Ren Yuanhao, escorted by several security guards, arrived at the tallest building in the city center. It stood imposing and magnificent, soaring into the sky, exuding an air of dominance over the world.
At the entrance, two characters, 'Tian Yu', were prominently displayed in a bold and exquisite calligraphy, exuding an ancient and vibrant energy.
"Esteemed guest, please follow me."
Ren Yuanhao followed Fang Dasheng into a VIP-exclusive staircase requiring iris scanning. Inside, two women transformed, and he saw them tidying their attire.
The elevator ascended to the uppermost floor, the 33rd. As the doors opened, enthusiastic cheers erupted. Twelve young women stood on either side, their expressions like sculpted figures, their smiles official and stiff. Even the way they held the bouquets was mechanical. It was evident that Tian Yu must have invested considerable effort in cultivating these women.
After the formal greetings, Ren Yuanhao stepped onto the flower-strewn floor, a ritual akin to purification. It was then, guided by Fang Dasheng, that he entered a vast office.
The office’s furnishings were both stately and subtly flamboyant. There were treasures of gold and silver,貔貅 (Pixiu) figures made of jade, ancient books, and a fragrant sandalwood burner emitting faint wisps of green smoke, imbuing the entire room with a refreshing plum blossom scent.
Facing the window, there was a striking 'Fragrant Snow Sea Screen'. White plum blossoms cascaded in profusion, like a sea of snow. Fang Dasheng led Ren Yuanhao around the screen, and they saw a man engrossed in his desk, meticulously sniffing at a cluster of small, varied flowers.
"They say the desert has no spring, that it’s a season of wind and sand all year round, scorching hot by day and freezing cold by night." The man's skin was exceptionally clear, rivaling the white plum blossoms. He slightly raised his eyebrows, like ripples on a lake, giving off a refreshing and gentle aura.
"Please, don't mind me. Esteemed guest, please have a seat."
The man fanned himself with a folding fan. Ren Yuanhao noticed that the fan appeared to be painted with vibrant white plum blossoms.
Although Ren Yuanhao wasn't particularly fond of the man's effeminate and gentle demeanor, he had to admit that this man was possibly the most beautiful man he had ever seen.
"Esteemed guest, you have traveled from afar. What is your purpose? Or where do you wish to go?"
"I haven't decided where to go yet, but would you be unwilling to have me linger here for a while?" Ren Yuanhao stated his intention directly.
The man chuckled, "As the saying goes, isn't it a joy to have friends from distant places? How could I be unwilling? I'm more than happy. By the way, may I know the esteemed guest's name?"
"Qin Baobao," Ren Yuanhao said, cupping his hands.
The man returned the gesture and replied, "Sun Wenchun."
"Last night, Fang Dasheng mentioned you brought a certain saber. May I have the honor of seeing it?" A sharp, cold glint flashed across Sun Wenchun's eyes, as if his interest lay more with the saber.
Ren Yuanhao understood Sun Wenchun's caution. He was likely afraid someone would use a broken saber to impersonate the real owner and thus cross the desert.
However, Ren Yuanhao was not one to shy away. The moment the saber was drawn from its scabbard, the entire room seemed to brighten. Saber energy surged forth, immensely dominant.
"A fine saber! When tapped lightly, its sound is like the roar of dragons and tigers. The blade is extremely thin yet sharp. It can cut through hair with a gentle touch. Truly a rare weapon in this world." Upon seeing the saber, Sun Wenchun's gaze towards Ren Yuanhao changed subtly.
"I imagine you have encountered many marauders in the desert. Some of them can even use supernatural abilities, causing great harm to merchants and common folk. This time, I have invited you here because I wish to entrust an important matter to your hands. Are you willing, esteemed guest?"
Sun Wenchun was a man of few words. After examining the saber and confirming Ren Yuanhao's identity, he got straight to the point.
"Tell me first?"
Sun Wenchun suddenly drew back the office curtains, pointing directly towards the vast expanse to the south. "Do you know why the number of people with Mandara gene live bodies is increasing? Look to the south."
Ren Yuanhao gazed out from the high-rise, seeing another tall building opposite to the south. Beyond that, however, the southern land was largely desolate, with roads in disarray. With his eyesight, he could even discern a car accident.
"It feels like a vortex, a deep pool filled with turbulent currents, a wilderness shrouded in mist."
Unbeknownst to him, Sun Wenchun had moved to Ren Yuanhao's side and patted his shoulder. "Are you willing to become the person under my command, the one who wields the saber to cut through the mist?"
Ren Yuanhao was no fool; he wasn't the kind of man who would risk his life on Sun Wenchun's mere words. After all, the people at Tian Yu had an unpleasant style. More importantly, the purpose of this journey was not to get involved in power struggles.
What he desired was that legendary power core.
Just then, before Ren Yuanhao could speak, a cold and neutral female voice echoed from behind him, "Of course not!"
Sun Wenchun and Ren Yuanhao both turned back. They saw Yi Die standing at the entrance, sword in hand, exuding a chilling aura of a skilled assassin.
"Haha, surely this is the heroic Yi Die?" Sun Wenchun's brow furrowed slightly. After silently speculating on their relationship, he immediately realized something and hastily signaled his subordinates to provide seats.
Yi Die did not stand on ceremony and sat on the soft sofa, her hand never leaving her sword, her entire being radiating vigilance.
"Perhaps I was too abrupt with this matter. Brother Qin can take more time to consider. If our establishment has failed to entertain you properly, please do not hesitate to say so. Fang Dasheng will attend to any needs you may have."
Sun Wenchun spoke in a manner reminiscent of martial world colloquialisms. Before he finished speaking, Yi Die, huffing with indignation, pulled Ren Yuanhao along. "Hmph, I see now. You want to buy people's loyalty in that manner. But you've chosen the wrong person. Both this guy and I are tough. We have no desire to be anyone's lapdog, especially the lapdog of someone who slaughters innocent people indiscriminately!"
"Wait!" Sun Wenchun's expression shifted slightly as he saw Ren Yuanhao about to be pulled away by Yi Die. "You two must still be bothered by what happened last night. I believe Brother Qin here has some understanding of the Mandara gene. Once injected, even an immortal can hardly save them. Rather than let her suffer torment, it is better to let her die with dignity."
Just then, Sun Wenchun's office door was forced open again! Fang Dasheng had been unable to stop him!
The person wore a white lab coat and a look of extreme excitement!
"Mr. Sun, which esteemed master treated that lady yesterday?"
"What is it?"
"This morning at eight o'clock, during our routine check, we discovered she had passed away. We reviewed the surveillance footage, and it showed everything was normal!"
"Everything was normal?" Sun Wenchun looked at the doctor incredulously. "Are you sure it was that woman?"
"Absolutely certain! Therefore, Mr. Sun, you must inform me of the whereabouts of that master!"
Sun Wenchun’s cold gaze fixed on Fang Dasheng, thinking, *When else could you show up, but at this precise moment?*
However, since the person had already arrived, further words were futile.
"Mr. Sun, it seems my medical skills have truly been inadequate all along. It turns out there is a cure for such cases. Please, allow me to meet this person!"