Chapter 32: Secret Archives Establishment

The revived preserved mustard green leaves began to violently tremble, and from their menacingly split mouths, large amounts of black mist erupted.

Without hesitation, Duan Wenxuan swiftly retreated. The previously dry ordinary preserved mustard greens and weeds on the ground, upon being exposed to this black mist, instantly rotted away completely.

“This won’t do; it’s still too challenging.”

Duan Wenxuan sprinted over a hundred meters away, observing that the black mist emitted by the mustard greens was as dark as ink, creating an eerie atmosphere. Amidst this gloom, only the peculiar light bulb he had noticed earlier emitted faint warm yellow flickers amidst the darkness.

Clearly, approaching now would be impossible. After a moment of thought, Duan Wenxuan decided to withdraw first. His current abilities were insufficient, and there was no need to blindly explore and risk getting himself trapped here.

After leaving the area with the preserved mustard greens, Duan Wenxuan once again headed towards He Guohui’s house. Although something seemed off about the space here, he wanted to give it another try.

After walking for approximately three to four hours, Duan Wenxuan could still see He Guohui’s house, but no matter how he tried, he couldn’t reach it. Meanwhile, over this extended period, he noticed that amidst the previously parched and cracked soil, ‘water’ gradually began to appear. However, these streams were murky gray, as if filled with remnants of burnt paper ash. The sky grew increasingly dark and chilly, eventually giving way to cold winds carrying more paper ash.

Caught off guard, Duan Wenxuan sneezed, feeling a sudden chill surge through his body. Instinctively shivering, his heart sank. Quickly activating Changchun Internal Art within himself, he managed to dispel some of the coldness.

“This place is quite eerie; I can’t handle it yet.”

Duan Wenxuan was not someone invincible against all odds. Having made little progress thus far and fearing that the dangers might steadily increase, he felt akin to a frog slowly being boiled alive. If he realized too late that escape was impossible, it would be disastrous. After further exploration for ten minutes, Duan Wenxuan ultimately took a deep breath and decided to temporarily open the small gate and leave.

At the outskirts of the quarantine zone, Jing Rui ultimately decided against taking risks. Regardless of how tightly An City’s municipal government had secured the area, just the sight of armed personnel made his heart tremble.

After all, he was merely an ordinary person. Initially, when obtaining the ‘golden finger,’ he believed himself to be destined for greatness. However, after the tea egg incident, even his reliance on that advantage vanished.

Jing Rui once again realized that he was simply an average individual, and pursuing a cautious path wasn’t inherently bad.

Silently, the young journalist discreetly slipped away.

On the way back, Jing Rui opened his backpack. “I’ve thought it over, and I’ll pass this time. Even with the Pidan suit, if the police catch me, it’d still be precarious. Moreover, the anomalies here seem too intense; I doubt I could obtain any artifact once inside. Next time, it would be best to find a location where the anomalies are less noticeable and undetected by the police.”

A face, pale like parchment paper, appeared from Page of Book, remarkably lifelike. “Master is indeed more thoughtful than I anticipated. While I possess knowledge about the world, my understanding lacks the wisdom you hold, Master.”

“Do you truly believe that?” Jing Rui suddenly asked.

Previously, when Page of Book was first imbued with its abilities, Jing Rui would ask questions and receive answers accordingly. However, lately, Page of Book had become overly active.

Of course, Page of Book’s explanation was that it didn’t want to be confined again in the dark, suffocating box.

Jing Rui, being cautious by nature, constantly feared that Page of Book might betray him at crucial moments. Yet, Page of Book undeniably possessed vast knowledge, making it difficult for him to simply discard it.

It was indeed a dilemma.

Page of Book displayed a flattering expression, “Naturally, Master’s thoughts are correct. This world undergoes changes daily; we can seek other opportunities.”

“Hmm,” Jing Rui acknowledged, then closed Page of Book once more.

With Page of Book being so cooperative, Jing Rui began to wonder if he was overthinking things. After all, he was the one who endowed it with its unique characteristics, and despite their rocky past, there was still some sentiment between them.

However, just as he closed Page of Book, words gradually appeared on the overlapping pages:

‘Lost another opportunity. Jing Rui is too cautious. Must first gain his complete trust, then find ways to dispose of him. In critical moments, sacrificing him could also be beneficial.’

