Chapter Seventy-One

Chapter Seventy-One

As the ghostly energy gradually dispersed, seeing all the candidates safe and sound, everyone present heaved a sigh of relief.

The candidates swarmed out, rushing to their respective elders, recounting with lingering fear the events that occurred within the ghostly aura.

Hearing how Shen Wang single-handedly protected everyone and beat the arrogant malevolent ghost to near oblivion, everyone looked at him with complex eyes, still firmly controlling the ghost.

"Who is this person? How come I've never heard of such a figure in the metaphysical world?"

"It's not just you who hasn't heard of him, I haven't either… Such strength… seems like another extraordinary talent has emerged."

"I wonder which sect or school he belongs to?"

"Could he be a disciple sent for training by one of those reclusive sects…"

Amidst the buzzing discussions, Gu Dongting approached Shen Wang, his expression calm but his steps slightly quickened: "Are you alright?"

Shen Wang shook his hand and smiled with raised eyebrows: "Do I look like I'm in trouble?"

It was just a malevolent ghost, an easy task for him.

Gu Dongting carefully observed Shen Wang, noticing that aside from some disheveled clothes, there were no injuries, and then he relaxed. The next second, he asked seriously, "What happened?"

Speaking of that, Shen Wang also sobered up, narrating the entire process of the malevolent ghost's appearance in detail. After finishing, he tossed the ghost he was holding to Gu Dongting: "This thing is now your responsibility."

The malevolent ghost, still struggling unwillingly and constantly changing forms in an attempt to escape, found that Shen Wang's grip was like the strongest cage, rendering its efforts futile.

Upon hearing that Shen Wang was handing it over to someone else, the malevolent ghost's struggles abruptly ceased.

Shen Wang glanced down, slightly curling his lips, and casually handed it over to Gu Dongting.

At the moment of the handover, the ghostly aura surged, and the malevolent ghost let out a piercing laugh: "You bunch of bastards, I swear, I will return!"

As soon as the words fell, a sharp and unstoppable sword energy swept through, and the black aura, already diminished by Shen Wang's beating, suddenly shrank to half its size, like ice and snow melting away.

Malevolent Ghost: "!!!"

Malevolent Ghost: "Impossible! Impossible! How could there be two such figures in the metaphysical world at the same time..."

The malevolent ghost's mentality completely collapsed. While being pinned down and beaten by Shen Wang, it was filled with disbelief and rage, even secretly swearing in its heart: once it escaped, it would definitely come back to crush this detestable celestial master!

Unexpectedly, after being handed over to another person, it was easily crushed again, losing much of its cultivated ghostly energy!

Imprisoned for decades, had the Taoist priests outside become so powerful? The ghost, infuriated, lost control of its ghostly energy, nearly descending into madness, continuously shrieking 'impossible'.

Shen Wang looked at it with pity: "Why be so stubborn?"

Gu Dongting's status as the foremost figure in the metaphysical world was earned through sheer power, a reputation forged by overwhelmingly crushing others in the field.

Even Shen Wang, who had seen numerous geniuses in the cultivation world, couldn't help but marvel at the miracle of possessing such strength in modern society.

"Like a student in the mountains, achieving grades nearly on par with those in the key high schools of big cities, it takes not only effort but also unparalleled talent."

"Fellow Daoist Gu," an elderly man with white eyebrows approached, casting a seemingly casual glance over Shen Wang, "May I know who this is?"

Before Gu Dongting could speak, someone hurriedly squeezed through the crowd and answered for him: "This is Shen Wang."

Shen Wang looked closely and realized the newcomer was Shi Yan, the cunning minister of that special department.

Shi Yan still wore a gentle smile, standing naturally in front of Shen Wang and Gu Dongting: "During the entrance examination, a fierce ghost somehow got mixed in. How is the Mystical Studies Association going to explain this to everyone?"

The old man was at a loss for words, his eyes lingering on Shen Wang with reluctance: "These ghosts were borrowed from the Ghost Control Path. Perhaps the investigation should start there."

After speaking, he asked Shen Wang somewhat unwillingly: "Young friend Shen, may I know under whom you've studied? Have you registered with our Mystical Studies Association?"

