Chapter Fifty-Eight: The Mysterious Kunlun

The names of those individuals mentioned in various records and ancient texts, or even those found in countless old poems passed down through the ages, are now famed for a different reason: they all succeeded in reaching the deepest recesses of Kunlun. Of course, their stories could only be known if they managed to find their way back out, to recount their experiences.

Reflecting on this, it seemed that this world was forever shrouded in unsolved mysteries, and such things could deliver tremendous shocks to the current world and the entire technological order.

“What exactly lies in the depths of Kunlun? What could be so alluring that, from ancient times until now, so many have been willing to forsake their very lives, to abandon spouse and child, just to seek it out?”

Yan Yuanqing pondered endlessly, unable to reach an answer.

He was convinced that his father was not the kind of man who would willingly desert his family. The only explanation was that whatever treasure lay in the depths of Kunlun was simply too tempting—perhaps it could even resolve some great dilemma his father faced. Thus, his father must have risked everything to enter Kunlun, never imagining that this disappearance would stretch on for so long.

But what if his father had not entered Kunlun of his own free will? What if he had been coerced, or deceived?

At this thought, Yan Yuanqing suddenly realized that he might have been living his whole life at the heart of a colossal vortex, perhaps even in a lethal trap rigged with hidden dangers. Even if he chose not to investigate, once the trap snapped shut, it would surely be his life that was forfeited.

“Mr. Yan, we’re finished here. Is there anything else you’d like us to do?”

At last, the two outside completed their tasks. Standing carefully at the study door, they inquired politely.

Yan Yuanqing smiled gently.

“Haha, if you’re satisfied, that’s good enough for me. No need to ask my opinion.”

“Very well, sir. We’ll take our leave, then. Goodbye!”

Though this man Shi Chengren was shrewd and ambitious, Yan Yuanqing had to admit that he was truly adept at handling appearances. Yet for Yan Yuanqing, he simply made use of this man’s indistinct blend of genuine and false goodwill to secure a few small advantages for himself.

That afternoon, just as Yan Yuanqing found himself with nothing to do, he suddenly received an urgent message from his eldest disciple, Yuan Hongyu.

“Master, if you have time, please come quickly to Cangzhou Central Hospital, Emergency Department…”

Upon reading this message, Yan Yuanqing left at once. He didn’t even pause to find Shi Yurou and inform her—he simply left home and hastened directly to the central hospital.

Yan Yuanqing didn’t have any particular affection for his eldest disciple, but he had always looked after him.

After all, the other had called him “master” dozens, even hundreds of times before so many people—such a connection could not be ignored.

Soon, Yan Yuanqing arrived at the central hospital. The moment he stepped into the emergency department, he sensed a tense and hostile atmosphere.

Wending his way through the crowd to the innermost area, he saw several doctors sitting on the floor, surrounded by a group of people who were clearly relatives of a patient, hurling accusations and curses at them.

They even threatened to see them in court, to ruin them financially, or even to demand a life for a life.

Yan Yuanqing only needed a glance to grasp the situation.

“Master, you’re finally here!”

Yuan Hongyu greeted him with delight.

Yan Yuanqing simply nodded and asked in a calm voice, “So, did someone die in the emergency room?”