Book Synopsis
Book Tags
Donation Rankings
Comment
0 Comments
You May Also Like
墨書 Inktalez
"You're a Spirit Master, yet you don't know about the four Holy Artifacts? I'm a bit curious about what the association is teaching you," Fu Sang teased, shaking his head.
Pei Huaizhi smiled and replied, "You should know that the Spirit Master Association has many branches, each managing different matters. I belong to the main branch, the Spirit Handling Department, which specializes in dealing with Evil Spirits. I know quite a bit about Evil Spirits, but only have a passing knowledge of other areas."
He added, "I'm also quite proficient in medical skills."
He smiled faintly to mask his embarrassment. While there are indeed many branches within the association, personnel can communicate and share information about recent events in other branches. Occasionally, significant news can be heard, such as reports of Lan Ming killing a few people in some village. However, Pei Huaizhi wasn't particularly interested in matters outside his own focus. Moreover, members of the Spirit Handling Department often spend time dealing with Evil Spirits, so he would only learn about news from other branches when he returned to the main association. During that time, he would inevitably miss out on some information.
Fu Sang said casually, "The Spirit Handling Department is one of the five main departments within the Spirit Master Association that oversees the Spirit Department responsible for the Holy Artifacts. Do you know this?"
Pei Huaizhi replied with a half-smile and a slow tone, "I know about the Spirit Department, but I wasn't aware that overseeing the Holy Artifacts falls under their purview."
How could Pei Huaizhi not know that the Spirit Department was responsible for managing Holy Artifacts? He felt that Fu Sang was intentionally asking him these questions to see his awkwardness. Yet he had no evidence to support this thought and could only let her continue.
Aside from the previously mentioned Spirit Handling Department and Spirit Department, the remaining three departments are the Department of Techniques and Spirits, Divine Department, and Law Spirit Department. Each department has several smaller branches beneath it, and decisions regarding their establishment or dissolution are made by higher-ups. The Spirit Handling Department has four smaller branches ranked from A to D, with A being the largest and D being the smallest. Pei Huaizhi currently belongs to branch C. One can only advance to branch B when they possess enough strength to slay a formidable Evil Spirit. No Spirit Master has yet reached branch A because the names of existing Evil Spirits have remained unchanged for centuries. Thirty years ago, someone did reach branch A but was later transferred to another department.
So why is the Spirit Department responsible for overseeing Holy Artifacts?
Since its establishment, the Spirit Department has focused on researching ancient texts and secret techniques from ancient times. Translating ancient scripts is one of its primary responsibilities. As Holy Artifacts originate from ancient times, it naturally falls under their jurisdiction as well. The Department of Techniques and Spirits explores and develops techniques, formations, talismans, and seals; the Divine Department specializes in medical research; while the Law Spirit Department handles penalties for errant Spirit Masters and Evil Spirits.
Fu Sang looked up at him and noticed his forced smile. She felt a bit amused and said, "The four Holy Artifacts are Soul Lantern, Azure Wind Pearl, Cold Grass, and Bleeding Hibiscus."
Pei Huaizhi listened intently. He had gathered quite a bit of information about Soul Lantern and Azure Wind Pearl and intended to ask about Cold Grass and Bleeding Hibiscus when Fu Sang preemptively spoke: "You want to ask about Cold Grass and Bleeding Hibiscus."
He raised an eyebrow slightly and said with mild surprise, "Was my expression that obvious? You guessed it right."
Fu Sang explained further: "Information about Holy Artifacts isn't exactly a secret. They are called Holy Artifacts because they are relics from ancient times that have existed for thousands of years. In terms of their functions, Soul Lantern and Azure Wind Pearl are quite significant; however, Cold Grass and Bleeding Hibiscus have no special powers—they're just ordinary plants but are difficult to cultivate and survive."
Pei Huaizhi asked curiously, "What do they look like?"
Fu Sang replied: "Cold Grass has smooth stems and leaves on both sides without hairs or glandular points; it features feather-like veins with smooth edges and brown rhizomes that spread horizontally. It bears no flowers or fruits and is non-toxic; touching it gives a slight chill to the skin. The Bleeding Hibiscus has lush green branches and leaves; its white flowers emit a faint fragrance when blooming and are funnel-shaped. If touched lightly, the white flower immediately turns red, after which red juice drips from its base; it only blooms at night."
