A gust of cold wind swept out from the sachet, and the temperature in the room quickly dropped. A hazy figure appeared, floating in the air.
His face was blank, his eyes lifeless.
After death, the “heaven and earth” souls immediately leave the body, in a state of confusion. The human soul remains hidden in the body for seven days before emerging. At that time, the heaven and human souls come to seek the human soul.
When the three souls gather, they can regain memories from life and break free from confusion.
This is the origin of the “seventh-day” tradition.
“This young man’s identity is extraordinary. He knows the fate within me like the back of his hand. Perhaps I can extract core secrets from him…” Xu Qi An took a deep breath, feeling his heart race and his blood boil. It had been a long time since he felt so excited.
Just then, his ears twitched as he heard Su Su’s coquettish voice from outside the courtyard: “Oh, you can’t go in. My husband is resting. No one is allowed to disturb him.”
Then came Qiu Chantyi’s unhappy voice: “I just want to take a look.”
“Although Daoist Chantyi is a nun, she should know about propriety between men and women. How can you enter a man’s room in the dead of night?”
“Master Xu has shown great kindness to the Heaven and Earth Society. What’s wrong with me going in to check on him? As a nun, I have nothing to be ashamed of.”
“Oh, nothing to be ashamed of? Among the thirty-four disciples of your Heaven and Earth Society, why are you the only one coming? Aren’t you just lusting after him?”
“You, you, you…” Qiu Chantyi blushed with embarrassment.
“What ‘you’? Looking all lovesick like that. I’ve been there before, I know exactly what you little hussies are thinking,” Su Su put her hands on her hips like a combative little hen:
“My husband is a hopeless womanizer who’ll eat anything. I advise you to keep your distance and be more careful. Otherwise, if you lose your virginity and end up abandoned, it won’t sound good when word gets out.”
Su Su snorted: “Or perhaps that’s exactly what Daoist Chantyi wants?”
“I’m… I’m going to find Master Jinlian…”
Qiu Chantyi, a young girl, was no match for the ancient ghost Su Su. She stamped her foot in embarrassment and anger and ran off.
Going to find Daoist Master Jinlian… Xu Qi An glanced at the soul floating in the room, sighed, and quietly put away the sachet.
He suddenly realized he had been too hasty. There were experts like Chu Yuanzhen in the manor with keen senses. Even if they weren’t deliberately eavesdropping, if they happened to pass by, his biggest secret could be overheard in a minute.
First, let Daoist Master Jinlian and the others be at ease, then find Yang Qianxuan to set up a sound-isolating array… Xu Qi An hung the sachet back on his waist, opened the door, and beckoned to Su Su outside the courtyard.
Su Su walked into the room with her hands behind her back, her steps light and cheerful, humming a little tune.
“It seems you’ve embraced your role,” Xu Qi An said approvingly.
This stunningly beautiful female ghost, though verbally resistant, was quite honest in her heart. She had already assumed the identity of Xu’s concubine and harbored strong hostility towards women who tried to seduce her husband.
“I just find it thrilling to ruin your affairs and tarnish your image,” Su Su giggled mischievously, looking quite pleased with herself.
Men just love to assume things, she thought. She was enjoying the satisfaction of breaking up a budding romance, while he thought she was jealous on his behalf.
Xu Qi An’s face darkened. He put his hand on Su Su’s shoulder and said calmly, “When you have a physical body, I’ll let you experience a different kind of thrill.”
Su Su raised her head and stuck out her tongue at him, making a face. Her charm and allure were now mixed with a touch of coquettish cuteness.
As they were talking, Daoist Master Jinlian arrived, followed by Daoist Nun Bailian, Li Miaozheng, Chu Yuanzhen, as well as the little dark-skinned girl from the Southern Border, and Master Hengyuan.
Yang Qianxuan and Nangong Qianrou didn’t come to visit him.
“We’ll have the decisive battle tomorrow. We need to discuss this in advance. How are you feeling?” Daoist Master Jinlian took Xu Qi An’s wrist to check his pulse, his expression somewhat heavy.
“I’ll recover in three to five days. For tomorrow’s battle, I’m sorry…” Xu Qi An sighed.
His current condition was that his physical strength had recovered, but his energy hadn’t. He could fight, but couldn’t exert too much power. Unless the enemy also didn’t use energy and fought him in pure hand-to-hand combat.
“That’s very bad!”
Suddenly, a figure in white flashed into the room, facing the window with his back to everyone.
Yang Qianxuan said languidly, “The array I set up has eight layers. Each layer’s focal point needs a powerful expert to guard it. I had originally designed a defensive array specifically for your Vajra Body technique.”
