After a moment, Li Guoyan replied with a message.
[Fan Xiaoxiao, female, 30 years old, nurse, works at Longhai City First Hospital.]
The information was completely normal, with no issues at all.
Nurses interact most frequently with patients, but there were far too many patients, making it impossible to investigate further.
Qi Quan put away her phone and continued her cultivation.
At the Yan Family residence.
Yan Huai was meditating in his room when someone knocked on the door.
"Brother Huai, the family head is calling for you," Yan Geng shouted from outside.
Yan Huai opened his eyes, stood up, left his room, and went to the study, sitting opposite Yan Fengjun.
"I want you to be in charge of this year's family competition," Yan Fengjun said with a deep, thoughtful expression.
Yan Huai did not decline. "Alright."
"This is the list of participating disciples from the main family and the branch families. Take it back and review it," Yan Fengjun said, handing him the roster. "This time, other families have quite a few formidable disciples, mostly around Level Five."
Yan Huai: "Hmm."
"Our main family doesn't have many age-eligible disciples who have reached Level Five," Yan Fengjun worriedly furrowed his brow.
Yan Huai straightened his posture. "Doing our best is sufficient."
"Our family has hosted the family competition many times; there's nothing particularly special to note. If you have any matters, consult the steward."
"Hmm."
Seeing his demeanor, Yan Fengjun felt a pang of frustration and waved his hand. "Go back."
Yan Huai stood up.
"Wait!" Yan Fengjun swept a glance over him and suddenly called out, asking with surprise and doubt, "You... have you broken through?"
Yan Huai nodded.
After the intense battle with the wetland ferocious ghost, he had already shown signs of an impending breakthrough. Upon returning, he cultivated continuously and finally broke through to Level Seven two days ago!
A Level Seven Heavenly Master was already qualified to become the head of a family.
Yan Fengjun said joyfully, "Then soon, the Yan Family can be handed over to you, and I can go into seclusion for focused cultivation."
Although being the family head meant holding power, handling mundane affairs also greatly affected cultivation.
He had always wanted to break through to Level Eight.
Yan Huai did not respond. He took the roster and returned to his room.
"Brother Huai, what did the family head want?" Yan Geng leaned in close, asking curiously.
Yan Huai raised the roster slightly.
"The family competition?" Yan Geng's eyes widened in surprise. "He put you in charge?"
"Hmm."
Yan Geng whispered, "Can I take a look?"
There was no reason not to. Everyone already knew who was participating, as everyone wanted to know their opponents in advance.
Yan Huai handed it to him.
"Wow, these branch family disciples have such high cultivation levels! There's even one at Level Five, Third Tier!"
"No way, how are some of these branch families so incredibly strong this time? I see the highest from the main family is only Level Five, Second Tier."
"Each one is remarkably talented."
Yan Geng exclaimed while reading.
"Notify the steward to come here. I have some matters to discuss with him," Yan Huai instructed.
Yan Geng straightened up. "Yes!"
A moment later, the steward knocked and entered.
"Young Master, what are your orders?"
Yan Huai spread out the blueprint of the competition arena. "In previous years, how was the venue arranged?"
Steward: ?
Haven't you participated in the competition before? Why ask this?
Though he thought this internally, he replied respectfully, "In past competitions, the family head and the heads of the other branch families would observe the matches together. Observing disciples would sit in the spectator stands, and participating disciples would sit in the waiting area."
"Make some changes."
Steward: "Please go on."
"This year, divide the seating according to the main family and each branch family's disciples."
"Ah?"
"Including the main family, there are five groups of disciples participating this time... Divide the spectator stands into five sections. The main family's participating and observing disciples will sit together, and so on for the others."
The steward asked, puzzled, "Won't that create too much distance?"
With such clear boundaries between them, how could they maintain even a superficial appearance of unity?
Yan Huai's expression remained unchanged, his voice cold. "Do as I said."
"Yes."
"Leave some space at the entrance. I need to make some arrangements there," Yan Huai instructed.
Steward: "...Alright. May I ask what kind of arrangements? I can have people decorate it."
He thought Yan Huai, newly appointed, wanted to create an impressive facade.
Yan Huai: "No need."
"Alright. Any other orders?"
"None."
The steward then respectfully withdrew.
A residence in the Beijing suburbs.
The attendant brought a bowl of pitch-black medicine, but Yan Fengqing swatted it away with a palm strike.
The medicine bowl hit the floor, shattering into several pieces.
Yan Fengqing said gloomily, "What's the use of drinking this? Hasn't the pill from over there been developed yet?"
"We have not received any news yet," the attendant replied, head bowed.
