Chapter 41

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Chapter 41: Title

What preparations? What else could we prepare? To welcome the Ancestral Dragon!

This was the true ancestor—Zhongxia had every reason to acknowledge him.

The question remained: How should they receive him to demonstrate their reverence? Qin Shi Huang, Emperor Qin, First Emperor, Ancestral Dragon—so many titles for a single figure. One misstep by the Special Bureau would spark nationwide backlash.

Who vanquished the six states? Who unified Huaxia? Who declared his merits surpassing the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors? Who stood atop the picturesque realm, gazing skyward with defiant laughter?

Qin marked the dawn, seizing magnificence for eternity.

He was called the First Emperor.

“Three minutes left? How am I supposed to prepare a proper welcome? Notify all department chiefs to assemble on the rooftop immediately—no exceptions within two minutes!”

Xi Ning slammed the phone and snatched his suit jacket, storming out with hurried strides.

By protocol, even the Commander should personally welcome the First Emperor. But time forced the Special Bureau’s hasty reception first, with formal ceremonies to follow.

Chaos erupted.

The group notification spurred Lin Jing, Liang An, and others into motion—coats half-on as they rushed out.

With thirty seconds to spare, they took positions just as the helicopter descended.

All eyes fixed on the hovering craft, feigned composure barely containing their exhilaration.

Having witnessed the First Emperor’s live broadcast appearance, none had anticipated Director Yan Hua securing such a monumental figure.

Envious colleagues watched them enter the elevator, green with envy at their chance to meet history incarnate.

From above, Yan Hua observed Xi Ning’s team. The rushed welcome lacked grandeur, bordering on improvised.

Qin Shi Huang emerged in his dark robe, instantly magnetizing every gaze.

His radiance eclipsed even Leng Xingwen, Li Canghai, and Director Yan Hua—usually the center of attention.

The Emperor’s eyebrow twitched at the crowd’s brazen stares. Two millennia later, decorum had clearly eroded.

“Greetings, Your Majesty, the First Emperor.” Xi Ning adopted Leng Xingwen’s formal address, barely restraining an impulsive gesture.

“Ahem. I’m Xi Ning, Deputy Director of the Special Bureau. An honor to meet you.” He awkwardly retracted his half-extended hand.

“Greetings, Your Majesty, the First Emperor!”

The thunderous chorus from the chiefs startled those flanking the Emperor. Such fervor?

Unfazed by the spectacle, Qin Shi Huang found the world jarringly alien. From the helicopter, he’d seen buildings stretching dozens of feet skyward—architecture defying ancient logic.

“You recognize Us.”

Their fearless enthusiasm perplexed him. Once, even Li Si and Zhao Gao trembled in his presence. These mortals showed reverence… yet no fear.

“Zhongxia—no, Huaxia—holds none who don’t know you.” Xi Ning’s fanboy earnestness rang with utter sincerity.

Emperor Qin was already a household name in Zhongxia, and after Xiao Tianji’s live broadcast, screenshots flooded the internet. Now every citizen could recognize the First Emperor from history books standing before them.

Years prior, an online poll titled "Your Favorite Monarch Through the Ages" saw Emperor Qin Shi Huang dominate the rankings with unprecedented votes, leaving all competitors in the dust.

Though the achievements of Emperor Qin, Han Wu, Tang Zong, and Song Zu all inspire awe, the first shall forever remain unparalleled.

"Enough. This spectacle is unbecoming," Yan Hua finally interjected with a curt nod toward Qin Shi Huang before addressing Xi Ning’s group. These fools were disgracing themselves through sheer incompetence.

Li Canghai pressed his lips together, suppressing laughter at the director’s hypocrisy. Hadn’t Yan Hua’s own team acted just as awestruck during their first encounter with the Emperor at the Tomb?

The Special Bureau’s mundane office building lacked proper reception facilities, forcing everyone to resort to gathering in Director Yan’s office. As the bureau’s leader, his spacious quarters at least provided dignified accommodations for the ancient sovereign.

All personnel except the director and Deputy Director were expelled to prevent disruptions.

