Chapter Sixty-Three

Chapter Sixty-Three

Don't know?

As these three words were uttered, everyone present laughed.

Qin You Rong was blunt: "Whether you know it or not, your words aren't enough. Come with us."

Before taking Tang Jiu and the middle-aged man to the special department, Shen Wang remembered to lift the curse from Yu's father.

He didn't avoid anyone and lifted the curse right before everyone's eyes.

He did it so effortlessly that the middle-aged man who cast the curse widened his eyes, bloodshot with disbelief: "Impossible! Impossible!"

"I've studied for decades, and no one has ever broken my curse. How can you? Who exactly are you!"

Perhaps out of sheer frustration, the man, yelling, suddenly spat out a mouthful of blood.

Everyone was shocked.

Qin You Rong, pressing down on the man, said with disgust, "Could you give a warning before vomiting blood? Don't you know it's disgusting, having no sense of public decency at all?"

Shen Wang also hurriedly pulled Gu Dongting back several steps: "Exactly, lacking manners is one thing, but to be so narrow-minded... Getting so angry at the sight of a genius that you vomit blood, if you met a few more, would you just die of anger?"

The already internally injured middle-aged man, unable to bear their words, vomited another small pool of blood.

Yu Cailiang, dumbfounded and then awestruck, looked at Shen Wang with admiration: "My goodness, Shen, you're incredible. You actually made him spit blood. I always thought that was just an exaggeration, but it turns out to be literal!"

Shen Wang nodded solemnly: "Ah, the aura of a genius. It's inescapable wherever I go. I never intended to stimulate these mediocrities."

Yu Cailiang admired him even more: "A genius indeed, Shen. If you were in ancient times, you'd surely have made history!"

In ancient times, Zhuge Liang infuriated Zhou Yu to death, and now, Shen Wang makes people spit blood in anger!

The two of them bantered back and forth, and the middle-aged man, mouth agape, tried to explain but couldn't catch his breath and fainted.

Qin You Rong: "...you should stop, if you say a few more words, you might actually anger him to death."

"Shen is a genius. It's not his fault the man is narrow-minded!" Yu Cailiang was already indignant on Shen's behalf before he could even speak.

Everyone present: "......"

Yu's father wiped his face, filled with regret for not educating his son properly, resulting in such a gullible personality, believing anything he's told.

Even though Yu's father was an ordinary person, he could tell that the middle-aged man's spitting blood and fainting were likely due to an existing injury, and the anger was just a trigger.

But his foolish son was easily fooled by a few words.

He had just climbed out of one pit (Tang Jiu's trap) and hadn't walked two steps before falling into another.

Fortunately, fools have their own kind of luck. Yu's father glanced at Shen Wang's expression and felt somewhat relieved.

"Well, at least this time he didn't make a blind choice. He chose Shen Wang as his 'big brother'." Yu's father sighed inwardly. Although Shen Wang's personality was complicated, compared to the Tang family, he was practically a saint.

After the curse was lifted, it was like shedding a heavy burden, feeling lighter. Yu's father stopped watching his son circling around Shen Wang, straightened his clothes, and respectfully bowed to Shen Wang.

"Master Shen, my foolish son has always been against you, yet you not only hold no grudges but also came to save me. I am eternally grateful and at a loss for how to repay you..."

Shen Wang rasped, "You're not suggesting to repay me with your body, are you?! Forget it, with our age and looks, if you repay me that way, I'm at a loss."

Yu's father paused for a few seconds, then continued, "…I have nothing to offer in return, but if you ever need anything, my Yu family will spare no effort to help."

He emphasized the last few words with particular gravity.

Shen Wang was also surprised: "That's it? I saved your life, and you're repaying me with just a promise?"

All these promises of 'spare no effort in the future' are just pie in the sky.

Shen Wang is picky; he eats everything but pie.

Yu's father's expression was too amusing, so Qin You Rong couldn't help but laugh for a while before wiping away tears and stepping in to mediate: "Mr. Yu, don't overthink it. Saving a life is our duty."

"As for Shen..." Qin You Rong winked and mimed counting money, "Shen is a talented man, a true master, but unlike those reclusive experts, he enjoys worldly pleasures and the mundane."

