Zhong Minglou

Near the Earth Flow Chariot station.

Li Qi arrived early, intending to take the Earth Flow Chariot to the clinic.

Last time I went to the clinic, I took a taxi, but if there's a bus, I'll take the bus; I can't always take a taxi when I go out.

Li Qi jogged over, looking somewhat tired as he hadn't slept for six or seven days.

When it comes to sleeping, unless your soul has completely transcended the mortal realm, you still have to sleep properly.

Even at the extraordinary level, sleep is still very beneficial. In fact, many times, powerful beings rely on sleep to recover from serious injuries.

However, since he was already at the eighth rank, he was still quite energetic. He rubbed his temples, but there was no sign of anything unusual about him; he looked exactly the same as usual.

Upon arriving near the station, before Li Qi could even buy a ticket, he suddenly spotted an acquaintance standing next to the station.

The public waiting area at the station is where people rest while waiting for their trains and get a drink of water.

The Tang Kingdom's infrastructure was well-developed in every aspect. For example, this waiting area was not just a few lonely benches, but a very complete set.

Free hot water is available; please collect it yourself.

The seats can be folded down, allowing early arrivals to rest on the spot.

There are convenient food options available for purchase nearby; they are inexpensive, quick to eat, and suitable for rapidly replenishing energy.

They even provide self-service medication to prevent motion sickness or discomfort from the massive energy fluctuations of Earth Flow Chariot —they've considered everything very carefully.

However, Tang Kingdom's reservation system is very comprehensive, so in reality, very few people linger here waiting for a ride; everyone comes at the appointed time.

Basically, only travelers from beyond the heavens would exclaim in surprise while waiting for their ride here.

It was in this very place that Li Qi saw Zhong Minglou.

The charlatan was filling up his free hot water in the hot water area. Although he was still dressed neatly, Li Qi noticed that the cushion on a seat not far from him had sagged, obviously because someone had been sitting there for a long time.

There were even some copper coins or something in front of the seat.

Wait a minute, is this guy going to be staying at the train station for the next five days?

Li Qi initially did not believe this deduction.

But after thinking about it, he realized that he couldn't imagine what Zhong Minglou would look like when he was talking and communicating normally with people.

Therefore, Li Qi decisively stepped forward.

As he walked over, Zhong Minglou had already turned to him and was smiling as he 'looked' at him.

Although he was blind and his eyes were covered with a cloth, his gaze was still somewhat eerie.

Of course, if it's in a place where charlatans are supposed to be, it's really creepy.

Unfortunately, he now gets free hot water at the station, so it's not scary at all.

Li Qi walked over and asked with a curious look, "Brother Minglou, what... is this?"

"Ah, it's junior brother. Do you want some water? I'll pour you some." Zhong Minglou smiled when he saw Li Qi, then pointed to the free hot water and asked Li Qi.

No, why are you being so generous with free hot water?

Li Qi wiped his sweat. "No need, I'm just curious, what is Brother Minglou doing here?"

"Oh, I'm staying here temporarily now, what's wrong?" Zhong Minglou tilted his head and asked with wide eyes.

Hey, you live like a homeless person, and you're asking me what's wrong?

Li Qi thought to himself, but he couldn't say it outright. He could only say, "Brother Minglou... his interests are truly unique."

"It's not so much out of interest, it's just that I don't have any money, so I have no choice but to stay here," Zhong Minglou answered frankly.

Li Qi was genuinely sweating now, and his awkward smile froze on his face.

He asked cautiously, "Brother Minglou, you didn't actually sleep here for five days, did you?"

"Yes, that's right." Zhong Minglou didn't seem to think there was anything wrong with it and admitted it frankly.

Li Qi sighed.

Is this what a charlatan is like?

How should I put it...?

Unexpected, yet perfectly logical.

A true charlatan seems to be born to do such things. If Zhong Minglou were to skillfully rent a house, buy groceries, and negotiate prices with the landlord, Li Qi would feel that his persona had collapsed.

Only fake charlatans have food, clothing, shelter, and transportation.

The real charlatan lives at the bus stop and survives on free hot water!

"Sigh, Brother Minglou, wait a moment." Li Qi had no choice but to sigh and take out his terminal.

Then, he skillfully rented a house there, paid the rent, and then hired a caregiver for Zhong Minglou.

Yes, it's a caregiver, not a nanny. His reasoning was. "To care for blind patients with mental disorders who are unable to take care of themselves and cannot eat independently, we hope that applicants have the corresponding patience and professional skills."

After everything was arranged, he would send all of this to Zhong Minglou from the terminal.

