Ling Cage: Twelve Talismans? I have everything I need.

Chapters 114 and onwards each discuss their own aspects (combined into one).

Jackie Chan? Yang Chen?
Although the person in front of him named "Yang Chen" seemed somewhat familiar, he really didn't recognize him.

"Are you two locals from Hisakawa?"

“We are from the Heluo region,” Bai Yuetian said.

Upon hearing the words "Heluo," a knowing glint flashed in Bai Jingyu's eyes.

As a newly emerging coastal open city, Jiuchuan has attracted talents and immigrants from all over the world, and residents from the Heluo region do indeed account for a considerable proportion.

"That's quite a coincidence, I'm also from the Heluo region." Bai Jingyu smiled and nodded.

Just as I was about to ask them if they had a deeper understanding of the "Ten Thousand Households Connected" project,

ASH's steady voice came through the miniature headset he was wearing: "Bai Jingyu, this is an encrypted communication access from Chief Executive Officer Dong Mu. We suggest you answer immediately."

Bai Jingyu's expression hardened.

The fact that the CEO, Dong Mu, called personally means it's no small matter.

He showed just the right amount of apology on his face as he spoke to Bai Yuetian and Yang Chen.

"Excuse me, students, I suddenly have some urgent business to attend to."

As he spoke, he habitually and politely extended his hand to the classmate "Yang Chen" in front of him, who gave him a strange sense of familiarity.

"It's a pleasure to communicate with you all, and I hope that today's visit will encourage you to support me in the future."

Bai Yuetian looked at his father's outstretched hand.

That hand was broad and strong; it had once lifted him high above his head...

A myriad of emotions surged into my heart in an instant.

Almost instinctively, he stretched out both hands and tightly grasped his father's hands, his movements even appearing somewhat solemn and hurried.

Bai Jingyu was slightly taken aback. The strength and manner in which the other person clasped their hands far exceeded the politeness shown to him by others.

He felt the slight tremor in the other person's palm, and that strange feeling in his heart resurfaced.

But at that moment, he was preoccupied with Dongmu's communications and had no time to think deeply.

I just felt that this young man might particularly admire me? Or perhaps he has a rather sentimental personality?
He smiled and gently shook his head as he shook his hand: "I have a son who is just nine years old this year. He is very naughty and has said that he wants to become a police officer who upholds justice when he grows up."

When he spoke of his son, his eyes naturally revealed a father's gentleness.

Bai Yuetian nodded vigorously: "He definitely will! Your son... will definitely become an outstanding police officer in the future!"

Bai Jingyu smiled and nodded in acceptance.

"Thank you for your kind words. Well then, I'll take my leave now. Please make yourselves at home. There are many more visionary models and data demonstrations about future cities in the exhibition hall, which are worth seeing."

After saying this, he nodded to the two of them one last time and then turned away hastily.

While pressing the earpiece and responding in a low voice, he quickly walked towards the private passage inside the exhibition hall.

Bai Yuetian stood still, watching her father's tall figure quickly disappear into the interplay of light and shadow in the exhibition hall.

Yang Chen stood quietly beside him, without making a sound to disturb him.

After a long while, Bai Yuetian slowly lowered his hand, took a deep breath, and tried to suppress his turbulent emotions.

"Alright, that's all. Let's go."

"Mm." Yang Chen nodded.

"Would you like to look around the other parts of the exhibition hall, or..."

"I'm not going to look anymore, the exhibition hall is not interesting."

He knew much more about what Jiuchuan City would look like in the future than Bai Jingyu did now.

"Then let's go, Yang Chen," Yang Chen said, looking at Bai Yuetian.

"Ah."

Seeing that Bai Yuetian still looked lost and dejected, Yang Chen patted him on the shoulder, his tone slightly teasing.

"Alright, stop standing there, Bai Yuetian."

Bai Yuetian then came to her senses and remembered that she had casually mentioned Yang Chen's name earlier.

"Uh... well, I was a little nervous and couldn't think of any other name!"

Yang Chen rolled his eyes speechlessly: "Well, you certainly know how to pick. Just use mine."

