Chapter 209: Echoes of a New Legacy

11:00 AM – The cultural performance has officially ended, yet the audience remains in place.

No further explanations!

The general sentiment was that two hours just isn’t enough – they’d happily watch it again, even if it meant a full encore.

But once the show is over, that’s it; if you crave another song, your only option is to pay for downloads online.

Such is life.

Major online forums exploded with discussion.

Some argued that ‘Qingming Scroll’ deserved to be the signature tune for scenic spots, while others insisted that ‘Blue and White Porcelain’ was the real masterpiece. ‘Qingming Scroll’ can only reach legendary status at Mingsha; without Mingsha, it’s just a good song.

Of course, many have also taken an interest in the ‘Flying Dance’!

They claim that the dance is even more impressive than the two songs combined. But no matter how netizens debate the matter,

when it comes to Mingsha Tourism, there’s only one verdict – total respect! Just like Cai An, they declared that “Mingsha Tourism is undoubtedly the future number one ancient city of Long Kingdom.”

That statement immediately shot to the top of cultural tourism headlines on various portals, garnering hundreds of thousands of likes and comments.

Time flew by, and soon dusk arrived with the sun dipping low.

In a sense, the Ancient Architecture Cultural Forum was officially over. By tomorrow morning, as the discussion sessions begin, leaders and experts would all start their journeys back.

But the meeting’s content was hardly a mystery. During the dinner break after the performance, some leaders already mentioned that Mingsha guesthouses could start preparing the renaming process.

Should it be called Mingsha City or Mingsha Ancient City? Once decided, the necessary documents would be submitted.

Meanwhile, after spending the afternoon checking in at the three major IP landmarks, the experts had returned to their rooms to rest.

Xu Hao, however, didn’t rest; he and Han Xiaoqing headed up the city wall instead.

“Leader, if it weren’t for my own eyes, I’d never have believed that the ancient street below is the famed ‘Qingming Scroll.’ And today’s performance? Simply out of this world!”

Reaching the inner parapet and gazing down at the river and the throng of tourists, Han Xiaoqing’s admiration for Xu Hao practically overflowed.

“All this just to secure the titles for Mingsha Academy and Mingsha Ancient City!”

Xu Hao chuckled.

It was the first time Xu Hao and Han Xiaoqing had been alone together since arriving in Mingsha.

They had been incredibly busy – for the past few days, Han Xiaoqing had been working as a department manager for Mingsha Tourism, picked up straight from the airport. Naturally, her stay was well arranged; in the Ancient Building Courtyard of Wudi City, she had her own exclusive section.

In fact, her teacher and several colleagues were even lodged in adjoining rooms.

The entire arrangement left the teachers utterly speechless.

“Has it been decided?”

At that, Han Xiaoqing’s interest was clearly piqued.

“The academy project is set – once the official approval comes through, construction will begin. However, the name for the ancient city is still up in the air. Some insist on calling it Mingsha Ancient City, while others feel Mingsha City is a better fit.”

Xu Hao explained.

After a pause, he looked toward Han Xiaoqing and asked, “What do you think?”

“Me?”

Han Xiaoqing was taken aback.

“Well!”

“Honestly, I think Mingsha City sounds better! Although Mingsha Ancient City has a poetic ring, Mingsha City is more practical – especially since this area is destined for future developments like universities. It’s no longer just a scenic spot.”

After a moment’s thought, Han Xiaoqing continued.

“I agree! Even though Mingsha has won over experts and its various ancient-style structures are built using traditional techniques, they aren’t genuine relics.

Only the Protectorate qualifies as a ruin – but its reputation is too modest.

Calling it Mingsha Ancient City might come off as overblown. Mingsha City is more straightforward.”

Xu Hao nodded in agreement.

“Then it’s settled: Mingsha City! It even sounds bold – almost as legendary as the martial arts sects in a wuxia novel.”

Han Xiaoqing smiled.

“Hehe, indeed!”

“By the way, I heard from Third Uncle that you’re heading to Yan City around the end of May?”

After a brief pause, Han Xiaoqing turned to Xu Hao.

“Yes. Once we see the experts off tomorrow, I’ll focus on that xianxia drama and then sort out things here. I estimate I’ll be in Yan City for at least two months.”

Xu Hao remarked.

Renovating the 49 Imperial City is no small feat. Even though only a few outlying courtyards of the West Six Palace are being restored, the intricate details make the work extremely time-consuming.

“Two months? And where will you stay?”

“At the Ancient Architecture Institute – they’ve allocated rooms there.”

“Sounds good!”

Han Xiaoqing smiled.

“What can you do? I’m not a local of Yan City.”

“By the way, how’s progress on that xianxia drama from Haofang Culture? Are they still sticking to the old style – building elaborate sets while managing guesthouses at the same time? I’m really curious to see what ancient building backdrop they’ll use.”

“The drama is being filmed at Oasis 23. So far, only a landmark building has been confirmed; the rest is still uncertain.”

Mentioning the xianxia drama made Xu Hao sigh softly.

This time, he planned to film Legend of Swords and Heroes. After all, the actors and everything else are ready-made – attempting another xianxia drama just wouldn’t work!

Yet, the design for the backdrop remained unsolved. Right now, all he could envision was a Demon-Locking Tower – a far cry from the grand Shu Mountain backdrop. If they ever managed to recreate Shu Mountain and even built guesthouses on it, tourists would flock in. But for now, it’s just a daydream.

