Chapter 39

Chapter 39

Yu Cui's fingers danced feverishly on the keyboard, her focus unparalleled, as if the world's most captivating object was the monitor screen before her.

The result of such intense productivity was evident—what used to take her an entire day to complete was finished in just one and a half hours today.

In that instant she hit the last Enter key, her mind relaxed, momentarily drifting away before snapping back to reality.

Just then, the manager passed by the outer office and caught sight of her computer screen, his eyes lighting up. He leaned over to inspect her work. "I've seen you playing with your phone in the pantry lately. I thought you were slacking off. But good job, very good. Keep it up."

Yu Cui, who had long been a negligible figure in the project team, hadn't received such encouragement from her superior in ages. Overwhelmed, she watched him leave before collapsing back into her chair, baffled. What had driven her sudden burst of enthusiasm? It was utterly inexplicable.

But she soon realized that this strange phenomenon wasn't limited to that.

During lunchtime, when they headed to the canteen together, she noticed that the cafeteria was serving the rare treat of fried chicken, pork chops, and cake. A glutton for such high-calorie delights, Yu Cui lacked self-restraint and would indulge without limits whenever she encountered them. Thus, while delighted, she inwardly groaned, fearing that her diet plan might be derailed once again, for on such occasions, she usually ate until she was bursting at the seams.

However, as soon as this thought crossed her mind, her head cooled down.

Looking at the dishes with her tray in hand, she found herself no longer irrationally craving them. After pondering, she swiped only enough to satisfy her hunger, leaving her colleagues astonished. "Wow, Yu Cui, what's going on? Usually, three pork chops aren't enough for a snack, are you not feeling well today?"

Yu Cui found it odd as well. "I don't know, I just feel like I don't need to eat that much."

After finishing a meal that was only a third of her usual lunch, she surprisingly felt satisfied. This moderate feeling of fullness was much more comfortable than the bloated state she used to experience.

Her colleagues were astonished to see her eating at a leisurely pace, exchanging bewildered glances. When did this person learn such self-restraint?

But this was just the beginning of their surprises. After the lunch break, someone in the office suggested pooling money to buy milk tea. Yu Cui, who was always the main contributor, was unexpectedly engrossed in her computer work and didn't join in, saying, "I don't really feel like having it today. Let me finish this Word document first."

This left the entire office stunned. As the end of the workday approached, Yu Cui's actions were even more bewildering. She actually stopped a colleague who was about to leave, "Hey, Xiaomei, didn't we get memberships at the same gym? For some reason, I really want to run today. Could you wait for me? Let's go together."

Everyone: "!!!"

******

By the time Yu Cui dragged herself out of the gym, exhausted, the moon had already risen above the willows. She stepped into the moonlight and slumped onto the sofa in the living room, staring blankly at the ceiling.

Incredibly, she had persisted in running five kilometers, followed by a swim. What was even more astonishing was that she walked away from a mouthwatering barbecue stall without hesitation, thinking only about the calories she had burned with great effort. Throughout her workout, she didn't even entertain the thought of quitting halfway to take a bath, as she used to. Her mind was filled with the determination to complete her tasks.

Yu Cui recognized this sense of determination, which she had often come across in the motivational articles she read on various social networks – those that emphasized self-discipline.

Waking up at eight and going to bed before ten, reading a new book every month, working out at the gym regularly – these were schedules that adorned her television wall! But knowing the principles didn't guarantee a fulfilling life; Yu Cui had never been one for self-discipline! Who wakes up at eight to read books every day? Isn't sleeping in a part of life? Staying up late to play with your phone is the best, isn't it? Reading classics is nowhere near as entertaining as binge-watching TV series! Isn't such terrifying self-control a trait only the main characters possess in legends?

As these thoughts crossed her mind, Yu Cui glanced at the wall clock – it was nine, her usual time for watching TV shows and using her phone. Yet, all she wanted now was to take a shower and go to bed.

Goodness, could it be that I've been possessed by the soul of a main character? Will my personality change dramatically, leading me down the path to success?

She shivered with a mixture of delight and trepidation but still instinctively began undressing for a bath. As she reached into her pocket, she froze.

She pulled out the object she had found, and under the warm glow of the light, a yellow talisman with an enigmatic pattern lay quietly in her palm.

A sudden jolt in her mind made her pause for a few seconds. Swiftly, she grabbed her phone and opened her Weibo page. After a few moments, she located the post she had previously seen but had mostly forgotten –

Wei XiV: →_→ To the right, the Heart-Cleansing Charm originated from the 'Scripture of the True Dao,' symbolizing "purification of thoughts." Please keep it well, disciples, and wear it with you. It has the effect of clearing distractions and strengthening your original intentions. @MakingTroubleImFirst: You guys actually take this feudal superstition seriously? Obviously, it's just a joke to you... @MustLoseWeightBeforeYearEnd: Ahhh! Ahhh! Master, Master, I won the prize! What does this Heart-Cleansing Charm do?

