Chapter 120: A Pleasant Collaboration

Returning to the Peninsula Hotel, Xiao Kaitian was wide awake. A lot had happened tonight, and the urgency to quickly enhance his strength was pressing. Although the Grandmaster Bai Kou was by his side, Bai Kou’s primary duty was still to protect Zhao Qixi, so he couldn’t divert too much attention elsewhere.

He took out the jade pendant along with the Cold Flame Stone, wrapping both in divine energy to ensure their spiritual power wouldn’t dissipate. The four-dimensional force was unstable in the three-dimensional world; over time, if not grafted or transferred, it would gradually fade into the natural environment.

After enveloping them in divine energy, Xiao Kaitian traced his finger to create a channel linking the jade pendant and the Cold Flame Stone. The entire channel was sheathed in divine energy to minimize any loss of spiritual power.

He manipulated the divine energy to generate a slight attraction on the pendant’s side, causing the spiritual energy-rich Cold Flame Stone to slowly transfer its energy toward the pendant.

The process was painstakingly slow. Xiao Kaitian carefully controlled the rate, gradually transferring the spiritual power. After an hour and a half, a balance was finally achieved between the two.

Transferring energy consumed a great deal of divine energy, and Xiao Kaitian let out a sigh of relief. Satisfied, he stored the jade pendant away and turned his gaze to the Cold Flame Stone.

The stone was small, no larger than a thumbnail. Unsure how much strength it could grant, Xiao Kaitian placed it in the palm of his hand. Divine energy circulated, lifting the stone as it began to absorb the spiritual energy within.

Golden light strands flowed along the divine energy, penetrating into his palm and transforming into strange symbols and patterns that spread up his arm. Soon, his entire body was covered with these mysterious markings, giving him an almost otherworldly appearance.

A small portion of the Cold Flame Stone’s energy had transferred to the pendant, so the stone’s reserves weren’t abundant. After nearly half an hour, Xiao Kaitian had fully absorbed the stone’s power. The divine energy revolved nine times, consolidating the newly acquired strength.

The entire process took about an hour. Xiao Kaitian exhaled and slowly opened his eyes. The Cold Flame Stone had lost its luster, now a dull black rock. With a pinch of his fingers, it crumbled into dust.

He examined his body: his combat power had surged to 488, reaching the peak of the Advanced Earth Realm. Three more lights of divine energy illuminated, bringing the total to eight shining lights.

Feeling satisfied, he entered the bathroom to wash up. Then, he sent a message to Luo Yanxin, asking her to arrange a meeting. Shortly after, she replied, confirming a meeting with senior officials from the Harbor City government for the next morning.

If he could reach an agreement with Harbor City on connecting the two cities, Xiao Kaitian would have fully realized an unexpected part of his plan.

The following morning, as soon as Xiao Kaitian left the hotel, he spotted Luo Yanxin’s red Maserati parked quietly by the roadside. Walking over, he saw her lower the window, revealing her face shaded by sunglasses.

“Didn’t expect you to be not only a martial artist but also quite formidable,” Luo Yanxin smiled slightly. “Last night, according to internal sources, a few people from the Songshan Sect died. That has something to do with you, right?”

Xiao Kaitian said nothing. He opened the car door and got in. “Isn’t that normal in the martial arts world?”

“That’s true. The police rarely get involved in martial affairs,” Luo Yanxin pressed the accelerator. “But here’s something to keep in mind: the Songshan Sect is backed by the Qin family from the capital. The current sect leader comes from the Qin family. If you’ve provoked the Songshan Sect, you’ve also provoked the Qin family.”

“Thanks,” Xiao Kaitian replied casually. He wasn’t particularly concerned, but appreciated the warning.

Since today’s meeting was just a preliminary discussion, the venue was a café in the Central District. When Luo Yanxin led Xiao Kaitian into a private room, two men in suits were already seated. One appeared to be around fifty, the other an assistant holding a bag behind him.

Luo Yanxin introduced them smoothly, calling the middle-aged man Mr. Zhang. After shaking hands, they all sat down around the table and ordered a few cups of coffee, savoring the aroma.

“Mr. Xiao, I assume Xiao Luo has given you a rough idea of why you’re here,” Mr. Zhang began straightforwardly. “The Future Century Project in Haidu has been on our radar from the start. Geographically, it’s just across the water from our side.”

“Unfortunately, some complications arose, and we once thought you might abandon the project. But you’re still moving forward, so we felt it necessary to meet with you.”

Xiao Kaitian nodded and gently stroked the coffee cup. “To be honest, the Future Century Project still lacks sufficient funding. I’ve also noticed the potential to connect Harbor City through it. According to my rough calculations, if realized, it would greatly boost economic ties between the two cities.”

“However, the initial investment is not insignificant. Even for the simplest expressway, the cost would be at least sixty billion yuan. Considering the full suite of supporting infrastructure, the total could reach eighty to a hundred billion yuan. I don’t think a company like mine can shoulder that alone.”

Mr. Zhang and his assistant exchanged glances before he smiled and sipped his coffee. “Indeed, this project requires collaboration from multiple parties.”

“To be frank, the governments of Harbor City and Haidu have explored this topic extensively. After numerous inspections, we believe the location of the Future Century Project is an excellent choice.”

“But since it’s currently your territory, any road passing through would affect your interests. That’s why we’re here to talk to you.”

Realizing the government of Haidu was backing this, Xiao Kaitian’s eyes flickered with interest. A smile quickly spread across his face. “My company is based in Haidu and is part of the city’s fabric. I will inevitably deal with Harbor City in the future. We definitely support plans that benefit urban development.”

Mr. Zhang smiled as well. “We propose that funding be split: forty percent from Harbor City, forty percent from Haidu, and the remaining twenty percent from your side. Of course, the road’s passage will require some coordination from your Future Century Project—such as parking areas and auxiliary facilities—which might take up some land.”

“But I believe once the road opens, the value appreciation for your project will far exceed the current investment. You should give it serious consideration.”

Xiao Kaitian fell silent. He understood the reasoning and benefits, but it wasn’t enough. “What you describe is all future appreciation. I need to see short-term returns to convince my shareholders.”

Mr. Zhang grinned knowingly. Xiao Kaitian’s company was a solo venture—there were no shareholders to persuade. Recognizing this as an excuse, he nodded. “Exactly. That’s why Harbor City prioritizes resettlement for any demolition along the road within the Future Century Project area. We’d purchase the properties at a ten percent premium over cost. How does that sound?”

This was essentially giving money and land, further binding their cooperation. Xiao Kaitian was instantly pleased and extended his right hand. “Pleasure doing business with you.”