“Chapter 51”

"Chapter 51"

"Qin Yourong seemed to realize he had gone too far."

"He shifted his gaze nonchalantly, 'Anyway, it’s still better to get certified.'"

"'Of course, I’ll take the exam,' Shen Wang said with a sharp gaze, 'to avoid being seen as a swindler by certain people.'"

"Qin Yourong pretended not to hear his remark."

"Pitying, innocent, and conveniently deaf."

"Shi Yan chuckled, then asked, 'Mr. Shen, are you interested in joining our special department?'"

"Shen Wang was surprised, 'Me?'"

"As Shi Yan nodded, ready to praise and recruit him, Shen Wang continued."

"'Your special department isn’t very picky, huh? Even considering me.'"

"There was a moment of silence among everyone present."

"Team One Leader looked puzzled, '...Your comment doesn’t sound like a compliment... right?'"

"It was unclear whether to praise him for his modesty or acknowledge his self-awareness."

"Shen Wang, unfazed, 'You know me, I’m unrestrained and free-spirited like the wind, not suited for…'"

"'Base salary of ten thousand, five insurances and housing fund, eighty percent of the bounty from missions goes to you, no restrictions on private jobs, and still a civil servant.'"

"Shen Wang: '!!!'"

"Damn, that’s tempting!"

"After much contemplation, Shen Wang reluctantly refused, 'Do you think I'm someone who can be corrupted by a secure job and money?'"

"The others looked at him oddly: Aren't you?"

"Shi Yan didn't take offense at Shen Wang’s refusal. Instead, he remarked, 'It’s normal for someone of Mr. Shen's noble character to be unmoved by material things.'"

"'The doors of the special department will always be open for you, Mr. Shen. If you ever need our help, feel free to contact us. Within our capacity, we will do our utmost to assist.'"

"Such pleasing words; no wonder he’s a young leader in the special department. Shen Wang felt flattered and wore a broad smile."

"Taking the opportunity, Shi Yan asked a few questions about the array, and Shen Wang, not minding the trouble, explained in detail."

"The rest were somewhat puzzled."

"Shi Yan might be just the head of the Feng Shui Division, seemingly gentle and easy to bully, but his background was impressive, and he was extremely clever and tactful."

"When he was parachuted into the C City special department, few accepted him."

"But within just a few months, he overshadowed the Demon Exorcism Division Chief, Xie Qingming, subtly becoming the top leader in the special department."

"Such a person, seemingly... seeking to please Shen Wang?"

"Not only Qin Yourong and Team One Leader, but even Xie Qingming glanced over at them with curiosity."

"Unaffected by their gazes, Shi Yan personally escorted Shen Wang to the exit, chatting and laughing along the way, seemingly enjoying each other’s company."

"Unaware of the internal dynamics, Shen Wang, feeling satisfied with his excellent post-sale service, confidently left with his treasures."

"Just then, he bumped into someone entering from outside."

"Both paused, surprised."

"Admiring that flawless face from a close social distance, Shen Wang was struck by its beauty, a poetic line flashing through his mind: 'A plum blossom in the snow, with a jade-like tender cloud-like charm, the purity of a goddess.'"

"He almost sensed the icy fragrance beneath that fair, snow-like skin."

"But snow has no scent, only a faint sweet aroma emanating from the person, contradicting their cool demeanor with an odd allure."

"Gu Dongting stepped back, creating some distance between them. His eyes, clear and distinct in black and white, shone brightly: 'It's you.'"

"'It's me.' Shen Wang subtly checked his pulse, feeling his heart rate quicken slightly. He couldn't help but think, indeed, it’s hard for heroes to resist the charms of beauty."

"Shen Wang, who never considered himself easily swayed by beauty, found himself momentarily stunned."

"Shi Yan, Qin Yourong, and others also noticed Gu Dongting. They approached with excitement, 'Brother Gu.'"

"Even Xie Qingming, the coldest and coolest-looking Chief of the Demon Exorcism Division, appeared visibly delighted."

"Shi Yan, outwardly gentle but inwardly distant and hard to read, also showed genuine happiness, 'Brother Gu, have you completed your mission? Are you here to rest, or...?'"

"Gu Dongting pondered, then replied, 'If there are tasks that need me, feel free to assign them to me.'"

"Observing from the side, Shen Wang noted that Gu Dongting, seemingly cold and unapproachable like a flower on a high cliff, actually had an exceptionally good rapport with others."

"It seemed that people of all personalities became submissive and respectful in his presence, their eyes filled with admiration and reverence."

"Truly befitting of a leader of the righteous path. Shen Wang observed the snow-white clad Gu Dongting."