“Don’t worry, I believe in your talent!”

Han Xiaoqing instantly returned his encouragement with a supportive glance.

“Anyway, when the time comes…”

Ding-ling! Just as Xu Hao seemed about to add more, his phone suddenly rang.

He picked it up, gave Han Xiaoqing a nod, and answered.

“What’s up, Monkey?”

The call was from Fang Hou.

“Haozi, I just got a call from Yun Province TV. We chatted about something very interesting. Are you at that location now? Care to come over for a talk?”

The next moment, Fang Hou’s voice came through.

Xu Hao’s phone speaker was on, and Han Xiaoqing could hear every word clearly.

“I…”

Xu Hao instinctively glanced at Han Xiaoqing.

“Then let’s head over,” he said.

Han Xiaoqing immediately agreed.

“Alright, see you soon!”

Xu Hao responded.

“Great!”

The city gate isn’t far from the office building. A few minutes later,

Xu Hao and Han Xiaoqing left the city tower. Whether by intention or chance, as they descended the stairs, Han Xiaoqing casually slipped her arm through Xu Hao’s.

Xu Hao naturally slowed his pace, and under the setting sun, the two gradually disappeared into the distance.

Meanwhile,

online, just as netizens and the public were nearly deifying Mingsha Tourism, someone wore an extremely displeased expression.

In a vast ancient-building district in southern Xiang Province,

a man in his fifties glared at his computer screen and let out a cold snort: “Hmph! It’s just a desert – they build a few replica ancient structures, and suddenly it’s supposed to be Long Kingdom’s future number one ancient city? New constructions are new; how can they compare to genuine relics? Utterly ridiculous!”

The man, Niu Hongchang, is the general manager of the famous Jinlong Ancient City in Xiang Province, Long Kingdom.

Jinlong Ancient City is not only a historic cultural landmark of Long Kingdom but also one of Xiang Province’s top ten cultural heritages. It was even praised by a renowned foreign writer as the most beautiful ancient city in Long Kingdom, and many esteemed figures have described it as “a city full of scenic wonders and cultural relics!”

Most importantly, beyond its ancient structures, Jinlong Ancient City boasts a unique natural environment – lush greenery, melodious birdsong, and fragrant blossoms everywhere.

Within the scenic area, Liang Cave is celebrated as Long Kingdom’s second most extraordinary cave, famed for its blend of serenity, elegance, and an enigmatic charm that captivates visitors.

Moreover, the area features eight major attractions: Dongshan Welcoming Sunrise, Nanling Verdant Layers, Majestic Peaks, Moonlit Bridges, Dragon Pool Fishing Lights, Brahma Pavilion Echoes, Mountain Temple Morning Bells, and the Orchid Path Ballads – each more stunning than the last.

Even more impressively, the scenic area houses two city towers, Wanming Tower and Wen Chang Pavilion, along with 68 other ancient structures and relics, 116 historical sites, and over 30 temples and pavilions, making it the ancient city with the most preserved relics in southwestern Long Kingdom.

Additionally, the city contains over 200 stone slab streets and stilt houses, all exuding old-world charm.

In short,

Before Mingsha Tourism emerged, Jinlong Ancient City was undeniably Long Kingdom’s premier ‘tourism ancient city’—second only to historic metropolises like Yan City and Xijing.

Now, with netizens suddenly elevating Mingsha, Niu Hongchang found it impossible to be at ease.

“General Manager Niu, I really wonder if that title of ‘number one ancient city’ was coined by netizens or if Mingsha Tourism is using sockpuppets to hype it up.”

Opposite his desk, another middle-aged man wore a look of defiance.

He was Zhang Si, the Deputy Director of Jinlong Ancient City.

“There’s definitely some marketing spin in this. Just because they rolled out Qingming Scroll along with two songs and a dance, they claim to be the number one ancient city? If that’s true, then our Jinlong Ancient City can honestly be called the world’s number one ancient city.”

Niu Hongchang raised his eyebrows dismissively.

“I agree. Our region boasts over a hundred ancient relics, while over there, the Protectorate barely qualifies as one – the rest are just trendy hotspots created by TV dramas and viral campaigns.

They might one day become Long Kingdom’s top film city – we can’t deny that. But as for being the foremost ancient city? I’m truly unconvinced!”

Zhang Si voiced his discontent once more.

“I feel the same. But some officials and leaders don’t seem to care! Rumor has it that there are already whispers about awarding this year’s Long Kingdom Traditional Culture Expo to Mingsha.”

Niu Hongchang tapped his desk with a finger.

“Huh? Handing it over to Mingsha? On what grounds?”

Zhang Si was momentarily stunned.

“Hmph! Likely because the higher-ups noticed the surge in popularity over there. But honestly, is our Jinlong Scenic Area not appealing enough?”

Niu Hongchang glanced at the documents on his desk.

“General Manager Niu, this won’t do. When it comes to traditional culture, our roots run much deeper. If the expo goes to Mingsha, our presence will diminish, visitors will drop, and so will our revenue!”

Once the news was confirmed, Zhang Si grew anxious.

“I understand. That’s why I’ve already prepared the bid materials for hosting the expo. No matter what, we must secure it for Jinlong Ancient City.”

Niu Hongchang waved his hand confidently and declared.