314: Chapter 307 Wow! Jinshui Town! An evil sorcerer? No, no, no.

Under the gaze of many nations, the lottery for the three-day tour of Jinshui Town was drawn.

The host was the Director. Standing on a wooden platform, he held a microphone in one hand and pressed a remote with the other. Behind him, a massive screen began rapidly scrolling through names.

Without any unnecessary suspense, the two names were drawn in just half an hour.

This was already very fast; after all, even excluding the government employees prohibited from participating, the remaining number was not small.

With hundreds of millions of people involved, it took time for the list to scroll.

After confirming the two lucky winners weren't in the audience, the Director contacted them via their mobile numbers to share the good news and tell them to hurry to NH.

Afterward, he announced that the next drawing would also take place on the NH coast and stated that as long as everyone followed the rules, they could stay and play as long as they liked.

As the news spread, those who couldn't make it in time were overjoyed.

Having seen the videos of the Kunpeng bestowing feathers, they had long regretted not taking time off to be there. They hadn't expected things to take such a turn, allowing them to go at any time.

Even if they weren't lucky enough to get a spot or a feather, just taking a photo with the Kunpeng at the site would make their lives complete.

The Director ignored the flood of comments filling the livestream screen. He left some personnel to maintain order and returned to the base to wait for the winners to arrive so they could set off for Jinshui Town.

Zhang Mu figured he would have to escort them himself, so he wasn't in a hurry to get to America. Instead, he used these few days of leisure to formulate a plan for opening new sources.

Since he was going to open new channels, he might as well open a few more.

He intended to "reveal the supernatural" in other countries with prominent industrial capabilities once things stabilized in America.

First, it was to accumulate weapons as quickly as possible. Second, China mining alone was a bit slow, so Zhang Mu felt he needed to find more miners.

The next day, the Director suddenly came to see him. He first confirmed the details of the three-day tour and then asked if they could livestream inside the Mountain Gate.

This question stunned Zhang Mu. He thought to himself, "What are you trying to do? Turn the Mountain Gate into an influencer check-in spot?"

Only after further questioning did he learn that a group of history experts from China hoped to visit Jinshui Town, a real feudal dynasty.

There were only five spots, and they had already been fully allocated this time. They didn't know how long they'd have to wait for the next time, nor were they sure they'd be chosen.

So, they teamed up to find the Director, nearly begging him while clinging to his legs to let them into the Mountain Gate.

The Director also had a headache. Where was the Mountain Gate? It was an immortal sect; it wasn't his place to decide.

Harassed by the group of old men until he had no choice, he pondered for a long time before deciding to discuss it with Immortal Xu to see if they could livestream, giving them a chance to catch a glimpse.

As for the experience through a screen being far inferior to going in person, the Director didn't care about that.

I've provided a solution; if you don't want it, there's nothing I can do.

Seeing that the Director had indeed done his best, the old men stopped making a fuss and watched his back expectantly as he left the base to meet Immortal Xu.

Zhang Mu thought for a moment; this wasn't actually difficult.

He just had to open the light gate and not close it, then place a temporary signal station in The World, so he agreed.

The Director took his leave happily and returned three days later.

Behind him followed a man, a woman, and several staff members. The man was about forty, dressed in a suit, while the woman was in her twenties and dressed simply.

Seeing that everyone had arrived, Zhang Mu handed Ye Ming a jade pendant used to collect the flying boat from Senior Brother Zhou, then turned and left for America.

The Director first instructed the staff to finish installing the temporary signal station, then said to Ye Ming, "I've asked Immortal Xu. The secular world of the Mountain Gate is vast, and there are many different ethnic groups.

So, it doesn't matter if you reveal that you are outsiders; there's no need to specifically change into local clothes."

"I understand," Ye Ming nodded.

"Mm, the only thing to be careful of is not to wander too far.

For one, it's easy to encounter danger, as you don't have Xiao Luo accompanying you this time. Second, the flying boat will pick you up on time; you only have half an hour. If you're late, the flying boat will leave on its own."

Yue Ruo was somewhat puzzled. "That shouldn't matter, right? We can just wait for the next trip to come back together. If all else fails, Xiao Luo can come pick us up."

"Immortal Xu emphasized this, anyway. He didn't tell me the consequences of violating it, but I think it's best to follow the rules obediently."

"Oh." Hearing that it was Immortal Xu's personal instruction, she said no more.

"Alright, go ahead then. Have a good time."

The Director was very busy. After explaining the precautions, he asked the Kunpeng to take him out.

Several staff members were still busy, and since the base station required manual maintenance once set up, they would stay on Yuzhang Mountain for these three days.

Without Zhang Mu's jade pendant, the puppet Senior Brother Zhou would never let anyone down the mountain, so there was no need to worry about any accidents.

"How should I address you?" Once the Director was far away, Ye Ming glanced at the two lucky winners.

