Of course, a web novel like "Diary of a Wealthy Family" would never be personally read by the grandmasters of the mystical sects.
When the task was assigned to their disciples, the disciples were baffled.
Read a novel?
What kind of task is this?
Naturally, there were disciples who enjoyed surfing the internet and were already aware of "Diary of a Wealthy Family." After receiving the task from their elders, they immediately shared what they knew.
The elders: ???
A twenty-two-year-old super-sixth-level Celestial Master?
Are they living in some fantasy script?
The Fu Family.
Fu Jiuchong didn't have a disciple read it; he personally skimmed through the novel's brief sixteen chapters. After finishing, his expression remained unchanged.
"Luanfei, share your thoughts."
Fu Luanfei said seriously, "It critiques contemporary issues with profound insight."
The first few chapters were more humorous and it was hard to tell, but the further one read, the more one could sense Bai Shui Zhenren's temperament.
Especially the chapter "Two Ghosts Vie for Supremacy," which was full of satire.
She wondered what expression the people from the Hengfeng Sect would have after reading it.
Fu Jiuchong: "I don't think so."
Fu Luanfei: ?
"The author wrote quite casually, probably just putting down whatever came to mind without overthinking it."
Fu Luanfei: "..."
Your perspective is quite unconventional, huh.
She said, "A super-sixth-level at twenty-two, even surpassing Yan Huai. With a genius like that, we can't possibly guess what she's thinking."
So let's not do any more literary analysis.
Fu Jiuchong put down his phone, maintaining a solemn expression. "A genius like that would be difficult to recruit."
"And if recruitment fails, what happens to the genius?" Fu Luanfei asked with a grim face.
"Either control her, or grind her into the dust."
They wouldn't resort to killing, but they had plenty of ways to make a genius fall.
Fu Luanfei's face showed reluctance. "Should I go and..."
"You're only eighteen, a fourth-level Celestial Master. What can you do?" Fu Jiuchong interrupted her.
Fu Luanfei said earnestly, "At the very least, I can give her a warning."
"..."
"Dad, I have a way. No one will find out."
Fu Jiuchong lowered his head, not looking at her.
"Dad, such an outstanding talent. Do you really want her to suffer this?" Fu Luanfei stared intently at him. "If I don't follow my conscience, my cultivation will definitely be hindered."
Fu Jiuchong was silent for a moment, then said quietly, "Prioritize your own life."
"I'll remember!"
The Su Family Villa.
Su Nuanuan returned from school and asked Qi Quan, "Sister Quan, how long do you plan to stay in Longjing? I heard from Ning Zhi and the others that your business here is finished."
Her face was full of reluctance.
Qi Quan took out a peace talisman, folded into a triangle shape.
"The jade pendant has lost its effect. I didn't bring any jade this time. This peace talisman can ward off negative energy for you a few times."
Su Nuanuan exclaimed joyfully, "Sister Quan, you're so good to me!"
She took the talisman and rushed forward to hug Qi Quan tightly.
Qi Quan: ...
To be honest, she had never been this physically close to anyone before. She was genuinely a bit startled and somewhat at a loss.
The girl's soft body pressed tightly against hers, emanating a sweet fragrance. Their temples touched, and the soft rustling sound was clearly audible, bringing a strange, unfamiliar sensation.
At the table, Ling Sheng, who was doing his homework, silently looked up.
...
The homework was assigned by Xue Hong. Even on a trip, he couldn't neglect his studies.
He had no particular feelings about doing homework. He studied diligently every day simply because Qi Quan wanted him to.
Propping his chin on his hand, he watched the two embracing, lost in thought.
Qi Quan snapped back to reality and gently pushed Su Nuanuan away.
"I'll stay in Longjing a few more days. If the peace talisman ever loses its effect, you can tell me."
"Ahhh, that's great!" She was overjoyed, her face beaming, then thought of something else. "Does drawing talismans take a lot of energy?"
Qi Quan smiled. "It's more than enough for you."
She had been staying here for a few days; it was only right to give the host a token of thanks.
A peace talisman was really nothing to her.
"Then I won't stand on ceremony!" Su Nuanuan's eyes curved like crescent moons.
Qi Quan: "I'll head back to my room first."
"Mhmm, I'm going to do some yoga!"
Qi Quan went up to the second floor. Just as she opened her door, her sleeve was tugged.
She didn't need to look back to know who it was.
There was only one person in the world who liked tugging her sleeve.
"Yes?"
Ling Sheng lowered his head, the top of his dense hair facing her.
Qi Quan: "..."
She asked her system: [Does he really think of himself as a pet?]
System: [...]
Seeing no reaction from her, Ling Sheng grew a bit anxious. He pointed to the top of his own head and looked at her expectantly.