"Hehe, just an emergency, purely for emergencies." Bai Yuetian chuckled dryly.

But his smile quickly faded. He stared in the direction his father had disappeared, his gaze becoming complicated again, and his voice lowered.

"Sigh... I wonder when I'll be able to call him 'Dad' with a clear conscience. Do you think he'll be surprised if he suddenly has a son like me out there?"

He paused, as if he had thought of something extremely absurd yet somewhat funny.

He touched his chin, his tone becoming strange: "But then again, if we're strictly counting the actual time I've lived... my dad should be calling me grandpa now, right?"

This time, Yang Chen couldn't hold back and gave him an even bigger eye roll.

"You really know how to talk. You can try it next time and see how your dad reacts."

"I was just saying this in private..." Bai Yuetian shrank his neck, realizing that his idea was a bit outrageous.

Just then, Ash's gentle voice rang directly in his mind: "It won't be long, Moon Sky."

This sudden comfort startled Bai Yuetian.

"ASH?" he answered in his mind.

“It’s me,” ASH continued. “The plan is progressing steadily, please be patient.”

Bai Yuetian was silent for a few seconds, then softly hummed in agreement.

He took a deep breath, rallied himself, and slapped his face hard.

"Alright, alright, let's not think about that anymore! We need to get down to business!"

Now, he has more important things to do.

For example, use Dad's money to buy some "local specialties" for the kids.

He hooked his arm around Yang Chen's neck: "Come on! Orange! I'll take you to swipe my dad's card. Today we have to open the eyes of those two little brats, Lao Xia and Nanji Xing."

"ASH!" he shouted in his mind with boundless pride.

"Navigate to the nearest top-tier digital mall and men's clothing boutique. Mr. Bai is treating today!"

"The route has been updated. The best shopping places have been selected for you. Happy shopping, [Month]." ASH responded readily.

Yang Chen was dragged away by Bai Yuetian, shaking his head helplessly.

The two left the futuristic Wanhu Internet exhibition hall and rejoined the bustling afternoon crowds of Jiuchuan City.

Inside the exhibition hall, there are private meeting rooms with excellent soundproofing.

A pale blue holographic beam projected a clear image of the Dongmu executive officer, who was still sitting behind that large desk, his fingertips unconsciously tapping the surface.

Bai Jingyu stood respectfully in front of the projector and nodded slightly: "Your Excellency, Executive Officer."

“Jingyu, no need for formalities,” Dongmu’s voice came.

"I'm contacting you suddenly because I want to ask for your opinion on something."

"Please speak," Bai Jingyu said, his expression focused.

Dongmu paused for a moment, then asked, "Recently... have you received any... unusual information through ASH or any other channel? Especially information whose source is untraceable, yet whose content may be extremely advanced, or even... unbelievable?"

Upon hearing this, Bai Jingyu's face showed obvious confusion.

He thought about it carefully for a moment, then shook his head firmly: "No, ASH is running smoothly, all information flows are within the monitoring range, and no abnormal information as you mentioned has been found. Has something happened?"

Dong Mu carefully observed Bai Jingyu's reaction; the genuine confusion did not seem feigned.

He leaned back slightly in his chair, his tone softening: "Nothing much, just some information that's hard to verify, so I'm just making a routine inquiry."

He abruptly changed the subject, his gaze becoming profound as he focused on Bai Jingyu, or rather, on the creation he represented.

"ASH's existence itself is extraordinary enough. As a groundbreaking super artificial intelligence, she is almost a miracle... Jingyu, as her creator, do you think there are other forces or individuals in this world that we do not yet know about, capable of creating similar or even more advanced intelligence?"

Bai Jingyu frowned slightly. After thinking for a moment, his tone became very certain.

"The birth of ASH is a miracle resulting from a confluence of many coincidences. It combines the most cutting-edge theoretical breakthroughs and conditions that are difficult to replicate at the time. Even if there is a more advanced super artificial intelligence, it will definitely be the ASH of the future."

