C12 The End Goal Is Eternal Life

"Thump... Thump..."

The sound of knocking echoed as Yuh Wenming instinctively turned toward the door to see Gong Yu and Gong Qian had arrived.

The letter was safely tucked inside the box, out of sight from the two visitors.

Gong Qian's recent demeanor suggested he might indeed be a friend.

Wenn Zheming had entrusted his memories to Yuh Wenming; the possibility of another Wenn Zheming was out of the question.

He gestured to the seat opposite Yuh Wenming, "Do you have a moment? I'd like to have a word with you."

There was no point in antagonizing Gong Qian, especially since the Treasure Gathering Pavilion held a decent reputation that could be leveraged for advancement.

"Sure, I'm curious about what you'd like to discuss."

He pondered for a moment, then with a subtle smile, added, "This treasure chest belongs to a dear friend who's left it here for years. It's somewhat odd to see you claiming it."

Gong Qian's acquaintance with Wenn Zheming was the reason he had personally delivered the chest; others lacked such privilege.

Yuh Wenming gave a slight nod. "I wasn't keen on a lengthy conversation. Wenn Zheming is busy with antique research elsewhere and can't make it at the moment."

It was unclear if Gong Qian was ally or adversary to Wenn Zheming, so revealing details was off the table, and Gong Qian's presence was absent from his memories.

"Fine, I was just checking to ensure nothing was missing."

The box looked untouched, reassuring them that its contents were intact.

They hadn't inspected every side of the box, but with so many trusting the Treasure Gathering Pavilion, there was no reason to doubt.

"I have great trust in you and am confident you'll handle the treasure chest appropriately."

He held back further information, curious if there were more of Wenn Zheming's memories to explore.

"Gong Yu, would you mind picking up some fine dishes from the restaurant across the street? We'll share a simple meal later. Wenn Zheming and I go way back, and I wouldn't dream of shortchanging you."

Anyone capable of standing by Wenn Zheming's side was certainly no mediocrity. Gong Qian sought to win over Yuh Wenming, aiming to have him join his inner circle.

Yuh Wenming saw nothing peculiar in this; after all, Wenn Zheming was a master in the art of treasure appraisal, and it seemed highly probable that Gong Yu and Gong Qian were of similar caliber.

With the contents of the box yet to be fully verified, Gong Qian refrained from lingering to avoid interference, aware that some items were not meant for his eyes. "Once the meal is ready, I'll send someone to notify you. I hope you won't take offense."

After opening the door and exiting the office, Yuh Wenming was left alone to assess the treasures.

The jade piece was pristine, its purpose unclear for now, leaving him no choice but to abandon that line of inquiry.

He revisited the letter, still unfinished, which contained numerous autobiographical details about Wenn Zheming.

Having encountered the system, he had probed its mysteries, only to discover its exceptionally high level of authority.

The previous host had left behind this letter as a guide for Wenn Zheming's investigation.

Wenn Zheming was unaware of the former host's profession, yet it was clear that his intellect was extraordinary, far beyond the average person's reach.

He had not only approximated the system's ultimate goal but was also diligently working towards it, eager to avoid any mishaps.

Perusing the letter, he finally stumbled upon a clue at the end: the system's ultimate goal was none other than eternal life.

Eternal life, a pinnacle many spend their whole lives striving for, yet seldom reached.

Upon learning of the system's potential, Wenn Zheming promptly delved into its intricacies.

To prevent any external probing into his affairs, Wenn Zheming resolved to amass a cadre of loyalists to serve his cause. His recruits included formidable enforcers and astute lawyers, a blend of brawn and brains.

He could only proceed with his investigation unencumbered when he was assured of the reliability of those closest to him.

"It's astonishing, the layers to Wenn Zheming's identity. Now that I've assumed your identity, I wonder if they'll heed my commands."

Yuh Wenming looked out at the crowd and couldn't help but indulge in a fantasy where all those people heeded his command. He set the letter aside, pondering the whereabouts of those hidden individuals. Wenn Zheming had already won them over; surely, he had a means to bring them all together.

A note caught his eye from beneath the chest, and he swiftly picked it up. Another note lay beneath the slot where the Jade was kept, its message exuding an air of dominance, carrying the scent of Wenn Zheming's blood. It made sense why Gong Qian had to descend from his high position; he knew the half-piece of Jade was the key to their obedience.

Holding the Jade, Yuh Wenming instinctively glanced toward the Treasure Gathering Pavilion's office door. Whoever had caught Wenn Zheming's attention was certainly more than just an employee. Gong Qian's recent demeanor and attitude were tellingly off, suggesting he was the one involved. Yuh Wenming was convinced that bringing him here would untangle all complications.

Opening the door, he found the treasure chest still atop the table and two staff members at the doorway. They mistook Yuh Wenming's emergence as an invitation to enter. He couldn't let them inside and shook his head, "I need to speak with your boss. Send for Gong Qian, please."

Despite not understanding Gong Qian's particular fondness for him, he went ahead and summoned him. Meanwhile, Gong Yu was oblivious to the unfolding events, busy preparing dishes in the restaurant across the way.

Gong Qian entered, his gaze fixed on Yuh Wenming, eager to learn the reason for his summons. Yuh Wenming presented the Jade, "You remember this piece, don't you?"

The Jade was etched deep into his memory, and he nodded without hesitation, "Yes, I remember it well."

Wenn Zheming had once entrusted the Jade to him, his eyes betraying a reluctance to part with it. But he never returned, leaving all in Yuh Wenming's care.

"Now that the item is in my possession, you should be following my commands without question, right?"

Gong Qian could see the transformation in Yuh Wenming; there was a distinct shift in his presence, his aura now radiating a subtle difference.

"Indeed, possession of this Jade compels us to yield to you without conditions."

Bowing his head, Yuh Wenming assumed the posture of a humble man, positioning himself off to the side.

Having tested the Jade and confirmed its effectiveness, he finally placed it inside the treasure chest. "That will be all, you may go now."