As for the matters regarding the Secret Castle, Simmons remained tight-lipped. In truth, he didn't know much. After returning ho, he visited his grandfather, Count George. Ever since his demotion from Duke to Count, the old man seed to live happier and longer, being one of the few elderly left in Hedan. He always appeared weak, as if he could pass away any mont, but he had been this way for over twenty years.
Old George didn't much like his own sons and daughters but was quite fond of Simmons and Celestia. However, upon hearing they wanted to ask about the Secret Castle, he made Celestia leave, which infuriated her enough to threaten to give away all of Old George's hidden liquor.
"Are you talking about Avogadro?" asked Old George, who spent his days idling in the sun, suddenly opening his eyes.
"Yes, Grandpa, that's what he's called. The Prince addressed him that way, but Zheng Shengxun seed afraid to even ntion it," Simmons recounted the situation without embellishnt.
Old George reclined in his chair, his eyes narrowed again, "How do you know him?"
Simmons started detailing his experiences in the Secret Castle, including the significant events at the Celestial Capital Canon Law School, as well as eting Li Xin at the Lirong Inn. Simmons spoke at length, and although he was quite thorough, the old count showed no impatience. He even paused to ask questions at certain points.
It took Simmons a long ti to recount the entire process. "Grandpa, this is roughly the situation. If today's events hadn't occurred, I would continue to follow my plans and collaborate with him, just as a friend. But now, things have surpassed my understanding, and I worry about causing trouble for the family."
Old George let out a gentle sigh.
Simmons moved his seat a bit closer and sat down, "Grandpa, don't be angry. If I've acted recklessly anywhere, just point it out, and I'll change."
"Silly boy, I'm not sighing; I'm happy, I'm emotional. Your father's generation in the family thought themselves clever, but they're just a bunch of fools. If I were to die, the Zheng Family would wipe them all out imdiately. They think no one knows about their dirty deeds. In your generation, Celestia is smart and has a good character; she's also brave and decisive. But unfortunately, people have their fate, and you can't stop that," Old George said excitedly, "You're different though, you have good fortune!"
Simmons was left in a daze by his grandfather's words. Old George chuckled, "Were you disheartened for a while because your first awakening didn't awaken any abilities?"
Simmons didn't argue, feeling a bit ashad.
"Those who can cross the threshold of becoming a Demigod need more than just abilities; they need enhancent. It may seem ordinary, but it's fundantally essential. As for abilities, who's to say there won't be changes?" the old man said with a smile.
For a mont, Simmons's eyes shone brilliantly, but he quickly regained composure. With a narrowed gaze, the Count nodded, "Not bad, more mature than before. The odds are slim, but that's the purpose of the Divine Relic and the Holy Land's existence. Life is like rolling dice; you have to wager to seize a chance."
The old Count didn't pursue the topic further, "People say the George Family's decline happened under my watch; do you think so too?"
Simmons thought for a mont, "Grandpa, I vaguely know there was a significant hidden event in Hedan back then. Such matters of picking sides, if chosen incorrectly, involve more than just a demotion of nobility. Yet our family is still doing fine. Though our influence has diminished, our foundations remain, and we can still rise again."
"Being able to deduce this from fragnted information is comndable. I can tell you, I did it on purpose back then, including letting the Zheng Family grow. So things you still can't know, and neither am I certain. Overall, it was the best decision for our family. It's better to live poorly than die well. But from you, I see a glimpse of opportunity. Yet, the matter is too grand to say for sure. After this, you just do as you see fit. Anyway, I won't live much longer; I'll join you in betting big," Old George seed like a child then. "The bigger the stakes, the greater the returns."
Simmons gave a wry smile, "Grandpa, don't say that. Now, I'm even more uncertain. Even if we gamble, I want to know what the stakes are."
"If it were Celestia, she wouldn't think that way. The stakes are the survival of the entire family. If we win, the George Family will reclaim its glory, perhaps even surpassing its peak," Old George chuckled rrily.
"Do we have to play so big?" Simmons frowned.