"They're all useless. What good are Bloodburst Pills and Enlightenment Pills? If they could develop a medicine to treat meridian damage, would the Mystic Realm still dare oppose us?"
Attendant: "..."
"Any news from Ghost?"
"Not for now," the attendant replied. "He tried to obtain information from the Investigation Department but was blocked by their technical personnel."
"Hah." Yan Fengqing sneered coldly. "With this level of skill, and yet he's a favorite in front of that person. Rotten on the inside. I don't know how that person took a liking to him."
Attendant: ...
He felt the family head was currently embodying what online folks called a "misanthropic" style.
After all, he even dared to disparage that person's subordinate.
Although the family head had always been arrogant and never addressed that person as "Your Eminence," he had never shown any disrespect before.
This time, he was probably provoked by the recovered inspectors.
A moment later, Yan Fengqing calmed his hidden anger.
"The family competition is coming up soon, right?"
"Yes."
Yan Fengqing's eyes showed contempt. "I want to see how Yan Fengjun loses face this time."
"Just received news that this competition will be overseen by Young Master Yan Huai."
Yan Fengqing didn't care in the slightest. "Just an idiot who knows nothing about practical affairs. No need to worry."
"Yes." The attendant paused, then said, "Qi Quan arrived in Longjing last night."
Yan Fengqing frowned. "What is she doing here again?"
"Unclear."
Yan Fengqing's expression suddenly darkened. "Could the Investigation Department be planning some major operation?"
"Previously, the Investigation Department discovered bases in Longlin City and Longtang City. Sect Leader Yin, Family Head Fu, and Sect Leader Wan went to those two places respectively. It might be related to that."
Yan Fengqing scoffed. "It's fine. With the cultivation levels of those old fellows, they can't break a Level Nine formation."
"But Qi Quan..."
"No matter how powerful she is, she can't be in two places at once," Yan Fengqing wasn't worried. "Even if she personally goes to Longlin City to cause trouble, by the time she breaks through the Level Nine formation, her spiritual power will likely be depleted. How could she then face the siege of the experts inside the formation?"
As for the rest of the Mystic Realm, they were even less of a concern—all trash.
The attendant reminded him, "She has composite talismans."
"Composite talismans aren't that easy to create," Yan Fengqing shook his head. "To break a Level Nine formation, one needs to create a Level Nine composite talisman. I don't believe she can produce one easily."
The attendant deeply agreed.
At the guesthouse.
Qi Quan leaned over a desk, sketching on paper.
[Master, what are you drawing? It doesn't seem like a composite sword talisman.]
Qi Quan smiled. [Indeed, it's not a composite talisman. It's a new type of talisman.]
[Master is inventing a new talisman again!] The system exclaimed excitedly. [What's the use of this new talisman?]
Qi Quan: [Back at the Lakeside Villa, Chen Feilu and Ning Zhi once debated the pros and cons of forbidden arts in the Mystic Realm. Do you remember?]
【Remember!】The system had gotten smarter. 【You said before that since the Peach Blossom Mark can provide vitality to people, from another perspective, it can also aid one's own comrades in group battles and share damage equally, right?】
A smile touched Qi Quan's eyes: 【That's right, you remember very clearly.】
【So you're planning to research this skill, right? Wow, that's amazing!】
Qi Quan: 【I already had the idea before.】
【Big shot, is something major about to happen?】
Qi Quan: 【Perhaps.】
"Knock, knock, knock."
Qi Quan didn't look up: "Come in."
The sound of the door opening came from behind, bringing with it a waft of sweet melon and fruit fragrance, along with the faint scent of grass from the young man.
【Big shot, it's Ling Sheng.】
Qi Quan put down the final stroke of her brush, looked up, and turned around, her gaze meeting the young man's serene eyes.
A fruit platter was placed beside her, filled with neatly sliced pieces, accompanied by delicate little forks.
The service was truly quite considerate.
Qi Quan smiled and ate a piece. "It's delicious."
A phone was handed to her.
【What are you drawing?】
Qi Quan said, "A new type of talisman. It can establish a connection between multiple people, allowing them to share spiritual power and share risks."
【Multiple people? Are there many people?】
Qi Quan nodded. "Based on the strength the Cultivator of Unorthodox Methods organization has shown so far, with the forced growth from various pills, their overall power far surpasses that of the Orthodox Daoist sects. Once a battle starts, the Orthodox sects will be no match."
Creating this new talisman was her way of minimizing casualties within the Orthodox sects to the greatest extent possible and preserving their strength.
Ling Sheng looked carefully at the new talisman and typed: 【Too many. You'll get tired. I'll draw too.】
Having help was naturally good. Qi Quan didn't refuse and taught him the principles of the new talisman.
