However, this type of plant had long since become extinct on the Old Land, and before it was unearthed, no one even knew of its existence.

It’s easy to imagine that the things recorded on such bamboo slips were anything but ordinary—they must have been truly extraordinary.

But unfortunately, once these things fell into the hands of those organizations, research institutes, or conglomerates, they were kept secret and never shown to outsiders again.

For a certain period, those conglomerates and various organizations spent enormous resources, searching the Old Land year after year for such items.

Professor Sullivan unbuttoned his shirt, revealing old wounds on his body. Near his heart, on his chest, there were actually two fist-sized scars.

It looked as if, back then, his body had been pierced through by some external force, and even now, the scars looked terrifying.

“In those days, for the bamboo slips in the photo, I suffered consecutive injuries, all of them fatal. One was from being punched through by someone, the other from being shot through with a modern weapon.”

It was precisely because of this that Professor Sullivan, once a master of the old arts, could no longer fight in real combat. The fact that he survived at all was already a miracle.

This shows just how fierce the competition was among the major organizations and conglomerates for these items back then.

Looking at David Miller now, Professor Sullivan seemed to see his younger self, with a strong curiosity for the old arts. Unfortunately, his own path had long since ended.

David Miller comforted him, saying that perhaps in the future, new types of medicine would appear that could solve Professor Sullivan’s physical problems.

“At my age, I’ve already let go of what needs to be let go.” Professor Sullivan shook his head.

Brian Carter said, “So, even if David Miller wants to pursue the path of the old arts, he’d have to go to the New Star. All the good stuff has been taken away by people over there.”

Professor Sullivan was very serious: “It’s more than that. The key is that the discoveries over there may have far-reaching effects. In fact, in the future, they might even trigger certain changes.”

“What I’m saying is all my own speculation, not information from inside any research institute or organization, so there’s no need to keep it secret.”

The mysterious phenomena and supernatural powers reported from the New Star are all related to certain objects.

Moreover, rumors and information about these things had already shown traces decades ago, but only in recent years have some real details gradually leaked out.

It seems there have been breakthrough developments regarding those secrets and issues.

Otherwise, the old arts projects here wouldn’t have been abandoned.

“So, this is a rare opportunity. Since the New Star seems to have found another path, the rare bamboo slips and various root methods collected by the conglomerates may start to circulate, no longer valued as before, and will be much easier to obtain than in the past!”

David Miller was deeply moved when he heard this. He really wanted to go to the New Star now, even more than before.

Even now, Brian Carter was still dissatisfied: “What kind of path did they find on the New Star that made them abandon the old arts and us, tossing us aside like worn-out shoes, ruthlessly eliminating and discarding us?”

“It’s probably not just a single path.” Professor Sullivan shared his feelings.

In recent decades, some rare new species have appeared on the New Star, such as a small tree called “Calm Spirit.” Its entire body is pure white, its leaves emit a refreshing fragrance, and it can nourish the mind. Eating a few leaves every day has anti-aging effects.

It’s said that this priceless little tree was discovered in the wilderness during the large-scale development of the New Star.

There are also other similar medicinal plants and special small creatures.

Back in the day, Professor Sullivan was a master of the old arts. In his early years, he had traveled alone across the mountains and rivers of the New Star, but he never discovered any of those species.

“I suspect that what they found is not just a single path, but possibly another living planet, maybe even something extraordinary.”

This is undoubtedly astonishing. It seems the New Star side made such discoveries long ago and had explored such a place early on, but kept it hidden from the general public for many years.

Professor Sullivan added, “In those past years, they probably ran into trouble, and only in recent years have they made progress. But I think, no matter what they discovered, it’s still unrealistic for them to immediately gain supernatural powers.”

There was one thing Professor Sullivan especially emphasized: if a new world really has been discovered, then the herbs, resources, and extraordinary items there would definitely be of great help to the old arts.

He looked down at the woman in the photo album, hesitating about whether to go see this old acquaintance and try to secure a spot for David Miller.

Chapter 008 Gathering

Brian Carter noticed that Professor Sullivan was staring at the woman in the photo, lost in thought, as if reminiscing about the past.

David Miller felt that Professor Sullivan was a man with a story.

He had entered a pre-Qin tomb, inherited the teachings of a Taoist, survived two gaping wounds in his chest, and even knew a stunning woman who had been famous on the New Star for a long time.

And this was just a glimpse of his experiences, enough to show that Professor Sullivan was anything but ordinary back then.

“Professor, don’t be sad. It’s just a woman—let the past be the past.” Brian Carter spoke up, breaking the quiet atmosphere.

Professor Sullivan shook his head. “You’re overthinking it. I’m just feeling a bit sentimental today. Besides, I purely admire her—nothing more.”

Brian Carter found these words familiar. Not long ago, he seemed to have said something about pure admiration himself, and immediately thought of Olivia Scott.

“I totally understand you!” Brian Carter said, pretending to have found a kindred spirit.