Shi Yan's eyes cooled slightly as he witnessed an attempt to undermine him right in front of his eyes.

Finally, the vice-chairman of the Mystical Studies Association arrived, seemingly oblivious to the slightly tense atmosphere. He greeted Shen Wang with a beaming smile: "Young friend Shen, long time no see. Who would've thought the savior of the examinees would be you. Truly, a hero emerges in youth."

"It's hard to rebuff someone who approaches with a smile," the vice-chairman's demeanor left Shi Yan with no option to intervene, leaving him standing aside with a forced smile.

Shen Wang also responded with a chuckle: "Vice-chairman, indeed, it has been a long time."

Two people who had only met once, each considering the other a fool, laughed as if they were old friends who hadn't seen each other for centuries, overflowing with warmth.

Seeing this scene, the rest of the crowd shifted their gaze, not to be outdone, they gathered around, expressing their gratitude one after another.

"I haven't yet thanked young friend Shen for saving my grandson. I owe a great debt of gratitude. If there is ever anything you need from me, I will not hesitate to help!"

"We owe you a favor for this. Should you need anything in the future, just let us know."

"Amitabha, benefactor Shen has bestowed great kindness upon our Luohan Temple."

Those who arrived promptly were all important figures with younger family members participating in the entrance exam. Their gratitude, reflected in their eyes, was especially sincere.

Shen Wang glanced at them and noticed his somewhat superficial teammates each following behind an elder, heads bowed, appearing very well-behaved.

Feeling Shen Wang's gaze, the young man from Miaojiang awkwardly turned his head away, then quickly back, silently expressing his thanks. The chubby boy, more straightforward and assuming his elder couldn't see him, made a phone gesture at Shen Wang, grinning and dancing like a chubby dancing monkey.

A hint of amusement flashed in Shen Wang's eyes. He warmly responded to each elder's heartfelt thanks, not fussing over formalities.

Surrounded by the crowd, Shen Wang couldn't extricate himself, while Gu Dongting stood aside, quietly watching him.

Shi Yan, who had walked over at some point, said sourly, "After this incident, he's going to become an overnight sensation in the world of mystical studies."

Gu Dongting lowered his eyes: "Standing out in the forest doesn't always bode well."

He knew that Shen Wang was strong enough to even overpower fierce ghosts with his bare hands, but many things in the world couldn’t be resolved by strength alone.

Beneath the seemingly calm surface of the current world of mystical studies lurked unpredictable and complex undercurrents. Even Gu Dongting couldn’t see what secrets lay beneath. He had an indistinct sense of foreboding, as if something was looming over him.

This strange sense of impending crisis was indescribable and unexplainable. Gu Dongting hadn't shared it with anyone, but it drove him to practice even more diligently.

Now, Shen Wang, who had always remained detached from the mystical studies community and focused solely on making money, had also stepped into these troubled waters.

Gu Dongting tightened his grip on his sword, his gaze growing more resolute.

The people surrounding Shen Wang continued to heap exaggerated praises on him, each more flamboyant than the last.

"Young friend Shen, to possess such strength at a young age, your future is indeed promising, very promising indeed."

"I see young friend Shen has clear and righteous eyes, a true upstanding person. Our world of mystical studies has gained another young talent."

"In the future, he will surely become a pillar of the mystical studies community!"

While others praised him with genuine emotion, Shen Wang replied unflinchingly, "Well, indeed, having me in the mystical studies world is a blessing for the community."

The crowd: "......"

Amidst the sudden silence, someone chuckled awkwardly, "Young friend Shen is straightforward and unconventional, really... really..."

After struggling to find words, Shen Wang helpfully added, "Really more handsome than others, a talent bestowed by heaven?"

The crowd: "......"

How can this young man be so immodest!

"It's been years since such a powerful ghost has appeared in the mystical studies world. We must thoroughly investigate the origins of this ghost!" Someone stiffly changed the subject, and the rest immediately agreed with righteous indignation.

"The ghost provided by the Ghost Control Path has caused issues. The people from the Ghost Control Path must provide an explanation!"