Then, while operating the terminal, Li Qi said, "I rented a house for you, a three-year lease at once. We'll talk about the rest later. And... I found someone to cook and do your laundry. They're a professional caregiver, not a servant. They're equals. This is Tang Kingdom. Don't treat people like cattle or horses, or you'll be sued."

Zhong Minglou nodded with a blank expression. "Oh, oh..."

"Ahem, wait a moment, the caregiver will come to pick you up. Don't sleep at the station. I've sent you the address and rental agreement on your terminal. Just ask the caregiver to help you with the process. If you have any problems, contact me through the terminal. My car is almost here. I have something urgent to attend to today, so I'll be going now!"

"I remember, I wrote a process and sent it to your terminal. It's okay if you forgot, just give your terminal to the caregiver when the time comes!" After Li Qi finished everything, the Earth Flow Chariot he had arranged was almost here, so he packed his things, turned around and waved goodbye to Zhong Minglou.

Zhong Minglou stood there holding the hot water, seemingly unresponsive.

It wasn't until Li Qi waved goodbye and was about to leave that he managed to stammer out, "Thank you so much, Junior Brother."

"We're fellow disciples, no need for thanks, I'm off!" Li Qi waved his hand, quickly walked to the elevator, and went inside.

Follow the elevator all the way down to the underground.

The centipede-like creatures of the Earth Flow Chariot lie prone on the ground, waiting for passengers to board.

Putting Zhong Minglou's matter out of his mind, Li Qi excitedly prepared to pick up Shen Shuibi.

This is the important thing.

Just as Li Qi arrived in front of the Earth Flow Chariot and was still queuing to board, he felt himself step on something.

Looking down, he realized he had stepped on some silver, about two taels.

This is no small amount of money.

Li Qi decisively picked it up, and after getting on the bus and sitting down, he used his terminal to summon the local Land God in charge of the Earth Flow Chariot and handed over the lost item.

Two taels of silver might not mean much to Li Qi, but it could be very important to the owner of the lost item. There was no need to be greedy for such a small amount.

After doing all this, Li Qi rode in Earth Flow Chariot all the way.

On the way, the Land God suddenly brought an old woman over, saying that the owner had been found and that the person wanted to thank Li Qi. After expressing his gratitude, Li Qi received a basket of snacks.

Then, after about ten minutes, it was time to get off the bus.

Li Qi got out of the car, but after taking only a few steps, he suddenly stepped on something again.

He looked down and saw it was money again!

In just over ten minutes, I actually picked up money twice.

However, Li Qi handled the situation the same way this time; he immediately invoked the gods of the Tang Kingdom and handed over the lost item.

I found money twice in a row, and neither of it was worth a lot. I also got a bunch of snacks.

I'm having good luck today.

With that thought in mind, Li Qi finally arrived at the entrance of the clinic.

I checked Shen Shuibi's discharge time again; it was less than half a Chen away, just the right time.

Then let's buy some more drinks and wait.

I went to the roadside and bought two cups of freshly squeezed juice.

Drink one cup yourself, and give the other cup to Shen Shuibi when she comes out.

However, before he even received the juice, he heard the clerk smile and say to him, "Sir, this is our 150th anniversary celebration. You can enter a lucky draw when you buy a drink. Just scan the code to register."

Li Qi didn't mind participating in something so casual, even if it was a routine, so he nodded immediately.

After registering using the terminal, Li Qi quickly received his two glasses of juice.

Along with two travel tickets from outside the region, a group of people carrying banners and signs, and waving colorful ribbons and various illusionary lights, came over!

"Congratulations, sir! You've won the first prize in this event—round-trip train tickets to Douxiu Six Stars! This is a place with a very pristine and original charm!" A group of people surrounded him, overjoyed, showering him with colorful ribbons and dazzling lights as if they were free.

The group surrounded Li Qi and began to spread the word through a loudspeaker, creating a noisy atmosphere that attracted countless eyes.

Li Qi was also forced to give an acceptance speech, and then he was photographed by a bunch of people while holding the sign. In the end, everyone dispersed.

Xia Li Qi standing there, holding two drinks and two tickets, looking completely bewildered.

After the initial confusion came solemnity.

Etc...

He clutched the ticket, sensing something was amiss.

Am I really that lucky?

To prevent any unforeseen circumstances, he promptly began to verify the two tickets and the information about the store.

But everything was perfect.

It was indeed the 150th anniversary celebration, and these two tickets were genuine. We went to Dousu, which is said to be an area with original local customs.

Moreover, the price is not cheap.