Qi Quan: Was this a daily routine now?
If it weren't for his innate spiritual physique keeping his hair clean and fresh every day, Qi Quan might have vetoed this activity.
She reached out and ruffled it.
Good boy, go back now.
Unexpectedly, as soon as her hand dropped, the young man spread his arms and hugged her.
An invisible barrier appeared between them.
Qi Quan raised an eyebrow. "What are you doing?"
Ling Sheng looked somewhat wronged. Seeing she wouldn't allow it, he took out his phone and typed: [Just now, she was happy, hugged you, and you were happy too.]
He showed it to Qi Quan.
Qi Quan: ???
Was she happy? She was flustered and panicked, okay?
She denied it seriously. "I was not happy."
Ling Sheng: "..."
He had clearly sensed it; the spiritual energy around her had been lively.
Qi Quan: "It's late. Time to rest."
A hint of dejection appeared in Ling Sheng's eyes. His head drooped as he turned and left.
[Master, you haven't updated today,] the system stated coolly.
Qi Quan: [Tired. Taking a break.]
[...]
The system added: [Master, were you feeling shy just now?]
Qi Quan remained calm: [What are you talking about?]
[Actually, when Su Nuanuan suddenly hugged you, you were quite pleased, right?]
Qi Quan lay on the bed, pondering.
Was she pleased?
It seemed she really was, a little.
Hugging someone, feeling their body warmth and heartbeat, their breath and emotions, was indeed a novel experience.
The system chuckled: [Master, no need to be embarrassed.]
Qi Quan: [I'm not embarrassed, just unaccustomed to it.]
[Alright.]
Qi Quan dismissed the jumble of thoughts in her mind and began to meditate and cultivate.
Meanwhile, the major sects were discussing how to recruit Qi Quan.
Guiyuan Sect.
"It's confirmed? A twenty-two-year-old super-sixth-level Celestial Master?!" A elder was utterly astonished.
A disciple replied respectfully, "Based on the content of 'Diary of a Wealthy Family' and information online, it's confirmed that Bai Shui Zhenren's real identity is Qi Quan, a resident of Longjiang City, and a super-sixth-level Celestial Master."
... "Super-sixth-level" was actually an understatement. To capture a seventh-level Celestial Master, she must be at least seventh-level herself.
Sect Leader Yin sighed. "This surpasses even that kid from the Yan family."
"How should we go about recruiting her?"
Someone suggested, "Find out her preferences. Whether it's money, cultivation resources, or handsome men, we lack for nothing."
Everyone: "..."
The first two are fine, but the third? Are you serious?
The disciple replied, "Based on relevant information, this disciple infers that this Celestial Master has three hobbies."
"Speak!"
"Being a homebody, keeping ghost attendants, and writing novels."
Writing novels is understandable. If it weren't a hobby, why would a high-level Celestial Master spend time and energy writing novels?
As for being a homebody and keeping ghost attendants...
"She keeps ghost attendants?" someone exclaimed, eyes wide. "That doesn't sound like something a proper Celestial Master would do!"
"Exactly, the authorities keep arresting people, but never her. Is it just because she's helping the Investigation Department?"
An elderly person asked, "What does 'dead otaku' mean? Dying in the house?"
A young disciple wiped sweat, "...It means someone who doesn't like going out."
"Her hobbies aren't very useful as reference points. Being a homebody and writing novels aside, keeping ghost attendants... does that mean we should select a few good-looking ghosts to send over?"
"..."
Even Sect Leader Yin's refined composure was starting to crack.
He took a deep breath and instructed, "Investigate further!"
The disciple accepted the order and left.
Similar discussions were happening in other sects and families.
None of this, however, affected Qi Quan.
After a night, her cultivation realm had stabilized. The breakthrough had brought her many benefits.
Her spiritual sense and all five senses had been elevated to a higher level. Now, she seemed to vaguely touch upon a certain law of nature, gaining a deeper understanding of the world and its workings.
Her control over spiritual energy surpassed her past self.
Just after finishing the breakfast Ling Sheng made, Ning Zhi and Chen Feilu arrived.
"Master, I have some questions about cultivation I'd like to ask you," Chen Feilu said with a grin.
Although he was officially the master's assistant, he considered himself half a disciple. Of course, he should consult the master about cultivation issues.
Of course, the 'half-disciple' title was self-proclaimed.
Qi Quan nodded. "No classes today?"
"It's Saturday, no classes."
Qi Quan thought: People who don't work lose track of the days of the week.
She led Chen Feilu to sit at the tea table by the window.
One asked, one answered, and two others listened in.
The listeners were Ning Zhi and Shen Hui.
