Mei Rujing tossed the Sanqing Bell aside and began discussing the main topic of their trip with the other two. She said, “Do you remember that job we took last time, the one where we went looking for a child together? That family suddenly contacted me again. Now, they have a big project and are looking for people to complete it. Money is not an issue!”
Upon hearing this, Chu Qianli was momentarily stunned and suddenly thought of Shi Zhuoqu.
Tan Muxing glanced at her tentatively. He was clearly considering the same possibility and asked, “You mean President Shi’s people?”
Mei Rujing nodded. “Yes, but this time, it’s not President Shi himself—it’s his younger brother who reached out. You guys might not remember him.”
Chu Qianli asked, “The one who was responsible for transferring the payment to you last time?”
“You actually remember that?” Mei Rujing was surprised. “Yes, it’s him.”
Chu Qianli and Tan Muxing exchanged a silent look. They had just seen Shi Zhuoqu in G City, and now he had reached out to Mei Rujing.
“This project is different from the one we went on last time. I confirmed in advance that although there is some selection involved, there’s absolutely no need to take a civil service exam this time.” Mei Rujing was still resentful about Professor Pan and the others’ exam questions. She said in dissatisfaction, “Last time’s exam nearly gave me a mental breakdown.”
Chu Qianli asked, “Did they mention what exactly the project entails?”
“They said it’s related to mining. There haven’t been detailed discussions yet. After passing the assessment, we’ll have to sign a confidentiality agreement before discussing specifics,” Mei Rujing explained. “You know how massive the workload is for geomancy and site selection. So I was thinking, why don’t we form a team and go together? You two don’t belong to any sect, right?”
“You have no idea how fierce the competition is these days. For people like us, who are independent practitioners, getting these projects is incredibly difficult. We simply can’t compete with those who have sect affiliations!”
Mei Rujing inherited her skills through her family but had no sect connections. Similarly, Chu Qianli and Tan Muxing followed Pan Yicheng but didn’t align themselves with any group, unlike Yu Yi and others who had sect backgrounds.
Chu Qianli thought of the map in the Little Arcana deck and could guess why Shi Zhuoqu and his backers were looking for people. She asked, “Is everyone forming teams?”
“I heard several major sects were approached, so there are probably a lot of group registrations. And you know what? They’re serious— even Qian Sect is planning to come,” Mei Rujing said. “You guys didn’t leave President Shi your contact information last time, so his younger brother specifically reached out to me to ask about you.”
Shi Zhuoqu had remembered that Chu Qianli was skilled, but at the time, he knew nothing about her and was strangely forced to hand over his business card.
Tan Muxing asked doubtfully, “Qian Sect is sending people too? But isn’t Daoist Xu Qian in seclusion?”
Tan Muxing distinctly remembered his grandfather mentioning that Daoist Xu Qian never left the mountain. It had indeed been a long time since he had seen the man.
Mei Rujing replied, “I don’t know. Qian Sect hasn’t shown up in the past two years, and now they’re suddenly coming out. So, the competition is really intense.”
Hearing about Shi Zhuoqu and his people’s large-scale recruitment, Chu Qianli felt that they weren’t just using the truth about the ten-billion-dollar raw stone as bait but were likely assembling a team for their upcoming mining operation.
Even she wasn’t confident about completing the mining process alone. Outsiders would be even more clueless. Now, they seemed to be using sheer financial power to gather experts.
“Rujing, are they offering a lot of money?” Chu Qianli asked curiously. “Surely, there must be some masters who can’t be swayed by money.”
Mei Rujing responded, “That probably depends on how they approach the conversation. In my case, money was the most convincing argument. If you’re interested, we can sign up in a while and discuss the details with them then.”
Chu Qianli and the Others Plan to Investigate First
Chu Qianli and the others set a date with Mei Rujing, deciding to visit the place together first to confirm the details before deciding whether to sign up.
The three parted ways at the entrance of the teahouse. Mei Rujing headed to the parking lot to drive away, leaving only Chu Qianli and Tan Muxing behind.