"How would our presence disturb anyone?" protested Liang An as the group relocated to a meeting room, eager to hear Leng Xingwen and Li Canghai recount their Tomb expedition.

"Certain discussions require privacy with His Majesty," Leng Xingwen remarked, idly flicking open his bone-white fan adorned only with silver ribs.

"I’d assumed you’d avoid returning with the director after that conference incident…" Liang An trailed off, eyeing the fan-wielder curiously.

"Hostility was never my intent," Leng Xingwen countered, the fan tapping rhythmically against his palm. "Merely bureaucratic tedium."

"Worldly affairs breed complications. Our ancestors spoke true."

"Director Yan faces considerable constraints," Lin Jing added diplomatically.

Cui Ming, unusually present for indoor discussions, leaned forward. "But your Tomb expedition aimed to retrieve artifacts, not awaken ancient monarchs. How did this happen?"

"An unforeseen consequence," Leng Xingwen admitted ruefully under their collective gaze. "The ancestral texts mentioned nothing about resurrection protocols."

"Direct inquiries to His Majesty may yield better answers. However…" He paused meaningfully. "Xiao Tianji’s stream revealed temporal correlations. The imperial seal’s removal coincided precisely with the sarcophagus’ transformation."

Lin Jing’s analytical instincts surfaced effortlessly. "This suggests causality between the seal’s displacement and the Emperor’s awakening."

Lv Qiuping, Division 6 Chief, interjected with scholarly precision: "You specified ‘awakening’ rather than ‘revival.’ Are we to believe biological immortality spanning millennia? Is this phenomenon unique, or could other ancients resurface?"

"Historical records describe a mortal ruler. Why then does he bear these…" The elder scholar gestured vaguely upward, "…dragon horns? Those chimu protrusions mentioned in Erya Yi: Shiyu?"

"Our team shares this curiosity," Lin Jing confirmed. "Though improbable, recurring instances would prove… problematic."

Leng Xingwen’s fan stilled. "The dragon vein realignment during his reign may explain certain physiological changes. As for the chimu…" His gaze grew distant, recalling cryptic manuscripts. "Some secrets remain buried."

……

Within the director’s sanctum, heavier discussions unfolded.

"Your Majesty, please take a seat. Allow me to prepare some tea," Xi Ning offered, effortlessly retrieving tea leaves and utensils from the nearby cabinet before setting a kettle to boil.

The office contained a sofa set where Yan Hua, the nominal host, had relinquished the central position to sit at the periphery. Xi Ning settled without ceremony, dragging an office chair into place.

"Speak your minds," Qin Shi Huang commanded. A ruler who couldn’t discern unspoken thoughts would hardly merit the title of timeless emperor. "We are listening."

The two modern men exchanged uneasy glances. The First Emperor’s unflappable composure rendered their own concerns almost embarrassingly trivial – fitting for one who styled himself both Ancestral Dragon and sovereign of sovereigns. Yet their message carried dangerous implications…

"Since Your Majesty permits," Xi Ning began, sparing Yan Hua from diplomatic duties with a practiced smile, "I’ll explain as I did for Ghost in Red and Leng Xingwen." His well-rehearsed speech contrasted modern egalitarianism with ancient hierarchies, though addressing an emperor about equality felt akin to teaching dragons flight.

Ancient Practitioners’ potential disdain for ordinary people paled against modern extraordinary individuals’ documented abuses. The irony wasn’t lost on Xi Ning as he measured his words.

"The current year is 2045," he continued, "two millennia and three centuries since your reign. Feudal dynasties ended over a century ago." He recited the Dynasty Song’s simplified chronology:

"Xia, Shang, Western Zhou’s span,

Eastern Zhou split in twain.

Spring and Autumn, Warring States,

Qin unites, Han’s dual reign.

Three Kingdoms divide the land,

Sui and Tang, Five Dynasties’ hand.

Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming, then Qing –

Thus imperial ages end."

Detailed history books awaited, Xi Ning suggested, carefully sidestepping temporal landmines.

"How long endured Qin?" The emperor’s question froze the room. Middle school students knew the brutal answer – fourteen years, barely outliving its founder.