Bai Jingyu has immense confidence in ASH, the creation of which he believes that given enough time and the right conditions to develop, ASH will grow rapidly.

Dongmu listened quietly, his fingers ceasing their tapping.

The entity that sent the mysterious message does not appear to have originated from ASH or its creator.

That's true, ASH has only been around for a few years.
I was overthinking it.

"I understand." Dongmu nodded slowly, then changed the subject.

"There's one more thing: the list of talents from various countries who will support Hisakawa City has been finalized."

As soon as Dong Mu finished speaking, ASH pulled up the information he had just received and enlarged the list in front of Bai Jingyu.

"Jingyu, your mayoral position has already been decided within the alliance. Just maintain the status quo and don't cause any further trouble."

"Of course, please rest assured," Bai Jingyu solemnly promised. "Okay, that's settled then. Sorry to bother you." Dong Mu's projection nodded slightly, then the communication was interrupted, and the holographic image vanished instantly.

The meeting room fell silent again.

Bai Jingyu stood alone in place, his brows furrowed tightly.

The CEO of Dongmu would never ask these questions without a reason.

"Extraordinary information", "More advanced intelligence"...

What exactly happened? Even the CEO is so tight-lipped about it?
He couldn't help but glance at Ash behind him. Ash was still smiling as usual.

Bai Jingyu shook his head, no longer thinking about these things, and turned to look at the list in front of him.

Among these lists, he saw a familiar name.

"Horn Garcia?"

Isn't this his wife Theresa's teacher?
Following ASH's navigation, Bai Yuetian and Yang Chen headed towards the commercial district.

As I passed a street corner, a crisp and pleasant school bell suddenly rang from the side.

Bai Yuetian suddenly stopped and subconsciously turned to look at the source of the sound.

A school.

It was dismissal time, and students in uniform poured out of the school gate like a tide, filling the surrounding streets with laughter and chatter.

"What's wrong?" Yang Chen asked, following his gaze as he suddenly stopped.

"Thinking of your alma mater?"

Bai Yuetian didn't answer immediately. He squinted at the lively little ones, rubbing his chin with his fingers, a mischievous expression on his face.

“Orange,” he said slowly.

"I suddenly thought of something very interesting."

"Hmm?" Yang Chen had a bad feeling.

"If I remember correctly," Bai Yuetian said, pointing to the school.

"Based on this timeline, 'I'... should be in the third grade of elementary school at this school right now, right?"

Yang Chen: "...So?"

"So?" Bai Yuetian suddenly turned his head, his eyes gleaming with eager anticipation.

"Since we're already here, wouldn't it be a shame not to see our younger selves? This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

Yang Chen rubbed his forehead: "What are you planning to do now?"

"Don't worry, don't worry, I'm just taking a look."

Bai Yuetian made a solemn promise, but his eyes kept searching among the students pouring out of the school gate.

"I just wanted to say hello and tease him a bit."

Yang Chen wanted to say something, but Bai Yuetian had already locked onto his target.

A boy of about nine years old, carrying a blue backpack, was walking towards them while saying goodbye to his classmate.

The little boy had a bright and outgoing face, and his smile was quite clever. Who else could he be but Bai Yuetian from his childhood?

"They're here!" Bai Yuetian exclaimed excitedly, pulling Yang Chen behind a large tree by the roadside.

"You wait here and watch me."

After saying that, he straightened his newly bought coat, put on what he thought was a friendly smile, and strode over.

Xiao Baiyue had just said goodbye to her classmates and was about to cross the pedestrian crossing to the convenience store across the street to buy snacks for her younger sister.

Suddenly, a tall shadow loomed over him, blocking his path.

He looked up in confusion and saw a rather handsome older brother with a strange smile standing in front of him, looking down at him.

"Little friend, school's out?"

Bai Yuetian tried her best to make her voice sound friendly.

But the barely suppressed excitement made his tone sound somewhat unsteady.

Xiao Baiyue looked at him warily and subconsciously took a small step back.

The image of the strange older brother that his younger sister, Bai Yuekui, had mentioned instantly came to mind.