Tan Muxing still remembered what the Daoist had said that day. He looked at Chu Qianli and said, “Daoist Xu Qian mentioned that a once-in-a-century Pathfinding Conference would take place in a year.”
Daoist Xu Qian had known he couldn’t solve Chu Qianli’s problem and had suggested that they attend the conference when the time came—perhaps they might have a stroke of fortune. Thinking about it now, the timing was just about right.
“That does make sense. In this day and age, it’s not like the Huashan Sword Conference. If there really is a Pathfinding Conference, someone must be organizing it,” Chu Qianli said. “Gathering so many people together must be an exhausting and costly effort. I wonder what exactly they’re trying to do.”
“Should we go?”
Chu Qianli let out a long sigh.
Seeing her looking so downcast, Tan Muxing asked with concern, “What’s wrong?”
“I haven’t been around so many peers in a long time. When that happens, there will definitely be a ton of headaches. All sorts of demons and ghosts will come out of the woodwork!” Chu Qianli scratched her head in frustration and mumbled, “Am I going to be surrounded and attacked again?”
Where there are people, there are conflicts—especially among professionals who often look down on each other.
Tan Muxing couldn’t help but laugh. “That won’t happen, right? You seem to get along well with Rujing.”
Chu Qianli whimpered pitifully, “Xingxing, if someone yells at me, will you stand by my side and speak up for me?”
Tan Muxing was puzzled by her question, but he instinctively replied, “Of course, I’ll definitely…” stand by your side.
Chu Qianli’s eyes lit up with anticipation as she finished for him, “Definitely help me beat them up?”
Tan Muxing: “?”
He panicked. “Wait… shouldn’t I be standing up for you verbally?” Why did this suddenly turn into a fight?
Chu Qianli waved dismissively. “Oh, you’ll see. There’s no reasoning with some people. The only way to get through to them is by giving them a beating!”
Tan Muxing seemed to suddenly understand why she had been attacked before: “…”
Chu Qianli bounced around him, eagerly pressing for an answer. “You’ll help me, right? You’ll help me, right?”
Tan Muxing couldn’t exactly promise to beat up everyone who disagreed with her. After thinking for a moment, he gently said, “I’ll help you.”
Chu Qianli’s face lit up with joy, feeling reassured. She immediately stood with her hands on her hips, looking triumphant.
As a pacifist, Tan Muxing proposed a peaceful alternative. “If someone insults you, I’ll cover your ears so you won’t hear it. That way, just like the Sanqing Bell, you won’t feel the urge to hit them.”
Chu Qianli: “?” Was he treating her like a bell and trying to fool her?
—
Qian Mountain – A New Journey Begins
Mist curled around the lush forests of Qian Mountain.
Xu Zaiyuan, dressed in Daoist robes, carefully placed a peachwood sword into a cloth bag and slung it securely over his back. Carrying his luggage, he walked to the temple gate to bid farewell to his master.
Standing behind Daoist Xu Qian were several other Daoists, who were there to send off the young disciples leaving the mountain today. These disciples were about to embark on their own journeys and would no longer have their masters by their side.
Xu Zaiyuan stood at the front of the group and led them in a solemn bow to Xu Qian and the others, marking their final farewell before descending the mountain. When he straightened up, he suddenly felt a wave of dizziness. Looking at his master and fellow disciples in front of the temple gate, he still found the moment somewhat surreal.
Noticing his emotions, Xu Qian spoke calmly, “Zaiyuan, this is your first time leaving the mountain. You must be mentally prepared—the world outside is different from Qian Sect.”
Xu Zaiyuan asked, “Master, what is the difference between the two?”
“Within the sect, you only have to interpret divinations. Outside these gates, you must interpret people. It is difficult enough to predict fortune and misfortune from the hexagrams, but distinguishing good and evil in people is a hundred times harder,” Xu Qian said. “A gentleman acts at the right time. Though your divinations are exceptionally accurate, reading people is an entirely different skill.”
