Chapter 384: Unexpected Projects and High Stakes

“Still harboring doubts?”

At these words,

Xu Hao glanced at Luo Peng, deep in thought.

Ever since the founding of Mingsha City, controversies have been endless—especially online, where every opinion finds its voice.

To him, the claim that Mingsha City has lost its charm in the cultural tourism sector was nothing. Not to mention, Mingsha City still had two major blockbuster projects on the horizon: Investiture of the Gods and the Core District.

Even without these two projects, the existing attractions could easily sustain Mingsha City’s appeal for years.

“Brother Hao, I just want to launch a little appetizer project before the Investiture of the Gods and Core District open—to keep the buzz alive.”

Luo Peng’s words trailed off midway, silently affirming Xu Hao’s point.

Exactly!

Although the No.4 Entertainment City project had wrapped up and no one had openly criticized Luo Peng’s ideas, Luo Peng couldn’t shake the lingering frustration.

He felt as if he were swallowing a bitter pill.

He even believed that if his own No.4 Entertainment City hadn’t faltered, Mingsha City wouldn’t be under the constant scrutiny of netizens.

What’s more, the upcoming Investiture of the Gods and the opening of the Core District were inseparable projects.

Especially the Core District: the aerial construction was exponentially more complex than what was on the ground. Even if they sped things up, it would take at least a year—a duration Luo Peng simply couldn’t afford to wait.

“So what are you planning? Are you sticking with the entertainment project? How many people would be needed?”

After a moment of silence,

Xu Hao lifted his tea cup, took a small sip, and looked toward Luo Peng.

It was clear that the issue with No.4 Entertainment City had left Luo Peng scarred. If unresolved, it would haunt him for a long time.

Perhaps it was better to embark on an entirely new project.

After all, the Core District was set to kick off construction above ground soon. Although that phase required plenty of workers, most were skilled craftsmen nurtured by Mingsha Labor—so not many ordinary laborers were needed.

“Brother Hao, here’s the thing. When we built No.4 Entertainment City, I made a pact with Daoist Cangshan and Daoist Canghai: they would help build No.4, and in exchange, I would later help them construct Wuzhuang Temple!”

Right now, Daoist Cangshan and Daoist Canghai actually had a plan in mind.

Seeing Xu Hao’s approval, Luo Peng’s eyes lit up, and he quickly added,

“Hmm? Build Wuzhuang Temple?”

Xu Hao raised an eyebrow.

He had expected Luo Peng to propose another entertainment project; instead, he was talking about helping to build Wuzhuang Temple.

Honestly, Xu Hao considered the current Wuzhuang Temple nearly perfect as it was.

“Brother Hao, the Daoists’ idea is this…”

Noticing the moment,

Luo Peng subconsciously looked around before leaning in to whisper something into Xu Hao’s ear.

The more he listened, the wider Xu Hao’s eyes grew, his face filled with astonishment until finally Xu Hao blurted out,

“W-what? You call that a teaser before the Investiture project goes live?”

Xu Hao could hardly hold back his excitement! In his eyes, if they went ahead with Luo Peng’s plan, the Wuzhuang Temple project would be a game-changer—capable of outshining all of Disney’s attractions.

It could even overshadow Mingsha City’s sacred sites and Biyou Palace.

“Brother Hao, this is mainly the Daoists’ idea. I just offered a bit of input, and the funds for this time come straight from Wuzhuang Temple’s donation pool.”

Luo Peng replied softly,

“Understood. But remember, during construction, remind Daoist Cangshan and Daoist You Gong not to push too hard—otherwise, there will be no explaining later! After all, Mingsha City is currently a major target under surveillance.”

Coming back to reality,

After a brief moment of thought, Xu Hao finally nodded.

Though shocked, he had to admit the plan was brilliant.

Once completed, the Xianxia Zone would gain another must-see landmark—a win too good to pass up.

“Got it, Brother Hao!”

Luo Peng quickly affirmed.

“Mm!”

Night enveloped the scene as

Luo Peng and Xu Hao chatted long into the night before parting ways. Outsiders couldn’t tell what was discussed, but occasional bursts of Luo Peng’s laughter hinted that things were far from simple.

Days passed as quickly as sunrise and sunset.

Just like before, online hotspots remained unchanged, overwhelmed by chatter about the Christie’s auction.

As for the battle between Mingsha City and Dino Park, it had seemingly become media fodder—no portal dared give it space.

Especially just one hour before the auction, national attention surged with countless posts and alerts everywhere. Curious netizens barely needed to step foot in the venue; the forum posts from countless ‘experts’ revealed all there was to know about the scene.

“Has Sun Xin from Wenmo Group entered yet?”

At that moment, this was the hottest question on the forum.

There was no doubt. As a citizen of the Long Kingdom, anyone who pinned their hopes on Wenmo Group’s Chairman Sun Xin bidding on the Yongle Encyclopedia was bound to keep an extra close eye.

“He just entered! He’s seated at the front row by the aisle!”

Soon, the netizens’ questions were answered, and someone even attached a photo.

In the picture, Wenmo Group Chairman Sun Xin wore a stern expression while seated, his face etched with seriousness.

“I wonder how much money Chairman Sun brought this time?”

After seeing the photo, some netizens couldn’t help but ask once more.

But as soon as one netizen raised the question, another promptly replied,

“The exact figure is unclear, but judging by Chairman Sun’s statement to the media before entering, it seems he’s mobilized every asset Wenmo Group can call upon.”

“Every asset? So that means the Yongle Encyclopedia might just make its grand return?”

Upon seeing the reply,

many netizens instantly perked up.

No citizen of the Long Kingdom would ever want to see their national treasure, especially one as emblematic of national fortunes as the Yongle Encyclopedia, remain overseas.

Someone once remarked that the value of the Yongle Encyclopedia was second only to the long-lost He Shi Jade Seal.

Moreover, Wenmo Group’s prominence in the Long Kingdom’s art collection scene was unquestionable, making the assets at its disposal far from trivial.

“Maybe, but it’s too soon to tell!”

Before the netizens could celebrate, another voice dumped a dose of reality.

“What do you mean?”

“Did you see that man with gold hair and blue eyes sitting in the center of the front row?”

“Yes, I saw him! Who is he?”

“His name is Peter, the President of the Ross Consortium! Ross Consortium—ever heard of them? They’re the secret force behind Haishi Dino Park. Apparently, Ross Consortium is hell-bent on securing the Yongle Encyclopedia this time!”

“What? Ross Consortium is aiming for the Yongle Encyclopedia? How is that even possible? Besides, Ross Consortium is just an international investment giant. Why would they suddenly take interest in the Yongle Encyclopedia?”

At this point, many viewers froze in front of their computer screens, their hearts skipping a beat.

Wenmo Group was formidable—the best in the Long Kingdom! But it could never compete with Ross Consortium. In fact, comparing Wenmo Group and Ross Consortium was like comparing ants to elephants—they existed on entirely different scales.

PS: Brothers, it’s really hard to explain. Just when I thought stable updates were coming, another issue popped up. Looks like the trouble’s here—three cases confirmed! That should do it!