After returning from his resurrection in Yun Province, accomplishing meritorious deeds, and receiving a noble title, Xu Qi An’s relationships with Lin’an and Huaiqing had advanced rapidly.
On the Constabulary side, Wei Yuan had also promised to promote him to Silver Gong. Whether in terms of career prospects, financial future, or romantic life, everything was steadily improving.
It was foreseeable that in a few years, becoming a duke and marrying a princess, reaching the peak of life… was quite possible.
The capital had been prosperous since ancient times, with abundant resources. Its medical standards, social welfare, and other aspects were at the forefront of this era. People naturally gravitate towards prosperous cities, and Xu Qi An was no exception.
He had been a “Beijing drifter” in his past life too.
It wasn’t that he had no choice; he simply didn’t want to leave the capital.
Master, you’re really putting me in a difficult position… Xu Qi An frowned and asked, “Master, why must I leave the capital?”
Monk Shenshu tilted his head, looking in a certain direction: “I can sense that the Western Religion is coming.”
Western Religion?
Xu Qi An was stunned for a moment before realizing that Monk Shenshu was referring to the Western Buddhism.
Right, during the Sangbo case, when the monk from Qinglong Temple learned that Master Shenshu had escaped, he immediately left the temple to travel west… Does this mean the Buddhist faction is coming to demand an explanation?
No wonder Shenshu wants me to leave the capital. If the big baldies from the West discover Shenshu is in my body, I might really be trapped under the Five-Finger Mountain for five hundred years.
And I don’t have the Monkey King’s thick and hard As-You-Will Gold-Banded Cudgel; I wouldn’t even have a chance to resist.
“So you want me to temporarily leave the capital?” Xu Qi An’s face showed some concern.
Monk Shenshu nodded slowly.
“Alright, we’re in this together now. By the way, Master, I’ve heard that Buddhism has miraculous body cultivation methods that can achieve an indestructible golden body without the need for physical training. Could you teach me?”
Might as well try to get some benefits first.
Monk Shenshu shook his head: “I’m just a remnant soul.”
I don’t know if you’re a remnant soul or not, I only know you’re trying to freeload off me… Xu Qi An’s mouth twitched.
The thin mist closed in, enveloping the dilapidated temple, then gradually faded and disappeared… Xu Qi An opened his eyes and found himself back in his room, still sitting in the same position on the bed.
“It’s obvious that the Western Buddhists are coming for Monk Shenshu. It’s been over a month now; they’ll probably just look at the case files, understand what happened, and won’t stay in the capital for too long.”
“So, my departure from the capital is only temporary. I might not even need to be away for too long before I can return.”
Xu Qi An nodded slightly; he could accept this. He’d treat it as a vacation, take a break, go to a prosperous city, and experience the boring life of a rich person for a few days.
“The difficult part is writing the leave request. Leaving the capital without reason isn’t allowed by the yamen’s regulations. Moreover, Wei Yuan can’t do without me.”
“‘The world is so big, I want to go see it’… that would definitely be rejected. Old Wei wouldn’t understand my reference.”
“Right, I should consult with Daoist Jin Lian. Have him come up with some excuse, like someone in the Book of Revelation chat group is in trouble and needs my support…”
Xu Qi An planned to discuss with Daoist Jin Lian, saying he wanted to leave the capital for a while, but the Constabulary’s strict system made it difficult to leave casually. The main thing was to give Wei Yuan a plausible reason.
However, before that, he still had some loose ends to tie up. For instance, attending tomorrow’s banquet, instructing the jailer to keep a close eye on that couple – Second Young Master’s ability to stay in the capital after the spring examinations depended on them. Also, he wanted to probe Wei Yuan about his plans for revenge against Imperial Consort Chen.
Although the case of Imperial Consort Fu was closed, a grudge had been formed. Wei Yuan would definitely take further action to investigate the forces behind Imperial Consort Chen.
And the Empress, having lost her only brother, probably wouldn’t remain passive anymore. A bloody storm between women was bound to unfold in Emperor Yuanjing’s harem.
