Chapter 276

Chapter 276

◎Toppling the Tower◎

Xia Chichun took a several-hour flight to Yulan City and, without even checking into a hotel, had his driver take him directly to the Administration Bureau.

Despite being nearly eighty years old, he remained remarkably robust, showing no signs of old age, and walked steadily without needing assistance after the long journey.

The steward following behind him asked, "Are you sure you don’t want me to accompany you inside?"

Xia Chichun waved his hand dismissively. "No need. I know this place—there’s one Administration Bureau in the capital and another here in Yulan City. I haven’t been to the one in the capital yet, but I’m visiting this one first. Don’t worry, I’ll be fine going in alone. No matter what, they wouldn’t dare let anything happen to me inside the Bureau."

The Xia family wasn’t some nameless, faceless entity. They paid substantial taxes annually and provided countless jobs. As long as he hadn’t broken any laws, in a government-backed institution like this, no harm would come to him.

As soon as Xia Chichun entered the Bureau, the young receptionist greeted him. "Mr. Xia?"

Xia Chichun nodded. "Hello, I have an appointment with a Taoist master."

The young receptionist smiled and gestured. "Please follow me."

She led him to the guest floor and pointed to one of the rooms. "This one. You can go right in."

Xia Chichun thanked her and paused at the door to compose himself. He had negotiated countless contracts in his lifetime, but this time, it concerned his grandson. No matter what, reconciliation was preferable to conflict.

When he pushed the door open and saw only a seemingly young man inside, Xia Chichun was taken aback, then hesitated.

Ji Nanxing smiled at the man in the doorway. "Mr. Xia, please come in."

Xia Chichun stepped inside, confirming that the room held only this young man. Suppressing his doubts, he said, "Hello, I’m Xia Chichun. Long Sili is my grandson. I’m here today to find out what exactly happened—whether my grandson offended someone and brought this misfortune upon himself, or if there’s some other hidden reason."

Ji Nanxing gestured to a seat. "Please sit, Mr. Xia. Before answering your questions, I also have some points of confusion."

He slid a color printout across the table to Xia Chichun. "This is the Long family’s Duskwife Tower, built by Long Shangyuan in memory of his deceased wife. There are many Taoist masters in the capital, not to mention the headquarters stationed there. Did no one notice the problem with this tower?"

Xia Chichun examined the printout. It depicted a pagoda constructed by the famous Princess Lake, offering a panoramic view of the lake's scenery. Slightly behind it stood the DragonMotion Tech building, from which the tower was fully visible.

It was said that Long Shangyuan built this tower because it marked the spot where he first met his deceased wife, Xia Yili. At the time, the area had been part of an old urban district. Later, during city expansion, the land was cleared and developed into a commercial zone.

Unwilling to erase all traces of where he and his wife had fallen in love, Long Shangyuan purchased the land, renovated the existing old tower, and named it Duskwife Tower—symbolizing his eternal longing for her, morning and night. But ‘dusk’ also implies a beauty's fading years, decay, the twilight of life—none of which are auspicious omens.

Xia Chichun recounted the tower’s origin before asking, "What’s wrong with it?"

Ji Nanxing: "Its orientation. I researched the original structure. In feng shui, towers inherently symbolize suppression—whether in Taoism or Buddhism, they’re primarily used to ward off evil spirits. You don’t need deep feng shui knowledge to understand this. Just look at ancient legends, literature, or even modern films and dramas—Li Jing's Golden Pagoda (from Chinese mythology), the Leifeng Pagoda imprisoning the White Snake in the Legend of the White Snake. Since antiquity, towers have been the most common structures for sealing away evil. Yet you built a tower to mourn a deceased wife? *Duskwife Tower*—eternal remembrance, morning and night. But ‘dusk’ also implies fading beauty, decay, the twilight of life—none of which are auspicious omens."

Xia Chichun had consulted feng shui masters about the tower before. The one he hired claimed that since the tower was merely a reconstruction, repurposed under the guise of commemorating his late wife, it held no actual influence over his daughter.

Ji Nanxing: "The original entrance faced east, but after reconstruction, it was altered to face west. Two roads flank it on either side. And observe the spacing—the new tower was built exactly three feet smaller than the original. In feng shui, the dimensions of a seven-tiered hexagonal pagoda aren’t arbitrary. An inch more or less drastically alters the flow of energy."

He placed another photo in front of Xia Chichun—an aerial shot of Long Shangyuan’s tech building. "Take a closer look at this."

Xia Chichun studied the image but saw nothing amiss.

Ji Nanxing pointed it out directly: "The shadows. At sunrise, light from the tower falls onto the tech building. At sunset, the building’s shadow completely envelopes the tower. To draw a simple analogy: in traditional marriage bowing ceremonies, the wife’s bow would be half an inch deeper than the husband’s, symbolizing the husband as heaven (the dominant one) and the wife one head lower than the husband. This shadow suppression conveys the same meaning—unmistakably."

