The night was calm, the sea breeze gently brushing through the treetops. The leaves in the forest quivered slightly, as if whispering of the impending change.
Chen Hui and Lin Wanying led Liu Wenzhou, Huo Yuanchao, and their group along the familiar path back to their residence on the island. This place had been the home they relied on for survival over the past five years.
However, this homeland was ultimately just a temporary stop.
"The environment here is quite nice, much more pleasant than the deserted island I imagined." Huo Yuanchao looked around, observing the orderly wooden cabins and campfire area, his tone highly appreciative. "It's truly not easy that you managed to live here for five years, and live so well."
"To live, one must always find a place to settle." Chen Hui smiled faintly, his tone calm.
However, he exchanged a glance with Lin Wanying; the secrets of this island were not something anyone could casually touch.
After the group rested briefly, Chen Hui said to Huo Yuanchao and the other sailors: "You have worked hard on this journey. Everyone, rest for the night, and we will discuss the return trip tomorrow."
He then looked at Liu Wenzhou, smiling with a relaxed tone: "Mr. Liu, you have traveled thousands of miles to find us. Your experiences over these years should be discussed in detail. How about we catch up privately for a while?"
Liu Wenzhou was slightly stunned, then understood and nodded: "I had the same intention."
Huo Yuanchao shrugged, knowing this was an "old friends' conversation." He didn't say much, leading the crew away to let the three talk in private.
When everyone had left, only Chen Hui, Lin Wanying, and Liu Wenzhou remained by the campfire. Under the night sky, the firelight illuminated their silent faces, and the atmosphere suddenly grew heavy.
"What exactly happened to you these past few years?" Liu Wenzhou spoke first, his tone filled with unconcealed concern and questioning.
"To make a long story short," Chen Hui smiled slightly, his tone calm, "After I was severely wounded in the Battle of Qingzhou, Wanying and I fled on a small boat. The sea breeze and ocean currents carried us adrift for several days, and we finally arrived at this island."
"Originally, we thought this island was just an ordinary deserted island. We never expected to find the entrance to an underground palace, nor the mathematical and mechanical legacy left on this island."
"From that time on, while surviving here, we cracked the trials of the underground palace..."
Liu Wenzhou stared at them, whispering: "This underground palace... what exactly is going on?"
Lin Wanying pondered for a moment, then slowly said: "This place is the ruins of the Wind and Thunder Dynasty, carrying the knowledge of ancient physics and mathematics."
"Over the years, we cracked five layers of trials, each filled with difficult problems and challenges, however..."
She paused slightly, exhaling softly, "We reached a bottleneck on the fifth floor. To this day, we have been unable to break through the blockade of the final floor."
Liu Wenzhou was slightly taken aback: "Then... will you continue exploring?"
Chen Hui and Lin Wanying looked at each other and fell silent for a moment. Finally, Chen Hui slowly shook his head: "No, at least... not now."
"Why?" Liu Wenzhou asked in confusion.
Lin Wanying whispered: "It has been five years. We have persevered here for five years. The trials' challenges are becoming increasingly difficult, and the time required for each layer is growing longer... We don't know how many more years it will take to unlock the final floor."
"More importantly—Wenbin cannot be trapped on this island forever."
Liu Wenzhou was shaken, only then realizing that this was not just their decision, but one made for their child's future.
"He needs to see the real world, needs to grow among people, not be trapped on an isolated island for his entire life."
Chen Hui sighed softly: "Perhaps one day, we will return to continue unlocking the secret of the final floor. But for now, we are leaving here and returning to the Central Plains."
Liu Wenzhou looked at the two of them, a sense of emotion and admiration rising in his heart.
Over these five years, they not only survived, but also made such a decision—giving up the knowledge and treasure right before their eyes, just to give their child a real future.
He nodded, his tone firm: "Then, I will take you home."
Chen Hui smiled, and Lin Wanying also smiled slightly. This time, their choice was not for exploration, but for the journey home.
