Chapter 498 Ancient Tree Research
Chen Yang stared at the exposed golden key in surprise.
He took out the key and examined it closely. Its design was peculiar, resembling keys made by old-time artisans.
The key was long, with intricately arranged teeth that would be difficult to replicate.
Two simple numbers, "132, 145," were engraved on the golden key. Chen Yang stroked his chin, realizing this object was more than just gold. Its presence in the possession of someone as significant as Gangmu Heshuan indicated its profound importance.
Chen Yang then inspected the beast-skin pouch. It was ingeniously designed, not just waterproof and fireproof, but capable of expanding its internal space. It wouldn't hinder movement during combat, and when laid flat, it could even serve as a bulletproof vest.
Chen Yang picked up the beast-skin bag, taking the golden key with it. He considered it for a moment and then placed his bronze cauldron inside the bag, finding it surprisingly convenient to carry.
Looking down, Chen Yang saw that Gangmu Heshuan's Eastern Sun curved saber had fallen to the ground, piercing deeply into the hard rock. It was a treasure sword capable of slicing through metal. He had to admit, despite their forging techniques being stolen from China, their current level of craftsmanship in weapons had surpassed that of modern Chinese artisans.
Chen Yang picked up the curved saber, admiring it. He wondered what material it was made from, but its toughness and sharpness were undeniable. It was truly a fine weapon, befitting the deputy head of the Black Dragon Pavilion.
After collecting the weapon, Chen Yang checked the bodies of the others, confirming there was nothing else of value. He then set them ablaze.
The villagers of Majia Village, after bandaging their wounds, were lost and bewildered. Their homes were destroyed, and their village in ruins. They didn't know what to do.
Helpless, Chen Yang moved to the outskirts, finding a spot with a signal. He took out his phone and called the Zhuge family. This area was a lithium mine prospect explored by the Zhuge family, in which he also held a half-share.
The call was answered by Old Madam Zhuge, who treated Chen Yang with great respect. Chen Yang stated, "Old Madam, I have resolved the issues in Nongwu Village. No one will obstruct your lithium mine development any longer."
"However, I have a request. The villagers of Nongwu Village have had minimal contact with the outside world and possess limited survival skills. I hope you can provide them with assistance."
"Furthermore, the mystery of Nongwu Village stems from a great tree that has lived for thousands of years. This tree is likely one of the few remaining on Earth capable of producing spiritual fruits, yielding one every decade or so."
"Therefore, I wish for the Zhuge family to protect this tree well, provide it with a better growing environment, and perhaps conduct biological research on it."
"Living for so long, it must possess many treasures, but please do not harm it."
Old Madam Zhuge replied gratefully, "Thank you, Mr. Chen, thank you. We will certainly comply with your wishes, and this is our duty as the Zhuge family."
"How about this? Regarding the research on this ancient tree, our Zhuge family will establish a specialized ancient tree research center. Mr. Chen will hold a 51% stake, and we will complete the establishment of this research center within three days."
Chen Yang considered this and said, "Alright, thank you for your kindness, Old Madam. I will also send some of my subordinates to join the research center once it's established, and we can conduct research on this tree together."
After their discussion, Chen Yang ended the call and returned to Nongwu Village. He informed the villagers of the decision, assuring them that Zhuge family representatives would arrive the next day to arrange for their resettlement.
Chen Yang then walked towards the back of the village. A wooden shrine stood there, the Land Goddess Temple of Nongwu Village. The villagers would traditionally seek the Land Goddess's consent for any matters through this temple. The "Land Goddess" was, in essence, the giant ancient tree itself.
Standing before the shrine, Chen Yang spoke, "You need not worry. I have discussed it with them, and you will be protected."
"Furthermore, having lived for thousands of years, you must have witnessed many changes and developed your own path of cultivation. If you have any needs in the future, please inform my subordinates, and we will do our best to assist you."
A rustling sound, like a hoarse human voice, emanated from the Land Goddess Temple: "Thank you. However, I have a sworn enemy still alive. If it discovers my location, it will surely come for me. It is a blood-crowned snake that has lived for who knows how many years. If it comes, I implore you for assistance."
Chen Yang was taken aback by the tree's voice. He hadn't expected it to be so resourceful, even capable of controlling airflow to form human-like speech. The shrine's numerous holes allowed air currents of varying speeds to produce different sounds. It truly was an ancient being, capable of understanding human language. But a thousand-year-old snake? Was it a snake demon?
Chen Yang chuckled. He said to the tree, "Your existence for thousands of years is surprising but understandable. However, a snake living for a millennium would be a snake demon, wouldn't it? I'm afraid I might not be able to handle such a creature."
The tree's voice rustled out, "No, it has merely lived a long time. It is not as magical as in your human myths. However, its strength is undoubtedly not weak. In any case, I implore you to do your best!"
Chen Yang nodded. "Very well. Since you say so, I will have my subordinates set up a surveillance system around you. Just in case this strange snake attacks."
After concluding his discussion with the tree, Chen Yang turned to leave. With the acquisition of the third cauldron, Chen Yang was eager to return to Qingzhou City and his bedroom to absorb the bronze cauldron obtained from the village chief.
Chen Yang met Zhuque in the downtown area of Luofeng County, and they took the high-speed train back to Qingzhou City. Three hours later, Chen Yang was in his bedroom. He took out the Mother Cauldron obtained from the Qinling Mountains and then placed the new bronze cauldron into it. The next moment, the two cauldrons fused together completely. Eerie runes instantly illuminated the cauldron.