Clearing distractions, strengthening original intentions...

As Yu Cui read these words, she trembled all over. Slowly, she tore her gaze away from the phone screen and looked back at her palm.

Indeed, hadn't her urge to complete the report arisen from the moment she stuffed the talisman into her pocket after receiving the delivery?

But how was that possible? Weren't talismans just a product of superstitious beliefs, nothing more than a joke? It was too absurd to believe that a piece of paper could instill self-control through faith!

Yu Cui laughed at herself for having such an imaginative mind. She felt embarrassed by her thoughts and casually placed the talisman on the armrest of the sofa.

The moment it left her hand, an inexplicable wave of exhaustion washed over her. Her previously clear mind started to fog up. Standing there, she stared in the direction of the bathroom, and the desire to take a shower faded away.

It's only nine... still early...

Why bother washing up and going to bed so soon? I might as well watch a show first. That drama I've been following should have new episodes by now...

And I'm craving some midnight snacks. Even though I want to lose weight, the nearby restaurant's garlic crayfish delivery is so delicious. It wouldn't hurt to indulge once in a while...

As she pondered these thoughts, she opened the familiar food delivery app and ordered three pounds of garlic crayfish. Right before placing the order, her sore muscles from swimming reminded her.

What am I doing? I struggled to control myself all day, and now I'm about to ruin it all at this hour?

Yu Cui stood there, dazed by the glow of her phone. After a long silence, she slowly turned her head mechanically. Her eyes, filled with disbelief, landed on the lightweight talisman resting on the sofa's armrest.

No way!

******

Yu Cui logged into her account excitedly, ready to share her experience, only to discover that someone had beaten her to it, causing a massive explosion of comments under Tai Cang Sect's lottery tweet.

Ten people were chosen in the Clear Mind Spell lottery, and each winner had experienced something similar to Yu Cui.

Procrastination was a prevalent malady among modern society. With so many distractions and the tedious nature of work and study, who could honestly claim that they had the exceptional willpower to resist these allurements and focus on dull tasks?

Hence, a student wept, "Student Devotee: Oh my Buddha! Master, you've truly enlightened me. I laughed at the poorly drawn talisman with my classmates when I received it, but I've been in a daze and fearful of studying for my upcoming exams. But after wearing it, I found myself engrossed in class and completed an entire workbook! Suddenly, I understood concepts that previously eluded me! Thank you, Master! I'm now confident and will disconnect from the internet to focus on my studies. When I pass the exam, I'll come back to fulfill my vow! Please bless me!"

A working adult sighed, "Middle-Aged Oily Salted Fish: ... After three decades of life, I feel like a Young Pioneer for the first time. Previously, I'd pile up dirty clothes and stinky socks for weeks without washing them, earning constant scolding. Now, I wake up energized, eager to work. My wife cried tears of joy seeing me clean and even doubled my allowance. My boss praises me daily and hinted that my dedication has caught the attention of higher-ups. They might consider promoting me due to my age and recent efforts. What on earth is this Clear Mind Spell? It's unbelievable!"

However, such testimonials merely elicited awe and congratulations. The true buzz came from a fellow chronic dieter akin to Yu Cui:

【Must Slim Down Before Year-End: Honestly, my followers know I lack self-control. I've been talking about losing weight for years, yet my QQ signature still reads 'Late-night snacks are my life.' Since receiving this Clear Mind Spell, whether by psychological effect or not, I HAVEN'T EATEN A SINGLE NIGHT SNACK! All I want after work is the gym, lifting weights, swimming, building muscles! I hate exercise, yet I'm enjoying it without any struggle! I relish my fitness meals! My waist is down to 73cm, and my face looks visibly slimmer! I'm bursting with confidence. Unilaterally declaring today as the day I become a disciple of Tai Cang Sect! As long as I keep losing weight, I'll never betray my master!】

This professional dieter was a popular humorous influencer with significant online clout. She detailed the mental transformation she underwent after wearing the Clear Mind Spell and even shared photos of her visibly altered physique from intense workouts. With evidence in hand, apart from a few skeptics, her followers were ecstatic, flooding Tai Cang Sect's official blog.

Unity Yihao had just finished drawing another batch of new talismans for his junior apprentice brothers' punishment when a series of notification sounds startled him to the point of nearly dropping his brush.

He opened his account and was immediately inundated by a flood of messages, like a tidal wave crashing upon him.

"Ah! Ah! Ah! Please, Master, for a weight-loss charm!"

"Master! Will there be a lottery or retweet event for the weight-loss charm?! I'll even pay for it!!"

