Chapter 330: Secretly Keep It as Pocket Money

The name "Long Lingyuan" was another stone cast into the still waters of Xia Wan's heart, sending ripples through her. She reported this name to Lei Dong, and the Base's intelligence system immediately sprang into high gear—yet neither internal archives nor external databases yielded any record of this person. The name appeared as if from nowhere, with no background, no trace.

The more obscure it was, the more extraordinary it seemed. Someone whom Qin Feng specifically mentioned—and told her to "prepare for"—could not possibly be ordinary.

The Base's security level rose imperceptibly another tier, and scrutiny of outsiders and incoming materials became stricter. Everyone felt the tension of a storm gathering on the horizon.

Several days later, in the afternoon, the Base received the "special specimens" unloaded from the previously landed Transport Ship—a batch of ancient biological fossils newly excavated from Kunlun Mountain, imbued with strange energy. These fossils were classified as the highest-priority research sequence and assigned to Su Wenqian's Paleobiology and Energy Research Team for analysis.

Xia Wan, due to her deep connection with Kunlun through her own power, was also invited to participate in the preliminary energy sensing and evaluation.

Inside the lab, precision instruments surrounded the space. Several fossils of varying sizes and shapes, their surfaces coated in translucent jade-like material with shimmering internal light, were carefully placed on energy-isolation platforms. Though her pregnancy was clearly visible, Su Wenqian's spirit was strong as she focused intently on operating the instruments for initial scans. Several senior researchers recorded data nearby.

Xia Wan stood at a slight distance, eyes closed and mind still, attempting to sense the fossils through the perception of the Tiankong Guardian. She felt that within them lay ancient, pure energy, originating from the same source as Kunlun Mountain's aura—but subtly different, as if more… active? Even carrying a faint, almost imperceptible pulse of life.

"Strange…" an elderly researcher frowned at the scan data, "The energy readings are extremely active—far exceeding any similar fossil previously discovered—and… there appears to be a rhythmic energy pulse within, unlike completely inert dead matter."

Su Wenqian nodded, fingers swiftly tapping the virtual keyboard to bring up the energy spectrum graph: "Look here—this frequency… it's unusual. It seems to resonate with some unknown biological rhythm."

At that moment, the lab's automatic door slid open silently. A small figure, clutching a Seven-Colored Dice, peeked in cautiously. It was Xiao Bao.

He seemed fascinated by the instruments glowing with multicolored lights and the beautiful "stones," his big eyes brimming with curiosity.

One researcher saw him and smiled warmly, making no move to shoo him away. After all, this "little ancestor," though occasionally causing "incidents," had also brought undeniable good fortune.

Xiao Bao toddled over on his short legs, thumping up to the energy-isolation platform, tiptoeing to gaze at the largest fossil—shaped somewhat like a beast's horn, its surface jade-like.

He extended his chubby little hand, as if to touch it.

"Xiao Bao, don't touch—that's an important research specimen," Su Wenqian gently warned.

Xiao Bao "oh"ed obediently and withdrew his hand, yet his big eyes remained fixed on the fossil, the Dice in his arms emitting a faint, barely noticeable glow.

Xia Wan opened her eyes, watching Xiao Bao. She sensed that after his approach, the energy pulse within the horn-shaped fossil had… slightly quickened? And become more orderly?

Was it coincidence? Or was Xiao Bao's ability unconsciously influencing these fossils?

As she pondered, the lab door opened again. Mo Yu walked in, yawning, looking half-asleep.

"So that's where you vanished to," Mo Yu grabbed Xiao Bao, tucking him under his arm, and casually glanced at the fossils on the platform.

When his gaze landed on the horn-shaped fossil, his lazy expression paused slightly, a flicker of barely perceptible surprise crossing his eyes.

"Huh? This thing…" He rubbed his chin, leaned closer to examine the fossil, even extending a finger to lightly tap the energy-isolation field above it.

"Mr. Mo Yu, do you recognize this fossil?" Su Wenqian asked quickly.

Mo Yu did not answer immediately. Instead, he studied the other fossils, then smiled wryly: "Recognize it? Not exactly. But… this thing is interesting."

He pointed at the horn-shaped fossil: "This isn't an ordinary fossil. It's a 'Dragon Yuan Jiao'—a precious fragment left behind by an ancient dragon species during its molt. The energy sealed within isn't merely energy—it holds a trace of… Origin Dragon Qi."

Dragon Yuan Jiao? Origin Dragon Qi?