Qin You Rong spoke subtly, but Yu's father, seasoned in business, understood immediately: "I am willing to offer five million as thanks for Master Shen's life-saving grace."

Five million! Shen Wang cleared his throat: "No need to thank me, no need at all, it's all part of my duty... just remember to pay your taxes."

Yu's father: "...Master Shen is concerned for the country and law-abiding, truly a master indeed."

Tang Jiu stood in the corner, watching their banter and laughter, a trace of complexity flashing in his eyes.

Shen Wang! This bottom-tier ruffian, reeking of the vulgarities of the streets, crass and shameless, did not fit in with the Tang family or the upper-class lifestyle when he returned.

Nobody liked him, and Tang Jiu hardly had to make an effort to make even his biological parents despise him.

Tang Jiu never deigned to compete with him, as no one could love Shen Wang. He was like an ant on the ground, easily crushed underfoot.

To even glance at him felt like an insult to myself.

Who would have thought, just a few months later, Shen Wang would still be that unbearable Shen Wang, yet now he converses with someone of Yu's father's stature without being outmatched.

The people from the special department regard him differently now, and Gu Dongting, known for his aloof and noble demeanor, is also close to him.

Tang Jiu's heart was filled with jealousy and bitterness, easily exploding into resentment and discontent.

Why! Why is it Shen Wang! The Shen Wang he never even considered! Tang Jiu's breaths were filled with anger and malice, struggling to control his emotions but unable to take his eyes off Shen Wang.

The happier Shen Wang laughed, the more venomous Tang Jiu's gaze became.

Suddenly, a pair of cold eyes met his, and Tang Jiu, caught off guard, had all his emotions exposed.

Tang Jiu broke into a cold sweat and hurriedly lowered his gaze, looking at his feet, filled with envy: Why is Gu Dongting so concerned about Shen Wang? That's Gu Dongting, a role model for the younger generation in the metaphysical world.

Not to mention, behind Gu Dongting stands the immeasurably powerful Gu family!

Compared to the Gu family, the Tang family is nothing... Tang Jiu suddenly had an epiphany.

No wonder! No wonder he looks down on the Tang family, he's attached himself to the Gu family!

After capturing the man who cast the curse, Yu's father's curse was lifted. The Yu family father and son were no longer involved in the matter.

Shen Wang, along with Gu Dongting and Qin You Rong, took the middle-aged man and Tang Jiu back to the special department. Yu Cailiang reluctantly saw them off to the car, clinging to the window, unwilling to let go: "Brother Shen, can't I really go? I really want to see the legendary special department, it must be so grand..."

Qin You Rong with mixed feelings: "...sounds grand."

Yu Cailiang continued to plead: "I can wait outside for you guys, I swear, just a distant glance from the outside."

Shen Wang coldly raised the car window: "There's nothing to see. If you really want to, just go check out your local street office."

Yu Cailiang, bewildered: "Huh?"

Even after the car had left, he still couldn’t figure out what Shen Wang meant.

Driving the car, Qin You Rong let out a long sigh, "Brother Shen, he's still a child. Let him keep some of his beautiful illusions about the special department."

The seemingly prestigious special department, whose surface job is managing the street office… it really leaves nothing to the imagination.

Upon arriving at the special department, Qin You Rong dragged the unconscious middle-aged man like a dead dog, pulling him all the way to the room designated for temporarily detaining suspects.

With a bang, he tossed the 'dead dog' into the room. Qin You Rong dusted off his hands, "Our job here is done. The rest is up to Minister Shi."

Sitting in the room was another person, Uncle Song of the Song family.

He looked at the man on the floor, unconscious and from a distance. Upon recognizing the middle-aged man's face, he shivered, "You... you caught him so quickly..."

The 'master' who had been so arrogant before him was now thrown in, his face covered in blood.

Uncle Song, trembling with fear and his voice breaking into sobs, said, "I... I don't want to be locked up with him!"

Uncle Song regretted deeply. Why had he listened to this man's seduction, cursed his elder brother, leading to his brother's abandonment and now facing legal punishment, possibly imprisonment.

Thinking back to his previous life of luxury and ease, Uncle Song, at his advanced age, wept bitterly.

Reflecting on his past life, though not extremely wealthy, he didn't have to do anything and still had a monthly income, cars, houses, and a very happy life.