"Where are the people from the Ghost Control Path? Did they come?"

"For such a major incident, how could they not come?"

The head of the Ghost Control Path, trying to minimize his presence in the crowd, was pushed forward. His eyebrows and eyes drooping awkwardly, he met Shen Wang's gaze: "Long time no see, young friend Shen."

Shen Wang raised an eyebrow, surprised to encounter yet another acquaintance, and one he had tricked before.

Ever since they caught a long-fugitive traitor with Shen Wang's help, only to be swindled out of a large sum of money, the Ghost Control Path sect had been living frugally.

Providing minor ghosts as props for the entrance exam was one of the few steady incomes for the Ghost Control Path, but they never anticipated that this longstanding cooperation would backfire.

The head of the Ghost Control Path was also troubled: "Honestly, we have no idea what happened... As everyone knows, our Ghost Control Path is a declining minor sect. Although we have the reputation of controlling ghosts, we can only control minor ones."

At most, some resentful spirits.

As for fierce ghosts... not to be self-deprecating, but no one in our sect can control a fierce ghost.

The practice of Ghost Control, although a part of the orthodox path, has some evil aspects. One misstep can lead to being devoured by evil ghosts. In this era of peace, the Ghost Control Path has explicitly forbidden making pacts with evil ghosts.

"Who doesn't know that a camel, even at its weakest, is still bigger than a horse? You may seem diminished, but who knows what secret traditions you might be hiding," someone commented sarcastically.

The head of the Ghost Control Path's expression changed as he said sternly, "This entrance exam was prepared jointly by the Mystical Studies Association and the Special Department. If there was an issue with the ghosts we provided, wouldn’t they have noticed?"

That made sense. The crowd pondered, their gaze shifting to the Mystical Studies Association and the Special Department.

It was common knowledge that the entrance exams were always prepared by the Mystical Studies Association, with all successful candidates registering with them immediately. This was the first time the Special Department had been involved in the exams.

Someone murmured, "The Mystical Studies Association has prepared so many exams without issue. How come problems arise the moment the Special Department gets involved?"

This statement, loaded with implications, made the representatives of the Mystical Studies Association and the Special Department tense up.

The vice-chairman of the Mystical Studies Association was the first to speak: "Fellow Daoists, this matter is of great importance. We will thoroughly investigate and clarify everything."

Shi Yan from the Special Department was about to speak when Gu Dongting stepped forward: "I have something to ask you as well."

The vice-chairman's heart skipped a beat, sensing an ominous premonition: "Daoist Gu, may I ask what this is about?"

Gu Dongting, not fond of socializing and rarely speaking up in front of many people, had everyone realizing that this was no trivial matter when he chose to speak.

Several tightly bound individuals were thrown in front of the crowd.

Upon closer inspection, some examinees recognized them, exclaiming in shock, "Aren’t these the staff members?"

The vice-chairman's brow furrowed slightly, and someone immediately leaned in to whisper: "They are staff members we dispatched for the examination duties."

"Daoist Gu, what is this about?" the vice-chairman asked, his expression turning sour. "I understand your urgency in uncovering the truth, but investigation takes time."

Gu Dongting ignored the vice-chairman, looking down at the staff members: "Speak."

The staff members, sweating profusely, tried to feign ignorance: "Gu... Brother Gu, we don’t know anything, why are we being captured…"

Everyone present was no fool; seeing their panic-stricken faces and stuttering speech, it was clear there was something amiss with them.

The crowd became incensed: "It was you two who almost killed my grandson!"

"Two scoundrels, nearly causing a huge loss for our southwestern mystical studies community!"

"I suspect there are others behind these two. Don’t kill them yet; keep them alive to reveal the mastermind behind this…"

The two staff members, mere low-level members of the Mystical Studies Association, were terrified by the questioning from so many senior and formidable figures, even the vice-chairman watching coldly for them to reveal the mastermind.

One of them, pale-faced, blurted out: "It wasn’t me, I didn’t do it, I just wanted to make Shen Wang fail the exam…"

Shen Wang, who had been merely observing the commotion, was taken aback upon hearing his own name: "???"

