Volume One, Chapter 44: The Largest Spiritual Herb Plantation of the Mystic Sect

After her breakup, Yu Dongli became more silent than before, which considerably improved the atmosphere in the dormitory.

Xu Mingyue pulled a chair over and sat beside Chi Xingwan, asking, “Xingwan, do you have any plans for the National Day holiday?”

Chi Xingwan recalled a message she received from Chu Fangfei a few days ago. “A friend invited me to travel to Pingjing City.”

“I see.” Xu Mingyue sounded disappointed. “I really wanted to travel somewhere too.”

Because of Yu Dongli, their trio’s experiment had never succeeded, and after much persuasion, their instructor had finally agreed to let them make up for it over the holiday. So, none of the three would be able to go anywhere during the break.

“I’ll bring you both some local specialties,” Chi Xingwan could only try to comfort her.

On the last day before the holiday, Chu Fangfei came to pick up Chi Xingwan. Upon seeing Xu Mingyue and Wen Jing again, she suddenly realized the two were oddly respectful towards her.

“What’s going on?” Chu Fangfei whispered to Chi Xingwan.

Chi Xingwan explained the matter with Su Tang. “They’ve caught a glimpse of the truth and now treat everyone from our department with great respect and admiration.”

Chu Fangfei scratched her head in embarrassment. “Actually, not everyone in our department is as impressive as you. There are also people like me, who can barely get anything done.”

There’s no need to be so hard on yourself, Chi Xingwan thought, and changed the subject. “By the way, you haven’t told me what happened at Qianquan Temple?”

At the mention of business, Chu Fangfei immediately became serious. “Originally, the commission was from Qianquan Temple to our Seven Stars Sect. My seniors went, but found they couldn’t handle it. Qianquan Temple didn’t want to report it to the Spiritualist Association, so they asked me to invite you for help.”

Qianquan Temple, with its thousand-year legacy, had always been renowned for cultivating spiritual plants. By now, it was the largest spiritual plant cultivation base in the arcane world. But two months ago, strange things began happening in their spiritual plant gardens. First, disciples on night duty would fall into inexplicable deep sleep, not waking until dawn. Then, two disciples fought in the garden, destroying a batch of newly matured plants. The problem was, these two usually got along very well and were both known for their good temper. When they cooled down, neither could recall why they had fought.

The abbot of Qianquan Temple immediately realized something was wrong. Unfortunately, their sect had always been devoted to cultivation and had little combat ability, so they could only turn to their old friends in the Seven Stars Sect.

Chi Xingwan understood at once. Qianquan Temple was both weak and proud—if they reported this to the Spiritualist Association, the entire arcane world in China would know about their troubles and their inability to resolve them. This had to be handled privately.

Yet even their old friends in the Seven Stars Sect couldn’t resolve the issue.

Chu Fangfei brought Chi Xingwan to the Seven Stars Sect. Their headquarters were in a traditional courtyard at the foot of the imperial city. In such a location, to own a courtyard meant one was either wealthy or noble, but the Seven Stars Sect was neither. The reason they had this estate was because an ancestor had once served as a national adviser, and the emperor had bestowed the house upon them.

Chi Xingwan received a warm welcome at the Seven Stars Sect. Chu Fangfei whispered in her ear, “Because you gave us the reward from the Chen family mansion case, we finally had the money to repair this old place. Everyone in the sect sees you as a benefactor.”

A casual glance revealed signs of recent repairs. Chi Xingwan gained a new appreciation for the sect’s poverty.

After spending a night at the Seven Stars Sect, she set off with them for Pingjing City the next day.

Besides the familiar Chu Fangfei and Jin Feng, Chi Xingwan was surprised to see Chen Qifan at the airport. Chen Qifan, dragging his luggage and wearing sunglasses and designer clothes, drew plenty of attention.

As soon as he caught sight of Chi Xingwan, he hurried over obsequiously. “Sister-in-law, long time no see.”

Chu Fangfei said, “I let it slip that we were going to Qianquan Temple for the holiday, and he insisted on tagging along. I couldn’t shake him off.”

After the Chen family mansion incident, Chen Qifan had shamelessly asked for all three of their WeChat contacts, but he didn’t dare bother Chi Xingwan and instead bombarded the seemingly most approachable Chu Fangfei with questions. Over time, they’d become friends.

When Chen Qifan heard they were headed to Qianquan Temple, he immediately recalled that the Xiao family had recently bought medicinal herbs from there and suspected it was arcane-related, so he insisted on coming.

“You might see ghosts. Are you sure you want to come?” Chi Xingwan regarded him with amusement.

Chen Qifan’s face showed fear, but he stuck to his decision. “If there are ghosts, you have to protect me, sister-in-law.”

Just like Xiao Rui—another one with great promise.

“All right, you can come, but you have to follow orders.”

“Understood!” Chen Qifan went off happily to check his luggage.

After a three-hour flight, they landed in Pingjing City. Jin Feng said, “My junior and I have been to Qianquan Temple before. We’ll lead the way.”

The four first dropped their luggage at the hotel, then set off for Qianquan Mountain.

Qianquan Mountain, known for its beautiful scenery, was a famous tourist attraction in Pingjing. However, Qianquan Temple, built high on the mountain in a tricky location, rarely attracted visitors willing to climb all the way up.

Chen Qifan had somehow procured a little flag and was waving it about for his own amusement. “Members of the tour group, please stick together. We are now at Qianquan Mountain.”

Unable to take it any longer, Chu Fangfei turned back. “Hey, you’re the slowest one here. If you don’t catch up, we’ll leave you behind.”

Chen Qifan hurried after them, gasping. “How much farther is it?”

“Still a long way. If you don’t want to walk, turn back and wait for us at the hotel,” Chu Fangfei replied curtly.

“No way, I’m coming,” insisted Chen Qifan.

Seeing how he was about to collapse, Chi Xingwan asked, “Is there somewhere to rest nearby? Let’s sit for a bit.”

Jin Feng responded at once, “Yes, there’s a pavilion about ten minutes ahead.”

At last, Chen Qifan saw hope.

It was the National Day holiday, so Qianquan Mountain was crowded with tourists, but the pavilion was large enough that, despite many already resting there, they still found space.

Chen Qifan gulped half a bottle of water and, after a good rest, was back to his old self.

“Sister-in-law, I can climb straight to the top now,” he declared, thumping his chest.

“Chen Qifan?” From the other side of the pavilion, someone called out.

“I thought that voice sounded familiar—it really is you! What brings you up the mountain?” A woman with reddish-brown hair approached.

Chen Qifan hadn’t expected to run into an acquaintance. “Sister Dan, what a coincidence. Let me introduce you to my sister-in-law.”

Zhang Shaodan looked at Chi Xingwan and smiled. “I know who you are. You’re Xiao Yue’s fiancée. I attended your engagement party. I’m Zhang Shaodan—nice to meet you.”

Chi Xingwan shook her hand. “Nice to meet you. I’m Chi Xingwan.”