Sumr in Yangcheng. The sun blazed high in the sky.
Parasols, oversized sunglasses, miniskirts, and long, pale legs.
Gu Zhao’s eyes road everywhere; he felt like two eyes weren’t nearly enough. It wasn’t until a gentle kneading started on both of his arms that he realized he hadn’t paid any attention to the people beside him for quite so ti.
"Enjoying the view?"
"Just a bunch of gaudy makeup. You could probably scrape two ounces of powder off them!"
Jiang Shishi giggled and puffed out her chest, but Xiao Ya quickly threw a wet blanket on her pride. "It’s mostly thanks to that Immortal Pill you gave us, and the daily dicinal Wine."
Jiang Shishi pouted haughtily but was still happy. "Our skin is so amazing now, we don’t even need makeup. It’s just naturally radiant!"
Gu Zhao nodded. "I can certainly attest to that."
Even though the three of them had already engaged in "group activities," being teased by Gu Zhao on the street still made Xiao Ya blush with shyness, even if no one around could hear. She couldn’t help but rub her long legs together.
And seeing Xiao Ya’s shy little expression whetted Gu Zhao’s appetite all over again.
Combined with the soft sensation pressing against his other arm, Gu Zhao couldn’t help but sigh. ’Looks like the search for new recruits will have to be postponed again.’
’Yes, that’s right. I returned from the Otherworld this ti with a job to do.’
’Five Thunder Seeds. I’ve never gone into a fight this well-stocked.’
’Should I look for new people? Or just call soone up from my list of backups?’ Gu Zhao was still considering his options.
"Whoa! So many people!" Jiang Shishi exclaid in surprise as she looked at the line in front of them. "We got here so early, how is the line still this long?"
This was a newly opened internet-famous restaurant. They had heard that during peak al tis, the wait could be several hours. That’s why they had set out extra early in the morning, arriving at their destination just after ten, only to find a massive crowd already ahead of them.
"Guess we wait," Gu Zhao said with a shrug. "Anyway, we ca early just to get a number."
He casually pulled a number. One hundred thirty-two parties ahead of them.
"About when can we expect to be seated?" Gu Zhao’s mouth twitched.
"Probably a little after two," the hostess answered politely.
Gu Zhao: "..."
’Should I pull so strings right now?’
Gu Zhao’s lips quirked, and he turned to leave with the two won. "Let’s go grab a snack sowhere else first. Otherwise, we’ll definitely be starving by noon."
Just then, an angel descended from the heavens. "Gu Zhao!"
"Zhang Hang?" Gu Zhao turned around, his eyes gleaming. "What number do you have?"
"Fuck!" Zhang Hang swore. "We haven’t seen each other in forever, and that’s the first thing you ask ?"
Gu Zhao nodded. "Have you eaten yet?"
"You mother... Forget it." Zhang Hang sighed and held up the small ticket in his hand. "I got here early. We should get a table around eleven."
"My man!" Gu Zhao gripped Zhang Hang’s hand. "We’re crashing your table."
Zhang Hang greeted Xiao Ya and Jiang Shishi, shooting Gu Zhao an envious glance before getting to the point. "How have you been so mysterious lately? I can never seem to find you."
Gu Zhao said with a straight face, "It’s because my Cultivation is getting higher and higher. I often go into seclusion and ignore worldly affairs."
Zhang Hang rolled his eyes, then looked at the two radiant won and nodded in sudden understanding. "Right. Got it."
But his understanding was mixed with intense jealousy. He couldn’t help but lean closer to Gu Zhao. "If I start training with you now, can I handle two at once?"
Gu Zhao patted Zhang Hang’s shoulder. "You’re almost thirty. Don’t be a drear."
Zhang Hang:
...
The internet-famous al was more about looks than flavor, and better for showing off on social dia than for providing a satisfying, comfortable dining experience. Still, they also got to see an old friend, so it killed two birds with one stone. No ti was wasted.