Having started, the staff member then spilled the rest of the story in one breath.

"We never expected things to get this out of hand; we were just following orders."

"Someone instructed us to sabotage Shen Wang's exam, to teach him a small lesson."

"They said they had prepared something that, if sprinkled on a ghost, would incite a riot among them, and no one would trace it back to us."

The vice-chairman scoffed, "Nonsense! How can a normal minor ghost suddenly turn into a fierce ghost?"

And such a fierce ghost with a strong ghostly aura at that!

"Indeed, the fierce ghost had a strong aura and clear consciousness, nothing like one in a frenzy!"

The staff member trembled, crying out, "We didn't know. That person just told us it would incite the spirits, but the effect would be short-lived and soon disappear. He assured us it would only cause trouble for Shen Wang and not affect others."

Shen Wang and Gu Dongting exchanged a glance, an idea flashing in Shen's mind. He directly asked, "Who is this person you’re talking about?"

The staff member, previously terrified, now hesitated, stammering without speaking.

Following the staff member's gaze, Shen Wang narrowed his eyes slightly, "Is it Chen Feng?"

The staff member shuddered, shrinking back, remaining silent.

Seeing his reaction, everyone understood his answer, their expressions varying.

Elder Three’s gaze darkened: "Are we to believe Chen Feng is behind this just on these two people’s word?"

No one in the crowd spoke.

Elder Three sneered, "This is a fierce ghost we're talking about. Chen Feng has only just reached the Condensing Vein stage. How could he control such a ghost? And where did this ghost come from? This is too suspicious. I hope everyone won't be deceived by villains and let the real culprit escape."

Shen Wang was almost amused by Elder Three’s insinuation, implying that Shen Wang was the one with the unclear background, and Chen Feng was innocent.

"Elder Three," Shen Wang said with a cryptic smile, "Even if Chen Feng is the illegitimate son of the Qingcheng Mountain sect leader, you don’t need to go to such lengths to cover for someone else's child... Or is it that he's not the sect leader’s son, but your own?"

Elder Three’s face contorted for a moment: "Don’t spout nonsense!"

Many people knew about the sect leader of Qingcheng Mountain's cherished illegitimate son, but this was the first time someone had openly spoken about it.

"Spouting nonsense? You know very well whether I am or not," Shen Wang sneered coldly. "Since you claim the witnesses' words are unreliable, dare you bring Chen Feng here for a face-to-face confrontation?"

Elder Three's face turned ashen, unable to utter a word.

As Chen Feng's master, Elder Three knew too well his disciple's character: arrogant, cunning, vindictive... After suffering a setback at Shen Wang's hands, he would definitely seek revenge in the shadows.

Elder Three had warned Chen Feng not to act without certainty of success, but Chen Feng, accustomed to doing as he pleased in Qingcheng Mountain and the Mystical Studies Association, had developed a stubborn and unheeding character.

Today's incident... there was at least an eighty percent chance it was Chen Feng's doing.

Seeing Elder Three speechless, Shen Wang smiled, but his eyes held no mirth: "Elder Three, I always abide by the principle of not offending others unless offended."

But if someone offends him, he would retaliate fiercely.

This Chen Feng was like a hyena, always drooling and lurking behind, occasionally causing trouble.

Since returning to modern society, Shen Wang had become more cultured and easy-going, not bothering with the other party... yet the other party was ungrateful.

The cause of this incident was clear: because of personal grudges, Chen Feng had summoned a fierce ghost to kill Shen Wang, and the dozens of examinees were just collateral damage.

Everyone’s faces grew dark with displeasure.

A senior monk from Luohan Temple stepped forward: "Amitabha, Qingcheng Mountain may be a major mystical studies faction in the southwest, but our Luohan Temple is no lesser."

Following his lead, several others exchanged glances and spoke up: "We may not be as powerful as Qingcheng Mountain, but the southwest is not dominated by Qingcheng Mountain alone. United, our smaller sects also possess the strength to fight."

Under the scrutiny of the crowd, Elder Three stood stiffly, his gaze pleadingly turning towards the vice-chairman.

