Chapter 3
Jiang Zhuochen glanced up, a mocking smile playing on his lips. "Guess, will the lightning strike faster, or will I speak faster?"
He glanced at his fellow disciples who had secretly followed him from a distance out of concern for him, and asked, "Can lightning strike down those who leak secrets, and also kill innocent people?"
The crimson light in the sky finally stopped, followed by a sense of stagnation. The flow was slowed down infinitely and then pulled up rapidly, just like when the will of heaven broke into my sea of consciousness.
Jiang Zhuochen stood there motionless, staring at a certain point in the void.
"Want to make a deal?"
"I will exchange my eternal silence for the chance to bring my master back to life."
After a long silence, the Heavenly Dao slowly revealed an object before Jiang Zhuochen's eyes.
This object is called the Longevity Lamp. It is not of this world and cannot be obtained by ordinary people. It is somewhat different from the Soul Lamp in the cultivation world. The Soul Lamp is used to examine the fate of living people, while the Longevity Lamp is used to gather the souls of the deceased and revive them.
So Master really is dead.
Jiang Zhuochen's eyes reddened slightly as he carefully held the longevity lamp in his arms.
A gentle breeze swept by, carrying a sense of etherealness as it flowed into his mind. Jiang Zhuochen closed his eyes for a moment, then opened them, his eyes clear and bright. The resolute and fierce aura emanating from him had finally dissipated somewhat after a month.
The longevity lamp dissipated, and the world returned to its original state.
After returning to the outer mountain, Jiang Zhuochen stopped his fellow disciples who were about to leave and asked, "Are the other disciples still in the valley?"
The passing of their master and the injury of their junior brother over the past month have prompted disciples from all over to return. Everyone is too preoccupied with other matters to stay in the valley and help out, so the senior brothers nodded in agreement.
"Okay, I have something to tell you."
Due to the numerous constraints imposed by the Heavenly Dao, Jiang Zhuochen could only vaguely explain to his fellow disciples that he was going to gather the souls of his master to revive him. Under the worried gazes of his fellow disciples, he headed towards the Land of Heavenly Punishment, and then, amidst the swirling sands, his figure vanished into the world.
...
"Xiao Jiang... Xiao Jiang..."
A few calls pulled Jiang Zhuochen from his reverie, and he slowly came to his senses. "Sorry, I was daydreaming."
"It's nothing." Zhao Li smiled nonchalantly, then complimented him on his nice name before saying seriously, "Xiao Jiang, I'm very grateful that you trust me. But in the future, don't let strangers keep your valuables, understand?"
Jiang Zhuochen nodded, even though he didn't think this amount of money was anything special.
Zhao Li smiled again after seeing that the other person had agreed, "Alright, now that we have the money, we can buy some things for the young master who ran away from home."
"for example?"
"For example, you need to change your clothes, buy a backpack, and a cell phone to contact others. Finally, you need to find a hotel to stay in... Oh right, do you have an ID card?"
Jiang Zhuochen, as always, wore a puzzled expression. "What is an ID card?"
Zhao Li thought that this young master's family was too strict. Then she unzipped the inner zipper of her bag, took out a rectangular card, and handed it over. Jiang Zhuochen took it, looked at it for a while, and then returned it.
Zhao Li explained, "This is a person's identification document, which you'll need from time to time when you're traveling. For example, if you want to check into a hotel, you can't do it without your ID card. But it's okay, I can help you get one."
Jiang Zhuochen mentally noted down another piece of knowledge. "Thank you."
"You're welcome." Zhao Li waved her hand. "Come on, let's go shopping."
Over the next few days, Jiang Zhuochen followed Zhao Li to visit many shops. Zhao Li was a lively person who kept talking and introducing things to Jiang Zhuochen. Thanks to Zhao Li, Jiang Zhuochen learned quite a bit in half a day.
After buying several sets of clothes, Zhao Li also picked out a backpack for him, which was just the right size to fit all the clothes and cash, saving him from carrying so many bags. Then, using her own identification information, she bought a mobile phone, activated the SIM card, and taught Jiang Zhuochen how to use the dial pad and chat functions.
Seeing that Jiang Zhuochen had learned the technique, and realizing there was nothing he needed to buy for the time being, Zhao Li led him to a hotel on the outskirts of the business district. This was mainly because she was worried Jiang Zhuochen wouldn't be comfortable in a cheap hotel, and also because she was concerned about running out of cash; she had chosen a compromise that offered the best value for money.
This costs over 500 yuan a night.
Zhao Li reluctantly paid a month's room fee as agreed between the two of them. Looking at the thick wad of cash in his hand, which was now almost empty, he said with a wry smile, "It's okay, seven or eight thousand can last a long time if we use it sparingly."