As Xia Chichun absorbed this, a chill crept down his spine. He had never liked Long Shangyuan from the start—the man was deeply scheming. His daughter had been too naive, destined to be deceived by Long Shangyuan’s charms. But she had loved him.

When his daughter died—a rare postpartum amniotic fluid embolism—no matter how many times he investigated, the conclusion always pointed to an accident. Long Shangyuan had only one son, Sili ('Remembering Propriety'), and never remarried. The Duskwife Tower, naming his only child ‘Sili’—even Xia Chichun had gradually changed his impression, having to admit perhaps he’d misjudged Long Shangyuan. Maybe the man was shrewd, but perhaps he had genuinely loved his daughter.

Now, this youngster had shattered that gradually changed impression with just a few photos.

Ji Nanxing brushed the photos aside: "You can have these reviewed by someone else yourself. Right now, there's another thing we need to verify."

Xia Chichun pushed down the sudden unease rising in his chest and asked, "What is it?"

Ji Nanxing replied, "You just need to sit and wait for a moment."

After speaking, Ji Nanxing took out a small incense burner and lit a slender stick of incense inside. With a chime of the golden bell on his wrist, Ma Zhao appeared in the corner.

The voices outside could be heard through the golden bell, so Ma Zhao had his suspicions about the elderly man before him but didn't dare say. The Young Celestial Master's actions were already quite clear—he suspected this man was his grandfather. Were it not for the utterly bizarre events of recent times, he would have thought the Young Celestial Master's conjecture was wishful thinking.

Ignoring Ma Zhao's internal turmoil, Ji Nanxing lit the incense and, with a light twist of his fingers, drew out traces of their energy from both Ma Zhao and Xia Chichun, then gently wound them around the incense stick.

Moments later, the smoke from the burning incense slowly rose, not dispersing but forming a single stream.

Ji Nanxing glanced at Ma Zhao, then at Xia Chichun: "Old Mr. Xia, there's something you may need to prepare yourself for. If you have any heart conditions, I suggest taking your medicine now."

Xia Chichun had always been healthy, with no heart ailments, but he still steeled himself. After a few deep breaths, he said, "Go ahead."

Ji Nanxing: "Your grandson is already dead. The person in the hospital is not your grandson."

Even though Xia Chichun had considered every worst-case scenario—even the possibility that Long Shangyuan had been using his daughter to boost his fortune—he had never imagined that his own grandson could be...

Xia Chichun took several moments to compose himself before he spoke, his voice shaky: "Such claims require evidence. How can you say the one in the hospital isn't my grandson?"

Ji Nanxing: "You can verify it yourself. For scientific proof, a DNA test would do."

Xia Chichun: "And the unscientific proof?"

Ji Nanxing: "Your real grandson's spirit is right here. If you wish to see him, I can make it happen—but only this once. Before that, I can tell you what happened to him."

Ji Nanxing recounted all the misfortunes that had befallen Ma Zhao. Xia Chichun listened, shaking violently. If this were true, then who was the grandson he had spoiled all these years? Some stranger's son had lived a life of luxury for over two decades, while the child his daughter had died bringing into the world—his real grandson—had suffered so miserably.

Xia Chichun felt his vision darkening. No hardship he'd faced in his long life could compare to the devastation of this moment.

Though he lacked concrete evidence to confirm the young man's words, Xia Chichun partially believed him. Long Sili was in the hospital; he could arrange a paternity test anytime. There was no reason for this person to deceive him.

Besides, if the boy was already dead, what would be the point of lying?

After a long silence, Xia Chichun finally spoke, his voice hoarse: "I want to see him."

Ji Nanxing nodded: "Given your age, seeing a ghost is not advisable. I can only give you five minutes."

Instead of using a Heaven's Eye Charm, Ji Nanxing channeled his own power to temporarily grant Xia Chichun the ability to see Ma Zhao standing in the corner: "You can talk now."

With that, he left the room.

Cheng Yuan, who had been waiting outside, asked curiously when he emerged, "Well? Did Old Mr. Xia believe you?"

Ji Nanxing: "Most likely. Let him speak with Ma Zhao first."

Cheng Yuan: "If he doesn't believe you, how do you plan to deal with Long Shangyuan?"

Long Shangyuan was no ordinary man. His downfall could rock the stock market—enough to make people jump.

Ji Nanxing: "He'll get what's coming to him. He used the Duskwife Tower to suppress Ma Zhao, twisting his destiny of wealth into that of a pauper. There must be something of Ma Zhao's buried beneath it. When I go to the capital, I'll strike it with lightning. Without that anchor, no protective charms will shield him from the backlash of fate."

