Chapter 32

Chapter 32

Chen Zhao considered the jurisdiction of the Xuanmen. It seemed they didn’t manage ghost marriages. Besides, if he could get this certification for Wu Heng, would he still be this miserable?

Even if you gave him five thousand, he couldn’t obtain it… well, maybe he could consider getting a fake certificate for Wu Heng, but it would be risky.

Seeing Chen Zhao’s expression, Wu Heng realized he was overthinking. The Xuanmen didn’t handle ghost marriages, and the underworld didn’t provide services for them either. It really wasn’t easy making a living these days.

Not wanting to miss out on such a big opportunity, Chen Zhao excitedly rubbed his thumb and forefinger together, hinting, “But I can try to help you apply for a Xuanmen Dao Physician qualification certificate. Though, it’ll require a little bit of this.”

A certificate missing the words 'intern' would be recognized by the deans of top hospitals across the country, giving it quite a bit of prestige.

However, this certificate was also quite difficult to obtain through exams. Besides needing a referral from someone to recommend you to the Xuanmen, you also had to pass various assessments.

Wu Heng wasn’t interested in anything that was freely given; anything that cost money, he’d pass on.

Seeing Wu Heng refuse, Chen Zhao was disappointed that the money that was almost in his hands had slipped away. He picked up some melon seeds and started cracking them open again, explaining, “Senior Wu, you shouldn’t look down on the certificates issued by the Xuanmen. They’re widely accepted in hospitals across the country. These days, in the metaphysical world, these certificates are what make the doubters shut up.

“Do you think it’s the ancient times? My master’s master said that in ancient times, a Daoist Physician with immense merit would receive a Heavenly Physician Document personally bestowed by the heavens. When that document was presented, the entire Xuanmen would kneel and welcome the ancestral master. But that’s just a legend, something to listen to. Nowadays, the certificates from the Xuanmen are very convincing. Do you really not want one? Opportunity knocks but once!”

Wu Heng said, “I’ll wait for the day when you all kneel and call me ancestral master.”

Wu Heng truly wasn’t swayed by anything.

Seeing Wu Heng’s unmoved expression, Chen Zhao was heartbroken, though He Yunxiao and the others were somewhat tempted.

He Yunxiao, beating Li Hao to the question, asked Wu Heng, “How about I pay for Chen to help you get a Xuanmen Dao Physician qualification certificate?”

Wu Heng refused very bluntly, “No. Spending money to buy trash? My brain’s still working fine.”

Chen Zhao was heartbroken and continued stuffing melon seeds into his pocket, adding, “You’re going to regret this.”

In today’s metaphysical world, besides overwhelming strength, seniority and hierarchy were very important. When Wu Heng appeared with the status of an intern Dao Physician and was disrespected, he’d realize how valuable the olive branch Chen Zhao had extended today was!

“Dr. Wu, use this cloth to dry your hair.” Li Hao took a towel from the tray the butler had brought over and, butting He Yunxiao aside, eagerly handed it to Wu Heng.

The small gray snake and the small white snake immediately hissed at Li Hao, which warmed He Yunxiao’s heart a little. Maybe he was overthinking, but this white snake raised by Dr. Wu was perhaps just kind-hearted and enthusiastic towards people, look, it was protecting him too!

Wu Heng took the towel and looked at it. It wasn’t as nice as the drying cloths from Shi Xuan’s family. That one had pretty little flowers embroidered on it.

With short hair and it being summer, Wu Heng quickly dried his hair.

Wu Heng looked at Shi Xuan, who was still sitting obediently in the circle, and thought that his posture was exactly the same as when he had left earlier. He was truly obedient.

Unlike the other day when Eugene played *Journey to the West* for him. Before Monkey King left, he carefully drew a circle. But Tang Sanzang had to walk out and give away his head.

Wu Heng suddenly became curious. What if he didn’t come back the entire night?

Wang Dong came over eagerly and said, “Dr. Wu, if you don’t come back all night, we’ll bring a chamber pot for Student Shi, ensuring he feels right at home.”

Wu Heng: “……”

Shi Xuan: “……”

Wu Heng didn’t want to bother with Wang Dong and only looked at Shi Xuan, saying, “I’m back. You can come out now.”

Shi Xuan’s lips curved slightly, “Welcome back.”

Shi Xuan left the circle and sat on the other side of the sofa to clear a spot for Wu Heng to rest.

Wu Heng picked up his phone and scrolled through it, only to find that after he closed the live stream, Fan Tu had added him to the "Wu Heng Protection Association Fan Group ⑤." Upon entering the group, he saw that the last message was a red envelope sent by Guo Jiang.