"However..."

"A speck of ink on white paper is always strikingly noticeable."

"People can accept the evil of a bad person but find it hard to tolerate even the slightest selfishness in a good person."

"After a few excited exchanges among the members of the special department, they realized Shen Wang hadn't left yet. He stood there, his gaze wandering over Gu Dongting."

"Xie Qingming, the typically cold Demon Exorcism Division Chief, flashed a hint of surprise in his eyes and asked him, 'Why haven’t you left yet?'"

"Shen Wang replied openly, 'I haven’t seen Brother Gu for a long time. I need to take a good look, don’t I?'"

"Everyone was taken aback."

"Team One Leader looked from Shen Wang to Gu Dongting, naively asking, 'You two know each other? And seem to be on good terms.'"

"Shi Yan’s brow furrowed slightly. If not for Shen Wang’s clear eyes, he almost thought another of Gu Dongting’s admirers had appeared."

"Unexpectedly, Gu Dongting didn’t get angry and simply said, 'Yes, we know each other.'"

"Their gazes met. Gu Dongting, known for his cool demeanor, didn’t speak, and Shen Wang suddenly forgot what he was about to say."

"After a few seconds, Shen Wang asked, 'We’ve met several times before. How about we exchange contact information?'"

"The others: '???'"

"They know each other, but haven’t exchanged contact details yet!"

"What kind of acquaintance is this!!!"

"Just as Shi Yan was about to decline on behalf of Gu Dongting, Gu had already taken out his phone."

"The others watched in amazement as the two exchanged contact information, with Shen Wang casually adding, 'Can I contact you if I need something in the future?'"

"As expected, Gu Dongting agreed to Shen Wang’s request."

"Shi Yan could barely maintain his smile, feeling an illusion as if the high and mighty figure, adored by everyone, was about to be charmed by an unlikely suitor."

"But this thought only circled his mind briefly before being firmly suppressed."

"That’s Gu Dongting! Not only is he naturally aloof with eyes only for cultivation, but if he were to seek a partner, it would be a woman matching his stature, not... a man who is his mismatch in every way."

"Shi Yan thought he might be overthinking things."

"While Shi Yan was lost in his wild speculations, Shen Wang had already finished his pleasantries with Gu Dongting and took his leave."

"As he left, Shen Wang glanced back."

"Gu Dongting, in his flowing white robe, stood at the doorway of the old building, making even the dilapidated walls around him seem gentle, like a scene from an old photograph from the eighties."

"Suddenly, Shen Wang spoke up, 'Brother Gu, if I’m not mistaken, you are a sword cultivator, right?'"

"Gu Dongting, puzzled, nonetheless nodded slightly."

"'I’ve got a fine stone. I’ll make a sword for you. Would you like it?'"

"At this, Gu Dongting visibly paused, then nodded again, 'Thank you.'"

"His stunning appearance and icy demeanor hardly connected to anything cute or doting, yet in that moment, his expression somehow struck Shen Wang as..."

"Somewhat adorable."

"Finally, Shen Wang departed, and Gu Dongting left for his mission."

"The members of the special department were left standing at the entrance, exchanging puzzled glances."

"Qin Yourong was the first to break the silence, 'Chief Shi, why were you trying to ingratiate yourself with Shen Wang?'"

"Shi Yan replied, '...His array minimizes spiritual energy consumption without any waste, demonstrating his immense skill and ease. Such a talent is bound to make a name for himself. Establishing a good relationship now will be beneficial in the future.'"

"Shi Yan also questioned, 'How does he know Brother Gu?'"

"The others shook their heads in unison, 'We have no idea.'"

"The Demon Exorcism Division Chief, not interested in idle chatter, also left, 'Who in the mystical world doesn’t know Brother Gu? Why make such a fuss about it?'"

"Team One Leader followed him closely, 'That’s true, but from any angle, Shen Wang and Brother Gu are worlds apart. Yet they know each other and seem to get along well... It’s natural for us to be surprised, isn’t it?'"

"Qin Yourong chuckled and hurried after them, 'Actually, they've known each other for quite some time.'"

"Leaving Shi Yan alone."

"Apart from surprise, the others didn’t seem to harbor any other emotions regarding this revelation."

"Shi Yan began to doubt himself, wondering if his oversensitivity and overthinking led him to find the situation odd."

"Always astute and adept in understanding people, this was the first time Shi Yan felt uncertain about interpersonal relationships, unable to decipher the underlying reasons."

"Humming a tune, Shen Wang returned home. The university students had already gone to school, and Xiao Kong was still sound asleep, showing no signs of waking up."