Ling Sheng learned quickly, producing a complete talisman in just a short while.
He looked at Qi Quan with delight.
"Not bad." Qi Quan leaned her head slightly towards him, pointing at a less fluent part of the talisman paper. "When drawing here, you should..."
Her voice was low and gentle. As she leaned closer, a unique, faint fragrance seemed to drift over. Her profile seemed to glow like jade as she explained the talisman patterns.
Ling Sheng stared at her blankly, his face inexplicably growing warm, his heart beating fast. An impulse surged from the depths of his heart. Her voice seemed both very close and yet very far away.
"Did you understand?" Qi Quan suddenly looked up and asked.
Ling Sheng snapped back to reality, hurriedly averted his gaze, fixed his eyes on the talisman paper on the desk, and instinctively shook his head.
Qi Quan: ?
She had explained it in great detail. How could he not understand?
System: 【Big shot, he seemed distracted while you were explaining just now.】
Qi Quan: 【...】
She looked solemnly at the young man and asked, "Is something on your mind?"
Ling Sheng didn't dare look at her and continued shaking his head.
"I'll explain it one more time, only this once." After saying this, Qi Quan patiently explained it to him again.
"Understood?"
Ling Sheng quickly nodded and picked up his brush to draw.
He could sense the spiritual energy around Qi Quan was quite subdued, so naturally, he didn't dare let his mind wander and waste her time again. He finished drawing a talisman with swift strokes and carefully handed it to her for review.
Qi Quan glanced at it. "Very good. Keep drawing them like this."
Ling Sheng secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Just as he was about to pick up his brush to draw again, he suddenly thought of something, picked up his phone, and typed: 【I'm sorry for being distracted earlier.】
"Don't let it happen again." Qi Quan's expression was neutral.
Ling Sheng secretly sensed her spiritual power; it seemed to have returned to its usual calm state, and he couldn't help but curve the corners of his lips slightly.
It seemed she didn't like inattentive people.
Inside the Investigation Department, Li Guoyan and the others were also studying the plan for the encirclement and suppression.
In the original plan, they would set up formations at Investigation Department branches across the country and use composite sword talismans to simultaneously attack the Cultivator of Unorthodox Methods hideouts.
But even after shattering the formations, the Cultivator of Unorthodox Methods still had super high-level Heavenly Masters stationed. With the combat power of the Orthodox sects and the Investigation Department, it would be difficult to inflict significant damage on them.
The Investigation Department was still too young, lacking sufficient reserves of talented personnel. The Orthodox sects also lost many elite Heavenly Masters during the previous crackdown on Cultivator of Unorthodox Methods, leading to a decline in talent.
Faced with a Cultivator of Unorthodox Methods organization that had been lurking for decades, they seemed to have no chance of victory.
Even though Chief Consultant Qi Quan possessed formidable combat power, she was only one person, while there were multiple Cultivator of Unorthodox Methods hideouts across the country.
Fortunately, the information provided by Xie Lanzhou was very detailed. He had basically given specific data on the defensive formations and the approximate cultivation levels of the guards at each Cultivator of Unorthodox Methods hideout, which greatly aided their allocation of combat resources.
Apart from Longlin City and Longtang City having ninth-level formations, the formations at the other bases were below ninth-level.
Five were eighth-level, nine were seventh-level, and the rest were above fifth-level but below seventh-level.
The base in Longlin City was backed by the Hengfeng Sect. The Hengfeng Sect had many disciples and quite a few high-ranking elders within the sect. Even with Master Qi present, she couldn't be in multiple places at once. Moreover, not all Hengfeng Sect disciples and elders were involved with the Cultivator of Unorthodox Methods organization.
This point was rather troublesome.
The meeting grew increasingly heavy. The energy of the Cultivator of Unorthodox Methods organization was too vast; they simply couldn't come up with strong guarantees.
Di Meng suddenly said, "Can we mobilize Daoist practitioners from the Orthodox sects across the country, including independent cultivators, to jointly clear out the Cultivator of Unorthodox Methods hideouts?"
Forget about the eighth and ninth-level bases, but for the remaining bases, they could still organize like-minded individuals from the Orthodox sects to go together and destroy the Cultivator of Unorthodox Methods hideouts.
Li Guoyan: "You're right, but the forces of the Orthodox sects are scattered, like loose sand. There must be a strong leader to call on them to participate in this clearing operation."
The Guiyuan Sect couldn't do it, nor could the Xuanqing Sect.
"Senior Qi Quan." Ning Zhi said decisively.
Everyone present smiled.
Currently, within the Orthodox sects, the one who could command practitioners was none other than Master Qi.
