Chapter 49 The Unpredictability of Heretics 3
"When I say that superpowered people are more outstanding than ordinary people, it's just a conclusion I reached based on rational thinking," I answered honestly. "It's fine with those busybodies who point fingers at me behind my back, but with Chang'an, or anyone I can have a normal conversation with, I just can't muster that superior feeling."
"So, if your reason and your emotions conflict, which side would you choose?" Zhu Shi continued to ask.
Without thinking, I retorted, "Do I seem like someone who prioritizes rationality?"
"...I really asked that unnecessary question." She was speechless.
“I understand why you value my answer so much. You want to confirm my stance, right?” I said. “Now I can tell you directly that I will not stand with those who believe that superpowered individuals should integrate into the secular world, nor with those who believe that superpowered individuals are extraordinary. I have absolutely no interest in your political stances; I find those things tedious to even think about.”
"But Zhu Shi, I will stand by your side. Since you are Chang'an's sister, you are also my friend. If anyone becomes your enemy, that person will also be my enemy."
"Now, tell me, what do you want me to do?"
Zhu Shi opened her mouth slightly, then after a moment let out a laugh mixed with a sigh: "What you're saying is against the rules..."
"I was just telling the truth."
There was an element of performance involved; I wouldn't usually talk so grandly.
But those words were sincere, and he truly intended to do so.
“Telling the truth is the most unfair thing to do.” She responded softly at first, then started to complain, “You might think the topics I brought up earlier were annoying, and actually I also hate these kinds of political topics. What girl my age likes to discuss serious political topics? So I hope you don’t misunderstand me, I really didn’t intend to give you any political advice.”
"I won't misunderstand you," I promised.
“Okay, so let’s go back to your question…” She composed herself and continued, “I hope you can hide your true power from Luo Shan for now.”
"If I reveal my true power, will anyone try to harm me?" I wondered.
“On the contrary, most of the forces in Luoshan would fight tooth and nail to get you on their side. Unless they’re out of their minds, they definitely would. You can choose any of them and reap huge benefits,” she said slowly. “And the reason I’m making this suggestion to you isn’t because I want to represent my own faction or monopolize you. It’s simply because I’m making a personal request.”
"What's the reason?" I asked.
“I hope you can observe carefully.” She looked at me intently. “Once you are exposed, people with all sorts of ulterior motives will approach you, spouting empty words and embellishing their positions. That’s not the real them. You can lie low for now, observe their true colors, and then decide your own direction.”
"It doesn't matter if the direction you ultimately choose is different from the direction I choose. I hope you choose the direction you like."
I've already said I'm not interested in this kind of thing anymore.
Although I wanted to say that, I felt Zhu Shi's sincere goodwill.
Moreover, upon careful consideration, I realize that it is indeed not appropriate for me to expose myself to the scrutiny of multiple people right now.
I don't mind getting caught up in so-called "political vortexes." If I am, so be it; I'll just do my own thing. If anyone tries to force me to do anything else, I'll simply ignore them. But if anyone tries to hinder me, they are my enemy. It's simple and clear.
The problem lies in early anesthesia.
Luoshan is currently pursuing Ma Zao relentlessly, and Ma Zao is right beside me. Although I don't know exactly which forces in Luoshan are doing this, it's necessary for me to keep Ma Zao out of their sights.
The dark humor is that I'm not a good guy trying to protect a vulnerable girl from bad guys, but another bad guy.
Before I knew about the mutual repulsion between me and the supernatural, quickly establishing myself in Rozan was more important to me. Back then, I certainly wouldn't have hidden my true power for Asahi. But now, Asahi is an indispensable choice in my heart, and Rozan is secondary.
Seeing that I agreed, Zhu Shi also relaxed.
“Hidden power actually has another advantage for you, which is that others don’t know how to properly target you.” She sighed, “Like what happened with Agent Kong this time… if he had known beforehand that you could transform into elements, he would definitely have used methods that primarily damage the soul to ambush you.”
"Yeah, luckily he's only good at physical attacks." I sighed, then asked, "By the way, they said they were going to hide, but my fight with Agent Kong was so loud, it's impossible to hide it, right?"
"I will find a way to handle this, and I will let you know the results when they are available."
“Okay, so about my joining Luoshan…” I brought up the old topic again.
“To become a Witcher in Luoshan, you need to pass a test. It’s not just a test of strength, but also a test of your knowledge of the supernatural,” she said tactfully. “If you have never formally studied related knowledge before, you will need at least three years of study to pass the Witcher test in Luoshan.”
