Chapter 68: Rainstorm Wild Temple 30 Part 2
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He refused; he didn’t want to go to town in dirty clothes.
Yan Shixun’s face remained cold.
Previously, Taoist Song, who had witnessed the entire process of Yan Shixun using the Five Thunder Spells to burn clothes, had a face full of complaints.
—What’s with Junior Brother Yan’s habit of using a sledgehammer to crack a nut? The Five Thunder Spell, a weapon to kill ghosts and drive away evil spirits that ordinary Taoists can’t even learn, were now being used by Junior Brother Yan as a lighter… If those Taoists who can’t learn it see this scene, they would probably be infuriated.
Zhang Wubing noticed Yan Shixun’s disdain and awkwardly took the handkerchief thrown by Yan Shixun, wiping his face randomly.
Because the village he had entered yesterday had been abandoned for too long, with spider webs and dust everywhere, and he had rushed around in the dark while escaping, he had brushed against too many places unintentionally. So, his face was covered in black dirt. When tears mixed in and the rain washed it all, the dust turned into streaks on his face, making him look like a spotted puppy that had rolled in a coal heap.
The Golden Retriever laughed brightly: I’ve mixed back in!
Because when the actress Rourou was found, her palm had almost been gnawed into white bones, and she was still chewing on shreds of flesh in her mouth, which looked too horrifying. It startled the officials, so they quickly handed her over to the Haiyun Temple Taoists. After an examination, it was confirmed that she had been possessed by evil energy and bewitched by evil creatures, causing her to appear in such a dazed and confused state.
After they handed Rourou over to the Taoists to disapell the evil and calmed her with a calming talisman, she was handed over to the medical team for bandaging and treatment.
During this gap, the officials also had a conversation with Zhang Wubing.
After all, two incidents like this had occurred in succession. Although it could be confirmed from the accounts of the participants and the footage that Rourou and Anthony had been blinded by their own greed and harmed themselves, Zhang Wubing, as the person responsible for the program, also had an undeniable responsibility.
Moreover, a program with several million subscribers frequently encountering such incidents can also have an impact on public opinion.
Although it was unlikely, the officials still questioned Zhang Wubing multiple times, suspecting that he might have deliberately disrupted public opinion for a purpose. They bombarded Zhang Wubing with rounds of inquiries, leaving him feeling bewildered.
The old Taoist who was listening in on the side also glanced at Zhang Wubing several times. He was in a state of puzzlement, then asked about his birthdate and the direction he faced when he spoke. On the spot, he cast Zhang Wubing’s birth chart and, together with a few other Taoists, stared wide-eyed at the chart.
“I have to say, Yan Shixun was with a face that seems to be a walking embodiment of a malevolent spirit, how could he possibly attract ghosts? It should be the ghosts who are afraid of him. It turns out that these two encounters with spirits during the program were all because of you, young man.”
The old Taoist clicked his tongue in amazement. “In your destiny, it’s all about ghosts, and your birth chart is unusually light.”
Because he had been attracting negative entities before, and the elders in his family had often sought help from masters in temples and Taoist Temples. In addition, Zhang Wubing had recently been in contact with the Taoists from Haiyun Temple due to his connection with Yan Shixun. Because of these reasons, Zhang Wubing had some understanding of the status and abilities of this Taoist, who had an immortal-like appearance, white hair, and a youthful face.
At this moment, when even the eldest Taoist master in Haiyun Temple spoke in such a manner, Zhang Wubing couldn’t help but froze on the spot. His tears, which he had been suppressing for a long time, finally welled up, giving him the appearance of wanting to cry but holding back his “director’s dignity.”
“Hey, don’t cry, young one.”
The old Taoist, seeing that he had inadvertently made Yan Shixun’s friend cry, quickly pointed at the hastily drawn birth chart with his fingers. He tried to console him, “Even though you have some ghosts in your life, you also have many benefactors. Moreover, you were supposed to face a life-threatening crisis at the age of twenty, but you survived thanks to your benefactor, right? Since you’ve already survived death, why be afraid of ghosts?”
