Chapter 998: Chapter 998

"This is your island; you may invite whomever you wish. I'm only a guest here, so why ask me?"

Yu Ziqing wasn't overly modest, only offering a slight bow.

He had been contemplating founding the research institute for quite a while.

Not just within Jinlan Mountain—Dadui also needed one.

Recruiting in Dadui required cultivating talent from the ground up.

After all, Dadui had been gone for many years, and much of the expertise held by similar talents there had become outdated.

To form the initial team with the greatest speed, poaching talent was naturally the fastest approach.

Once having the foundation, training subsequent talent would significantly accelerate the growth rate.

Poaching people from Langya Institute and Lihuo Institute would be the quickest shortcut.

Yu Ziqing had been holding back for a lack of a suitable opportunity or, rather, a good excuse.

Now that such an excuse was at hand, he would first avoid mentioning the institution's establishment, focusing only on a major project.

Recruiting people to help with that should not be difficult.

During the course of working on this major project, solidifying relationships slowly, fostering connections, and eventually poaching talent could gradually follow.

If unable to poach successfully, it would be of no consequence. He'd find another undeniable major project for them to tackle, continuing as before.

As long as people remained present, their nominal affiliations would no longer matter.

Yu Ziqing left with great urgency and determination.

His first stop upon reaching the mainland was Langya Institute.

There, he routinely sent a message to Dragon Tiger Daoist, offering his greetings.

Within Langya Institute, Dragon Tiger Daoist received the message, and as luck had it, Chu Ye was nearby; he handed the jade scroll directly to Chu Ye.

"Senior, has Senior Chu Ye emerged from seclusion? I have some matters on which I'd like to seek his guidance." ʀᴇᴀᴅ ʟᴀᴛᴇsᴛ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀᴛ 𝙣𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙡⁂𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙚⁂𝙣𝙚𝙩

"Go and see this young fellow, lest he keeps coming every few days." Dragon Tiger Daoist shook his head, somewhat speechless.

What business necessitated consulting Chu Ye? Was it truly only him who could handle it?

Chu Ye, too, was a bit taken aback. Yet, following Dragon Tiger Daoist's instructions, he proceeded to the agreed meeting place.

Yu Ziqing offered a polite greeting, momentarily glancing at the space behind him. He could vaguably sense the presence of others, lurking in secret to provide protection.

This must be Chu Ye's Dao Guardian, ensuring his safety.

"Forgive my abrupt intrusion, Senior; it is truly a pressing issue that needs your assistance."

"If Dragon Tiger Daoyou has invited me, you may ask what you wish."

"This is the situation, Senior: I possess a Grotto Heaven..."

Yu Ziqing briefly outlined the basic situation, then explained his goals before earnestly looking at Chu Ye.

"Such ambitious aspirations, I fear, are unattainable for anyone but an esteemed figure like you, Senior."

Absorbing notions like elevation, limits, and spiritual energy, Chu Ye's gaze reflected some astonishment.

The vision was all-encompassing, the project immensely challenging. Whether from a strategic pinnacle or his personal inclinations, he truly could not decline.

He didn't suspect Yu Ziqing of speaking recklessly; rather, he was astonished that Yu Ziqing sought him, a task evidently requiring someone of his caliber.

Moreover, even with him alone, it wouldn't suffice.

Soliciting efforts from at least two or three peers might bring resolution within centuries.

Had he misjudged earlier?

Might it truly have no link to his old friend?

No, he had gleaned some insight recently, following his old friend's path through expansive reading.

Again, how could this young man have known to seek him for such a matter?

Chu Ye found himself somewhat bewildered, as this large-scale project was indeed far grander than any previous undertakings.

Moreover, for Langya's dean, he really had no choice; having the ability but not personally participating would surely be a lifelong regret.

Yu Ziqing smiled with bright eyes, again offering a bow.

"Senior, I fear that with just one or two individuals, completing this task would be exceptionally challenging.

Furthermore, the myriad complex yet uncomplicated tasks are particularly numerous.

If Senior has trusted individuals, to strategize and collectively contribute would naturally be ideal."

Yu Ziqing placed notable emphasis on the words "trusted," looking at Chu Ye with a knowing, inscrutable expression.

Chu Ye took a deep breath and hesitated for a moment before asking.

"Is there really such a significant project?"

"I assure you, there isn't a shred of falsehood; there truly is!"