It had been a while, and the red envelope hadn't been fully claimed yet, so Wu Heng immediately grabbed one.

As soon as it was shown that Chengde Medical Hall had claimed the red envelope, the netizens who had been lurking and afraid to speak got excited.

"Wu Heng's Palm Baby: Wuwuwu, I can finally leave a message now that you're online. It was really scary earlier. Many people got hit."

"Wu Shaman, Big Kisses: @Chengde Medical Hall, Doctor Wu, what should we do? My roommate accidentally claimed the newlywed red envelope, and now she's been feeling cold and has started running a high fever! I just took her temperature, and it's almost 40 degrees Celsius! Is she going to burn out?"

"Always Late in Queue: I accidentally claimed it too, and now I've been sneezing non-stop and feeling dizzy. I can't hold on much longer. I'm usually very healthy, Doctor Wu, please say something."

"Baby of Baby Heng: Are you tired, Doctor Wu? Could you please do an online emergency consultation? My child is shivering too much after claiming the red envelope. This must be some kind of possession, right? I'm a bit scared."

As soon as Wu Heng claimed the red envelope, fans flooded the comments, requesting help.

Some, who were actually trying to sleep despite their fear, ended up with fevers so high that it hurt down to their bones. They could only toss and turn in bed, waiting online for Wu Heng.

Upon checking the newlywed red envelope claims, Wu Heng found that apart from himself, 256 quick-fingered unlucky people had claimed it.

With one patient consultation per person, there would be no rest tonight. But that's the nature of being a doctor; emergency patients come first, even before meals.

This profession, like police officers and teachers, carries great merit.

"San Shui Real Person: There are too many of you. If you're stuck waiting in the queue for too long, do you have a temple nearby? Go and pray there now, and ask for a consecrated amulet. Wearing it for a week should help. If you can't get one, eating vegetarian meals for a month should also be fine."

Ever since treating Huang Zhigang's throat inflammation, San Shui Real Person had been lingering in the Chengde Medical Hall's live stream room.

San Shui Real Person was also a fairly well-known metaphysics blogger on Shark Video Platform, with quite a following. Many people trusted his words.

But this suggestion immediately caused a stir among the fans.

"Baby of Baby Heng: Do we have to go to a temple? My child is about to start school in a few days. The workload is heavy. Sigh, why did this happen? I told him to sleep early on the Ghost Festival, but he didn't listen to me."

"Always Late in Queue: Real Person, is this the only way? We office workers have to go to work tomorrow. Can a cold or fever be toughened out? I don't have money for those expensive amulets. My rent is due, and my landlord is urging me. If I spend money on that, I won't have any left for next month's food."

"Beautiful Future: Oh, I see. I happen to have a consecrated Bodhisattva pendant at home. I'll go wear it now. Thank you, San Shui Real Person."

Some netizens with weaker constitutions had already developed fevers and were so frightened that they started crying. Consecrated items, as expected, were expensive!

They really should have listened to Doctor Wu Heng and gone to bed early on the Ghost Festival. Getting involved in the fun had only brought trouble.

Wu Heng didn't mind that San Shui Real Person had offered a solution in his fan group. As long as it helped cure the patients, it was fine.

"Chengde Medical Hall: @everyone, No need for online emergency consultations or temple visits. Most people should have some old ginger at home, right? Slice it and make ginger tea to drink and ginger water to bathe with. Get plenty of sleep and sunlight over the next few days, and you should feel better in three to five days. Those with weaker astrological charts can carry a small piece of ginger with them."

Zhao Li, though a fierce ghost, was still dealing with over two hundred living people. These netizens who claimed the red envelope were scared, causing their inner positive energy to weaken, allowing the evil energy they had absorbed to take over.

If they didn't believe in the evil influence, their inner positive energy would eventually overpower the yin energy, and they would recover naturally.

Guo Jiang also chimed in at this point, using his own experience to confirm the miraculous effects of ginger slices.

Guo Jiang felt quite ashamed, never expecting that his panic-induced action of throwing his phone would end up affecting so many netizens.

"Really? Can ginger slices really have such miraculous effects? That's great. I have some in my kitchen; I'll go prepare it now."

"I've heard ginger wards off evil, but I thought it was just an ancient superstition! Turns out it's true!"

"I've already packed everything and was about to head overnight to the nearest Gratitude Temple to get a blessed talisman, but now I'll just boil some ginger soup at home. Many thanks, Doctor Wu Heng, much appreciated."

Ever since Guo Jiang was rescued and reported safety online, Doctor Wu Heng's credibility rose again. Many fans believed him when he made this statement; even those who were skeptical decided to give it a shot.