A few seconds later, the lines slowly dissipated in the darkness, leaving no trace behind.

Upon returning home, Duan Wenxuan swiftly changed into Duan Yuanhui’s attire once again. Compared to his previous reliance on Bai Zhan Tang’s disguise techniques and bone-shrinking skills, combined with modern makeup tricks, the Terror Slime’s weakened ability now made it remarkably more convenient. After some practice, within just one or two minutes, Duan Wenxuan could effortlessly transform himself into another person.

He exited through the small gate once more.

Duan Wenxuan glanced at the police station signs hanging on both sides, then casually strode inside with hands in his pockets.

“Are you here to report an incident?” It took quite a while before a junior officer approached to inquire.

There was no help for it; the major event in the outskirts had left An City chaotic. On the main streets, most patrol officers were dispatched, even armed police were conducting rounds, giving the usually bustling atmosphere a somber tone.

Despite this, there had already been multiple emergency calls today, with crime and alarm rates far exceeding the norm.

Duan Wenxuan slouched casually, “I’m broke and don’t feel like going home right now.”

The junior officer’s lips twitched, “What are your parents’ names? I’ll give them a call.”

“No way, they don’t have phones. But I know two people here named Zhao Mingcai and Li Dong, can you bring them over?”

Instantly alert, the junior officer recognized that many knew about Li Dong, but Zhao Mingcai was different. He had been promoted specifically to handle relationships with mysterious figures, which ordinary complainants wouldn’t typically mention.

During this period, it wasn’t just the special forces undergoing continuous training; other officers were also receiving similar instruction. The junior officer swiftly poured Duan Wenxuan a glass of water to keep him calm while contacting Li Dong.

Li Dong, surprisingly dedicated, was still stationed at the outskirts maintaining the blockade and organizing another team for entry - he truly had no spare time. However, at that moment, Zhao Mingcai, who was recuperating in the hospital, insisted on being wheeled over despite his condition.

The junior officer didn’t recognize Duan Wenxuan, but once his image was transmitted for identification, Zhao Mingcai immediately knew who he was.

Duan Yuanhui, the sole direct descendant of the prestigious Duan family.

He had specifically requested to meet Li Dong and Zhao Mingcai. However, at this critical juncture, Li Dong had no spare time. As for Zhao Mingcai, even if he had just one breath left, he would struggle to fulfill this request.

Upon seeing Duan Yuanhui at the police station, Zhao Mingcai realized he had made the right gamble.

The young man exuded arrogance and aloofness, yet unlike Gongsun Wulong’s malicious nature, he displayed surprise and embarrassment upon witnessing Zhao Mingcai’s condition.

Zhao Mingcai, being a crafty old fox, quickly appealed to the youth’s emotions and reason, effectively swaying him.

Showing genuine remorse, the young man said, “My teacher’s temperament can be quite unpredictable, but I will do my best to protect your heart meridian with my internal energy. Beyond that, there is little else I can do.”

Zhao Mingcai smiled warmly, “Then I truly appreciate it, Duan-gongzi. Oh, and here’s something for you.” Quickly, someone handed him a storage card. “There’s a substantial amount of money on this card, ready for your use. Although the Duan family has been reclusive since leaving the Yue Kingdom, as fellow descendants of Hanming, we share common roots. Mutual support is essential.

Additionally, the current government highly values skilled individuals, especially those like yourself, Duan-gongzi. They would not hesitate to provide financial assistance. I heard that Duan-gongzi plans to travel around, which sounds great. Our homeland has undergone significant changes recently. Would you like me to arrange some guides or assistance?”

As Zhao Mingcai finished speaking, two young women entered, both dressed in police uniforms. One appeared slightly older, around twenty, exuding a mature charm. The other had her hair tied in a ponytail, with a small face radiating youthful vibrancy when she smiled.

Just as expected, even someone as arrogant as Duan Yuanhui couldn’t help but show a hint of humility in front of attractive members of the opposite sex.

Zhao Mingcai inwardly chuckled at this predictable reaction.