While Chen Hui, Lin Wanying, and Liu Wenzhou sat around the campfire discussing their decision to return to the Central Plains, Huo Yuanchao, on the other side, was not idle.
As the leader of the fleet, his primary task was to ensure the safety of this voyage and the achievement of its goals. However, after witnessing the mystery of this island and the miracle of the underground palace with his own eyes, another layer of calculation stirred in his heart—
This island was not just a refuge for Chen Hui's family, but a treasure trove hiding immense value!
Huo Yuanchao stood at the entrance of the underground palace, looking at the path they had just traversed through layers of mechanisms, silently evaluating the value of this underground palace in his heart.
"These mechanisms... this mathematics..."
"This is not something ordinary people could design. This is a crystallization of wisdom that surpasses modern craftsmanship."
He was a man of the sea, having traveled all over the world and seen many ancient ruins and lost civilizations, but he had never seen a ruin that integrated mathematics and mechanistics like this.
He muttered to himself: "If this could be brought back to the Commercial Republic... the Sect Leader would definitely be interested."
Huo Yuanchao returned to the fleet's camp and called over a few trusted confidants, instructing them to record all intelligence about this island.
"Record this: This island possesses an underground palace from the Wind and Thunder Dynasty, containing vast amounts of mathematical and mechanical knowledge."
"The mechanisms of the underground palace are extremely complex, difficult for outsiders to crack. The only people who know how it operates are the family of three on this island."
"Chen Hui, former Prefect of Qingzhou, missing for five years, is now known to be alive, possessing rich mathematical knowledge and mechanistics."
"Lin Wanying, a Shushan disciple, proficient in mechanical calculation, has studied the underground palace with Chen Hui for five years."
"Chen Wenbin, five years old, exceptionally gifted, able to unlock the underground palace mechanisms at a young age, highly likely the most important key in the future."
He spoke as he pondered.
This island might be a massive step forward for the Commercial Republic!
However, to get a piece of this profit, one not only had to grasp the island's intelligence, but also control Chen Hui's family.
"Now, they plan to return to the Central Plains..."
Huo Yuanchao smiled lightly: "That won't do. How could our Wealth Sect let such a valuable resource slip away?"
"Go to the ship and release the highest-level secret report carrier pigeon."
"Send the intelligence of this island to the Sect Leader!"
Huo Yuanchao commanded in a low voice. His confidant immediately nodded, quickly heading to the cabin, taking out a black-feathered, white-striped pigeon, carefully tying the secret report into the message tube, and then gently releasing it—
The pigeon flapped its wings and flew high, crossing the night sky, heading straight for the Commercial Republic.
When Kong Fang received this secret report, he would definitely act immediately!
"But we cannot let them sense our intentions..."
Huo Yuanchao thought for a moment, then the corners of his mouth turned up slightly: "To make them willingly go to the Commercial Republic, we need a reasonable excuse."
He turned to his deputy beside him: "When they are ready to depart, we will suggest they go to the Commercial Republic to rest and resupply first, before arranging their return to the Central Plains."
"The reason?"
Huo Yuanchao chuckled: "Very simple. After leaving this island, their first problem is resupply. The Commercial Republic, as the trading capital of the world, is the best resupply point."
"Moreover..." his gaze deepened, "If they want to inquire about the situation in the Central Plains and changes regarding Chen Hui's title, the Commercial Republic is also the most suitable place for intelligence."
"This way, they will naturally fall into our grasp."
The deputy was slightly surprised, then showed a look of admiration: "Captain, what an excellent calculation!"
"Heh..." Huo Yuanchao smiled lightly, "This is not just calculation; this is the way of commerce."
The night was deep. The campfire flickered slightly in the breeze, illuminating the calm and emotional faces of the three people.
Chen Hui and Lin Wanying had long grown accustomed to the island's tranquility over these years. Yet now, Liu Wenzhou's arrival seemed to bring a bridge connecting the past and the future, forcing them to re-face the changes and vicissitudes of the world over the past five years.
"How exactly have you spent these years?"
Chen Hui looked at Liu Wenzhou, his tone steady, yet deep in his eyes hid a trace of longing and hesitation.