However, the fortune-teller San Shui Zhen Ren posted a mixed emotions emoji in the fan group.

He Yunxiao also saw it in the group, and his expression gradually became serious as he said to Doctor Wu, "Doctor Wu, you... might end up making enemies."

Having been influenced by his domineering father, He Yunxiao was somewhat sensitive to these matters. He guaranteed that the moment Wu Heng's message was sent in the fan group, someone had already recorded or screenshotted it. He was too slow to stop Wu Heng.

"Blessed talismans from famous temples are not easy to obtain. When my parents requested a top-tier talisman for me at the temple years ago, it cost 180,000 yuan. Ordinary talismans for the general public probably aren't much cheaper either. By telling everyone that ginger slices are a cheaper alternative for warding off evil, you're essentially cutting off some people's livelihood."

Cutting off someone's livelihood is akin to killing their parents.

Not only temples but also those who make a living in the underworld—fortune tellers, spirit mediums, witch doctors, feng shui masters, and the like—anyone you pick can draw talismans. Selling high-priced talismans makes up over a third of their income.

With just one sentence, Wu Heng managed to threaten their livelihood.

The awkward emoji that San Shui Zhen Ren posted in the group showed that he didn't expect Wu Heng to be so straightforward. He was still a seventeen-year-old minor, unaware of how cruel the world can be.

Li Hao immediately pledged his loyalty, saying, "Doctor Wu Heng, my Li family will definitely protect you, don't be afraid!"

Wang Dong and a few others immediately stood up, pounding their chests to guarantee they would protect Wu Heng.

Wu Heng wasn't concerned, "It's okay."

To him, all those who made a living from metaphysics were mere amateurs; he didn't take them seriously. As a shaman, he used to prescribe cheap yet effective medicines to poor families, without aiming to profit. The fee was left to the patient's discretion.

Letting this information out was no big deal.

Chen Zhao sat there stunned, muttering to himself, "What talisman costs 180,000 yuan? The talismans I drew were packed and sold by my master for twenty yuan."

Wu Heng looked at the time and saw it was past midnight. He said, "It's late, time to head home."

Li Hao and the others immediately shouldered their prepared cameras, their faces full of anticipation, which made He Yunxiao grind his teeth.

Wu Heng's gaze rested on Shi Xuan for a moment and said to Li Hao and the others, "I need to send Shi Xuan and He Yunxiao back first, not through the well."

Li Hao and the others were stunned again. Not through the well?

He Yunxiao hugged his two snakes and laughed maniacally; he knew he was riding on Shi Xuan's coattails.

Li Hao struggled to put down the camera that had no use from his shoulder and muttered, "Isn't the Ghost Festival already over?"

Wu Heng countered, "Do you think ghosts who can escape the gates of hell are easy to deal with?"

Li Hao and the others immediately fell silent.

Like the fierce ghost Zhao Li, those who could escape the underworld emissaries' capture before the Ghost Festival's closing time were definitely rare. But if you ran into one on the road, your relatives might be attending your funeral the next day.

Wu Heng wasn't worried about He Yunxiao, but Shi Xuan was emanating a ghostly aura. If they encountered such a fierce ghost at night, it would surely lead to another bloodbath.

Wu Heng couldn't help but look at Shi Xuan a little longer, wondering if it was a mistake. The previous strange illnesses always had some connection to Shi Xuan, but this time Wang Qiang and Guo Jiang didn't, perhaps it was just a coincidence.

Li Hao and the others had no choice but to send Wu Heng's group home with resentful looks, watching as Wu Heng and the others got into the car.

The little white snake shot out, hooked the front passenger seat door handle, and pulled it outward, opening the door instantly.

He Yunxiao looked at Dr. Wu, then at the little white snake, holding Xi Xi somewhat startled and flattered. "Did it really just open the door for me?"

He Yunxiao got in the car and sat down, unable to resist telling Dr. Wu and Shi Xuan in the back, "Dr. Wu, you've really raised this white snake well. It's so enthusiastic, even opening the door for me."

He Yunxiao noticed that Dr. Wu didn’t reply, and when he looked back, he saw Dr. Wu frowning, listening to what the little white snake was hissing.

Dr. Wu stared at the little white snake. "This might not be such a good idea."

He Yunxiao: "I don't get it."

The group drove away from the Li family. Chen Zhao stayed behind, using the bridge tunnel being occupied as an excuse, and ended up staying in a guest room at the Li family's place.

Ten minutes later, the Li family's car stopped in front of He Yunxiao's house, and everyone got out.