She returned the money to Jiang Zhuochen, saying, "Alright, you've finished what you needed to do. If there's anything else you don't understand, feel free to contact me anytime."
Jiang Zhuochen didn't take them. "These are all for you, as a thank you gift for the help my sister gave me today."
To be honest, if it weren't for Zhao Li, it would have taken him much longer to learn what he had today, and it might have aroused even more suspicion, which would have been detrimental to his future plans. He was very grateful to have met such kind people here, and therefore genuinely wanted to repay them.
Zhao Li was shocked for the umpteenth time. The young master was indeed the young master; he had no concept of money whatsoever, giving away seven or eight thousand without a second thought.
She joked, "If you give me everything, how are you going to eat? Are you planning to cultivate immortality?"
He really was cultivating immortality, but he hadn't reached the point of abstaining from grains yet; he still needed to eat normally. Seeing that the other person seemed to be joking, he felt relieved.
He smiled and spoke, his slightly raised eyebrows carrying a hint of pride. "I still have more; if I need money, I'll exchange it for gold."
Zhao Li recalled Jiang Zhuochen's small bag and asked in a puzzled tone, "Is there more in there?"
Of course he has one, it's a Qiankun Bag. His master gave him a rare one, and even after all the rare heavenly treasures he's collected over the years, it still hasn't filled up. He'll never lack money, no matter what he lacks.
However, this must not be said aloud.
Seeing the other person's suspicious look, Jiang Zhuochen took out two small pieces of gold from his Qiankun bag. "Look."
Zhao Li was relieved to see that he really didn't need the money. "Even so, I can't accept the money. If you really want to thank me, how about you treat me to a meal?"
Jiang Zhuochen replied without hesitation, "Okay."
"Okay, let's go upstairs and put our things down first, then we'll go eat."
The two went up together, and Zhao Li briefly explained to Jiang Zhuochen how to use the different electrical appliances inside. Jiang Zhuochen couldn't help but sigh slightly after listening.
This world is so convenient.
After packing everything up, Zhao Li thought that Jiang Zhuochen must have grown up in luxury, so he took him to a high-end club.
“We now have two choices, young master. The restaurant directly across the street, Changxiang Pavilion, is said to be the most famous private restaurant in the area. It’s delicious but expensive. The restaurant street on the right is a whole street of restaurants, which are cheap but not necessarily delicious.”
Jiang Zhuochen was not short of money, so he walked forward without thinking. He was determined to have a good meal for his first meal in this other world.
After Zhao Li caught up, he slowed down and lagged behind by half a step. This was a habit he had developed since arriving here, so as to better observe the actions of others.
Private restaurants are definitely different from other restaurants. You have to book in advance for a quiet private room, otherwise you can only sit in the main dining area. The main dining area was also full, but fortunately there weren't that many wealthy people, so we managed to get a table.
It was a spot directly opposite the spiral staircase, where one could easily see the distinguished guests coming and going upstairs with a glance. Jiang Zhuochen really didn't want to read simplified Chinese characters, so he selected a few good-looking pictures from the brightly colored ones and then waited for Zhao Li to make arrangements.
He lowered his hand and, while waiting for his food, sipped his tea and looked around. His gaze had initially followed a man's movements up to the second floor, but then he spotted a face that was all too familiar in the lounge.
The water glass fell from Jiang Zhuochen's hand, and the next second he rushed up to the second floor.
The commotion caused by an unauthorized guest going up to the second floor reached its peak when the guest grabbed the hand of the store's investor.
Looking at the face he had been longing for day and night, Jiang Zhuochen felt a pang of grievance for no reason.
"Master."
Xu Xing was entertaining several business partners today according to his work schedule, and also took the opportunity to discuss cooperation for the next quarter.
As one of the investors in Changxiang Pavilion, he naturally had a special passage to the second floor, so Jiang Zhuochen didn't notice him at first.
However, his private room required going up a spiral staircase. He was already talking to his partner and hadn't been paying attention when someone suddenly grabbed him. The ensuing noise made it impossible for him to hear what the other person shouted, but he could tell that the other person was very excited.
Partners and shop assistants stepped forward to separate the two. Jiang Zhuochen was pushed by one of the partners, and then felt a burning sensation on his body.
He looked up in surprise, only to find that the man's forehead was dark and his body exuded a strong ghostly aura, foreshadowing that a great calamity would soon befall him.
Xu Xing frowned slightly; he couldn't remember where he had seen the other person before.
The manager hurriedly stepped forward to apologize: "I'm sorry, Mr. Xu, this child rushed up at us so suddenly that we didn't have time to react. I'm so sorry to have disturbed your work."
"Um."
