Chapter 129: Venturing Alone to the Capital

This war without gunpowder smoke ultimately concluded with Xiao Kaitian’s complete and overwhelming victory over Qingtang Tianxia. The online buzz continued unabated, with ongoing discussions about the revolutionary technology behind Qingtang Tianxia.

The spark of debate had spread from the initial film to the entire entertainment industry. Following the release of the teaser, even the medical and scientific communities had become involved.

The official narrative was one thing, but whether the technology would actually be put into practical use was another matter entirely. After all, such a sweeping change to humanity required careful deliberation from multiple angles before any definitive conclusion could be reached.

In Xiao Kaitian’s analysis, the next step would require national intervention. After all, this was a unique technology belonging solely to Han Tang, and it might even involve international matters in the future.

However, Xiao Kaitian’s goal was not merely to assess the product’s effectiveness; what he truly sought was to secure greater leverage before negotiating with government officials.

By this measure, this round of gains could be considered a bountiful haul.

The next morning, when the staff of Qingtang Tianxia arrived at work and turned on their phones, they found the calls pouring in. Reporters, scholars, business inquiries—various and numerous.

“Some inquiries about when the product will be available. There’s a call from Country M. It seems they have a strong demand for artificial organs,” a staff member reported.

Guo Lei pressed a hand to her forehead. After powering on her phone last night at home, it had almost been overwhelmed. Friends and acquaintances alike had been asking about all sorts of things. She thought for a moment. “Send this report to President Xiao. Since the project has been exposed, it must be put into operation.”

“That’s a good thing. The North American bioethics laws are relatively mature, which we need to pay attention to. I think our legal team should also be established as soon as possible,” Tang Tian offered her advice.

Guo Lei agreed, a rare occurrence. She glanced at Zhao Qixi, who was highly capable at work but usually left these “minor matters” untouched.

Riding this wave, Chen Jingming’s film crew was also formed. The male lead was officially confirmed as Zhang Dewei, who had recently won Best Actor at the Haidu International Film Festival—a core figure in the entertainment world.

Zhang Dewei was not handsome, and he was nearing thirty, perfectly fitting the character’s profile. He belonged to Huaying Media, which was currently enjoying a honeymoon phase with Qingtang Tianxia. The two sides reached a decision with hardly any fuss.

Zhang Dewei understood this was a rare opportunity. If the film succeeded, he would be forever linked to this groundbreaking project, securing an unshakable status.

Of course, Li Lihua, who had originally declined the role, was now wracked with regret. His Weibo had been flooded with backlash, forcing him to disable comments.

The film’s opening ceremony went smoothly. Due to the prior buzz, nearly all media swarmed the event, forcing Chen Jingming to move to a more affordable venue.

At the ceremony, some “props” were displayed—real, usable items that both represented the film’s serious approach and underscored the technology’s authenticity.

Unlike the teaser, this time the reporters gathered material firsthand. When the evening press release came out, it sparked another wave of excitement.

With affairs progressing smoothly, Xiao Kaitian felt optimistic. He began preparing plans to travel to the capital.

The capital was entirely different from Haidu. Haidu was an outward-facing city focused on economy and commerce, while the capital was the cultural and political center, with distinct priorities.

Moreover, the eight great families held sway there. Xiao’s family, as well as the Bian, Su, and Qin families, all bore grudges against him. Many wished him dead. He needed to prepare.

Among those around him, only Bai Kou was a martial cultivator—and a grandmaster at that. But Bai Kou was tasked with protecting Zhao Qixi and therefore could not accompany him to the capital. Xiao Kaitian wasn’t overly concerned. He was accustomed to working alone; acting solo was often more convenient.

Once preparations were complete, he called Jiang Churan to explain his plan. Jiang Churan strongly opposed it.

“Don’t think your little skills let you dare to go to the capital alone. Kaitian, listen to me—don’t go yet,” Jiang’s voice was laden with warning. “I’ll soon reach an agreement with Xiao Zhenglü.”

Xiao Kaitian shook his head. The roles of princess and knight must never be reversed. He was not someone to be protected; rather, he was the protector—of those around him, including Jiang Churan.

“This trip is related to the Future Century project. Besides, I already have some fame domestically. They won’t dare to act recklessly,” he said. After the recent online battle, many knew the name Xiao Kaitian—he had gained some influence.

“I still oppose it. Or take a martial cultivator with you—I can help arrange one,” Jiang Churan offered a concession.

But Xiao Kaitian declined. He was only half a step away from grandmaster level; ordinary martial cultivators were no match for him. Yet he kept this to himself and gently persuaded Jiang Churan.

“Then, no matter what, don’t make me worry, alright?”

Xiao Kaitian promised. After hanging up, his expression darkened. As long as the latent threats remained, the safety of those around him would be hard to guarantee.

Besides Xiao Kaitian, Bai Kou and Zhao Qixi were also hesitant. The two were walking in Fuan Residential Area, with Bai Kou pushing Zhao Qixi in a wheelchair.

“Xiao Kaitian is going to the capital alone,” Bai Kou said expressionlessly. “The Xiao family there is his enemy. I suspect the Bian and Su families won’t let such a tasty opportunity slip away.”

“Xiao Qixi, do you want to return to the Zhao family for a while?”

Zhao Qixi remained silent. Bai Kou, familiar with her temperament, said, “So, you have confidence in Xiao Kaitian.”

“Of course. From the fact he was able to modify my Huang Tian Technique, he’s no ordinary man—at least in martial arts understanding, even surpassing my master.”

“What a prodigy. Where did he suddenly come from?” Bai Kou voiced her doubts without hesitation.

“Bai Kou...” Zhao Qixi pulled a piece of paper from her pocket and handed it over. “For the Zhao family...”

A faint curve appeared at Bai Kou’s lips as she took the paper and glanced over it. “You still have some conscience, begging your family. But your family’s martial cultivation is shallow; they probably can’t help much in the short term.”

“A bit more... is enough...” Zhao Qixi murmured.

Bai Kou shook her head. Regardless, judging by their recent interactions, Zhao Qixi seemed not averse to contact with Xiao Kaitian, which was a very good sign.

She pondered quietly whether to notify friends within her sect to discreetly assist Xiao Kaitian.

But her sect rarely meddled. Her ability to protect Zhao Qixi was already a result of the Zhao family’s great efforts. The sect’s members likely had little time or inclination to help.

It seemed, in the end, Xiao Kaitian would have to rely on himself for protection.