Chapter 278: New Beginnings Amid Trials

That’s true! Even if it’s just a provincial competition, with Haozi’s nature he wouldn’t do a sloppy job!

Upon hearing the details,

Fang Hou nodded in firm agreement.

Previously, a forum at the Ancient Architecture Research Institute had scared off even the Film Festival; let alone a competition boasting ‘international’ in its title.

“So then.”

Luo Peng shot Fang Hou a knowing look.

“So what’s your plan? Did Haozi give you any blueprints or a proposal?”

After a brief pause, Fang Hou inquired further,

“No! Brother Hao only mentioned that it should resemble an ancient structure. It must not be built in the Xianxia Zone or the Historic District, and all other details are up to you!”

Luo Peng shook his head.

“He wants you to have free rein?”

“Yes!”

“And what about the funding?”

“He didn’t say much. He only mentioned that this project would be charged to Mingsha Tourism’s account.”

“On Mingsha Tourism’s account? President Luo, this time Haozi has given you extensive authority—practically handing the entire project over to you.”

Fang Hou was taken aback.

“That’s why the pressure’s on. With the International Magic Competition at the end of April, do you think I can afford to slack off? I haven’t even finalized the proposal yet—and once it’s done, I still have to get Engineer Li to verify its feasibility.”

Luo Peng turned to gaze toward Wudi City.

“So why don’t you focus on your own tasks tomorrow? I’ll source someone else here. Managing a security agency isn’t exactly rocket science.”

After a moment’s pause, Fang Hou couldn’t help adding,

“That’s not a problem—as long as it’s our team on the construction site, watching them work might even spark some inspiration, especially for the finer details.”

Luo Peng immediately countered,

“No need for that.”

“Alright then. If you need my assistance, just say the word and I’ll find someone.”

“Yes!”

As night deepened,

in Wudi City, although it was well past midnight, the Ancient Building Courtyard where Xu Hao resided still glowed with lights.

While ordinary staff could finally get some rest, Xu Hao found no such luxury. In fact, he was busier these days than he had been during the construction of Lutai and Zhaixing Pavilion.

“Phew! Finally done!”

In his study, Xu Hao closed his eyes for about half an hour before exhaling a deep, relieved sigh.

Up to now,

he had finally mastered the two books left behind by Daoist Master—especially the one on the Self-Cultivation for constructing Taoist temples, which met all the listed criteria.

“Science? Perhaps the moment I crossed over, those two words lost all meaning!”

Glancing at his wrist, Xu Hao murmured to himself.

At that moment, a small cauldron tattoo had appeared on his left wrist, while his right now sported a seven-story square-roofed hall tattoo.

One tattoo had materialized after his visit to the Grand Hall that fateful night, and the other emerged once he fully grasped Daoist Master’s two books.

“But if we question logic, what purpose does a mark serve?”

Coming back to his senses,

Xu Hao glanced toward the sand table model of Mingsha City off in the distance.

Although he now had a vague understanding of certain things, he himself appeared unchanged—aside from the two new tattoos on his arms. He looked just like an ordinary person, without those flashy techniques seen on TV or the supernatural feats of webnovel heroes. He still skipped breakfast, got hungry, and if he held it in too long, nature would call, not to mention the odor after days without a shower.

“So, life goes on as usual—if it’s time to settle down, then I’ll settle down!”

Rising,

he tossed Daoist Master’s two books into the shredder.

Before leaving, Daoist Master had declared that should one day a person master the contents of those books, they must destroy them and never let anyone else read them.

Now, Xu Hao had indeed kept his promise.

“After taking Daoist Master’s things—and having used them in Jixia Academy and at the Langya Mountain Altar—I’ll head over to the Xianxia Zone tomorrow to assess the situation. Even if Daoist Master returns and can’t finish building Wuzhuang Temple, I must at least erect something worthy in his honor!”

After a pause,

Xu Hao moved toward the sand table.

Theoretically, in Mingsha City, he could manage to build Lutai, Zhaixing Pavilion, and even Jixia Academy. Constructing a Taoist temple shouldn’t be too challenging, no matter how complex the process.

But in reality, only Xu Hao truly understood the immense difficulty of building Wuzhuang Temple.

Not to mention,

just the foundation alone was enough to give top construction firms a fright.

According to Daoist Master’s blueprints, Wuzhuang Temple’s foundation had to be exactly three chi and three zhang deep. The first layer required copper foil, above which two chi of Kunlun Mountain jade was laid, followed by a layer of pine wood, then another layer of Kunlun Mountain material, immediately topped with two chi of ice, and finally filled with yellow earth.

Not only was the process intricate, but the sheer cost of these materials was astronomical.

“I just hope that once Wuzhuang Temple is built, it doesn’t look too fantastical—otherwise, I’ll be forced to explain it all over again.”

Muttering to himself,

Xu Hao took a small flag beside the sand table and planted it next to the Demon-Locking Tower in the Xianxia Zone.

