After explaining to Lu Yan, He Dongsheng took the initiative to leave first, leaving space for Lu Yan and Chu Zhuoqun to discuss.
The vice minister of the Personnel Department of the Archaeological Association looked at Lu Yan at this moment and said with a smile: Nᴇw ɴovel chaptᴇrs are published on n̷o̷v̷e̷l̷f̷i̷r̷e̷.net
"Master Mu has always been , harsh words with a soft heart.
However, once Master Mu tacitly agrees to something, he won’t change his mind later. Mr. Lu can be completely assured about joining the association."
Lu Yan nodded and asked curiously:
"I just heard Master Mu mention something about the main lineage. Could Minister Chu clarify for me?"
Chu Zhuoqun hesitated before opening his mouth, but was interrupted by Lu Yan’s voice.
"Add another million to the investment!"
Chu Zhuoqun’s body trembled, and he quickly waved his hand, saying: "I didn’t mean that."
"Add another two million to the investment!"
Chu Zhuoqun’s expression changed again, and he adjusted his tone to say:
"Actually, it’s not really a secret, just a tidbit for Mr. Lu to hear."
"Our Federation Archaeological Association has a long heritage that can be traced back thousands of years to the ancient sages.
As time passed, the Archaeological Association went through multiple periods of prosperity and decline. To ensure the continuity of the Archaeological Association, predecessors divided the association into main and branch lineages.
The main lineages are responsible for inheriting numerous archaeological texts and secret caches, focusing on the study of ancient civilizations’ history and Feng Shui concepts.
The branch lineages impart relatively basic legacies and are responsible for raising funds for the Archaeological Association and handling various miscellaneous matters."
Lu Yan nodded imperceptibly.
This distinction between the main and branch lineages aligns with the sect system of the Xianxia version of the Taiyi Sect.
The difference is that in the Xianxia version, the main lineage of the Taiyi Sect focuses on teaching, specifically inheriting the Taiyi Sect’s scriptures, Daoist collections, Feng Shui techniques, and Celestial Derivation Array, with relatively less strength in the cultivation of magical arts.
While the branch lineages do practice Feng Shui techniques and rely on excavating relics and secret realms for cultivation, they primarily bear the responsibility of guardianship, prioritizing enemy-killing and self-protection in their cultivation and divine techniques.
Reflecting on this, Chu Zhuoqun showed a slight change in expression.
"This rule was maintained up until a few decades ago when the Archaeological Association was still called the Feng Shui and Yi Studies Research Society, with thirteen primary lineages.
In fact, over the past few thousand years, the main lineages held the most profound inherited skills and left a deep reputation in the archaeological world. Though their numbers were few, their influence overshadowed the branch lineages.
But as society evolved into a modern urban one, with the rise of various industries and technological advancements impacting the archaeological world, the heritage of the main lineages remained but couldn’t regain its past influence.
Meanwhile, due to the concept of a financial society, the value of money became increasingly important. Be it day-to-day archaeological research or expeditions to explore ancient tombs and ruins, everything required financial resources. Over time, the prominence of the branch lineages emerged.
Today, the branch lineages have taken the lead in the association, leaving the main lineages with little more than a title."
Chu Zhuoqun’s words left Lu Yan somewhat surprised.
The relationship between main and branch lineages in the urban version, to some extent, also represented the attitudes between main and branch lineages in the Xianxia version.
"Are the factions within the Taiyi Sect at odds internally?"
Just the release of this issue would be sensational news in the Cultivation Realm.
Yet, in the urban version, a little money could easily uncover such details.
While Lu Yan clicked his tongue in wonder, contemplating whether he could exploit any benefits from this, Chu Zhuoqun took a document out of his briefcase.
"This is the ’Membership Form of the Federation Archaeological Association,’ sign it and you’ll officially become a member of our Federation Archaeological Association."
Lu Yan took the document, glanced it over briefly, and then signed his name.
In the urban version, Lu Yan wasn’t afraid of any traps.
After signing, Lu Yan pulled out a check, wrote five million on it under Chu Zhuoqun’s expectant gaze, and handed it over.
Chu Zhuoqun accepted the check with a smile, then said to Lu Yan:
"I’ll go file the paperwork for Mr. Lu now. If you have any similar requests, feel free to contact me anytime in advance."
With that, Chu Zhuoqun left the café.
Having finally sorted out his identity issue, Lu Yan didn’t linger in the café and also left shortly afterward.
As Lu Yan walked out of the café, he saw Mu Chunqiu and He Dongsheng waiting outside.
It wasn’t surprising for He Dongsheng to be there, but Lu Yan was a bit surprised to see Mu Chunqiu still present.
"Master Mu, Brother He."
Lu Yan nodded and greeted them.
He Dongsheng said with a broad smile:
"Brother Lu, you don’t need to be so formal. Master is here to thank you specifically."
Mu Chunqiu rolled his eyes at He Dongsheng: "You’re too talkative."
Then, Mu Chunqiu’s expression turned serious as he said:
"Dongsheng was born with a lot of good fortune, but his fate includes many calamities and obstacles, suggesting an early death. It’s rare for someone with such a fate to safely overcome crises and survive to this point.
You’ve often helped Dongsheng, even putting yourself in danger in the United States to save him, making you a significant positive influence in his life.
If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t have been able to take Dongsheng under my wing as a disciple."
"As a token of gratitude, you can choose any item from my private collection as a reward."
Lu Yan’s heart skipped a beat, but outwardly he rejected it, saying:
"I only saved Brother He because I felt a connection to him, not to mention the things Brother He gifted me in the United States have helped me greatly.
Master Mu already did me a favor by tacitly approving my entry into the Archaeological Association, how could I dare accept your treasures?"
Mu Chunqiu’s satisfaction grew deeper on his face, and he waved his hand, saying:
"Your entry into the Archaeological Association was a transaction between you and Chu Zhuoqun, I wasn’t involved.
Even if I refused, you would still be able to join the association, this matter has little to do with relationships."
From the side, He Dongsheng cheerfully advised:
"Brother Lu, don’t be fooled by my master’s unassuming appearance, if you really compare fortunes, you might not match my master. It’s just that many of his things are passed down from ancestors and can’t be sold."
"Guess how old my master is now?"
Lu Yan glanced at Mu Chunqiu, who seemed to be in his forties or fifties, and gave an uncertain answer.
"My master maintains his youth well, he’s already one hundred and three!"
Lu Yan was instantly astonished.
No one knew better than Lu Yan about the uniqueness of the urban version, a world devoid of any extraordinary abilities.
In the urban version, living beyond a hundred years old was rare, let alone maintaining a middle-aged appearance after a century.
"Even a Golden Core True Person couldn’t achieve this.
So... Mu Chunqiu is a Nascent Soul True Monarch?"
"Doesn’t that mean the item he promised is a treasure of a Nascent Soul True Monarch?"