Chapter 324: Entertainment at Mingsha Fudi

“Leader, this project remains purely for entertainment! We’re positioning it in the northern sector of Mingsha Fudi with a focus on traditional cultural settings.”

Before anyone could respond,

the Deputy Leader hurriedly interjected.

“Traditional cultural settings? Like a roller coaster ride?”

“Exactly! I heard from the staff over there – this project is modeled after Dino Park’s ‘Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.’ They’ll replicate it here too,”

he continued, “although with different cultural elements. At Dino Park, visitors pass by mountains, waterfalls, and even see small animals.”

“It sounds harmless enough. So why did you warn us to brace ourselves mentally?”

Snapping back to focus,

the Chief Leader admitted he was puzzled – it didn’t seem like a big deal.

“Leader, the concept and design are spot on, but a few of the traditional cultural scenes are a bit too eerie!”

the Deputy Leader said under his breath.

“Eerie?”

“Yes! According to the staff, this project called ‘Soaring Through the Three Realms’ will feature scenes like the Ghost Gate, Yama’s Court, the Eighteen Levels of Hell, and the Bridge of Helplessness.”

The Deputy Leader nodded in agreement.

“Ghost Gate?”

The Chief Leader paused in surprise but quickly recovered, not as worried as one might expect.

“Honestly, I don’t see a problem! Nowadays, attractions featuring Ghost Gate and Yama’s Court are common in trendy spots – some even dress up ‘Old Meng Po’ to sell her soup!”

He continued, “The public is so used to it that a roller coaster ride through these scenes should be fine.”

After a brief pause, he looked towards the Deputy Leader.

“So you’re not stepping in? But I feel like Mingsha City already reported this – it might not be as simple as it seems.”

The Deputy Leader fell silent for a moment.

“If it’s just these few scenes, it’s really no big deal – I’d even say it’s less troubling than Lanruo Temple.”

The Chief Leader added,

“Then let it proceed naturally?”

“Yes! It’s nothing to worry about.”

Under the vast night sky, while beasts returned to their dens, Mingsha City remained brightly lit. As more late-night attractions emerged, the city was slowly turning into a metropolis that never slept.

Especially in the Xianxia Zone,

waves of tourists poured toward the gates of Lanruo Temple.

Over time, a few tourists managed to stagger out, unable to fully describe the bizarre encounters inside Lanruo Temple – only adding to its mysterious and eerie aura.

“Isn’t that a bit too…”

Beside Blood Lake, Xu Hao frowned as he stared at Lanruo Temple, its main gate adorned with white lanterns.

“City Master, in my view, President Luo’s idea is brilliant. You know what’s inside – it can’t really hurt anyone! Most of the characters are kind hearts. It’s better to keep them at Lanruo Temple than to send them straight to the Langya Altar.”

Upon hearing this,

You Gong looked at Xu Hao with a complicated expression.

“You and Little Luo really…”

Xu Hao couldn’t help but smile wryly and shake his head.

You Gong and Luo Peng made a perfect team – one would suggest an idea and the other would immediately perfect it without flaw, then go all out to execute it.

Lanruo Temple might be one thing, but after all the commotion at the Entertainment City today, the two were undeniably “irreplaceable.”

At Dino Park, while others launched ‘Soaring World,’ they simply used talisman water to let people relive their past lives – turning one’s history into a cinematic experience.

Who on earth could come up with such an idea? Of course it caused a sensation.

“City Master, you called me here tonight because…”

Mentioning the entertainment project, You Gong’s face betrayed a hint of unease, so he casually shifted the topic.

“Here’s the thing – Wuzhuang Temple is nearly finished; we’re just a few steps away. But I’m a bit short-handed and need your help.”

Getting down to business,

Xu Hao glanced into the dark behind him.

In the vague light, he could see ancient structures standing not far off, and next to the Ancient Architecture Complex was the Demon-Locking Tower, its doors already closed to visitors.

“Ah? You’re nearly done already?”

You Gong was taken aback.

Remember, when Xu Hao was absent, he’d helped out – and back then, so much more was left to do. How quickly has time passed?

Besides, Xu Hao devoted most of his time to the northern stretch of the Qingming Scroll.

“It hasn’t been that fast – it’s been nearly two years since Master Cangshan left.”

Xu Hao waved his hand dismissively.

Honestly, Wuzhuang Temple is the slowest project in Mingsha City – even the metro is faster.

Of course,

it wasn’t that he didn’t want to finish sooner; Wuzhuang Temple’s material standards are incredibly high – much time was spent sourcing supplies.