Blinded by greed, he failed to see his own happiness, only envying his elder brother's family living in luxury and abundance.

"Big brother, big brother..." Uncle Song collapsed at the door, sobbing uncontrollably, "Young man, can I please make a call to my brother? Please, I just want to call him, I know I was wrong... I really do."

Qin You Rong glanced at him sideways, "Even if you call him, he won't answer."

Realizing regret only now, where was this sentiment earlier?

Tang Jiu was placed in another detention room. As Qin You Rong was about to leave after closing the door, Tang Jiu suddenly called out to him.

Composing himself, Tang Jiu, with a demeanor calm and serene, politely asked, "Fellow Daoist, may I inform my father about this? I truly was unaware of this matter."

Tang Jiu's appearance was not top-tier, but years of living in a wealthy family had bestowed him with an air of elegance, which added to his charm.

Qin You Rong, aware of the Tang family's affairs, showed no warmth, "We will notify them. We will investigate the truth and not wrong the innocent."

Turning away, he grimaced in disdain: What 'my father'? Clearly, he's Brother Shen's father... But such a father is better off disowned, let these two rotten people be father and son.

Having handed over the case to the special department, Shen Wang had done all he could.

What remained was to wait for the investigation results from the special department.

As Shen Wang was about to call a taxi while holding his phone, a car pulled up in front of him.

Steady, rugged, and towering - an SUV!

Seeing the driver, Shen Wang was taken aback, "This is your car?!"

Gu Dongting: "Doesn't it look like it?"

"How is this similar at all!" Without waiting for Gu Dongting to invite him, Shen Wang took the initiative to get into the car. For someone slightly shorter, boarding such a high SUV would be somewhat awkward.

But with Shen Wang's long legs, his approach to getting into the car was both elegant and brisk. Once seated, he adjusted the back of the seat to a comfortable angle, casually stretching his long legs, and conscientiously buckled up the seat belt in accordance with traffic regulations.

Everything set, the car still hadn't started, and Shen Wang asked in confusion, "Are you waiting for someone else?"

Faced with Shen Wang’s puzzled look, Gu Dongting carefully recalled his recent actions and words. He was certain that he hadn't invited Shen Wang into the car.

Silently starting the vehicle, Gu Dongting said, “Not waiting for anyone.”

Shen Wang slightly tilted his head, observing Gu Dongting as he drove.

Gu Dongting’s attractiveness leaned towards an androgynous beauty, with a slimmer build than most men, resembling a slender youth more than a mature man.

Such a person driving a rugged SUV presented a striking contrast, especially when dressed in white, with hair pulled back into a bun using a wooden hairpin.

Fortunately, Gu Dongting was good-looking, making everything he did pleasing to the eye, including driving.

As Shen Wang watched, his gaze unconsciously fell on Gu Dongting’s hands.

Against the black steering wheel, those slender hands appeared even more pale and jade-like, well-proportioned and distinct. When exerting force, the slight protrusion of bones made them even more attractive.

Shen Wang didn't consider himself susceptible to physical beauty or particularly fixated on hands… but he found himself captivated by Gu Dongting’s hands.

He still remembered the temperature of those hands, cooler than the average person's, quite chilly.

Gu Dongting’s fingertips moved slightly, then, as if shyly, stilled.

He broke the unusual silence in the car, "Where is your house located?"

Shen Wang, as if awakened from a dream, provided his address.

After speaking, the car fell into silence again.

Shen Wang gazed straight ahead, observing the crowded traffic flow, "I didn’t mean anything by it, just casually looking."

Gu Dongting hummed softly in response.

A while later, Shen Wang added, "I just thought that your hands seemed a bit cold..."

Gu Dongting explained, "My constitution is yin-dominant, so my body temperature is slightly lower than average."

Shen Wang opened his mouth but found himself at a loss for words.

It wasn't until they reached Shen Wang's doorstep that he managed to squeeze out a sentence; “I'm not into Longyang.”

As soon as he said it, Shen Wang regretted it.

It would have been better not to say anything. Having said it, it seemed even more awkward... like admitting to having three hundred taels of silver buried here.

Gu Dongting seemed to chuckle softly, saying, “I know.”

