Chapter 750: Xiao Lao's Gift

Chapter 750: Elder Xiao's Gift

"How did you know where I was?" Chen Ling asked directly.

On the other end of the line, Lu Xun paused for a moment.

"Actually, I didn't know your exact location... But during the expedition, I noticed you were particularly attentive to Yang Xiao. Plus, the research institute told me Yang Xiao hadn't returned at all and was missing, so I figured you two might be together... That's why I called, just to try my luck."

Lu Xun's observations were much sharper than Chen Ling had anticipated. However, having his whereabouts discovered wasn't a major issue for Chen Ling; if Lu Xun and his group truly intended him harm, he could disappear into the vast crowd at any time.

"What do you want?"

"Director Chen... Well, since I don't know your true identity, I'll still refer to you as Director Chen for now," Lu Xun said cautiously. "Please believe me, I have no ill intentions... If possible, I hope we can meet."

Chen Ling's eyebrows raised slightly. "I'm a person of unknown origin. Aren't you afraid I might be a villain?"

"You're joking, Director Chen. If you had ill intentions toward us, I'm afraid not one of us would have made it out of Shennongjia... Besides, if you hadn't stepped in to kill those monsters back then, we'd all be dead already."

Chen Ling fell into contemplation upon hearing this.

To be honest, he was already interested in the Nine Sovereigns. Since he could access the Era Archives, he naturally needed to interact with the Nine Sovereigns as much as possible to see if he could learn anything about the other era. Lu Xun himself was the one who convened the Nine Sovereigns, making his status special, so a meeting with him would naturally be a good thing.

He didn't hesitate for long before readily agreeing:

"Alright, are you coming to me, or should I go to you?"

"If possible, please come to me," Lu Xun paused briefly. "My current situation is a bit unique; I can't easily leave... I apologize."

Immediately after, an address was given from the other end of the phone, and Chen Ling mentally noted it down.

"I have one more request: when you come, it would be best if you could avoid surveillance and the attention of others. I trust this won't be difficult for you."

For Chen Ling, this was certainly not difficult; he would have done so even if Lu Xun hadn't mentioned it. After all, modern society had "eyes" everywhere, and given Chen Ling's identity, it was certainly best to be cautious.

But the more he listened, the more perplexed Chen Ling became. He couldn't help but ask,

"What exactly is your situation there?"

"It's a long story... We'll discuss it in detail once you arrive."

"...Alright."

After hanging up the phone, Yang Xiao couldn't help but ask.

Chen Ling briefly recounted the conversation, and Yang Xiao's brows immediately furrowed.

"Something happened to Lu? How could this be..."

"This call was also made from a public phone." Chen Ling, sensing some details from the communication, said in a deep voice, "It seems less like an invitation and more like a plea for help."

"I'll go with you," Yang Xiao said without hesitation. "Lu is an old friend of mine; I can't just stand by and do nothing when he's in danger."

Chen Ling didn't refuse. After all, he wasn't familiar with Lu Xun, and with Yang Xiao there, at least someone could vouch for him. Since he was protecting Su Zhiwei and battling wits with the Imperial God Dao forces, Lu Xun might not believe him if he explained it himself.

"I'll come along too," Su Zhiwei said, walking over from the side.

Upon hearing this, Yao Qing, who was tending to her grandmother nearby, perked up her ears and looked eagerly in their direction. She seemed to want to speak up and ask Su Zhiwei to stay, but after struggling for a long time, she quietly closed her mouth.

"Dr. Su, you should stay."

"Why?"

"You are Ying Fu's primary target. Once exposed outside, you'll attract endless pursuit... Now that the 'Hunters' have been dealt with, and you're completely out of their sight, you're safe. There's no need to risk returning to public view."

Su Zhiwei opened her mouth, seemingly wanting to say something more, but eventually fell into contemplation.

After an unknown period, she nodded.

"Alright... You're right. Moving with you now would only bring greater risk to you."

Su Zhiwei was, after all, logic-driven. Although she wasn't afraid of danger, she certainly didn't want to cause trouble for Chen Ling and the others. As Chen Ling said, staying safely hidden somewhere and not showing her face carelessly was the best option.

"I'll give you my number. If you ever need my help later, call me anytime," Su Zhiwei said, taking out her phone.

"No problem."

Actually, Chen Ling had two reasons for asking Su Zhiwei to stay. First, if Su Zhiwei stayed, Xiao Chunping could protect her. He was a sixth-tier master, quite rare in this era, so Su Zhiwei would be absolutely safer staying behind than following him. As for the second reason...

Chen Ling took a deep look at Yao Qing in the distance, whose eyes were filled with excitement, and sighed deeply in his heart.

Chen Ling knew the future of Yao Qing and Su Zhiwei. These sweethearts would experience too many hardships and twists and turns. At least in this relatively stable era, he could let them spend more time together... and leave them with some good memories.

Chen Ling and Yang Xiao packed their things and then said goodbye to Yao Qing and the others.

"Young friend Chen Ling."

Xiao Chunping, supported by Yao Qing, slowly walked over.

Chen Ling looked back, puzzled, and saw Xiao Chunping produce a handwritten roster from somewhere and hand it to him.

"What is this...?"

"Please keep this, young friend Chen Ling." On Xiao Chunping's wrinkled face, a benevolent smile appeared.

"I'm old, and I can't help you much... However, in this circle, I still have some connections.

This roster contains the names of friends I made during several Intangible Cultural Heritage exchange meetings. They are as special as I am... It lists their approximate cities of residence and contact numbers. If you encounter any unsolvable trouble, call them directly.

Just mention my name, and they will extend you a courtesy and lend a hand."

Chen Ling looked at the roster in his hand, his eyes filled with surprise. He never expected to receive such a gift before leaving.

This wasn't just a roster... It was practically a modern-day guide to summoning help on demand!

"Thank you, senior!" Chen Ling carefully put away the roster and bowed deeply.

After bidding farewell once more, Chen Ling and Yang Xiao passed through the museum's ruins and walked straight to the roadside.

Chen Ling waved down a car, then skillfully opened the door, transferred money, asked the driver to get out, and then floored the accelerator, speeding away and leaving the owner utterly bewildered!

Yang Xiao was already accustomed to Chen Ling's actions. He naturally sat in the passenger seat, buckled his seatbelt, and looked out the window toward the museum.

"The museum is ruined... Can they still stay here?"

"I heard them say just now that they have another house in the suburbs and will go there to recuperate for a while."

"Alright then."

As Chen Ling drove, he suddenly spoke.

"So, what kind of person is this Lu Xun, really?"

Regarding the Novel:On July 27th, at 2:30 PM, Sanjiu will be holding an in-person book signing at the Sisyphe Bookstore in Intime City West, Hangzhou (small atrium on the first floor). If you're in the area and free, feel free to drop by. For registration details, please check Sanjiu's Weibo.