Chapter 15: Deciphering the Chain

Jiang Yi is very efficient. After I left his office, someone had already delivered the map to Cheng Qing’s home that afternoon.

Jiang Yi’s conditions were clear to us by now, and they were exactly the same as the conditions for the trip with the master. Jiang Yi would send someone to follow us and record the whole process.

“However, there is a slight difference from the last time, that is, the department will participate in the operation when necessary.” This is a condition that Jiang Yi added at the last minute.

I was resistant to this condition from the bottom of my heart. After all, this was our private operation, and if the department was involved, it would have changed the flavor. So I was more careful and asked one more question: “What is the necessary time?”

“For example, when it is clear that you can find Penglai, at other times, it depends on the specific situation.” When Jiang Yi said this, he didn’t allow me to refuse at all, but his expression was very calm. I felt as if I were seeing an old fox smiling.

I left in a hurry because I had no room to refuse.

At the same time, I didn’t pay much attention to the details. If time could be turned back, would I have been more mature and careful at that time, and would I have noticed a detail in the office?

Many years later, I thought about this, but I realized that no matter what, I would never have noticed this detail. Maybe it was just not the right time, and I knew that this earth-shattering event was not supposed to happen at that time.

When the map was delivered, two people came to my door with a box. In my imagination, it was just a map, so why was it so exaggerated?

But when I opened the box, I realized that it was not exaggerated at all, because there were hundreds of maps packed tightly inside.

“You can refer to these maps, but the time should be controlled within three days. Otherwise, we may not be able to explain it. In addition, the content of the maps must not be disclosed, and they must not be copied in any form. If, in the future, we find that one of these maps has been circulated, you will be in trouble.” After putting down the box, a staff member said to us.

The words were not very polite, and even had a hint of a stern warning, but we could understand the importance and confidentiality of this matter, so we naturally agreed without hesitation.

Over the next three days, we naturally studied these 100-odd maps, which were all about the watery areas within the territory of China.

I can’t help but marvel at the accuracy of these professional maps. The various markings and topographical features are at least ten times more precise than ordinary maps. To use an analogy, a civilian map, and a relatively more accurate regional map, is like a map of an old forest.

At most, it will indicate the boundaries of the forest, down to the mountains and ridges, but the terrain cannot be accurately represented on the map, such as the extent of a deep ravine, how long it is, how deep it is, how wide it is, the climate conditions, and even the geological structure!

This kind of map will obviously make this kind of detailed work, and the general direction is clear.

For example, the map that Jiang Yi gave me was a map that was biased towards the work direction of their department. To explain it more simply, in addition to the necessary markings on a detailed map, its direction is “paranormal” and “mysterious events.”

To put it simply, when I spread out the map, it was like I was opening up a summary storybook. What paranormal or mysterious events had occurred at these locations? The ones with question marks had not been verified.

This is really amazing. I didn’t expect that within the scope of China, a map would hide so many secrets.

However, the focus of our work is not to investigate these supernatural events, but to find the specific connection between these precise maps and the three chains. Faced with so many maps, this work is undoubtedly complex and tedious.

But just like when you are walking and you are going in the right direction, as long as you keep going forward, you will definitely find an exit. On the afternoon of the second day, we completely decrypted one of the chains. The seemingly chaotic lines on it were actually segments of the river surface!

These river surfaces are not completely connected, and there is nothing on the chain that shows their commonality. However, the special map of the department given by Jiang Yi inadvertently helped a lot. These water surfaces are all water surfaces where mysterious events have occurred. Summarizing the specific mysterious events, they all point to the existence of strange creatures in the river.

Once we have identified the locations, all that remains is to find the detailed maps of these locations and record some key data. We cannot copy the maps, but recording some data does not have a great impact.

What I regret is that we can’t find a map for all the lines on the chain. Although it is regrettable, I also know that this is normal. Take the DVD left by the master as an example. There is an underground river in it, and it is normal that we can’t find a relevant map.

On the morning of the third day, we decrypted another chain, which was dotted with many large and small dots. At first glance, this chain reminded us of the universe and the stars, but if that were the case, there would be absolutely no way for us to solve it.

However, after deciphering it, we discovered that the dots, which were distributed according to a certain position, were actually marking lakes!

There was only one chain left, and we had no idea what it was because the map provided by the river was only for the waters within China, and the navigation chart for the vast ocean was not included.

So without a comparison, we can only stare at the chain, unable to analyze it.

“Maybe the secret recorded in this chain is the most important, but for us, it is also dispensable. According to our actions, we need to find the way to the sea, and after entering the sea, we just need to follow it, so…” I said that this was what I thought in my heart, and it was also the truth.

Although there are also doubts, just like after entering the sea, it is obvious that you are just following, and the specially recorded route map is meaningless. You can’t say that every successful sea dragon takes the same route, so why bother to record it?

Or maybe it’s not about the sea at all?

Regarding this doubt, you can’t think too much about it. In the end, you can only explain it in my way, that is, it may contain more amazing secrets, but for us now, it is meaningless!

The three days were a bit stressful, but at least we had enough manpower to get the job done. In the midst of all this busyness, our actions have finally taken a big step forward. Compared to before, we are more goal-oriented and have a destination.

“Rivers, lakes and seas, let’s divide our mission into three steps, starting with the easy ones and working our way up to the difficult ones. Chengyi meant that there were still some trivial matters to be dealt with, and the date of the mission was set for the end of May or the beginning of June. Before that, we would each go our separate ways and do all the preparations. The rest of the time, we would spend with our families and friends.” Chengqing was good at summing up, and after this series of tedious tasks were completed, he said this.

The last sentence was said lightly by Chengqing, but the meaning behind it could not be thought about in detail. Rivers, lakes, and seas, unknown territory, unknown dangers. According to the comparison of the map and the chain, most of the places we are going to are where strange things have happened. No one can guarantee that they will come out alive. Even if there are four evil spirits, we can guarantee nothing.

Spend more time with your family and friends. Is this a kind of farewell?

This brief gathering is over. From now on, we will be busy with our own affairs, preparing for the voyage and various other chores. I have also been assigned some tasks, and I am almost exhausted every day.

But I am determined to finish these things before the Spring Festival. I want to spend the Spring Festival with my family. In my memory, I haven’t spent many Spring Festivals with my family. This time is a must. I hope it won’t be the last Spring Festival we spend together, but I can’t guarantee that it won’t be.

When the cold of winter reaches its peak, spring is just around the corner.

On this day, I finally finished the last thing I needed to do and set off on my journey home. I was ready to enjoy a period of stability, perhaps just a few months, after which I would once again face an adventure of unknown duration.

Life is often like this. People who crave stability often don’t have it, and people who crave excitement often feel bored. When you think about it, this is not a coincidence, but because people often see not what they already have, but what they crave more.

If we know how to be satisfied, will we be happier? Or, perhaps the best attitude is to enjoy the process of pursuing, and that is the true meaning.