Shen Wang turned his head abruptly, but Gu Dongting's face remained as calm and indifferent as usual, showing no sign of a smile. It seemed like the soft chuckle he had heard was just an illusion.

After getting out of the car, Shen Wang subconsciously wanted to invite Gu Dongting in but hesitated.

He had arranged this house like his ancestral home; it didn’t look special from the outside, but inside, one could feel an unusually strong spiritual aura.

“Goodbye.” Before Shen Wang could hesitate any longer, Gu Dongting had already bid farewell and left.

Leaving Shen Wang standing there, watching the back of his car, “Maybe next time.”

"Next time, I'll invite him in for a sit."

"On the other side, Gu Dongting watched Shen Wang in the rearview mirror, a smile in his eyes, and even the corners of his mouth curved into a rare, cheerful arc."

"As the eldest son of the Gu family and a leader in the right path, Gu Dongting carried much on his shoulders, trained from a young age to be calm and rational. In front of others, he always appeared indifferent, rarely showing any emotion."

"Only in front of his closest family would he slightly reveal some feelings, yet still very restrained."

"At this moment, his rare happiness surfaced, though he couldn't pinpoint the reason."

"Used to introspection and analysis, Gu Dongting thought it might be because Shen Wang's embarrassed expression just now was too amusing."

"It was indeed interesting to see someone who usually speaks his mind suddenly showing a restless and awkward discomfort."

"The light turned red, and Gu Dongting stopped the car steadily. In the brief moment while waiting for the light to change, he moved his hand slightly in the air."

"His fingers were slender, nails well-rounded and faintly pink, with a layer of calluses from sword practice on his palm, barely noticeable unless looked at closely... Someone honked behind him, and Gu Dongting realized the light had turned green."

"A chill ran through his heart as he started the car, driving smoothly and steadily. It was only when his gaze unintentionally swept over the rearview mirror that Gu Dongting noticed the smile on his lips had deepened."

"Shen Wang had thought the special department would investigate for a while before concluding."

"Unexpectedly, the next day, Shi Yan, in charge of the matter, personally called him to inform him of the investigation results."

"The middle-aged man who cast the curse was named Dao Qingzhi, obviously not his real name but a Daoist title he had given himself."

"As Shen Wang had deduced, decades ago, born into a lower-class industry, Dao Qingzhi dropped out of school early, mingled in the underworld, met tomb robbers, and finding it lucrative, joined the tomb robbing trade."

"After nearly ten years, his group had developed into a seasoned tomb-robbing gang. They discovered a large tomb and planned to make a big score before retiring from the trade."

"Little did they know, this tomb was no ordinary one. Large, but eerily empty, without even protective mechanisms."

"Just as they thought they had robbed an empty tomb, the group entered the main chamber."

"Over the phone, with Gu Dongting not by his side, Shi Yan's tone was much gentler: 'This is a cultivator's tomb. He cursed it, and several of the tomb robbers died on the spot. Dao Qingzhi accidentally inherited the tomb owner's cultivation technique, saving himself and the remaining accomplices.'"

"Hearing this, Shen Wang understood: 'They all wanted this technique?'"

"Shi Yan slowly explained: 'Tomb robbers are the lowest of the low, skirting the edge of yin and yang. They know best that certain things truly exist and have glimpsed the doorway to the metaphysical realm.'"

"This time, by a twist of fate, they obtained an entry-level cultivation technique, and none wanted to give it up."

"In fact, compared to priceless antiques and treasures, they might desire this technique even more."

"'Logically, they could cultivate together, but...' Shi Yan's voice was indifferent, devoid of sympathy, 'a tomb robber is a tomb robber, greedy beyond measure. They would rather destroy the relics they can't take from the tombs than leave them intact.'"

"So, unsurprisingly, these tomb robbers turned against each other, fighting to the death, with Dao Qingzhi emerging as the ultimate victor."

"'After mastering the curse technique, he caught the eye of some big bosses, harming many. But his crude methods hardly impress genuine cultivators.' Shi Yan paused slightly, 'So, he approached the Tang family, offering his technique as a token of allegiance, hoping to attach himself to them.'"

"And thus, he became a part of the metaphysical world alongside the Tang family."

"Hearing about the harm he had caused, Shen Wang frowned, but knowing the special department would handle it, he didn’t probe further."

