"As technology develops, the gap between people widens. In a while, these wealthy individuals will be like immortals, living for hundreds or even thousands of years. Ordinary people, however, will still struggle to reach a hundred."
Wu Zongnian chuckled, "Indeed. We even predict this will happen within twenty years. In the future, life and health will be the most valuable commodities."
Amidst their casual chat, Wu Zongnian suddenly recalled something. "Brother," he said, "I heard that the reason the Southwest King is so successful is because he has a mysterious woman behind him. One of his key subordinates let this slip after a few drinks. When I pressed him, he dared not say more."
Ye Tian raised an eyebrow. "Oh? A woman behind him?"
"Perhaps it was just drunken talk," Wu Zongnian added.
More than four hours later, the plane finally landed at an airport in Nantian Province.
Upon disembarking, more than twenty cars appeared. From one of them, two bald, burly men emerged. These men were broad-shouldered and thick-waisted, their necks nearly as thick as their heads, and they stood between 1.9 and 2 meters tall, exuding immense strength.
The leader grinned. "Mr. Wu, we've been waiting for you!"
Recognizing him, Wu Zongnian smiled. "Master Zhou, we meet again."
Master Zhou chuckled, "Please, get in the cars."
As Ye Tian stepped out, Wu Zongnian introduced him. "This is my brother, Ye Tian, the boss of Baozhi Company."
Baozhi Company was a well-known name, and Master Zhou had clearly heard of it. He quickly said, "Ah, Boss Ye, it's a pleasure to meet you. My wife is a big fan of your company's products; they're excellent."
Ye Tian nodded, and they all got into the cars.
The vehicles drove out of the airport and continued for nearly two hours before entering a vast mountain villa.
Master Zhou announced, "Mr. Wu, Boss Ye, our boss, Piao Bazi, has gone out on some business and may be back a little late. I'll arrange for you to enjoy a hot spring and then have something to eat and rest."
Wu Zongnian agreed, "Very well, please make the arrangements."
Inside the villa, Ye Tian and Wu Zongnian were shown to a spacious room. After having some refreshments, they went to the hot springs. A group of young, beautiful women approached, offering their services, but Wu Zongnian politely dismissed them.
While soaking in the hot spring, Ye Tian suddenly sniffed the water and murmured, "There's something wrong with this water. It contains a drug that will make one drowsy if you stay in too long."
Wu Zongnian was startled. "These scoundrels! They dare to play such tricks on us!"
Ye Tian said calmly, "Let's get out. Back to the room. I want to see what their plan is."
They changed their clothes and returned to their accommodations. Master Zhou came to ask if they wanted to dine, but Wu Zongnian said he was tired and wanted to sleep. Master Zhou then withdrew.
Ye Tian went to the washroom and asked Li Xuangui, "Old Li, scan the surroundings. See if there's anything in this villa that warrants caution."
Li Xuangui replied, "No need to scan. I knew as soon as I arrived. There's a Human Immortal here, and also an injured Earth Immortal."
Ye Tian was astonished. "An Earth Immortal!"
Li Xuangui continued, "That Earth Immortal is injured, and it seems quite serious."
Ye Tian mused, "This Southwest King is truly not simple, to have an Earth Immortal by his side."
Li Xuangui corrected him, "You might be mistaken. This Earth Immortal appears to be imprisoned."
Ye Tian's eyes widened. "Oh? Imprisoning an Earth Immortal?"
Li Xuangui explained, "The Earth Immortal is locked away somewhere, with the Human Immortal guarding the entrance. By the way, the Earth Immortal is a woman, and quite beautiful. It looks like she's been trapped here for a long time."
Ye Tian pondered. "A Human Immortal is also rare, isn't it? To have a Human Immortal guard an Earth Immortal, what kind of operation is this?"
After asking, Ye Tian didn't dwell on it, as these matters didn't concern him.
He returned to his room to rest for a while, browsed his phone, and before he knew it, it was dark.
At half-past six in the evening, Master Zhou knocked on their door again. "You two," he announced, "our boss, Piao Bazi, has returned. Please join us for a banquet."
A short while later, they arrived at a banquet hall. Inside, a tall, thin man was already seated. Seeing them enter, he stood up and smiled. "Mr. Wu, Boss Ye, it is an honor to have you grace my humble abode!"
Upon seeing the man, Ye Tian felt a stir in his heart, but he remained composed and exchanged pleasantries with the host along with Wu Zongnian.
After they were seated, he sent a text message to Wu Zongnian: This person is likely not the real Southwest King; he's a puppet!