A round-trip ticket for a free trip outside the region is worth as much as a decent Eighth-Rank Magic Treasure, which would be worth seven or eight hundred taels of silver.

Li Qi can't come up with this money right now unless he's willing to sell some of his fixed assets, like his gold, which might raise the funds.

This ticket can be used at any time, because travel outside the realm is not a fixed train, but a portal. As long as you have it, you can go anytime. It is equivalent to the right to use the portal twice. The time can be determined at will. It is indeed a common means of travel for the Tang Kingdom.

The ticket is real, and the shop is real too.

So... I really won the lottery?

Li Qi did not believe it.

So he decided to do another divination for himself.

Although he is not a professional diviner, he has some knowledge of divination methods, which can be considered to be at a beginner level.

He had once faced a bloody disaster when he was being chased by several soldiers from the Song Kingdom, and thus managed to avoid it in time.

Although we can't observe the past or future, we can still see good or bad fortune.

It would have been better if I hadn't done the divination; once I did, I discovered that I was radiating golden energy, as if I were blessed with good fortune.

Five auspicious symbols rise like a canopy, while from afar, the sounds of drums and horns resound.

Great wealth and prosperity are on the horizon; good fortune is shining upon them, indicating that they are about to have a great time.

Wait, what is this thing?

When did I become so lucky?

Or is it...?

Li Qi instinctively began to recall what he had done.

His first thought was that he had helped Zhong Minglou just twenty minutes earlier.

Is it really that amazing?

Having this idea, Li Qi wouldn't be a fool to keep his guess to himself. He took out his terminal and dialed Zhong Minglou's number.

Zhong Minglou responded quickly, since this kind of thing didn't require any operation; it only required a thought.

Call established.

"Brother Minglou, I've suddenly been finding money and winning the lottery. Do you have any clues?" Li Qi asked directly.

We're all fellow disciples, all from the same generation of Wushen Mountain disciples, so what's there to be ashamed of?

"Ah, maybe it's because I prayed for you. After all, good deeds are rewarded," came Zhong Minglou's calm and gentle voice.

"What kind of method is this? An eighth-rank official can manipulate good fortune? I've never heard of that before," Li Qi immediately asked.

Fortune is such an elusive thing that it is difficult to control. There are Curse that can bring bad luck, and Li Qi knows them, but it is very mysterious to make fortune good. Li Qi did not know that such Technique Method existed.

To be honest, he's somewhat interested in learning.

If such Technique Method truly existed, he would definitely hang it on himself every day and then go buy lottery tickets.

"Good deeds are rewarded. I didn't use any Technique Method, nor could I possibly use such Technique Method. I was just sincerely praying for you, Junior Brother," Zhong Minglou replied calmly but earnestly from the other end of the terminal.

Just by listening to his tone, you could tell he wasn't lying.

Li Qi immediately realized that this was probably the reason why the other party was able to become the young master of Wushen Mountain, just like his own True Knowledge and the Demon Seed of Bo Yue.

"I see, I understand now. Thank you. But, is there some deeper meaning behind letting me win the lottery to go to Douxiu Six Stars?" Li Qi asked again.

"Huh? I don't know what kind of reward you will receive. I'm just praying and blessing you so that you can get what you want most right now." Zhong Minglou was puzzled at first, and then honestly told him what he was praying for.

Li Qi wanted to ask more questions.

The person on the other end of the terminal said, "Okay, the caregiver you called for me has arrived. I'll finish here first and contact you later."

After speaking, Zhong Minglou abruptly cut off the message.

He has a very charlatan-like style.

Li Qi, on the other hand, fell into deep thought.

What does it mean to say "what he wants most right now"?

First he picked up money, then he picked up more money, and then he won the lottery...

Wait a minute, is money what I want most right now?!

Thinking about it that way, it really is true!

Shen Shuibi has been discharged from the hospital. Now, she needs money most to help Mount Luofu pay off its debts. She doesn't have any particular goals of her own, so she will definitely help raise money for her.

In other words, what I lack most right now is money!

What were I thinking before?

They planned to make money beyond the borders, leveraging the Tang Kingdom's reputation and Shen Shuibi's fifth-rank skill to scheme for control of some wild worlds. (Chapter 251)

What kind of place is Dou Su?

The Douxiu Six Stars are also known as the Heavenly Temple or the Heavenly Mechanism.

That was a world belonging to the Tang Kingdom, located between the East Sea and the Central Plains.

This place is free from war and very close to the edge of the wild; its tourism promotion emphasizes its 'pristine charm'.

Wouldn't that be tailor-made for me?

Someone suggested that I change the update time from midnight to afternoon. What do you all think?