Chapter 110: Treasures of the Mountain City

Chapter 110: The Treasure of the Mountain City

The inheritance of civilization must consist of two parts.

One part is thought, the other part is technology.

Chen Jian had two questions to ask Wang Lizi; the first to confirm whether they share the same ideology as he does, the second to confirm their actual technical level.

If the other party can answer the first question, regardless of the result of the second, it proves that they are likely to be cooperative, even potentially integrable allies.

But if the other party can only answer the second question, it proves that their ideological inheritance has been severed; no matter how high their technical skill, they can only be cautiously cooperated with, and usage must be controlled.

Unfortunately, Wang Lizi does not know the answer to the first question.

He merely looked calmly at Chen Jian and said:

“Who are you? You are the Huaxia Army, the masters of Huangshi City, the legendary chosen ones, and what some people call ‘ghosts of the old era’.”

“Of course, you were once considered ‘mimetic heretics,’ but we know you are not.”

“Is there any other answer to this question?”

Chen Jian sighed.

“Of course there is, but I don’t need to tell you now.”

“Get ready to answer the second question.”

A flicker of doubt crossed Wang Lizi’s eyes; he seemed not to understand at all what Chen Jian was asking.

What flag? What identity?

He was certain the leader had never mentioned this information to him; if it were truly important, the leader should have told him beforehand.

He looked at Chen Jian, who then asked:

“If one were to conduct a scientific experiment aimed at research to determine the specific function of a certain element, what are the two most important steps?”

Wang Lizi was stunned.

He tentatively replied:

“Apply experience, and extensive trial and error?”

“.Okay, I understand.”

Chen Jian turned to look at the other teammates, and from the reactions of Lei Jie and others, he confirmed his judgment.

The Ring Guild was not as “advanced” as he had imagined.

They might possess some advanced technology, but it did not come from themselves; it came from certain “heritages.”

They might have the concepts of “control group” and “controlled variable,” but if this concept is not expressed in specific, precise language, it proves that their transmission within the scientific system is actually fragmented and broken.

This also roughly matches the result obtained by Shen Yue through interrogation earlier.

Thus, the position of the Ring Guild in Chen Jian’s view is now completely clear.

They are not an advanced organization transcending this world; they are merely temporarily ahead based on certain heritages.

These heritages will eventually be exhausted, and the reason they do not actively intervene in disputes or expand their influence is likely related to this.

Chen Jian’s expression was disappointed, while Wang Lizi opposite him was completely bewildered.

He could sense Chen Jian’s emotion, but he did not understand what these two questions actually represented.

Why, after he gave his answer, did the other party react with such disappointment?

Wang Lizi wanted to speak up to ask, but Chen Jian had already raised his hand and then said:

“Let’s continue our transaction.”

“What do you want, and what can you bring us?”

Upon hearing his question, Wang Lizi could only temporarily set aside his doubts and respond:

“What we naturally want is your information, which Qin Yuan has already mentioned.”

“Furthermore, we want to borrow your abilities.”

“There is a place that is very dangerous.”

“But I think you can go there and return safely.”

“Go there and bring that information back to us.”

“As for repayment, I can only say we will give our all.”

“Give our all?”

Chen Jian was slightly surprised, then asked:

“Is that the ‘give our all’ I understand? You give us whatever we want?”

“Yes.”

Wang Lizi slowly nodded, then added:

“However, you need to make thorough preparations—at least in the leader’s view, with your current strength you are still not enough to challenge that ‘forbidden zone.’”

“So, although our ultimate goal is the information of that forbidden zone, in the short term you need, with our assistance, through ‘trade,’ to expand your strength as much as possible.”

“When the time is ripe, we will propose a new transaction, providing the necessary resources to support your actions.”

“Understood.”

Chen Jian likewise nodded, then asked:

“Where should we go? Mountain City?”

Wang Lizi’s gaze shifted slightly, but it seems he was not overly surprised by Chen Jian’s answer.

