As the convoy slowly passed through the gates and entered the manor, the quiet seclusion that had long enveloped the valley was finally disturbed.
Because this was a private estate, only a small number of people were permitted to accompany the Cabinet Leader inside. The rest of the entourage remained in their vehicles, waiting in silence.
Guided by Tiangong Group staff, the visitors ascended the stone steps. At the entrance of a three-story wooden building, they saw Bai Yue already waiting.
He was dressed in a plain white robe. There was nothing ostentatious about his appearance, yet the moment he stood there, the surrounding scenery seemed to recede slightly, as if the world itself had unconsciously yielded him a bit of space.
"Welcome, Leader," Bai Yue said with a gentle smile, stepping forward to shake hands.
"It is we who have disturbed Mr. Bai with such a sudden visit," the Cabinet Leader replied sincerely. "I hope you will forgive the intrusion."
After brief courtesies, Bai Yue personally led the group into the reception hall. Seating was arranged, and attendants quietly served tea before withdrawing.
The Cabinet Leader did not waste time on unnecessary pleasantries.
"Mr. Bai, the reason I insisted on meeting you today is simple," he said. "The achievements of your company are… astonishing. The social impact they will generate is enormous. If not handled carefully, such change could easily cause turbulence. I came hoping we could discuss how to resolve this properly."
"There's no need for the Leader to be so cautious," Bai Yue replied calmly. "Cooperating with government coordination is only natural. I have no intention of creating disorder."
Hearing this, the Cabinet Leader finally relaxed slightly. Bai Yue's attitude was cooperative, even accommodating—very different from the uncertainty he had mentally prepared for.
"I will establish a special coordination group within the State Council," the Leader continued. "It will be responsible for liaising with Tiangong Group and arranging the rollout and supervision of core technologies such as the electron-flow battery and ultra-precision processing centers. I hope you can trust the country—we will ensure these technologies are protected and deployed responsibly."
"That is acceptable," Bai Yue nodded. "We are willing to cooperate."
With the general framework agreed upon, the discussion naturally eased. The two spoke no further of policy or planning, instead drinking tea and chatting like old acquaintances.
After finishing a cup, the Cabinet Leader glanced outside.
"Would Mr. Bai mind showing me around the manor?"
"Of course not."
Neither brought attendants. The staff were left behind to continue technical discussions. Under their gazes, the elder and the young man walked side by side deeper into the valley.
Spring had just begun to bloom.
The air carried the faint scent of flowers, and the sound of water echoed softly between the hills. Walking along the winding paths, one could hardly believe this place belonged to the same world as conference rooms and policy documents.
"It's rare to find peace like this," the Cabinet Leader said with a sigh. "Living here long-term… one might truly gain a few extra years of life."
"I'm hardly someone with grand ambition," Bai Yue replied lightly. "I made a bit of money and chose to live more comfortably—that's all."
The Leader laughed. "Young people today would call that 'lying flat.' But our times don't quite allow it."
He paused, his expression turning more serious.
"Our country started hundreds of years behind others. We rely on self-accumulation, not plunder. To catch up, we must work ten, even a hundred times harder."
"I understand that," Bai Yue said. "But I don't entirely agree. Striving is not wrong—but if life becomes nothing but struggle, it loses meaning. Your generation carried the burden because you had to. But perhaps it's time to trust those who come after."
The Cabinet Leader looked at him for a long moment, then laughed again.
"So young, yet already thinking about succession. And you claim to lack ambition?" He shook his head. "Don't worry—we old men are simply standing watch a little longer. One day, it will be your turn."
Bai Yue remained silent.
He thought of countless ordinary people—quiet, steadfast, unremarkable—who formed the backbone of a nation. It was the same reason people had once stood up during disasters in his memory: not because they wished to, but because they had no choice.
In the Devouring Starry Sky Universe, Earth had been little more than a waypoint to him.
Here, it was different.
This place was his root.
They soon arrived at the library building.
The Cabinet Leader's breathing had grown slightly heavy, and Bai Yue invited him inside.
The first floor was filled wall to wall with books. The scent of paper immediately filled the air.
At the center lay a Tai Chi diagram, with a long desk and futons placed neatly upon it.
With a casual wave of his hand, another futon appeared.
The Cabinet Leader's gaze sharpened—but he was not surprised.
"You never intended to hide it," he said quietly.
Bai Yue smiled.
Two teacups appeared. Then a teapot.
"This tea," Bai Yue said, pouring, "has only just entered this world. Leader, please evaluate it."
The aroma alone was extraordinary.
The moment the tea touched his lips, clarity surged through the Cabinet Leader's mind. Fatigue vanished as though scrubbed clean. Warmth flowed through his limbs, gentle and invigorating.
"…Remarkable," he murmured.
"It's a small trick," Bai Yue said. "Leader, I'm curious—what does the country truly know about cultivators?"
The Leader set down his cup.
"We know they exist. But very little. Compared to what we have seen from you, they are… incomplete."
"If I wished to learn more?"
"Come to the capital," the Leader replied without hesitation. "Everything we've collected—texts, artifacts, cases—is there."
"You trust me that much?"
The Leader smiled. "Strength alone doesn't frighten us. Your restraint does."
The following day, they flew to the capital.
In a quiet courtyard near the Forbidden City, Bai Yue met Yu Baojiang, Director of the Special Affairs Department.
"All relevant information is open to you," the Leader said before departing. "No need for concealment."
As they walked, Yu Baojiang spoke candidly.
"After the Heaven and Earth changed, sensing Innate Original Qi became extremely difficult. Only a handful can cultivate True Qi today. There is no longer a martial world—only individuals."
"With national resources," Bai Yue replied softly, "cultivating a few should still be possible."
Yu Baojiang nodded.
"It is."
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