Qin Shi Huang read their hesitation. "Five centuries?" he ventured, comparing to Xia’s longevity.

Xi Ning’s silence spoke volumes.

"Three hundred?" The imperial brow furrowed deeper.

"…"

"One hundred years." Qin Shi Huang’s voice hardened like forged steel.

"…"

"Don’t tell me it didn’t even survive fifty." The air thickened with suffocating silence as his words fell like a executioner’s blade.

"The Qin Dynasty collapsed during the Second Emperor’s reign," Xi Ning’s lips twisted bitterly, the words tasting like ash on his tongue. "Its reign lasted merely fourteen years."

An invisible tsunami of overwhelming pressure crashed down upon them. "Fusu!" The First Emperor’s voice cracked like thunder across ancestral temples. "To think my empire crumbled within two generations! How dare he face our ancestors in the afterlife!" His knuckles whitened around an imaginary sword hilt, the phantom weight of centuries pressing his shoulders downward.

Yan Hua stood rigid as seasoned oak, his military training anchoring him against the storm. Xi Ning meanwhile resembled parchment in monsoon winds, complexion draining to the pallor of grave soil. "Your Majesty!" Yan Hua forced out between gritted teeth, each word deliberate as a battlefield report. "We’re ordinary people – not Practitioners! This power… we can’t…"

The crushing force dwarfed even Leng Xingwen’s aura. Yet this was merely peripheral wrath – the dragon’s lashing tail rather than its focused wrath. Resistance proved as futile as sparrows challenging a hurricane.

"Continue." The command emerged glacial, though the storm behind it still brewed. A ruler’s discipline prevailed over paternal fury – this tempest wasn’t meant for mortal witnesses.

As the overwhelming pressure receded, Xi Ning gasped like a drowned man surfacing. His trembling fingers clutched at solid ground, heartbeat roaring in his ears. Never had mere air tasted so sweet.

"The Second Emperor… wasn’t Fusu." He lifted a trembling hand to wipe sweat colder than winter streams. "Hu Hai seized the throne. Though…" Quick inhale. "Qin’s legal codes endure even now. In this light… perhaps your legacy truly transcends millennia."

"Control your anger, Your Majesty." The plea slipped out before he could stop it. One more outburst might reduce his bones to dust. Why did protocol assign diplomacy to him instead of stone-faced Yan Hua? This crisis revealed alarming gaps in his Special Bureau training – no more hiding behind paperwork. The realization flickered through his mind like a spark destined to ignite future reforms.

"Historical records… may diverge from your understanding," Xi Ning ventured carefully. "Perhaps further discussion when…"

"Hu Hai?" The whisper carried the weight of collapsing palaces. How? When death’s curtain fell, Li Si’s shrewd eyes had watched, Meng Tian’s loyal blade stood guard! The imperial decree itself should have… What betrayal unraveled his designs?

The First Emperor’s brow furrowed like cracked jade, but regal composure returned. "This matter warrants later discussion." History’s tapestry couldn’t be unraveled in single sitting, nor mortal nerves withstand prolonged divine wrath.

Xi Ning’s relieved smile mirrored prisoners granted unexpected reprieve. The conqueror who unified warring states now displayed unexpected reason – yet shouldn’t this paradox define the man who first envisioned eternal empire?

What manner of sovereign was Emperor Qin? Debates raged across millennia. Tyrant? Visionary? Perhaps both. But none could deny – before or since, no mortal ever grasped the scepter with such world-reshaping ambition.

During the Qin Dynasty’s zenith, his gaze had swept across Huaxia’s civilized realms and found… nothing. No rivals worthy of his stratagems, no horizons beyond his reach. He stood where no man had stood – architect of empires, weaver of history’s fabric, his vision stretching beyond contemporaries’ comprehension into eternity’s embrace.

Years ago, Emperor Qin stood in Xianyang surveying his domain, finding neither rivals across the world nor challengers at his doorstep.

Thus he resolved to construct a palace with gates facing the Eastern Sea and vestibules anchoring Xianyang’s eastern quarter, transforming all Zhongxia into his personal courtyard.