But how to issue the call without alerting the Cultivator of Unorthodox Methods was a challenge.
"Director Li."
An investigator knocked on the meeting room door.
Li Guoyan: "What is it?"
"Consultant Qi is here. She's waiting for you on the fourth-floor training ground."
Li Guoyan stood up abruptly and quickly walked out of the meeting room, the others following behind him.
Everyone arrived at the training ground.
Qi Quan stood in the field, her tall and slender figure commanding respect.
Ling Sheng stood beside her, holding a bag that seemed stuffed with many things.
"Master, what is this?" Li Guoyan strode in and asked, puzzled.
"I've created a new type of talisman and wanted to test it." As Qi Quan spoke, she glanced at the Investigation Department members. "Who's willing to come up and give it a try?"
Almost all the investigators raised their hands simultaneously.
"Me! I'm willing!"
"Senior, pick me! I'll do it!"
"Let me try, let me try, let me try!"
"Me, me, me, me, me!"
As for those who didn't raise their hands, they were simply a bit slow to react.
Qi Quan nodded with satisfaction. "The test will adopt a combat mode. Those willing to try, step forward and divide yourselves into two groups."
Di Meng and Ning Zhi exchanged a glance.
As the investigators with the highest combat power in the department, they naturally became the leaders of the two groups, standing on opposite sides.
The others divided themselves equally into two groups based on numbers, following behind the two leaders respectively.
Qi Quan signaled to Ling Sheng.
Ling Sheng took out a stack of talisman paper from his bag and distributed new talismans of different levels to each person according to their investigator rank.
Each talisman paper was imprinted with a peach blossom, surrounded by countless vines.
It was a very beautiful and novel talisman, truly something no one had seen before.
Shen Hui, who had been observing all along, couldn't help but raise his hand and ask, "Senior, can I participate?"
He was stirred up by the investigators brimming with fighting spirit.
Tang Mian said enthusiastically, "Senior, I want to participate too."
"Alright." Qi Quan smiled slightly. "You all pick a team. Ling Sheng, hand out the talismans."
After the talisman papers were distributed,
Qi Quan instructed, "Everyone, channel a stream of spiritual power and a drop of blood from your fingertip into the talisman paper."
Without a moment's hesitation, everyone did as told, infusing their spiritual power and blood.
They held absolute trust in Qi Quan.
Qi Quan: "Place the talisman on your person. Both sides will now begin combat mode. Do not injure each other's meridians. The side whose members' spiritual power is depleted first loses. As soon as anyone's spiritual power is exhausted, they must stop fighting. You may use spirit talismans in the fight. Understood?"
Everyone: "Understood!"
Their shouts shook the heavens, their excitement palpable.
Qi Quan left the training ground with Ling Sheng, closing the door behind them. Together with Li Guoyan, they observed the situation inside through the glass wall.
Neither team moved at first.
They were discussing tactics.
Li Guoyan asked with a smile, "Master, what is the purpose of this new talisman?"
"To share spiritual power and share risks."
Li Guoyan was astonished upon hearing this. He suddenly realized that such a talisman would play an extremely crucial role in group battles.
The Master truly never ceased to amaze him!
"What are you all looking at?" A voice suddenly came from behind.
It was Xie Lanzhou.
Nowadays, aside from drawing talismans, Xie Lanzhou spent his time wandering around the Investigation Department.
Seeing the three of them standing there, he drifted over without a second thought, squeezing in beside them and craning his neck to look inside.
Qi Quan: "..."
She had almost forgotten there was another potential labor force here.
"Mr. Xie, how is the progress on the composite talismans?"
Xie Lanzhou said apologetically, "I'm sorry, I can only manage up to eighth-grade at the moment. Ninth-grade is beyond me."
Li Guoyan beside him: "..."
Even an ordinary eighth-grade talisman was an extremely rare treasure in the mystical world, let alone an eighth-grade composite talisman?
The world of geniuses was truly astounding.
"Then perhaps you should take a break and try some other new talismans?"
As soon as Qi Quan finished speaking, Ling Sheng took a new talisman from his bag and handed it to Xie Lanzhou.
Xie Lanzhou felt a surge of emotion—this was the first time Ling Sheng had taken the initiative to interact with him.
Handing something over was a form of interaction, after all.
He carefully accepted the talisman paper, looked down, and indeed it was a new type he had never seen before.
"What kind of talisman is this?" He became exceptionally serious when it came to the art of talismans.
"Watch the training ground," Qi Quan said, keeping him in suspense.
Xie Lanzhou instinctively turned his head, his gaze falling on the training ground.
Inside the training ground, the two team leaders made the first move.