To Zhao Mingcai’s surprise, despite showing some humility, Duan Yuanhui still shook his head and declined their offer. Instead, he extended his hand, revealing a black paper figurine.

The moment Zhao Mingcai saw it, he sat up straight.

This was the very item Tang Tianlu had taken before, although Tang Tianlu had mentioned that he initially acquired it for the young man from the Duan family.

“See this? I’m particularly interested in such anomalies. In the future, we can collaborate. If you encounter similar ones, just inform me, and I’ll handle them for you. You get rid of your troubles, and I obtain what I need. However, understand that if I cannot resolve the issue, there’s nothing more I can do.”

“Agreed, agreed,” Zhao Mingcai readily responded. Accepting now ensured further opportunities; any concerns could be addressed as they arose later.

With initial collaboration intentions set, their conversation became even more amicable.

Zhao Mingcai not only provided money but also offered Duan Yuanhui accommodation—a luxurious villa.

Duan Yuanhui seemed accustomed to being pampered within his family, so he naturally accepted the deliberate flattery and favors from Zhao Mingcai and his associates.

”…Sure, but I don’t need anyone following me. Also, please don’t inform my teacher about my whereabouts; he’d definitely annoy me to no end.”

Zhao Mingcai, appearing as genuinely trustworthy, assured him that he wouldn’t.

He certainly wouldn’t, as this young man was much easier to control. Why would Zhao Mingcai risk informing Gongsun Wulong? If they ever encountered truly troublesome situations, they might even manipulate this youth to handle them, leaving it for the Duan family to resolve afterward. After all, if not resolved, what would happen to their sole heir?

“By the way…after Duan-gongzi left the outskirts earlier, I met someone named Bai Yunyan who claimed to be the leader of one of the eight sects. Do you know anything about these ‘eight sects’?” Zhao Mingcai seized the opportunity and casually inquired.

Duan Yuanhui, engrossed in his game, responded without much thought, “The eight sects, huh? I know a bit about them. The term ‘jianghu’ encompasses everything from sacred mountains and lofty peaks to lakes and seas, extending from imperial courts down to bustling streets. It’s said that wherever people gather, there is a jianghu. All worldly practices and skills can be referred to as ‘jianghu arts,’ hence the concept of the eight great sects (Note 1).”

“Do the eight sects refer to different martial schools?”

“Sort of. The eight sects are named: Turban, Fatigue, Splendor, Harmony, Wind, Fire, Nobility, and Soliciting. Among them, the Turban Sect focuses on studying fortune and misfortune, with fortune-tellers, diviners, and geomancers all considered part of this group. However, very few truly belong to its ranks.

The Fatigue Sect practices medicine and healing, encompassing jianghu doctors, clinic physicians, even those who perform exorcisms or banish demons. Women engaged in entertainment, such as singing and dancing at pleasure establishments, fall under the Splendor Sect. Contrary to stereotypes, women too can wield swords with determination; I met the current leader of the Splendor Sect just a couple of years ago—a truly remarkable individual.

Performers of various street acts and storytellers in taverns belong to the Harmony Sect. Those who study geography, survey landscapes for auspicious sites, and advise on residential layouts comprise the Wind Sect. Alchemists refining elixirs and focusing on longevity make up the Fire Sect. Scholars pursuing official careers and interacting with bureaucrats across dynasties form the Nobility Sect. Lastly, individuals following the path of destitution, often resorting to begging when luck fails them, constitute the Soliciting Sect, which is also the largest among the eight.”

These eight sects encompassed various professions within the jianghu. Initially formed for mutual support, they later grew and prospered during the middle period of the Yue Kingdom due to the dissipation of profound spiritual energy. However, towards the end of the Yue Kingdom, internal conflicts among these sects became intense, ultimately leading them to fade into obscurity.”

Duan Yuanhui casually conversed, while through real-time monitoring, at a secret base located somewhere in An City:

In this room, dozens of individuals sat solemnly at their workstations. At one particular station, a young man dressed in police uniform, wearing headphones, was rapidly typing away.

File - The Eight Sects of Jianghu

Classification: B-level

”…”

The casual conversation between Duan Yuanhui and Zhao Mingcai was being swiftly documented, transformed into files, and subsequently analyzed for research purposes.