You, a living person, are telling me I've served in the underworld for ten years?

Jiang He picked up his teacup, took a sip, met Chen Yang's gaze, and slowly spoke.

"Sect Leader Chen, you've hit the nail on the head. We do suspect that there may be an even older force secretly supporting or using the 'Heavenly Dao Alliance'."

Based on the analysis of some ancient records and sporadic abnormal fluctuations in spiritual energy... we tend to believe that the force behind this is very likely related to 'blessed lands'.

"A blessed land?"

Chen Yang's heart sank, but his face displayed a perfectly timed expression of surprise and solemnity. Jiang He had actually pointed out "blessed land" so directly!
This was much more candid than he had expected, but it also meant that the Special Administration's assessment and understanding of the situation was probably far more extensive than this.

At the same time, Li Rou's wary voice transmission rang in his mind.

'Master, he's so straightforward; either he's genuinely cooperating and sharing information.'

They either have far more information than you expect, or they might even be testing you.

Why not take this opportunity to probe his background?

Chen Yang's mind raced, and he responded through his divine sense.

'clear.'

He looked thoughtful and followed Jiang He's words.

"A blessed land...a small world independent of the present world, a legacy of ancient cultivators."

If they really were manipulating things behind the scenes, then everything makes sense. With the resurgence of spiritual energy, various forces are stirring. We, in their eyes, are perhaps nothing more than pawns on a chessboard, ultimately paving the way for their return to the world so they can reap the benefits.

Jiang He gave Chen Yang a deep look, seemingly unsurprised that he could offer such insights, and nodded with a sigh.

"Sect Leader Chen is exceptionally insightful, and what he said is very likely the truth. The limited information we currently have also points to this."

The source and rhythm of this spiritual energy revival, and even the unusually dense spiritual energy in certain areas, are difficult to explain with common sense. However, if there are 'blessed lands' intentionally guiding or opening them behind the scenes, it makes much more sense. We, and even the entire cultivation world in this world, may be caught in a grand scheme.”

Chen Yang asked tentatively.

"Since Minister Jianghe and your bureau have already made this assessment, what are your next countermeasures? Passive defense is not a long-term solution. The other side is in the shadows, while we are in the open, and the difference in strength and resources is probably enormous."

Jiang He put down his teacup, his fingers unconsciously tapping the armrest of the sofa, and pondered.

"Dealing with it... is easier said than done."

The other party is a 'blessed land' with a history of countless millennia, and the strength of the cultivators within, as well as the resources and knowledge they possess, far exceeds our imagination.

Based on the extremely limited information we currently have, what we call "True Immortal" level combat power in our world is probably only at the lower-middle level in those complete blessed lands and grotto-heavens. Above them are "Celestial Immortals," "Golden Immortals," and even higher levels.

With our current strength, a rash conflict would be tantamount to throwing an egg against a rock.

He paused, then continued.

"There are two urgent matters."

First, we must do everything in our power to enhance our own capabilities and those of our reliable allies.

Secondly, we need to find a stable method or passage to the 'Blessed Land'. Our people have successfully infiltrated the periphery of the 'Heavenly Alliance' and are trying to obtain more core information.

"Only if we can find a way into the 'blessed land,' even if it's just sending in a few spies to find out the true situation inside, the distribution of various forces, and their true intentions, can we formulate effective strategies instead of being passively attacked and exhausted like we are now."

"Have you found a way to enter this blessed land?"

Chen Yang frowned slightly.

"This is probably more difficult than improving our strength."

Those places are self-contained, and their connection to the present world must be extremely secretive and strictly controlled.

"It's difficult, but not hopeless."

A sharp glint flashed in Jiang He's eyes.

"The 'Heavenly Alliance' has connections with blessed lands and grotto-heavens; that's the key. If our people can gain enough trust and make contact with higher levels, they might be able to find clues."

In addition, we are also intensifying our research on the supplies and equipment brought back from the Northwest, especially those related to space fluctuations and energy barriers, hoping to find some inspiration or confirmation from the technological side.

As Chen Yang listened to Jiang He's plan, his mind raced. The Special Administration Bureau was indeed making arrangements in secret, and its steps were even larger than he had imagined, directly targeting the blessed land itself.

This presents both an opportunity and a greater risk.

"Minister Jianghe's plan is quite visionary."

Chen Yang first expressed his agreement, then changed the subject and asked with some curiosity.