"It was Shi Yan who, after sharing all this, finally got to the point: 'Regarding this curse incident... the Tang family denies any involvement.'"

"Shen Wang knew this was why Shi Yan had called: 'Tell me more.'"

"A rustling of pages came from Shi Yan's end: 'So far, I’ve found that the Song and Yu families, who were cursed, both had conflicts with the Tang family.'"

"'The Song family’s daughter was Tang Jiu's ex-girlfriend. During their relationship, the families had a business deal, but after Tang Jiu’s philandering was exposed, the Song family immediately terminated the contract.'"

"As for the Yu family, they had maintained a good relationship with the Tang family for many years, with deep cooperation between their companies. However, they too ended their partnership following the exposure of the Tang family's scandal involving a false heir."

"These two terminated partnerships cost the Tang family tens, even hundreds of millions... and that's not even including the breach of contract compensation they had to pay."

"Hearing Shi Yan mention tens of millions, Shen Wang felt a pang of sourness, almost palpable. He wryly commented, 'If someone caused me a loss of millions, I'd be tempted to commit murder.'"

"Shi Yan paused his page-turning, then nonchalantly continued: 'The timing of these two curses is very close, and considering Song Er's testimony, it would be logical to suspect the Tang family's involvement.'"

"However, both father and son of the Tang family adamantly deny orchestrating Dao Qingzhi's curse on their competitors. And Dao Qingzhi himself insists it was his own initiative, a bid to earn the Tang family's favor, claiming they were unaware."

"And so, the matter reached a stalemate."

"Now, everyone suspects that the Tang family couldn't possibly be completely ignorant about these two curses."

"But with the Tang family denying any involvement and Dao Qingzhi firmly taking the blame, it's a stalemate."

"It's a case of one willing to hit, another willing to endure, each more stubborn than the last. Even Shi Yan is at a loss."

"After pondering for a moment, Shen Wang suddenly asked, 'How can I assist you?'"

"Indeed, talking with a smart person is always a relief. Shi Yan relaxed and quickly said, 'I was wondering if you have any way to pry their mouths open?'"

"It doesn’t matter who – the Tang father and son or Dao Qingzhi. Prying open just one side would be enough."

"As for why he approached Shen Wang... Shi Yan closed the file. After all, this is Shen Wang."

"He is the biological child of the Tang family, the very cause of their reputation's downfall, and he has the capability to infuriate Dao Qingzhi to the point of spitting blood... From any angle, letting him try seems like the right move."

"Moreover, he possesses an exceptional talent for fortune-telling and face reading."

"In the entire metaphysical world, to discern a person's past and future from a single glance at their face, Shi Yan, in his many years, had only seen Shen Wang capable of this."

"In all of history, there was, and only Shen Wang had this unique ability."

"This ability could almost be described as supernatural, sending chills down the spine, a feeling both eerie and unnerving."

"After hanging up the phone, Shen Wang didn't hesitate and immediately headed to the special department."

"Upon seeing him, Shi Yan appeared visibly relieved, striding forward to firmly grasp Shen Wang's hand: 'I'm glad you're here. Now I can relax. I really didn't know what to do next.'"

"Shen Wang's hand was gripped and shaken several times before he managed to pull away, subtly stepping back a few steps: 'Where is he? I'll take a look.'"

"'Whom are you referring to?'"

"Shen Wang thought for a moment: 'Tang Zhaoming.'"

"Tang Zhaoming was the name of Tang's father."

"Hearing Shen Wang call his biological father by name, Shi Yan didn't show any change in expression and led him to a room."

"The specialized interrogation room was modeled after a police station's interrogation room. Unlike the police station, the walls were inscribed with arrays, and the handcuffs on the suspect were specially made."

"Since the company incident, Tang's father had fallen seriously ill, becoming significantly thinner, his cheeks slightly sunken, giving him a rather sinister appearance."

"When the interrogation room door opened, he instinctively smiled, 'I've said before, I know nothing. It was his own private actions...'"

"Before he could finish, upon seeing the visitor's face, his pupils constricted, blurting out: 'Shen Wang!'"

"Shi Yan, standing a step behind Shen Wang, noticed Tang's father's cracked voice and slightly raised his eyebrows."