The hidden meaning behind this statement was that in this lifetime, he should forget about getting rid of ghosts.
Taoist Song Yi looked at Zhang Wubing with a complex expression. He thought that his master’s words seemed to be making the director even sadder.
Moreover, this birth chart wasn’t just about having a ghost in one’s fate… it’s more like having an entire city full of ghosts in one’s fate.
Even the initially serious official in charge of the investigation had a sympathetic look in his eyes when he glanced at Zhang Wubing.
He had been handling such matters for over twenty years, and this was the first time he had encountered someone with such a fate. People with this kind of fate rarely lived to adulthood, so they were extremely rare. It seemed that what Taoist Li said was true. This director named Zhang Wubing had ghosts in his fate, but he also had benefactors, or else he wouldn’t have grown up to this point.
In this light, it seems that Zhang Wubing probably didn’t do it intentionally. After all, he looked like he was about to be scared to death by the ghosts. There didn’t seem to be any motive for him to do something like this. If someone deliberately seeks out ghosts, it might be with malicious intent or for excitement, but in Zhang Wubing’s case, whatever he does, it’s always seekig for trouble.
The official in charge’s thoughts circled back, and his tone softened slightly, “Director Zhang, you’ve worked hard. Nobody wants to see an incident like this on the show. However…”
He hesitated and glanced at the old Taoist beside him, uncertain about how to continue, “We can’t keep going like this forever. Considering Director Zhang’s fate, there’s still a chance of danger in the future. So, for this show…”
“But,” the old Taoist interrupted the official’s train of thought, “Misfortune and fortune are interdependent. And fortune can sometimes be hidden within misfortune. In a way, Director Zhang has resolved long-standing concerns of Haiyun Temple by accident in both of these episodes, preventing potential disasters that could have arisen if the situation had continued.”
“In the world, there are no accidents or coincidences.” The old Taoist smiled knowingly and continued, “Who can resist fate, if not the arrangement of fate itself. The opportunities left behind by the heavens, nobody knows where they are. After all, while humans have countless calculations, the heavens only need to lay their plans using all things as pawns.”
“This show should be able to continue without any problems.” The old Taoist narrowed his eyes slightly and shifted his gaze to the official in charge.
The official in charge hesitated, saying, “Taoist Li, about this…”
“Haiyun Temple will assign people to accompany the production team in the following episodes. If you’re concerned on your end, you can also do the same. Send people to follow along with the show,” the old Taoist responded as if he had anticipated the official’s words, his voice calm and composed.
Though the official in charge appeared hesitant on the surface, his inner resolve had already wavered.
Taoist Li was right. Despite having severely injured individuals in both cases, more significant problems have been resolved.
Especially in the case of Wild Wolf Peak this time, if the production team hadn’t temporarily changed the route due to the bridge collapsing in the rain, and had entered Wild Wolf Peak during the rainy weather, it’s likely that Wild Wolf Peak would have turned into a more extensive disaster controlled by the evil entity that had become a deity, unnoticed by anyone.
At that time, it would have affected millions of people…
“I understand,Taoist Li,” the official in charge said with a firmer expression, nodding. “Allow me to report back to superiors. This is a significant matter as I can’t make decisions on my own.”
After Taoist Li and the others left, Zhang Wubing, who hadn’t eaten or slept all night, felt dizzy from hunger. His director’s attitude, which he had forced himself to maintain in front of outsiders, had disappeared the moment he saw Yan Shixun, like a punctured balloon.
He had returned to being the goofy guy he was, crying out that he was hungry beside Yan Shixun.
Yan Shixun was speechless. “Am I your father? Do I have to be responsible for finding food for you?”
Despite his words, Yan Shixun was about to go to the rescue team to get two loaves of bread.
He hadn’t eaten anything in the morning either, and after intense exercise, his stomach was starting to protest.
However, before Yan Shixun could get up, Ye Li had already walked over with a bag of food.
“You didn’t eat much last night. I guessed you’d be hungry, so I took some from the official car,” Ye Li’s voice was calm, as if it was just an ordinary thing.
