Chapter 47: The Best Candidate
After completing his rank at the Qing Nang Herb Cottage and waiting for a moment, Fang Ji smoothly obtained his pass.
Fang Ji stood at the fork in the road, recalling the information he had inquired about at the Qing Nang Herb Cottage. With a thoughtful nod, he lightly knocked his right fist against his left palm.
“Huacheng Siye Society operative, Lu Yibei, lives in Room 25 of the Hongyan Retreat…”
After speaking, as if worried he might forget, he repeated it several times in his mind, glanced around at the different roads leading in various directions, and casually chose one to continue walking.
He believed he had a strong sense of direction, and this path would surely lead him to the Hongyan Retreat.
The proof was that he had traveled from Yancheng, a thousand miles away, to Shizhou City, and despite getting lost multiple times along the way, he had always relied on his instincts to find the right direction again.
Three minutes later, at the Hongyan Retreat.
Just as Fang Ji expected, he had walked without any deviation.
Stopping in front of the green-painted gate with a geese head design, he looked up at the sign above the gate that read “Hongyan Retreat” and stepped over the threshold to enter.
As soon as he walked in, he saw an elegant garden filled with vibrant green bamboo and stacked rocks. In one corner of the garden stood an octagonal pavilion with the words “Guest Pavilion” inscribed on it, and eight flying eaves adorned with copper bells. As a gentle breeze passed, the bells rang clear like spring water.
Fang Ji’s gaze lingered on the pavilion for a few seconds before he pulled it away and walked along the straight corridor that passed through the garden.
At the end of the long corridor, the path split into four, extending in different directions, with a wooden sign hanging above marked “甲乙丙丁.” Dimly visible among the bamboo ahead was a group of buildings built against the mountain.
Following the path with the sign marked “丁,” he soon found the Ding Retreat located at the southeast foot of the mountain.
The retreat was shaped like a “回” character, with three stories and about ten rooms on each floor. Fang Ji counted the room numbers as he made his way, quickly arriving at Room 25.
He paused in front of the door, pondering for a few seconds to organize his words, took a deep breath, and eagerly knocked on the wooden door.
“Knock knock knock——!”
“Hello, is Huacheng Siye Society operative Lu Yibei here? I’m Fang Ji, an operative from the Yancheng Siye Society, and I have some matters to discuss with you.”
Inside the room, there was no response.
“Knock knock knock——!”
“Is operative Lu there?”
After knocking again, Fang Ji waited for a moment but still received no reply. He turned around and retreated back to the garden he had just passed through.
He remembered that there was a guest pavilion in the garden. When he passed by earlier, two Dachunyang Palace disciples were sitting in the pavilion playing games, and the intense sound effects of the game were continuously audible.
They must have been there for a while and might know where Lu Yibei went.
He decided to ask them.
————
When Fang Ji arrived in front of the pavilion, the two disciples were both intently staring at their phones, their expressions tense. Even Fang Ji, who didn’t understand games, could vaguely tell they were in a stalemate.
Fang Ji didn’t dare to disturb them and could only wait quietly outside the pavilion.
“Hurry up and come on, let’s group together!” said the disciple with an elongated face.
“Don’t rush, just k*ll this guy first!” replied the slightly chubby disciple.
“What are you doing? Didn’t you just single-k*ll him? How did you get counter-killed?”
“No… I had a 90% critical hit rate and went toe-to-toe with him five times, and not one critical hit came out. He had a 20% critical hit rate and every stab was critical damage? This is ridiculous! Does this guy have cheats?” the chubby disciple exclaimed angrily.
“Tch, I told you to come group up. What’s the use of saying this now? Just concede!”
The elongated-faced disciple initiated the surrender, lowered his phone, and looked up, finally noticing Fang Ji who had been waiting outside for a while.
He furrowed his brow and asked, “May I ask who you are?”
“Oh, hello…” Fang Ji replied, stepping forward to introduce himself. “I’m Fang Ji, a student in training.”
Hearing this, the elongated-faced disciple smiled, got up, and clasped his hands in a bow. “Are you a Siye Society operative? I apologize for the rudeness.”
Operatives from the Siye Society, working on the front lines against urban legends and illegal spiritual ability organizations, were always considered admirable in the eyes of the Dachunyang Palace disciples.
Of course, this was without knowing that some well-known operatives were merely slacking off, being daydreamers and salary thieves.
“But why are you at the Hongyan Retreat? I remember the training class had separate dormitories.”
Fang Ji mirrored the elongated-faced disciple’s gesture of clasping his hands in return. “I came to find operative Lu Yibei, but he isn’t in his room, so I thought of asking you.”