This time, he needed You Gong’s help to lay down the five-colored soil in the backyard.

Once the five-colored soil was in place, Wuzhuang Temple would be considered complete, waiting only for Daoist Master Cangshan to return before its official opening.

“So, when do you plan to…”

At the mention of Master Cangshan,

You Gong grew even more uneasy, his eyes darting around.

“The day after tomorrow in the afternoon!”

After a moment’s thought, Xu Hao set a date.

He explained that tonight he’d handle some other arrangements – some matters wouldn’t be resolved until the day after tomorrow.

“The day after tomorrow in the afternoon.”

At the mention of the time, You Gong’s eyes flashed with a hint of embarrassment.

Ding dong. Just as he was bracing himself to explain, Xu Hao’s phone suddenly rang.

Glancing at his phone, Xu Hao nodded to You Gong before stepping aside to take the call.

Seizing the opportunity, You Gong quickly pulled out his phone and discreetly dialed his apprentice’s number. “Wu Yun, tell the supplier for ginseng seeds, polygonum multiflorum seeds, and Lingzhi mushroom spores that I’ve got plans the day after tomorrow afternoon. They must deliver quietly to Mingsha City by then. The same goes for the Kunlun Jade mountain material.”

“Oh, and

also postpone the delivery of the century-old pagoda tree wood.”

“The day after tomorrow? Master, why? The supplier for the Kunlun Jade mountain material already arrived today in Lanshi. If we shift it to the day after tomorrow, I’m worried about the delivery guy…”

“Don’t ask why! Just pay him an extra day’s lodging fee, isn’t that enough?”

“Uh…”

“Got it?”

“Got it!”

“Alright, I’m off now!”

After a lengthy call – over ten minutes long – Xu Hao rejoined You Gong.

“City Master, it’s all set. I’ll be there to help the day after tomorrow afternoon!”

Before Xu Hao could say more, You Gong’s expression turned resolute as he replied,

“Alright! It’s settled then.”

Xu Hao nodded in agreement.

Meanwhile, as Xu Hao was about to put the final touches on Wuzhuang Temple, inside the Mingsha Tourism office meeting room,

Zhu Qiang slid a folder in front of a young woman.

The woman, Dai Xuezhu, was a newly promoted mid-level leader at Mingsha City’s Tourism Department, now primarily in charge of the newly opened Entertainment City No.1.

“We’ve already discussed the ticket charges with the higher-ups – for now we won’t charge. Starting tomorrow, the Entertainment City will open at 8:30 AM, stop checking tickets by 5:00 PM, and clear the premises by 6:00 PM!”

Zhu Qiang announced.

“General Zhu, but online…”

At that, Dai Xuezhu couldn’t hide her discomfort.

Although this afternoon they had temporarily solved the crowd control issue at Mingsha Fudi with extra security, it was clear that tomorrow the number of visitors would multiply.

Moreover, more visitors would likely ask to pay extra for enhanced experiences.

“Online? Don’t worry! The higher-ups and I have agreed – in ten days, Mingsha City’s second entertainment project will likely open to the public! Once the finishing touches are done, an announcement will follow.

Once the announcement is out, a portion of the visitors will naturally flow to the next project.”

Zhu Qiang continued.

He admitted that his earlier explanation had been a bit forced. Even though the next project might divert many visitors, these ten days couldn’t stop throngs from flocking to Entertainment City No.1.

But there was nothing that could be done about it!

His superior had made it clear – under no circumstances could this project charge fees or allow visitors an extended experience. Ten minutes per person per day was plenty.

“Alright then!”

After hearing this, Dai Xuezhu hesitated but finally said nothing more.

She understood – Entertainment City No.1’s course was set, with no turning back.

“Ensure extra staff tomorrow to explain things to the visitors in advance. Also, strictly control the crowd! If any issues arise, call me or General Zhu immediately!”

Zhu Qiang looked at Dai Xuezhu.

“Understood, General Zhu!”

Time flew. By 10:00 AM the next day,

the buzz around Mingsha City’s Entertainment City No.1 hadn’t died down – discussions were growing by the minute.

“What? So many visitors are protesting because Mingsha City hasn’t started charging?”

Some Netizens were stunned.

When videos of throngs gathering at the north gate of Entertainment City No.1 went viral on short-video platforms yesterday, everyone assumed that Mingsha City would cave in and implement a fee the next day. In other locales, that would’ve been laughable – but Mingsha City still stood firm.