Di Meng fought fiercely, while Ning Zhi leaned towards steadiness. The peachwood hammer slammed against the peachwood sword; as their spiritual powers collided, both took a step back.
That strike had used about seventy percent of their strength.
"Huh?" Di Meng suddenly let out a sound of confusion.
That wasn't right.
...
Logically, after receiving Ning Zhi's strike, his spiritual power should have diminished somewhat. Why was it still so full?
It wasn't just him; Ning Zhi felt the same.
The two exchanged a glance, simultaneously recalling the talismans Qi Quan had just given them.
Ning Zhi's eyes suddenly lit up. This was...
He couldn't help but look towards the glass wall.
He clearly remembered the teachings Qi Quan had imparted to him and Chen Feilu back at the lakeside villa.
Forbidden arts of the mystical world could also become an aid to cultivators.
The senior had actually researched and created it!
He excitedly raised his peachwood sword and thrust it towards Di Meng!
Since the senior wanted to conduct an experiment, he would do his utmost to fulfill it.
Di Meng had also guessed something and immediately ordered, "The first half of the team, join the fight!"
Ning Zhi's team did the same.
Half of each team's members split off and engaged in a melee, while the remaining half stood still in their original positions.
Gradually, everyone began to notice something was off.
"What's going on? Why do I still have so much spiritual power?"
"I just used a big move. I thought my spiritual power was about to run out and I was ready to step down."
"Me too, this is amazing!"
"Is it the talisman Senior gave us that's working?"
"Heavens, what kind of celestial being is Senior Qi!"
The above were the team members participating in the melee.
The observing half felt exactly the opposite.
"I feel my spiritual power fading..."
"Me too! And I haven't done anything!"
"I remember they weren't usually this fierce. How can they last this long?"
"It must be the effect of the senior's talisman."
"Wow, the senior is incredible!"
"This is a game-changer on the battlefield!"
As the fight continued, everyone's spiritual power was nearing depletion, and even the combatants showed signs of fatigue.
Di Meng and Ning Zhi issued orders again.
"Team One, fall back to replenish! Team Two, engage!"
The team members were well-trained and executed the commands immediately.
Team One withdrew, Team Two stepped up.
The withdrawn members immediately pulled out spirit talismans and began frantically replenishing their spiritual energy, providing power for their teammates still on the "battlefield."
When the melee had gone on for an hour, all the spiritual power and spirit talismans on everyone were exhausted, and the talisman papers gradually lost their effect.
But they didn't stop until the last trace of spiritual power was drained, collapsing to the ground.
The last one standing was Di Meng.
His cultivation level was the highest, so his victory was expected.
He walked up to Ning Zhi, panting, extended his right hand, his smile exceptionally brilliant. Ning Zhi mustered his strength to reach out and shake it, then with Di Meng's help, stood up, revealing a sincere smile.
Everything was understood without words.
They had personally experienced the benefits brought by the new talisman.
Outside the glass wall, Xie Lanzhou was completely stunned.
He turned to Qi Quan, his gaze burning with intensity. "A genius. You are the true genius!"
To have conceived such a talisman!
Li Guoyan's mood was also extremely uplifted. With such a talisman, their chances against the evil cultivators were even greater.
He smiled and made a gesture of invitation.
"Master, shall we discuss this in the conference room?"
Qi Quan nodded.
The three humans and one ghost entered the conference room.
Li Guoyan didn't waste words. He directly spread out a map, pointed at the marked locations, and said, "Master, the local Investigation Department at the evil cultivators' hideout doesn't have high combat strength. If we confront them head-on... it would likely be... But with your new talisman, it will be like adding wings to a tiger. If we can also unite with the local celestial master forces, we might just have a chance of success."
"But the key now is whether the celestial master forces are willing to unite and follow command," Xie Lanzhou said.
Back when the mystical world cracked down on evil cultivator organizations, it was mostly a disorganized effort without strong cohesion or trust between parties. It was all thunder but little rain, often hurting themselves as much as the enemy.
Li Guoyan looked at Qi Quan.
"Master, you have quite a few fans now."
Xie Lanzhou: ?
He knew Qi Quan was powerful, but he wasn't clear about her current standing in the mystical world. He only knew her as the Investigation Department's chief consultant, with not much connection to the broader mystical community.
System: [Big shot, is Director Li suggesting you rally those celestial masters to join the fight?]
[Yes.]
[Will you agree?]
Qi Quan: [Why wouldn't I?]
The evil cultivators saw her as a stumbling block, deliberately creating numerous accidents to suppress her fortune. If she didn't act as this "stumbling block," wouldn't she be letting them down?
She didn't hesitate, merely stating, "I can call upon the celestial masters, but I don't guarantee they will listen to me."