As for the fallout after Long Shangyuan's downfall—that wasn't his concern. No one in this world was irreplaceable. DragonMotion Tech didn't exist solely because of Long Shangyuan. At most, there'd be turbulence before someone stepped up to take his place.

The five minutes passed swiftly. When Ji Nanxing re-entered the room, Xia Chichun looked like he'd aged years, his eyes brimming with unstoppable tears.

Ji Nanxing sat back on the sofa: "Ma Zhao suffered his entire life, having his destined fate replaced. Long Shangyuan must have tampered with something in Duskwife Tower. His target was never your daughter but the fortune-drawing destiny on Ma Zhao. Over the years, he exploited Ma Zhao's destiny while fearing backlash, so he used poverty-invoking spells to suppress him. Fortunately, it was discovered by chance. Luckily, the last replacement talisman was taken by Yang Yuxin. If Long Shangyuan had gotten it, Ma Zhao's soul would have been suppressed forever."

Xia Chichun's voice was hoarse: "I'll go back and get a paternity test done."

Though he already believed in his heart that Ma Zhao was his true grandson—because Ma Zhao resembled his daughter only slightly but his wife greatly, while Long Sili looked more like Long Shangyuan—Xia Chichun had often lamented that his grandson hadn’t inherited any of his daughter’s traits.

Now, seeing Ma Zhao, he realized it wasn’t a lack of inheritance—it was because Long Sili was a fraud—probably Long Shangyuan’s bastard.

Still, even though he believed it, he needed the paternity test for concrete evidence to shatter his last shred of hope.

Xia Chichun turned to Ji Nanxing: "If the one in the hospital isn’t my grandson, what must I do to break Long Shangyuan’s scheme? Or you could come back to the capital with me—name your reward."

He had fought all his life, only to end up alone in his old age. Even if it cost him everything, he would make Long Shangyuan pay!

Ji Nanxing: "There must be something buried in Duskwife Tower suppressing Ma Zhao. The best way is to destroy the tower and retrieve whatever is used to suppress him to break the curse. You can go back and get the paternity test first. When it’s time to tear down the tower, I’ll come to dismantle the curse."

Xia Chichun nodded. Before leaving, he asked reluctantly, "Is there really no way for that child to come back?"

Ji Nanxing: "The divide between life and death is absolute. Once Long Shangyuan is dealt with and his unresolved grudge is resolved, he will reincarnate."

The steward waiting downstairs had nearly rushed in several times, anxiously watching the building. Finally, when Xia Chichun emerged with reddened eyes, he hurried over: "Sir! What happened?"

Xia Chichun waved him off: "Book a flight back to the capital."

Though Long Sili remained unconscious, he had passed out of danger. Still, being struck by lightning had damaged his internal organs, requiring daily examinations.

Xia Chichun, having built his empire, had plenty of reliable men. Arranging a paternity test for Long Sili without Long Shangyuan’s knowledge was no issue. The real problem was that Xia Chichun had doted on Long Sili for years, and Long Shangyuan had grown complacent. Who would have thought Xia Chichun would order a paternity test now?

When the report was placed before him, the old man who had showered Long Sili with affection for decades hardened his expression. He had spent years loving an imposter while his real grandson suffered outside.

He was old, but not dead yet. As long as he lived, Long Shangyuan would never know peace!

Xia Chichun kept it under wraps. Upon returning, he immediately contacted his lawyer to overhaul his will. Once the will was notarized, he ordered the tower’s destruction.

Long Shangyuan hadn’t paid much attention to Xia Chichun’s movements lately. He had hired two Taoists to investigate the lightning strike and was searching for another warding talisman.

Though wealthy, true artifacts were scarce. Unless someone was desperate enough to sell, acquiring one was nearly impossible. His bracelet had taken years to obtain, and now, he couldn’t secure one in time.

The two Taoists he consulted detected no anomalies—not due to incompetence, but because the tower’s hex held firm, and Long Shangyuan couldn’t reveal the truth. Without knowing the full picture, they couldn’t help him.

Suspecting the lightning strike was tied to his suppression curse but unable to admit it, Long Shangyuan placed three fate charts before the Taoists: "Please examine these three charts for any anomalies."

Just as they unfolded the papers, his assistant knocked and entered: "Boss, Old Master Xia has brought men to demolish Duskwife Tower."

Long Shangyuan’s thoughts stuttered to a halt, his face paling instantly. If Xia Chichun was tearing down the tower, he must have discovered something. Though Long Shangyuan was in his prime and Xia Chichun nearly eighty, he couldn’t shake the ingrained dread instilled in him decades ago.

The first time he had stepped into that grand estate with Xia Yili, facing Xia Chichun’s disapproving glare, fear and inferiority had taken root in his heart.

Even now, with DragonMotion Tech beyond Xia Chichun’s reach, those emotions remained uncontrollable.

