the breeze. Yet unlike before, the inscrutable Daoist resonance radiating from this mythic ancient tree had grown even richer. Anyone drawing near could even feel their thoughts clearing and focusing, undisturbed by external distractions. Moreover, the Bodhi leaves had turned an even more vibrant emerald, brimming with vigorous vitality. Of course, this required careful observation to detect. Lu Yuan noticed it only because he knew what was to come and looked closely. "It's August twenty-first today. Only ten days left." He murmured to himself, knowing that for this remaining time, he could go nowhere for the moment and must quietly await the arrival of the cataclysm. His early preparations were complete, without a single omission. Three months. To have gathered so many divine artifacts was already an impressive feat. Once the new era dawned, he could proceed with new plans according to the memories of his past life. Soon afterward, Lu Yuan carried both the Daluo sword core and the wordless stele into the villa. However, he did not head straight down to the underground secret chamber. Instead, he turned on the television first, planning to freshen up and wash. He had fought a fierce battle the previous night. Though he had suffered no injuries, he was still covered in some dust. When everything was done, Lu Yuan changed into a fresh set of clothes and stepped out of the bathroom. The television news broadcast reached his ears: [At approximately eight o'clock yesterday evening, a meteorite fell on the outskirts of Wuzhou. Fortunately, there were no casualties. Moving on to other news...] Indeed, yesterday's meteorite incident was glossed over on television in a single sentence, without even an explanation. It even claimed there were no casualties. "Someone is indeed choosing to conceal the news. But can it really be hidden?" Lu Yuan smiled at the sight, understanding this was done to maintain public calm. Yet how long could they truly keep it under wraps? Without lingering on it, he picked up the Daluo sword core and the wordless stele and placed them into the underground secret chamber. All the divine artifacts he had gathered previously were stored here as well. However, Lu Yuan did not linger there. He went straight back to his room to sleep. In truth, with his current physique, going several days and nights without sleep posed no issue at all. Yet Lu Yuan wanted to greet the day the cataclysm arrived in his absolute peak condition. After all, that day was simply too crucial.