Chapter 420: Gift

420. Chapter 420: Gift

These past two or three days are mainly spent avoiding some sudden situations, and besides, in the deep mountains one cannot travel at night; that's why we are resting here for a night instead of setting off now.

Chu Feng explained.

I understand, the leader is still thinking things through thoroughly.

Jiang Cheng nodded.

It's already three or four in the afternoon; we drove the off‑road vehicle to the mountain base, and night is just falling……

It would be better to rest here awhile, letting Grandma Chen Sao and the others get proper rest.

Leader, let's use the second method; then I can carry one person and hold Xiao Yue while we move on, mainly because she isn't very familiar with Old Qin, so……

It's not a big deal; just decide." Chu Feng smiled. "That's all I wanted to say. Do you have any questions? Feel free to ask me.

That, for now, there isn't." Jiang Cheng shook his head upon hearing that.

As for some details about the base, we can learn them later when we get there; it's not too late.

For now, let's finish this mid‑journey stretch first.

No problem, you can ask me later if needed. Alright, it's not early; go back and rest early. I'll have someone bring you dinner once it's ready.

Thank you for the trouble, leader.

It's fine.

After saying goodbye to the three, Jiang Cheng returned to the neighboring room and briefly recounted what had just happened.

Lin Yue lowered her head at the words, her face red as a red apple.

The old man and Chen Sao exchanged a knowing smile.

Jiang Cheng understood their meaning, feeling both amused and exasperated; he had always regarded Lin Yue as a sister, and even if some physical contact occurred, he harbored no other thoughts. This time, however, it was unavoidable, given that Lin Yue had only just barely met the standard of a first‑level Force Warrior.

A first‑level Force Warrior does differ from an ordinary person, but not as much as one might imagine; trekking alone through deep mountains and old forests, one's speed can't be that great.

Right, Xiao Yue, this is for you.

Jiang Cheng took out the Moonlight Pendant from his person.

Jiang Cheng‑brother, what is this?

Lin Yue lifted her head, saw it was a jade pendant, and couldn't help but let her imagination run wild.

Chen Sao and the old man were even more visibly happy, but as they listened they began to feel lost.

This is a treasure that can accelerate the recovery of spiritual power. You often feel your spiritual power is insufficient and that meditation restores it too slowly, right? With this, the recovery speed will be much faster, and once you're proficient it could be two or three times as quick.

Hearing this, Lin Yue's face flushed hot; she realized she had overthought it, and her voice began to stammer.

Jiang, Jiang Cheng‑brother, such a precious thing—you should keep it for yourself; you need it more than I do.

I have something even better.

Jiang Cheng smiled and shoved the Moonlight Pendant into her hand.

Mainly, it's just sitting on him anyway; selling it to the organization would be possible, but unnecessary, since its market price is only two hundred million.

Better to give it to someone nearby; Lin Yue is stronger, so he can worry less.

Remember to drop a drop of blood on it; then you can fully use it. Also, when you reach the base, don't show it to anyone or mention it to anyone, got it?

Okay, okay.

Lin Yue gripped the jade pendant tightly in her hand.

Although Jiang Cheng didn't explain in detail, she could sense that this item was surely very valuable.

Time passed, another hour or so went by, and dusk fell.

In the Inner City District, Gao Ling gazed at the sky, secretly puzzled.

How strange, it's almost dark, yet Zhanglin and the others still haven't returned? He remembered that this morning when they set off, Gu Zhanglin said they'd be back by three or four in the afternoon, but now it's nearly five.

Could they be having too much fun and lost track of time, or are they already on their way back?

Gao Ling speculated to himself.

Suddenly he felt that rather than wildly guessing here, it would be better to call and find out.

Said and done.

He opened his Light Brain and sent a communication request to Gu Zhanglin.

However, the next second the screen showed the prompt: user powered off, cannot be contacted.

Powered off?

Gao Ling immediately realized something was off.

Normally, even if Gu Zhanglin were busy, he couldn't just power off; at most he'd leave a message and later call back after seeing it.

As for the excuse of no power, that's impossible too; the Light Brain, combat suit, and mech alike can automatically absorb ambient light to charge, so unless it's total darkness, even at night they can charge.

Unwilling, he tried again, but the result was the same.

Could something have happened? Impossible.

He furrowed his brows.

This is the Inner City District; although there are occasionally cults and Rebel Army troublemakers, the idea of harming Gu Zhanglin, the eldest son of the Gu Family, is pure fantasy.

What exactly went wrong? Besides, Jiang Cheng is with him, right? If I contact him I'll know—shouldn't be possible, I probably can't reach him either.

Gao Ling sent another communication request; the result was still the same, the screen indicating the other party's device was powered off and could not be contacted.

He instantly gaped, a sense of foreboding washing over him.

Unwilling, he tried calling Jiang Cheng's phone.

Unfortunately, the phone played the same powered‑off tone.

After all, Jiang Cheng isn't stupid either; even if his phone were on, he wouldn't answer this call, or else he'd be located. Indeed, before Gao Ling made this call, Gu Zhangkong and the alchemists of the Outer City District had already dialed who knows how many times, just trying to use satellite positioning.

Damn it! What the hell is going on? Why can't I reach anyone?" Gao Ling's brows knotted ever tighter.

Just then, footsteps sounded in the hallway outside the office, and immediately after, someone knocked on the door.

Thump thump thump, thump thump thump.

A voice sounded.

Manager Gao, people from headquarters have arrived.

What!

Gao Ling jumped in fright, quickly rose and opened the door, only to see several people in black suits standing at the doorway, each holding a briefcase.

You are Gao Ling, the person in charge of the Refining Alchemy Department?

The leader asked, giving the feeling of looking down on people with his nostrils.

It's me, it's me.

Gao Ling nodded and bowed.

Well, from now on, all departments here belong to headquarters; the Refining Alchemy Department, from now on, will also be under our charge. Take out all the ledgers so we can inspect them. If there are any problems, you must also give a reasonable explanation.

What!

Gao Ling suddenly lifted his head, his eyes showing an expression of disbelief.

Gentlemen, have you made a mistake? Our Refining Alchemy Department is managed by Young Master Gu Zhanglin; without his permission, no one may look at our ledgers here. (End of chapter)