"Hello, Group Leader Ye, my name is Yuan Shimei." The girl in her twenties was quite cheerful and introduced herself with a smile.

The man around forty on the other side was more composed. He smiled and reached out his hand. "Hello, Group Leader Ye. My surname is Cui, given name Qing."

After shaking hands politely, Ye Ming asked curiously, "You know me?"

"We follow the Special Investigation Bureau's official website long-term," they both said at once.

Ye Ming realized. No wonder; the official website often released science popularization videos of the Special Investigation Bureau and oral accounts of supernatural news.

In the early days when the bureau was short-staffed, he had served as the temporary head of the publicity department for a few days. If they frequently checked the website, it wasn't surprising they recognized him.

"This is Lin Miao, and she is Yue Ruo," Ye Ming said with a smile. "This is a trip for tourism, not official business. You don't need to be formal; just call us by our names."

"Since Mr. Ye said so, then I'll be a bit more casual," Cui Qing said.

"Alright, let's go."

The five of them walked toward Qingfeng Hall.

The three of them had stayed on Yuzhang Mountain for some time and were already familiar with the surroundings. Along the way, they looked straight ahead, only wanting to see the flying boat as soon as possible.

It was Yuan Shimei's first time here. Her eyes were wide as she looked around. Every time a disciple passed by, her gaze followed them until their figure disappeared around a corner.

Ye Ming didn't find it strange; he had been the same when he first came to the Mountain Gate.

It was Cui Qing who surprised him.

His initial impression of this man was an experienced, steady modern workplace elite, and indeed, he had acted as such at first.

Looking straight ahead, walking with a steady gait.

But after a while, Ye Ming noticed that he seemed to be deep in thought, a trace of a lewd smile appearing on his face from time to time before being quickly suppressed.

What is he thinking about?

Unable to figure it out, Ye Ming shook his head and quickened his pace to Qingfeng Hall.

Following the process from their previous training, the five of them collected wooden plaques, boarded the flying boat, passed through the thick fog, and landed on a dirt road outside Jinshui Town.

"Here." Jumping to the ground one by one, Ye Ming pulled out four manuals after the flying boat ascended and flew away. "These are the laws and decrees of the secular dynasty. As long as you don't violate the regulations inside, your personal safety won't be an issue.

I took a quick look while we were on the flying boat. If you act according to modern laws, you basically won't break any rules.

Also, the badges I just gave you are miniature cameras used for Special Investigation Bureau missions. Remember to wear them. Oh, you can take them off when it's inconvenient."

The four of them took them. Yuan Shimei didn't bother opening hers, instead jumping up and down on the spot. "Where's Jinshui Town? Where is Jinshui Town?!"

The Mountain Gate was the residence of immortals, so she hadn't dared to be reckless, fearing she'd anger an immortal and be kicked out. Now that they were in the secular world, she could finally let loose.

Cui Qing's gaze was also fixed on him, his eyes revealing the same anticipation.

"There." Ye Ming didn't keep them in suspense, raising his hand to point behind the four of them.

They turned quickly. About a kilometer ahead, a small town nestled along a hillside came into view.

"Whoa! Jinshui Town!" Yuan Shimei was about to run, but she stopped just as she took a step. She turned her head and asked, "Um, Mr. Ye, can we go now?"

Ye Ming smiled. "I said it's tourism; go ahead and have fun.

By the way, pay attention to the wooden plaques. If they start to glow, you must gather here within half an hour."

"Yay! Thank you, Mr. Ye!" she cheered and ran toward Jinshui Town.

"Let's go as well."

The four of them followed, and twenty minutes later, they walked into Jinshui Town.

As soon as they entered, Cui Qing said, "I'll gather on time," and then left on his own.

Yuan Shimei was much the same, taking the silver Ye Ming had given her to go play alone.

Yue Ruo had wanted to go with the two of them, but she was driven away by Lin Miao's rather unfriendly look.

She felt indignant, muttering "choosing romance over friends" as she planned to head to the prison for a look first.

Ye Ming stood in place, hesitating for a moment. "Xiao Miao, where do you want to go?"

Her head turned slightly to stare at him, and Lin Miao blinked. "Let's go do some interviews."

"Huh?"

"Aren't you very worried about whether there are still lurking Prodigys in Jinshui Town?"

"Uh, I... thank you."

"Eww, don't get all sentimental. Let's go." Lin Miao walked forward with her hands behind her back.

Staring at her back, Ye Ming clenched his fists. If she couldn't enter the Mountain Gate...

"What are you standing there for? Hurry up." Not hearing footsteps following her, Lin Miao turned back to urge him.

"Coming."

...

NH Coast, Cave Base.

The Director sat in the corner of the room, looking like he had lost all hope, while several old men had forcibly taken over his computer desk.

"Don't push, let me see first!"

"You've been watching for so long; it's my turn!"

