Before long, Chu Fan arrived. When he came in, the two girls were still there. Upon seeing Chu Fan, the long-haired girl who had been trying to persuade the Short-Haired Girl to pursue the Handsome Manager gasped, "Chu, Brother Chu Fan."
The name "Chu Fan" itself was nothing special, but when she added "Brother," I noticed the corner of Chu Fan's mouth twitch. In the next moment, I saw the long-haired girl shyly stand up, looking at Chu Fan with hopeful eyes. "Brother Chu Fan, do you... do you still remember me?"
I looked at Chu Fan's expressionless face, genuinely worried that he might say he didn't recognize her. This girl clearly had feelings for him.
As I was thinking this, she introduced herself, "Brother Chu Fan, I'm Xiaorou, Jiang Xiaorou. I live next door to you. You helped me with my homework before! But you haven't been back for a long time."
I wasn't sure how much of Chu Fan's memory remained within Jun Chong's body, but from his current expression, it was clear that he had no impression of this woman. However, Jiang Xiaorou didn't seem to mind at all.
While I hesitated about whether to intervene, I felt a chill on my wrist as Chu Fan took my hand. "I'm late; let's go!"
"Okay, let's settle the bill first." I awkwardly smiled at the shocked girl who was now glaring at me with jealousy and whispered to Chu Fan, "Your neighbor didn't even say hello; look at that girl's face."
Chu Fan frowned as he glanced at Jiang Xiaorou while waiting for the waiter to bring the bill. "She doesn't seem very clean; avoid contact."
"But I didn't see anything," I blinked and smiled slightly at Jiang Xiaorou before turning back. "Are you sure?"
"Yeah, there's a foul smell." Chu Fan took the change from the waiter and put it in his pocket before pulling me outside. "First to the hospital, then I'll take you somewhere to take pictures."
"Pictures?" Jiang Xiaorou's ears were sharp; we had already reached the entrance and were still a distance away from her, yet she could hear us and chased after us. "Brother Chu Fan is taking pictures?"
"It's her who wants to take pictures; just some simple ID photos will do."
"I know a photo studio where they can take any kind of picture. The photographer is really skilled. If it's convenient, I can take Brother Chu Fan there!"
She looked at Chu Fan with bright eyes full of anticipation. I felt embarrassed; clearly, I was the one who wanted to take pictures!
Chu Fan glanced at me as if asking for my opinion. I looked at Jiang Xiaorou and then back at Chu Fan before nodding. It wasn't urgent anyway; since she knew someone, it would be quick.
"Then I'll trouble you."
"No problem! As long as it's for Brother Chu Fan, it's all good."
I felt embarrassed; I was the one who should be thanking him!
After leaving the restaurant, I headed straight to the hospital. Fortunately, Jiang Xiaorou didn’t follow me; otherwise, I would have felt like a glaring light bulb.
I knew that Chu Fan was quite the charmer, but ever since Jun Chong took over his body, all the admirers around Chu Fan had vanished. As Lin You put it, Chu Fan's aura had changed, becoming more intimidating, so no one dared to approach him. Plus, with me as his beautiful girlfriend, others felt inferior.
Although I didn’t pride myself on my looks, it was amusing when a little girl approached him without acknowledging me. I couldn’t help but tease, “Such a cute little girl! Why aren’t you even glancing at her? You’re breaking her heart—can you live with that?”
Chu Fan shot me a sideways glance and walked around to a well-lit area before leisurely replying, “Are you suggesting I go on a date with her?”
“I wouldn’t mind.” As soon as I said that, a chill swept through me, and I quickly corrected myself. “If you want to go, then let Chu Fan go. You’re my Jun Chong; it’s not like I’m interested in Chu Fan. What’s there to be concerned about?”
Chu Fan narrowed his eyes at me, a slight smirk forming on his lips, clearly pleased.
After walking a few steps, he suddenly added, “The Miasma from the Underworld Ghost Path has gone missing. I haven’t figured out where it is yet, but it’s definitely in the human realm. Once the Miasma appears, all sorts of creatures will be stirred up. Be careful lately; don’t wander around aimlessly. And if Lin You comes looking for you, don’t rush off.”
“Got it,” I replied.
Chu Fan tightened his grip on my hand. “I’ve attached the Hairpin to your waist so you won’t lose it again. If there’s any danger, it will protect you first, and I’ll know right away.”
I nodded. After losing the Hairpin last time—if Jun Chong hadn’t arrived in time, I would have been done for—he had imprinted the Hairpin onto my left waist once I regained my strength. I didn’t know what kind of magic it was, but as long as I recited the incantation, the Hairpin would materialize in my hand for my use.
It felt like magic; it was quite fascinating.
We arrived at the hospital where Molin was recovering well. Although he still looked pale, he was young and spirited enough to be in good spirits. When he saw us holding hands, he scoffed derisively.
“Showing off your love will get you killed quickly.”
I couldn’t help but laugh at that. “Then you should find someone to show off with too! If you don’t have anyone, don’t act cool; it’s just sour.”