“Not only is Mingsha City not charging, it’s also enforcing even stricter visitor limits. Only those who pre-booked can enter Entertainment City No.1.

Some visitors nearly got into a fight with Mingsha City over it.”

“They actually fought?”

“No help there! Without charging, you might only get 70 minutes in a whole week even if you stayed continuously. But consider how much that week costs in Mingsha City.”

“That’s true!”

“So the situation has become deadlocked. Mingsha City won’t budge, and visitors are too scared of being blacklisted to make a scene.”

At this point,

one Netizen couldn’t help but comment, “Honestly, I just can’t understand it. It’s only a VR clip of ‘Dreaming of the Past’ – is it really that enticing? People are even willing to pay extra.”

“Really? I can’t figure it out either, but once you see it, you can’t stop wanting more.”

“Uh…”

“Anyway, sooner or later I’m going to check it out for myself.”

In Yan City’s Third Ring,

inside a lavish five-star hotel, Mr. Li Yan, the boss of Bai Fu Technology, leaned back on a sofa, absently stroking his chin. Opposite him sat a man in his fifties.

“Mr. Li, Mingsha City is just too impressive!”

After a moment,

the fifty-year-old turned to Li Yan.

The man, named Yao Gang, was the chairman of Gangyun Technology from Long Kingdom – the country’s largest VR unicorn, specializing in VR goggles.

Meanwhile,

Gangyun Technology had also signed up for the tech expo in Mingsha City set for September.

“When visitors themselves are eager to pay extra, how can they not be amazing?”

Li Yan rubbed his temples wearily.

He had hoped for some calm before the tech expo, but one sensation followed another.

“The issue is with the VR technology – how on earth are they doing it? Frankly, if Mingsha City launches this VR goggles into the market, it could capture over 95% of the market share.

I’ve looked into it, and the only tech company connected to Mingsha City is a relatively new one.”

Yao Gang added,

“Ever since Mingsha City’s project went viral, I haven’t slept a wink.”

“How they did it is a mystery. Sometimes the most brilliant ideas come from these small, unknown companies. But one thing’s for sure – your booth,”

he paused briefly.

Li Yan looked at Yao Gang with a hint of sympathy.

“With Mingsha City’s approach, every VR-related project is sidelined. Whether it’s big merchants or individual clients, the first name that comes to mind is that very Entertainment City No.1 VR experience.

Unless their product is revolutionary, it’s only self-sabotaging.”

“I understand. That’s why I’m here today – to discuss our options. If nothing works, our company won’t participate in the tech expo this time.”

After taking a deep breath,

Yao Gang said with resignation, “Not participating?”

“It’s a two-step plan: avoid unwanted attention and quickly focus on research and development. We just need to ensure that by the time Mingsha City’s VR goggles are released, we aren’t left in the dust!”

Yao Gang reiterated.

“Well then, let’s call it off.”

Li Yan nodded.

Ultimately, their company was focusing on artificial intelligence this time – not VR. Had it been VR, he likely would have made the same decision as Yao Gang.

“So about withdrawing from the expo…”

“That’s easy enough! I’ll have an application form for you by tomorrow. Just fill it out and send it back.”

“Thank you, Mr. Li!”

Meanwhile,

Yao Gang visibly relaxed as if a heavy burden had been lifted.

But after a pause, Yao Gang spoke again,

“By the way, Mr. Li, I’ve heard that Mingsha City is planning to unveil several more entertainment projects. Do you think any of them will feature high-tech products?”

“High-tech products too?”

Li Yan was momentarily stunned.

After a long pause, he hesitantly shook his head, “I doubt it. Mingsha City is first and foremost a tourism company. If they keep dabbling in high-tech, they’ll drive us all crazy.”

Little did he know, just as Li Yan concluded that no further high-tech surprises were in store with Mingsha City’s next project,

in Haishi at the headquarters of Dino Park,

Cole was on the phone, a broad smile spreading across his face.

“What? You’ve found someone who might solve the Magic Academy issue?”

he asked eagerly.

“Yes, sir! They say this person is tremendously capable.”

The phone then crackled with the voice of a Middle-Aged Man.

“What’s his name? Where is he now?”

At this, Cole’s urgency grew as he asked further.

……

PS: Many thanks to Leng Mojin for a generous reward. Han Zi needs a girl, to mend a wasted first half of life and an even more wasted latter half – much gratitude to Lao Ba and the brothers for their contributions, subscriptions, and monthly support.

Brothers,

starting the day after tomorrow, expect a ten-thousand-word update!