After hanging up the phone, Huai Shi lapsed into silence, speaking no more.
Sitting in his chair, he began to ponder.
The key position left vacant by the deposition of the head of the Li Jian family.
The foreseeable struggle between the legitimate main line and collateral branches of the Satomi clan, as well as the long-standing, deadly infighting between the Wu Family and the Dukes, the infiltration of the Dongxia Genealogy, the Chef Demon confrontation, the Ivory Tower's arrangents…
And finally, the reward promised by Amber.
The remains of the four great monsters in the Uji Treasure.
Treasures considered on par with the Philosopher's Stone.
Their continued existence to this day, and their imnse power, were secondary; what was truly important was their status in history and the foundation they had laid for the Yingzhou Phylogeny.
Like ancient relics displayed with great care in a museum.
These were all testants preserved in history, proof of a genealogy's past.
As malevolent objects, the degree of distortion upon them was astounding, yet the Correction Values built on this foundation were by no ans insignificant. As Sources, they had spread countless Disasters while simultaneously nurturing the birth of nurous miracles.
If used as materials for Alchemy, they would undoubtedly create uniquely rare treasures of this era.
If used as sustenance…
Huai Shi lowered his gaze, staring at the blood-stained Divine Sword resting on his lap.
From the endless Grudge, waves of insatiable hunger emanated—the Ravens' malevolent nature hidden beneath their devout praises.
During their evolution, not only was there no satiation, but their craving intensified—a hunger for more sustenance, more Disasters, and more miracles.
"In that case, making the trip wouldn't be a loss, would it?"
Huai Shi let out a sigh, turned towards Tong Ji, who had appeared beside him at so unknown ti, and asked, "Do you have any suggestions?"
"Um…" Tong Ji thought for a mont. "Eat and drink well, bring so souvenirs, and don't pick the wildflowers by the roadside?"
Huai Shi rolled his eyes.
"Seriously, anything else?"
"Additionally, co down to the basent tonight; there are so matters I need to explain to you."
"Hmm?"
"It's ti I taught you the Great Priestess's Mystic Ritual of transformation," Tong Ji said, her smile growing more cheerful. "Just to be upfront, this ritual is extrely dangerous. How to apply it and when to seize the mont will be up to you. Don't let it get out of hand, okay?"
From that smile, Huai Shi undoubtedly sensed the familiar Death Perception.
He sighed with understanding.
Here we go again. Ti for my persecution, right?
In fact, this journey would probably not be smooth sailing at all; from the very beginning, it felt fraught with misfortune.
The following afternoon, Huai Shi received a call asking him to go to the administrative office as soon as possible for an important notice.
"Sorry, Secretary Huai, your passport application has been rejected."
The officer coughed a few tis. "Yingzhou authorities are refusing to issue your passport and have also issued a warning and lodged a complaint against the Ivory Tower."
"Huh?"
Huai Shi was stunned. "What the heck?"
"We're not clear on the details either," the officer said with an indescribable expression. "For so reason, Deer's Sing Hall has classified you as a dangerous individual and has even issued a warrant for your arrest."
"…"
"Furthermore, they claim you have several charges still within the statute of limitations in Yingzhou, including impersonating a state official and espionage… Do you have any idea what this is about?"
"How would I know!"
Huai Shi's eyes widened as he retorted vehently, "This is slander, sheer and utter slander! It's a despicable and shaless fra-up by Deer's Sing Hall! Pity an innocent man like —a pillar of the Astronomical Society, a veritable cornerstone of the Ivory Tower, a promising and upright young man—to suffer such unfair treatnt! Heaven's gaze is upon us! Heaven's gaze is upon us! I have rendered ritorious service to the Current Circumstances! I have shed blood in Hell! I'll appeal to the Astronomical Society! I will appeal!"
Though he spoke of appealing…
In reality, Huai Shi did indeed appeal.
The efficiency of the Astronomical Society was as extraordinary as ever.
Ten minutes later, a call ca from the Secretariat of the Strategy Headquarters, Yingzhou Jurisdiction Bureau.
A voice dripping with honorifics and humility expressed, in a tone that sounded utterly remorseful, a hundred tis more annoyed, and ten thousand tis more indignant, their understanding for Huai Shi and their denunciation of Deer's Sing Hall's despicable actions. Then, it casually ntioned Huai Shi's ranking on Shinra's Seven Star Group's internal blacklist.
Ultimately, the speaker stated they were aware of the matter and would soon organize etings to discuss and resolve it—it was already 'in progress,' 'on its way'… Therefore, they requested he peacefully continue teaching at the Ivory Tower, assuring him that 'our' Yingzhou Jurisdictional Branch would definitely provide an explanation.
Although the wording was very polite and vague, the subtext, if translated bluntly, was quite clear: 'Little brother, who do you think you're fooling? Reflect on your past actions! It's been barely over a year since the Asian Newcor Competition, and the old Court Officials at Deer's Sing Hall are still taphorically watching you from the 'crooked-neck tree'! The last ti you, a mber of the Astronomical Association, got involved in the Xiematai conflict, do you know how much trouble we local factions had cleaning up your ss? Why are you still jumping into this pit? Just stay put in the Ivory Tower, will you!'