However, he knew that Yan Shixun had eaten little the previous night and hadn’t had a drop of water this morning. He had noticed Yan Shixun’s hungry state after the arduous battle.
Yan Shixun looked at the man with an inquisitive gaze, and Ye Li allowed him to scrutinize without showing any signs of unease.
When the food box was opened, a delightful aroma filled the air. The rice emitted a gentle steam, the well-cooked meat and vegetables looked appetizing in the sunlight, tempting even those who weren’t hungry.
Zhang Wubing awkwardly covered his stomach, which was making rumbling sounds like “gurgle gurgle.”. Although he felt embarrassed, he couldn’t help but keep his eyes fixed on Ye Li’s hands.
Yan Shixun remained expressionless. “…”
“Not hungry?” Ye Li raised an eyebrow and asked in response.
Yan Shixun was speechless. “If you’re going to lie, at least come up with a convincing one. Do you really think I’ll believe this food came from the official rescue vehicle? Do you think the official rescue team has the leisure to bring a chef? The rice is still hot. It’s obvious that these dishes were just cooked recently. Even the fried pork ribs haven’t been softened by steam
Do you think I’ll believe this? If you’re going to deceive someone, at least bring a box of cold food, and I might believe it’s a box meal the rescue team brought on their vehicle yesterday.
Yan Shixun’s expression clearly conveyed this sentiment.
Ye Li remained composed, unaffected by having his lie exposed. “You haven’t eaten much in almost a day, and you’ve just expended a lot of energy. I guess you’re too exhausted to go after another rat now.”
“Eating portable food carelessly can be uncomfortable, and cold food can harm your stomach and intestines. The living’s body is quite fragile, including the digestive system. If you’re not careful, you can get stomachaches, fall sick, and even die.”
I know how to turn a lie into a perfect reality, but I don’t want to do that. Your well-being is more important than your suspicions of me.
Ye Li nonchalantly pointed to a passing rescue team member. “He told me there were food vendors on the main road outside, so I went out to buy some.”
Yan Shixun followed his gaze in the direction he had pointed, and Ye Li shifted his gaze to the same rescue team member.
The rescue team member who had been suddenly stared at by two people innocently said, “Um…”
Originally, he was puzzled and about to say that he hadn’t said that, and how could there be anyone selling things nearby when the roads were still closed. However, when it came to his lips, he suddenly nodded heavily, giving a firm answer, “Yes, I said that.”
Then, Ye Li turned his gaze back to him and innocently looked at Yan Shixun, saying, “Not hungry? Anything you want to ask, let’s talk after eating.”
Zhang Wubing, who was starving and felt like he was about to pass out from hunger, pitifully sniffled, “Brother Yan, let’s talk later, I’m so hungry, your adorable Xiaobing is starving to death now QAQ.”
Yan Shixun gave Zhang Wubing a disdainful look but softened his attitude from the faint confrontation that had just occurred. He took a portion of food from Ye Li’s hand and handed it over.
“Go eat over there, you should change your name to Zhang Fantong (rice tub)”
“Okay, Xiaotong thanks Brother Yan!”
Zhang Wubing happily carried the meal box and ran off, looking as if there was a tail wagging wildly behind him.
“By the way, who is that person? Why is he next to Brother Yan?” Zhang Wubing suddenly remembered the person he saw when he was holding his meal, feeling like he should know, but he couldn’t recall no matter how hard he tried.
In the end, he could only give up thinking with a bewildered look and decided to fill his stomach first.
“Never mind, I’ll ask later. Is he Brother Yan’s friend?”
As for the official personnel who smelled the food due to Zhang Wubing’s running around, they sniffed and felt a bit hungry too. However, when they retrieved only bread and milk from their car, they couldn’t help but feel disappointed.
“While bread and milk are good, after smelling that delicious aroma, I can’t help but want rice and meat… Wait, speaking of which, is there any place nearby where we can buy hot food? We didn’t bring any, so where did it come from?”
The official personnel exchanged glances, realizing each other’s confusion.