Everyone gasped in shock! Dragons, whether in Eastern mythology or other civilizations' legends, symbolized power and mystery. If this truly was a relic tied to dragons, its research value was incalculable!

"Origin Dragon Qi…" Su Wenqian's eyes gleamed with excitement, "If we can analyze it, it might bring breakthroughs in energy biology and the study of life evolution!"

"Analyze?" Mo Yu snorted, shaking his head. "With your current tools? Impossible. This trace of Dragon Qi, though faint, is of extremely high rank—unruly and defiant. Forcing analysis will only cause it to instantly dissipate—nothing gained."

He shifted tone, his gaze drifting to Xiao Bao, still tucked under his arm and gazing curiously around, then to Xia Wan, a mischievous smirk forming on his lips:

"But… for certain specific individuals, this thing might have a small use. For instance, to temper the body—or… nurture a particular Bloodline?"

His gaze lingered a moment on Xia Wan.

Xia Wan's heart stirred. Her Bloodline descended from Yun Ge, who was deeply connected to Kunlun and ancient mysterious entities. This Dragon Yuan Jiao might truly benefit her.

Mo Yu continued: "Of course, the greatest value lies in the Origin Dragon Qi itself. In certain circles, this stuff is hard currency—far more valuable than your silly money."

He seemed to recall something, suddenly lowering his voice, winking at Xia Wan, whispering in a tone only she could hear: "Little Guardian, I think among these fossils, only this 'Dragon Yuan Jiao' is worth anything. These Base folks will never figure it out. Letting it sit here is a waste. Why not… figure out a way to secretly keep it? Just… save it as pocket money?"

"Little Guardian, among this batch of fossils, only this 'Dragon Core Horn' is even remotely interesting. Since these people at the Base can't figure out anything useful anyway, leaving it here is just a waste. Why not… figure out a way to secretly stash it away? Consider it… saving up some private cash? Pocket money?"

She stared at Mo Yu, eyes wide with disbelief.

Secretly… keep it? As pocket money?!

This was a vital Base research specimen! Public property! Mo Yu Senior was inciting her to embezzlement?!

Seeing Xia Wan's expression—clearly saying "Are you kidding me?"—Mo Yu sighed in exasperation: "Look at you! So timid! It's just a piece of rock! Useless to you, only valuable for money. Look at Old Qin—he casually tosses away oil fields without blinking. You're his… uh, you're the Tiankong Guardian—how can you go out without some hard assets? You'll need emergency funds someday!"

He patted Xia Wan's shoulder, continuing to persuade: "Listen to me—this is a rare chance. Is this item registered? Are its energy signatures fully recorded? No, right? Just say that during energy sensing, an accidental resonance destabilized the fossil's internal structure, causing energy dissipation—and quietly pocket the horn. No one will notice! I'll help you find a buyer—you'll make a fortune!"

He patted Xia Wan on the shoulder and continued to coax: "Listen to me, this is a rare opportunity. Is this thing registered? Has its energy signature been fully recorded? No, right? Just say that during the energy scan, you accidentally triggered an energy resonance, causing the fossil's internal structure to destabilize and its energy to dissipate—then quietly slip the horn away. No one will ever know! I'll help you find a great buyer later—I guarantee you'll make a fortune!"

Xia Wan stared at this pair of oddballs—one inciting crime, the other demanding candy—and felt her temple throb.

She took a deep breath and firmly refused: "Mr. Mo Yu! Please show respect! This is Base property—for research! I could never do such a thing!"

Mo Yu was speechless. He rolled his eyes: "Old-fashioned! Rigid mind! Just like your old… uh, your husband!"

He muttered, tightened his grip on squirming Xiao Bao, and turned toward the door: "Fine, fine! Don't want it? I'll take my kindness and shove it up my ass! Xiao Bao, let's go—no more playing with these inflexible fools!"

He grumbled, tightening his grip on the squirming Xiao Bao, and turned toward the door: "Fine, fine, forget it! Good intentions repaid with ingratitude! Xiao Bao, let's go—we're not playing with these rigid fools anymore!"

This senior's behavior was truly… unpredictable.

Yet, thanks to his antics, Xia Wan was now even more certain of the Dragon Yuan Jiao's uniqueness. She gazed at the fossil, thinking.

Perhaps she could apply to borrow the Dragon Yuan Jiao for a period of cultivation—provided all research data was fully collected?

After all, enhancing her strength was also for better protection.

This shouldn't count as… "secretly keeping it as pocket money," right?

This shouldn't be considered... "secretly stashing away as pocket money," right?