Holding Xi Xi and the little white snake, He Yunxiao said, "Dr. Wu, my parents have been missing Xi Xi. Let it stay at my place for a couple of days, and you can come pick it up later."

Seeing how eager the little white snake was, He Yunxiao added, "If the little white snake wants to stay, it's welcome to stay as well."

Dr. Wu, looking at the still oblivious He Yunxiao, conveyed the little white snake's urgent plea. "Can you handle a snake that talks? Big White has something to say."

Startled, He Yunxiao thought, This little white snake can speak? All this time, it had just been hissing.

Then it clicked for him. They must have been afraid of scaring him. No wonder it's Dr. Wu's spirit snake! His earlier suspicions about this overly eager snake were probably unfounded—just him overthinking.

After all the bizarre things I've been through, this is nothing. He Yunxiao immediately nodded in agreement.

The next second, the little white snake excitedly said, "Uncle He, how about being my future father-in-law?"

He Yunxiao's eyes suddenly widened in shock, his face darkening instantly. "……!!!"

What?!

So his earlier suspicions weren’t wrong after all. His precious girl was almost taken by a pig! No way was that happening!

All traces of a smile vanished from He Yunxiao's face as he quickly flung the little white snake to Dr. Wu, holding Xi Xi tightly. Without looking back, he strode toward the He family villa.

Dr. Wu, in turn, flung the little white snake to Shi Xuan. "Take care of your snake-pig. You're its godfather, so you're responsible for it."

Shi Xuan: "……"

The little white snake, incredulous, watched He Yunxiao leave at lightning speed. If Shi Xuan hadn’t been holding it tightly by the neck, it would've gone after him.

The little white snake asked dumbly, "Didn't Uncle He just say I could stay with Xi Xi at his place?"

Dr. Wu, understanding He Yunxiao's reaction, said, "Within a ten-mile radius of his daughter, no dyed yellow hair is allowed anywhere near."

The little white snake, feeling wronged, said, "I don't have any fur, only scales, and I'm white."

It wasn’t a little yellow-haired one, after all.

Dr. Wu gently patted the little white snake on the head. "Let's go home. A father-in-law isn't so easy to win over. And you were so direct; it's a wonder He Yunxiao didn't hit you."

Dr. Wu and Shi Xuan, along with the little white snake, headed toward the Shi family courtyard.

Out of nowhere, Shi Xuan suddenly asked Dr. Wu, "You've never mentioned your family or your father's likes and dislikes."

Wondering why he was suddenly asking about his dad, Dr. Wu couldn't really say that the Shi family butler was his father, and according to the plot, his father was destined to be screwed over by the Shi family.

Meeting Wu Heng's surprised gaze, Shi Xuan paused before continuing, "There are times when you go visit a friend's place."

Wu Heng, holding the limp, lifeless snake, said with a gleam in his eyes, "Have you ever been to the ancient village in the south? Our village holds a Nuo ceremony every year in the first lunar month; it's really lively around that time. You should come and visit."

"I might participate in the dance myself since Lai Wazi is dead."

They usually hold the Nuo ceremony during major festivals or when there's an epidemic, which they call the rural Nuo. The Lai family is always involved in these activities. Lai Wazi has been the one doing the Nuo dance for the past few years, and if he's gone, they'll have to choose another young man. He's a strong candidate.

National ceremonies are known as state Nuo, but these days, the chances of seeing a state Nuo ceremony are almost zero. Only these rural folk activities still happen frequently.

Shi Xuan turned his head to look at Wu Heng's profile, his heart melting a little. "Okay, thank you for inviting me; I'll definitely be there."

Wu Heng swallowed, reached out, and gently took Shi Xuan's wrist, pulling him through the window in a leap, bringing him back to Shi Xuan's third-floor bedroom.

Wu Heng backed towards the window. "I'm heading back now."

Shi Xuan suddenly called out, "Wu Heng."

Wu Heng, sitting by the window, turned his head to look at Shi Xuan, whose eyes shone with endless light, and softly spoke with his usual cold, thin-lipped smile. "But it's still a long time until the first lunar month. Can I see you before then?"

Wu Heng jumped down from the window and stood under Shi Xuan's building for a while.

An indescribable feeling washed over him.

The cool night breeze dispelled the heat in his ears. Wu Heng, with the little white snake whimpering in its misery, returned from the ancient well in the Shi family's courtyard.

The little white snake couldn't help but say, "I swear, I'll become a super Dragon King of the Well and make a name for myself in the capital!"

Waaaaah, it will buy a house in the capital city and make He Shu look up to it!

