Chapter 120: The Century-Old Iconic Landmark

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The Tianwang Tower, located in the western suburbs of Binhai within the Tianwang Temple, is steeped in legend. It is said that during the era of the Investiture of the Gods, Li Jing, the Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King, came to Binhai to subdue a demon. This demon was a giant serpent who had cultivated for three thousand years and was hidden in the Serpent’s Cave behind the temple.

The serpent demon had been cultivating for three millennia, awaiting the day of its tribulation and ascension to heaven. But before it could ascend and transform into a dragon, it needed to absorb the life essence of five thousand living people to gather inner strength for the trial and ascension. Thus, the vile serpent extended its claws toward the bright and bustling people of Binhai.

At the time of the Investiture, the Heavenly Emperor could spare only a few celestial soldiers to dispel demons, so he ordered Li Jing to capture the serpent demon.

Unexpectedly, the demon’s cultivation was profound and unfathomable. Li Jing was overpowered, and the Ruyi Golden Pagoda in his hand was shattered by the serpent’s true form, rendering it powerless.

The only way to restore the pagoda’s divine power was through the Purple-Gold Cauldron in the Tianwang Temple. This cauldron was an abandoned treasure used by the Supreme Lord Laozi during alchemy, requiring the embrace of thousands upon thousands of human spirits to rekindle its true fire.

Therefore, the people of Binhai gathered around the Purple-Gold Cauldron, using their collective spirit to awaken it. Upon learning this, the serpent demon frantically tried to destroy the cauldron. To protect it, the people of Binhai continuously became the serpent’s prey. Yet, their brave spirits did not falter; they kept advancing, surrounding the cauldron until the true fire ignited. This allowed Li Jing to regain the pagoda’s divine power and finally vanquish the serpent demon.

Though merely an ancient legend, the Tianwang Tower and Purple-Gold Cauldron have long symbolized the industrious and courageous spirit of the people of Binhai. The incense at the Tianwang Temple has flourished for countless centuries.

Regrettably, the tower and cauldron in the temple have grown dilapidated, and the government, aiming to preserve their original appearance, has refrained from major renovations.

One day, an identical Tianwang Tower appeared in the central square of Binhai University’s new campus. Unlike the one in the temple, this tower bore a stone clock with two hands atop its peak, magnificent and dazzling.

The appearance of the Tianwang Tower sent the entire student body of Binhai University into excitement. Anyone who lived in or had spent time in Binhai knew that the tower was a symbol of the city. With it now standing at the university, Binhai University itself would become a symbol of Binhai, forever leading the city’s forefront.

Behind the tower stood the Purple-Gold Cauldron, engraved with the university’s motto: “Strive and Be Pragmatic. Pursue Truth.”

The inscription was penned by Lang Ping, the current vice mayor of Binhai.

On the day of the Tianwang Tower’s unveiling, the atmosphere in Binhai was even more intense than a school anniversary. Rows of students in clean, bright uniforms stood in the square, faces brimming with excitement as they faced the tower.

Beneath the tower, leaders from Binhai Municipal Government and Binhai University stood, cutting ribbons and exchanging smiles.

“The Tianwang Tower is immortal for a hundred years—more accurately, a thousand years. It symbolizes the courage and wisdom of our people in Binhai. I hope the students of Binhai University will always remember this spirit…” Vice Mayor Lang Ping spoke on behalf of the municipal bureau.

Yang Tian was supposed to stand among the ribbon-cutting group but was busy surveying the buildings and terrain around the new district, planning the next beautification steps. Suddenly, he heard a familiar voice.

Turning around, he saw none other than his first love before rebirth, He Wan’e. Today, she dressed even more fashionably—a black trench coat over a tight black sweater that accentuated her alluring figure and star-like aura.

“Hello!” Yang Tian smiled lightly and continued his inspection.

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“My father wasn’t wrong; you really are a genius in design. How did you come up with building a Tianwang Tower and a Purple-Gold Cauldron at Binhai University?” He Wan’e followed behind Yang Tian, chattering happily—a scene never before witnessed in their previous life, as she rarely initiated conversation or lingered near him.

“A city or school must showcase its character with iconic architecture, a symbol of its culture and spirit!” Yang Tian genuinely expressed his thoughts.

“You do have unique insights. I was even thinking of suggesting to my father a thirty-story teaching building to highlight Binhai University’s distinctiveness!” He Wan’e smiled charmingly.

“It’s not about tall buildings but about academic atmosphere. The school’s layout and construction should revolve around striving upward!” Yang Tian replied casually. Since he had given He Wan’e the ring, he felt that their past life’s entanglements were settled; now, at best, they were acquaintances.

“My dad said he’ll invite you to dinner someday and give you a bonus!” Seeing Yang Tian’s lack of interest, He Wan’e felt a pang but persisted in talking.