After hearing her description of these four Holy Artifacts—aside from Soul Lantern and Azure Wind Pearl having substantial effects that could even bring someone back to life (which explains why so many Evil Spirits covet them)—he found Cold Grass and Bleeding Hibiscus intriguing despite their lack of significant power due to their harsh growing conditions. He was particularly interested in witnessing the beauty of Bleeding Hibiscus with its "turning red upon touch."
Pei Huaizhi raised an eyebrow playfully as he regarded her with an expression full of curiosity—not because he doubted her words but rather because he believed them yet wondered how she knew such detailed information about Holy Artifacts. She wasn't part of the Spirit Master Association; where did she obtain this knowledge? Even among association members, some information remains unknown to them. The more he thought about it, the more complex he found her character to be; however, she had saved him multiple times so far—leading him to believe she was fundamentally a good person.
After pondering for a while, he gently asked her, "By the way, I still don't know your name; would you mind sharing it?"
As the sun set in the west, Fu Sang gazed straight ahead at the lush green rice fields below her. A gentle breeze swept through them, creating rippling waves across the expanse while lifting her long hair along with her clothes. After a moment's pause, she replied calmly: "Fu Sang."
The surname Fu was indeed uncommon; this was Pei Huaizhi's first encounter with it. He smiled warmly: "That's a lovely name. My surname is Pei; my full name is Pei Huaizhi."
At that moment, He Guannan called out from behind them: "Huaizhi! Let's go!"
Pei Huaizhi turned around to see He Guannan standing not far behind him waving his hand. He waved back while calling out: "Coming right over!" Then he turned back to Fu Sang and asked: "Would you like to come back with us?"
"Is it the Spirit Master Association?" Fu Sang asked.
Pei Huaizhi waved his hand and quickly replied, "No, I'm going back to the village."
They were currently at the foot of Nanjun Mountain, which technically belonged to Fengjie Village, although it was somewhat remote from the village center. Fu Sang glanced towards He Guannan for a moment before turning back and saying, "I'll head back later; you guys go ahead."
Since she had said so, Pei Huaizhi didn't press further and walked with He Guannan towards the center of the village. Today marked the third day since the Spirit Master Association had arrived in the village. They had resolved the illusion set by the Fox Spirit yesterday and dealt with the Soul-Eating Beast in the mountains today. The sick villagers were recovering, and this matter was considered successfully concluded. They would set off back to the association tonight.
After walking for a while, Pei Huaizhi suddenly remembered that he hadn't asked for her contact information. He quickly turned around and ran back to where they had been talking, only to find that Fu Sang was no longer there. He Guannan, seeing him flustered, thought he had lost something valuable and followed him in a hurry, only to realize that he was looking for someone instead.
"She's already gone. What do you need her for? Do you like her?" He Guannan asked.
"I just forgot to ask for her contact information," Pei Huaizhi replied.
He Guannan frowned. "You really have taken a liking to her."
"I'm just looking to make a friend," Pei Huaizhi insisted.
He Guannan raised an eyebrow at him, seemingly unaware of the underlying issue. "How much do you know about her? You want to be friends? You mentioned she always shows up just in time to save you during emergencies, but what are the odds of that happening? Maybe she's intentionally trying to get close to you. Whether she's human or spirit, you shouldn't trust her too much."
Pei Huaizhi understood that his friend's concerns came from a place of good intentions. "I get your worries."
He Guannan continued, "Regarding this Nanjun Mountain incident, the main culprit—the Fox Spirit—is not even the focus of this event. The rare Crimson Umbrella Ghost has also appeared, along with the Azure Wind Pearl that has been missing for decades, and then there's her. The higher-ups are already aware of these developments, and when we return, they'll likely scrutinize us."
He Guannan was Pei Huaizhi's only friend in the association, so he spoke frankly with him. Occasionally he would tease him, but when it came to serious matters, he would never adopt a casual demeanor; rather, he took things more seriously than Pei Huaizhi did.