Lin Wanying also nodded slightly: "We explored the underground palace and cracked mechanisms here, but we have been away from the Central Plains for too long... Do you know what the world has become now?"
Liu Wenzhou then returned to his senses, unable to help but laugh: "I almost forgot the most important thing—I should congratulate you two on tying the knot, and having such a brilliant son!"
He looked at Chen Wenbin standing nearby. This five-year-old child had quietly listened to their conversation from beginning to end, his eyes sharp and calm, completely lacking the innocent carefree nature of ordinary children.
"Wenbin is exceptionally gifted, able to calculate mechanical mathematics at such a young age. He will surely be extraordinary in the future."
"For five years, I have sailed the seas just to find traces of you. Now I can finally see with my own eyes that you are safe and sound..."
Liu Wenzhou spoke with emotion: "This journey was not in vain after all."
Chen Hui and Lin Wanying exchanged a glance, both showing a gentle smile.
"Brother Liu, thank you," Chen Hui said slowly, his tone carrying sincere gratitude. "We originally thought that there was no one left in this world who remembered us."
"You searched thousands of miles, sailing through danger. This friendship, Wanying and I will engrave in our hearts."
Liu Wenzhou smiled: "There's no need for pleasantries. Since I've found you, the most important question next is, what do you plan to do after you return?"
"After you left, the war in Qingzhou quickly came to an end. However, the true winner was Chang Yanjiao in the imperial court."
Liu Wenzhou's tone grew heavy as he briefly summarized the situation after the fall of Qingzhou five years ago.
"The Ministry of War's garrison arrived late, joining forces with the wokou and Pirate Alliance in a 'mock battle,' making the fall of Qingzhou a true established fact."
"And you at that time, Brother Chen, were molded into the 'Duke of Loyal Heroism', becoming the hero of the Ministry of War, allowing Chang Yanjiao to use this to win over the court and consolidate his power."
"Now, the whole world believes you died in battle. If you return to the Shuntian Dynasty, how the court will treat you... no one can say for sure."
Liu Wenzhou's tone gradually slowed, watching the changes in Chen Hui and Lin Wanying's expressions.
He had originally thought this news would shock them. However, Chen Hui just listened quietly, showing no surprise, as if all of this was within his expectations.
Lin Wanying furrowed her brow slightly, whispering: "So, after we return, the biggest variable is the court's attitude?"
"Not just that," Liu Wenzhou said deeply. "Since the Ministry of War has already used your death to consolidate power, your sudden 'resurrection' would undoubtedly be a massive threat to Chang Yanjiao."
"He could not possibly let you live to affect his layout."
"And the State Preceptor Chang Jin, as Chang Yanjiao's cousin, also has an invisible power struggle with him... Your return might become a crucial variable in their struggle for the court."
"In other words, you are no longer just lost loyal officials, but pieces that can influence the power dynamics of the world!"
Hearing this, Lin Wanying thought deeply for a moment, then asked softly: "What if we don't return?"
Liu Wenzhou was slightly taken aback, then said deeply: "Then, truly no one in this world will know you are still alive."
"But if that's the case, Chen Wenbin will be forever trapped on this island, unable to truly come into contact with the outside world."
"You once said that to let him grow up among people, you decided to leave here... but if you choose to hide, all these efforts will be meaningless."
"Furthermore, the secrets on this island, the mechanisms of the underground palace, the legacy of the Wind and Thunder Dynasty... are you really willing to just let them be buried like this?"
Chen Hui closed his eyes, falling silent for a long time. Finally, he slowly exhaled: "We will go back, but we must plan and prepare well."
He opened his eyes, looking at Liu Wenzhou, his gaze firm: "Brother Liu, this time, are you willing to help us once more?"
Liu Wenzhou smiled slightly: "Five years ago, I chose to search for you. Five years later, since I have found you, how could I not take you home?"
Lin Wanying nodded gently, her tone steady: "Then, let us prepare to depart."
The three looked at each other. Under the night sky, the campfire flickered...
