Chapter 282: Ambitious Designs and Grand Schemes

Are we thinking big?

Upon hearing Zhu Qiang’s complaint, Luo Peng froze and glanced at Xu Hao in disbelief. “Brother Hao, hasn’t it always been like this? Isn’t it, Brother Hao?”

“Uh…”

Caught off guard by the question, Xu Hao was momentarily at a loss for words.

To be honest, when he first saw the design blueprint that Luo Peng unveiled, his thoughts were the same as Zhu Qiang’s. But now, Luo Peng’s remark had him completely stumped.

The main design plan showed an expansive lake with a mountain at its center—its slopes dotted with clusters of ancient buildings and gigantic stone trees.

It didn’t seem like they were just constructing a competition venue; they were literally creating an island in the lake. This island was planned to be directly north of Taiyi Hospital, occupying a vast area that even encroached on the guesthouse by the river.

“President Luo, we’re hosting an international magic competition,”

while Zhu Qiang added with a wry smile.

In his view, finishing the project in just over three months would be as challenging as constructing Lutai and Zhaixing Pavilion—if not more so.

“General Zhu, it’s precisely because we’re hosting an international magic contest that the design is like this. International magicians don’t perform only indoors—especially for large-scale tricks, outdoor settings are essential.”

According to my design, there will be mountains, water, a grand hall, lush trees, and massive rocks—every backdrop element they could desire. Most importantly, once the lake is completed, it won’t just create a scenic water feature; it will also serve as a mini-reservoir for Mingsha City.

Especially in summer—these past few days, heavy rains have frequently lashed the northwest. A lake like this could significantly help manage the water.

Luo Peng quickly added,

“Is Little Luo suggesting that we connect this artificial lake with the existing river?”

Xu Hao’s expression shifted.

“Yeah, Brother Hao. Besides tackling the rainwater problem, this lake could also become a water hub for Mingsha City. It would allow access to other attractions along the river.”

Luo Peng immediately began gesturing on the blueprint.

According to his plan, a channel would be carved out on the south side of the artificial lake. This channel would run along the east side of Taiyi Hospital and eventually connect with the small lake at Oasis 1.

In addition, another channel on the east side of the small lake would eventually join with the northern entrance of the Qingming Scroll.

“The idea sounds great, but do we have time? The excavation work is massive!”

After a moment’s thought,

Xu Hao nodded.

To be honest, Xu Hao was quite intrigued by Luo Peng’s explanation.

After all, Mingsha City truly needed such a feature.

“Brother Hao, I’ve spoken with Engineer Li. We can definitely finish it on time! All the earth excavated from the lake will be transported to the mountain at its center—efficient and without waste!”

Luo Peng quickly nodded in agreement.

“Ancient buildings at the lake’s center?”

Xu Hao and Zhu Qiang eagerly flipped through the detailed plans beneath the main blueprint—they had only seen the overall layout, not the specifics of the central island.

“Brother Hao, I’m not too familiar with ancient architecture, so I referenced some designs from Penglai. Many of the layouts were inspired by that style!”

At the mention of the island’s buildings, Luo Peng awkwardly scratched his head.

Though he had spent the last two years working with Xu Hao on mixing modern interiors with ancient facades, for more challenging pure ancient designs, they would still need Xu Hao’s magic touch.

“So you used Penglai’s architecture as a reference—are you aiming for a Penglai Pavilion?”

Zhu Qiang quickly pulled out additional blueprints.

After all, Penglai’s most famous structure is the Penglai Pavilion.

In Long Kingdom, Penglai Pavilion sits atop Danya Mountain in northern Penglai City, celebrated alongside Yellow Crane Tower, Yueyang Tower, and Tengwang Pavilion as one of the nation’s four great pavilions.

The Penglai ancient complex covers over 30,000 square meters and consists of six sections: Mituo Temple, Dragon King Palace, Heavenly Empress Palace, Penglai Pavilion, Sanqing Hall, and Lu Zu Hall.

Beneath Penglai Pavilion is the exquisitely designed Immortal Bridge—legend has it that the Eight Immortals once crossed here. To the east lie Shangqing Palace, Lu Zu Hall, Puzhao Tower, and Guanlan Pavilion; on the west are the Shelter Pavilion, Heavenly Empress Palace, Theater, and Dragon King Palace.

These buildings, with their varied heights and harmonious layout, collectively form the renowned ‘Penglai Pavilion’ complex.

Before the rise of Mingsha City, the Penglai Pavilion complex was regarded as one of the most beautiful ancient assemblages.

The main structure of Penglai Pavilion crowns Danya Mountain. Standing 15 meters tall, this north-facing, two-story wooden building is surrounded by open galleries—perfect for tourists to savor the vista.

“Brother Hao, here’s my thought: Penglai Pavilion in eastern Long Kingdom attracts tourists not just because of its seaside ancient clusters, but also due to the striking mirages. They’re not only seen over the sea—deserts have them too! I remember witnessing a few as a kid. If we build our artificial mountain high enough, we might even capture a desert mirage.”

Luo Peng further explained.

“Penglai Pavilion,”

Gazing at the blueprints, Xu Hao once again fell into deep thought.

After a long pause, he finally looked up at Luo Peng, “So what about the competition venue? Are you planning to place it within Penglai Pavilion, or…”

“Brother Hao, I plan to build a grand hall on this central island—named Penglai Grand Hall—and use it as the main competition venue.”

Luo Peng added,

“Penglai Grand Hall. Why not? If we’re basing everything on Penglai, we might as well finish it all in one go—so we won’t run out of space for any future plans!”