Girls who dream of stardom tend to be confident and proud, hoping to be liked or at least admired.

When Yang Tian gave her the ring earlier, she feigned indifference but felt a twinge of emotion, believing he held great affection for her; otherwise, why would he suddenly gift her such a unique ring?

But now, she sensed otherwise. Yang Tian seemed cold, leaving her unwilling to accept that the one who gave her the ring could not captivate her, so how could he captivate the masses?

“Dinner is fine, but no bonus—I don’t work for free; I get paid!” Yang Tian smiled faintly. He stood to earn tens of thousands from the landscaping and design of Binhai University’s new district.

“Then can I treat you alone?” He Wan’e tentatively asked. She refused to believe Yang Tian held no fondness for her.

“You? Treat me? Why?” Yang Tian squinted and smiled, inwardly puzzled. Before rebirth, she ignored him; now, why was she so clingy?

“Because of this!” He Wan’e pulled the ring from the collar of her black sweater. She wasn’t wearing it on her finger but strung it on a cord around her neck.

“All right, Jin Haian tonight!” Yang Tian hesitated briefly but finally agreed. Even if they were just acquaintances, it would be rude to refuse outright, especially since he had once loved her passionately.

“Hey, that’s ruthless! Jin Haian is expensive, but whatever—I’m not broke. See you tonight!” He Wan’e’s little scheme succeeded, and she ran off happily.

Yang Tian shook his head with a smile, secretly amused. Tonight, she’d find out if she could really afford it.

He had planned to have lunch with Lang Ping and others, then dine with He Wan’e at night. Unexpectedly, after lunch, Lang Ping suggested karaoke, and they dragged Yang Tian to Binhai’s largest entertainment venue—Paris Style—which had a ballroom and karaoke in front, with a cinema behind.

Lang Ping was decent, but the best singer was Public Security Chief Kong Lei, who sang “Green Flower in the Army” over ten times. Yang Tian wanted to leave early but was pulled into discussions about the new district’s construction by the drunken Zhang Siguo.

Zhang also called Zhang Xiuxiu, another karaoke king. The group sang from afternoon until night.

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The enthusiastic owner of Paris Style was overjoyed to host municipal officials. The mayor’s office rarely got such visits, so the owner and his wife took turns serving tea, eager to entertain properly.

In the end, Zhang Xiuxiu pulled Yang Tian onstage for a duet of “How Do I Not Love Him” by Andy Hui and Sally Yeh.

Yang Tian was stunned, but the crowd applauded, especially Zhang Siguo, who stomped his feet in rhythm, making Lang Ping and others laugh heartily.

“The earth grows silent; I cannot sit still. Especially when he hides his face behind the snow, his outline shocks my emotions anew. How can I not love him? Is life meant for only one him…” Zhang Xiuxiu began singing when Yang Tian held the mic in silence, prompting more applause.

The evening ended past ten o’clock. Zhang Xiuxiu offered to drive Yang Tian home, but he declined, choosing to ride his bike.

Before reaching his rented place, his phone rang—a number he didn’t recognize.

Still riding, he ignored the call, but it kept ringing.

“Hello, this is Yang Tian!” He stopped his motorcycle and answered.

“I know you’re Yang Tian. We agreed to have dinner tonight. Why did you leave me alone all night at Jin Haian?” The familiar voice on the other end sounded plaintive and a little aggrieved.

“Oh, sorry! Just now... Are you home now?” Yang Tian suddenly remembered the dinner with He Wan’e. He wanted to explain he didn’t mean to stand her up, but then thought better of it. Perhaps he had over-explained in his past life, leading to disappointment. The situation had happened; no explanation could change that. If she couldn’t understand this, perhaps they couldn’t even remain friends.

“You don’t need to explain. I know you went singing with Mayor Lang and the others. My father mentioned you at lunch. I thought you’d come to eat with me tonight, but… I’m still at Jin Haian. It’s almost closing time!” He Wan’e said, suddenly breaking into tears. She had never felt so wronged—inviting someone to dinner only to be stood up, sitting foolishly alone all night. The waitstaff kept glancing at her with strange looks, making her uneasy.

Indeed, He Yonggui, the university president, was at Jin Haian for lunch but left for home during karaoke, as he disliked such places.

“Wait for me there; I’m coming right now!” Seeing He Wan’e cry, Yang Tian felt he had been too harsh and quickly turned his bike toward Jin Haian.

Jin Haian closed at eleven. If he was late, the staff would surely have kicked He Wan’e out onto the street.

P.S.: Xiao Mo is determined to keep this story going. Everyone, please give some encouragement—cast a vote for a 12,000-word update or send a tip! Fuel Xiao Mo’s fighting spirit. Thank you!