In the afternoon, Gu Zhao was continuing his shopping trip with the two won when he suddenly received a call from the Taoist Research Institute.
"Taoist Qingwei from Zhenwu Mountain is here to visit. He said he wants to see Taoist Qingyuan," the institute’s security guard said.
So ti ago, after consulting with a few of the old Daoists, the Taoist Research Institute had hired a new team of security guards and janitors. They were responsible for logistical support and for preventing the risk of any secrets being exposed.
After all, the only contact information many of the old Daoists had left for their friends and family was this Taoist Research Institute. If soone ca looking for them, there had to be staff on hand to receive them.
If anything ca up, they would call a list of numbers in sequence to see who was free.
Of course, most of the ti, none of the calls would go through. In that case, they could only wait for the old Daoists to erge from their seclusion and return the call. But at least it provided an explanation, preventing people from feeling that the Taoist Research Institute was completely empty and growing suspicious.
This ti, however, they were in luck. Although they couldn’t reach Taoist Qingyuan, Taoist Yi Hong, or Taoist Ming Yu, the next contact on the list picked up.
"Taoist Qingwei? He’s in Yangcheng?" Gu Zhao asked curiously.
"He said he’s here for a Martial Arts exchange conference. He couldn’t reach Taoist Qingyuan by phone and found the institute’s address online, so he ca over," the guard said.
Gu Zhao nodded. "Ask Taoist Qingwei to wait a mont. I’m on my way."
’I was just wondering who to give the five Thunder Seeds to, and now a perfect candidate shows up?’
Taoist Qingyuan had always felt that he had snatched an opportunity from Taoist Qingwei, so he was always at the forefront of Exorcising Demons and Evil Spirits in the Otherworld, contributing a great deal. Since there were extra Thunder Seeds this ti, it was the perfect chance to bring Taoist Qingwei along.
After hanging up, Gu Zhao told the two won to continue shopping and that he would find them after taking care of business at the institute. Then, he found a deserted spot, used his Invisibility Skill, and shot into the air, flying straight toward the research institute.
...
anwhile, the security guard breathed a sigh of relief and said to Taoist Qingwei, "Please wait a mont, sir. Mr. Gu will be here shortly."
"Mr. Gu, is that Gu Zhao?" Taoist Qingwei asked.
"Yes, it is," the security guard nodded.
"He’s at the Taoist Research Institute too," Taoist Qingwei asked curiously. "What’s his position here?"
The security guard paused. "I suppose... a consultant..."
"A consultant?" Taoist Qingwei was a little puzzled. ’The Taoist Research Institute needs a consultant?’
’Could it be that because Gu Zhao has cultivated the Taoist Inner Breath, he was given a sinecure at the institute to receive a stipend?’
He shook his head. The guard probably didn’t know the details anyway. He changed the subject. "Does Qingyuan go out often? Do the other Daoists at the institute go out often as well?"
The security guard replied, "We’re not too clear on that."
Taoist Qingwei nodded. ’Alright, the classic "we don’t know anything".’
Just then, a clear voice called out from the entrance, "Taoist Qingwei!"
"Fellow Taoist Gu?" Taoist Qingwei turned around. "You got here fast!"
"Greetings, Daoist," Gu Zhao said with a cupped-fist salute. "I just happened to be on my way over, so I arrived not long after the call. Please, co in!"
The security guard remained expressionless, not daring to speak. He simply opened the main door, let Gu Zhao in, and allowed Taoist Qingwei to pass.
"I have a conference in Yangcheng, so I thought I’d co see Junior Brother Zhang," Taoist Qingwei said as he followed Gu Zhao into the institute. "How is Junior Brother Zhang doing in Yangcheng?"
"I’ve already notified Martial Uncle Qingyuan," Gu Zhao said with a smile. "He’s just a bit far away right now, so you’ll have to wait a little while."
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