Although they had achieved a great victory in the night battle, killing the young master and his two peak Realm 4 escorts, these two were extra, and their side had lost Xu Qi An, a great powerhouse.
Xu Qi An pondered, “Nangong Qianrou can fill in.”
Yang Qianxuan laughed dismissively, “Compared to your Vajra Body technique, a Realm 4 martial artist’s physique is still somewhat lacking. Don’t forget, Huai Wang’s spies have cannons and crossbows.”
Daoist Master Jinlian shook his head, “Golden Yamen Runner Nangong was already part of the plan, not an unexpected bonus.”
The enemy had the Earth Sect with six Realm 4 experts and one Realm 3 Sect Leader’s avatar; Huai Wang’s spies with two Realm 4 martial artists and several other experts; the Martial Arts Alliance with one super expert close to Realm 3 and several Realm 4 sect and gang leaders.
On their side, those confirmed to have Realm 4 combat power were Daoist Master Jinlian, Daoist Nun Bailian, Chu Yuanzhen, Li Miaozheng, Xu Qi An, as well as Yang Qianxuan and Nangong Qianrou.
In comparison, the Heaven and Earth Society could only handle the combined forces of the Earth Sect and Huai Wang’s spies. But due to home-field advantage and the array they had set up, they had the confidence to contend with the various forces.
In Daoist Master Jinlian’s plan, they only needed to hold out until the lotus seed matured, then they could abandon the manor without having to fight to the death.
The premise was that they could hold out.
“Wait, regardless of whether I’ve recovered or not, we actually can’t protect the lotus seed, can we? Even if I could ‘repel’ the wandering martial artists and some of the Realm 4 experts from the Martial Arts Alliance.
“But treasures move people’s hearts. Everyone can’t give me a face. At most, they might show some mercy when the time comes. In that case, we still won’t be able to protect it in the end…”
Realizing this, Xu Qi An’s heart tightened, sensing something was amiss.
What other trump card did Daoist Master Jinlian have?
As this thought arose, he heard Daoist Master Jinlian ask in a gentle tone, “Xu Qi An, do you have any ideas?”
Xu Qi An shook his head.
Daoist Master Jinlian’s eyes, slightly wrinkled at the corners, looked at him kindly and prompted, “Think about it carefully.”
Xu Qi An narrowed his eyes, staring at him. Their gazes met, seemingly calm, but countless bits of information were subtly flashing between them.
What did Daoist Master Jinlian mean by that? Does he know my secret… is it about fate or Shenshi?
The Daoist Master knows about my “ambiguous” relationship with the Judiciary Commissioner, but he doesn’t know I carry Great Shang’s national fate… I remember last time when we came out of the underground palace, I explained subduing the ancient corpse as the Commissioner leaving something in my body, which wasn’t wrong—he did leave a hand.
So, does Daoist Master Jinlian think the Commissioner’s “something left behind” is still there? Is this what he’s been counting on all along? No wonder he’s so calm. The Daoist Master thinks I can unleash top-tier combat power, just like that time in the underground palace.
Or perhaps Daoist Master Jinlian already knows Shenshi is within me. The “mysterious expert” in Chu State might seem mysterious to outsiders, but for some who are in the know, it doesn’t hold up under scrutiny.
For example, Daoist Master Jinlian was involved in the Sangbo case and knows about the sealed object’s connection to Buddhism. The Daoist Master is very familiar to me. Moreover, the boast I made in front of the Earth Sect Leader was heard by tens of thousands of people.
Phew, it’s a good thing the Daoist Master isn’t part of Great Shang’s officialdom, otherwise I’d be in a tight spot… Xu Qi An sighed:
“I don’t have any ideas. I’m powerless to help.”
First, Monk Shenshi had already fallen into slumber and couldn’t be awakened, so this trump card was temporarily unavailable. As for the Judiciary Commissioner, that old man was deep and unfathomable, such a formidable figure was not someone Xu Qi An could influence.
So, he truly had no trump cards or solutions left.
Daoist Master Jinlian’s eyes darkened a bit, and he remained silent for a long time.
After a good while, he sighed, “Never mind. Things have come to this point, everything is up to heaven’s will now.”
Hearing this, everyone sighed.
“By the way…”
Suddenly, Daoist Master Jinlian turned to look at Chu Yuanzhen: “I asked you to inform Luo Yuheng about this matter. Did you relay the message?”
Chu Yuanzhen gave him a strange look, not understanding the Daoist Master’s intention in mentioning this. He nodded and said, “Of course I did.”
Daoist Master Jinlian quickly asked, “What did she say?”
