Chapter 67: Rainstorm Wild Temple 29 Part 2
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The incident at Wild Wolf Peak, which had almost turned into a disaster, had made the responsible officials break out in a cold sweat. The successful resolution of this high-risk event was both symbolic and educational, garnering significant attention from the authorities. In addition to the rescue team, they had also invited experts in folklore and cultural heritage, as well as masters from various temples that often cooperated in resolving such matters, to come and observe the situation at Wild Wolf Peak.
At this moment, both the main hall and the courtyard were crowded with people. The low murmurs of their conversations created a cacophonous backdrop.
Yan Shixun, who didn’t enjoy being the center of attention like a statue admired by others in such a relatively formal setting, was looking for a reason to leave the courtyard.
“What evil god? Ah, I was just a rat spirit who got caught stealing food from the fields. I don’t know anything else.”
“There’s nothing remarkable about me. I’m just a wanderer, not affiliated with any sect or school. My master isn’t from any temple or Taoist temple either; he’s a wandering hermit. I don’t have much fame, and I’m not a grandmaster. I usually roam the streets, helping people expel evil spirits to make meager income.”
“You’re overthinking it. Maybe I just got lucky. Or perhaps the heavens and earth decided it was time to resolve this matter, and I happened to be here. Even if it weren’t me, it would have been someone else.”
“Although I killed the rat, it’s not my concern. You might want to ask the Three Pure Ones about that.”
As Yan Shixun was surrounded by the Taoist masters with questions, he noticed Taoist Ma on the other side. His eyes lit up, and he pointed to Taoist Ma, saying, “Over there is Taoist Ma from the Haiyun Temple. He was the one who first discovered the situation at Wild Wolf Peak more than ten years ago. If you have any questions, you can ask him. He knows more about it than I do, a halfway outsider.”
The masters and experts trusted him, and instinctively followed Yan Shixun’s pointed direction, re-forming a circle around Taoist Ma.
Taoist Ma, still catching his breath from carrying the unconscious Anthony out of the underground temple and handing him over to the medical team, was taken aback when he suddenly found himself surrounded by a group of senior peers and experts.
“Huh?” Taoist Ma looked bewildered.
Seizing the opportunity, Yan Shixun quickly left the courtyard.
Ye Li, who had been leaning against the wall, quietly watching Yan Shixun, let go of his arms crossed in front of his chest and followed suit.
They passed by the high-ranking monks and venerable masters throughout the courtyard, but not a single person noticed Ye Li’s departure.
Or rather, not a single person even noticed his presence.
Despite Ye Li’s striking appearance and physique that would make him the center of attention anywhere he went, when he didn’t want to be noticed, he concealed all his presence and minimized his existence to the point where he nearly merged with the air.
Except for Yan Shixun, he had no interest in other human, ghosts, or masters.
Ye Li walked past the crowd without casting a single glance at anyone else, his full attention fixed on Yan Shixun’s tall and unbowed figure.
He had seen too much in his thousand-year existence, be it monks or Taoists.
If there was any hope in the first hundred or so years, it had waned with his searches and encounters, eventually leading to profound disappointment. He had ultimately given up on seeking and become indifferent.
There was no salvation in the human world.
Ye Li had watched evil spirits and wronged souls walk by under the grand hall, thinking as such.
The humans he had once dedicated all his passion and life to, even crawling out of a pile of dead bodies on the battlefield covered in blood while still trusting in humanity, had never truly changed.
They were never worth saving.
Though they should have been exorcists, dispelling evil and bringing justice to the human realm on behalf of the bureaucratic mistakes in the underworld. They had either been blinded by the allure of wealth, fame, and material gain, using their talents to climb higher for the sake of human accolades, pleasing the powerful, completely deviating from the original intent when the heavens and earth had bestowed this gift upon them. Or they had followed the rules rigidly, lacking flexibility, protecting evildoers and killing innocent ghosts.
All of Ye Li’s initial hopes had turned into cold disappointment.