"What are you doing?" Xiao Baiyue looked up, trying to appear less timid, her little hands secretly clenching the straps of her schoolbag.

"What's matter?"

Looking at the miniature version of himself in front of him, with his forced composure but actually slightly panicked expression, Bai Yuetian felt a great sense of wicked pleasure.

He chuckled twice and took another step closer.

"Nothing much~ Little one, where are you going~? I see you're all alone, do you want me to take you home?"

Xiao Baiyuetian immediately became alert! He took two steps back and almost bumped into a lamppost.

He shouted, "My...my dad is waiting for me up ahead, he'll be here soon! You...you stay away!"

Yang Chen, hiding behind the tree, simply couldn't bear to look.

I reckon only Bai Yuetian would have this kind of interest.

Bai Yuetian was amused even more by Xiao Bai Yuetian's reaction and was about to tease him a couple more times.

For example, "Where is your dad? I can't see him."

"But I haven't said it yet."

Just moments ago, Xiao Baiyuetian looked panicked, as if he was about to cry at any moment. Suddenly, a fierce glint flashed in his eyes that was completely out of character for his age.

Without warning, he suddenly raised his right leg and, with all his might, kicked Bai Yuetian hard in the groin.

That kick was fast, accurate, and ruthless.

Bai Yuetian's wicked smile froze instantly. His body arched forward abruptly, his hands clutching his severely injured area, his knees buckling as he collapsed to his knees on the sidewalk.

After landing a successful attack, Xiao Baiyuetian didn't linger and took advantage of the moment when her opponent was incapacitated to run away!

He ran while shouting, "Help! There's a weirdo!!!"

The sound was loud and mournful, instantly attracting the attention of many passersby and students who had just finished school.

Hiding behind the tree, Yang Chen was momentarily at a loss as to whether to first complain about how dark Bai Yuetian's feet were or to first sympathize with Bai Yuetian.

"ASH, ASH!" Bai Yuetian knelt on the ground, his vision blurring from the pain.

"Quick! Quickly turn off my pain perception! I'm going to die!"

Almost instantly, the excruciating pain, enough to break any male creature, subsided rapidly.

Bai Yuetian gasped for breath and collapsed to the ground. Although the physical pain had disappeared, the psychological shock and the lingering effects of the extreme pain left him pale.

Yang Chen then slowly strolled out from behind the tree, looking at Bai Yuetian slumped on the ground, his face filled with undisguised contempt and speechlessness.

"Tsk tsk tsk." Yang Chen shook his head.

"How does it feel to be defeated in one move by your younger self, brother-in-law?"

Bai Yuetian raised his head and retorted stubbornly, "What do you know? This just shows that I've always been quick-witted, calm in the face of danger, and decisive in my actions!"

"As expected of me."

"Hmph." Yang Chen scoffed.

"Only you could do something so pointless and self-destructive."

"Could you resist teasing your younger self when you see him?" Bai Yuetian muttered defiantly, finally managing to stand up while supporting himself on his knees.

I rubbed the spot where I had been kicked, still feeling a lingering fear. Although it didn't hurt anymore, the psychological trauma was immense.

Without a second thought, Yang Chen replied decisively, "I won't. And,"

He paused, glancing in the direction Xiaobai Yuetian had fled: "Yue Kui would never be as bored as you, much less so... naive."

Bai Yuetian thought about his sister's personality and realized she really wouldn't do something so stupid.

He awkwardly patted the dust off his pants and muttered something.

"Alright, alright, I know... Let's go shopping, forget about it!"

Yang Chen shook his head: "I can't forget it. I'll tell Yue Kui when I get back."

"No!" Bai Yuetian pleaded.

"If you say these things to Yue Kui, won't my image as a handsome, dashing, and intelligent person be shattered in front of Yue Kui?"

Yang Chen glanced at him sideways: "It's already shattered into pieces. What image do you still have to talk about?"

"Last time you opened eight screens to watch."

As soon as Yang Chen opened his mouth, Bai Yuetian quickly covered his mouth.

"Alright, alright, stop it, don't say anymore."

(End of this chapter)