The former had learned everything from his family's traditions since childhood, while the latter studied mystic arts through the Investigation Department's training. Their systems were completely different, and neither could understand Qi Quan's explanations.
Chen Feilu listened with great interest.
After all, he was learning from the cultivation method Qi Quan had given him; he had already accepted and understood her system.
This was tough on the other two.
They had originally hoped to listen in on the expert's profound cultivation insights and take some notes, but ended up completely baffled. Listening more was pointless, so they retreated to cultivate on their own.
The Q&A session ended.
Chen Feilu happily ran off to meditate.
[Master, it's a day off. You really should write now, right?] The system said weakly.
As soon as it finished speaking, Qi Quan's phone rang.
She smiled. [Another mission is here. It'll probably be quite tiring.]
System: [...]
Just keep procrastinating!
...
The call was from Li Guoyan.
"Master, it's Saturday," he said with a laugh. "I wonder if you have time to train the Investigation Department's seedlings."
They had previously discussed using the Wetland Fierce Ghost as a "trainer" once a week. Since Qi Quan was now in Longjing, it saved the investigators the trip to Longjiang.
Qi Quan agreed readily. "Anytime is fine."
"Good, I'll send someone to pick you up later."
The one who came to pick her up was Di Meng.
Qi Quan simply brought Shen Hui, Chen Feilu, Ning Zhi, and Ling Sheng along. Training together, a few more or fewer people didn't make much difference.
Only Su Nuanuan was left at home.
Fortunately, she loved to have fun and had already planned to go shopping.
The group arrived at the Longjing City Investigation Department.
Compared to other branches, the Longjing Department had a more upscale facade. The main gate was imposing and solemn, with formations set up inside and out. The interior was spacious and filled with abundant spiritual energy.
Li Guoyan personally came out to greet them.
"Master, we have a dedicated training room here. Shall we use that?"
Qi Quan nodded. "That works."
The Investigation Department had five floors.
The first floor was the case-handling hall, the second floor housed the on-duty rooms for field teams, the third floor was for administrative offices, the training area was on the fourth floor, and the fifth floor contained the offices of leaders like Li Guoyan and the storage area for cultivation resources.
They reached the fourth floor.
Almost the entire floor was a training ground, with a few rooms serving as medical facilities.
The training ground was specifically designed for the investigators.
How to precisely control spiritual power, how to use it flexibly, and how to fight or escape after it was depleted were their essential subjects.
Although they lacked much experience fighting ghosts, each one was an elite soldier.
One area of the training room had hanging ribbons.
The ribbons were tied with sharp little thorns.
When a breeze blew, the ribbons swayed randomly. If an investigator couldn't precisely control their spiritual power to dodge while passing through the ribbons, they would be pricked by the thorns.
The thorns wouldn't cause injury but would record the number of hits. The training score for this item was graded based on the number of pricks.
Exceeding a certain number meant failing.
The other training items were similar, all designed to push the investigators' potential.
Compared to the mystic sects' daily meditation, this kind of training indeed better tempered one's will and improved control over spiritual power.
Given time, the Investigation Department's combat power was bound to surpass that of the mystic sects.
Li Guoyan led them to a relatively open area.
"Master, is this spot okay?"
Qi Quan nodded and directly released the Wetland Fierce Ghost.
After being confined for so many days, the ferocity in the ghost's eyes had mostly faded. His current level was suppressed to the fifth rank, and he didn't dare act recklessly in front of Qi Quan at all.
He could sense that this woman was even more terrifying than she was that night.
She had actually advanced again!
The fierce ghost hung his head dejectedly, floating in the air with no fighting spirit whatsoever.
Qi Quan thought: This won't do.
She thought for a moment and said to Li Guoyan, "This ghost is quite cowardly. Investigators below the second rank will suffice."
Everyone: "..."
Fierce Ghost: ???
Second rank? Who are you insulting!
Training, is it? Using him to grind experience? Just watch him beat those low-level celestial masters until they're crawling on the floor!
Anyway, this woman still had some use for him. He could go all out...
He wouldn't get in trouble for training them hard.
Li Guoyan naturally understood her intention. He gathered investigators below the second rank and sent them into the training room in batches to spar with the fierce ghost.
Batch after batch went in standing and came out lying down.
Qi Quan had suppressed the ghost to the second rank, third tier. But a fierce ghost was still a fierce ghost, and his methods were quite ruthless. He vented a lot of the resentment built up from being imprisoned in the peachwood plaque by beating people to his heart's content.
However, as the investigators' ranks got higher, even when the ghost's level was adjusted slightly above theirs, he found it hard to easily overpower them.
