Volume One, Chapter 45: Zhang Shaodan

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, the two parties prepared to go their separate ways.

Zhang Shaodan, though born into wealth, was just like Chen Qifan—unpretentious and approachable. Chi Xingwan found herself quite fond of her.

Before they parted, Chi Xingwan said, “Shaodan, your luck isn’t the best today. Avoid water sources; it might help you escape a misfortune.”

Zhang Shaodan looked puzzled.

Chen Qifan quickly chimed in, “Shaodan, my sister-in-law is remarkable. You really should heed her advice.”

Zhang Shaodan merely smiled, thinking to herself how Chen Qifan truly cared for Xiao Yue—he even stood up for Xiao Yue’s fiancée.

After the farewell, Zhang Shaodan’s companion approached. “Shaodan, I heard from the locals that there’s a small creek not far from here. The water is supposed to be cool and refreshing. Shall we go have a look?”

Zhang Shaodan didn’t think much of it and replied, “Sure, let’s check it out.”

When the two arrived at the creek, the scenery was indeed beautiful. The gentle sound of flowing water was soothing, and Zhang Shaodan felt her whole body relax.

“Shaodan, let’s go play in the water,” her companion suggested.

Drawn toward the creek, Zhang Shaodan felt a sudden recollection of Chi Xingwan’s words: avoid water sources.

She was not usually superstitious, yet the warning lingered in her mind, prompting her to grab her companion’s arm.

“What’s wrong, Shaodan?” her friend asked, turning back.

Glancing around, Zhang Shaodan noticed a warning sign by the creek: ‘Do not approach.’ The area was fenced off, though part of the fence was broken and easy to cross.

“Let’s not go in. This isn’t a tourist spot. We should leave,” Zhang Shaodan insisted.

Her companion pointed at the group playing in the water. “Look, it’s fine. So many people are in there, and the water’s shallow—what danger could there be?”

Still uneasy, Zhang Shaodan shook her head. “Let’s skip it. We’ve played enough today. Why not head down the mountain for a rest and explore the night market later?”

Her friend was disappointed but the allure of the night market won her over, so they decided to descend together.

As dusk settled in, Chi Xingwan and her companions finally reached their destination—Thousand Springs Temple.

Chen Qifan, thoroughly exhausted, complained, “Why is this temple hidden so deep? How does it get any devotees?”

“We don’t rely on incense offerings from the people,” came a voice.

Chen Qifan looked up to see a child in Daoist robes, smiling warmly and offering him a bottle of water.

“Thanks.” Chen Qifan drank and instantly felt his fatigue melt away. “What kind of immortal water is this?” he exclaimed, eyes wide.

The little Daoist chuckled. “Just ordinary mountain spring water, with a few drops of dew collected from our spiritual herb garden. That’s what gives it its restorative effect.”

Chen Qifan didn’t quite understand, but he was suitably impressed.

Jin Feng interrupted, “Tongtong, please take us to see your master.”

Tongtong gestured invitingly, “Honored guests, please follow me.”

They entered the main hall of Thousand Springs Temple. The abbot hurried out to greet them, heading straight for Chi Xingwan. “You must be Consultant Chi, newly appointed by the Spiritual Masters Association. It is an honor to receive you. Your presence truly brings glory to our humble temple.”

Chi Xingwan smiled, shaking his hand. “I’ve heard that the world’s finest spiritual plant cultivators are here at Thousand Springs Temple. It’s my privilege to visit.”

The abbot’s face glowed with pride.

Their temple’s greatest boast was its cultivation technique for spiritual plants. Being praised by a top-tier spiritual master filled the abbot’s vanity to the brim, and his disciples shared in his pride.

The relationship between the two sides warmed considerably. The abbot, no longer shy, began to complain freely. “That evil spirit is nothing but a thief—targeting our spiritual herb garden. Our shipments have dropped considerably this month, and many regular customers are upset.”

Chi Xingwan asked, “Are you sure it’s an evil spirit?”

“What else could it be?” Tongtong interjected.

Chi Xingwan replied, “I’ll have to see it for myself before I can be certain.”

The abbot looked at her with admiration. “Consultant Chi, you truly are thorough.”

No need to exaggerate so much…

Jin Feng cleared his throat. “I heard most incidents happen late at night. Let’s keep watch in the herb gardens tonight.”

There were several herb gardens of varying size. The three decided to split up, each staking out a different garden. Chen Qifan immediately opted to follow Chi Xingwan.

The abbot thanked them profusely. “We’ve prepared guest rooms. Please rest well.”

Meanwhile, down the mountain, Zhang Shaodan and her companion had returned to their hotel, refreshed after a shower, and sat together planning their route for the night market.

“Ah!” her companion suddenly cried out.

“What’s wrong?” Zhang Shaodan asked.

Her friend handed her the phone. “Look, Shaodan—isn’t this the creek we just visited?”

Zhang Shaodan took the phone and watched a video. Sure enough, it was the very creek they’d been to.

Not long ago, the water had surged unexpectedly. Several people in the creek were swept away before they could escape.

Her companion shuddered. “Shaodan, thank goodness you stopped me. I might not have survived. I hope those swept away are safe.”

Zhang Shaodan immediately recalled Chi Xingwan’s warning. She had avoided the water and, as it turned out, escaped disaster.

She tried to call Chen Qifan, but the line wouldn’t connect.

Chen Qifan, meanwhile, was feasting in Thousand Springs Temple.

“Your food is amazing. No wonder the Xiao family buys ingredients from you.”

Chi Xingwan was surprised. “The Xiao family is a member of Thousand Springs Temple?”

Chen Qifan nodded. “Yes, they mostly buy medicinal herbs. I’ve eaten at their house a few times—the soup they make with these herbs is incredible. Truly the taste of the immortals.”

Tongtong chimed in, “We usually only sell herbs. Vegetables and fruit are for our own use. But for Consultant Chi, we can reserve some for you and send them via Evernight Street.”

Chi Xingwan waved her hand. “No need. I’m still in school, and the cafeteria food is fine.”

She didn’t mention that the spiritual plants in her inner sanctuary far surpassed those in Thousand Springs Temple. If she wanted anything, she could simply harvest it herself.

Chi Xingwan paused, suddenly considering whether she ought to send some of her sanctuary’s spiritual vegetables to the Xiao family.

After all, the supply in her sanctuary was abundant and replenished quickly. If Xiao Yue ate more spiritual vegetables, it might not break the curse, but it would certainly benefit his health.

Chi Xingwan made up her mind: from now on, she would send vegetables and fruit to the Xiao family each week, under the name of Thousand Springs Temple.

Meanwhile, Chen Qifan had successfully befriended Tongtong and secured membership at the temple.

After dinner, night fell. Everyone took their positions in the herb gardens, ready to keep watch.