Chapter 444 - 444: Applying for World Cultural Heritage! The Assessment Begins! (1)
Luo Feng had set his plan in motion.
If he stumbled upon something, he would continue searching. If a lead surfaced, he would pursue it doggedly.
If there were no leads…
He would relocate.
The tomb of Sima Yi remained unexplored, and was still waiting for Luo Feng’s attention. Yet where would he find the time to chase after these elusive matters?
“Goodness! Does this imply our host’s next target is the Sea Stabilizing
Needle?”
“No, his focus is the River Taming Needle, not the ocean!” “Isn’t it essentially the same?”
“There’s no difference; they represent the same thing!”
“I believe Chen Gang has a point. This item probably doesn’t exist. It’s too fanciful!”
“In my view, Master Li is right. If it’s been documented, it must exist, although it won’t be as remarkable as the legends suggest!”
“Absolutely, legends derive from real events that get passed down and embellished over time, morphing into fantastical tales!”
“Like if I thrash Xiao Ming today, after thousands of years the story might transform into ‘I am the son of the Red Emperor who conquered Xiao Ming, the underworld’s nightmare!”‘
“Hahaha! You have a way with words!”
Subsequently, Luo Feng made arrangements for his yacht to be transported to the Luo River.
He also contracted a technician to install sonar and radar systems.
After so many years, if that object was still underwater, it would not be at a shallow depth.
Ordinary sonar and radar systems certainly would not be able to penetrate that far.
Upon hearing Luo Feng’s plan, a colleague from the Defense Ministry volunteered to equip Luo Feng with military-grade sonar and radar.
Of course, Luo Feng would not decline.
The technology available to civilians was surely not as advanced as the military.
Given his available time, Luo Feng decided to comprehensively scan the remaining mountain.
After dining in the tent and spending a private moment with Li Shishi, Luo Feng prepared to vacate the site.
The site would be entrusted to Master Li.
“Little Luo, could you remain for a few more days?” Master Li inquired as Luo Feng was preparing to depart.
“What’s the matter, Master Li?”
“Well…” Master Li began, “A professor from the Department of Languages at the State Guest University wishes to meet with you tomorrow.” Upon hearing this, Luo Feng asked, “A foreigner? What does he want from me?”
“He wishes to verify the Oracle Bone Scripts with you!”
“To verify with me? What do you mean?” Luo Feng asked, perplexed.
“The professor, named Steve, has a high international reputation and has deeply studied the Chinese Oracle Bone Scripts. He mentioned on the phone that he specifically came to verify the Oracle Bone Scripts that you translated. If he validates your translations, then the Erlitou site’s application for World Cultural Heritage status should face no obstacles!”
Everyone in Master Li’s team was overjoyed.
They considered this a historic moment.
But Luo Feng still seemed puzzled, “Master Li, are you suggesting he will validate my oracle bone script translations?
“Yes, he should, but you’ll need to engage with him extensively!” clarified Master Li.
“In that case, there’s no problem!” Luo Feng agreed. Lingering a few more days was a minor inconvenience. Besides, this procedure could significantly facilitate the Erlitou site’s World Heritage application.
It was unquestionably worth the wait.
Certainly, the former Luo Feng might have responded, “My culture, my decision, why should I seek your approval?”
To hell with that.
However, the current Luo Feng reasoned that this was not too humiliating or burdensome.
Why not allow the other party to come for verification?
“Thank you, Little Luo. On behalf of all Oracle Bone Script researchers, we are deeply grateful to you!” Master Li expressed with genuine joy.
“It’s no bother at all, merely a small matter!” Luo Feng reassured him with a smile.
The following afternoon, Professor Steve, the foreign scholar, arrived via helicopter.
As he alighted from the helicopter, he straightened his attire and approached the excavation site.
The professor was in his fifties, about 1.75 meters tall, slightly portly, and bespectacled.
Upon reaching Luo Feng, Steve extended his hand, saying, “I am Steve. I’ve long admired your work, Mr. Luo.”
His command of Chinese was quite impressive.
And it appeared he had spent considerable time at the Confucius Institute, as his speech was imbued with an air of classical erudition.
“Hello, Mr. Steve. Let’s converse inside the tent!”
After some deliberation, Luo Feng cordially invited the foreign scholar. Given the man’s politeness, Luo Feng could not dismiss him outright.
Moreover, the man was here to assist with the Erlitou site’s application.
Shortly after, several people entered the tent. Anxious, Steve quickly produced a piece of paper, requesting, “Mr. Luo, could you please translate the Oracle Bone Script on this paper for me now?”
He had already contemplated this.
If Luo Feng was merely speculating, he would err on the first question, negating the need for further discussion.
But if he was correct, a dialogue would indeed be warranted..