Not long after Wu Heng and the little white snake left, the bedroom door was pushed open without a knock.

The person who came in looked at the person on the bed with great shock and said sternly, "Shi Xuan? What exactly are you doing? Just now, the masters said you disappeared, and everyone went out to look for you!"

Shi Xuan played with the bell in his hand and said coldly, "I never left the room."

Shi Zong stared directly at Shi Xuan. He didn't leave the room? Just now, everyone almost turned the Shi family upside down!

Shi Xuan's lips curled into a cold mockery. "You invited so many people to perform rituals for me; where could I possibly escape to?"

In the past, during the Ghost Festival, Shi Xuan was always bound by various red辟邪 cloth strips and watched vigilantly by all the masters to endure the night.

Shi Zong felt that Shi Xuan wasn't lying, but the fear in his heart grew even more.

If Shi Xuan really hadn't left the bedroom, how come none of the masters noticed?

"How terribly sinister had this half-human, half-spectral son become?"

Has the collar of the son of the Wu butler become useless on Shi Xuan?

*

When Wu Heng returned to Chengde Medical Hall, a little impish figure floated towards him, sporting an unrestrained grin. "Big brother, you're back from your date?"

The night was when these ghosts and demons were most energetic.

Wu Heng looked around the medical hall. This little ghost was obedient and hadn't touched anything. Otherwise, he would have to give it emergency treatment tonight due to the medicinal power of the herbs.

Wu Heng yawned and went to sleep first.

The next day, You Jin, who came to open the medical hall, found that Wu Heng had already woken up and was playing with mud at the flower bed in front of the medical hall.

Eugene habitually exclaimed, "Our Hengheng is really good at playing with mud! This looks just like a pig kidney!"

Wu Heng paused for a moment before saying, "You Jin, this is a heart."

Eugene: "—— Oh, sorry about that. Maybe I'm just hungry for pig kidney. How about we have stir-fried pig kidney for lunch today?"

Seeing that the medical hall's door was already open, Eugene took out a broom and started sweeping outside, all the while chatting casually with Wu Heng, chatting away nonstop.

"By the way, I bumped into Zhou Yi on the way here. He knocked into me without saying a word and just left with his head down."

"That kid's become obsessed with his studies. He's usually so polite, but today, I don't know what's gotten into the kid."

Wu Heng looked up and glanced in the direction of the Village Chief's house, his brows slightly furrowed.

Eugene wasn't too concerned about Zhou Yi's behavior and started thinking about other things. "With school starting soon, should we enroll Hengheng in school? I mentioned it to Uncle Wu Su, and he's thinking about it, worried that you might not keep up with the pace..."

"Maybe I'll head to town in the next couple of days to get some study materials for little Heng. Should I start with elementary or middle school materials?"

Wu Heng told Eugene to sweep inside the medical hall and not to disturb him while he played with the mud.

"Brother, what are you making with the mud?" A little ghost peeked out from under the eaves of the medical hall, stretching his head to get a better look at Wu Heng.

Being the child of a police officer, he was only slightly afraid, even though it was early morning. His ghostly powers weren't strong enough to hide him completely.

"Have you heard the story of Nuwa creating humans?" Wu Heng's slender and fair fingers were covered in mud. "Mud is actually a very magical thing."

He molded a heart out of mud, treating it as a stand-in for Guo Jiang.

The little ghost thought about Wu Heng's story of Nuwa creating humans and found it amazing. So, humans and animals were made from mud! No wonder he was buried in the earth.

Unable to hide his curiosity, he brought his incomplete ghostly form closer to Wu Heng and asked in a low voice, "Brother, did Nuwa forget to mold an ear and some teeth for me? Can you help mold them for me?"

The gray figure looked at Wu Heng with great expectation.

The little ghost didn't know much, but he knew that children who went up the mountain with their families had two ears and, even when losing teeth, had replacements. He seemed different from those children and felt a little envious.

Before Wu Heng could answer, a white snake slithered through a gap in the wall, taking a shortcut, with a stack of thick books on its head, shouting, "Wu Heng, I'm here to deliver biology materials for godfather..."

Before it could finish speaking, the middle and high school biology materials scattered all over the ground. The snake rushed towards the gray figure, shouting, "Wu Heng, you're raising a ghost child again? How can you face Xi Xi? She's only been home for two days on leave! Men are heartless creatures!"

Feeling dizzy, the little ghost's form barely managed to reform after almost dispersing from the impact. "Brother, the snake wasn't molded properly by Nuwa. Can you remold it?"

The white snake raged, "What kind of ghost do you think you are?"