“The Imperial Mentor only said two words: ‘Take care.'” Chu Yuanzhen said with a normal expression. The Imperial Mentor was just that kind of aloof woman, unlikely to say much more.
Daoist Master Jinlian frowned, asking with some expectation and urgency, “Did… did she give you anything?”
Chu Yuanzhen was surprised and said, “Daoist Master, you even guessed this… The Imperial Mentor did indeed give me a protective charm.”
“Quick, bring it out…”
Daoist Master Jinlian said repeatedly, and anyone could see his excitement and eagerness.
Chu Yuanzhen frowned slightly and took out a yellow paper charm folded and threaded with a red string from his bosom: “This is just an ordinary protective charm, it doesn’t have any special effect…”
The Top Scholar Chu didn’t want to take it out. This was given to him by the Imperial Mentor, a token of care from an “elder.”
Daoist Master Jinlian reached out and took the charm, his eyes showing a bit of relief. Then, he did something that surprised everyone in the room…
“Xu Qi An, keep this protective charm safe.”
Chu Yuanzhen: “???”
Everyone looked at Xu Qi An.
“Daoist Master, why give it to me?” Xu Qi An’s expression was bewildered.
Daoist Master, Chu Yuanzhen is going to eat me alive. Look at his eyes, please look at his eyes…
Daoist Master Jinlian seemed to have turned back into that calm and cunning old fox, smiling and saying, “Don’t ask, you’ll know tomorrow. Hmm, you’ll guard the final barrier, outside the pool.”
The confused Xu Qi An received a mental message from Daoist Master Jinlian: “In a critical moment, burn the charm and call for her help.”
Call for help? From Luo Yuheng? Don’t joke, Daoist Master. I’m not close with Auntie. Her giving me a sword talisman was already very generous. How can I keep troubling her again and again…
You’re putting me in a difficult position! Xu Qi An wanted to wave his hands and say: We’re not that close, we’re not that close.
But based on his understanding of the old fox, if Daoist Master Jinlian wasn’t certain, he wouldn’t make such a decision.
What does Daoist Master Jinlian mean by this, giving the protective charm the Imperial Mentor gave me to Xu Qi An… Chu Yuanzhen frowned tightly, feeling offended.
But he was a wise and calm person, skilled at analysis (and overthinking). He began to ponder Daoist Master Jinlian’s intentions, starting a brainstorm.
Li Miaozheng and Master Hengyuan were equally confused but didn’t think too much about it.
This wasn’t stupidity, but simply a dislike for unnecessary speculation.
Lina was the stupid one, never intending to use her brain from start to finish, cherishing her brain cells excessively.
At this moment, Qiu Chantyi brought several female disciples, carrying steaming dishes. The aroma instantly filled the room.
Chicken soup, braised pork trotters, steamed river shrimp, corn buns, steamed mutton, braised pork… the table was full.
“Gulp…”
Xu Qi An and Lina swallowed at the same time.
“Young Master Xu, these were prepared by the kitchen for you, just waiting for you to wake up and eat,” Qiu Chantyi said crisply.
“Yes, yes, Junior Sister Chantyi made them herself,” a female disciple said with a covered smile.
Qiu Chantyi’s cheeks reddened.
Xu Qi An quickly expressed his thanks, then looked somewhat awkwardly at Daoist Master Jinlian and Daoist Nun Bailian, finding their expressions normal, not displeased by their disciple’s infatuation.
“Then we won’t disturb you,” Daoist Master Jinlian nodded and left first.
Chu Yuanzhen and the others followed.
Lina didn’t leave. Her feet were sealed, and her azure eyes looked pitifully at Xu Qi An.
“Let’s eat together.”
Xu Qi An said helplessly, then picked up a corn bun and ate it with braised pork and mutton.
“Young Master Xu, how does it taste?” Qiu Chantyi asked expectantly, pursing her lips.
“Junior Sister Chantyi’s cooking skills are excellent.”
Xu Qi An gave a thumbs up and praised, then sighed, “It’s just that the tea skills are a bit lacking.”
“My tea skills are very good too,” Qiu Chantyi defended herself, feeling wronged.
Young Master Xu hadn’t even tasted her tea, yet he was so arbitrary… She drooped her little face, feeling underestimated by Young Master Xu.
“I was talking about green tea.”
Xu Qi An said with a smile, “I have a sister at home about your age, but her tea skills are much better than yours. When there’s a chance, I’ll introduce you. You can learn a lot from her.”
Su Su belonged to the category of charming and seductive women. Only green tea girls could counter this type of woman.
If it had been Lingyue earlier, she would have started crying “yingying” on the spot, then “grievously” stood guard outside all night. If she could catch a cold, that would be even better.
Su Su would then be labeled as an “evil ghost” afterward.