He dispatched seafarers to seek immortality from celestial beings, for this mortal yearning remained the sole testament to his humanity…

From confronting tomb intruder Leng Xingwen upon awakening, to beholding the Jiuzhou barrier beyond imperial grounds, to encountering the Special Bureau’s modernity so alien to antiquity,

The First Emperor maintained unshakable composure.

None doubted the sovereign’s identity – a single glance confirmed his imperial essence, the title "First Emperor" coalescing around him like ancestral mantle.

"Pardon the distraction, Your Majesty." Xi Ning recalled himself with contrite bow.

"Proceed."

"We seek enlightenment through Your Majesty’s wisdom." The official measured each syllable, wary of misspeaking and the questions’ delicate nature.

"Would you pry into imperial tombs or resurrection?" Qin Shi Huang steepled fingers upon knees, piercing gaze anticipating queries.

"Both, if permitted."

"Though disclosure remains at Your Majesty’s discretion." Xi Ning hastily appended, knowing better than press monarchs. None dared compel the Dragon Throne’s will – not him, nor any mortal soul.

"Answers await my understanding of this latter-day world." The emperor’s tone carried finality.

Tomb secrets died with architects and laborers entombed as living guardians. Though startling, this revelation aligned with Xi Ning’s expectations.

"Might Your Majesty favor visiting Hanzhou City – ancient Xianyang reborn?" The offer hung delicately.

"Unnecessary."

Two millennia reduced former comrades to dust. Qin’s legacy transcended mere geography; nostalgia shackled only lesser minds.

Xi Ning hesitated before proposing: "Vacant chambers occupy this building’s Eighth Floor, though perhaps beneath imperial dignity…"

"That tier houses multiple Practitioners and extraordinary individuals," he added, recalling Leng Xingwen’s recent placement there.

A faint crease appeared between imperial brows. "Adequate, provided tranquility reigns."

Shelter mattered less than comprehending this strange new epoch. The Spiritual Energy Awakening unfolded precisely as foretold – even hermits like Leng Xingwen walked among men.

Every novelty intrigued the resurrected ruler: shifting constellations, transformed realms, this unprecedented golden age.

"I shall escort you personally." Xi Ning decided within breaths, distrusting others with this paramount duty.

"Director Yan, summon Young Master Leng for later consultation."

Guiding the sovereign elevator-ward, he explained: "We descend via mechanized lift, Your Majesty."

Eighth Floor Accommodation Area:

Among three residential tiers, twenty-seven chambers occupied this level – each featuring one-bedroom, one-living room layouts.

The floor boasted a fifty-seat commissary, leisure quarters, and perpetual staff presence. Alongside modern technology, rotating attendants maintained constant vigilance for residents’ needs.

The accommodations on the seventh to ninth floors generally followed this same layout.

The elevator on the Eighth Floor chimed as its doors slid open.

Su Guan, who’d been scrolling through Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s screenshots and short videos at the front desk, initially thought it was a returning colleague. Her eyes widened when she saw Deputy Director Xi Ning – then completely froze upon noticing the imperial figure beside him. Was she hallucinating from excessive video-watching?

"Su Guan." Xi Ning’s expression darkened at her dazed state, mortified by his subordinate’s lack of decorum. This was supposed to showcase the Special Bureau’s professionalism to the First Emperor, not disgrace it.

True to her name’s homophonic pun "Dorm Manager", Su Guan handled countless trivial matters across the seventh to ninth floors.

"You’re teasing me again, Deputy Director." She emerged from behind the desk with forced composure, cheeks flushing. Anyone would be overwhelmed meeting living history!

Steeling herself with bureaucratic professionalism, she bowed deeply. "Greetings, Your Majesty. I am Su Guan."

_Composure. Absolute composure._ Her racing heartbeat betrayed the mantra.

Qin Shi Huang observed her with imperial detachment, offering no acknowledgment.

"Su Guan manages all residence-related affairs," Xi Ning interjected. "She’ll assist with any needs during your stay. Let me show you to your quarters."

Producing a stack of keycards from the desk, Su Guan nodded confirmation. "Every matter shall be resolved promptly."