High-ranking investigators had undergone countless training sessions. Their combat styles were more concise and powerful, and their teamwork was more tacit, leaving the fierce ghost running in circles.
Investigators entered and left the training room one after another. Finally, only Di Meng and Ning Zhi, the two fifth-rank investigators, remained.
Having watched until now, Di Meng was already brimming with fighting spirit.
He glanced at Ning Zhi, rubbing his hands together. "Want to have a competition?"
Ning Zhi raised his peachwood sword. "Of course."
The two charged into the training room together.
Ning Zhi was at the fifth rank, first tier; Di Meng was at the fifth rank, second tier. The fierce ghost's current level was set at the sixth rank, first tier.
This could be considered fighting a monster above their level.
But two against one was still somewhat fair.
Facing the two of them, the fierce ghost didn't dare be careless. Relying on his sixth-rank advantage, he engaged them. After fighting for so long, he was actually somewhat tired, but more than anything, he felt frustrated.
Previously, he had been suppressed below the fifth rank, unable to use his full abilities, playing house with those low-level celestial masters. Naturally, it hadn't been satisfying.
Now, having suddenly risen to level six, the immense ghostly power ignited his fighting spirit.
You two brats, just you wait!
He dodged the attacks of the two, patiently observing their weaknesses. Suddenly, a strand of ghostly power snaked behind Ning Zhi, transforming into a foot that kicked him flying.
"Hahahahaha!"
The next second, a giant peach wood hammer swung towards his chest.
"Boom!"
Di Meng wore a mocking smile, raising the peach wood hammer and pummeling down with a series of cracks and thuds. As he hit, he said, "What are you laughing at, you weakling? You have the nerve to laugh?"
Over there, Ning Zhi quickly stood up and joined the team brutally beating the malevolent ghost.
Only then did the malevolent ghost realize that the earlier kick was merely an act put on by the two, and he had lost his due vigilance because of his arrogance!
Damn it!
Black mist coalesced into another clone, roaring as it engaged the two in fierce combat.
The battle lasted a very long time, so long that Qi Quan had already sat on the sofa and completed three major meditation cycles.
Inside the training room, both men and the ghost lay sprawled on the floor, unable to even lift a finger.
Di Meng gasped for breath, laughing, "That was exhilarating!"
He hadn't fought like that in a long time and was extremely excited.
Ning Zhi felt the same.
He smiled sincerely. Compared to his past experiences as a celestial master, he much preferred the feeling of fighting side-by-side with a colleague like this.
The malevolent ghost lay on the ground, almost crying.
What a miserable ghostly existence this was!
Qi Quan, sitting on the sofa, directly threw out a peach wood talisman and captured the malevolent ghost.
The malevolent ghost found himself squeezed together with Qin Ruo and the long-bearded celestial master from Longtan City.
He wiped his face and said bitterly, "When I was suppressed in the wetlands, I never felt this aggrieved."
Qin Ruo advised gloomily, "You should be glad you still have value to be recycled. You need to perk up, otherwise, when you lose your value, you'll face soul dispersion."
The malevolent ghost: "..."
His fate was truly bitter!
This training session was quite effective.
Some low-level investigators who had been stuck at bottlenecks... after a thrilling battle, all gained some insights and directly advanced in their cultivation.
High-level celestial masters find it difficult to advance, but this unconventional battle deepened their understanding of mystical arts.
[Master, "Enduring National Fortune" has thrown a thousand deep-water torpedoes.] The system announced.
Qi Quan nodded with satisfaction. The investigators gained a lot, and she also reaped a considerable harvest.
One mission for a hundred days of lifespan—not a bad deal.
Since Shen Hui, Chen Feilu, Ning Zhi, and Di Meng all participated in the battle and were now in no condition to drive, Li Guoyan personally drove Qi Quan back to her residence.
As she was about to get out of the car, Li Guoyan suddenly said, "Master, your identity is no longer a secret within the mystical community. Their methods are bizarre and endless, so please be very careful."
Qi Quan smiled and said, "It's fine."
"I suspect the mystical community's attitude towards you will likely start with attempts to recruit you."
Qi Quan said calmly, "That depends on their sincerity."
Li Guoyan: "..."
He quickly understood and said peacefully, "The department respects your decision."
Whatever choice Qi Quan makes, as long as she doesn't cross the official bottom line or collude with evil cultivators, the authorities will respect it.
The system exclaimed, [Wow! Master, those people from the mystical community definitely have ill intentions. You must not be fooled!]
Qi Quan: [That's why others can be department heads, and you can only be a writer system.]
System: [...]
What did it say wrong?
Qi Quan entered the villa. Su Nuanuan hadn't returned yet; only she and Ling Sheng were home.