After the meal, Xu Qi An sent Qiu Chantyi and the other women away. He called out in the courtyard, “Senior Brother Yang!”
The white-robed figure appeared at his call, standing with his back to Xu Qi An, saying languidly, “If heaven had not born me, Yang Qianxuan…”
We’re all so familiar now, you don’t get much satisfaction from showing off anymore, do you… Xu Qi An coldly interrupted, “Great Shang would be in eternal night.”
Yang Qianxuan choked for a moment, then asked coldly, “What is it?”
“I want to ask Senior Brother Yang to help me carve a sound-isolating array, preferably one that can also block prying eyes. I’m about to do something very confidential,” Xu Qi An said straightforwardly.
“Heh, aren’t you afraid I’ll eavesdrop?” Yang Qianxuan asked teasingly.
“Heh, I don’t trust anyone else, but I trust Senior Brother Yang. Senior Brother Yang is the most noble person in history,” Xu Qi An said sincerely.
“You do have good taste,” Yang Qianxuan was quite pleased.
…
In the room, Xu Qi An closed the doors and windows, opened the sachet, and released Chou Qian’s soul again.
A cold wind blew, lowering the room’s temperature.
Chou Qian floated in the air like the foolish son of a landlord family, dazed.
“What’s your name?” Xu Qi An asked tentatively.
“Ji Qian,” Chou Qian answered woodenly.
Xu Qi An pondered, choosing his words carefully: “What exactly is your identity?”
“Great Shang royal family.”
Chou Qian’s flat voice caused a storm in Xu Qi An’s mind, raising a tsunami, creating an effect like mountains crumbling and earth splitting.
He’s from the Great Shang royal family?! No wonder his surname is Ji. Wait, is there such a person in the Great Shang royal family?
Various thoughts flashed through his mind as Xu Qi An tried to calm himself down. He asked in a deep voice, “Which branch?”
He asked this because he was certain there was no such person among the royal clan in the capital. Great Shang’s dynasty had lasted for six hundred years, branching out extensively. This Ji Qian must either be from a side branch or someone’s illegitimate child.
Hence, he asked which branch he was from.
Chou Qian mumbled, “The legitimate line from five hundred years ago.”
Xu Qi An almost lost control of his expression, his arm suddenly trembling.
The legitimate line from five hundred years ago, meaning he was a descendant of that previous emperor who was killed by Emperor Wuzong? Did that previous emperor still have bloodlines remaining? Wasn’t it said that the emperor’s bloodline died at the hands of treacherous officials…
Well, that part of history must have been tampered with. History books can’t be trusted, but an emperor like Wuzong wouldn’t be unaware of the principle of eliminating the root of trouble.
“What’s your position in the clan?”
“I am my father’s legitimate son.”
“Who is your father?”
“His name is Ji Xiao. He will become the lord of the nine provinces, replacing Emperor Yuanjing…”
The line from five hundred years ago has come back for revenge? I killed a “crown prince”… Xu Qi An was stunned for a long time, trying to digest this earth-shattering information.
Then, he continued to ask, “What’s the deal with the fate on my body?”
He decided not to ask about the Ji family-related information yet, focusing on the core issue.
“…” Chou Qian remained silent, silent.
I got a bit too excited… Xu Qi An took a deep breath: “What’s the deal with the fate of Xu Qi An’s body?”
“The fate on his body is that great person existing within him. It’s the support for our grand ambition, the foundation to counter the Judiciary Commissioner, the most important step in our plan to contend for the Central Plains.”
When saying these words, Chou Qian’s wooden face showed rare animation.
This matter seemed to be deeply imprinted in his soul.
“Who is that great person?” Xu Qi An’s lips trembled.
The next question was almost blurted out: Why was fate stored in my body?
At this moment, Chou Qian’s expression showed obvious distortion and struggle.
…
The night was quiet, with the shrill sound of insects.
On the hillside outside the dense forest, several wolves were gnawing on corpses, making threatening “woo woo” sounds to intimidate their companions.
A pair of feet in white boots descended from the air, landing lightly at the edge of Chou Qian’s headless corpse.
It was a person as white as snow, his white clothes and shoes in stark contrast to his jet-black hair. His face was shrouded in layers of mist as if he didn’t belong to this world.
His presence was infinitely diminished. He didn’t deliberately conceal his movements, but the surrounding wolves continued to gnaw, oblivious. Despite their usually keen senses, they hadn’t noticed the appearance of the white-robed figure.
The white-robed figure lowered his head, glanced at the gruesome corpse without expression, then shifted his gaze towards the direction of the Yuezhi Manor.
He stared for a long time, then chuckled softly.