"What's big about it? Rise and fall are natural laws. Sooner or later, it happens. You should enjoy the thrill. I lived by this when I was younger, which is why I'm still in good shape. Now it's your turn. Do what you want, don't fret over the unknown. I'm not dead yet, I'll always be watching," Old George seed exceptionally happy or perhaps excited.
The George Family has always been into thrilling business. After nurturing for so many years, the old man felt he could witness a significant event before dying.
In a mont of youthful excitent, Old George slumped his head and ended up falling asleep again, leaving Simmons amused and speechless. It seed as if sothing was said, yet nothing was.
He carried his grandfather to bed, covered him with a blanket, and quietly exited. Since his grandpa didn't oppose, he decided to stick to his principles.
In the morning sunlight, Li Xin felt warm on his buttocks. Ah, the comfort. He had overindulged in food yesterday. The delicious ingredients were part of it, but this Spiritual Ability-infused al was indeed remarkable. His entire body was filled with energy, a fullness rarely encountered.
Knock, knock, knock...
There, on the windowsill, stood a white owl. Li Xin rubbed his eyes. The owl knocked on the window again. Li Xin opened it, and the owl, impatient, dropped the letter and fluttered away.
It was a ssenger from the Bird Report. Li Xin opened the letter, "Return to the Bird Society promptly."
At the bottom was a symbol of the Night Patrol, indicating it was a task from them. Li Xin dared not delay; he quickly sprang up, dressed, and dashed out. He hailed an open carriage, tipping two Hek coins to make the horse gallop on four legs, reaching Mahler Street No. 85, Hex Bird Report Hedan Branch 5, in over ten minutes.
Upon arriving at the Bird Society, the workers in the factory area were bustling with activity. Voices clamored all around. But inside the Editorial Departnt, it was much quieter. As Li Xin entered, soone was already waiting, "Li Xin, you're here; hurry up. We've been waiting just for you."
Pointing to the eting room, Li Xin trotted over and knocked. The door opened, revealing a room full of people, with a rather solemn atmosphere. At the head sat Chief Ma Zhe, and next to him stood Christie. Upon seeing Li Xin, they gestured for him to sit at the end.
"Christie has already inford everyone about the severe situation our Bird Report is facing. From your expressions, I can tell that you don't feel much urgency. Let be more direct: most of the overseas activity funding for Bird Report is self-sustaining. If it goes bankrupt, you'll all have to return to Dragon Capital to find another job," Ma Zhe said coolly. "Returning to that life, you know what it's like. So, utilize the resources and networks you have accumulated over the years. We must secure reporting rights equal to those of Hedan Daily, or else we'll die out. Tasks have been assigned; each of you must secure one council mber. Failure will et with no leniency from !"
In recent days, Ma Zhe had been negotiating this issue, aiming to expand the reporting rights of the Hex Bird Report. But the Council Hall manager presented a slew of reasons. Ma Zhe sensed that they didn't want to handle this alone and needed more shoulder the burden. Activity funds would be adequate, but one needs to be alive to earn money, which his counterpart clearly understood.
It was obvious that Chief Ma Zhe was stressed, his lips even developing sores. He could genuinely feel the counterattacks. Having the Hex Bird Report around allowed life to flourish, otherwise, relying rely on the Night Patrol's activity funds in the exorbitantly priced Hedan would be a beggar's existence.
"Now, onto the Night Patrol's mission. Christie, will you brief everyone?" Ma Zhe said gently.
Christie smiled charmingly, "The Chief has put his heart into this for everyone. First, let say a few words of praise about our newcor, Li Xin. Although he's only been with the Bird Report for a short ti, he has already proposed his solution for our predicant. Regardless of its effectiveness, it's innovative and worth attempting. The Bird Society is foundational to us all, so don't hold back now; show so vigor."
Li Xin was both amused and exasperated. His ideas were still uncertain, and now it seed as if he were being put directly under the spotlight.
Nobody spoke up; it wasn't for a lack of action but because the threat from Hedan Daily was so significant. Securing a council mber was no small feat, and the costs would be high, with no reimbursent. However, everyone understood that if Bird Report faltered, the days ahead would be tough.
Returning to Dragon Capital? There were no positions left. Moreover, many had settled in Hedan, married, and had children, so for years, others for over a decade.
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