"Lead us to your finest suite – tranquil and comfortable."

_Naturally,_ Su Guan nearly blurted. Who’d house the First Emperor in anything less? Her smile turned professional as she guided them down the corridor.

Sunlit corner suites dominated the wing’s prime locations, their spacious layouts insulated from noise. With practiced ease, Su Guan swiped the keycard across the door sensor.

The renovated interior contrasted sharply with the building’s original state – once cramped storage rooms now transformed through well-funded efficiency.

"Consider this temporary accommodation until better arrangements are made," Xi Ning explained, drawing curtains to reveal furnished perfection – every modern convenience installed for immediate occupancy.

The truth behind "temporary" lay in the Capital City outskirts where new headquarters rose, its dual-structure design promising enhanced security for the Bureau’s expanding ranks of extraordinary individuals and ancient practitioners.

"Su Guan will deliver history books shortly," Xi Ning added after her room orientation.

A regal nod served as the emperor’s sole response.

"We’ll take our leave. Remember – His Majesty values privacy." Xi Ning fixed Su Guan with a meaningful look. "Restrict Eighth Floor access accordingly."

"Of course, Deputy Director."

"Come. We mustn’t disturb His Majesty’s rest."

“Yes.”

Though Su Guan longed to linger, she understood professional priorities took precedence.

The Special Bureau recruited from multiple departments, strictly prohibiting nepotism or underhanded dealings. While admittedly unmotivated at times, she’d earned her place through rigorous trials testing both scholarly aptitude and combat prowess.

Their recruitment standards demanded versatility – handling administrative duties during peacetime and mobilizing for field operations during crises.

Despite her languid demeanor, the young woman could easily run fifteen hundred meters without breaking much of a sweat.

In the chamber,

Qin Shi Huang approached the window, his inscrutable gaze sweeping across the forest of steel-and-glass towers beyond.

*

“The director wants you.” Lin Jing announced, setting down the receiver.

“Seems their discussion concluded.” Leng Xingwen rose with contemplative grace, addressing the assembled colleagues. “I’ll take my leave then. We’ll reconvene when schedules permit.”

“Hold.” Lin Jing’s interruption carried theatrical hesitation. “Between us? The director’s… temperamental. Best consider his words through that lens.”

Every head swiveled toward him.

“What? You’d deny sharing this sentiment?”

A chorus of coughs answered as eyes darted away. None could refute the common knowledge – their director’s abrasive communication style defied all diplomatic salvaging.

“Fear not. I shan’t quarrel with a ‘childling’.” Leng Xingwen’s smile held blade-sharp edges.

The mental image of their grizzled director being termed “child” provoked silent incredulity. Practitioners truly perceive reality through bizarre prisms.

“Just recalled unfinished business.” Cui Ming bolted upright.

“My research demands attention.” Elder Lü’s chair screeched backward.

“Xiao Tianji awaits.” Liang An already hovered near the exit.

“Qin Dynasty archives require verification.” Shi Fan practically sprinted out, mentally scheduling a cardiac checkup after today’s absurdities.

Within moments, the cavernous meeting room stood deserted save for Lin Jing.

“As if I’ve naught to do?” He stormed out, door slamming like punctuation to his sarcasm.

The director’s office greeted Leng Xingwen with Yan Hua alone presiding over steaming teacups.

The delicate fragrance betrayed superior brewing skills – undoubtedly Xi Ning’s work, given Yan Hua’s previous offerings of tepid water.

“Xi Ning arrives shortly.” Yan Hua gestured to an armchair, demeanor subtly altered since their Lishan expedition.

Leng Xingwen accepted the seat without ceremony.

As silence thickened, Yan Hua poured jasmine tea with uncharacteristic courtesy. “Xi Ning’s preparation. Remarkable quality.”

“High praise indeed from you.” The practitioner snapped his fan shut, inhaling the bouquet before observing dancing tea leaves. “Adequate.” He conceded after a measured sip.

After waiting a while longer, the door opened to admit a new arrival.

"Enjoying the tea? How does my brewing fare?" Xi Ning inquired with a smile, settling into his seat and sampling the perfectly tempered cup before him.