The vice-chairman, however, turned his head away: "If it indeed turns out to be Chen Feng's doing, everything will be handled according to the rules."

The Mystical Studies Association might not necessarily suppress these sects; it's just that the vice-chairman chose to protect his own interests.

A flash of resentment crossed Elder Three's eyes. Qingcheng Mountain was the biggest partner of the southwestern Mystical Studies Association, yet at the first sign of trouble, the vice-chairman chose to be a bystander without a second thought.

"I will have Chen Feng cooperate with the investigation," Elder Three said through gritted teeth, planning to stall for time and leave the matter to the sect leader once the storm had passed.

The rest were somewhat dissatisfied, but as the issue involved the influential Qingcheng Mountain and the Mystical Studies Association, they felt helpless to intervene further.

Shen Wang subtly curved his lips, his expression nonchalant.

This demeanor of his made the surrounding people praise him even more: Even the victim, who nearly lost his life, remained so calm. What else could they say?

On the surface, Shen Wang: Cool and composed, unperturbed.

Inside, Shen Wang: It's getting cold; time to bankrupt Qingcheng Mountain.

After the Mystical Studies Association and the Special Department promised to quickly uncover the truth, people from various sects who had come with their juniors gradually left, leaving behind only Shen Wang’s few superficial teammates.

The two groups from the Mystical Studies Association and the Special Department were in a standoff, arguing about something, while Shen Wang, bored, gazed vacantly, lost in thought.

A hand landed on Shen Wang’s shoulder: "Shen Wang!"

Shen Wang: "……"

Recognizing this familiar touch, he turned around and, sure enough, it was the chubby boy.

The chubby boy rubbed his hands together, gesturing for Shen Wang to follow him.

Puzzled, Shen Wang followed and saw his familiar teammates waiting there: the young man from Miaojiang, the Feng Shui master, and the young monk, all lined up.

A question mark slowly appeared above Shen Wang’s head.

"Big boss Shen, let’s exchange contact information," the chubby boy looked eagerly at Shen Wang, chuckling, "So I can consult you about cultivation matters in the future."

Shen Wang bluntly refused: "No, you can't."

The chubby boy whined: "Why not?"

Shen Wang gave the chubby boy an obvious once-over, disdainfully saying: "With your level of cultivation, teaching you would be a short-lived endeavor."

"What?" The chubby boy's eyes widened. "It can't be that bad."

Shen Wang scoffed: "I fear for your short life."

This kind of student, clearly a slow learner, what if he got impatient while teaching and accidentally harmed the other?

The chubby boy: "……"

So, so fierce, and frightening.

Despite his words, Shen Wang didn’t reject the request to exchange contact details. After adding as friends, another phone was thrust under Shen Wang’s nose.

The young man from Miaojiang awkwardly said, "I want to add you too."

In the end, the temporarily formed makeshift team all added each other as friends. The chubby boy even excitedly created a group chat, with Shen Wang noticing the group name: ‘The Team of the Boss’s Words’.

Shen Wang: "……"

The young monk, still a child, just added Shen Wang as a friend and was then carried away by the senior monk.

Before leaving, the senior monk nodded at Shen Wang: "Benefactor Shen, if Qingcheng Mountain causes you trouble, you’re welcome at our Luohan Temple."

"Thank you again for saving Huiping."

"The monks in this world are quite polite," Shen Wang thought casually, unlike the Buddhist cultivators in the cultivation world, who drink alcohol, eat meat, and beat people to a pulp with their gigantic fists.

Suddenly thinking of something, Shen Wang asked, "Is Qingcheng Mountain very powerful?"

Already aware that Shen Wang knew little about common knowledge, the others were not too surprised and gave a brief introduction.

Qingcheng Mountain, known for geomancy and feng shui, is the most lucrative field in the mystical studies world. Coupled with its relatively complete heritage, it has become the leading sect in the entire southwest region.

Speaking of Qingcheng Mountain's wealth, the chubby boy commented sourly, "Rich people line up, bringing money for them to do feng shui readings. For those who pay less, they just send junior monks to deal with it."