Being a fan was one thing; personally going to the battlefield was another.
Li Guoyan smiled and said, "With your word, that's enough."
"However, with so many combatants, just the few of us drawing talismans won't be enough in time," Qi Quan reminded.
Li Guoyan instinctively replied, "The department has people who can draw talismans."
"Too few in number." Qi Quan looked at him. "I do have an idea, though."
"Please, go ahead."
Qi Quan said, "Start a live stream."
The meeting room fell silent.
Li Guoyan was surprised by her unconventional approach, while Xie Lanzhou, having been dead for twenty years, simply couldn't keep up with the tides of the times.
"I understand." Li Guoyan clapped his hands together with a smile. "I will arrange this as soon as possible. Master Qi only needs to post one Weibo message."
Qi Quan nodded.
Talking with smart people was so refreshing; no need for excessive explanations.
Xie Lanzhou, sitting to the side, was completely bewildered.
But he felt it wasn't his place to ask too much about the "tactics," so he said instead, "Senior Qi, what is the new talisman called? I would also like to learn how to draw it, to contribute my modest effort to crushing the evil cultivators."
Qi Quan paused and said, "I haven't thought of a name. Perhaps Director Li and Mr. Xie could help think of one."
The two readily agreed.
This was an honorable matter.
Xie Lanzhou thought for a moment and said, "This talisman carries a sense of unity and collective will. How about calling it the 'Unity Talisman'?"
The three of them: "..."
The system couldn't help but complain: 【He looks good, but how come his naming sense is so lame?】
"Doesn't it sound good?" Xie Lanzhou asked, scratching his head in embarrassment.
Li Guoyan cleared his throat lightly and suggested, "The Mystic Gate and the Investigation Department are joining forces in this operation, working together with one heart. How about calling it the 'One Heart Talisman'?"
"The talisman already has peach blossoms on it. Calling it 'One Heart' sounds a bit weird," Xie Lanzhou said.
Li Guoyan frowned. "What's weird about it? It's about being united in purpose. Don't deliberately misinterpret it."
"I'm not misinterpreting it, but what about others?"
Li Guoyan said, "I think 'One Heart Talisman' is excellent."
Qi Quan: "..."
The system couldn't even be bothered to complain anymore.
"Senior Qi, what do you think?" Xie Lanzhou handed the decision-making power to Qi Quan.
Qi Quan said with a calm expression, "Let's just call it..."
The two pricked up their ears.
"...the Solidarity Talisman."
"..."
The meeting room fell silent for a moment. Li Guoyan was the first to regain his composure, praising with a laugh, "That's a good one! Straightforward and easy to understand, and it won't lead to misinterpretations. Let's go with that!"
Xie Lanzhou also chimed in, "Yes, this one is indeed better!"
Ling Sheng gave her a thumbs-up.
...
【Hahahahaha!】 The system laughed hysterically. 【So, Master, what was the point of asking them for names then?】
In the end, you still had to come up with one yourself.
Qi Quan: ...
And so, the name "Solidarity Talisman" was finalized.
The Fu Residence.
Fu Luanfei knocked on the study door and entered only after receiving Fu Jiuchong's permission.
She closed the door, her face filled with excitement, and said, "Dad, have you heard about the dozens of inspectors whose damaged meridians were healed?"
The conflict between the Heavenly Master Association and the inspection team was naturally observed by all factions within the Mystic Gate. News of many inspectors suffering meridian damage had spread, and almost everyone believed their cultivation careers were over.
Destroying someone's meridians is a major taboo within the Mystic Gate.
Many factions immediately inquired with their trusted contacts within the Heavenly Master Association. After learning the specific details, they all sensed a whiff of conspiracy.
A proper cultivator wouldn't do such a thing; there must be evil cultivators stirring up trouble behind the scenes.
Fu Jiuchong had guessed as much.
Upon hearing the news of the inspectors' meridian damage, he felt profound regret and heartache.
Back when Jiuge was rescued, her dantian was almost completely destroyed. If not for the Fu family having some remaining resources, secret techniques, and medicines to desperately preserve Jiuge's dantian and prevent further deterioration, she probably wouldn't have held on for so many years.
But even after she woke up, it would be extremely difficult for her to continue cultivating.
When he heard the news that the inspectors had gone to Longjiang City and returned completely recovered and healed, Fu Jiuchong was utterly shocked.
He once thought it might be smoke and mirrors released by the Investigation Department.
However, given the Investigation Department's way of doing things, it was unlikely they would release so much false information simultaneously.
Often, the most unbelievable thing is the truth.