Therefore, he had never responded to any requests that came from the human world, and he had no intention of allowing these monks and Taoists to see his existence and form.
Yeli Li’s ink-black eyes were originally focused on Yan Shixun’s neck, partially obscured by his hair. However, as he briefly lost himself in his thoughts and then returned to reality, he found that his gaze was uncontrollably drawn to Yan Shixun’s waist.
Yan Shixun’s lithe physique was adorned with smooth, flowing lines, exuding an aesthetic of ultimate power. He seemed like a leopard ready to unleash formidable combat strength at any moment, agile and sharp. Yet, during ordinary times, he would retract his sharp claws into their pads, lazily lie down, and flick his tail while grumpily shooing away the buzzing flies that approached him.
In Yeli Li’s eyes, this version of Yan Shixun was both interesting and irresistibly adorable.
Who wouldn’t appreciate a felid creature brimming with strength? A paw that could crush enemies in combat, but in everyday moments, it transformed into a paw pad ready for gentle strokes, making people itch to reach out and touch.
However, Yeli Li suddenly realized that Yan Shixun’s physique was genuinely impressive. Even though he had no concept of human aesthetics, having spent years in the supernatural realm beyond the human world, he couldn’t help but be tempted.
When Yan Shixun walked, he was even more captivating than when he stood still. Especially when viewed from behind. As he took long strides, the muscular contours of his hips and thighs formed beautiful curves. It exuded an explosive sense of power and beauty that made one not underestimate his strength but be even more drawn to his formidable power.
These lines and curves were hinted at through his fitted trousers, but they only further enticed the desire to see more.
Ye Li couldn’t tear his eyes away.
Originally, Yan Shixun had been heading towards the rooms where the guests were staying. However, as he walked, he suddenly sensed that someone was watching him from behind. The intense gaze made him feel uneasy, and his shoulder blades involuntarily tensed, his muscles preparing for action beneath his black shirt.
Yan Shixun abruptly turned around and saw the man who had been following behind him calmly diverting his gaze, then looking at him as he turned around.
“What’s wrong? Did you forget something?” Ye Li asked calmly.
Yan Shixun looked at him skeptically for a moment, then scanned the surroundings, but that piercing gaze had disappeared, and he couldn’t identify the culprit.
“It’s nothing,” Yan Shixun slowly relaxed his muscles but still furrowed his brow in unease.
Then he noticed something peculiar – why was this man constantly following him?
He had followed him last night in the main hall, then when they went to confront the malevolent entiy, and now this.
Was this guy a three-year-old in kindergarten? Did he enjoy walking behind others?
That’s what Yan Shixun thought, and he didn’t hesitate to ask.
He had always felt a sense of unease around this assistant director and had never let his guard down around the man. Naturally, his attitude towards him wasn’t as relaxed as it was with Zhang Wubing. Besides, he wasn’t known for his gentle speech.
Ye Li, who had been reminiscing about the past with cold, distant eyes, gradually revealed a hint of amusement when he heard Yan Shixun’s question.
“Why did you leave? I left for the same reason,” Ye Li’s expression remained natural, and he spoke casually, “Don’t you dislike being surrounded by a group of people staring at you? I feel the same way.”
Except for you staring at me.
“Don’t worry, I’m not trailing behind you. Yan Shixun, little friend, you don’t need to be so concerned. I’m not the kind of bad person who would kidnap kindergarten kids.”
Ye Li let out a soft laugh, his chest vibrating as he spoke, “No need to be so guarded against me. I won’t harm you. We just happen to share the same destination, it’s merely a coincidental journey together.”
Due to his earlier exploration, Yan Shixun was quite familiar with the Mountain God Temple. He knew that the relatively easier route from the courtyard to where the guests were resting lay in that direction.
The rest of the routes had become muddy due to the heavy rain, and every step would sink into the mud. Only this corridor, called the “Wind and Rain Corridor,” had a roof to shield from rain and a tiled floor, making it easy to walk on. It made sense that people would choose this path.