While Yan Shixun stood still for a few seconds, he took his portion from Ya Li’s hand and raised an eyebrow, asking, “Wanna have it together?”
Ye Li, who had appeared calm just moments ago, suddenly smiled. “Sure.”
The entire production crew and the official personnel watched helplessly as the two of them leisurely enjoyed their meal. They didn’t seem like they had just encountered danger; instead, they appeared relaxed, as if they were on an outing.
The aroma of the food stirred the hunger of many, but they could only nibble on bread and drink milk, casting longing glances towards Yan Shixun’s side.
“I wish I could have a hot meal, too.”
“Brother Yan is too lucky. I’m envious.”
“Why does only Brother Yan get it? I want some too.”
“Did the staff buy this food? Why didn’t they bring us any?”
Meanwhile, the viewers in front of their screens deduced from the reactions of the guests and the people around the camera what had happened, and they couldn’t help but wonder.
[Why did the assistant director only buy food for Brother Yan and the director? Seems like the assistant isn’t doing a good job.]
[What’s even more surprising is, in the middle of nowhere like Wild Wolf Peak, where did they even get the food from?]
At this moment, in a well-known restaurant located in the urban area of Binhai City, the head chef standing in the kitchen suddenly snapped out of his daze. He looked at the leftover vegetables on the cutting board and the clearly used kitchen utensils nearby, wearing a bewildered expression.
“It’s not time for my shift yet, why am I here?”
“No, why did I just stir-fry vegetables? I have no recollection of it at all…”
……
With his keen hearing, Yan Shixun caught the sounds of confusion from the surrounding yard. He glanced sideways at Ye Li, expecting an explanation.
However, Ye Li seemed to have received the wrong signal. “Doesn’t suit your taste? Or you haven’t had enough?”
As he spoke, he pushed his untouched portion towards Yan Shixun.
“…I’m not that useless Zhang Wubing.” Yan Shixun replied with some exasperation. “Do you really expect me to believe the explanation you just gave?”
“When I asked you earlier, you didn’t answer me. You don’t seem like the kind of person who would apply for the position of a director’s assistant, and Zhang Wubing’s expression just now didn’t suggest he recognized you either. He’s not familiar with you. Who are you?”
Yan Shixun’s sharp gaze was fixed on Ye Li. Although he was asking, he knew deep down that getting a simple answer would likely be impossible.
This person didn’t seem to have the kind of patience to answer every question. When he had doubts earlier, Yan Shixun had quickly resorted to plum blossom divination, seeking answers from the heavens and the earth.
However, the divination revealed nothing.
The divination seemed to say, “Don’t ask, it cannot be revealed.”
The heavens and the earth remained silent, veiling the man’s identity in secrecy.
Yan Shixun had performed countless divinations, but this was the first time he had encountered such a cautious response from the heavens and the earth. It made him even more speculative and wary of the man’s identity.
Yet, Ye Li merely lowered his gaze and smiled gently. “I won’t harm you while you’re asleep, I won’t poison your food, and I won’t take actions against your interests. Whether you trust me or not, I am worthy of your trust.”
“Yan Shixun, you are skilled in divination. Now, you tell me, am I deceiving you?”
Ye Li’s expression was natural and open, showing no signs of deception.
Yan Shixun, still somewhat skeptical, performed a calculation. This time, the divination gave a definite answer.
This person was not lying. He had no intention to harm Yan Shixun. Regardless of this person’s true identity, he wouldn’t do anything to hurt him.
The divination was quite certain.
Yan Shixun relaxed his slender, calculating fingers. He felt a sense of confusion, rare for someone who often calculated things meticulously but now faced a situation that was beyond calculations.
People have their own calculations, but the heavens only have one,
“Would you ask overly personal questions to someone you barely know? Yan Shixun, when we become more familiar, you can ask me these questions.”
Ye Li’s eyes sparkled with a playful glint, and the sunlight added a golden edge to his appearance.
It was as if he were a living deity adorned in golden robes, awakened to life.
—Yan Shixun, I want to know more about you. I want to learn more about the things concerning you.
Let’s make an exchange: use yourself to exchange for me.
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