“Operative Lu Yibei?” The elongated-faced disciple thought for a moment, shook his head, and then looked at the chubby disciple next to him. “Do you know?”
The chubby disciple pondered, “Is he the kid with the metal box?”
Metal box… Fang Ji slightly recalled meeting Lu Yibei for the first time on Xuanwu Ping, and his eyes brightened as he said, “Yes, that’s him.”
“Oh, I know him! When he left, I helped him with his rank. He said he was going to Shizhou City to visit an old friend, and he just left about ten minutes ago,” the chubby disciple said.
“Well, he probably hasn’t crossed the iron chain bridge yet. You should hurry and catch up; if not, just wait at the bus station at the foot of the mountain. The next bus to Shizhou City is in half an hour.”
Fang Ji clasped his hands in thanks to the chubby disciple. “Thank you for the information; I won’t disturb you two any longer.”
After saying this, he quickly walked out of the Hongyan Retreat.
“Boom——!”
Fang Ji hadn’t walked far when he heard a loud crash from behind. Turning back, he saw the two disciples standing in front of the semi-collapsed pavilion, dust-covered and bewildered.
Then, the two exchanged glances, and the elongated-faced disciple said gravely, “Last time I found termites, I told you to clean it up. Didn’t you do it?”
The chubby disciple scratched the back of his head and blushed. “I forgot.”
The elongated-faced disciple, “…”
Fang Ji stared at the two disciples for a few seconds and shook his head.
It had just entered the rainy season, which was the breeding season for termites. Buildings that were easily over a hundred years old, like the ones in the Hongyan Retreat, could indeed be easily destroyed if neglected, but he didn’t find that surprising.
————
Leaving the Hongyan Retreat, Fang Ji followed his instincts and walked briskly. It felt as if he had activated precise navigation, not going off course even once. Soon, he caught up to Lu Yibei who had left a bit earlier.
Standing at the mountaintop, along the straight path down, he saw Lu Yibei approaching the foot of the mountain several hundred meters away.
A flash of excitement crossed his eyes, and he hurriedly quickened his pace.
Not long after, he saw Lu Yibei pause at a turn in the mountain path, glance around, then take something out from his chest and calmly toss it into the bushes by the side of the path.
What did he throw into the bushes?
Filled with curiosity, Fang Ji followed suit and stopped at the same spot as Lu Yibei. He crouched down, pushed aside the branches, and looked in, noticing three palm-sized, stout, and adorable-looking pale paper figures.
“Eh? What is this…” Fang Ji picked up one of the paper figures and examined it closely in his hand.
Paper Cicer: a simple puppet made through spell formulas and alchemy.
Looking at the paper figure, a fragment of unfamiliar content flashed through Fang Ji’s mind, appearing as if out of thin air, yet also feeling like something buried deep in his memory that had suddenly resurfaced.
This phenomenon wasn’t the first time it had happened. Since coming from Yancheng, he had occasionally encountered many things related to spiritual ability users, urban legends, and spell formulas, always triggering similar sensations.
This feeling of seemingly reclaiming lost memories convinced him that coming to the Dachunyang Palace was the right choice.
But…
“Why would operative Lu Yibei place puppets in the bushes? What does he intend to do with them?”
Fang Ji murmured, raising his head to look at Lu Yibei in the distance, only to find him inexplicably quickening his steps. In a moment of distraction, his figure disappeared into the passage beside the Zhen Ting Hall.
Seeing this, Fang Ji didn’t have time to think much. He quickly put the paper Cicer into his pocket and sprinted after him.
————
At the back mountain chapel of the Dachunyang Palace.
A chapel surrounded by greenery stood at the edge of the cliff.
Though small, the chapel emanated a solemn and dignified air.
This was the only place within the Dachunyang Palace that had not changed in hundreds of years.
Though Lu Ming had suggested a “green tribute” concept to prevent flooding initially, Zhang Hainan felt that placing LED lamps and incense candles in the chapel playing DJ hymns felt somewhat like a nightclub, questionable, and disrespectful to the predecessors.
Therefore, he declined Lu Ming’s proposal and thanked him on behalf of the predecessors for his goodwill (physically & magically).
The surrounding dense forest was tranquil, with birds chirping sweetly. Far away, through the gaps on either side of the shadow wall, flickering lights from eternal lamps could be faintly seen.
The lights illuminated the large offering table and the numerous spirit tablets behind it, as well as Zhang Hainan, dressed in a green robe, standing before the table.
According to the rules, whether it was the Chief Priest or an elder, one had to bathe and burn incense before entering seclusion.
Even though he was a Disaster-Class Spiritual Ability User, he understood well that in this world, unless you transformed into an urban legend after d*ath, one would simply vanish. Members of the Dachunyang Palace never believed in ghosts or gods.