Xu Zaiyuan half-understood. He respectfully bowed once more to Xu Qian and the senior disciples before finally following the group down the mountain.
Moments later, the young Daoists stood at the foot of the mountain. Xu Zaiyuan turned back for one last look, but all he could see was the towering, mist-shrouded mountain. The Daoist temple at the peak was already out of sight.
Looking ahead, he saw a smooth, wide highway—completely different from the scenery of the mountain.
“Little Shishu, shall we go?” Unlike him, the others had left the mountain many times before. One of them gently reminded him.
Xu Zaiyuan snapped back to reality. He instinctively touched his peachwood sword and replied, “Let’s go.”
—
Meeting at the Mondsen Group Headquarters
The scorching sun blazed overhead, but the air-conditioning inside the high-rise building was so strong that it sent a chill through those who entered.
In the lobby, Mei Rujing met up with Chu Qianli and the others. She glanced around at the building’s interior and commented, “The place is pretty grand.”
“Well, of course—it’s a major financial conglomerate,” Chu Qianli muttered.
She and Tan Muxing had already looked into the building beforehand. The skyscraper had been built by Mondsen Group and was considered one of its key locations in the capital.
Moments later, Shi Zhuoqu emerged from inside the building. He hurried over to greet them politely. “It’s been a while, esteemed teachers.”
Mei Rujing cut straight to the point. “Didn’t expect your business skills to surpass even President Shi’s.”
“You flatter me, Master Mei. It’s the company’s platform that is large—I’m just an employee,” Shi Zhuoqu replied while conversing with Mei Rujing. He then noticed Chu Qianli’s inquisitive gaze and greeted her and Tan Muxing with courtesy. “You two seem just the same as before.”
Chu Qianli was still curiously glancing around, while Tan Muxing quietly followed behind her.
Mei Rujing, who hadn’t heard their previous conversations, looked between them and asked tentatively, “What? You guys know each other well now?”
“We only chatted briefly last time,” Shi Zhuoqu explained. “Chu seems to enjoy observing people.”
Chu Qianli occasionally stared at people intently, lost in thought, which Shi Zhuoqu found rather odd.
“Ah, I just haven’t seen you in a while, so it feels new and interesting. Just looking a little more,” Chu Qianli replied. She had actually been analyzing Shi Zhuoqu’s microexpressions, but she felt he was unaware of the true nature of the raw stone dispute, so she didn’t bring up the events in G City.
Shi Zhuoqu, of course, never associated Chu Qianli with the individuals mentioned by Aberna. After all, she and Tan Muxing were part of the national team. No matter how he thought about it, they had nothing to do with bandits—it was simply too far-fetched.
“Please come in, all three of you. Let’s go upstairs to discuss.”
Shi Zhuoqu swiped his work badge to open the metal elevator and led the three of them to a quiet office for a detailed discussion.
Inside the room, everyone took their seats one after another, and Shi Zhuoqu spoke, “I mentioned this to Master Mei last time. I’m not sure if the other two teachers are aware of the general situation?”
Chu Qianli said, “Mining, right? Can I ask what exactly is being extracted?”
“It’s not convenient to disclose that at the moment. But if we proceed with the collaboration, we will sign a confidentiality agreement, and then we will share all the details with you.”
“If you don’t clarify this…” Chu Qianli glanced at Tan Muxing and deliberately feigned difficulty. “It’ll be hard for us to explain to our organization.”
Chu Qianli noticed that Shi Zhuoqu was unaware of their true identities, so she simply continued to act mysterious.
Shi Zhuoqu responded warmly, “I understand that the nature of your work is different, and you may not be particularly concerned about financial compensation. However, the mining site contains many valuable relics, which might interest you.”
Chu Qianli was surprised. “Valuable relics?”
“Yes, and not just ordinary ruins. I don’t fully understand them myself,” Shi Zhuoqu admitted with a shrug. “But you experts should be familiar with them. Perhaps you’ll find them intriguing, as they are closely related to various esoteric practices.”