Xu Qi An was concerned about how intense their conflict would become. He didn’t want to return to the capital and hear that Imperial Consort Chen had passed away, or that the Empress had died.
If that happened, Lin’an and Huaiqing would become irreconcilable enemies, unable to be sisters.
His dream of a threesome by the Lake Daming would be shattered.
At this moment, a servant came to the door and called out, “First Young Master, Miss Caiwei from the Imperial Astronomer’s Office is here to visit.”
“What is she here for?”
Xu Qi An responded, “I see. Ask Aunt to entertain her first. I’ll be there shortly.”
He stored his diary, silver, and other private items in the Book of Revelation fragment, preparing for his departure from the capital. After confirming that no sensitive items were left behind, he finally breathed a sigh of relief and went out to meet Chu Caiwei.
…
In the living room, Chu Caiwei had a piece of water chestnut cake in each hand, quickly stuffing them into her mouth. Her voracious eating made it seem as if someone was competing with her for food…
Indeed, someone was competing with her for food. Across from her stood Xu Ling Yin, also with a piece of water chestnut cake in each hand, quickly stuffing them into her mouth. Her ravenous eating was clearly aimed at competing with Chu Caiwei for food.
Between them, seven or eight types of pastries were laid out, diverse in variety and ample in quantity.
Chu Caiwei had come to the Xu residence today carrying a large bag of food. She was eating while waiting for Xu Qi An when suddenly, a small child appeared out of nowhere, looking at her longingly.
The beautiful big-eyed girl still remembered her; she was Xu Ning Yan’s sister, a very gluttonous child who could eat a lot.
“Take whatever you want to eat, sister has plenty here…”
Chu Caiwei remembered saying something like that.
At first, the big and small gluttons could coexist peacefully, each eating their own share, in harmony. But as they ate, Chu Caiwei suddenly realized that this little girl was eating faster than her.
This won’t do, it’s too unfair. I need to eat faster too.
Seeing this, Xu Ling Yin thought, this sister suddenly started eating faster, clearly trying to compete with me for food. This won’t do, it’s too unfair. I need to eat even faster.
Without any verbal communication, the war between the gluttons quickly escalated to a fever pitch.
The entire battle, from start to climax, could be vividly summarized in two words: Ora, Ora Ora, Ora Ora Ora, Ora Ora Ora Ora…
When Xu Qi An arrived at the back hall and saw this scene, he was stunned.
“Hey, hey, hey, you can’t eat like that.”
Xu Qi An glanced at the little one’s round belly and picked her up, looking around. “Where’s my aunt?”
Aunt wasn’t in the hall, probably busy arranging tomorrow’s banquet. Otherwise, she definitely wouldn’t have allowed the little one to eat like this.
“Big Brother, Big Brother, the water chestnut cake is so delicious…” Xu Ling Yin struggled hard, indicating her urgency, as in the blink of an eye, that sister had eaten several more pieces.
“It won’t kill you to stop eating.”
Xu Qi An pointed at the pastries on the table and said irritably, “Put them away quickly, put them away… Miss Caiwei, what brings you here?”
He guessed that Chu Caiwei had come to see him. Since his resurrection, he had been busy investigating the case of Imperial Consort Fu and hadn’t seen her for about five days.
With my current peak handsomeness, it’s not surprising that she’s thinking about my good looks… Xu Qi An smiled.
“Teacher asked me to invite you to the Star-Gazing Tower as a guest,” Chu Caiwei said, picking up a teacup and taking a sip. She repacked the remaining pastries and put them back into her deerskin pouch.
The Supervisor inviting me to the Star-Gazing Tower… Xu Qi An frowned inwardly, but didn’t feel too resistant.
He couldn’t guess which floor the Supervisor was on, but the Supervisor knew exactly which floor he was on.
The two left the Xu residence together, each riding a horse, heading towards the Star-Gazing Tower.