However, for the people of Z Country, honoring their predecessors was never just about seeking blessings; it was often about gratitude and remembrance.
After finishing his offering, Zhang Hainan respectfully bowed to the spirit tablets before lightly calling out towards the chapel’s exit.
“Qing Xiazi, come in!”
Qing Xiazi, who had been waiting outside the chapel for a long time, quickly walked in, circled around the shadow wall, and stopped at the outer door of the main hall. First, she bowed to the spirit tablets inside, then she nodded respectfully to Zhang Hainan.
“Chief Priest, I just heard some things from Xinyi, and I think it’s important to tell you.”
“Oh? What happened to that girl? Tell me,” Zhang Hainan replied with interest, smiling.
“The matter is like this…”
After spending a few minutes, Qing Xiazi succinctly recounted the rumors she had heard that day.
After finishing, Zhang Hainan shook his head and turned to glance at the spirit tablets behind him. “That girl must have been deceived. Do you think any of these people could come back to life? Next time she encounters that con artist, make her ask for their title. I guarantee that con artist won’t be able to answer!”
Qing Xiazi looked in the direction Zhang Hainan pointed, her gaze landing on the spirit tablets of his several senior sisters, and her lips involuntarily twitched.
“Also, say that again. Who is the other person that was with Fu Xinyi?”
“His name is Lu Yibei, he is Lu Ming’s child, and currently a preparatory operative of the Huacheng Siye Society,” Qing Xiazi replied firmly.
Zhang Hainan, “…”
I gradually understand everything.
Could it be that the imbalance of yin and yang was caused by that kid impersonating one of my senior sisters?
What a bold kid!
Seeing that Zhang Hainan hadn’t spoken for a long time, Qing Xiazi tentatively asked, “Chief Priest, is there something wrong with that kid? Is he related to those people?”
“It shouldn’t… lead my precious disciple astray, right?”
According to Qing Xiazi’s knowledge, ever since the Dachunyang Palace completed renovations, an unknown force had infiltrated the sect under the guise of the increasingly open atmosphere of the Dachunyang Palace.
But that force had hidden itself deeply; every time they attempted to clean it out, they only managed to catch a few disciples influenced by it, never being able to eradicate it completely.
Even the Chief Priest couldn’t fully pinpoint the mastermind behind the scenes.
Some elders had also tried sending their disciples to infiltrate that force, only for the result to be their disciples getting persuaded to stray.
So far, that unknown force hadn’t truly caused harm to the Dachunyang Palace; it was more about subtly leading certain disciples to gradually depend on various emerging technologies and spirit energy items.
However, neglecting to improve one’s own strength was like building a tower on sand; it would collapse sooner or later and would lead to significant issues.
That unknown force was like an itch that couldn’t be reached—hidden from sight, impossible to scratch, but persistently there, making one feel unnervingly itchy.
It was precisely due to the existence of that unknown force that she felt Lu Yibei might have issues.
After all, the renovation of the Dachunyang Palace was proposed by Lu Ming, and that unknown force had infiltrated the palace after the renovation. Moreover, Lu Yibei was Lu Ming’s only child.
“…”
Zhang Hainan pondered for a moment, then turned back to glance at the spirit tablet of Qing Ji at the offering table. With a wry smile, he said, “He does have some problems, but it’s unrelated to those people and won’t lead Fu Xinyi astray.”
But he might spoil things!
Qing Xiazi nodded, “Then should we temporarily let Xinyi not practice according to A-Class Spiritual Ability User standards? I’m concerned for her…”
Before she could finish her sentence, Zhang Hainan waved his hand to interrupt her. “That’s unnecessary; you’ve already promised that girl. Moreover, I believe her potential is more than sufficient to handle it.”
Although Huasang pushed everything she did onto Fu Xinyi, Zhang Hainan knew well, he could also see that Fu Xinyi was indeed capable of being molded.
Who else could remain so disciplined under pressure for years like Fu Xinyi could?
The ability to persistently work hard is, in itself, a rare talent!
Zhang Hainan felt that this aspect resembled his younger self, quite a bit.
Back then, Qing Ji gave him special training; the worst of times saw him getting less than two days of sleep in a month.
Fu Xinyi was still so young. She would get through it!
My disciple indeed has the demeanor of a Disaster-Class!
Qing Xiazi nodded, casting a questioning look at Zhang Hainan. “And about that kid, Lu Yibei…”
“Just send a disciple to keep an eye on him,” Zhang Hainan said calmly.
“In your opinion, who should we send to watch over him?” Qing Xiazi frowned.
Her words had just fallen when a voice called out from outside.
