Chapter Fifty-Six: The Sealing Stone Pillar

Chapter 56: The Sealed Stone Pillar

“So this is the secret chamber?”

This time, within the manor, only Shen An was present.

Of course, there was also a soul from ten years in the future.

“Not bad, there’s actually a secret room here,” Shen An remarked as he gazed into the darkness unfolding before his eyes.

He descended the staircase.

“I stumbled upon this place by accident years ago. I only took a glance from outside, but I have some impression of it,” the future self replied, offering Shen An the limited knowledge he had.

As he reached the bottom of the steps, Shen An noticed a switch ahead. He flicked it on, and the basement grew much brighter.

“Before he died, he seemed to glance in this direction. What could he have meant?” Shen An recalled that, just days ago, when Chen Hailong died, his gaze had settled exactly here.

“This basement looks recently built, it seems new,” Shen An observed as he walked in, feeling the temperature of the space below.

Suddenly, he spotted something like a stone pillar standing in the distance.

At first, he assumed it was a supporting column, but as he drew closer, he saw that it didn’t reach the ceiling—there was still a gap, and it would be hard to notice if not looking closely.

Shen An focused his vision, circling the round column. Strange, tiny symbols—almost like archaic script—were inscribed upon it, lending it an eerie air.

After circling the column, Shen An stopped.

“Hey, future me, speak up,” he prompted, knowing his future self was watching and seemed to be deep in thought.

“This is a sealing stone pillar. I never expected the seal to be hidden in the Chen family’s estate.”

Perhaps fearing confusion, his future self hastened to explain: “The sealing stone pillar suppresses the mountains and rivers of this world. When the seal is broken, places that should not exist will emerge, much like the first time you saw the lake. That happened because an earthquake damaged the seal, and the lake appeared on its own.”

“Then why was it just a lake, and not something else? Like the ground extending?” Shen An asked.

“Those were minor seals, only small portions were shaken loose. But this is a major seal—if it’s broken, the affected area could span a hundred miles. By then, the Chen family manor would vanish without a trace.”

Shen An drew a sharp breath at those words.

He hadn’t realized how formidable this seal truly was.

“Future me, what should I do with this seal? Should I open it or not?”

“Don’t open it now. You’re not strong enough. Besides, opening the seal requires many preparations. You can start getting ready, though.”

Shen An nodded.

His future self then listed the necessary materials. Shen An memorized them, and after that, his future self fell silent.

Leaving the secret chamber, Shen An summoned Mu Linqiu.

Mu Linqiu was now overseeing the Chen family’s aftermath, taking on many responsibilities herself.

With her outstanding abilities, she handled everything in perfect order, earning Shen An’s satisfaction.

The Chen family business was sprawling, involved in various industries, but mostly focused on dining and entertainment.

Their hotels, karaoke bars, and nightclubs were all visible assets.

Mu Linqiu presented Shen An with a detailed inventory of these businesses; he glanced through a few pages before tossing it aside.

“Just handle it,” he said, infuriating Mu Linqiu to the point she nearly cursed aloud.

But she knew Shen An truly didn’t care, and she dared not slack off. After all, he’d acquired these assets in just one night.

His power was now such that some people bowed their heads before him, and he could wipe out an entire corporation with ease.

“By the way, send word that I need some things prepared.” Suddenly recalling something, he added, “Never mind, call Jiang Meng here. I’ll instruct him directly.”

Since joining Shen An, Jiang Meng had little to do these days—either watching over this place or wandering elsewhere.

The Imperial Grand Hotel had become his second home.

Not long after Mu Linqiu left, Jiang Meng arrived.

“Boss, you called? Anything good for me this time?” he asked.

When Jiang Meng entered, Shen An said, “Help me source some materials. For the money, tell Mu Linqiu—she’ll handle it. I need these materials in my hands as soon as possible.”

Jiang Meng took the list Shen An handed him, his eyes dazzled by the contents, and carefully put it away.

“Don’t worry, boss, I’ll get it done,” Jiang Meng promised.

Shen An told him to wait a moment, then jotted down some more items and handed them over.

“Read these carefully. No one else can know, and you mustn’t leak them. This is a cultivation manual. Since you’re following me, this is your due.”

Afraid Jiang Meng might refuse, Shen An offered some reassurance.

But he underestimated Jiang Meng’s eagerness.

The moment Shen An handed over the manual, Jiang Meng grabbed it as if it were a priceless treasure.

“Rest assured, boss, I’ll never tell a soul. Once I’ve memorized it, I’ll burn it,” Jiang Meng vowed solemnly.

Though he sometimes mistook characters, he wasn’t illiterate—he’d consult a dictionary if he had to.

Jiang Meng resolved to commit the contents to memory as soon as he returned, and then begin cultivating.

To Jiang Meng, Shen An was now almost omnipotent—a cultivation manual from him was only natural.

Having finished his errands, Shen An headed to the office tower.

This was the Chen family’s headquarters, a place full of memories.

Now that the Chen family had fallen, many people had left. Mu Linqiu was working hard to recruit replacements. Shen An had come because someone had requested a meeting.

He had just arrived when he saw a refined, scholarly man already waiting.

The man wore glasses and a suit, and, seeing Shen An from afar, immediately rose to greet him.

“Mr. Shen, it’s a pleasure,” he said, extending his hand.

Shen An shook it briefly before letting go.

“Xu Tianming, if I’m not mistaken,” Shen An said.

“That’s right, Mr. Shen. I’m surprised you still remember me,” Xu Tianming replied with a smile.

“Of course. If I recall, your company is Zhicheng Pharmaceuticals. What brings you to see me?”

“Well, our company has worked with the Chen family—now your company—on several projects. Some time ago, we researched certain pharmaceuticals together. Now that Chen Longhai is dead, I thought you should be aware of the situation.”

“Oh? Is that so?” Shen An hadn’t realized they’d collaborated with Zhicheng Pharmaceuticals.

He pondered for a moment and said, “You can discuss these matters with Mu Linqiu. She’s now fully in charge of company business. I’m not very familiar with this field, as you know.”

Xu Tianming shook his head. “Mr. Shen, perhaps you don’t know our company well. Zhicheng Pharmaceuticals collaborates with many enterprises. In fact, nearly every pharmacy and hospital in Silver City uses our products.”

At this, Shen An’s expression darkened.

“Are you threatening me?” he asked, since Xu Tianming had mentioned all the hospitals in Silver City.