However, Yan Shixun couldn’t help but feel that the assistant director named Ye Li, who was following behind him, gave off a strange vibe unconsciously…..
Yan Shixun scrutinized the man up and down, his gaze filled with suspicion.
But the path was there, and he couldn’t unreasonably claim that no one else could walk on it, so he continued forward with no other choice.
However, Yan Shixun had lost the calm and indifferent state of mind he had just moments ago. The thoughts that had been drawn into contemplation due to Taoist Ma mentioning his master’s name resurfaced. Every few steps, he would suddenly turn around with a suspicious look, as if trying to catch the man in the act of wrongdoing.
Ye Li felt like he was being observed by a vigilant feline that kept glancing back at him with its beautiful eyes, as if wanting to know more about him.
His sharp, long eyebrows raised slightly, and the amusement in his eyes grew more pronounced. The usually expressionless and statue-like handsomeness he displayed had rarely shown a different expression, becoming more lively and charismatic.
Ye Li innocently spread his hands, indicating that he really hadn’t done anything.
Yan Shixun withdrew his suspicious gaze and slowly turned back to continue walking forward.
The originally long Wind and Rain Corridor, ample enough for someone to become lost in deep contemplation during a solitary walk, had now transformed from a cold and silent place into a more vibrant one as the two of them repeatedly glanced back and forth, paused and moved, harboring mutual suspicions.
Even when they arrived at the guests’ residence, Yan Shixun’s doubts had not diminished. He couldn’t help but feel like he had missed something.
What’s the deal with this person?
Although he had long realized that the man couldn’t simply be an assistant director, it was still too strange…
“Brother Yan, you’re back!”
An Nanyuan, who had been anxiously awaiting Yan Shixun, was the first to spot him. He excitedly called out, “I watched Brother Yan’s split-screen. Brother Yan, you’re amazing! How did you do it? That scene where you kicked down the wall with one foot was so cool! Brother Yan, do you know martial arts? They’re just like in the movies. Can you teach me? I want to learn that.”
An Nanyuan’s voice was filled with excitement, pulling Yan Shixun’s attention away from his thoughts.
Yan Shixun raised his head and looked into the courtyard.
The medical team had taken over here. Zhao Zhen, one of the male actors who seemed to have suffered more significant injuries, had already been stretchered out and taken to the medical vehicle for detailed examination, disinfection, and bandaging.
The other guests, although frightened by their experiences from the previous night, were, for the most part, physically fine. They were currently undergoing inquiries and examinations by the medical personnel, in case any hidden injuries were missed.
An Nanyuan had initially been answering the medical staff’s questions with a relaxed smile, but as soon as he saw Yan Shixun, he immediately stood up from his seat and rushed over to greet him. The medical personnel didn’t have time to hold him back, so they watched as An Nanyuan, who had just been relaxed and only pretending to be alert, was now excitedly surrounding Yan Shixun, bombarding him with questions.
Yan Shixun glanced at An Nanyuan, and he had a rough idea of his physical condition.
Since there wasn’t anything majorly wrong and it was just a matter of some unsettled spirits due to the shock, all he needed to do was wear a Calming Talisman given by Yan Shixun later on. He didn’t need to worry about anything else.
“Do you want to learn?” Yan Shixun, who had transitioned from the battle state and was basking in the warm sunlight, lazily asked offhand.
An Nanyuan’s eyes instantly lit up, and he nodded eagerly.
Which child doesn’t have dreams of martial arts and kung fu when they’re young? He wanted to possess the kind of heroic spirit seen in movies, where he could use martial arts to vanquish evil.
Especially after he had watched the split-screen live broadcast, witnessing Yan Shixun’s confrontation with the malevolent entity in the underground temple. He was so amazed by Yan Shixun’s agile and powerful movements that he held his breath in excitement, his heart pounding, and his blood boiling. He cheered for Yan Shixun in front of the screen with all his might.
Now, when he heard Yan Shixun’s question, he thought his opportunity had come and was suddenly filled with excitement.
