Chapter 123: Return to Sea Capital

Xiao Kaitian stared expressionlessly at the Tengu’s corpse, a flicker of coldness crossing his eyes.

The Tengu knew his secret, a risk that could never be allowed to persist. Furthermore, as a being from a higher dimension, descending and daring to interfere significantly with the operations of a lower-dimensional space was strictly forbidden by the laws of the universe.

The Central Axis Universe world had strict regulations: projections into lower-dimensional spaces were permitted, but excessive interference with their operations was strictly prohibited; otherwise, there was the authority to erase the violator.

Looking at the Tengu, it was clear this was not his first time visiting this dimensional space. Who had given him such audacity, or perhaps, what was it about this dimensional world that attracted him so?

Was it merely to become some sort of "deity," an entity existing on a level of faith and spirit? Xiao Kaitian felt that was unlikely; after all, maintaining a projection required the consumption of immense power.

It seemed that the current state of this world was not a coincidence, but an inevitability of various developments. The fact that martial arts still existed in this era of advanced technology must have a necessary connection to these four-dimensional projections. Every key pointed toward the martial arts world.

Xiao Kaitian brushed the dust off his clothes. This battle had consumed six rays of divine origin; it was a pity that power, which had been so difficult to accumulate, had been expended this way.

He cast a cold glance at the Tengu’s corpse lying in the grass, which had reverted to the form of an old monk in death. No longer lingering, he turned and left.

The incident in Port City could be considered mostly resolved. Being constantly watched by people from the Medicine King Temple had felt like having a stubborn plaster stuck to him; now, at least, it had come to an end.

After Xiao Kaitian’s figure vanished behind Taiping Mountain, a black shadow swept over quickly and landed where the two had fought.

It was a ninja, specifically Kirigakure Sanza, a high-ranking ninja sent by the Takeda family to investigate Xiao Kaitian. After landing, he couldn't help but mutter, "Who exactly is this Xiao Kaitian? The attack just now was too fast to see clearly, but it’s hard to imagine it being a technique of martial arts."

He had been lurking in the vicinity of Xiao Kaitian, concealing his presence while the two fought and not daring to approach. Even after the battle ended, he remained cautious, waiting until he was certain Xiao Kaitian had fully departed before coming to confirm the outcome.

"Even an Onmyoji at the level of a grandmaster from the island nation was no match for him," Kirigakure Sanza said, carefully examining the remaining traces on the ground. "Could it be that besides martial arts, Xiao Kaitian is also a practitioner of mystical arts? That would be truly terrifying."

"It is fortunate that the clan leader had the foresight; rushing to make an enemy of him might not have been a good thing after all."

He searched for a while but found nothing further. Just as he was about to stand up in disappointment, an object refracting the sunlight caught his attention.

It was a vajra awl, a common weapon for island nation Onmyoji, but the one held by the old monk was unusual. Kirigakure Sanza could vaguely sense a trace of spiritual fluctuation; after all, it was the weapon of a grandmaster-level Onmyoji and carried a hint of spirit.

His heart stirred. This vajra awl was quite valuable. If the Takeda family found a suitable Onmyoji in the future, they could re-refine and bind its spirit. With that thought, he leaped to the side of the monk’s corpse and picked it up.

Instantly, a flash of red light streaked across the vajra awl, extending along the back of Kirigakure Sanza’s hand. He froze immediately.

His eyes began to roll wildly, and a red glow gradually emerged from them. This state lasted for about a few minutes before slowly dissipating. He turned around, a faint curve appearing on his lips: "Xiao Kaitian!"

Xiao Kaitian remained unaware of what happened after his departure. Kirigakure Sanza had been extremely careful in his concealment and kept a great distance, so Xiao Kaitian had not detected the person’s presence.

With the matter in Port City declared over, in Xiao Kaitian’s view, both his projects and several other affairs had received a significant push forward.

When he returned to Haidu, Guo Lei was there to pick him up. Since it was the weekend, she was wearing a red high-necked sweater, looking full of youthful vitality. "The company has been relatively stable during this time. A while ago, there was word that someone wanted to initiate a challenge match, but they likely heard the rumors and eventually let it drop."

Xiao Kaitian smiled slightly; it was within his expectations. Since the elders of the Yinshan Qimen sect had fallen here, others would naturally weigh their own strength before acting.

"Director Chen Jingming has called me several times," Guo Lei said as she started the car. "He says the pilot episode is finished and is now in the post-production editing stage. He wants to know your opinion."

"The pilot is finished?" Xiao Kaitian had been waiting for some time. It was already September; the two months of effort were proof of Chen Jingming’s caution.

Primarily, Chen Jingming had faced a near-total boycott from the Han-Tang entertainment industry this time, and he was holding his breath, wanting to produce a high-quality pilot to strike back hard.

"The online buzz has died down a bit," Guo Lei reported on the important matters. "Director Chen said that if we had more time, the effect would be better, but he was worried that dragging it out too long would cause some of the netizens supporting us to switch sides. So, he compressed the time, saying it’s kept to about thirty minutes."

"Thirty minutes is enough. As for the quality, I have confidence in Director Chen." Xiao Kaitian was quite certain. He always believed in appointing people based on talent; once he recognized someone, he gave them full authority to handle things. "Integrate our resources; the online counterattack can begin soon."

"Understood. Also, regarding the variety show 'I Want to Make a Movie' mentioned earlier, we have partnered with Huaying Media and aired one episode. So far, the reputation and ratings are good. Director Chen said that in coordination with the broadcast of the pilot, he expects the buzz to pick up later."

"But Director Chen asked me to check with you: is the male lead of the movie really going to be selected from this show?" As she spoke, Guo Lei turned to look at Xiao Kaitian, waiting for his reply.

Xiao Kaitian rolled down the car window, letting the cool autumn wind blow in as his long hair fluttered. "Either way is fine. The show is called 'I Want to Make a Movie,' it doesn't necessarily mean the winner must star in the film 'Above the Dome'."

"Understood. Furthermore, after Qixi Media Consulting merged into Qingtang Tianxia, President Lin asked whether we should continue leasing the First Seaview office or move the meetings to Qingtang Tianxia."

Xiao Kaitian shook his head upon hearing this. "That’s not appropriate. This area is currently quite remote; it is better to hold the meetings in the city center. As for the future, we shall see."

"And the theme of the meetings? We have discussed whether to open such consulting channels to the public, as quite a few companies are very interested in this area."

"That works too, but keep our own affairs as the priority," Xiao Kaitian replied nonchalantly. "External consulting will generate revenue. Treat these as independent marketing income for Qixi Media Consulting, and arrange to distribute it to the employees."

"Distribute it?" The three words hit Guo Lei’s brain with a shock. She gulped; a wealthy boss is indeed willful. She had better hold onto this thigh tightly.