Regarding investigating Ling Sheng's origins, she still had no leads.
The Fu family is the second-largest influential family in Longjing. Investigating rashly could easily attract unwanted attention from multiple parties.
But to settle the cause and effect and make Ling Sheng truly a member of the Lakeside Villa, she had to uncover the truth of what happened back then.
She sat by the floor-to-ceiling window deep in thought, her brow unconsciously slightly furrowed.
Ling Sheng brought over a cup of tea from which impurities had been removed, presenting it to her with both hands.
The clear, subtle fragrance of the tea wafted over, pulling her back from her thoughts. She smiled and took it. The tea in the cup was a clear, jade-green color, soothing just to look at.
She took a small sip, and the chaotic emotions vanished completely.
Ling Sheng also held a cup, sitting opposite her.
She took a sip, he took a sip; she didn't drink, he didn't drink either.
Qi Quan asked the system: [What is he doing?]
System: [Imitating you, probably.]
[Don't you think he's been acting a bit strange these past two days?]
[Has he?]
Qi Quan: [He's been strange since yesterday.]
System: [I think he just wants to be close to you.]
Qi Quan: ...
Alright, Ling Sheng really doesn't have much sense of security.
But she truly wasn't used to being close to people yet.
[Master, someone sent a private message to your Weibo!] The system reported.
Qi Quan: [Read it.]
[Passerby A: Do you really think you're that powerful?]
Qi Quan: ...
The system said angrily, [Master, this person is provoking you! Deal with him!]
[No need.]
Qi Quan had zero interest in this elementary school-level kind of provocation.
[He sent another one!]
Passenger A: You are indeed a genius, but even two fists are no match for four hands. No matter how talented you are, can you withstand the siege of other level-seven celestial masters?
The system was confused: [What is he talking about?]
Qi Quan, however, was thoughtful.
She personally opened the private message. "Passerby A" had a default avatar, nothing special to see. But precisely because it was so generic, it seemed suspicious.
[Master, should we reply?...]
Qi Quan typed: [Thanks for the reminder.]
This person was likely from the mystical community. Worried that a simple "reminder" private message wouldn't be eye-catching enough, they used provocative words.
Only provocation could pique interest.
After Qi Quan replied, the other party didn't continue the conversation. Clicking in again showed the account had been deleted.
The system found it odd: [Master, was he really reminding you?]
[Yes.]
At her level of cultivation, discerning whether a person's words carry good or ill intent wasn't difficult.
The person reminding her might have obtained some internal information but couldn't warn her openly, resorting to this covert method.
After achieving the goal of the reminder, quickly deleting the account indicated great concern about being traced online.
This also meant the mystical community likely had people skilled in networking, and this "passerby A" was carefully avoiding them.
She pondered for a moment, then pulled Qin Ruo out and asked:
"How did you obtain your targets' information, even their whereabouts?"
To plant a peach blossom mark on someone, you must be able to touch the target.
Qin Ruo was an evil cultivator. When she first started, it coincided with the mystical community's crackdown on evil cultivators. Her cultivation was low at the time, and she hid carefully in Longjiang City, remaining unknown.
It wasn't until recent years, when the mystical community relaxed its suppression of evil cultivators, giving them room to breathe, and she had cultivated to level four, that she decided to enter the world to "cultivate."
But she had no connections and couldn't access the social circle of people like Du Jiaming.
Even if she could use means to confuse people, those she could confuse were only a few peripheral individuals who only knew the usual places where Du Jiaming and the others often appeared, but had no idea about their specific schedules.
To contact Du Jiaming and the others, she needed to know their precise whereabouts to plan ahead.
This required someone to provide her with specific information.
Qin Ruo, with an aged face, respectfully replied, "There's a public account. I paid some money to get their whereabouts."
This wasn't any core secret, so revealing it had no impact.
Qi Quan: ...
Is the modern mystical community this up-to-date these days?
First, there was the "Luck God" public account, and now one selling information.
Qi Quan asked, "What public account?"
"Baixiaosheng's Thousand Questions."
The system couldn't help but complain: 【So cringe-worthy!】
Qi Quan completely agreed.
She waved her hand, sending Qin Ruo back into the peachwood talisman, and sent a message to Li Guoyan: 【Is selling citizens' private information illegal?】
【Li Guoyan: Yes, it is.】
【Qi Quan: The public account 'Baixiaosheng's Thousand Questions' provides citizens' private information to practitioners. Investigate it.】
【Li Guoyan: No problem.】
He acted with remarkable swiftness and decisiveness.
Not long after, Li Guoyan sent a message:
【Previously, through Yan Wu's phone, we found that shortly after he arrived in Longjiang City, he had phone calls and text messages with someone. The content was about Ning Zhi and you. The information about you was all findable online, which is how he found the Lakeside Villa to test you, confirming this point.
