Minister Lan didn't say more, patting his shoulder before turning to continue exchanging pleasantries with other leaders.

Ten minutes later, the leaders began to leave one by one.

Minister Lan's secretary came over, whispering: "Advisor Qi, please follow me."

Qi Yun followed him, quietly leaving the hall and getting into the black Audi A6, where Minister Lan was already seated.

The car slowly started, leaving this solemn area.

After some distance, Minister Lan spoke: "You've received the medal; how do you feel?"

"I feel immensely honored and also heavily burdened with responsibility," Qi Yun answered truthfully.

"Hmm, it's good to have such awareness."

Minister Lan nodded with a smile, "The main reason for calling you today is to announce your latest appointment upon that person's commission."

Qi Yun's expression stiffened, his body straightening as he assumed a posture for attentive listening.

Minister Lan took out a document stamped with a bright red seal from his briefcase, speaking seriously: "Considering your unique situation and personal wishes, ZZ will not assign you specific administrative duties to constrain you."

"After research, it's decided that you will act as a special advisor to the Country's Strategic Development Advisory Committee, affiliated with the Strategic Research Bureau under the institute, concurrently serving as a senior inspector of Guo An's Special Operations Office at the positive T level."

"This is a relatively independent position, allowing for flexible action and providing necessary support for handling special affairs in the future."

"The related procedures and certifications will be handed to you later."

Qi Yun received the appointment letter with both hands. Though the two roles mentioned earlier sounded unfamiliar, the term 'positive T' explained it all.

This arrangement maximizes his independence and freedom of action.

"Thank you for the trust from the leader and ZZ!" Qi Yun responded with a salute.

"No need to thank me; it's what you deserve and also what the work demands."

Minister Lan waved his hand, explaining, "Originally, it should be that person personally talking to you, but he had urgent matters and commissioned me to announce."

Qi Yun nodded, showing understanding.

"Wendong must have reached out to you?" Minister Lan asked again.

"Yes."

"Alright, finish dealing with things here and head back," Minister Lan reminded once more.

"Yes, Leader."

....

Returning to the hotel, Qi Yun immediately asked Brother Quan and the others to pack, preparing to leave.

Both Wendong and Minister Lan advised the same, making his decision to leave immediately firm, without any delays.

"Xiao Wu hasn't returned yet, the phone can't be reached, do we need to wait for him?"

"He's still at the cemetery?" Qi Yun frowned.

During yesterday's visit to pay respects to Old Tong, he was already low in spirit, and didn't leave with Qi Yun, claiming he wanted to spend a bit more time with the old man.

Qi Yun understood his feelings, Old Tong was more like family to Xiao Wu, with a deep emotional connection.

Brother Quan shook his head: "Unclear, he didn't return last night."

Qi Yun thought about it, realizing it wasn't abroad, and considering Xiao Wu's skills, there shouldn't be any problem, thus he mused: "Call Li Yaohua, ask him to send someone to look for him, let's go first."

Once packed, the group discreetly left the hotel, heading directly to the airport.

Through a private passage, they successfully boarded the private jet.

Once the flight path was approved for takeoff, Brother Quan walked from the front cabin, quietly reporting: "Li Yaohua replied saying Xiao Wu is not in the cemetery, he had someone check the surveillance, Xiao Wu left at midnight."

"Should we let him continue investigating?"

Hmm?

The person wasn't at the cemetery, hasn't returned, and the phone isn't reachable, where could he have gone?

Xiao Wu is usually a very reliable person, even when feeling low, he wouldn't disappear without a word.

Qi Yun squinted: "Investigate, have him arrange more personnel."

"Alright." Brother Quan agreed, contacting Li Yaohua.

Later in the afternoon, the plane landed at Chang'an Airport.

Qin Sizhi received the message in advance, leading his apprentice to meet the plane.

"Master Qin, sorry to keep you waiting."