"Since Tang's father had come for the investigation, he had maintained an unflappable demeanor, insisting, 'I know nothing. It was all his initiative to please me.'"

"This was the first time his composure had cracked."

"'Don't be so loud, I'm not deaf, I can hear you,' Shen Wang said as he lazily pulled up a chair and sat down, eyeing Tang's father, 'Oh, Mr. Tang, you seem quite miserable these days.'"

"Tang's father glowered at Shen Wang: 'Are you here to gloat at my misfortune?'"

"'Oh, you noticed? Impressive, Mr. Tang,' Shen Wang feigned surprise, covering his mouth in an exaggerated, irritating gesture."

"Shi Yan was in charge of taking notes. He buried his head, pretending to concentrate on writing, concealing the uncontrollable smile tugging at the corners of his mouth."

"Indeed, conventional methods don't work on some people. Despite the staff's best efforts, Tang's father had remained unyielding, but now, finally, his facade had cracked."

"Tang's father's expression was sour, his gaze landing on Shen Wang. If looks could kill, Shen Wang would have died a million times over."

"Facing this son of his own blood, Tang's father couldn't contain his rage, no matter how hard he tried."

"Even after bringing this son back, Tang's father hadn’t really observed him closely or spoken calmly to him."

"Just seeing this son reminded him of his foolish mistake of raising an imposter as his own for over twenty years; coupled with Shen Wang's disdainful commoner habits, Tang's father couldn't believe that his biological son had turned out this way."

"Not to mention the lack of cultivation talent, Shen Wang's abilities and character were leagues behind Tang Jiu."

"Yet, regardless of everything, this was his biological son, his own blood, an inseparable bond... which only fueled his anger more."

"Like a blemish on a clean slate, an undeniable eyesore."

"Tang's father controlled his emotions, looking at Shen Wang: 'Even a starving camel is bigger than a horse. The Tang family, no matter what, is still the Tang family, a presence you'll never reach.'"

"Shen Wang stroked his chin, feigning curiosity: 'How exactly are you unreachable? Aren't you guys about to go bankrupt after losing billions?'"

"Tang's father's breathing became suddenly heavy."

"After a moment's thought, Shen Wang feigned realization: 'You're not suggesting that the Tang family, being a family of cultivators, is different from ordinary companies, are you?'"

"'No way, Mr. Tang, you can't believe that after this incident, those talismans of yours can still be sold to major clients.'"

"Hearing the word 'cultivation' from Shen Wang, Tang's father's temples throbbed violently."

"He knew this son, like those lowly tomb robbers, had somehow stumbled upon some incomplete cultivation techniques, barely stepping into the world of cultivation."

"But even so, what of it?"

"The rules of survival in the metaphysical world are entirely different from those of ordinary people. Without real skill, one simply cannot stand firm! Even if Shen Wang knew some fortune-telling and face-reading tricks, they were insignificant in the grand scheme."

"Tang's father had never taken Shen Wang seriously."

"At this moment, being mocked and ridiculed by Shen Wang, Tang's father's anger stemmed more from the embarrassment of being seen in such a disheveled state."

"Hearing Shen Wang's words, Tang's father actually laughed; 'So now you are a part of the metaphysical world...'"

"'Then you should know better, our Tang family's special talismans increase the success rate of drawing symbols. In the entire metaphysical world, we are unrivaled!'"

"Without any competitors!"

"If the special department or the metaphysical association doesn’t buy talismans from us, there's simply nowhere else to get them!"

"'Is that so...' Shen Wang pondered, then pulled out a few crumpled talismans and some wrinkled talisman papers from his pocket, 'These are the Tang family's talismans? They're nothing special.'"

"If Tang's father was merely furious before, hearing Shen Wang mock the talismans that were the foundation of the Tang family's livelihood sent him into a rage: 'Enough! Ignorant child! What do you know! You can’t even draw talismans, yet dare to criticize them!'"

"Shi Yan, who was taking notes, paused his pen, then continued writing quickly. He couldn’t help but laugh when he wrote 'You can’t even draw talismans.'"

"This chuckle, like a stone breaking the ice, caused Tang's father's furious gaze to turn towards Shi Yan: 'Director Shi, what do you mean by that!'"

"'I came here to cooperate with the investigation, not to be made a fool of. You allow just anyone into the special department, making me question your professional ethics!'"