"Shen Wang placed the three treasures he picked from the special department’s treasury on the table. Instead of dealing with them right away, he first checked his phone."

"Gu Dongting’s profile picture was a sharply penned calligraphy character 'Gu', vigorous and elegant, with the brush strokes revealing the writer’s bold spirit."

"His nickname was the straightforward 'Gu Dongting', giving an impression of being rigid and serious."

"Gu Dongting's social media profile, like him, appeared neat and simple at first glance, but when Shen Wang scrolled through his moments, he immediately reconsidered this view."

"Mystical Association mission rewards, special department’s wanted notices, shared posts about pet adoption, various requests for help… it was packed and numerous."

"Shen Wang couldn't help but send Gu Dongting a message: 'Are you some kind of help-request bot? You seem to reshare everything.'"

"It took a while before Gu Dongting replied, 'I reshare when I see them, trying to offer a little help.'"

"Shen Wang raised an eyebrow, imagining Gu Dongting’s expressionless face while using his phone, feeling like his image of Gu Dongting was crumbling."

"What happened to the aloof and arrogant Gu Dongting?"

"Shen Wang didn’t send any more messages, knowing they weren't familiar enough for such exchanges."

"Turning his attention to the three treasures, he picked up the ghost cultivation technique, flipped through it, and then placed it on top of Xiao Kong."

"'Lucky little ghost, meeting me,' Shen Wang poked Xiao Kong’s belly, 'even found a cultivation technique specially for you.'"

"Xiao Kong turned over, instinctively hugging the object in its embrace, chubby and endearing."

"Shen Wang chuckled and picked up the other two treasures, heading to the backyard."

"The entire backyard was enveloped in a spirit-gathering array, nourishing every living being within with its flow of spiritual energy."

"In the center of the yard, the dull Qinghan Stone was beginning to show a different hue."

"Touching the Qinghan Stone, Shen Wang sighed, 'Such slow progress, when will it be fully tempered?'"

"After all, top-quality Qinghan Stone is supposed to be cyan-green!"

"Moreover, Qinghan Stone is delicate and can only be washed slowly with spiritual energy, not tempered with fire."

"In the world of cultivation, one could simply throw it into a sect’s blessed spiritual spring to let it temper on its own... but in modern society, it had to be slowly refined with a spirit-gathering array."

"Shen Wang placed the Goldstone on top of the Qinghan Stone, letting both undergo spiritual tempering together."

"The Goldstone wasn’t anything special, but seeing it sparked a bold idea in Shen Wang for his destined magical weapon."

"The Qinghan Stone is non-elemental, so using it as a base and adding materials of the five elements, Shen Wang envisioned creating a five-element magical weapon for himself!"

"The very thought of it made Shen Wang feel exhilarated!"

"He himself possessed a mediocre spirit root with all five elements, containing a bit of each type of spiritual energy. Most others would focus on purifying their spirit roots to dual or single types."

"In his previous life, Shen Wang had wood, fire, earth, and water spirit roots. He found it convenient despite slower cultivation."

"For alchemy and artifact crafting, his fire spirit root was perfect for controlling flames."

"Living outdoors, his water spirit root ensured access to clean, safe water."

"And for cultivating spiritual plants, his earth and wood spirit roots were invaluable."

"This lifetime, he had the added benefit of the most aggressive metal spirit root – metal, wood, water, fire, earth, all five elements at his disposal!"

"'Imagine, whatever type of spiritual energy I channel, that’s the color it shows. Others have monochrome magical weapons, mine will be multicolored!' Shen Wang could almost visualize it."

"His destined weapon changing colors continuously, and if he input all five types of spiritual energy, it would become multicolored!"

"Utterly magnificent, dazzling enough to blind others!"

"Shen Wang patted the Qinghan Stone, 'Temper well, and we’ll be inseparable brothers. I promise to make you look stunning.'"

"The Qinghan Stone stood silently, unaware of its upcoming destiny."

"Others’ magical weapons: High-end, elegant, classy."

"Brother Shen’s magical weapon: Colorful, vibrant, like a disco light."

"Brother Gu, do you still want the sword he’s going to forge for you?"

"White Gu and Black Gu have no shared memories. Currently, White Gu is oblivious to Black Gu's existence. When Black Gu emerges, he subconsciously blurs these experiences."

"Black Gu is aware of White Gu but lacks his memories."

"It's only in the later stages that their memories merge... and then Black Gu feels embarrassed about his jealousy and questioning Shen Wang's affection when their memories were separate, enough to build a three-bedroom apartment."