However, the matter wasn't considered important, so the department didn't mention it to you.
We traced the number he communicated with. The number has been deactivated, and we couldn't find the person, but we roughly located the area through the base station accessed during the call.
The public account you just mentioned—our department's technical personnel tracked the user's IP, but the other party noticed and likely used mystical means to escape.
This IP address falls within the general area of the aforementioned base station. Technical personnel suspect it's probably the same person.
The IP showed... the address is in a residential building in the suburbs of Longjing City. I've already sent people to pursue and apprehend them.】
Qi Quan: 【Okay.】
This computer expert probably never expected to be suddenly tracked by the authorities.
The system was speechless: 【With skills like that, isn't any legitimate career path better? Why break the law?】
Qi Quan: 【Right now, we can't determine if this person is simply selling citizens' information or if they're connected to the evil cultivator organization.】
【Hopefully, the Investigation Department can catch them.】
Unfortunately, when the Investigation Department arrived, the place was already empty. All the machinery and equipment had been destroyed by thunder talismans, leaving no clues behind.
Judging from the traces at the scene, a sixth-level thunder talisman was used.
The other party likely used concealment talismans, making tracking via surveillance impossible.
Although no one was caught, at least the other party wouldn't dare act so recklessly online for a while.
The Fu Residence.
Fu Luanfei received a reply. After deactivating the account, she felt relieved and left her room to find food in the kitchen.
"Warning delivered?" Fu Jiuchong, sitting on the living room sofa, asked abruptly.
Fu Luanfei, mimicking his solemn expression, replied, "Don't worry, I've already erased the traces."
"Right now, all sides are keeping a close eye on Qi Quan, and her Weibo account is no exception. Your little tricks won't escape the tracking skills of experts."
Fu Luanfei remained silent.
"I know you can't bear to see it," Fu Jiuchong turned to look at her, his expression serious, "but you also know the other side has a computer expert. If he discovers you contacted Master Baishui, you..."
"Dad, you didn't stop me, did you?" Fu Luanfei got straight to the point. "You couldn't bear it either, right?"
Fu Jiuchong: "..."
"Have to say, she's a very smart person. I'd actually like to meet her," Fu Luanfei said earnestly.
"..."
"It's late, time to rest." He rose with a stern face and headed towards his room, pausing suddenly. "Be careful when you're out."
Fu Luanfei watched him enter his room, unable to suppress a smile.
The next day.
After enjoying breakfast, Qi Quan instructed Su Nuanuan and Shen Hui: "There will be guests later. Nuanuan, go upstairs. Shen Hui, you receive them."
"What about him?" Su Nuanuan pointed at Ling Sheng.
Qi Quan paused. "He goes upstairs too."
Before long, visitors arrived at the villa.
Three people. The leader was a fourth-level Celestial Master, male, of exceptional appearance, elegant and graceful, looking to be in his twenties, though his actual age was unknown.
The two youths behind him had lower cultivation levels. Their looks were also top-tier, just younger, their faces slightly more youthful.
They each held exquisite rosewood boxes.
Shen Hui received them courteously.
"Mr. Shen, hello. I am Zhou Xu, a 23rd generation disciple of the Zhou family. I am here by the family head's order to specially visit Senior Qi."
Calling him "Mr. Shen" right away showed they had done their homework beforehand.
After the mystical community bigwigs held their meeting yesterday, other smaller sects, schools, and families received the message to send representatives to Qi Quan's residence to recruit her on behalf of the mystical community.
The Zhou family's status in Longjing City was mid-to-upper tier, below the Yan and Fu families but above the Ning family.
Thus, they were sent as the vanguard.
Shen Hui looked at these three disciples of exceptional appearance and thought, does the mystical community now consider looks when accepting disciples?
He smilingly ushered them inside.
The three entered the living room, glancing around.
No one was in sight.
Zhou Xu asked, "Might I ask where Senior Qi is?"
Shen Hui poured them tea and said, "The Master is currently occupied with important matters. Please wait a moment."
The tea was good tea—for ordinary people. For Zhou Xu, it couldn't compare to the Zhou family's tea at all...
He didn't drink it, and the other two disciples didn't either.
Time passed slowly. Even Zhou Xu, accustomed to meditation, couldn't help but feel a growing impatience.
He spoke up again: "Could Mr. Shen please inform her?"
They had waited half an hour already!
Shen Hui's smile didn't waver: "The Master says cultivation lies in the heart. Sincerity brings efficacy; without sincerity, nothing can be achieved."
Zhou Xu: "..."