He merely exhaled lightly, then replied:

“Yes, Mountain City.”

“Since records began, no one has ever been able to enter that forbidden zone.”

“To this day we still do not know what lies there.”

“But everyone shares a common speculation: it must preserve the most reliable information related to the great catastrophe, and it must also bury the richest heritage from before the great catastrophe.”

“It is a .treasure.”

“The one who opens that treasure may have a chance to truly end this apocalypse.”

“Don’t hide it from you, we have also made some efforts before, but without exception, they all failed.”

“So, this will be our new round of attempts.”

“How about it, are you willing to join us in attempting to open the treasure?”

“Yes.” Chen Jian answered decisively, then without hesitation asked:

“What preparations do we need to make?”

“No one knows.”

Wang Lizi spread his hands and responded:

“But we have a preliminary standard.”

“If you believe you have the capability to slay a first‑order monster head‑on, then your preparations are sufficient.”

“A first‑order monster?”

Chen Jian shook his head and retorted:

“In this world, does any organization possess such capability?”

“No.”

Wang Lizi answered candidly:

“So no one can unlock the treasure of Mountain City.”

“Then I understand.”

Chen Jian finally lowered the muzzle of his 191 pistol, then he spoke:

“This deal can be made.”

“Now, show your sincerity.”

“You won’t tell me that the crate of useless missiles you brought and those dozen cheap rockets are all your bargaining chips, will you?”

“Of course not.”

A smile finally crept onto Wang Lizi’s face.

The smooth negotiation lifted his spirits and nearly made him forget the two questions Chen Jian had posed earlier.

Although he hadn’t yet grasped the deeper meaning of those two questions.

After a cough, he spoke:

“We have brought a new contract.”

“I hope you understand that we are merchants, so we won’t engage in a losing venture.”

“Naturally, we cannot provide unlimited support before you prepare to enter Mountain City.”

“Thus, all support will be realized through trade.”

“But we can guarantee that our trade with you will be more favorable than our trade with others.”

“And it will be far more favorable.”

“Reasonable.”

Chen Jian offered no rebuttal; Wang Lizi clapped his hands in satisfaction and then asked:

“So may I understand that we can now discuss the specifics of the contract?”

“Certainly.”

“No problem—the contract is simple: we need you to clear all obstacles along the trade route from Huangshi City to Jinling City, ensuring the route remains open.”

“Whether the enemy is monsters, bandits, blood‑skulls, or the scum of Huadu.”

“In short, you must guarantee that our caravans are not harassed by any of these while in transit.”

“We have already marked out a set of targets; your task is simply to follow them and clear them one by one.”

“How’s that? Simple enough?”

“Even better, the contract is equally advantageous to you.”

“With the trade route secured, Huangshi City will inevitably receive more support—this is a win‑win contract.”

“As for remuneration, after each effective engagement we will provide you with a detailed list.”

“You may select from that list whatever reward you desire.”

“Now I have brought the first list.”

“So this is essentially a bounty mission?”

Chen Jian frowned and asked:

“It is similar to a bounty mission, only with a broader scope.”

Wang Lizi nodded in reply, simultaneously handing the list to Chen Jian.

Chen Jian glanced down, skipping over the bulk of the supplies, gold, and common weapons section.

His attention fell solely on the final line.

【Control Level Three: one technology item, one equipment item (quantity to be determined)】

“What exactly is it?”

Chen Jian asked.

“After completing the first round of tasks, we will open to you the full list of Control Level Three technologies and equipment.”

“Then you may choose as you see fit.”

“Reasonable.”

Chen Jian nodded again.

“So, our deal is settled?”

Wang Lizi probed, asking:

“It is settled.”

Chen Jian extended his hand; Wang Lizi likewise grasped it.

Thereafter, he spoke:

“May our endeavors grow ever greater, our wisdom ever deeper. Eureka!”

(End of Chapter)