Fu Jiuchong sighed softly and said, "I've heard. I've already had people verify repeatedly. The injured inspectors have indeed fully recovered, with spiritual energy flowing without the slightest hindrance."
The Investigation Department clearly didn't intend to truly hide it.
But how they were cured was left for everyone to guess.
"Dad, since the Investigation Department has someone who can heal meridians, could they possibly heal dantians as well?" Fu Luanfei asked hopefully.
What she could think of, Fu Jiuchong naturally could too.
"You want to ask the Investigation Department to help treat your aunt?"
"Yes!" Fu Luanfei said with heartache. "Although Auntie hasn't said anything since she woke up, I can tell a heavy weight is pressing on her heart."
Fu Jiuchong said, "Meridians and the dantian are different. Don't get your hopes up too high. Don't tell your aunt about this yet. I'll contact Director Li to inquire."
"Okay, I understand!"
As news of the healed inspectors spread, more and more Heavenly Masters expressed astonishment.
The Investigation Department is just too impressive!
First, there's the supremely high-level Master Qi holding the fort, and now there's a mysterious physician who can heal cultivators' meridians. How could anyone not be envious?
After various major factions repeatedly confirmed the news without error, Li Guoyan received many phone calls probing indirectly.
"Director Li, I heard the inspectors with damaged meridians went to the Longjiang City Investigation Department and were healed very quickly?"
"Director Li, your department is truly a gathering place for talented individuals, it's really enviable."
"Director Li, it seems Longjiang City is a land blessed with spiritual energy, producing nothing but heroes and outstanding talents."
"Director Li..."
Li Guoyan had just finished giving vague replies and hanging up when the phone rang again.
He chuckled wryly and answered the call.
"Director Li, this is Fu Jiuchong."
Li Guoyan's mind stirred. He remembered that the detailed file on Fu Jiuge mentioned her dantian had once been severely injured.
...
"Mr. Fu, please speak your mind."
Fu Jiuchong got straight to the point: "I heard your department has a miraculous physician capable of healing damaged meridians. My sister, Fu Jiuge's dantian was injured in the past and hasn't fully recovered. I wonder if your miraculous physician could also heal dantian injuries?"
"If you trust me, you can send Ms. Fu to the Investigation Department. As for whether it can be cured, I dare not make any guarantees," Li Guoyan agreed very straightforwardly.
Fu Jiuchong's brow relaxed slightly. "I naturally trust you. When would be convenient?"
"Anytime."
"Good. Can I make arrangements right now?" Fu Jiuchong didn't want to delay for a moment.
Li Guoyan smiled and said, "Of course."
He had already made an arrangement with Ling Sheng: during his stay in Longjing City, Ling Sheng would treat the Investigation Department's injured personnel.
Yesterday, he had already successfully treated an investigator with a damaged dantian. Presumably, he could also heal Fu Jiuge's injury.
After the call ended, Li Guoyan went to Qi Quan's office.
As Qi Quan needed to stay in Longjing City for this period, the department had set up a temporary office for her.
As the department's Chief Consultant, she rightfully should have her own office. However, since she resided long-term in Longjiang City and the department was short on space and resources, the office originally meant for her had been turned into workspace for investigators. Hence, they temporarily allocated this one.
In the office, Ling Sheng was diligently drawing talismans, with Xie Lanzhou sitting beside him, equally focused.
Qi Quan was cultivating by the window.
Li Guoyan waited until Ling Sheng finished the last brushstroke before speaking. "Doctor Qi, a wounded individual will be arriving shortly. The injury is to the dantian."
Ling Sheng nodded.
"An injury to the dantian?" Xie Lanzhou looked up at an opportune moment. "The one who inflicted that wound is truly ruthless."
Li Guoyan smiled. "When the person arrives, you can accompany Doctor Qi to the infirmary."
"Huh?" Xie Lanzhou was somewhat bewildered.
The Fu family acted with high efficiency.
Fu Jiuchong personally delivered Fu Jiuge to the entrance of the Investigation Department.
The woman sat in a wheelchair, her hair loose and disheveled, leaning limply against the backrest, appearing as if she had lost her senses.
This was, of course, an act.
The news of Fu Jiuge's awakening had not yet spread.
Back when the Fu family rescued Fu Jiuge, the fact that she had become mentally impaired and her dantian destroyed had spread throughout the mystical community.
Now, with the current turbulent situation, Fu Jiuchong dared not take the slightest risk.
He knew that Fu Jiuge had been hidden by a Buddhist cultivator back then, but others did not know, nor did the remaining members of the malevolent cultivators.
During the year she was missing, whether Fu Jiuge had uncovered any clues about the malevolent cultivators was something no one could guarantee.