"However, I have a question. Where did your bureau obtain such detailed information about the internal strength division of blessed lands? These terms are not commonly seen in the current cultivation system."

This was his genuine curiosity, and also a further test.

Jiang He smiled, seemingly unbothered by Chen Yang's inquiry.

"Some of it was extracted from the mouths of important figures captured by the 'Heavenly Alliance,' combined with some records from ancient fragmented jade slips."

Another part is thanks to the huge gains from our last Northwest Joint Operation—the large amount of encrypted data and experimental records seized from the 'Dark Star' outpost.

Our technical department spent a lot of effort deciphering and correlating the information, extracting a lot of fragmented information about their partners, including descriptions of high-level power structures and words of awe.

By piecing these fragments together, we obtained a relatively vague but clearly directional outline. In fact, we must thank Sect Leader Chen and your sect for their great assistance at the time; otherwise, we wouldn't have obtained such complete 'materials'.”

That's it!

Chen Yang suddenly understood. After all, the Special Administration Bureau was a state apparatus, possessing top-notch technical capabilities and intelligence analysis skills. It wasn't surprising that it could extract crucial information from those massive amounts of data.

This also explains why Jiang He's understanding of the "Heavenly Alliance" and the "Blessed Land" seems to be no less than that of someone who personally experienced them and who had Li Rou as an "insider".

"Besides infiltration and finding entry points, what specific plans does your bureau have for enhancing its capabilities going forward?"

Chen Yang steered the conversation back to reality.

The rivers flowed straight and straight.

"A multi-pronged approach."

On the one hand, we are concentrating resources to prioritize the training of a group of loyal, reliable, and high-potential core personnel in an attempt to break through existing bottlenecks. On the other hand, we have also intensified our exploration of ancient ruins and hidden realms, hoping to find more heritage or resources.

at the same time……"

He looked at Chen Yang, his gaze carrying a deeper meaning.

"We have also noticed that Master Chen's Qingwei Sect seems to be making progress in certain areas, such as... research on new types of armor, and attention to gene enhancement technology?" Chen Yang's heart stirred slightly, knowing that the Special Administration Bureau was not completely unaware of the Qingwei Sect's movements.

He readily admitted it.

"Minister Jianghe is well-informed."

Indeed, given this situation, closing ourselves off and remaining stagnant will only lead to our demise. Our Qingwei Sect is indeed trying to utilize existing resources to research new protective magical artifacts more suitable for our disciples, while also paying close attention to and learning about gene enhancement technology.

Times have changed, and we must keep pace with the times, drawing upon all possible strengths to enhance ourselves; this is the way to survive and thrive.

"Well said! Keep pace with the times and draw on all beneficial forces!"

Jiang He clapped his hands in agreement, his tone sincere.

"It is a blessing for the Qingwei Sect and a boon for the cultivation world of China that Sect Leader Chen has such insight."

If your faction requires any assistance during the research process—whether it's technical support, material supply, or intelligence sharing—please don't hesitate to ask. The Special Administration Bureau and the Qingwei faction share the same goal and should work together wholeheartedly.

"I appreciate Minister Jiang's kindness."

Chen Yang responded politely.

"The research is still in its early stages. We can manage for the time being by utilizing what we gained from the last operation and what our sect has accumulated."

If we encounter any difficulties, we will certainly seek assistance from your bureau. After all, as you said, we are on the same side.”

"Haha, it's right that Sect Leader Chen thinks that way."

Jiang He laughed heartily, then said casually.

"Actually, our Special Administration Bureau is also developing a new generation of individual protective equipment and enhancement solutions. Although they may not be completely suitable for the characteristics of each school's martial arts, if your school needs them, we can provide some samples and basic data for reference."

Chen Yang politely declined.

"I am grateful for the Minister of River Affairs' kind gesture."

However, since our Qingwei Sect has decided to develop its own equipment, it is also to explore the path most suitable for our sect's inheritance. Blindly borrowing from or relying on external resources may not be conducive to the long-term development of our disciples and their in-depth understanding of their own Daoist methods. What we want to create is a unique equipment system that can complement the Qingwei Daoist methods and be used as naturally as an extension of our own body.

Upon hearing this, Jiang He's eyes showed even greater admiration.

"Sect Leader Chen has lofty aspirations and considers things thoroughly; I admire him."

Since that's the case, I won't say any more. In short, remember my promise: contact me anytime if you need anything.

