Chapter 24: The Dawn of a Grand Era, A Frog at the Bottom of a Well?

"Found it."

"Eighty percent genetic match. The bloodline is unmistakable, and the potential is limitless."

Uncle Zuo nodded and continued, "This afternoon, the third young lady will depart; she will go personally to fetch them."

Wu Zhou Group also possesses its own genetic research institute. Though not as advanced as Longevity Genetics, they have no issues in this field.

"Eighty percent?"

Upon hearing this, Zhou Yunqiong's eyes glimmered. Clearly, she was deeply delighted by the result. After all, this was no ordinary bloodline—its strength rivaled that of the Zhou family's ancestors. That eighty percent match was truly rare, almost unique. Otherwise, the third young lady would not go herself to receive them.

"Also, forces like Longevity Genetics and Celestial Technology seem to have discovered extraordinary bloodlines as well. They are preparing in secret, but these are top secrets we cannot access." Uncle Zuo recalled another matter and continued, "It seems they, too, wish to compete with us."

After the mutation, the stronger the bloodline, the greater the future achievements. The Wu Zhou Group, as a leading power, was formidable and had prepared for many years. Yet, for security, they naturally sought to collect those with powerful bloodlines. Once nurtured, they would become a formidable force, helping them gain the upper hand in future struggles.

"Is that so?" Zhou Yunqiong replied, "The great era is upon us. I find myself impatient."

Indeed, the current age seemed tediously dull to her. Everything was repetitive, and she had to endure the pain of gradual aging. The new era would be different; everything would change. With the Zhou family's powerful bloodline, she was destined to be a central figure.

Thus, Zhou Yunqiong was filled with anticipation for what was to come: mythic abilities, prolonged life, immense strength, the power to command winds and rain, exalted above all—that was what she truly desired.

"Yes, when that time arrives, our Zhou family won't need to hide anymore; we can step into the spotlight." Uncle Zuo agreed. The Zhou clan was one of the oldest families in China, but for thousands of years, the world had been silent, miracles withdrawn. Such an era—

—it was simply not suited for them. Of course, he knew that in time, not only China but foreign lands would face the same events. The major civilizations might then collide in the most dazzling way.

"Enough. I have a sense that the mutation draws nearer. Inform the others to restrain themselves," Zhou Yunqiong instructed. "Now is not the time to provoke disputes. Wait for the final moment."

She did not dwell further, but gave her orders. After graduating from university, she began to involve herself in major affairs of the family and the group, becoming one of its controllers. Her commands carried weight; except for the head of the family and a few elders, all were obliged to obey.

Uncle Zuo nodded at once, "Yes, Miss, rest assured—I will take care of it." With that, he withdrew.

Only Zhou Yunqiong remained. Still proud as ever, she walked to the window, standing beneath the pale moonlight. Since childhood, wherever she went, she was always the absolute protagonist. Even with the coming of the new era, that would not change.

Unbidden, Zhou Yunqiong thought of Lu Yuan—the one who once secretly admired her, who confessed publicly, and at the class reunion had suddenly grown distant and cold. In the past, she might have pursued the matter, sought the reason. Now, everything was different. The gulf between them would only widen; perhaps they would never meet again. Why trouble herself over someone like that?

"In the end, just a frog in the well," Zhou Yunqiong recalled the scene at the hotel entrance, a hint of mockery on her lips. But it no longer mattered; she would soon forget him completely.

......

Early next morning.

Lu Yuan, after driving all night, finally returned home. Much had happened during his absence, but everything was settled. The last two divine artifacts were finally in his possession.

In the courtyard, the ancient Bodhi tree still stood quietly, its green leaves swaying in the breeze. Yet, unlike before, the mystical aura—the Dao resonance—emanating from this legendary tree had grown much richer. Approaching it, one felt their thoughts clear, able to focus, undisturbed by outside influences.

The Bodhi leaves, too, had become even more verdant, brimming with vitality. Of course, this required careful observation. Lu Yuan, knowing what was to come, watched more intently.

"Today is August twenty-first. Only ten days remain," he murmured, aware that in this brief span, he must stay put and quietly await the coming mutation. Preparations were complete; nothing had been overlooked.

Three months. To have gathered so many divine artifacts was a feat in itself. Once the new era arrived, he could follow the memories of his previous life and set his new plan in motion.

Then, Lu Yuan brought the Da Luo Sword Embryo and the Wordless Stone Tablet into the villa. He did not proceed directly to the underground chamber, but first turned on the television and prepared to wash up.

Last night had seen a fierce battle. Though he emerged unscathed, some dust still lingered.

When all was done, Lu Yuan changed clothes and stepped from the bathroom. The news broadcast from the television reached his ears:

"Last night around eight o'clock, a meteorite fell on the outskirts of Wuzhou City. Fortunately, there were no casualties. Now, for other headlines."

Indeed, the meteorite incident was brushed over in a single sentence, with no explanation. They even claimed no one was hurt.

"Someone is choosing to conceal the truth, but can it really be hidden?" Lu Yuan smiled, knowing this was meant to calm the public. But how long could it last?

He said no more, picked up the Da Luo Sword Embryo and the Wordless Stone Tablet, and placed them in the underground chamber. All the divine artifacts he had collected were stored there.

Lu Yuan did not linger. He returned to his room and went to sleep.

In truth, with his current physique, he could go days without rest. But Lu Yuan wanted to face the day of the mutation in his best condition, for that day would be too important.