Jiang Zhuochen struggled for a moment, anxiously staring at Xu Xing. Seeing that Xu Xing didn't react at all, he lowered his eyelids slightly, and the corners of his mouth couldn't help but curve downwards.
"Don't you recognize me? Master... Xu Xing."
Hearing his name pronounced correctly by a stranger, Xu Xing felt no sense of familiarity; instead, he became suspicious of the person before him. Since he took over the family business, countless people had tried to curry favor with him, especially focusing on his sexuality.
After all, having a hidden informant and the ability to influence someone's husband is much better than other methods, isn't it?
So, this strange boy who suddenly appeared out of nowhere did attract his attention, both for his behavior and his face, but that was all.
In the past two years, the group has flourished under his leadership, and with his increased influence, Xu Xing thought that no one would dare to challenge his bottom line.
His expression softened slightly: "I don't know him."
Just as he turned to leave, he saw a slight struggle on the other side and paused. "I don't care how you know me, don't let me see you a second time, or I'll have my bodyguards throw you out."
One sentence left Jiang Zhuochen stunned. They had the same face, the same name, so why did the other person say they didn't recognize him?
Suddenly remembering the longevity lamp in her mind, she quickly went to check it. She found the flame inside was still so small as to be almost imperceptible, and it didn't cause any other reaction in the man.
Jiang Zhuochen was disappointed. Had he really made a mistake?
Zhao Li had finally managed to get through the crowd of staff and grabbed Jiang Zhuochen, giving him a anxious look.
"Are you alright?"
Jiang Zhuochen shook his head, then looked at Xu Xing and said in a low voice, "Sorry to bother you."
Xu Xing glanced at the dejected face out of the corner of his eye, and for some reason his heart suddenly tightened. A strange feeling unexpectedly rushed into his brain, making him linger his gaze for a few more seconds.
In the business world, everyone knows how to read the room and act accordingly. While business partners can be polite and flattering, the staff might find themselves in a more difficult position.
Mr. Xu just threatened to throw the person out, but what does this look in his eyes mean? Is he kicking the person out or not?
Fortunately, he didn't dwell on it for too long. Zhao Li, worried that he would feel uncomfortable staying there, pulled him away. "What's wrong? Why did you suddenly rush up?"
Jiang Zhuochen's face still showed disappointment. "You mistook me for someone else."
“I see…” Zhao Li comforted him, “It’s okay, we can eat at another restaurant.”
In the end, they didn't go to a proper restaurant. After arriving at the food street, it was already a bit late and the night market was open. Jiang Zhuochen found it interesting, so Zhao Li accompanied him to eat along the street.
Feeling a little better, Jiang Zhuochen picked up the iced drink called pearl milk tea. Actually, when he first arrived, he saw many passersby having it and wanted to try it.
"It tastes good, and it's very sweet."
Seeing Jiang Zhuochen's curious and excited gaze along the way, Zhao Li felt even more affection for this young master she had imagined. Look at him, he's never even eaten junk food before, how pitiful.
"If you like it, that's fine."
Upon arriving at the hotel entrance, Zhao Li thoughtfully added a few more words of advice: "I usually work at that hair salon. Do you remember the way? It's very close by. Feel free to come and see me anytime."
"Okay." Jiang Zhuochen waved goodbye to Zhao Li.
After everyone disappeared into the distance, Jiang Zhuochen turned to go back to his room, his gaze falling on the noisy area not far away. He remembered that it was the parking lot the hotel staff had mentioned, and now a large crowd had gathered there.
However, what caught his eye was the thick ghostly aura that he couldn't ignore. Coincidentally, Jiang Zhuochen stepped forward and mingled in the crowd.
The businessman who had been with Xu Xing that afternoon had completely changed his demeanor. He was now furious and blaming the staff for scratching his car.
The manager next to him bowed and scraped for ages, apologizing profusely, but in the end, the employee was still fired. The businessman waved his hand dismissively, telling them all to get lost, and drove off with a dark expression.
Jiang Zhuochen stared at the rapidly disappearing dot, moved a few fingers, and calculated the location of the talisman he had placed on the car when no one was looking.
Once the talisman stopped moving, Jiang Zhuochen took advantage of the darkness and the scarcity of passersby to reach the location where the talisman had been placed.
Looking at the three-story building in front of him, Jiang Zhuochen guessed it must be the merchant's house. The interior was dimly lit, and he quickly identified the merchant's room.
Once the entire house was dark, Jiang Zhuochen used his spiritual power to disrupt the nearby surveillance cameras and arrived at the merchant's door. The door was covered with numerous talismans, indicating that the man was aware of something amiss.
Even though there were talismans pasted on the door, the ominous signs emanating from the cracks made Jiang Zhuochen frown. He could sense that there was something inside.
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