“Gu Anxin, do you still want the Soul-Calling Bell or not?”
His voice rose sharply, and I suddenly remembered the matter at hand. I immediately put on a charming smile and said, “ Molin dear, please do me a favor and hand over the item quickly. Without the bell, I won’t be able to survive!”
"Look at your lack of ambition." Molin snorted coldly, tossing the bell from his wrist over to me. "This bell is inaudible to most people and only serves to soothe restless souls."
I only knew that Lin Shan wanted the Soul-Calling Bell and the Soul Bell, but I had no idea what they did. Curious, I immediately asked, "What does the Soul Bell do?"
"The Soul Bell can control souls. As long as the bell keeps ringing, the soul cannot gain freedom. It can control both spirits and living souls. There was once someone who wielded the Soul Bell and easily destroyed an entire town."
Molin enjoyed being praised and flattered, regardless of whether it was true or not. Hearing my eagerness to learn made him clear his throat, ready to explain, but he was interrupted by Chu Fan, who snapped back angrily, "Jun Chong, why are you butting in?"
Chu Fan shot a subtle glance at Molin, causing him to shudder slightly. Yet he still retorted defiantly, "If you’re so capable, go find the Soul Bell yourself."
"Do you know where the Soul Bell is?" I suddenly remembered something from their conversation and asked, "But if I have the Soul-Calling Bell in hand, which would be more powerful—summoning souls or calming them?"
"On the surface, it’s obviously the Soul Bell." This time Molin was quick to respond, raising an eyebrow with pride. "That’s because someone has placed a seal on the Soul-Calling Bell, turning it into a mere soothing tool for restless souls. It’s only useful for sensitive people like you; otherwise, it’s useless. However, if one could break the seal on the Soul-Calling Bell, its power would be extraordinary. Ancient texts describe it as 'with a shake of the bell, all impurities are cleared away, calming souls and unstoppable in its path.' But wearing it is a waste; my master said that unless you are the reincarnation of the person who created the Soul-Calling Bell and the Soul Bell, no one can break its seal."
I trembled in shock. No wonder Lin Shan wanted these two bells; their powers were so formidable—one could kill without blinking while the other could save lives. They were like yin and yang, mutually reinforcing yet opposing each other. I couldn't help but exclaim, "Who originally created these things?"
Chu Fan glanced at me and tied the Soul-Calling Bell onto my hair tie like a beautiful yet unobtrusive ornament. "Soo Family's Chief Disciple, Yi," he said. After a pause, he added, "She’s a woman—a Yin-Yang Master."
"Wow! That's amazing." I felt a surge of excitement. "Are there really Yin-Yang Masters in this world? Novels always portray them as incredibly powerful."
"Pfft! Of course Yin-Yang Techniques are endlessly versatile; they’re impressive. But someone like you probably can't even learn the most basic Taoist methods. It's pointless to dream."
Facing Molin's increasingly sarcastic remarks made me happier by the minute. I slowly narrowed my eyes and replied coolly, "Oh, I forgot to tell you something—Xiao You suddenly said she doesn’t want to give you her blood anymore because you keep bullying me. She thinks it would be better if you just died! So today might be your last chance to get it; don’t worry—I’ll burn incense for you every year on your death anniversary."
"Hey now, that's not fair!"
I raised an eyebrow at him. "Who told you to be so rude? You should learn how to talk to your elder sister properly from now on. Xiao You is my best friend; when I say one thing, she never says another! So you understand what that means!"
Seeing Molin's defeated expression lifted my spirits immensely.
Molin raised a white flag in surrender. "Alright! I admit I was wrong! Just have some pity on me; I'll tell you about the Soul Bell."
Chu Fan's eyes darkened. "Where?"
The voice was deep and authoritative. Molin reluctantly pouted but still said, "I asked my master, and the last news about the Soul Bell was in Tianshan. No one has mentioned it since."
"Are you sure?"
I frowned. Tianshan wasn't just a short distance away; considering the time it would take for a round trip, where exactly in such a vast area would we even look?
"Whether I'm sure or not, I have to go find it."
As soon as I heard that, I immediately said, "I'll go with you."
"No, you stay here. The situation in Tianshan is uncertain, and I can't take care of you while I'm there. I'll be faster alone. Just wait for me at home. If anything happens, find him. Although there are still a few doses of Blood from the Tongue left, he can handle things." Chu Fan pointed at Molin. "I'm leaving Anxin in your care. If anything happens to her, then that Blood from the Tongue will truly be gone."
Molin clicked her tongue in disdain and replied reluctantly, "I understand. It's such a hassle. I'll be discharged tomorrow; at least I can stay by her side then, right?"
Chu Fan nodded and turned to me, saying, "I'll go as Spirit. Don't worry; I'll definitely be back within ten days."
"Okay."
Saying that I wasn't worried was certainly a lie. The moment Molin mentioned Tianshan, unease settled in my heart. But I couldn't stop Jun Chong's decision; after all, he was making this journey to save me.
"I'll wait for you. You must come back safely."
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