They want sincerity? Fine, he could wait!
The minute hand made circle after circle. After a full three circles, Qi Quan finally appeared on the stairs.
Zhou Xu and the two disciples were thoroughly numb by then.
He was a proud person by nature. After waiting three hours, his anger meter was full. Disregarding Qi Quan's cultivation level, he didn't even rise, stating directly:
"I am here by the family head's order to specially visit Celestial Master Qi. This is a small token of appreciation from our Zhou family. We hope Celestial Master Qi will accept it."
The two youths presented the boxes on the low table.
Qi Quan sat on the sofa.
Shen Hui immediately served her a cup of supreme-grade tea. Its fragrance was delicate and refreshing, soothing to the heart and mind.
Zhou Xu: ???
Is this how a high-level Celestial Master treats guests? Good tea for herself, inferior tea for guests?
Unbelievable. Truly unbelievable.
His anger deepened, but he remembered the family head's instructions. With a stiff face, he said, "Celestial Master Qi, with your profound cultivation, even within a major sect you could enjoy supreme honor and access more cultivation resources. 'The vast sea allows the fish to leap; the high sky lets the bird fly free'—how unrestrained and carefree that would be. Why confine yourself to shallow waters?"
Shen Hui, who worked for the "shallow waters," smiled slightly.
The system complains: 【This guy's negotiation skills are terrible. Kick him out. Next!】
Qi Quan didn't answer, but her gaze fell upon the rosewood boxes.
Zhou Xu thought there was a chance and signaled the young disciple to open the lids. The left box was filled with exquisite jade pieces, and the right box with gold bars.
Covering both secular wealth and cultivation resources.
"As long as Celestial Master Qi is willing to become an elder of our Zhou family, all of this and more will be yours."
Qi Quan thought to herself: 【These would be good to donate to charity.】
The system: 【Hahahahaha!】
"You're right, I shouldn't confine myself to shallow waters," she said.
Zhou Xu's eyes lit up.
Qi Quan said leisurely, "Shen Hui, see the guests out."
"What do you mean?" Zhou Xu was stunned for a moment before reacting, his face flushing with anger.
Shen Hui smiled and added fuel to the fire: "It means the water in the Zhou family is too shallow."
"..."
Zhou Xu glared at him hatefully. Seeing it was futile, he could only order the young disciples to put away the wooden box and stormed out of the living room in a rage.
By the floor-to-ceiling window on the second floor, Ling Sheng looked down at the three people in the courtyard, a wisp of black energy silently released from his palm.
Zhou Xu had just stepped out of the villa's gate when his foot suddenly slipped on the steps, sending him tumbling face-first to the ground.
The two young disciples: ???
A fourth-level Celestial Master can still trip and fall? Couldn't he use spiritual energy to balance himself when falling? Was he so angry he lost his mind?
Zhou Xu: "..."
Numb. He was truly numb.
The news of the failed first attempt was relayed back, and the influential figures of the Mystic Sect held another meeting to discuss their plan.
"That Shen Hui said sincerity is important. She probably just looked down on those things."
"Right, I said before not to send the Zhou family."
"So who goes this time?"
"Stop discussing for now. I just heard from a disciple's report that she posted on Weibo."
[White Water True Person V: The White Water Charity Fund is officially established today. Your attention and support for charitable causes are welcome.]
Everyone: ???
"What does she mean by this?"
"Is it what I'm thinking?"
"Seeking sponsors?"
"This might be what 'sincerity' means."
Ordinary netizens, however, were full of praise.
[Doing charity to help more people is great.]
[Go for it! Fully supporting!]
[Doing good deeds accumulates blessings. I hope the blogger stays safe and well forever!]
The White Water Charity Fund was indeed officially established that very day.
Before Zhou Xu's visit, Qi Quan had already received Zheng Hui's report. Seeing the gold bars and priceless, top-quality jade Zhou Xu brought, she conceived this idea.
Since they wanted to recruit her, they should show some sincerity.
But Qi Quan wouldn't make any promises.
Whether they spent money to curry favor and win her regard was their business. Whether she accepted their recruitment was her decision.
It was just a high-stakes gamble.
This unexpected move of hers completely baffled the leaders of the sects and families.
But baffled or not, the recruitment plan had to proceed.
"Headmaster, how much should we donate?"
"Family Head, is ten million enough?"
"Fifty million? Are we trying to appease a beggar?"
A charity fund is a non-profit organization that can accept donations from individuals, legal entities, or other organizations. All this money would be used for charitable causes.
Zheng Hui continuously updated her on the situation.
"Master, Mr. Wan, in the name of his sect, donated one hundred million."
"Master, Mr. Yan, in the name of his family, donated one hundred million."
