Chapter 381: Auction Intrigues and Fading Fortunes

Auctioning the Yongle Encyclopedia?

At these words,

the man shook his head slightly.

“Do you really think our Wenmo Group has that kind of clout? As expected, many international collectors’ consortiums are stepping in this time! And I’ve heard that the Ross Consortium is also keen on the Yongle Encyclopedia,” he declared.

The man, in his sixties, was named Sun Xin, chairman of Long Kingdom Wenmo Group! For years, Wenmo Group had reigned supreme in Long Kingdom’s collecting circles, and in Yan City it boasted the largest private museum in the country, unmatched in the realm of private collections.

“Ross Consortium? Aren’t they known for cultural tourism projects? How could this be…”

At these words,

the middle-aged man was taken aback.

“Although the Ross Consortium’s flagship tourism project is Dino Park, they also run a treasure gallery in Y Country, so it’s only natural they’d be interested in the Yongle Encyclopedia.”

Sun Xin raised his red wine glass and took a small sip.

“So, are you saying that Mr. Sun isn’t planning to get involved?”

The middle-aged man continued.

“If the Ross Consortium is participating, there’s really no need for Long Kingdom’s collector circle to muddy the waters any further.”

“No! It means we’re definitely expected to show some interest. After all, the relevant authorities have called – we have to save face. As for whether we actually secure the piece, you know how it goes!”

Sun Xin smiled and shook his head.

“Absolutely,” he replied.

After a pause, the middle-aged man looked at Sun Xin again.

“By the way, Mr. Sun, I’ve heard that besides national treasures like the Yongle Encyclopedia, this auction will feature other fine pieces as well.”

“We definitely have to participate. You can’t go out and come back empty-handed.”

Sun Xin gave the man a look that spoke volumes.

“Mm,” he agreed.

As the moon set and the sun rose, another day passed. Although Mingsha City still drew plenty of visitors, their numbers couldn’t match yesterday’s.

A large group of tourists, drawn by No.4 Entertainment City, chose to leave!

Even though later efforts in Mingsha City – even having staff lead the way into the challenge zone – were made, the visitors remained on guard. Some even whispered that the staff must have been armed with mysterious artifacts or secretly knew the formation techniques.

As a result,

the No.4 Entertainment project became Mingsha City’s first outright failure.

Crowds gathered, yet their experience was virtually nil.

That wasn’t all. Early in the morning, numerous visitors stormed the Mingsha City Visitor Service Center, voicing their concerns. They urged that for safety’s sake, the project be either dismantled or cordoned off to prevent accidental injuries.

By noon, under a scorching sun, Luo Peng and Zhu Qiang reappeared at the small square outside No.4 Entertainment City.

It was clear that although Xu Hao had declared the project dead, Luo Peng still couldn’t shake off the sting of this ‘failure.’ His face was etched with resignation and frustration.

Even though the project hadn’t cost much, it was the one he cared about most. Anyone would feel the pressure in his shoes.

“General Zhu, are we really going to cordon off this area?”

After a long pause,

Luo Peng looked at Zhu Qiang.

Zhu Qiang replied, “We have no choice. The suggestions from visitors this morning were overwhelming. Without a proper barrier, they’ll feel unsafe and it could even hurt the popularity of nearby attractions.”

Zhu Qiang patted Luo Peng on the shoulder.

Honestly, he thought the visitors’ reaction was a tad overblown, but he could understand it from another angle.

After all, incidents at attractions have been all too common in recent years. And with Mingsha City’s vast grounds, if the staff were withdrawn and the area left unsupervised, tourists might inadvertently wander into the challenge zone – and getting out of that would be no small feat.

As for dismantling the area?

That was absolutely out of the question. Even if others agreed, Xu Hao certainly wouldn’t allow it.

“Sigh! Then how do we cordon it off? Build a wall or what?”

After a brief silence, Luo Peng looked to Zhu Qiang.

“I called Brother Hao earlier, and he said there’s no need to build a wall!”

Zhu Qiang shook his head.

“No wall?”

Luo Peng hesitated.

“Brother Hao mentioned that building a wall here would look too out of place. He suggested using an artificial river to cordon off the area instead.”

Zhu Qiang glanced at the distant woods and the grand hall nestled in a corner of the small square.

“An artificial river as a barrier?”

“Exactly! Brother Hao said the river should be wide and deep, with no docks or riverboats – that way, visitors won’t venture into the area.”