Chu Qianli fell into deep thought.
Mei Rujing was more straightforward. “I’m not interested in the relics—just tell me how intriguing the payment is.”
“Of course, if the teachers have different preferences, we can adjust accordingly. If the project proceeds smoothly, the compensation will certainly be satisfactory, and we will clearly define it in the contract.” Shi Zhuoqu added, “Money is not an issue.”
Mei Rujing remarked, “You’re quite straightforward.”
Chu Qianli, as the biggest beneficiary of profiting from raw stones, nodded in agreement and commented objectively, “You do seem financially strong.” It was rare to encounter such wealthy yet naive patrons.
“So, would the three of you like to sign up? There’s a simple screening process, and we’ll need your contact details to notify you later.” Shi Zhuoqu picked up the registration forms on the table and handed them to them.
Chu Qianli glanced at the upper right corner of the form and noticed a familiar emblem of a snake and an apple.
The registration form was far less detailed than the one for the railway project—it mainly asked for contact information. The three of them filled out their forms and returned them to Shi Zhuoqu without taking much time.
Shi Zhuoqu thanked them and took the forms, casually browsing through them. Then, he pulled out Mei Rujing’s form and categorized the rest separately on the table.
Chu Qianli noticed this subtle action and was taken aback. “Why did you separate Sister Rujing’s form?”
“Did I?” Mei Rujing quickly turned back. “We’re signing up as a team.”
Shi Zhuoqu hadn’t expected Chu Qianli to be so observant, so he had no choice but to explain, “It’s like this—we have internal selection rules. Master Mei doesn’t need to go through the preliminary screening process.”
Chu Qianli was shocked. “Why?”
Mei Rujing said skeptically, “You’re not planning to use this as leverage to cut my pay, are you?”
Tan Muxing asked, “Can we ask about the selection criteria?”
“Master Mei’s lineage is connected to the relics at the mining site. More importantly, you should be in possession of an artifact that originally came from there.” Shi Zhuoqu admitted frankly, “To be honest, we might need it later.”
All three of them simultaneously thought of the Sanqing Bell.
Mei Rujing was momentarily stunned. “But we’re part of the same team. Can’t we all skip the preliminary screening?”
“I’m really sorry, but we have strict regulations. I’m confident that the preliminary screening won’t be difficult for the other two teachers, and you can regroup afterward.” Shi Zhuoqu’s response was seamless. He had never personally witnessed Chu Qianli and Tan Muxing’s abilities, so he needed the initial selection to assess them.
Mei Rujing frowned in frustration. “This is just breaking up the team. How does that make sense?”
Shi Zhuoqu remained composed. “I apologize, but rules are rules. I don’t have the authority to change them.”
After some time, the three of them exited the building. Mei Rujing, unable to win the argument with Shi Zhuoqu, was feeling irritated and frowned. “Maybe I should just go through the preliminary selection with you.”
“No way, the Sanqing Bell finally got you a free pass! It finally has a chance to prove itself as more than just a useless trinket!” Chu Qianli firmly rejected the idea. “Besides, if I wanted a free pass, I could just pull out my compass—I just don’t want them to know about it yet.”
Now that Shi Zhuoqu had mentioned the Sanqing Bell, Chu Qianli’s thoughts aligned, and she naturally didn’t want to reveal her compass and tarot cards.
Mei Rujing suddenly realized, “Oh right, you have the compass. Didn’t we say it was connected to the bell?”
“Exactly. So, we’ll split up—Sister Rujing will check out the group that skips the screening, while Star and I will see what’s going on with those who have to go through it.” Chu Qianli made the decision. “This way, we can gather intelligence on both sides, and when the time comes, we’ll coordinate from within and outside.”
I am just a novice translator and Chinese is not my native language. I try my best to translate the chapters as accurate as possible.
If there are any mistakes then kindly comment and remind me. Your support means a lot.