They had known each other for five years. Pei Huaizhi joined the Spirit Master Association at fifteen years old. Having learned medicine from a young age and being interested in medical skills, he entered the Divine Department. Initially unfamiliar with his surroundings and people in the department and lacking social skills—along with being a member of the esteemed Pei Family—he often wore a cold expression. These factors led others to perceive him as aloof and spoiled, resulting in a poor impression among his peers.
As time went on, he made several mistakes at work. His name ended up on the warning list due to frequent errors—so frequently that it remained at the top for three consecutive months—making him somewhat of a "celebrity" within the Spirit Master Association.
Since the establishment of this warning list, no one had ever stayed on it for three months; typically, having the same name appear for more than a week was considered extraordinary. Yet his name broke that record.
Moreover, no member of the Divine Department had ever appeared on such a list until Pei Huaizhi's arrival; thus, after he joined, it became notorious for having someone on it for an extended period. This led other departments to mock them behind their backs. Consequently, the head of the Divine Department wanted Pei Huaizhi out; they would prefer him anywhere else but there.
It was challenging for Pei Huaizhi to transfer departments since his reputation had spread throughout the association. The remaining four departments were all wary of him. He knew he had caused considerable trouble for the Divine Department and felt he had no reason to stay there any longer. However, he still wanted to remain in the association. Just as he was preparing to leave after this incident, news suddenly came from the Spirit Handling Department expressing their willingness to accept him into their ranks. That was how he met He Guannan.
New members entering the Spirit Handling Department must undergo trials; only after passing these trials can they officially join. The trial involved slaying an Evil Spirit in Hengshan and sealing it in a spirit-locking bag before bringing it back for inspection.
During his trial at Hengshan, Pei Huaizhi encountered He Guannan being bullied by several people who had left him bleeding from his forehead. He intervened and urged them to let it go; however, they refused to listen and warned him not to meddle or they would beat him too. When words failed him, he resorted to fighting back; although he wasn't winning outright, he used some minor techniques to help He Guannan escape. Afterward, they teamed up to defeat an Evil Spirit together and successfully passed their trial—this experience forged a strong friendship between them.
Feeling somewhat dejected about not finding Fu Sang—knowing her name but lacking any contact information—Pei Huaizhi sensed they would meet again someday. He gazed at the fragmented sunset on the horizon; it painted a magnificent sky that seemed mysterious and profound.
As night fell, members of the Spirit Master Association had half an hour left before departing from the village. A few hours earlier, the village chief and villagers prepared a farewell party specifically to thank them for helping eliminate the Evil Spirit and restoring health to sick villagers. Thus, Pei Huaizhi and other association members gathered in an open area drinking and chatting.
Pei Huaizhi initially thought he would see Fu Sang at this farewell party; however, as they were about to leave, she still hadn't shown up.
The members of the Spirit Master Association boarded their vehicle; Pei Huaizhi sat in the same car as He Guannan. There were only two of them inside—the driver’s seat occupied by He Guannan while Pei Huaizhi settled into the back seat. He felt slightly dizzy with warmth creeping up his face—a bit tipsy despite having drunk very little earlier on. Though he disliked alcohol, villagers insisted on offering him a drink out of kindness; unable to refuse their goodwill completely, he accepted one cup which turned out neither bitter nor spicy but rather sweet and pleasant.
He Guannan noticed something unusual through the rearview mirror, his face slightly flushed as he said, "If you can't drink, then don't."
His head felt a bit dizzy, but he was clear-headed enough to say, "You should at least accept the villagers' goodwill. Open the car window; I need some fresh air."
Once the window was rolled down, a cool breeze rushed into the car, brushing against his slightly warm cheeks and making him feel very comfortable. After a while, as the effects of the alcohol wore off, his head stopped spinning. He reached into his pocket to check his phone when suddenly he felt something fall out. The dim light inside the car made it hard to see what had dropped. He turned on his phone's flashlight and saw a small brown pouch with intricate patterns lying on the seat. Wasn't this the same pouch he had given to Fu Sang?
He picked up the pouch and felt that there was something inside. When he opened it, he found shards of Azure Wind Pearl.
But wasn't this supposed to be with Fu Sang?
He was somewhat surprised, but then thought that Fu Sang must have returned the Spirit Pearl to him.
Comment 0 Comment Count