Chapter 24. The Great Era Approaches. A Frog in the Well?

"We've found the target," Uncle Zuo confirmed with a nod. "The genetic match rate is eighty percent. The bloodline is genuine, and the potential is limitless. Third Young Miss has already departed this afternoon to retrieve them personally."

Though the Wuzhou Group's genetic research division couldn't compare to Longevity Genetics in terms of cutting-edge tech, it was still more than capable of verifying this kind of result.

"Eighty percent?" Zhou Yunqiong's eyes lit up, clearly pleased by the news.

After all, this wasn't just any bloodline. It was nearly on par with the Zhou clan's own ancestral lineage. A match rate this high was nearly unheard of.

No wonder the Third Young Miss had chosen to go in person.

Uncle Zuo continued, "Also, the Longevity Genetics, Skygod Technologies and several other major factions have also uncovered bloodlines of significant power. They're making their moves in the shadows. Unfortunately, the details are highly classified—we haven't been able to uncover much."

He paused briefly before adding, "Still, it's obvious that they intend to compete with us."

After the Global Awakening, the strength of one's bloodline would determine how far they could ascend.

Despite already being a dominant force, the Wuzhou Group had been preparing for years. To secure their advantage, they had taken it a step further to scour the world for rare bloodlines, intending to nurture them into powerful assets. In the battles to come, these individuals could very well tip the scales.

"I see..." Zhou Yunqiong replied softly. "The great era is almost here. I can hardly wait."

To her, the current world was dull, nothing but a tedious cycle repeating endlessly. And worse, people had to suffer the slow decay of aging. But all of that would change once the new age began.

With the Zhou clan's potent bloodline flowing through her veins, Zhou Yunqiong was certain that she was destined to become one of the leading figures in the world to come.

And so, she really looked forward to the future with burning anticipation.

Mythical powers, an extended lifespan, a strong physique, the ability to summon wind and rain, and to stand above all others. That was what Zhou Yunqiong truly longed for.

"Yes," Uncle Zuo echoed. "When that day comes, our Zhou clan will no longer need to live in the shadows. We can finally step into the light."

The Zhou clan was one of the most ancient bloodlines in Huaxia. But for thousands of years, the world had slumbered, the heavens silent, and divine wonders hidden away.

This era simply wasn't made for people like them.

Of course, he also knew that when the time came, it wouldn't just be Huaxia. All over the world, similar awakenings would occur. Ancient civilizations would rise once more, and when they collided, the sparks would outshine even the stars.

"I can feel it," Zhou Yunqiong said, her tone calm but certain. "The Day of Awakening is drawing near. Tell our people to stay quiet for now. At such a critical moment, we can't afford to stir up any trouble. Wait patiently for the right time."

After graduating from college, Zhou Yunqiong had begun taking part in major family and Wuzhou Group decisions. She was already one of the key decision-makers.

Her words carried weight. Aside from the clan head and a few select elders, everyone else followed her lead.

"Yes, Young Miss. Rest assured, you can count on me," Uncle Zuo replied, bowing slightly before taking his leave.

Zhou Yunqiong was left alone in the room.

She rose from her seat, her posture still as regal and proud as ever. Walking to the window, she stood beneath the gentle wash of moonlight.

From childhood to now, she had always been the center of attention no matter where she went. Even if the new era arrived, that would never change.

Suddenly, Lu Yuan came to mind. He had once harbored feelings for her and even confessed publicly. Yet at their most recent class reunion, his enthusiasm had vanished. In its place was cold detachment.

If it had been before, she might have dug into it and tried to figure out why.

But now, none of it mattered. The gap between them would only grow wider and wider with time. Perhaps, they might not even cross paths again.

So why waste time and energy on something so trivial?

"In the end, just a frog in a well," Zhou Yunqiong recalled that day at the hotel entrance. A smirk tinged with mockery tugged at the corner of her lips.

But that was no longer important. She would forget about him soon.

***

Morning light spilled across the sky. After driving for the whole night, Lu Yuan finally arrived home.

Much had happened during his time away. But at least, everything had been settled. He had also secured the final two divine artifacts.

In the courtyard, the ancient Bodhi Tree stood quietly, its green leaves rustling in the morning breeze. Yet something about it had changed. Once steeped in myth and mystery, the tree now exuded an even stronger Daoist essence.

Simply standing near it brought clarity to one's mind. The mind sharpened, the spirit stilled, and earthly distractions faded into nothing.

Even the Bodhi leaves had deepened into a more vibrant emerald and pulsed with vigorous life.

Of course, these subtle changes weren't something the average person would notice. Lu Yuan saw them only because he knew exactly what to look for, because he knew what was coming.

"It's August 21st today. Only ten days left," Lu Yuan muttered to himself. From this point on, he couldn't leave. He had to remain in his villa and wait for the Day of Awakening.

All his early preparations were complete. Nothing had been overlooked. To have collected this many divine treasures in just three months was already an incredible achievement.

Once the new era arrived, he could finally set his next plan into motion, following the path laid out in the memories of his past life.

Lu Yuan then moved the Great Luo Sword Embryo and the Wordless Stone Stele into the villa. But instead of heading straight to the basement, he turned on the television and went to wash up.

Though last night's battle had left him unscathed, there was still dust and grime to be dealt with.

Once he had cleaned up and changed into fresh clothes, he stepped out of the bathroom—just in time to hear the television news anchor.

Around 8 p.m. last night, a meteorite landed on the outskirts of Zhouwu City. Fortunately, there were no casualties reported. Now, moving on to other news—

That was it. One line. No details. No explanation. They even claimed no one had been hurt.

So they're really covering it up. But how long can they hide things?

A knowing smile surfaced on Lu Yuan's face. He knew they were doing it to maintain public order. But how long could the illusion last?

Without giving it further thought, he picked up the Great Luo Sword Embryo and the Wordless Stone Stele again and made his way down to the underground basement.

All the divine treasures he had gathered so far were stored here. After placing the last two among them, he didn't linger. He went straight back to his room and lay down to sleep.

Truth be told, with his current physique, he could go for days without rest. But he wanted to be at his absolute peak when the Day of Awakening arrived.

After all, that day would be far too important.