"I heard that they charge at least several hundred thousand for a single feng shui consultation," the young man from Miaojiang added, trying to sound cool.

After their explanation, they all sighed in unison, then turned to the only feng shui master in the group: "Li Nian, when will you be able to earn that much?"

The feng shui master named Li Nian also sighed, "Maybe in my next life."

Hearing their discussion, Shen Wang took a longer look at the feng shui master, noticing his somewhat old but impeccably clean and neat robe. Although it was a featureless gray, the young man was tall and straight, not bad-looking.

"Okay, I got it," Shen Wang said, having obtained the information he wanted, then abruptly turned away, waving his hand as he left.

The chubby boy and the others: "???"

Is he that heartless?

Gu Dongting had already stepped away from the dispute between the Special Department and the Mystical Studies Association. Seeing Shen Wang approaching, his icy gaze softened.

Without a word, the two walked side by side down the mountain.

Shen Wang casually asked, "What did the Mystical Studies Association say?"

Gu Dongting, ever open, replied, "Chen Feng might be the main culprit, but a fierce ghost of that level isn’t something he could have accessed."

"So, there's someone else behind this?" Shen Wang frowned. "Just to target me?"

Shen Wang himself didn’t know how he had offended so many people, each seemingly wanting him dead.

"It's not necessarily just to target you," Gu Dongting explained. "There were dozens of novices from the mystical studies world trapped with you."

These novices, though not strong, form the foundation of the entire mystical studies world.

If they had truly come to harm in this incident, the entire mystical studies world would have been plunged into turmoil – the elders who lost their juniors, the sects losing fresh blood... and other cultivators reliant on each other.

Indeed, in these difficult modern times of cultivation, anyone who can cultivate, regardless of their talent, is a new force in the mystical studies world. Muttering to himself, Shen Wang said, "Then who would be so ruthless..."

"I don't know." Whether there was someone behind Chen Feng remained an unknown; it was all just speculation in Gu Dongting's mind.

Shen Wang sighed heavily, "Troublesome, really troublesome."

A shadow fell in Gu Dongting’s eyes, indeed very troublesome, now all they could do was hope he was overthinking.

A simple entrance exam ended so abruptly.

This incident quickly caused an uproar in the cultivation world, and along with it, Shen Wang's name spread throughout the entire cultivation community.

The next day, the chubby boy forwarded a link to Shen Wang: [Bro Shen, you're famous now!]

Looking up from the table, Shen Wang picked up his phone and saw it was from the chubby boy, he smirked: [Your Bro Shen was famous eight hundred years ago.]

Those past trending searches weren’t for nothing.

The chubby boy replied instantly: [Check the link!]

[You're famous in the mystical studies world!]

[Everyone's talking about you!]

Only then did Shen Wang remember that someone had mentioned a specific forum in the mystical studies world, called the Longevity Forum.

The forum had various sections, like a casual chat section, a mission section, a Q&A section... and now, Shen Wang's name was floating on the homepage of every section.

[I heard Shen Wang crushed a fierce ghost single-handedly. I can't believe it. Is there anyone who was there to tell us what happened?]

[Has anyone dug up where this guy came from? Which sect does he belong to?]

[One Gu Dongting was enough, and now Shen Wang rises. Do ordinary people like us even stand a chance? Ancestors, save me!]

[Li Tao, who is stronger in combat, Gu Dongting or Shen Wang?]

[Click to see the beautiful love story of Shen X Gu.]

Shen Wang: "……"

These cultivators really have nothing better to do.

Internally scoffing, Shen Wang hypocritically clicked on the post comparing combat abilities, only to be rendered speechless by the responses.

[Thanks for the invite, but that's insulting to Gu Dongting.]

Below was a flood of comments, with people comparing the two from every aspect: looks, personality, strength. In these people's eyes, Shen Wang was being completely overshadowed in every way.

It seems these cultivators are not only idle but also into idolizing. Shen Wang immediately closed the post and clicked on the next one.

[Click to see the beautiful love story of Shen X Gu.]