The morning light sprinkled slightly through the island's forest. A gentle breeze blew, carrying a faint scent of moisture. This day was different from any other—today, they would leave this isolated island, leave the place that had sheltered them for five years.
Chen Hui and Lin Wanying stood in front of the wooden cabin, their gazes steady as they looked at Liu Wenzhou. Standing between them was five-year-old Chen Wenbin.
"Brother Liu, we owe this journey to you." Chen Hui said sincerely. "Now that we are about to leave, Wenbin is young and has no knowledge of the outside world. We ask for your guidance."
Liu Wenzhou paused slightly, then chuckled: "Don't worry. Although this kid is smart, I can teach him how to interact with people."
"Thank you." Lin Wanying nodded gently, speaking softly to Chen Wenbin: "Leaving this time will be your first time truly stepping into the outside world. Don't be afraid. Although the world outside is complex, it is also full of opportunities."
Chen Wenbin nodded steadily, but there was a hint of excitement in his eyes that even he hadn't noticed.
Before leaving the island, Chen Hui and Lin Wanying decided to bring out all the notes and data from the underground palace. The mechanisms they spent years cracking, the records of their mathematical deductions, and the knowledge left by the Wind and Thunder Dynasty would all become a crystallization of wisdom that might be useful in the future.
They walked into the underground palace, passing through familiar stairs and stone doors. Looking at these mechanisms they had challenged, calculated, and cracked countless times, their hearts were filled with mixed emotions.
"This records all our efforts over these past few years..." Chen Hui gently touched the dense mathematical formulas on the stone wall, his eyes deep.
"I don't know what year or month we will return next time." Lin Wanying sighed softly. "We've reached a bottleneck; perhaps leaving temporarily is also a good choice."
"Not just for us, but for Wenbin."
The two stood silently deep within the underground palace, taking one last look at the place that held their wisdom and sweat. Finally, they personally closed the entrance to the underground palace.
At this moment, this ancient ruin once again sank into the slumber of history, while they would embark on a brand new journey.
When Chen Hui and Lin Wanying returned to the shore, Liu Wenzhou was assisting Huo Yuanchao's fleet with departure preparations. Chen Wenbin stood by the deck, his eyes shining brightly as he gazed at the vast sea, full of novelty and excitement.
"Mr. Liu, where is the end of the sea?"
Liu Wenzhou was slightly stunned, then smiled: "The world is big, the ocean is boundless. The end... might be another piece of land, or it might be more unknown worlds."
"Then where does the sea wind come from? How do merchant ships on the sea know where to go?"
"The wind comes from the changes of heaven and earth, while merchant ships rely on astrology, nautical charts, and tides to judge direction." Liu Wenzhou looked at him. "Are you interested in these?"
Chen Wenbin nodded earnestly, his eyes flashing with desire: "These are things Father and Mother cannot calculate. I want to know the answers."
Liu Wenzhou was stunned for a moment, then chuckled lightly: "You child, you were born to go see the outside world."
At this time, Chen Hui and Lin Wanying walked over. Seeing this conversation, they exchanged a glance, both revealing a gratified smile.
When the sun hung high in the noon sky, the sea breeze filled the canvas, and the fleet was finally ready to set sail.
Chen Hui, Lin Wanying, and Chen Wenbin stood on the deck, looking back at the island that had accompanied them for five years, their hearts filled with mixed feelings.
This place had been their sanctuary, their training ground, their place of rebirth.
Now, they were finally leaving.
As the fleet slowly sailed away, the outline of the island gradually blurred, eventually turning into a faint shadow on the horizon.
"Finally... we're going back." Chen Hui said softly, his tone a complex mix of reluctance and anticipation.
Lin Wanying didn't speak, just gently reached out and held Chen Hui's hand.
This time, they were not just two survivors, but a family of three, embarking together on the journey back to the human world.
However, they did not know—
This ship was not heading towards the Shuntian Dynasty, but towards the Commercial Republic!
And far away in the Commercial Republic, Kong Fang was already prepared to welcome this "big business"!