CHAPTER 501: CHAPTER 360: THE SECRET OF THE WORLD_2

Yan Xing flatly rejected what Max was trying to sell him. "I don’t know what happened in this world in ancient times, but I can be sure your influence hasn’t reached this land. I think some force must have prevented your entry. I don’t know if that power still exists, but with me here, you can forget about doing whatever it is you refuse to tell me. The world is vast, and there are many places that can accommodate you, but not here. This land, I shall guard. We’re at the airport; I’ll see to your departure."

The stronger one became, the more one encountered. Yan Xing could sense that many things were not as simple as they appeared. The civilization and ideas that originated from this land were indeed very different from those elsewhere. It seemed to be a hidden paradise, watched over by some guardian. He just didn’t know if that protective power still existed. But judging from Max’s demeanor, it probably didn’t.

Thus, the responsibility of being this guardian naturally fell into Yan Xing’s hands.

Max shrugged. With his vulnerability exposed to Yan Xing, he had no choice but to comply.

They arrived at the airport. The private jet Yan Xing had booked was already waiting on the runway.

The group disembarked from the car, boarded the plane, and flew towards Gryphon Island.

Even though Gryphon Island had always been kept secret, through certain channels, many people had already heard news of the mythical Griffon’s existence. Various versions of the story also circulated.

Some said these Griffons were a surviving population discovered in a very remote mountain forest.

Others claimed these Griffons were bred using genetic cloning technology, utilizing active cells found in Griffon fossils.

Still others said these Griffons were hybrid creatures, developed through biotechnology by crossing two different species.

Of course, most people who heard this news or saw the videos believed it to be the hoax of the century. With today’s information technology, any mythical creature could be photoshopped.

Believers and non-believers engaged in heated debates.

Non-believers demanded that the supposed owner of the Griffons present a real one to the public.

Believers also hoped to witness a Griffon in person, and if possible, to ride one in flight, as many leaked videos included clips of Griffons carrying people.

In short, the Griffon had made a huge impact, becoming a global viral sensation.

Upon arriving on Gryphon Island, Yan Xing immediately called for a board meeting of Thunderous Company to discuss the steps for opening Gryphon Island and launching its tourism industry.

Shareholders and corporate executives gathered.

As the caretaker of the Griffons, Tong Yitong first reported to Yan Xing on the health and growth status of all Griffons, occasionally glancing at Chui Chui, who sat beside Yan Xing.

"President Yan... six adult Griffons have fully adapted to the environment here; their rest, activity levels, and diet are all normal.

"After taming, they can engage in many types of interaction with humans and show no tendency to attack.

"There are twenty-one juvenile Griffons. Seventeen of them are in good health and can engage in moderate outdoor activities, though they cannot fly yet.

"The remaining four need to live in the nursery, under the care of professionals.

"Currently, six adult Griffons have entered the next breeding cycle. With in vitro embryo cultivation technology, we can ensure a very high birth and survival rate for the Griffons..."

Next, Chen Shi reported to Yan Xing on the company’s financial situation and the island’s development.

Over the past year, the development of Gryphon Island had been like a massive, gold-devouring beast, consuming vast sums of money at every moment, yet it had yielded no returns.

This time, Yan Xing’s stated intention to open Gryphon Island immediately drew all the shareholders. Everyone had been continuously pouring money into this project; weren’t they all just waiting for this moment?

Currently, Gryphon Island wasn’t just home to Griffon breeding and rearing areas; it also featured amusement parks, sandy beaches, and various maritime activities. There were hotels and guesthouses, mountain lodges, and whitewater rafting adventures... Even the underwater base had been converted into a haunted house. The island boasted a newly constructed airport and harbor, just waiting to open to the public and start generating revenue.

Yan Xing also inquired about Feng Tingyue and matters concerning island security.

Just as he was about to announce the opening of Gryphon Island, a young woman at the meeting said, "Chairman Yan, it would be best to clarify some things before opening Gryphon Island. According to our investigation, Renlun Investment Bank has a very strong official background with a certain Eastern country. This background could very likely bring Western sanctions upon us. This will affect Gryphon Island’s earnings and also cause us a lot of trouble."

Feng Tingyue immediately retorted, "Miss Zhao... Renlun Investment Bank joined the Gryphon Island project with the approval of all shareholders. Our company has invested significant effort and funds into this project and has secured many favorable conditions for Gryphon Island’s construction. It can be said that without Renlun Investment Bank’s facilitation and resource coordination, Gryphon Island could not have been built so quickly or so securely. You didn’t raise the issue of our company’s background before, nor did you bring it up until now. What do you mean by mentioning it just as Gryphon Island is about to become profitable?"

"It’s not that I mean anything by it," the woman replied. "I’ve simply learned through our exclusive channels that a sanction plan targeting Thunderous Company and Gryphon Island is about to be implemented, precisely because of Renlun Investment Bank’s official background. You should all be aware that our primary clients are wealthy Westerners. If they are restricted from coming to Gryphon Island, it would cause us immeasurable losses. If we are then required to hand over the Griffons, all our investments will go down the drain. I am speaking for the interests of all shareholders here."

Feng Tingyue declared, "We have the capability to protect all the Griffons here."

Zhao Hongchang countered, "I doubt your capabilities. After all, Miss Tong Yitong and Chairman Yan have both been kidnapped on Gryphon Island."

The woman, Zhao, and Feng Tingyue confronted each other sharply.

Only then did Yan Xing ask, "Who are you?"

The woman’s expression soured when Yan Xing asked this.

Chen Shi quickly introduced her to Yan Xing, "This is Miss Zhao Hongchang, from the US branch of the Zhao Family. The current ownership of Gryphon Island is in their hands."

Zhao Hongchang lifted her chin proudly.

Yan Xing then asked, "If Miss Zhao decides to give Gryphon Island away, is there nothing we can do?"

Chen Shi answered, "In theory, Gryphon Island is collectively owned by the Zhao Family. However, if the US branch of the Zhao Family insists on giving it away... we can only take the Griffons with us."

"I understand," Yan Xing nodded, then said to Zhao Hongchang, "Thank you, Miss Zhao, for the information. But sanctions... they don’t really scare anyone these days. Bringing an aircraft carrier fleet over would be more intimidating. But... would an aircraft carrier fleet even be useful?"

Yan Xing directed his question to Feng Tingyue.

Feng Tingyue immediately responded, "Useless... Even if all their aircraft carriers came, it would be useless."

"Did you hear that?" Yan Xing said to Zhao Hongchang with a smile. "Please relay this message through your exclusive channels: I’m not afraid of sanctions. And if they want to escalate things, I’m not afraid of that either. Also, tell them not to send some minor figure to act as a mere mouthpiece. If they want something, they should at least lay their own cards on the table first."

Zhao Hongchang’s face flushed red at Yan Xing’s words. She retorted loudly, "You’re not afraid of sanctions because you have minimal investment in Gryphon Island! We, however, have poured in a great deal of money! Who will bear the losses we might incur?"

At that moment, Chui Chui asked, "President Yan... we know about Miss Tong Yitong’s kidnapping. But when were *you* kidnapped on Gryphon Island?"

Chui Chui’s question reminded Yan Xing. He turned to Feng Tingyue and asked, "Regarding my kidnapping, who exactly knows about it?"

Feng Tingyue answered, "President Yan, the interval between your kidnapping and your ’rescue’ was very short, so not many people are aware of it. I’ll have someone investigate immediately to see if Miss Zhao Hongchang is on the list of those who know."

Yan Xing said, "No need to investigate. Let Miss Zhao Hongchang tell us herself how she found out... That will also work."