The Hidden Legacy

The murmurs in the grand conference hall faded into silence as the event officially began. A rhythmic tapping of heels against the polished floor echoed across the room, drawing every pair of eyes toward the far left of the stage. A massive screen stood at the center, its blank canvas awaiting revelation.

The source of the sound was a woman of striking beauty, her presence commanding immediate attention. She had long, jet-black hair cascading over her shoulders, sharp golden eyes that seemed to pierce through the crowd, and flawless porcelain skin that contrasted elegantly with her dark attire. She looked barely a year older than Juwon, yet her aura exuded a level of sophistication and dominance that made it impossible to dismiss her. Behind her followed two towering men, their physiques rivaling the security guards stationed outside. Both had stern expressions, with short-cropped black hair and tanned complexions, their sharp features giving them an air of unwavering discipline. Like her, they were clad in jet-black attire, embroidered with a crest—a black dragon outlined in golden threads.

Everyone in the room recognized that symbol.

It belonged to Hei Long Trading Company, one of the fastest-rising conglomerates in the global market. While the company specialized in the trade of goods and services across continents, rumors painted a far more enigmatic picture. Some claimed the company had existed far longer than the public records suggested, shrouded in secrecy until its recent rise to prominence. Others whispered of clandestine dealings and undisclosed ventures that allowed them to expand at an unnatural rate. Regardless of the speculation, one undeniable fact remained—to archaeologists, Hei Long was synonymous with sponsorship.

Stepping up to the microphone, the woman's gaze swept across the assembled scholars, her voice smooth yet firm. "I am Liang Rui, chief representative of Hei Long Trading Company." ""Esteemed guests, thank you for gathering here on such short notice on behalf of Hei Long Trading Company.""

She paused for a moment, allowing the weight of her words to settle before continuing. "Many of you have likely heard whispers about the purpose of this assembly. Allow me to clarify."

The screen flickered to life, displaying an aerial view of a dense mountain forest. "One month ago, an employee of Hei Long Trading Company was traversing an uncharted, heavily forested region when their transport vehicle suffered an unexpected mechanical failure. With no reception and no immediate means of repair, they were forced to camp in the wilderness for several days before reaching the nearest settlement."

She clicked a remote, transitioning the image to a craggy mountainside partially shrouded in mist. "Upon their return, these employees insisted on an immediate audience with our chairman. What they revealed was beyond extraordinary—an undiscovered cave system buried deep within the mountains. A labyrinth of tunnels, riddled with intricate traps and cryptic inscriptions, seemingly untouched by time."

The screen cycled through new images—sketches of winding tunnels, remnants of collapsed passageways, and faded carvings covering the stone walls. "Since then, we have deployed multiple expeditions to map the entire structure. Eventually, we reached what appeared to be the final chamber, where we encountered a massive sealed door. A door unlike any seen before."

A new image filled the screen—a massive stone gate, its surface adorned with carved symbols, intricate patterns, and an ominous aura of secrecy. "Due to the unstable nature of the tunnels, we cannot force it open without risking a cave-in. Additionally, the door itself is extraordinarily heavy, reinforced by an unknown mechanism that has yet to be deciphered. However, one clue stands out among the engravings."

She zoomed in on a particular section of the door, highlighting a single inscription. "Through our decryption efforts, we managed to decipher a single word: 'Zhang.'"

A wave of murmurs rippled through the audience.

She let that revelation sink in before delivering her final statement. "We believe this could be linked to the legendary Taoist master, Zhang Sanfeng. His name is forever tied to Taichi, internal cultivation, and the mystical arts. A figure rumored to have lived for over two centuries, a master of alchemy and martial prowess, whose strength defied the impossible."

The screen flickered again, transitioning to grainy footage taken from body cameras. The audience watched in uneasy silence as a group of Hei Long employees navigated the cave's labyrinthine tunnels, their flashlights flickering against ancient stone. Then, without warning, the screen showed one of them stepping onto an unstable floor tile—a sudden whirr of mechanisms, followed by a barrage of spears shooting from hidden crevices. The man was impaled instantly, his scream cut short. Another clip displayed a different worker, unknowingly triggering a pressure plate, only for the ceiling to collapse in a deadly cascade of stone and debris.

Gasps rippled through the room, followed by urgent murmurs. A man stood up abruptly, his voice filled with outrage. "You want us to die for you?" Roars of protest erupted across the hall, others voicing similar concerns.

Liang Rui remained unfazed, waiting for the uproar to subside before raising a hand. "The traps outside the door have already been dismantled. The true dangers, however, remain unknown." Her statement only seemed to ignite further unrest.

She exhaled, then delivered her final blow. "That is why we are offering five million dollars to each participant willing to undertake this expedition."

The furious outbursts that came out of these money grubs suddenly dwindled into stunned murmurs. Whispers filled the air, the tension shifting from anger to consideration.

Liang Rui gave a small, knowing smile. "We only wish to be transparent with you." "That is why you are here. Hei Long Trading Company has gathered the greatest minds of archaeology, epigraphy, geology, and numerology to explore these caves and uncover the lost Taoist tome said to be hidden within. We will spare no resource to ensure your safety." Then with a faint smirk she asked "Now is there anyone left who wishes to leave ?" The crowd remained silent.

She stepped back from the mic, her piercing gaze scanning the audience as silence once again blanketed the room.

"For those willing to accept this challenge, we will convene at dawn, two days from now, at the Hei Long private airstrip. Transportation, equipment, and all necessary preparations will be provided." The search for Zhang Sanfeng's legacy had officially begun.