"Master, Mr. Fu, in the name of his family, donated one hundred million."
"Master, Mr. Su, in a personal capacity, donated fifty million."
"Master, Mr. Qi, in a personal capacity, donated fifty million."
"Master, Du..."
Apart from the first four, the rest were Qi Quan's clients. Seeing this Weibo post, they all contributed to the charitable cause.
Each sum was insignificant to them, but combined, it was enough to feed and clothe countless orphans, help more women in need, and allow out-of-school children to sit in clean classrooms and walk towards a brighter future.
At the Longjing Investigation Department.
Li Guoyan showed an appreciative expression and said to Di Meng, "The Master's methods are as unique as ever."
Unique, but profoundly meaningful.
Di Meng also wore a look of admiration. "I was worried those people constantly showing up would disturb our senior. Now it seems, a senior is indeed a senior."
He didn't have much savings, but he donated most of it to the charity fund, keeping only a little for his living expenses.
In the villa, Su Nuanuan came downstairs, nestled beside Qi Quan, hugged her arm, and said with a look begging for praise, "Sister Quanquan, I donated all my pocket money to the foundation!"
Qi Quan smiled and said, "Kindness will be rewarded."
One Weibo post from the White Water True Person sparked a wave of donations.
Seeing that Headmaster Wan, Yan Fengjun, and Fu Jiuchong had donated, some smaller sects and families also followed the trend and donated some money.
However, the number one major sect, Guiyuan Sect, and the third major sect, Hengfeng Sect, remained silent.
In the freelance cultivators' group chat.
[Balding Taoist: Ahhhhh! My goddess is just so cool! Recruitment, huh? Show your sincerity first!]
[Pay-to-Win Taoist: Sigh, they're all so rich. A hundred million, and they don't even blink.]
[Toe-Picking Taoist: Your understanding of sects and families is really too shallow. A hundred million, to them, is probably like ten bucks to us.]
[Pay-to-Win Taoist: ...]
[Pay-to-Win Taoist: Wuwuwuwu! Thinking back, I used to give money to the Celestial Master Association just to get jobs... That little bit of money... I'm not worthy!]
[Balding Taoist: The end of the universe is a government job. Let's join the Investigation Department together. There will definitely be real work for you to do.]
[Toe-Picking Taoist: Should we change our group name?]
[Balding Taoist: Let's call it 'Investigation Department Reserve Force'!]
...
[Pay-to-Win Taoist: What about Brother Melon? Where does that leave him?]
[Melon-Eating Taoist changed the group name to "Investigation Department Active Duty Exchange Group"]
[Balding Taoist: ???]
[Pay-to-Win Taoist: ???]
[Toe-Picking Taoist: ???]
[Melon-Eating Taoist: Your applications have been approved by the department after review. You will be notified within three working days.]
[Balding Taoist: Oh... You know our identities?]
[Melon-Eating Taoist: You've been under consideration for a long time.]
[Pay-to-Win Taoist: Ah! Brother Melon! Why didn't you appear sooner? I wasted so much money!]
[Melon-Eating Taoist: Precisely because you sent gifts, the review period was longer.]
[Pay-to-Win Taoist: ...]
[Pay-to-Win Taoist: I... I really wasn't trying to bribe! It's just that I kept getting held up during the quarterly assessments. If I'm held up, I can't get my Celestial Master certificate. Without the certificate, I can't help people exorcise spirits or catch ghosts. I was forced! Please believe me, organization!]
[Toe-Picking Taoist: Sigh, freelance cultivators without connections often face this. If you don't pay your respects, they hold you back. Of course, there are also honest examiners in the Celestial Master Association. It's just luck of the draw.]
[Melon-Eating Taoist: Don't worry. The organization recognizes you. Welcome to the Investigation Department!]
[The Three: Ahhhhhh! So excited!]
Across the country, similar things were happening in many small freelance cultivator group chats.
The freelance cultivator community was full of potential and had always been a group the authorities wanted to unite.
With the decline of Hengfeng Sect and the news of Lu Jiang's arrest spreading, more and more cultivators began to admire the authorities' strength.
Some, like Balding Taoist, had already decided to join the Investigation Department. Others, more cautious, were still watching the situation within the Mystic Sect.
Guiyuan Sect and Hengfeng Sect not donating demonstrated their stance.
Qi Quan helping the Investigation Department capture Lu Jiang and Wei Huanyang had already touched on their sect's interests. Naturally, they wouldn't rush to show goodwill.
Major sects cared more about face.
Qi Quan didn't mind and continued her cultivation.
Just as she was settling into her practice, the system suddenly reported.
[Big shot, someone sent you a private message asking for help!]