"must."

Chen Yang nodded, then, as if remembering something, naturally changed the subject.

"Speaking of which, your bureau also received a lot of spoils during the last Northwest operation, especially the advanced equipment and unidentified supplies from 'Dark Star'."

I wonder if your bureau's research has yielded any new developments or discoveries?

He asked this question not only because he was concerned about the Special Administration Bureau's research progress, but also because he wanted to indirectly understand the extent to which the technologies that had leaked from or were related to those "paradises" had been analyzed.

Upon hearing this, Jiang He's expression flashed with a hint of barely perceptible embarrassment and helplessness. He picked up his coffee cup, then put it down again, leaned back against the sofa, and shook his head.

"Specific research progress... To be honest, Master Chen, I am mainly responsible for field operations and external coordination. The detailed progress of the internal research department is highly confidential and has a dedicated person in charge. I do not have timely and comprehensive information about it."

The supplies and equipment were immediately taken over by a top-tier team of experts upon arrival at the bureau, and were subjected to the most rigorous storage and research. As far as I know, the analysis work is exceptionally complex, involving many previously unseen energy systems and materials technologies; progress… will likely be slow.

But the bureau has invested huge resources, and I believe that given time, a breakthrough will be achieved.

He paused, then added.

"However, the bureau did remind us that the design concepts of those devices and the processing precision of some core components seem to have a subtle connection with some ancient civilization relics or theories that we know, and are not entirely products of 'Dark Star' or modern technology."

This may confirm their connection to some ancient tradition.

Chen Yang sensed the reservation in Jiang He's words and knew that pressing for more details would not yield any further results. Instead, he shared his own observations, both as a way of sharing information and as a test.

"I see.

"However, Minister Jiang, when I was ambushed today, the leader of the opposing force took a peculiar potion, which instantly caused his strength to surge, almost leaping across a major realm, and he was able to maintain this berserk state for a considerable period. Judging from the properties of the potion, it is definitely not as simple as a pure gene-enhancing drug."

Jiang He's eyes narrowed, and he leaned forward slightly.

"Oh?

What did Sect Leader Chen discover?

"That potion clearly contains pure 'spiritual energy,' and it's a specially refined and extremely potent spiritual energy!"

Chen Yang spoke with certainty.

"This is an effect that cannot be achieved by modern biotechnology or chemical synthesis."

So-called gene-enhancing agents are essentially designed to stimulate or modify the body's potential. They may be able to simulate some energy usage, but it is absolutely impossible to conjure up such pure 'spiritual energy' with specific attributes out of thin air.

The ability to combine the power of elixirs with genetic technology and consistently produce such a powerful effect... this must be the work of someone skilled in alchemy, knowledgeable about medicinal properties, and with a profound understanding of the nature of spiritual energy!

He looked at Jiang He's increasingly serious face and continued.

"Those who know how to refine pills and can provide suitable spiritual medicines, in the present world, apart from those hidden lineages that may exist, are most likely forces that are related to 'blessed lands'."

Minister Jiang He, what do you think?
Could it be that the 'Heavenly Alliance' used their connections with 'Blessed Lands' to obtain certain elixir formulas or even finished products, then shared or collaborated with 'Dark Star,' where 'Dark Star' used their genetic technology to modify them, ultimately creating this 'monster potion' that blends cultivation and technological power?

Jiang He remained silent for a moment, tapping his fingers lightly on the armrest of the sofa, his brows furrowed.

"Sect Leader Chen's analysis... makes a lot of sense. Combined with some scattered information we deciphered earlier, it was indeed mentioned that the 'Heavenly Alliance' provided the 'Dark Star' with some 'special bioactive samples' and 'energy catalysts'."

If those are indeed processed elixirs or pills... then are they using the precious legacy left by our ancestors to aid the enemy, helping foreign forces to fight against our own people?

His voice carried a hint of suppressed anger and coldness.

"If that's true, these people are even more hateful than simple traitors!"
They are tearing our nation down from its very roots!

"At present, this possibility seems extremely high."

Chen Yang nodded.

"However, what is their ultimate goal? Is it merely to acquire the technology and resources of 'Dark Star' to strengthen themselves? Or do they have a deeper scheme, such as... letting wolves into the house, using external forces to completely disrupt the situation, so that certain entities can fish in troubled waters, or even... to welcome the so-called 'return'?" (End of this chapter)