NOVPUBAlthough, as experts in this field, they had long speculated about so-called Spiritual Power.
Now, having received confirmation from Zhu Ling himself, Han Chun was still quite shocked.
"I always wondered why the three teachings of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism have thrived continuously for so many years, their incense burning endlessly, turns out there really was a method to it."
"Then do you know the true identity of Laozi?"
Wu Bin found it somewhat peculiar that Han Chun was directly inquiring about Laozi’s true identity, as he sat on the side.
After all, these were ancient people from thousands of years ago, was it useful to directly ask Han Chun?
Little did he know, Han Chun indifferently said, "I don’t know Laozi personally, but I have heard of him. In Ancient Times, indeed a small number of people mastered the method of Inhaling and Exhaling Spiritual Qi, but it was not widely disseminated. After all, these people were in the minority, and even fewer could use Spiritual Power."
"But Laozi was different; not only did he master Spiritual Energy and Spiritual Power himself, but he also wrote the techniques he had mastered into the ’Tao Te Ching’ and passed it on to future generations."
"It is precisely because of what Laozi did that, prior to the Qin dynasty, the legendary Qi Refiners emerged, and humankind officially entered an era where refining Qi was accessible to all."
"Of course, for certain reasons, the lineage of Qi Refinement was later broken, and most people became ordinary once again. But there are still quite a few true human cultivation families, it’s just that they have hidden themselves."
As Zhu Ling spoke, he glanced at Han Chun and smiled.
"The reason your Dragon Country established the Ninth Institution was to contend with those hidden Qi-refining families, right? The discovery of the Dragon Palace of the East Sea shouldn’t be exclusive to the Ninth Institution; other families must be involved too, yes?"
Faced with Zhu Ling’s scrutiny, Han Chun simply smiled and said nothing.
Of course, she knew how powerful the hidden families were; it was just a pity that these matters were not something she could intervene in or participate in.
These matters were for those above to consider and weigh; they just needed to execute orders.
Han Chun then said, "Zhu Ling, we are aware that the Dragon Palace of the East Sea is likely the mausoleum of your kin, which is why we have invited you to assist us this time, primarily to open the gates of the mausoleum peacefully."
"Rest assured, the Ninth Institution will, like archaeologists, protect the mausoleum as much as possible, not causing any damage and certainly not taking anything from inside at will."
Zhu Ling pursed her lips and said, "Take whatever you want; do as you please with it, and don’t worry about my feelings."
"Although we are of the same kind, I really don’t know the dragon lying in that so-called Dragon Palace of the East Sea. It’s like you suddenly discovering another person’s grave in the wilderness; just because they are human like you, does digging up their grave cause you any psychological discomfort or pressure?"
Han Chun paused for a moment, then shook her head.
"It doesn’t."
"That settles it, then."
Zhu Ling straightforwardly said, "Anyway, I will speak plainly: anything that would help me restore my Spiritual Power, I get to pick first. I don’t ask for much—just three items."
"As for the rest, you can deal with it yourselves."
Zhu Ling’s request was actually not excessive.
To know, the dragon’s mausoleum was vast, and the number of precious and rare burial items was unknown.
Zhu Ling only asking for three items was already a very reasonable price.
"Alright, Zhu Ling, we agree to your condition," Han Chun replied.
Soon, the group arrived at the dock.
Although only a day had passed, when Wu Bin returned this time, he could clearly see that the number of warships patrolling the sea had increased substantially.
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This is just the situation on the surface, the underwater defenses are likely even more stringent.
Just like yesterday when they arrived, as soon as Wu Bin got out of the car, a staff member came over with a diving suit, ready for the two to change into.
Zhu Ling waved her hand to refuse.
"I don’t need it, it’s just swimming underwater, who needs to wear such a thing?"
Zhu Ling might look fragile, but her physique was actually very robust, and the pressure of the deep-sea was not a problem for her at all.
Wu Bin felt a headache coming on just at the sight of the diving suit.
"I really don’t need to go down, right? I just got out of the hospital, and if something unexpected happens, I’ll end up back there..."
Nightingale spoke indifferently, "If you don’t go down with us, do you feel comfortable letting Zhu Ling follow us alone?"
Wu Bin originally wanted to say that Zhu Ling was far more capable than him, so what was there for him to worry about?
But then he thought about the complex underwater environment, indeed anything could happen.
Zhu Ling’s mind was simple, and if an accident really occurred and she got trapped below, it would be too late for him to regret it.
Thinking this, Wu Bin sighed and said, "Fine, then I’ll just have to make the effort and go down with you."
Seeing Wu Bin start to put on the diving suit, Han Chun also said to Zhu Ling, "Your identity is currently known by only a handful of people here at Division Nine. Given the special nature of your identity, the more people who know, the greater the trouble. Little Sister Zhu Ling, you should put on the diving suit, even if it’s not much needed, it can temporarily conceal your identity."
Zhu Ling nodded in agreement, feeling that Han Chun made sense.
With the help of the staff, Zhu Ling put on her diving suit.
The two were then led to the designated area, ready to board the submarine.
To Wu Bin’s surprise, those descending with them this time were not only Division Nine’s scientific researchers but also several young men and women of about Wu Bin’s age.
These young men and women were very young, seemingly college age based on their appearance.
But their aura felt very different, exuding a refined and unblemished quality.
It was as if they had not been tainted by the secular world.
"Be careful, those are the hidden family scions I spoke of, and they have more or less spilled blood," Nightingale warned.
Zhu Ling had a sharp eye and could see at a glance that these youngsters were extraordinary.
Wu Bin’s heart chilled, not expecting the supposed family scions to truly exist.
When Nightingale led Wu Bin and Zhu Ling over, these people looked arrogantly and did not bother to come over to greet them.
Nightingale also kept a cold demeanor, showing no intention to communicate with them.
Feeling somewhat embarrassed, Han Chun explained, "Our Division Nine and they are not from the same unit, so everyone’s relationship isn’t very close."
Wu Bin nodded, understanding that even without the explanation, he could tell their relationship was far from good.
Fortunately, they didn’t have to wait too long before two submarines surfaced.
Each party boarded a submarine, and upon entering, Han Chun immediately pulled out a tablet to display the profiles of the few family scions.
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