CHAPTER 129: CHAPTER 128: THE OPPORTUNITY BROUGHT BY HE DONGSHENG

He Dongsheng’s appearance was completely beyond Lu Yan’s expectations.

Since sending He Dongsheng away last time and counter-killing the Upper-Rank Spiritual Ability User, Lu Yan had also tried to search for He Dongsheng.

But with the hundreds of scattered caves in the Lower City District and the chaotic situation at that time, even Shaq, the local tyrant, found it difficult to locate someone who was proactively hiding.

It wasn’t until after occupying the Heaven Computation Center and liberating City No.14 that most people emerged from the caves, yet He Dongsheng was still nowhere to be seen.

The only news was that some Cave People mentioned someone was selling fake chips, but there was no trace of He Dongsheng.

In Lu Yan’s conception, He Dongsheng should have been hiding in a secluded part of some cave.

But what Lu Yan never expected was that after disappearing from City No.14, He Dongsheng’s next appearance was a direct return to the Eastern Federation and seemed to have connected with the Archaeological Association.

If this were the Xianxia version, it would be like a fallen Loose Cultivator in Qi Cultivation being directly valued and taken as a disciple by one of the top ten orthodox sects, Taiyi Sect, truly a step to the heavens.

Compared to Lu Yan’s surprise, He Dongsheng seemed to think nothing of it. He eagerly approached Lu Yan, grabbed Lu Yan’s hand with excitement, and said:

"The last time in the United States, when Investigator Bureau agents encountered us, if it weren’t for Brother Lu covering my retreat, I would’ve been done for.

After things calmed down a bit, I went back to the scene to investigate Brother Lu’s whereabouts, but not only did I not find any news, I ended up on the police’s wanted list and got searched everywhere.

Fortunately, I reacted quickly and escaped Phoenix City right away, fleeing back to the homeland."

At this point, He Dongsheng took a long breath, showing a lingering fear on his face, clearly indicating the impact of the event on him.

Lu Yan’s expression subtly shifted.

From He Dongsheng’s words, it seemed he hadn’t experienced the coalition forces attacking the Heaven Computation Center or the liberation of City No.14, but had left City No.14 and escaped back home before these.

But the question was, in Lu Yan’s thought, a cyber version should correspond to a Western version; how did He Dongsheng return to the Eastern version before the world versions changed?

"Could it be something special about He Dongsheng?"

This doubt flashed in Lu Yan’s heart, but with the world versions changing, there were too many things that didn’t make sense, and Lu Yan had no time to ponder them all thoroughly.

With a friendly smile, Lu Yan patted He Dongsheng on the shoulder.

"After that incident, I asked someone to help me find Brother He, but there was no news all along.

Knowing now that Brother He is safe and sound certainly sets my mind at ease."

He Dongsheng was taken aback, "Sent someone to find me?"

Then He Dongsheng seemed to remember something, suddenly enlightened, and then showed a helpless smile:

"So those searchers weren’t police spies but Brother Lu’s men!

I was so scared at the time; hearing anything stirred by the wind, I would run away, thus failing to meet Brother Lu."

This intriguing coincidence made Lu Yan marvel quietly.

The two immersed themselves in chatting, ignoring Chu Zhuoqun and Mu Chunqiu on the side.

However, Chu Zhuoqun did not show any displeasure on his face. Hearing about the life-and-death friendship between Lu Yan and He Dongsheng, Chu Zhuoqun’s eyes narrowed with joy over his plump face.

After a round of reminiscing, He Dongsheng suddenly remembered his master left aside, promptly introducing:

"Brother Lu, let me introduce my master, Mu Chunqiu, an archaeological master from the Federation Archaeological Association.

After escaping back from the United States completely broke, I encountered my master while he was doing fieldwork. To earn a meal, I helped him for a few days.

Seeing me fairly quick-witted, my master took me in, intending to teach me theft... oops! I mean archaeological skills."

Mu Chunqiu appeared to be in his forties, his blue long robe quite worn, contrasting sharply with the surrounding luxurious shops. Yet Lu Yan detected a peculiar aura from Mu Chunqiu.

It wasn’t Extraordinary Ability but a natural air of authority from long-occupied high positions.

Combining this aura with his identity as an archaeological master, Lu Yan had an answer in his mind.

Definitely a big shot!

Lu Yan’s spirit tightened, standing to salute Mu Chunqiu:

"Greetings, Master Mu!"

Mu Chunqiu was somewhat surprised at Lu Yan’s respectful attitude.

The fact that Lu Yan could spend three million for a place in the Federation Archaeological Association already proved his unusual status and wealth.

Knowing that, even though he, Mu Chunqiu, might have a grand title as an archaeological master, he was nothing much in front of such wealthy people.

The city version, after all, was a world primarily focused on wealth.

Lu Yan’s demeanor slightly softened Mu Chunqiu’s expression:

"I’ve heard Dongsheng mention you. You have helped Dongsheng multiple times and even saved his life, so there’s no need for such formality."

At this moment, Chu Zhuoqun quickly took the opportunity to interject:

"Since Master Mu and Mr. Lu are so predestined, it seems quite agreeable regarding Mr. Lu joining the Archaeological Association..."

Mu Chunqiu glanced at Chu Zhuoqun, sneering:

"The fate between me and Lu Yan is our business; you profiting by reselling cultural relics and pricing the Archaeological Association seats isn’t settled yet!"

Facing Mu Chunqiu’s questioning, Chu Zhuoqun displayed no displeasure, instead laughingly said:

"Master Mu, you wronged me! I am just following the old traditions passed down through generations.

Your main branch isn’t involved in production, yet for archaeological excavations, negotiations with local forces, and organizing public relocations, which doesn’t need money?

If we did not try every means to make money, how could your main branch engage in archaeological research so stably?"

Hearing this, even Mu Chunqiu didn’t know how to refute, only swinging his sleeve and scolding:

"Outrageous!"

Speaking, Mu Chunqiu marched out of the café.

Lu Yan felt a sense of foreboding rising within him, but He Dongsheng came forward to say reassuringly:

"Brother Lu, don’t worry. Since master didn’t explicitly refuse, it means he tacitly approves of your joining the Archaeological Association.

It’s just that his elder can’t bear these seamy matters, so he left voluntarily."

Only then did Lu Yan breathe a sigh of relief, feeling somewhat fortunate.

If it weren’t for He Dongsheng’s leverage, even if Lu Yan could enter the Archaeological Association with Chu Zhuoqun’s help, he might have offended this Mu Chunqiu.

In the city version, Mu Chunqiu naturally has no influence over Lu Yan, but given Mu Chunqiu’s shown status, he would be at least a Golden Core Real Person in the Xianxia version.

If Lu Yan were to be resented by such a Taiyi Sect bigwig, becoming a Taiyi Sect disciple might not end well for him.