As news of the Ashen River Hall drops into the military, a colossal splash is made—causing every commanding body within the place to move.
"Go through the historical records! If there is an ancient ruin to be found in the text, mark its approximate location down on the map!"
"There's a few more logs here!"
In an instant, archeological research becomes a key focus throughout all institutes.
Other than acquiring quality of life items from the ancient ruins, if they are able to find a weapon of some kind—that can flip the tables against the Immortals in this war, to the authority holders of this world, regardless of the sacrifices that must be made, it would all be worth it; for this war has already gone on for well over 1,500 years.
...…
Back at the nightclub, that serves as the Ashen River Hall's base of operations—
"Boss, they've started."
"Good."
Setting his glass down, Shao Tianming smiles.
Leaning against the back of the sofa that Shao Tianming is sitting on, Li Zi Xiang asks—
"Would they really cooperate with us to excavate the ruins?"
Other than Shao Tianming, Li Zi Xiang, and Chen Lan, there is no one else here at the nightclub right now.
The three of them are the only ones to have been dispatched into GC012 by the higher-ups of their world—meaning, every other person that was used to intimidate Long Hua and the others with, are natives of this world, that had sworn their fealty to the Ashen River Hall.
Towards the question, Shao Tianming answers—
"I doubt they'd be honest about it. But since we lack manpower to search the globe, we need to use whatever we can."
"Hopefully, they don't eat up too much of the spoils."
Saying this, Chen Lan has a gleam of excitement in his eyes.
Much of the ancient ruins in their world have already been emptied, while the few—that continue to remain, are all incredibly difficult to get through.
Shrugging a shoulder, Shao Tianming replies—
"Since their side doesn't have much experience, most of them will probably fail to make it through the ruins in one piece."
Blinking his eyes, Shao Tianming couldn't help but recall the words Long Hua had said—
(What? Did you expect me to come quietly with you if you just had some hostages in hand? C'mon, I barely know whoever those two you caught were. Grill them, fry them, steam them, do whatever the hell you want with them. What do I care about the fate of two faceless strangers?)
Recalling those words as well, Li Zi Xiang remarks—
"That surnamed Long is a real piece of work…"
Agreeing with Li Zi Xiang, Chen Lan nods, and replies—
"I wouldn't trust my back to him."
Raising a subtle sigh, Shao Tianming remarks—
"He probably won't trust his back to anyone else either. That look in his eyes, it tells me—that he doesn't even consider his own squad-mates as comrades."
...…
"…"
Reading through Qing Yue's report, Nian Tao Tao lifts her head from the paper in her hands.
Currently, she is in the main reception area of the Long Yue family's mansion.
The center of the room is layered over by a red carpet with patterns done in golden threads.
On both sides of the red carpet are five chairs with small tables in between. Behind these seating areas are decorative screen panels.
"Ai…"
Raising a sigh, Nian Tao Tao places the paper down on the table—that is situated in the middle of the wooden couch, that she is occupying.
Behind the central seating area of this vicinity—which is reserved for the mansion's owner, is a large painting of a dragon done in black ink. On the opposite side of the wall—that this painting is mounted onto, is a staircase that leads to the second floor.
"The inner domain's folks have finally started to appear."
The so-called "inner domain," is the world where Shao Tianming and his group originated from.
Much of what Nian Tao Tao knows of the place is that the living environment there is harsher than their world, the outer domain.
"…"
Thinking for a bit, Nian Tao Tao picks up the bell—that is on the table, and rings it.
Immediately, a Moon Guard with a black mask—appears behind the screen of a guest's seating area, and walks out.
Turning to the Moon Guard, Nian Tao Tao says—
"Xū Yǐng, get a few people together, and start looking through the library for any hints of ancient ruins. Also… I don't care about the price; but just make sure that Qing Yue receives a shield talisman in the shortest time possible."
Receiving these orders, the Moon Guard leaves.
...…
"Hmm."
Seated in an expensive office chair is Nian Yao Yao. Mounted onto her black wooden desk—via an arm, is a large monitor.
Situated in the four corners of her office are large bonsai trees, whereas the center is occupied by a large carpet.
Positioned onto the carpet's center is a rectangular table surrounded by two sofas and armchairs.
Placing a report down on her desk, Nian Yao Yao asks the female employee, who had delivered this to her—
"If I recall, isn't there an ancient ruin near GC021?"
"That's…"
Thinking for a bit, the female employee—who is a part of the pig faction, in charge of logistics, nods.
Raising a smile, Nian Yao Yao says—
"Make a public announcement saying—that I'm buying the rights, to excavate it."
"Wouldn't that cause many issues at this time?"
"That's the point. The Ashen River Hall wants to cooperate with the people of our world to excavate these ruins. No doubt they have more experience than the people on our side—meaning, they have a homefield advantage in those places. Because of that, they're bound to be able to get a larger share of the spoils than we'd ever be able to. That's why, we need to set some ground rules first—even if these rules, may potentially come back later to bite us in the ass."
Looking further into the future than most, Nian Yao Yao had a solemn expression on her face, as she thought—
(Ideally, I'd want every organization to sign a contract of non-intervention after one group has successfully won the rights to a ruin. However, the act of hiring mercenaries, and other organizations' employees should still be made possible. That should at least keep the Ashen River Hall in check—since they'll be able to receive employment in exchange for giving our side a lesson on how things should be done. Once our side has caught up to them—on the technical side of things, they need to be cut off.)
Organizing her thoughts, Nian Yao Yao says—
"Our company has connections to people in high places due to IB-09. I think it's time we use them. I'll type out a prototype contract, get the people in the logistics department to send them out later."
"Understood."
Nodding her head, the female employee leaves, leaving Nian Yao Yao to work on typing out a contract.
(As shit as some of those people in high places are, their brains work fast. I need only throw out a few clues here and there, and they'll work the finer details out on their own. Looks like I'll have work for Long Hua soon.)