Chapter 524: The Stone Pond That Disappeared
Translator: Tim Editor: GlobeGlotter
“What is it?” Xu Yuehua quickly asked.
Ye Mo sneered. “They probably want us to finish moving Flowing Snake’s factories before taking over. Before that, they won’t say anything, and other countries won’t either. In fact, they might even offer help.”
Xu Yuehua understood. Luo Yue was in Flowing Snake; even the U.S. wouldn’t dare take it. Luo Yue City, however, was different. They’d have an excuse to attack anytime.
Ye Mo didn’t mind. “As long as they give us time, it’ll be easy. Hurry the city’s construction, but don’t worry about the factories yet. Only when Luo Yue City is nearly finished will we build the factories. Drag it out, make it big and grandiose, build lots. Just make sure the Americans don’t suspect we’ve seen through their plan. But first, tell Yang Jiu and Fang Nan to increase security around the factories.”
After guessing the U.S.’s intentions, Ye Mo calmed down. This wasn’t bad for him. He’d use the time to cultivate and attempt a breakthrough. If the U.S. invaded, the real fighting power would be him, after all. Relying solely on the Luo Yue Army would be a joke.
“Sister Yuehua, I’ll leave this to you. I need to go out, but I’ll keep my phone on, so call if anything comes up.” Ye Mo wanted to find those four stones.
He also told Xu Yuehua to try to keep any scientists who might arrive. Ye Mo finally understood why the Black Sun Empire wanted to kidnap scientists.
…
Simultaneously, heated debate about Luo Yue City erupted worldwide.
Aimore, a world-class wealthy man, was known for his serious illness. Many elite hospitals and doctors declared his death inevitable, yet after spending a mere billion dollars, he was cured in three hours. He was even ten years younger! This was a miracle.
If anyone remained suspicious, CBS’s on-the-spot interview provided the best evidence. According to the journalist, Aimore called the expenditure the most worthwhile billion dollars he’d ever spent.
Reporters even interviewed Luo Yue’s CEO, Yu Miaodan.
Yu Miaodan’s words were simple: “This is the power of Luo Yue. As long as you believe in us, we’ll show you miracles.”
Many wealthy, sick people sought treatment at Luo Yue’s Immortal Hospital, but the prices were exorbitant. Average wealthy people couldn’t afford it.
Although few could afford treatment, that didn’t mean none did. Luo Yue City was increasingly seen as a metaphysical and magical place. Many people even visited their website to check the residency requirements.
How did one become a permanent resident? There were requirements. Experts in special fields were especially welcome. And one rule reigned supreme: Luo Yue City was not a haven for crime. Any criminals would be executed upon identification.
Despite the already strict requirements, many knew it would only become more difficult. It was much easier to join now than later.
What was the biggest news? Luo Yue building a city, of course.
What was the biggest name? Luo Yue Immortal Hospital, of course.
What was the biggest trend? Joining Luo Yue City, of course.
…
News about Luo Yue spread. Eventually, Luo Yue City was ignored in favor of “Luo Immortal City.”
…
Ye Mo didn’t go to the Mei Nei Snow Mountains immediately. He went to the desert first. With that photo, he couldn’t sleep without checking it out.
Due to Luo Yue City, he was a month behind schedule.
The Taklimakan Desert remained unchanged, but Ye Mo’s mood was different. Last time, only at stage 2 and surrounded by Qian Longtou’s men, he’d nearly died of thirst in the desert.
Ye Mo landed inside a wind-corroded cave. He remembered this place clearly. He’d reached stage 3 here, near death.
Ye Mo had returned, and the cave remained, but the yellow-dressed girl was gone. Ye Mo stood there a long time, disappointed.
Ye Mo sighed and investigated the cave’s back. Near the huge rock and pool where he’d given Luo Ying her birthday present—though he didn’t know Susu was Luo Ying then—he’d fallen in love with her.
Now, he was dazed. The huge rock remained, but the rocky pond was gone. Who could have taken a stone pond from the desert?
He’d given the pond to Luo Ying, yet it was gone.
Ye Mo stood there, dazed and empty, as though he’d lost the most precious thing in the world.
Ye Mo thought, ‘Who could have taken it?’ Besides Luo Ying, who could have found it?
“Susu…” Ye Mo whispered subconsciously. His master must have been there and taken his gift. It was definitely Luo Ying. Did she miss him? Why didn’t she come looking for him?
Even at yellow level middle stage, he knew how difficult it would have been to move the stone pond. She wouldn’t have found help, either. He wondered how she’d done it. Ye Mo’s heart ached. He imagined his master in her pale yellow dress, under the blazing sun, arduously pulling the stone pond.
So Luo Ying must have taken the pond. Ye Mo felt a sharp pain. Luo Ying must have missed him too, but probably thought he was her brother and therefore didn’t dare see him.
This was all Jing Xi’s fault, that old woman! Ye Mo’s anger flared. Though he’d killed her, his resentment remained.
After a full day, Ye Mo left sadly. No matter where she was, he’d find Luo Ying.
Ye Mo didn’t use his flying sword. He walked slowly across the endless desert. The autumn desert wasn’t as hot, but more barren.
As the dusk sun shone, Ye Mo’s shadow stretched long. Only his footprints remained, emphasizing his loneliness.
Ye Mo stopped. He looked back at his footprints and suddenly understood his path was one only he dared walk.
Ye Mo howled, preparing to use his flying sword, when a familiar back appeared.