"In this place, do we address seniors as 'Master'? Then I shall too, Master! I weighed in at over two hundred jin today! Save the child, please!!"

Unity and Righteousness: "...."

What on earth was a Weight Loss Talisman? He was utterly perplexed, and when he finally understood what had happened, he was dumbfounded with anger.

How did the Pure Heart Charm turn into a Weight Loss Talisman? It was notoriously difficult to learn, and he'd been punished by his junior to copy it a thousand times over. Yet, such a sophisticated name had been casually altered by these people!

Despite his frustration, he welcomed business opportunities with open arms. Seeing that there was demand, he promptly opened an online shop on Taobao to sell his stockpile.

There were, of course, some skeptical voices. After all, in this age of technology, it was rather fantastical to believe that a mere talisman could aid in maintaining a regular lifestyle. But so what? Those truly determined to lose weight had tried every trick in the book, hadn't they? Were weight-loss pills and strict diets any more scientific? Besides, there were also chronic procrastinators who lacked the self-discipline to change their ways and eagerly sought transformation. These individuals hesitated only briefly before purchasing what they saw as a lifeline, as the price wasn't exorbitant. Even if it turned out to be a scam, they would merely have paid an extra "intelligence tax."

******

Tachang Sect's peculiar company gradually gained online recognition.

Uncle Zhao, one of the offline believers, fulfilled his promise by delivering an incense burner.

Wei Xi initially expected a small one, but to his surprise, the believer was exceptionally devout, presenting a giant bronze tripod over a meter tall.

When Shu Wanrong saw this monstrosity being delivered to her doorstep, she nearly fainted. "W-Will we actually keep this thing at home?" Wouldn't her husband faint with anger when he saw it?

After examining its size, Wei Xi also agreed that it was unfeasible. "It wouldn't quite be appropriate inside the house."

Just as Shu Wanrong felt relieved, he suggested, "This incense burner is grand and should be placed at the entrance of the courtyard to receive offerings. Let's put it on the other side of the sect's stone tablet."

Shu Wanrong: ".................."

With a sense of despair, Shu Wanrong watched as the workers placed the massive incense burner at the entrance. She could almost envision her husband, enraged beyond reason, hanging himself from the doorframe in the dead of night.

At this moment, United Righteousness had finished sending out the inventory and came over to help, cuddling up to his master and complaining, mentioning how his highbrow Purification Spell had been humorously renamed by online friends as the Slimming Charm.

Wei Xi, only half-understanding, could only pat his head comfortingly. Immediately, Second Disciple gave him a chilly look: "The Purification Spell is originally meant to help cultivators strengthen their resolve and clear their minds. It has great uses. Ordinary people only notice its auxiliary effect on weight loss. It's because you haven't practiced enough and lack power. Draw another five hundred, and you might break through."

Upon hearing that his junior brother was going to make him draw more charms, United Righteousness was terrified out of his wits: "No! I'm already skilled enough!"

Curious about how his rather clumsy-in-matters-of-cultivation eldest disciple had progressed in learning charms, Wei Xi, seeing his resistance, simply held out his hands: "Show me one of the Purification Spells you've drawn."

United Righteousness happened to have one in his pocket to motivate himself to work diligently, so he promptly took it out for him. Wei Xi examined it and, apart from it being a bit ugly, couldn't see where else it needed improvement.

Looking around, he spotted Shu Wanrong standing by the door, her expression dazed as she gazed at the incense burner. Deciding to take action, he reached out and slapped the talisman onto her back.

Instantly, Shu Wanrong's entire being visibly perked up, her eyes glowing with renewed vitality. It was as if she was eager to embark on some urgent endeavor.

Wei Xi asked, "Wanrong, what do you want to do now?"

Upon hearing his question, Shu Wanrong grew even more anxious, actually jogging on the spot. Eagerly, she replied, "I... I want... I want to get a spa treatment!"

Wei Xi: "............"

Wei Xi frowned as he peeled the talisman off her back. He looked around once more and this time noticed Wei Chengshu, sitting on the A-frame ladder with a grim expression, cleaning the sect's plaque. Wei Xi then attached the talisman onto Wei Chengshu's leg.

Wei Chengshu, holding a rag and his newly upgraded iron bucket, saw the change in Wei Xi's demeanor. "Chengshu, what do you want to do?" Wei Xi asked.

Wei Chengshu sat on the ladder with his legs spread apart, his lips quivering as if finding it difficult to speak. After a moment of hesitation, he mustered up the courage to say, "I... I want to go racing, and visit a bar."

Wei Xi's frown deepened. He tore off the charm and handed it back to his eldest disciple. "The Purification Spell is meant to clear one's mind, but instead of tending to flowers or cleaning signs, they only think of going out to play. It seems this charm isn't quite effective."

Tong Juyi: "..."