“Those pastries were bought at the request of my Fifth Senior Sister, but your little sister ate most of them,” Chu Caiwei said, holding the reins and looking straight ahead, her voice coquettish:
“Xu Ning Yan, you owe me some silver.”
“Talking about money hurts our relationship. The feelings between us can’t be measured by silver.”
Xu Qi An spurred his horse and said, “Let’s not keep the Supervisor waiting. Giddyup…”
As they arrived at the Imperial Astronomer’s Office, Xu Qi An pretended the pastry incident never happened. Without waiting for Chu Caiwei, he entered the tower, familiar with the route.
“Huh, why is the Imperial Astronomer’s Office so quiet today?”
The first-floor hall was nearly empty, with only a few physicians on duty. Their expressions seemed off, occasionally glancing towards the stairway as if afraid some monster might come down.
Hearing Xu Qi An’s question, a white-robed physician at the door answered, “Young Master Xu, they’ve all gone to work at medical clinics.”
“What’s special about today?” Xu Qi An asked.
The white-robed physician gave an awkward smile without answering.
Puzzled, Xu Qi An climbed the stairs. When he reached the seventh floor, he found the alchemy room had exploded, and not a single alchemist was in sight, despite their usual bustling activity.
He successfully reached the Eight Trigrams Platform.
First, he saw the Supervisor’s back, dressed in white with white hair flowing, sitting at the edge of the platform facing outward.
Then, he noticed a woman with disheveled hair sitting beside the Supervisor, wearing a simple linen robe, hunched over the table eating and drinking.
He could tell it was a woman mainly because when a man bends over, the curve of their buttocks wouldn’t be so full and round.
“Greetings, Supervisor!” Xu Qi An stopped at a distance and cupped his hands in respect.
“Not bad, your foundation is very solid,” the Supervisor commented.
Just then, footsteps came from the stairway. Chu Caiwei arrived with her skirts swaying, carrying several bags of pastries.
She placed the pastries on the table, pushing them towards the woman hunched over eating ravenously. The woman turned her head to look and said, “Is this all?”
“A foolish child ate most of it,” Chu Caiwei blamed Xu Ling Yin.
The woman nodded and continued eating.
Fifth Senior Sister?
At this moment, Xu Qi An finally remembered a conversation he had with Wei Yuan.
The Supervisor had five disciples, and the fifth disciple was in seclusion year-round. Those unfamiliar with the Imperial Astronomer’s Office thought Chu Caiwei was the only female disciple.
“So it’s her?” Xu Qi An thought to himself.
Just then, the Supervisor’s mellow voice sounded, “How is that sword working out?”
“It’s excellent. Thank you, Supervisor,” Xu Qi An said respectfully.
At the same time, he grumbled inwardly: This sword was clearly tailor-made for my Heaven and Earth Slash. It’s all within your calculations. Why ask such pointless questions?
“How about the effects of the Rebirth Pill?” the Supervisor asked again.
“Very good,” Xu Qi An said carefully. “It’s just that the dramatic change in appearance has caused me some trouble. I’m not as low-key and gentle as before.”
“Is that so…” the Supervisor nodded and smiled. “I can help you return to your original appearance.”
What? This can be reversed?… Xu Qi An was stunned for a moment, then quickly waved his hands. “I wouldn’t dare trouble the Supervisor.”
Actually, being a naturally handsome man who can’t help but flaunt it makes me feel more like myself!
In front of the Supervisor, he didn’t dare speak frivolously and could only joke around in his heart.
The Supervisor nodded slowly and said, “Zhong Li is my fifth disciple, a Tier 5 Prophet. She will accompany you for a period of time to gain experience.”
Chu Caiwei was stunned. She looked at the Supervisor, then turned to look at Xu Qi An.
So a Tier 5 mage is called a Prophet… But why does she need to accompany me for training? Xu Qi An probed cautiously:
“This… May I know the reason, sir?”
The Supervisor didn’t answer his question, instead calling out, “Zhong Li.”