To be fair, as a sibling entity, the Yingzhou Jurisdiction Bureau had already been quite accommodating. Otherwise, Deer's Sing Hall's manhunt and the Seven Star Group's bounty wouldn't have remained re verbal threats.
But they really didn't want to do this favor.
These days, it was already exceedingly difficult for the Jurisdiction Bureau to remain neutral and maintain stability amidst the struggles between the Wu Family and the Dukes.
Especially with the situation recently destabilizing again, all sorts of ssy incidents had already cost mbers of the Strategy Headquarters who-knows-how-many pounds of hair. The deposition of the Li Jian family head was rely a fuse; heaven knew what tempests lay ahead.
At this critical juncture, word that the Asian Jurisdiction Bureau's infamous jinx planned to leap into the powder keg at their own doorstep, intending to 'put on a show' for everyone, made the chief of border customs turn green with fright.
Brother, can't we just live a little more peacefully? Isn't the humble fare at the Ivory Tower good enough? Why bother coming to Yingzhou for this 'cold bento'?
In short, he wouldn't have known if he hadn't complained, but the complaint ca as a shock—to think he'd managed to alienate his allies with it!
Huai Shi was alard to realize his Feng Ping was teetering on the edge of a perilous cliff.
He was dumbfounded.
Sothing feels damnably wrong.
What in the world are you people doing?! I was all set, and now you're barring my entry? Do you bastards have any idea how much determination I mustered, how much internal struggle I endured? Besides, do they really think this can stop ?
Actually… they really could stop him.
If the Yingzhou Jurisdiction Bureau was dead set against Huai Shi ddling, they had ten thousand 'soft nails' to send him packing. Even if Huai Shi risked smuggling himself into Yingzhou, upon exposure, hundreds of agents would 'accompany' him to a hot spring villa deep in the mountains for 'long-term recuperation' until this whole affair concluded.
It was unbearable.
Just as Huai Shi started going bald with worry, Luo Su, who had appeared beside him at so unknown point, had finally seen enough of the spectacle and drawled,
"Speaking of which, I do have a way."
But when Huai Shi's hope was rekindled, he saw that old face begin to lant with great regret, "However, isn't it your ex-girlfriend's birthday, making you unable to go? Then let's just forget it.
After all, I'm not so demon. Love is a lifeti affair, definitely more important than work. Could I possibly force you?"
"What ex-girlfriend? A good horse doesn't graze on an old path. A breakup is a breakup; broken mirrors can't be made whole!"
Huai Shi replied without hesitation, "Right now, my heart is set only on work; work brings joy!"
"Ah, that you can think this way, as your teacher, I am truly gratified."
Luo Su sighed again. "But the list of mbers for the exchange team is already set. I can't arrange anything either."
Old Turtle, don't you dare go too far!
Huai Shi's expression twitched, forcing a smile. "It's fine! I volunteer to contribute to the Ivory Tower. I'll take annual leave for unpaid service—no pay needed—and I absolutely won't cause any trouble for the exchange team!"
Luo Su pondered for a mont, then sighed again. He couldn't help but look at Huai Shi and shake his head. "But this thod is a bit difficult; I'm afraid you might not be able to accept it."
"Where there's difficulty, there's challenge!"
Huai Shi thumped his chest loudly, assuring with a resounding voice, "As a guardian of the Current Circumstances, what hardship haven't I faced? Mountains of daggers, seas of fire—I can handle them all!"
"Alright then, since you insist on going, as your teacher, I can't stop you."
Luo Su, sighing dramatically, played the part of a helpless teacher unable to dissuade a stubborn disciple to perfection, thoroughly enjoying the act until Huai Shi was nearly grinding his teeth to dust. Only then did he clasp his hands behind his back and start walking.
"Co with , I have sothing for you."
Before long, in Luo Su's office, a safe was opened.
A heavy iron box was extracted and placed on the desk. After blowing off non-existent dust, Luo Su ticulously wiped his hands and unlocked the combination lock.
"This is a gift I prepared for you the day you beca my student. I originally intended to give it to you upon your graduation… but I believe now is when you need it."
As the old man moved, the treasure resting in Deep Sleep within was finally revealed before Huai Shi.
In the prolonged silence, Huai Shi stood stunned.
Stiffly lifting his head, he widened his eyes.
"This… what is this?"
Under the yellowing sunlight filtering through the window, the pure white item inside the iron box emanated a faint, dreamlike glow, as if calling to its future master.
The ticulous tailoring highlighted its exceptional taste and design, while the lace adorning the collar and chest further enhanced its elegance and sweetness.
Look at this color, as pure as snow! Look at this exquisite craftsmanship! And look at this overwhelming aura of elegance!
What sensible disciple would refuse such a gift? And what girl wouldn't be moved to tears upon receiving it, understanding her teacher's encouragent and expectations?
And so, carrying the heavy expectations of an elder,
a dress was presented to Huai Shi.
"Try it on. How's the fit?"
Luo Su smiled.
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