“Old man! I brought you roasted river turtle!”
Hearing the call, Zhang Hainan stood with his hands behind his back, smiling. “Ah, the best candidate, isn’t this just arriving?”
The best candidate is Huasang? Qing Xiazi was taken aback.
Just then, Huasang walked in holding a fragrant roasted river turtle, half of it already eaten.
Seeing this, Qing Xiazi’s face changed colors.
“Old man, it smelled so good while roasting, I couldn’t resist and ate half! You won’t mind, right?”
After saying this, she noticed Qing Xiazi’s presence, stiffened, and with a twitch in her mouth, awkwardly laughed. “Master, you’re also here? You, you listen to me… ow!”
Before Huasang could finish, Qing Xiazi’s palm landed on her rear end. “You little brat! You just came back after a few peaceful days, and you start acting wild again, huh?”
“One day you’ll drive me crazy, and then you’ll be happy! Can’t you learn from your junior sister? If you’re like this, I’d rather you stay down the mountain forever, looking like you’re dying every day!”
“And those golden turtles in the Cold Pond, were they for you to eat? I…”
Zhang Hainan watched as Qing Xiazi’s gentle hand rose and fell while Huasang played along, crying out in mock pain. He finally couldn’t help but interrupt, “Alright, alright, you two stop acting, it’s too fake!”
I still don’t know about her?
Don’t mention hitting her; even if you cut her with a sword or called down lightning from the Zixiao Terrace on her, she’d feel nothing.
“Master’s words are wise…” Qing Xiazi turned around to respect Zhang Hainan with a bow.
Zhang Hainan glanced at Qing Xiazi, waved his hand, then looked at the whole roasted river turtle in Huasang’s hands.
“What’s up with you? There is still one left, why did you only give me half?”
Huasang hid the roasted river turtle behind her and pouted, “You wish! This isn’t for you, it’s for the big shots!”
As she spoke, she was cautious about Zhang Hainan trying to snatch it from her, sidestepping to his back and taking a few steps forward to place the roasted river turtle on the offering table. Only then did she turn back to present the half-eaten one to Zhang Hainan.
Zhang Hainan, “…”
If your ancestor knew you roasted and ate the descendants of the pet he raised, it would be a miracle if he didn’t beat you!
Forget it, if you give it, then you give it!
After you leave, it’s not like I won’t eat anymore!
Zhang Hainan thought to himself, accepting the roasted river turtle Huasang handed over, smiling. “Not bad, well roasted! But…”
As he was halfway through his sentence, his expression suddenly darkened, the narrowed eyes opening wide, a fierce glint flashing through them as he said in a deep voice, “However, stealing gold turtles from the Cold Pond violates the sect’s rules. Do you understand your mistake?”
That look mirrored true anger.
Huasang, “???”
When did these rules come about? Have you eaten less in these years? What sort of trick is this old man up to again?
Seeing this, Qing Xiazi’s heart tightened, and she hurried forward, clasping her fists. “Chief Priest, it’s my fault for not teaching her well. If there’s a punishment, let it be on me!”
As if he hadn’t heard Qing Xiazi’s words, Zhang Hainan stepped forward two paces and continued addressing Huasang, “Your punishment is to keep an eye on Lu Yibei.”
“Just that? No problem!” Huasang replied carelessly.
“He’s gone down the mountain to Shizhou City,” Zhang Hainan added.
“I’ll think about it…” Huasang amended her words.
Watching over the area around Zhenwu Mountain is fine, but she’d have to consider it if she left that range.
“No need to think about it!” Qing Xiazi repeated, pulling Huasang along and walking out. She whispered as they walked, “Master has been merciful, so what are you hesitating for? Watching that kid wouldn’t cost you a bit of flesh!”
“But Master, you know, once I go down the mountain, it feels like I’m completely drained and too lazy to move!” Huasang pouted.
“Endure it!” Qing Xiazi glared at Huasang, then took out a handkerchief from her pocket and gently wiped the greasy spots on her lips. “Look at you, a girl, and your face is all oily from eating. What kind of behavior is that? Remember to clean up next time you eat.”
“And also, before going down the mountain later, come to me. I’ll make sure you get a good bath and change into clean clothes.”
“Got it, Master.”
Watching Qing Xiazi and Huasang walk away, Zhang Hainan hesitated for a moment, then shook his head and grabbed the roasted river turtle from the offering table, eating it.
At this moment, a spirit tablet fell with a loud clang onto the ground.
Zhang Hainan bent down to pick up the spirit tablet, glanced at it, and immediately placed the roasted river turtle back on the offering table.
That spirit tablet was undoubtedly that of his ancestor…
(Wrote too much, lost track of time, sorry…)