"Though our acquaintance is recent, allow formal introductions. I am Leng Xingwen," the silver-haired youth declared, setting down his porcelain cup with a practiced gesture of clasped hands.

"Xi Ning, Deputy Director of the Special Bureau. My duties have kept me abroad until recently."

"Yet Young Master Leng’s reputation precedes him across continents."

"Regarding Yan Hua’s earlier conduct, I extend apologies on his behalf. His… forthright manner often brews conflict, though governance demands certain regrettable necessities."

"Quite understandable," Leng Xingwen’s fan fluttered like a pale moth, his gaze drifting toward the silent Yan Hua. "Had matters been otherwise, the Director himself wouldn’t have come bearing invitations."

Xi Ning leaned forward, fingers steepled. "The Jiuzhou dragon vein realignment—our initial distrust requires addressing."

The fan stilled. "Distrust flowed both ways, Deputy Director. My own reservations equaled yours."

"Regarding the Jiuzhou barrier," Leng Xingwen continued unabated, "full disclosure wasn’t my intention initially. Yet circumstances compel candor now."

Xi Ning’s eyebrow twitched at this unexpected frankness. Some diplomatic dances required no encore.

"We comprehend the dragon vein restructuring," he pressed, "but the barrier’s implications remain obscure. Your actions stirred global attention—Blue Star’s nations demand explanations, as do two billion witnesses to Xiao Tianji’s… dramatic broadcast."

The number hung crystalline between them. Two billion eyes—foreign internet users drawn not by language but by cataclysmic visuals, Hollywood special effects made flesh through roiling earth and shimmering energy veils.

Leng Xingwen’s fan tapped a pensive rhythm against his palm before snapping shut. "Since Xiao’s live streaming exposed our workings, full disclosure becomes inevitable. The Jiuzhou barrier’s origins trace to antiquity, when human cultivators wove benevolent fortune into protective weft. Spiritual Energy’s decline eroded its potency."

"Qin Dynasty’s First Emperor altered dragon veins to rouse the barrier-born four spirits," he continued, words painting ancient tapestries. "Imperial mandate fused with sorcerous arts, channeling earthly veins to sustain them. When dragon veins shattered six centuries past, our ancestors sacrificed secret realm treasures to preserve the spirits’ essence."

"Recent Spiritual Energy’s Awakening revived the veins. We acted to reforge what emperors once wrought—using the imperial seal as barrier’s keystone, as the First Emperor did."

"Why secrecy?" Xi Ning’s teacup met its saucer with porcelain finality. "Collaboration might have served better."

Leng Xingwen’s smile turned blade-sharp. "Six centuries back, imperial decree severed those same veins. Days past, when earth itself trembled warnings, your Bureau slumbered. History’s wheel turns, yet institutions…" A shrug fluttered silk sleeves. "The seal’s power cannot risk individual hands."

Xi Ning’s knuckles whitened on armrests. "You emerge from centuries-hidden realms yet presume to judge modern governance? Prejudice denies us redemption’s chance."

"Mechanisms failed. Consequences were miscalculated." The Deputy Director stood, formal bow belying steel-toned words. "But evolution requires opportunity. Will you grant it?"

The fan unfurled slowly, silk landscapes quivering—mountains giving way to rivers, dragons coiling through mist. When Leng Xingwen spoke again, his voice carried autumn’s ambiguity, promising neither frost nor harvest: "Opportunity, Deputy Director, often arrives unannounced. Like uninvited guests… or inconvenient truths."

The earthquake’s magnitude was minor, resulting in negligible damage. It was precisely this perception that caused them not to prioritize the situation initially.

However, as Leng Xingwen explained, activating the Jiuzhou barrier had evidently prevented greater calamities. From his analysis of the live stream, he speculated that Huaxia’s Awakening of Spiritual Energy would only conclude with the barrier’s full restoration.

"I’ve consulted with leadership," Xi Ning stated.

"We propose fostering mutual understanding. Since the secret realm can’t compare to the outside world, you’ll inevitably leave it eventually. Before that occurs, perhaps we could establish cooperative relations?"