[Help, doesn't anyone else think they're a perfect match? On-site, it's well-known that Brother Gu is an unapproachable aloof figure, but when he's with Shen Wang, he's not cold at all!]

[Everyone knows that Brother Gu likes to use force (physics) to persuade people and dislikes unnecessary chatter, but this time, he actually interrogated those two staff members in public.]

[Clearly, it was because the matter involved Shen Wang. He was angry and wanted to confront them in front of everyone, undermining both the Mystical Studies Association and Qingcheng Mountain.]

[If this isn't love...]

[Yesterday at lunchtime, I happened to see them both going to eat at a small street-side restaurant...]

[Attached photo]

Seeing that familiar photo, Shen Wang's eyelid twitched. The girl who sneakily took his photo yesterday turned out to be a cultivator, something Shen Wang hadn’t expected.

This girl's combat prowess was strong. Initially, some people rebutted her, saying that although Brother Gu was aloof, he wasn’t rude, that the two had no connection, and that even if they knew each other, normal friends could also dine together...

Towards the end of the post, the doubters and rebutters changed their tune, as if brainwashed, expressing their amazement.

[If this isn't love...]

Shen Wang: "……"

If it were insults, he could retaliate directly, but in this situation, he didn’t know how to react and just felt incredibly awkward.

Not wanting to be the only one feeling awkward, Shen Wang decisively decided to forward the post to Gu Dongting.

Gu Dongting, unusually, replied quickly: [What is this?]

Shen Wang burst into laughter, not yet finished when Gu Dongting called, causing Shen Wang to cough and nervously ask, “Why are you suddenly calling?”

Gu Dongting was concise: “The matter has been investigated.”

Shen Wang was surprised: “That fast?”

Gu Dongting hummed softly, seemingly unsure how to begin.

Shen Wang was prepared for this: "What happened?"

Gu Dongting told Shen Wang that Chen Feng was indeed responsible for the incident.

Chen Feng had harbored resentment towards Shen Wang since failing to snatch a talisman earlier. Later, Shen Wang tricked him into buying useless stones for millions, which only deepened his grudge.

When Chen Feng learned that Shen Wang was taking the entrance exam, he decided to ensure Shen Wang's death during the ghost riot.

He stole a fierce ghost suppressed by the Mystical Studies Association for decades, sneaking it among the minor ghosts provided by the Ghost Control Path. He also bribed the staff to prepare a drug that would incite the ghost to riot.

Shen Wang was dumbfounded: "So, he did all this by himself, from start to finish?"

Such a blatantly obvious plan was surprisingly hard to believe.

Gu Dongting, somewhat helplessly, confirmed: "According to the investigation, yes."

Chen Feng learned about Shen Wang's exam participation from the Mystical Studies Association staff and used Elder Three's authority to steal the long-suppressed fierce ghost. He didn’t even consider the other participants.

Perhaps he did consider them; the dosage of the drug he prepared wasn't large and would wear off quickly, giving the ghost just enough time to kill someone before fleeing.

Then, everyone's focus would be on the escaped ghost… As for the one or few people who died, aside from their close ones, who else would remember or care?

What he hadn't anticipated was the fierce ghost’s enduring strength despite decades of suppression, its tolerance to the drug, and its malice towards all cultivators.

After hearing this, Shen Wang didn’t know what to say.

To call it foolish would be an understatement, as Chen Feng had seemingly thought through the consequences; to call it malicious would be insufficient, as Chen Feng likely didn’t consider it an insult.

Finally, Shen Wang sighed softly: "How was he dealt with?"

This time, Gu Dongting was silent for a long while before saying, "The Mystical Studies Association has expelled him, apologizing to you and compensating everyone involved."

"Is that all?"

Gu Dongting couldn’t answer.

With Qingcheng Mountain's protection and the Mystical Studies Association's tacit indulgence, even the Special Department couldn’t forcibly take Chen Feng away.

"Let it be," Shen Wang said indifferently, "I had anticipated this."

Such incidents were commonplace in the world of cultivation, and Shen Wang was no longer surprised by them.

This time, the two didn’t talk for long and quickly ended the call.