"They're there, they've reached the place!"

"Really? Move aside!"

The Director couldn't help but explode. He stood up indignantly. "I cleared out a spacious room, specifically installed a large monitor, and provided food and drink. Why do you have to crowd in here with me?!"

His words were logical, and his anger was clearly expressed through his roar, yet the old men didn't even turn their heads.

"Old Qian, look at that street vendor."

"Let me see... the clothes are silk, right? Jinshui Town is in a remote location, yet even a random street vendor can wear silk. This means the productivity there isn't low."

"It's not strange. The Mountain Gate says it doesn't interfere with the secular world, but being in the same world, it's bound to provide some help."

An old man nearby also voiced his opinion. "I agree. You saw the previous video, right? Immortal Xu said there are outer disciples of the Mountain Gate in the secular world."

"Oh, look at this. It seems to be little Yue. Is she... going to the prison?"

"That's great. The previous video didn't capture the Prodigy's body clearly. I wanted to carefully observe how the Prodigy disguises itself."

"Did you skip the execution ground part? A giant insect was wearing a layer of human skin."

"Hiss—Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio? Painted Skin?"

"Following this line of thought... there were probably Prodigys on Blue Star in the past as well."

The old men were discussing heatedly. Left to the side, the Director sat back in his chair helplessly. What did I do to deserve this...

After a while, seeing that they had no intention of leaving, the Director stood up again. "Can I get you another computer?

This one has a lot of data on it; I still have to work!"

His voice was very loud, echoing in the room, but he was still ignored.

"Whoa, as soon as he gets to town, he goes straight to Jinxiang Tower. Whose perspective is this?"

The screen went black. He's shy; he covered the camera with something.

"Check Ye Ming's side."

"They're a young couple window shopping, why are you... where are they going?"

The old men's voices were full of confusion. The Director also became curious, running over and standing on tiptoe to peek.

"They are... investigating if there are still Prodigys in Jinshui Town?"

"It looks like it. They're asking house to house if any girls have gone missing recently."

The young fellow has the common people in his heart. No wonder, no wonder."

"No wonder what?" the Director asked, scratching his head.

"No wonder he is a destined one."

...

America better not play that destined one game.

Zhang Mu used the Transformation Technique to turn into Mr. Gao's appearance and wandered along a certain coastline in America.

He stood with his hands in his pockets, looking out at the sea against the wind.

The waves rolled in, crashing heavily against the embankment. Sea fish caught in the waves were knocked unconscious against the stone walls and floated to the surface. An eagle spread its wings and dove, its sharp talons accurately grabbing one.

This is good. Suitable for a Fallen Spirit to land.

"Sir, don't get too close to the railing; you'll be swept into the sea by the waves." Zhang Mu was about to summon a Fallen Spirit when someone behind him suddenly gave a kind warning.

Hmm?

Turning his head, he saw a young couple.

He smiled. "Thank you both for your kindness, but don't worry. The waves cannot harm me."

The two looked at each other, both feeling confused.

As coastal residents, they were like the locals of a certain river in China: while others came to watch the tide, they watched the people watching the tide.

The difference was that the couple would advise tourists to stay away from the railings. Even if they were ignored or even met with insults, they persisted.

Over the years, they had met all kinds of tourists. In the face of their warnings, some were nonchalant, some deliberately ignored them, but this was the first time they had met someone like this.

The waves cannot harm me?

Do you think you're Aquaman? Have you watched too many DC movies?

The two guessed that this guy might not be mentally sound. So, while carefully approaching to pull him away from the railing, they used a tone suitable for the other party to put him at ease:

"Why can't they harm you? Is it because you have superpowers?"

"Superpowers? I don't have those."

Huh? He doesn't seem like a mental patient.

The couple was stunned for a moment, then stopped and asked, "Then why?"

"My magic is enough to handle the waves."

Magic?

Hogwarts was a hot topic, so they naturally knew about it.

Only...

The boy looked Zhang Mu up and down, not quite believing it. "Shouldn't a sorcerer from Hogwarts wear a wide robe? Like in the movies."

"In theory, yes. But unfortunately, I was expelled from the Magic Academy, so I lost the right to wear a robe."

"Uh..." The girl recalled a video she had seen a couple of days ago. "Expelled from school... an Evil Sorcerer?"

"Evil Sorcerer? No, no, no. I am not one of those lowly things that have given themselves over to depravity."

Hearing this, the boy suddenly realized. Sure enough, this guy is a lunatic!

He started walking again. "Alright, you're not an Evil Sorcerer. Now, let's move away from the rail—"

"You'd better stay back."

"Uh, what's wrong?" The couple thought their intention had been discovered and felt a bit guilty.

"It's here."

Zhang Mu turned back to look at the sea. The couple instinctively followed his gaze.

On the empty sea in the distance, a rocky head that looked like an island had emerged at some point.