"If agreeable, our Commander wishes to meet with your decision-makers for discussions."

"I’ve prepared comprehensive plans for cultural exchange. We can elaborate further if your side shows interest." Xi Ning maintained a composed demeanor, his tone measured and cordial.

"This decision exceeds my authority," Leng Xingwen responded pensively. "I must consult our elders, though I anticipate their approval. Your reasoning about our eventual departure from the secret realm is sound."

"Excellent news." Xi Ning exhaled in relief, recognizing this as a promising foundation.

"Regarding the First Emperor’s revival – what intelligence do you possess? Could similar events recur?"

"Ancient texts mentioned such resurgences, though I never anticipated awakening him personally. As for future occurrences…" Leng Xingwen spread his hands. "That knowledge escapes me."

"Though likely not. Few could replicate such monumental disturbances. Altering the Jiuzhou dragon vein… perhaps only that Emperor-slaying incident rivals His Majesty’s feat."

Xi Ning privately agreed – another such event might prove fatal to his cardiovascular endurance.

"You claimed the imperial seal controls the Jiuzhou barrier, yet it appears purely defensive."

"The records are ambiguous about its full capabilities. For precise answers, we’d need to consult the First Emperor himself."

Leng Xingwen chuckled dryly. "Given the seal remains with its original sovereign, my retrieval mission seems obsolete." He flexed his fan-hand subtly. "Challenging the artifact’s sole legitimate owner exceeds my capabilities. Moreover, the Emperor’s stewardship alleviates previous security concerns."

Yan Hua observed silently as the productive dialogue unfolded, noting the positive trajectory.

Their discussion halted abruptly when celestial radiance erupted beyond the window.

"What’s—"

Leng Xingwen’s exclamation died as the luminous assault collided with the shimmering Jiuzhou barrier. The scholar rushed to the window, fan creaking under tightened fingers.

"Explain this phenomenon." Xi Ning joined him, eyes narrowed against the glare.

"The Jiuzhou barrier repels external threats." Leng Xingwen’s profile hardened. "Two distinct forces clash – the inward surge triggered our defenses."

On the Eighth Floor, Qin Shi Huang observed the celestial struggle. The jade seal glimmered within his sleeve as he pronounced: "No foreign intrusion shall violate Huaxia’s sanctity."

The artifact’s glow condensed into a golden mote that streaked skyward, merging with the barrier. Suddenly invigorated, the defensive matrix erupted in scintillating splendor, its luminous canopy overwhelming the invasive beams.

Within moments, the foreign light recoiled beyond Huaxia’s borders. The barrier’s radiance dimmed, leaving pristine azure skies – no evidence remained of the confrontation.

Back in the office, Leng Xingwen turned from the window. "Whatever breached the barrier warrants thorough investigation."

"Already underway," Xi Ning affirmed. The Special Bureau needed no prompting for such imperatives.

"I’ll convey your proposals to our elders. Delaying until Youyang’s return would be inefficient." Leng Xingwen gathered his notes.

"Your cooperation is appreciated."

"Mutually beneficial," the scholar countered. With such visible celestial phenomena, public disclosure became inevitable. Since the Spiritual Network’s launch, crafting plausible narratives superseded secrecy efforts.

Post-meeting, Xi Ning reviewed Liang An’s intelligence dossier. Western meddling rivaled domestic disturbances in scale.

"Spiritual Network alert," Xu Li announced, phone illuminating his face. "Satellite imagery confirms European-origin anomalies." He extended the device to Yang Xingyu. "Brother Yang, you’ll want to see this."

The weightlifter examined footage showing nine luminous pillars forming a hemispheric web. When the construct reached Asian airspace, it encountered immovable resistance before retreating westward.

"European experiments?" Yang Xingyu’s eyes narrowed. "Any official explanations?"

"Only Xiao Tianji’s broadcast analysis about dragon vein realignment completing the Awakening." Xu Li scrolled through updates. "Internal theories suggest the previous Spiritual Energy surge was partial, now finalized through geographical restructuring."

Yang Xingyu whistled. "Explains the desert reclamation projects. If Europe’s…" His voice trailed off, implications hanging heavy.