Xie Xuzhi finally finished his work and just arrived at the foot of Qingfeng Templeâs mountain, only to find out Yun Ran had left for something, with an uncertain return date.
Ginsengfruit immediately instructed the Little Paperman to block him, not allowing Xie Xuzhi to leave, saying that now that heâs here, he should naturally make the most of his presence.
Xie Xuzhi didnât plan to leave directly either; he was very curious about what kind of place Yun Ranâs Qingfeng Temple was, to cause so many people to fight over it in private.
The Little Paperman and Xie Xuzhi were already old acquaintances, and Xie Xuzhi had previously experienced some resonance with Yun Ranâs Lifebound Magical Artifact, the Heavenly Thunder Order.
Without Yun Ran around, the Little Paperman was extremely close to Xie Xuzhi.
Chattering ceaselessly in his ear: "Director Xie, those people are so annoying..."
Xie Xuzhi didnât feel annoyed at all, and listened very earnestly to the Little Papermenâs complaints about others.
"Donât worry, Iâll make sure to warn those people to behave themselves!"
The Little Paperman became very happy immediately, spinning in circles mid-air occasionally.
Xie Xuzhiâs lips curled into a slight arc; no matter if itâs Yun Ran or these little things related to her, he found them increasingly pleasing to the eye.
Upon entering the interior of Qingfeng Temple, Xie Xuzhi could clearly feel that the atmosphere here was incredibly refreshing both physically and mentally.
Although he wasnât part of the Xuan Sect, having grown up around them, he was more aware than anyone of what a Feng Shui treasure land was.
Even the Imperial Cauldron Club with its Dragon Vein territory seemed inferior to this place.
The Little Paperman pointed to a place not far away: "Director Xie, the master has left a few courtyards not for rent, specially keeping one just for you."
When Xin Fu hurriedly arrived and saw Xie Xuzhi in plain clothes, he couldnât help but feel a bit nervous inside.
"Director... Director Xie."
Looking at the somewhat awkward Xin Fu in front of him, Xie Xuzhi nodded slightly in acknowledgment.
But to Xin Fu, this was already enough to excite him.
If it werenât for having connections with the temple master, would someone like Director Xie bother to acknowledge him?
"This way please~"
Suppressing his inner nervousness and excitement, Xin Fu started leading Xie Xuzhi.
Soon, everyone in Qingfeng Temple learned about Xie Xuzhiâs arrival.
Many peopleâs hearts were faintly uneasy.
"Why did Director Xie suddenly come here? Even though I havenât seen him yet, Iâm already a bit nervous."
"Who wouldnât be? Director Xie was already greatly respected before, now even more so, plus heâs the eldest from the Xie Family, if he stands in front of me now, I might not even dare to breathe."
"Do you think Yun Ran deliberately invited Director Xie here to straighten us out?"
"Looks like we better behave ourselves, to avoid becoming examples!"
...
Previously chastised by Gu Yuan, most people planned to behave, but there were always a few who felt lucky.
Now that Xie Xuzhi himself had come here, his presence alone was a statement, even if he said nothing.
Suddenly, everyone behaved themselves.
They had to face the reality that not only was Yun Ranâs backing strong, but it was also very much in her favor.
The ruthless methods Director Xie used to deal with those restless troublemakers before were still fresh in their minds; they didnât want to hit the wall anymore.
Xie Xuzhi looked at the courtyard Yun Ran specially left for him, surprisingly resembling the one he had at the Imperial Cauldron Club by about seventy to eighty percent.
Among those who followed him in, aside from Ginsengfruit and the Little Paperman being at ease, everyone else was very respectful.
"Yun Ran is certainly thoughtful, I really like it here. Iâll be staying here today; you all can leave."
Ginsengfruit was planning to leave anyway, as he was quite busy.
"Ginsengfruit, please stay for a moment!"
Ginsengfruit: ...
Sitting casually on a stone bench nearby, Xie Xuzhi asked about Yun Ranâs situation: "Is Yun Ranâs injury alright?"
This question stunned Ginsengfruit for a moment; when did his host get injured?
But he quickly realized Xie Xuzhi must be referring to the resentment planted in the host by that damn Flower Demon.
"Itâs nothing major, just a slight impact, like a bit of bad luck..."
What Ginsengfruit didnât mention was that the bit of bad luck from the resentment was nothing compared to the ill-fated Life Chart that had already been forsaken by the Heavenly Dao.
Xie Xuzhi furrowed his brows slightly, then said, "Iâll have someone send some luck-enhancing Magic Artifacts to Yun Ran, and let the Little Paperman deliver them to her!"
Ginsengfruit initially thought Xie Xuzhi would ask him what his host was actually up to.
But seeing Xie Xuzhiâs current demeanor, it seemed he had no intention of intruding on the hostâs âpersonal affairs.â
Instantly, Ginsengfruitâs impression of Xie Xuzhi improved, as those who meddled too much were never welcomed.
"If thereâs nothing else, you go ahead and busy yourself, Iâll take a rest."
Having been busy for a long time, Xie Xuzhi hadnât had a full sleep for ages, he hadnât even felt all that tired.
But somehow, upon arriving at Qingfeng Temple, he felt completely relaxed, this place gave him a special sense of security.
Ginsengfruit nodded, and then thoughtfully closed the courtyard door for Xie Xuzhi.
On his way out, Ginsengfruit specifically instructed two Little Papermen to guard the courtyard entrance.
Even though Xie Xuzhiâs subordinates and bodyguards were not far away, if anyone dared to rush in looking for trouble, they would be immediately subdued.
However, Ginsengfruit still only trusted his little brothers here.
"Boss, rest assured, with us here, no one will dare step foot in here to disturb Director Xie!"
Lying on the soft cot, feeling the reassuring and refreshing atmosphere of Qingfeng Temple, Xie Xuzhi quickly fell asleep.
Elsewhere, after much travel, Yun Ran finally arrived in the desolate desert where Xuan Chu was.
The scene before her eyes was devoid of any green vegetation, nothing but desolation.
Had it not been for the substantial payment, the car rental service driver wouldnât have agreed to come to such a place.
"Miss, weâve reached the spot you mentioned."
When getting out of the car, the driver helped Yun Ran carry down all five of her suitcases.
Thinking for a moment, the driver couldnât help but ask, "Miss, are you sure you havenât got the wrong place? There are no people here, and you, a young girl..."
He initially wanted to say that this place was quite dangerous, especially at night, when the climate is unfit for anyone.
Just as he thought this, he saw a figure slowly approaching from a distance.
As the person came closer, he realized it was a young man who seemed quite steady.