Xu Hao picked up a pen, circled an area on the main blueprint, then stood up and moved to the sand table. “We can expand this small lake and add three extra islands!”

Xu Hao pointed at the sand table.

“What? Three extra artificial islands?”

This time, Luo Peng was taken aback.

“Yeah, without the Three Immortal Mountains, Penglai is incomplete! Although we can’t create the real Three Immortal Mountains, using three islands as substitutes works. Moreover, constructing them will help offset much of the lake’s excavation workload!”

Xu Hao nodded.

“Three Immortal Mountains, my dear,”

while Zhu Qiang was left speechless—he thought Luo Peng had already gone all out for the international magic contest, yet now…

After hearing the plan, Xu Hao grew even more animated!

The Three Immortal Mountains are located in Penglai City, Eastern Province of Long Kingdom, right across from Penglai Pavilion.

The Han Shu · Annals of Sacrificial Ceremonies records: “Its legend lies within the Bohai Sea, not far from civilization… It is said that those who reach it find all the immortals and the elixir of life. All creatures are pure white, and gold and silver form the palaces. From afar, it looks like clouds; upon arrival, the mountains appear submerged, the wind sweeps them away, and one can never truly reach those clouds.”

This can truly be called a bona fide ‘Immortal Mountain.’

Most importantly, the scenery of the Three Immortal Mountains rivals—even surpasses—that of the Penglai ancient complex.

It boasts the Sanhe Grand Hall, the Fanghu Victory Realm, Yingzhou Immortal Scene, Yingzhou Academy, and the Treasure Pavilion, among others. Towering pavilions with upturned eaves and glorious splendor blend with ancient trees, exotic rock formations, rippling blue waters, and playful rare birds, merging the majesty of northern royal gardens with southern private landscapes—a perfect vision of harmony between man and nature.

Scholars have hailed the Three Immortal Mountains Scenic Area as another exemplar of classical gardens, following Long Kingdom’s Yuanmingyuan and the Summer Palace—attesting to its significance!

“Brother Hao, won’t building the Three Immortal Mountains be too over the top? If tourists realize we’re recreating the Three Immortal Mountains, they’ll definitely compare them to the ones in Eastern Province. Their version has the sea, while ours is just a massive artificial lake; they simply can’t compare!”

Coming back to reality,

a startled Luo Peng hesitated to speak.

Besides its ancient structures, the Three Immortal Mountains are steeped in myth. Historical records tell of Emperor Qin Shi Huang and Emperor Wu of Han seeking immortality here. Legend even says that Qin’s alchemist Xu Fu, sent by the First Emperor, sailed into the Eastern Sea in search of the elixir, and the famous ‘Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea’ tale also originates from here.

In Long Kingdom’s traditional mythology, the Celestial Patriarch established his Fahui Sect at Biyou Palace on Penglai Island. Despite housing the largest number of immortals—many evolved from spirit beasts and considered less authentic—it remains the most influential faction among the three teachings, celebrated as ‘worshiped by all gods, with myriad immortals paying homage.’

Xu Hao continued, “So what will we do if tourists still want to see Biyou Palace?” “Are you worried that they’ll compare the Eight Immortals and Biyou Palace with our Three Immortal Mountains?”

Xu Hao looked over at Luo Peng.

Just by their expressions—Luo Peng and Zhu Qiang—he could easily read their thoughts.

“Hmm!”

“That won’t be a problem. If Jixia Academy can evoke an ethereal vibe, then the Three Immortal Mountains and Biyou Palace surely can too! The final result might not even be inferior. Tonight, once we’ve settled the Grandfather, the three of us can regroup and plan. Although three months is tight, with optimal resource allocation, it may very well be possible!”

Xu Hao waved his hand dismissively.

Ever since the debacle with the ancient costume performance hall, even without Kunlun Mountain’s marble, jade, and the Daoist Master’s enchantments, throwing together a few ethereal buildings has been no problem at all.

“Brother Hao, one more thing—what about the lake water? Building three extra islands will require a vast area, and relying solely on the river’s water might not be enough.”

Luo Peng couldn’t help but add,

“Lake water? With this cold weather, we can transport ice directly from outside!”

“Transport ice?”

Luo Peng and Zhu Qiang exchanged exasperated glances once more.

It turned out

their ideas were still far too conservative—in comparison, they were like grandchildren meeting their grandfather.

Meanwhile,

just as Luo Peng’s suggestion of building Penglai and the Three Immortal Mountains resurfaced, in H Country, Park Qi Ye and Cui Xiaozhong glanced at their computer screens and finally smiled with satisfaction.

“Good! This is exactly the effect we want!”

Leaning back in his chair with a look that spoke of long-awaited vindication, Park Qi Ye paused before adding,

“The only issue now is where Mingsha City plans to situate their competition venue. If it’s placed in the grand hall behind the altar, that would be perfect!”

“President, that’s unlikely! I’ve heard that Mingsha City intends to build a new venue rather than use the ancient costume performance hall.”

Upon hearing this, Cui Xiaozhong let out a soft sigh, unable to hide his disappointment.

Although he understood Park Qi Ye’s intentions, Mingsha City had always been unpredictable. “Hmm? Not using the ancient costume performance hall? Why not? Isn’t it a ready-made competition venue? What will Mingsha City do with it?”

Park Qi Ye furrowed his brows.

“President, I’ve heard that Mingsha City plans to repurpose that exhibition hall…”

Ding dong! Just as Cui Xiaozhong was about to share his news with Park Qi Ye, a phone started ringing unexpectedly.