Shen Wang’s expression wasn’t as depressed and pitiable as Gu Dongting had imagined. He idly fiddled with something in his hand: "Better to rely on oneself than on others or heaven; fortunately, I was prepared."

"Qingcheng Mountain..." Shen Wang smiled faintly.

Meanwhile, Gu Dongting, having ended the call, lay on his bed, unable to close his eyes. He felt a stifled pain in his heart, inexplicable and unsettling, preventing him from focusing on cultivation or sleep.

After staring at the ceiling for a long time, Gu Dongting suddenly sat up, gripping the sword he always carried, his lips pressed tightly together.

Looking at his sword as if facing an enemy, Gu Dongting felt a sense of powerlessness for the first time: "I'm not strong enough."

Hence, he couldn’t even protect the person he wanted to.

The boiling rage in his heart was forcibly suppressed as Gu Dongting lay back down. Unexpectedly, he soon closed his eyes, but the next second, his beautifully shaped eyes snapped open.

Breathing rapidly as if just pulled from water, Gu Dongting took several deep breaths to calm himself.

Looking around, he sat up on the bed, not even glancing at the sword beside him, and muttered in confusion: "Who is Chen Feng?"

Having lived too long in his past life, Gu Dongting couldn’t remember many things clearly. The only thing deeply etched in his memory was hatred, a bone-deep hatred.

Suddenly, a name popped into Gu Dongting's mind, startling even himself: "Kill Chen Feng..."

Gu Dongting quickly realized this was an obsession deeply rooted in his heart, so powerful that even he couldn't control it.

He knew his former self well, a man of rigid integrity. That this Chen Feng could incite such intense murderous intent in his former self? Gu Dongting rose, retrieving a set of black clothes and a fierce-looking ghost mask from above the wardrobe.

"Since your wish is so strong, I'll fulfill it for you."

Dressed and masked, Gu Dongting leapt gracefully out the window, gliding silently through the night air like an owl, stealthily hunting his prey.

The next day, Shen Wang was woken by a phone call. He had been busy all night and had just rested in the morning, barely able to open his eyes: "Who is it?"

"Is this Shen Wang?" A sinister, unfamiliar male voice came from the other end of the phone.

Shen Wang, exasperated by the downsides of fame: "I'm not taking any jobs unless your offer is tempting enough."

"Last night, did you cripple Chen Feng's cultivation?" The caller didn't respond to Shen Wang's comment, asking his own question instead.

"Who's Chen Feng?" Shen Wang was momentarily confused, then suddenly woke up with realization, "What the hell? Chen Feng's cultivation is crippled? Which angelic sister did this good deed?"

Breathing heavily, the caller seemed agitated.

Oblivious, Shen Wang enthusiastically expressed his gratitude, "Are you a fan of mine? Calling specially to inform me of this? Thanks a lot!"

"Enough!" The caller squeezed out two words through gritted teeth, his teeth grinding, "Shen Wang, do you think you can absolve yourself by pretending? I swear, I'll make you pay."

Shen Wang: "……So, who exactly are you?"

The caller abruptly hung up, and Shen Wang was certain he heard the sound of the phone being smashed on the ground.

That poor phone must be in pieces now.

Chuckling for a moment, Shen Wang then composed himself, showing a sly smile: "That's all the Qingcheng Mountain sect leader can do? Just this?"

After laughing, Shen Wang's expression turned contemplative: "Who could it be that crippled Chen Feng's cultivation at such a critical time?"

Now that Chen Feng was in trouble, Shen Wang was the prime suspect, even though he had an alibi. In the world of mystical studies, there were plenty of ways to harm someone from afar.

Unable to figure it out after much thought, Shen Wang decided not to dwell on it any longer. Offending Qingcheng Mountain was already a given for him; one more time didn't matter.

Cheerfully, he picked out an ostentatious outfit, put it on, and added a Zhu Bajie mask he had bought on his way home yesterday, pleased with himself: "As expected of me, my splendid elegance can't be hidden no matter what I wear."

Shen Wang, dressed like a flamboyant butterfly, concealed his identity and headed straight for Qingcheng Mountain.