Still, years of experience steadied him. He ordered his assistant: "Send men to stop them immediately. No matter what, they cannot touch Duskwife Tower!"

Xia Chichun had brought a small army of enforcers—bodyguards, construction workers, over a hundred strong. Upon arriving, they cleared the tower of tourists before giving the order to demolish.

Police arrived mid-demolition. Though the tower belonged to DragonMotion Tech, it was a public facility—not something to be destroyed at will.

Xia Chichun called the police chief directly: "Withdraw your officers. Today, I, Xia Chichun, will tear down Duskwife Tower. Every cent will be repaid by the Xia family. I’ll burn this tower to the ground if I must!"

He didn’t have many years left. The fortune he’d amassed was meant to secure his grandson’s future, even setting up a trust fund early.

But now, what does he have besides money? A life that's running out, having lost both his daughter and grandson. He can't take that money with him after death, so he can't afford to take things slow with Long Shangyuan. Even if it means bankrupting the entire Xia clan, he’ll drag Long Shangyuan down to hell with him!

When Duskwife Tower came crashing down, Ji Nanxing and Xiao Ye were just settling into their seats.

Xiao Ye looked visibly uneasy: "Can’t we really find a Taoist in the capital to handle this?"

Ji Nanxing: "My master told me not to leave Yulan City before I turned eighteen because the balance of yin and yang was unstable back then. Without the mountain energy suppressing it, the Yin energy in my body would become unstable. But now, my yin and yang are balanced, and that power has gradually stabilized as I refined it, so it’s no longer an issue."

He wasn't fond of unnecessary travel, so he avoided traveling unless required. But with Ma Zhao’s situation, it had to be either him or his senior brother. Since his senior brother was abroad, he had to go himself.

A fate suppressed for so long—only their sect’s Lightning Summoning Array could thoroughly shatter it. Other methods existed, but to break the setup while guarding against Long Shangyuan hiring others to challenge them in ritual combat? Ji Nanxing always avoided unnecessary risks. If he could solve it in one move, why drag it out?

His master had taught him since childhood: villains perish from monologuing. He didn’t consider himself a villain, but he also didn’t want to mess things up by dawdling.

Since they were already on the plane, Xiao Ye knew further discussion was pointless. Instead of using the in-flight blanket, he took out his own from his bag and tucked it around Ji Nanxing. "The air conditioning on planes is always too cold. Cover up so you don’t catch a chill. It’s a two-hour flight—do you want to sleep or watch a movie? I downloaded several movies last night."

Ji Nanxing: "Any horror movies?"

Knowing his tastes perfectly, Xiao Ye pulled out his tablet. "Yeah, I downloaded some classics and a few new ones, though they’re foreign films."

Ji Nanxing settled the blanket and shifted position, waiting for Xiao Ye to pick a movie and set up the tablet. Then he leaned against Xiao Ye’s shoulder and gave his arm a playful pinch. "Grew another three centimeters? Your shoulders feel broader than before."

Xiao Ye shifted slightly to give him a better angle to lean on. "I’m 188 now. Was 185 before."

Ji Nanxing looked up at him, and since Xiao Ye was already turned toward him, their eyes met.

The moment their gazes locked, Xiao Ye froze, swallowing nervously.

Seeing his wavering but refusing-to-look-away expression, Ji Nanxing chuckled. "This height is just right. Any taller, and the proportions wouldn’t look as good."

Xiao Ye let out a soft "ah" and muttered, "But it’s not like I can control that."

He felt he might still grow a bit more—men’s bones didn’t fully fuse until around twenty. But what if Ji Nanxing thought he was too tall? There wasn’t exactly an off switch for height.

The movie’s opening credits had already finished, and the main story was starting. Hesitantly, Xiao Ye asked, "Is being too tall really not good-looking?"

Ji Nanxing smothered a laugh. "The standard for good looks depends on the face. Yours earns you clearance up to 190."

Xiao Ye’s eyes brightened. "So… you think I’m good-looking?"

Ji Nanxing gave him a strange look. "Do you think you’re ugly?"

Men, as a species, could turn mediocre looks into overconfidence—let alone someone as genuinely handsome as Xiao Ye. He refused to believe Xiao Ye lacked confidence in his appearance.

Of course, Xiao Ye didn’t think he was ugly. Someone praised for his looks since childhood wouldn’t. But when it came to the person he liked, a little insecurity crept in. What if he wasn’t Ji Nanxing’s type? Aesthetics were subjective, after all, with no universal standard.

But Ji Nanxing said he was good-looking.

Xiao Ye bit his lip, trying to suppress a grin, but after a moment, he failed—grinning like a fool.

He turned his head slightly, hoping to hide his goofy expression, but the tablet’s screen betrayed his silly smile in all its glory.