"It takes that long?" I was surprised. "But I heard Agent Kong say that you could be my mentor... He sounded like I could join Luo Shan right away."
“In Luoshan, the relationship between the guide and the guided is essentially that of teacher and student.” She looked embarrassed. “He probably meant that you could become my student, study under me for a few years, and then join Luoshan…”
"I see. Well then, Teacher Zhu Shi."
It was the first time I'd ever called my junior sister "teacher." I did it with a straight face, but I also felt a little embarrassed, and a strange mix of novelty and excitement.
Zhu Shi, on the other hand, looked much more disheveled than I was. She was taken aback: "You really screamed?"
In situations like this, it's the one who wavers first who feels awkward. I continued to try to remain calm and asked, "Is there a problem?"
"Don't you think I'm not good enough for you? Like my age, my abilities..." she asked hesitantly.
“You know more than I do, and you have more experience than I do. As the saying goes, the accomplished are teachers, and you certainly deserve it,” I said honestly.
She carefully observed my expression, then deflated as if she couldn't do anything about me, and said, "...Actually, to become a Witcher, you don't necessarily have to pass the test; there are other paths."
"I'd like to hear the details." My spirits lifted.
She gave the answer: "That is to become a 'heretical and impermanent' person."
What is 'the impermanence of non-Buddhist teachings'?
“The demon hunters of Luoshan who are responsible for dealing with the supernatural are called ‘Wuchang’. The so-called ‘Wuchang of the Outer Path’ refers to powerful demon hunters who are outside the Luoshan system but have gained Luoshan’s recognition,” she explained. “You can think of them as targets of Luoshan’s unification efforts. For Luoshan, most civilian demon hunters are less demon hunters and more potential dangerous elements, and therefore objects of management. For the particularly powerful individuals among them, Luoshan will intentionally grant them qualifications equivalent to those of official demon hunters.”
I searched for miscellaneous knowledge that I had learned in the past.
Buddhism refers to its own doctrines as the "inner path" and other doctrines as the "outer path," while "impermanence" is the soul-reaping messenger of Taoism.
"The heretics are impermanent..." I pondered this term. Putting aside its origin, I always felt a strange kind of coolness and wickedness about it, which suited my taste perfectly.
How can I gain Luo Shan's approval?
“There’s no need to worry about that. Even if I can hide your true power in the report, the building you cleaved in two won’t be hidden,” she said. “Although most people think that fire ability users only excel in attack, if your strength is this great, I’m sure Luo Shan will have no choice but to agree. I’ll also help you apply for that.”
"Then I'll leave it to you." I earnestly asked.
She briefly reverted to her "Junior Sister Zhu" mode, nodding with a beaming smile: "Leave it to me, Senior Brother Zhuang!"
-
Before we parted, I asked Zhu Shi to do one more thing.
That was an examination of the source of my superpowers.
Zhu Shi could only determine that my superpowers didn't originate from demonic or monster blood; a more detailed examination was needed to determine the exact source. I, however, was very concerned about the origin of my superpowers. After learning of my needs, she asked me for a few drops of blood, saying she would take them back for testing.
Instead of going home immediately, I called Chang'an and asked him to meet me.
Because the Fallen Witcher incident ended unclearly, the "Fireflies" I left with him have not been retrieved yet.
As Chang'an himself said, to avoid implicating those around him if the "mysterious serial killer" came knocking, he hadn't been to school recently. Normally, in this situation, one would want to go to a crowded place, right? His way of thinking seems a bit different.
The agents who had been secretly keeping an eye on him have all left. It seems that Luo Shan's side believes the Fallen Witcher incident is over and there's no need to continue surveillance. He also seems to have received the news, as he appears much more relaxed. He even sent me a text message last night.
We arranged to meet at a fried chicken restaurant, and when he arrived, he was still wearing his usual tacky designer clothes. It's not that I have a stereotype about designer clothes, but he's someone who only cares about expensive clothes and has absolutely no knowledge of how to coordinate outfits.
As the other party's younger sister, Zhu Shi didn't seem to know much about clothing and matching, but she preferred a simple style, which didn't show any bad points; while Chang'an's clothes were flashy and extravagant, as if she had too much money and didn't know how to spend it.
However, even now, I'm starting to miss his terrible outfit.
He walked over laughing, speaking loudly, "Oh dear, I've been so bored these past two days... Why did you suddenly call me out? Are you asking me to treat you to dinner? Yes, yes, I'll treat you! So, what do you want to eat?"
He had no idea that I was there to end our friendship.
(End of this chapter)
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