"'After I leave, I will seriously reconsider our cooperative relationship with your department.'"

"As he spoke these words, Tang's father was firm, backed by his confidence."

"After all, the special department still competes with the metaphysical association, and the only ones who can make special talismans are the Tang family."

"Unfazed by the threat, Shi Yan remained calm and gentle, seemingly devoid of any temper, even offering an apology: 'I'm sorry, Mr. Tang, I was just... moved to speak.'"

"Seeing Shi Yan not apologizing as he had expected, Tang's father grew even more dissatisfied: 'What do you mean?'"

"As Shi Yan conversed with Tang's father, he continued to write swiftly, speaking gently: 'I'm sorry, Mr. Tang, I thought you were aware.'"

"'Aware of what?'"

"Tang's father felt something was amiss, but he had no choice but to follow Shi Yan's lead."

"Finally stopping his writing, Shi Yan leisurely closed his pen with a small click: 'I thought you knew that Shen Wang, Shen Dao You, is a once-in-a-century genius.'"

"After feeling anxious, Tang's father was met with this statement. He paused for a few seconds, then burst into laughter: 'A once-in-a-century genius? Him? Shen Wang?'"

"His laughter echoed in the interrogation room, his disdain and scorn evident from every angle."

"Shi Yan, sounding helpless yet still gentle, said: 'In terms of arranging formations and drawing talismans, Shen Dao You is exceptionally talented. Saying he's a once-in-a-century genius might even be an understatement...'"

"Shi Yan's earnest words gradually halted Tang's father's laughter."

"Silence, a deathly stillness filled the air."

"Having interacted with Shi Yan before, Tang's father knew his character well - elusive and faultless. He never lied, only ever embellishing the truth slightly."

"Regarding the claim that Shen Wang was a once-in-a-century genius... bloodshot appeared in Tang's father's eyes: 'Are you deceiving me?'"

"Shi Yan looked directly at Tang's father, his demeanor gentle yet forceful: 'You know, I never lie.'"

"'Impossible!' Tang's father flatly denied, unable to believe that Shen Wang could possibly be a genius."

"This is Shen Wang we're talking about!"

"The one who grew up in a humble environment, developed an unrefined personality, unlikable in every aspect, the despicable Shen Wang!"

"How could he ever be a genius?!"

"'Impossible!!!'"

"Shi Yan displayed a helpless expression, indulgently saying, 'If you don't believe it, there's nothing I can do...'"

"Tang's father looked up, glaring fiercely at Shen Wang who had been silent since the beginning."

"Shi Yan continued: 'Then, I guess I have to ask Shen Dao You to give a live demonstration. Would that be okay, Shen Dao You?'"

"Shen Wang's expression was indescribable: '...Sure.'"

"Just as he agreed, the interrogation room door opened again, and Qin You Rong walked in, holding a tray and diligently arranging it in front of Shen Wang."

"Talisman papers, talisman brushes, cinnabar ink... everything was there."

"Shen Wang looked at these items, then glanced at Shi Yan who had somehow prepared all these without notice."

"Suddenly feeling impressed, he thought: No wonder this seemingly frail man can overshadow a higher-ranked demon elimination department head to become the leader of the special department."

"Upon seeing these items, Tang's father also focused his gaze, forcing a dry laugh: 'You're not really going to have him draw a talisman right here, right now, to prove he's a genius, are you?'"

"Shi Yan and Shen Wang exchanged glances, both smiling in unison without a word."

"Shi Yan: 'If you don't believe, I'm left with no other choice but to resort to this method.'"

"'Impossible, drawing talismans requires spiritual energy and utmost concentration. Even the most powerful practitioners can't succeed in drawing talismans in such an environment...'"

"Tang's father kept objecting, uncertain if he was rebutting Shi Yan or his own wavering heart."

"Shen Wang picked up the talisman paper, recognizing it as the expensive kind sold outside, high-grade talisman paper, and he clicked his tongue lightly."

"Seeing Shen Wang's dissatisfaction, Qin You Rong grew anxious, fearing the talisman drawing might fail: 'What's wrong? Is there something you find unsuitable?'"

"'This talisman paper is too poor in quality; I'll use my own.' Dismissing the valuable high-grade talisman paper casually, Shen Wang flattened out his own crumpled, low-grade paper and laid it on the table."

