Chapter 132: Lianyue Lake

The turmoil at the banquet was like a stone cast onto a calm lake—its ripples faded without leaving any real impact on Qin Feng. People like Liu Qianqian were mere dust to him, easily brushed aside. His focus remained firmly fixed on building the Empire and unraveling the mysteries hidden behind the scenes.

Cooperation with Longteng Group progressed steadily; the demonstration project site of Jingyuan Technology worked around the clock, Su Jin cautiously sought breakthroughs in Ailin's treatment, and in Luocheng, the branch's operations gradually improved. Though investigations into Chuangsheng Technology and the Prometheus Foundation advanced slowly, they never ceased.

Yet, days of intense work and covert attacks from various factions—even with his system-enhanced body and mind—left Qin Feng with a faint, almost imperceptible fatigue. It was not physical exhaustion, but a spiritual weariness, a longing for purity and stillness after being surrounded by endless trivialities and scheming.

He needed to temporarily escape this noisy vortex, to find a place where his taut nerves could relax.

He notified no one, taking only Lei Zhan and two of his most trusted bodyguards, driving a low-profile SUV out of the Imperial Capital in silence. Their destination: a pristine natural reserve near the northern border, known as Lianyue Lake.

Here, few humans ventured, far removed from the clamor. Endless snow-capped mountains encircled a lake as clear and tranquil as jade, the sky washed brilliant blue, the air crisp and pure. Legend said that at certain seasons, the moon in the sky perfectly aligned with its reflection in the lake, hence the name "Lianyue."

Qin Feng stood by the lake, inhaling deeply the cold air scented with pine and water, as if the days of fatigue had been washed clean. The lake surface was mirror-smooth, reflecting snow-capped peaks and blue skies dotted with white clouds; occasionally, unknown waterbirds skimmed across, stirring ripples that deepened the serenity.

Lei Zhan and the bodyguards silently dispersed to distant posts, guarding the perimeter, leaving this realm entirely to Qin Feng alone.

He walked slowly along the lakeshore, feet sinking into soft grass and occasional exposed pebbles. No documents to sign, no calls to answer, no probes to deflect. Only the wind, the water, and the sound of his own heartbeat.

This absolute stillness was, for him, a luxurious indulgence.

He sat upon a massive rock jutting into the lake, gazing at the grand, primal landscape before him, his mind gradually emptying. No more strategizing business moves, no more mapping technological paths, no more weighing grudges or gains. He simply felt the vastness of this world and his own insignificance.

After an unknown length of time, as the sunset began gilding the mountain peaks and the lake surface shimmered with golden light, Qin Feng's thoughts stirred slightly.

He remembered the dormant "Heart of the Ocean" buried beneath ten thousand meters of ocean.

That blue crystal containing immense Life Energy and unknown laws.

For some reason, in this isolated, pure place, he felt a faint, almost imperceptible… resonance—spanning vast distances—with the "Heart of the Ocean."

Was it because this environment, too, was pure and untainted? Or because his mind, now emptied and attuned to nature, had drawn closer to it?

Qin Feng closed his eyes and tried to actively sense this elusive connection. He activated his 【Fortune Dominion】 ability, no longer observing specific targets, but extending his perception like a spiderweb toward the unseen direction.

No image, no sound—only a vague, warm, vibrant "feeling," faintly transmitted from the distant depths of the sea, like a sleeping heart beating slowly yet powerfully.

The sensation vanished instantly; when he tried to grasp it further, it was gone.

But Qin Feng suddenly opened his eyes, a flash of shock and realization in his gaze.

It was no illusion!

A connection beyond physical distance truly existed between him and the "Heart of the Ocean!" It might be extremely faint, limited by his own abilities and the state of the "Heart of the Ocean," but it was real!

What did this mean?

It meant the "Heart of the Ocean" was not inert—it might possess some form of "vitality" or unique energy field? It meant that in the future, by enhancing his own abilities (such as raising the levels of 【Life Enhancement】 and 【Fortune Dominion】), he might strengthen this link, even… remotely influence or harness its power? And it meant this treasure from the Deep Sea might hold value and potential far exceeding his initial imagination!

This discovery stirred within Qin Feng an indescribable excitement.

The stillness of Lianyue Lake not only soothed his spirit but also unexpectedly revealed a mysterious link to the "Heart of the Ocean."

It felt like an epiphany: the path to power was not solely through relentless technological research or wealth accumulation. Sometimes, returning to one's essence, drawing near to nature, might reveal broader horizons.

The sun sank completely behind the mountains; the sky turned ink-blue, stars beginning to glitter. The air by the lake grew sharply cold.

Qin Feng rose, cast one final look at the Lianyue Lake, now even more mysterious and profound in twilight, then turned toward the waiting vehicle.

This brief respite had yielded far more than expected.

He had not only rested, but confirmed his connection to the "Heart of the Ocean," and gained new insights into the path of his own power growth.

Inside the car, the heater dispelled the chill. Qin Feng told Lei Zhan:

"Let's go back."

The vehicle started, leaving the tranquil place behind, re-entering the bustle and chaos.

But Qin Feng's inner state had changed.

He felt as if he had taken the lake's stillness and the vastness of the stars into his chest.

The road ahead would still be filled with challenges and violence.

Yet his heart would be more resolute and composed than ever before.

For he knew that beyond the endless Deep Sea and the boundless stars, even greater powers awaited his exploration and mastery.

And all of this began with this tranquil lake named "Lianyue."