If the malevolent cultivator organization learned of Jiuge's awakening, they would rather kill by mistake than let her go. Jiuge would then be in grave danger.
It was better to feign madness for now.
The fact that the Investigation Department could treat meridian damage was already known within the mystical community. His act of sending his sister there to heal her dantian wouldn't raise too much suspicion.
Perhaps many others wished to do the same.
Which family didn't have a few mystics with damaged meridians?
He stood at the entrance, handing the wheelchair's handles to the investigator who came to receive them, and said softly, "Thank you."
The investigator was a young woman who smiled brightly. "You're welcome."
Following Li Guoyan's instructions, she wheeled the patient into the infirmary.
Fu Jiuge kept her eyes closed.
Her emaciated hand rested on her leg, like a soulless puppet.
No one knew her heart was pounding fiercely.
She knew Xie Lanzhou was at the Investigation Department.
...
When she heard her elder brother say he was sending her to the Investigation Department for treatment, her first thought wasn't that her dantian would be healed, but that she could see Xie Lanzhou.
She thought the treatment was merely a pretext.
There simply wasn't anyone in the mystical community who could heal a dantian.
The infirmary door opened.
The young woman said cheerfully, "Doctor Qi, the patient is here."
An electronic voice sounded. "Please lie down."
The investigator lifted Fu Jiuge onto the sickbed.
"Please leave."
The investigator complied, leaving the infirmary and closing the door.
The room fell into silence.
Fu Jiuge, with her eyes closed, could see nothing. She had little spiritual energy left in her body and couldn't use her spiritual sense to perceive her surroundings.
It was too quiet.
She felt somewhat uneasy.
Suddenly, a touch of coolness met her right hand. Just as she was startled and suspicious, a familiar voice fell beside her ear.
"Jiuge."
The voice was very soft, afraid of startling her.
Fu Jiuge's eyes flew open.
Human and ghost met each other's gaze, a thousand words tangled in their hearts.
"You've gotten so thin," Xie Lanzhou said, heart aching.
Fu Jiuge's eyes filled with sorrow. "Much better than you."
"I'm fine. Being a ghost is quite carefree."
Fu Jiuge didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Just as she was about to speak again, three consecutive electronic tones shattered the atmosphere of heartfelt confessions.
"Treatment commencing. Please remain quiet. Please close your eyes."
Human and ghost: "..."
Fu Jiuge instinctively looked towards Ling Sheng. The moment her gaze touched him, the bond between mother and child surged over her abruptly.
Her eyes widened in shock.
It was actually two surprises!
She tightly grasped Xie Lanzhou's hand, nervous and excited. "He, he, he..."
"I know. He is our son."
A pang of sorrow hit Fu Jiuge's heart, her eyes turning red.
"Wahhh... child, I'm sorry for you, I truly am sorry for you..."
Back then, she knew she was pregnant but still decided to go out and pursue the malevolent cultivators; after being injured and having her soul searched, she chose to shut herself away, becoming a mentally impaired person.
It was she who let the child face the world's cruelty and malice alone from the moment of birth.
Although she didn't know how Ling Sheng had lived before, she could imagine how that malevolent cultivator must have tormented and abused the child after she gave birth.
She didn't dare to think about it, yet she forced herself to.
Fu Jiuge sank into immense guilt, not daring to look again at Ling Sheng's calm, indifferent face.
The Fu family didn't know Ling Sheng's identity or what he had experienced; the Investigation Department knew of Ling Sheng's experiences but wouldn't specifically tell her.
Now, beside her, there was only Xie Lanzhou.
She asked urgently, "Lanzhou, do you know his name? How was his life before?"
Xie Lanzhou sighed deeply, not intending to hide it from her.
"His name is Qi Lingsheng. From birth, he was imprisoned by a malevolent cultivator in a mountain cave. It was Senior Qi who found him when killing that cultivator, took him home, hired tutors to teach him to read and write, and passed on the ways of talismans and medicine to him, allowing him to live a normal, healthy life in this world."
Fu Jiuge's tears streamed down.
"We gave him life, but Senior Qi gave him a more complete, meaningful life."
That's why he never felt any dissatisfaction with the name "Qi Lingsheng."
This was Ling Sheng's own choice, and as a father in name only, he fully respected it.
Fu Jiuge wept bitterly.
Ling Sheng sat blankly on the chair, watching the two hug and cry incessantly. A strange stirring touched his heart, but more than that, he felt puzzled.
He pulled out his pho...ne and sent a text message to Qi Quan.
Qi Quan, who was in the midst of cultivation, heard the sound and glanced down.
[Ling Sheng: The patient is not following medical advice. What should I do?]
Qi Quan: ?