"Tang's father instantly became furious: 'You!!! You ungrateful son! That is our Tang family's top-tier high-grade talisman paper! It increases the probability of successful talisman creation by 70%!'"

"Such a probability was indeed terrifying."

"This talisman paper was the Tang family's treasured asset, selling at a high price. Even the blank papers could fetch six figures each!"

"Yet Shen Wang dared to call his pride and joy, the talisman paper, garbage? And inferior to those low-quality papers?!"

"Tang's father was so angry he spoke without thinking, even uttering the word 'ungrateful son.'"

"Shen Wang didn't retort. Instead, he simply bowed his head and started drawing with the best brush and cinnabar ink on the worst quality talisman paper."

"'Your talisman paper is so inferior, and you even crumpled it. If you manage to create a talisman, I'll let you return to the Tang family!' Tang's father mocked with a cold laugh."

"In the next moment, like an artist painting, Shen Wang completed the talisman in one swift stroke. The plain, wrinkled paper suddenly shimmered with spiritual energy, successfully becoming a talisman!"

"And it was a high-grade talisman at that!"

"Shen Wang looked up, his brows furrowed, his expression far from satisfied."

"Astonished, Qin You Rong didn't know what to say, quickly asking, 'Is there a problem? Didn’t the drawing succeed? It looks fine to me.'"

"Shen Wang ignored Qin You Rong, addressing Tang's father instead: 'Our blood ties have already been severed, with heaven as my witness. Don’t even think about bringing me back to the Tang family.'"

"His disdain was evident, as if he couldn't get far enough away."

"Qin You Rong: '…'"

"Tang's father, still in shock, didn’t even hear Shen Wang's words. Staring at the talisman, his face was a picture of disbelief: 'How is this possible…'"

"Normally, drawing talismans requires burning incense, bathing, and a calm, sincere mind. How could it be possible to draw one so quickly in this environment?!"

"'You must have prepared a successful talisman beforehand to trick me!'"

"Shen Wang glanced at him, casually picked up another piece of talisman paper, and drew another."

"And another."

"And another."

"With each drawing, a talisman emerged, each brimming with spiritual energy, of high quality."

"Shen Wang’s casual strokes left everyone in awe, even Shi Yan held his breath in anticipation."

"After the last piece of paper was used, Shen Wang stopped reluctantly. He looked around, casually picked up the discarded high-grade talisman paper, and effortlessly drew a Five Thunder Talisman."

"The Five Thunder Talisman, drawn on high-grade paper, also shimmered with energy, indistinguishable from those drawn on inferior paper."

"No, there was a difference. Shi Yan observed closely and noticed that although the talisman on the high-grade paper was also full of spiritual energy, it dissipated more quickly."

"At this moment, Shen Wang looked at Tang's father with a half-smile and slowly said, 'Increasing the success rate of drawing talismans inevitably comes at a cost... These high-grade talismans, meticulously crafted, significantly reduce the effect of containing spiritual power.'"

"'Exchanging attack power for success rate... It's better to use low-grade talisman paper. It's more powerful and cheaper, and you can buy a bunch without much thought.'"

"His words struck Qin You Rong like an epiphany, making him realize instantly: 'Right, low-grade talisman paper is actually better.'"

"Shi Yan, however, wasn’t swayed by Shen Wang's words. After all, how many people in the world are like Shen Wang?"

"Able to draw the best talismans on any kind of paper."

"For ordinary people, high-grade talisman paper might not be as effective, but it's still the only option they have."

"Holding these thoughts, Shi Yan remained silent, his eyes fixated on Tang's father's pale face, feeling a twinge of sympathy, even tempted to ask."

"You gave up such a rare genius for a fake heir, Mr. Tang, how does that feel?"

"But considering himself a good-natured person, Shi Yan wouldn’t stoop to such heart-piercing remarks, so he simply smiled meaningfully."

"Qin You Rong, lacking such intricate thoughts, held up a bunch of talismans, his face full of wonder: 'Oh my God, Shen Ge, you are too incredible. What once-in-a-century genius... you’re clearly a once-in-a-millennium talent!'"

"'I really don't know what your parents were thinking, choosing someone like Tang Jiu over you.'"