In the Long Kingdom, with a population of two billion,

even though it was bedtime, many, like Xu Hao, were still hard at work.

Over in Yan City at the TV station,

Han Lijun and a cadre of senior executives were in a year-end meeting.

At that hour, in such an establishment, it was far from time to sleep.

“We all know last year’s results. If it weren’t for Mingsha City finally launching ‘A Bite of the Long Kingdom’ during the Cultural Expo and scoring impressive ratings and acclaim, I’d ask: do we have anything worth showing for the remainder of the year? Ask yourselves—do we still deserve to lead the ratings?”

Scanning the room,

Han Lijun’s expression turned grim.

Last year, several Yan City TV blockbusters were tied to Mingsha City; aside from that, nothing else stood out. How could Han Lijun not be furious?

More importantly, some production executives had grown overly reliant on Haofang Culture, always eyeing them with envy, wishing they’d continuously provide projects for Yan City TV.

That simply wasn’t feasible.

Even if Yan City TV and Haofang Culture were closely linked, not every project could be a joint venture.

“Leader, we…”

Several executives hesitated before ultimately bowing their heads in silence.

“Alright, before the New Year, every production director must submit another proposal. I want to see real effort from everyone!”

Glancing at the time, Han Lijun continued, “That’s all for today—meeting adjourned!”

A collective sigh filled the room as everyone relaxed. Moments later, only Han Lijun and Ren Long remained.

“Leader, projects over the past two years have been tough to manage with so much similarity. It’s normal for our directors to keep an eye on Haofang Culture whenever they launch a hit.”

While helping Han Lijun tidy up, Ren Long added,

“Them? What could they possibly coordinate with Haofang Culture? When they go, will they meet Mr. Fang of Haofang Culture or Mr. Xu of Haofang Agency? Haofang Culture only needs you. They should look elsewhere to fill gaps when Haofang Culture isn’t busy.”

Han Lijun shot Ren Long a glance.

“Leader.”

A bit chastised, Ren Long flushed red.

“By the way, give Mr. Fang a call in the next couple of days to check when the Yun Province TV project will kick off.”

After a brief silence,

Han Lijun looked toward Ren Long.

In truth, while he had earlier scolded the production directors during the meeting, he had already met Xu Hao when he led the live broadcast team to Mingsha City for the Cultural Expo, and they had finalized the next project.

“Leader, Mr. Fang mentioned that after the New Year they’ll begin a costume comedy with Yun Province TV. It shouldn’t take too long.”

Ren Long hurriedly replied, “Alright, just stay in touch with Mr. Fang. The next project is a costume sci-fi drama. Haofang Culture might need our station’s help, particularly with registrations and approvals.”

Han Lijun sighed deeply.

Although he claimed not to fixate on Haofang Culture, he feared their next project might be snatched away by another station.

“Huh? A costume sci-fi drama? What kind of show is that?”

Not paying attention was one thing,

but as soon as Ren Long mentioned it, he was momentarily stunned.

Up north in Lanstarr, many regions experienced distinct four seasons;

but in the south, that wasn’t the case at all.

In New Country, the weather felt like summer all year long—even in the first month of the Long Kingdom’s new calendar, people still roamed in short sleeves and shorts.

Inside a modest two-story apartment, a woman in her forties and a man busied themselves packing. They occasionally quarreled over what to bring, while a child of around ten lingered nearby.

“The northwestern winds in the Long Kingdom stir up so much sand. One down jacket just isn’t enough,”

the woman complained as she glanced at the nearly full suitcase, then continued sharply,

“Maybe we should buy you another when we get to Haishi in the Long Kingdom? I’ve been there—there isn’t even a decent mall.”

The man shot her a look and replied,

“It’s unnecessary! Mingsha City’s commercial streets are packed with designer brands! Besides, it’s just a New Year visit—do we really need to go all out?”

Just then,

a man appeared at the door. He glanced at the pair and spoke coolly.

The man was none other than Xu Hao’s Third Brother, Xu Chen.

“Just a New Year visit? Third Brother, what do you mean? Your brother-in-law left a top company in Country M last year just to help out Old Six, didn’t he? Seeing how hard Old Six has been struggling alone, you had to step in. This time, you’re meant to stay in Mingsha City and work!”

At that, the woman straightened up and shot Xu Chen an irritated glare.

“Just because he was laid off doesn’t mean you can dress it up all high and mighty. Besides, Old Six has plenty of top executives—he doesn’t need more career managers!”

Xu Chen gave the woman a cool glance.

This woman was none other than Xu Hui, the eldest of the Xu Family, and with her was her husband, Su Jie.

The couple had come to New Country from Country M half a year ago to seek a new life, and upon hearing that Grandfather would be spending the New Year in Mingsha City, they were overjoyed.

While others were still preparing, they had already begun packing.