“Brother Hao truly thought of everything! But what about the small square? Should it be inside the cordoned-off area or outside?”

Luo Peng nodded.

He felt that this approach might be even more effective than building a wall.

“Brother Hao said the river could be built around the outer edge of the small square. However, the square itself would need to be demolished and replanted with various trees – though the newly constructed ancient hall could remain.”

Zhu Qiang added,

“Oh, what about the staff?”

“Mr. Fang’s team will be here with a crew for filming these days. Once shooting is complete, all staff will evacuate the area, leaving just two or three security personnel to patrol.”

“Only two or three security guards? So, does this mean the area is truly done for?”

At this point,

Luo Peng’s disappointment deepened.

He mused, “If this area is left untended – not to mention the intricate formations set up by Daoist Master Cangshan and Canghai – the many trees might grow wild or even perish.”

Worse, to better showcase these formations, he had introduced a host of animals into the area.

Now, recapturing those animals to relocate them was simply unfeasible.

“Done for? Not at all! Brother Hao mentioned that this area could even serve as Mingsha City’s natural ‘green lung’.”

Seeing Luo Peng’s troubled expression, Zhu Qiang patted his shoulder once more.

“Green lung?”

Luo Peng glanced into the distance.

Whether due to the formations or something else, a faint white mist was emerging beneath the distant woods. A ‘green lung’ might not be such a bad option after all.

“Then let’s follow Brother Hao’s idea!”

“Mm! By the way, President Luo, Brother Hao also said he hopes you won’t be discouraged; if another promising entertainment project comes along, we should jump on it!”

“Ah? Brother Hao wants me to take on another project? Bu—”

“Didn’t Brother Hao say? This project isn’t a failure. Even if it’s not integrated into the entertainment system, it should serve for the Investiture of the Gods when the time comes.”

“Th-thank you… Alright then!”

Luo Peng paused, his expression a mix of complexity and resignation, glancing at Zhu Qiang before finally nodding after a long moment.

Time flew by, and before long, evening had arrived.

In Yan City, the roads bustled with traffic. Besides the continuous flow of tourists and workers, many elderly folks were out strolling, making for a lively scene.

“I never expected Mingsha City’s entertainment project to flop! The fuss earlier was significant.”

In the Second Ring, at an alley entrance,

a department leader, Qi Jianwen, and Deputy Leader Zuo Ping were slowly making their way forward.

“The project itself isn’t flawed; it’s just that Mingsha City’s terrifying formations are too overwhelming. If they’d used a typical ancient military setup, the visitors wouldn’t be so apprehensive.”

Zuo Ping sighed.

He then added, “I just worry it might affect our application for intangible cultural heritage status for both material and non-material culture. I suspect the UNESCO staff secretly assessing the situation are already in Mingsha City.”

To be honest, having grown accustomed to Mingsha City’s usual successes and grand displays, this sudden setback was rather unsettling.

“No way! After all, it’s just an entertainment project and a small part of Mingsha City. Besides, it’s hardly a cultural heritage.”

Qi Jianwen waved his hand.

“That’s good then!”

After a pause, Qi Jianwen continued, “I just wonder whether Mingsha City’s confidence will be shaken or if there will be strategic adjustments – especially regarding Epang Palace!”

“Affect Epang Palace? That should be impossible! I called the Ancient Architecture Institute this morning, and they said all projects in Mingsha City are progressing normally, unaffected by anything.”

“Besides, Epang Palace is a historical structure – it doesn’t count!”

Zuo Ping immediately replied.

“Exactly!”

After a moment, Zuo Ping suddenly recalled something and added,

“By the way, Boss, I’ve already been in touch with Wenmo Group.”

“Oh? And what did they say?”

At these words,

Qi Jianwen halted.

“In just over half a month, Christie’s auction will take place. I’ve been keeping a close eye on it.”

“They assured me they’ll go all out – aiming to secure all the national treasures scattered overseas. Meanwhile, Wenmo Group will actively reach out to influential domestic collectors or collection companies to join the auction.”

Zuo Ping added,

“All out? That’s good then! As long as Wenmo Group signals commitment, there’s hope.”

Qi Jianwen beamed, visibly relieved.

“Mm! I’ve informed them that Long Kingdom’s relevant departments will fully support their efforts. Whether it’s Wenmo Group or the collectors they contact, as long as they manage to secure the treasures, they’ll be granted top-tier rewards and policies.”

PS: Brothers, our health has finally improved. We should be back to regular updates tomorrow.