However, Yan Shixun simply used his magnetic and low-pitched voice to lazily say, “Train in the winter’s coldest days and the hottest days of summer, follow a regular sleep schedule of 5 hours of sleep starting from 10 o’clock. After waking up, begin with a 50-kilometer run carrying weights, then practice martial arts, including fists, swords, knives, spears, sticks, axes, hammers, hooks, and forks…”
An Nanyuan was so shocked that his mouth hung open, unable to close. As Yan Shixun continued his list, his earlier excitement felt like a flame extinguished by a bucket of cold water. It vanished into thin air, leaving behind only a wisp of smoke.
“I guess I was thinking too much QAQ. Maybe I’ll stick to being an idol and practice dancing for now. When the day comes that I can finish a marathon, then I’ll consider learning from Brother Yan,” An Nanyuan muttered hesitantly.
Although he was into dancing all year round and had good strength, that night had been quite overwhelming for someone who was just an ordinary person.
The example that Yan Shixun just gave… he might drop dead on the spot!
Seeing that An Nanyuan was stepping back, Yan Shixun couldn’t help but let out a light chuckle.
—In reality, he didn’t train every day; he had just given an example, and An Nanyuan had interrupted him before he could finish speaking. He couldn’t help it; this wasn’t called deceiving; it was called stopping mid-example.
Besides, the techniques he had developed for fighting against ghosts since childhood were all focused on targeting their vulnerabilities, techniques meant for killing ghosts. It didn’t mislead anyone.
“Brother Yan’s split-screen livestream is really cool. I’ve taken several screenshots to use as my wallpaper, planning to use it to ward off evil spirits in the future,” Bai Shuang said, restraining her excitement. “Not only me, but many ‘Yan Mai’ have also taken screenshots.”
Yan Shixun caught a keyword, “Yan Mai?”
Bai Shuang hesitated and said, “Uh… it’s, it’s just breakfast oats…”
Note: Yan Mai also means oats.
Yan Shixun asked in a calm voice, “Hmm?”
Bai Shuang continued, “QAQ Well, it’s a nickname given to the people on the internet who like Brother Yan.”
I’m really sorry, Yan Mais, it’s all my fault that Brother Yan heard the fan name, but it’s not because I couldn’t keep the secret. I really tried! It’s just that Brother Yan’s presence is too overwhelming, and I really couldn’t resist it, wuwuwuwu.
Moreover, after so many years in the entertainment industry, she had never seen anyone who didn’t even know what their own fans were called!
Is that reasonable? Is it reasonable?
Even if Bai Shuang’s inner drama was extensive and filled with emotions, she was still scared stiff by Yan Shixun’s overwhelming presence and his simple “Hmm?” She hid behind the medical staff, secretly observing to see if Yan Shixun was angry.
Yan Shixun raised an eyebrow and quickly figured out what was going on from the sentence Bai Shuang had given him.
It seemed that those who had started following him because of An Nanyuan’s dynamic update last time had contributed to his high ranking in the last elimination vote after the previous episode.
They had created a nickname for themselves. It looked like this group was starting to take shape.
However, this also meant that he might be in danger of not being eliminated again after this episode ended.
He had been careless.
Yan Shixun felt that he shouldn’t have fallen for Zhang Wubing’s trick earlier, agreeing to stay until the last elimination as Zhang Wubing had requested. Otherwise, the mission could have been completed much earlier, and he would have been able to return home.
Seeing the awkward atmosphere, An Nanyuan reluctantly stepped forward to break the tension.
“Speaking of which, Brother Yan, it seems like some people in the program’s comment section think you’re too fierce. Shouldn’t you try to appear more gentle? Based on my experience in talent shows, being polite and gentle really attracts fans.”
Yan Shixun snorted, “Why do I need fans?”
“Besides,” he raised his eyebrows slightly, his eyes sharp and bright, “if I’m not fierce, how can I suppress evil spirits?”
What’s the point of being polite when dealing with evil spirits? Should he ask them, “Hello, may I send you to your demise?” before exterminating them?
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Thanks for the update