The woman in the linen robe stood up, bowed to Xu Qi An, and said, “Teacher says my luck isn’t bad. By following you, my misfortunes will be reduced to some extent. You are my opportunity.”
Her voice was quite pleasant and nice to hear.
Xu Qi An stared intently at her face, but she lowered her head slightly, her messy and thick hair completely covering her face.
“Misfortunes?” he asked.
Zhong Li considered her words for a moment, then answered sincerely, “Prophets can glimpse the secrets of heaven, but suffer backlash from the Heavenly Dao, attracting misfortunes. Only by enduring 3,600 tribulations can one advance. If one can’t endure, they perish. Anyone who can withstand the backlash of the Heavenly Dao is considered to have great fortune.”
Hearing Zhong Li’s explanation, Xu Qi An first thought of two things. First, he finally understood why there were so many Tier 6 Alchemists in the Imperial Astronomer’s Office, but he had only seen one person above Tier 6, Yang Qianhuan.
Secondly, it was hard to believe that the Poseur actually had great fortune. Unbelievable, truly unbelievable.
Prophets can glimpse heavenly secrets? Hmm, this must be the prerequisite profession for Heavenly Secret Masters… Xu Qi An asked curiously, “How does the Heavenly Dao’s backlash manifest? I need to assess how terrifying this so-called backlash is, after all, I’m just an ordinary Bronze Gong.”
His prediction wasn’t wrong; the Supervisor did know about the strange luck surrounding him.
Zhong Li thought for a moment and said, “Misfortune comes from the mouth. Sometimes, a casual remark of mine can transform into tangible disasters, affecting those around me, including myself. Sometimes, an unintentional action can also bring unpredictable calamities. And the scale is uncontrollable – taking a single step back might trigger a life-or-death crisis.”
As she spoke, she symbolically took half a step back.
With just this simple action, an accident occurred. The mighty Tier 5 expert suddenly slipped and fell from the Eight Trigrams Platform, plummeting down…
“Save her!!!” Xu Qi An’s face changed dramatically, and he instinctively shouted.
The Star-Gazing Tower was a hundred meters tall. Falling from this height, even Xu Qi An himself, if not at the Bronze Skin Iron Bones realm, would surely die.
And mages had average physiques, far inferior to martial artists.
At the same time, a song lyric involuntarily flashed through Xu Qi An’s mind:
“Was your half-step back sincere? Such a small action, yet causing so much harm…”
The Supervisor sighed and extended his hand from within his wide sleeve, gently grasping.
The falling Zhong Li was pulled back up, escaping a fatal fall.
She kept her head lowered, black hair disheveled, her tone very calm: “Actually, if I’m prepared, even jumping from the Star-Gazing Tower wouldn’t hurt me. But just now, for some reason, my mind went blank, and I had no thought of saving myself… Mm, if someone else helps me overcome the misfortunes, it doesn’t count. Only by personally enduring the trials does it work.”
So, you need me, a person with good luck, to help you, a person with bad luck, minimize your misfortunes… Xu Qi An nodded in realization, understanding the true reason why the Supervisor had invited him over.
“I’m sorry,” Xu Qi An shook his head in refusal. “I’m planning to leave the capital soon. I have important matters to attend to and can’t conveniently bring someone along.”
Suddenly, a cup of wine flew through the air towards him.
As Xu Qi An reached out to catch it, he heard the Supervisor’s voice in his mind: “Drink this, and you won’t need to leave the capital.”
The Supervisor knows why I want to leave the capital? He indeed knows about Monk Shenshu in my body… The wine is ordinary, how does he plan to help me… Xu Qi An drank the cup of wine, forming a guess.
Concealing heavenly secrets!
A specialty of mages.
…
Thousands of miles away from the capital, outside Baidi City in Yun Province, in the military camp.
In the tent of the Flying Swallow Army, Li Miaochen had taken off her light armor and put away her silver spear, changing into the Daoist robe of the Heavenly Sect. She looked just as she did when she first came down from the mountain.
The paper doll Su Su was directing a group of ghosts to help pack up their belongings.