"It's no trouble, no trouble." Qin Sizhi quickly approached, a respectful smile on his face: "Director Qi, the car is ready over there."

Qi Yun nodded slightly: "Hmm, let's go."

The group got into a car, driving towards Qin Sizhi's courtyard.

"Are the items all prepared?" Qi Yun turned to ask Qin Sizhi beside him.

When leaving last time, he asked Qin Sizhi to prepare the equipment needed for Qinling, and upon receiving the message from the latter two days ago, he came directly to Chang'an.

"Everything's ready, Director Qi." Qin Sizhi nodded, though there was a hint of hesitation on his face.

Seeing his hesitating demeanor, Qi Yun smiled and asked: "Master Qin, we're old friends, feel free to speak your mind."

Qin Sizhi licked his lips: "Director Qi, to be honest, I've been dreaming about my master lately..."

"I've mentioned before, my master passed away in that place..."

Qi Yun paused for a moment, blinking: "Did your master warn you not to go?"

"No... no." Qin Sizhi waved his hand, somewhat embarrassed, "It's just... perhaps you should reconsider? That place is truly bizarre."

"Master Qin." Qi Yun glanced at him, slowly speaking, "In this day and age, you must trust in science. Moreover, aren't you curious about what that scale truly belongs to?"

"I'm not forcing you, if you wish to accompany me, I'll offer you this amount when we return."

Qi Yun raised a finger, "If you really feel uneasy, I won't compel you; just provide me the gear and path, and I'll arrange for someone else to go with me."

Last time at Weeping Old Fir, Qin Sizhi mentioned that the scale he found in Qinling's cave was identical to the one Brother Quan and the others brought back from Kunlun;

Thus, after such a prolonged pursuit, Qi Yun is genuinely curious to uncover what it truly belongs to.

Not only is he curious, but Wei Xueming, Hua Weiguo, Ignacio, and others are also jointly probing this answer.

Moreover, after analyzing the composition of that scale last time, everyone intuitively sensed that behind it might be an ancient unknown creature...something that could potentially subvert our understanding.

Perhaps even rewrite certain legendary records.

Seeing Qi Yun's determined stance, Qin Sizhi took a deep breath and said: "Fine! Director Qi, since you've made it clear, I'll tag along as old Qin isn't a coward!"

"Honestly, my master's incident has haunted me for decades, and I too want to uncover the truth!"

"Money aside, I'm going along with you!"

Upon hearing this, Qi Yun's face finally revealed a satisfied smile: "Master Qin, that's the spirit!"

Qin Sizhi also smiled, then added: "Yet...I have another suggestion, not sure if feasible."

"Let's hear it."

"Director Qi, perhaps Old Yao could accompany us inside; he's seasoned and adept, having him with us adds more security..."

"Yao Yuzhong?" Qi Yun gazed at him in surprise.

Speaking of experience, Yao Yuzhong indeed is seasoned; a veteran Tomb Raider for decades, having ventured into countless graves and caves.

This guy managed to single-handedly breach King Zhou's tomb and came out unscathed, proving if nothing else, that he's incredibly resilient.

However, this guy always gives Qi Yun a sense of opacity, having played mind games with him multiple times, so Qi Yun's trust in Yao Yuzhong is limited.

"Master Qin, why didn't you suggest this last time when I came back?" Qi Yun squinted, sharply watching Qin Sizhi's expressions.

Qin Sizhi's face shifted awkwardly, rubbing his hands with slightly evasive eyes: "Director Qi, last time...I hadn't thought of it yet."

Qi Yun was silent for a moment, then suddenly asked with a grin: "Could this be a scheme between you two?"

"I didn't pursue his escape and merely escorted him back to prison, considering the matter settled; thus now you propose bringing him along?"

"Ah! No, no!" Qin Sizhi's face stiffened, waving his hands repeatedly in denial, "Director Qi, I dare not play tricks with you."

"I genuinely believe Old Yao has skills, and extra hands mean more strength..."