Qiu Qian's identity

"Call"

A gust of cold wind swept out of the sachet, and the temperature in the room dropped rapidly. A phantom figure appeared and floated in the air.

His face was blank, and his eyes were lifeless.

After a person dies, the two souls, "Heaven" and "Earth," immediately leave the body and are in a dazed state. The human soul will remain inside the body for seven days before emerging. At this time, Celestial Person two souls will come to search for the human soul.

When the three souls are reunited, one can regain memories of their previous life and escape the state of confusion.

The saying "on the seventh day after death" originates from this.

"This young man is no ordinary person; he knows everything about the energy within me. Perhaps I can extract some core secrets from him."

Xu Qi'an took a deep breath, feeling his heart race and his blood boil; he hadn't been this excited in a long time.

Just then, his ears twitched slightly as he heard Su Su's charming voice coming from outside the courtyard. "Oh, you can't go in. My husband is resting and no one is allowed to disturb him."

Then came Qiu Chanyi's displeased voice. "I'll just go in and take a look."

"Although Daoist Chanyi is a nun, she should still know the proper distance between men and women. Who would go into a man's room in the dead of night?"

"Young Master Xu has done a great favor to Heaven and Earth. What's wrong with me going in to visit him? Monks are upright and have a clear conscience."

"Oh, so you think you have a clear conscience? Of your thirty-four disciples in the Heaven and Earth Society, why are you the only one who came? Isn't it because you're lusting after his body?"

"You, you, you!" Qiu Chan blushed deeply.

"What do you mean, 'you'? You look like a lovesick young girl. I'm an experienced woman, I know exactly what you little hussies are thinking." Su Su put her hands on her hips, like a feisty little hen.

"My husband is a lecherous man, indiscriminate in his lust. I advise you, young lady, to keep your distance and be more careful. Otherwise, if you lose your virginity and are then abandoned after being used, it won't sound good to others."

Su Su scoffed, "Or perhaps, this is exactly what Daoist Chanyi wanted?"

"I... I'm going to find Martial Aunt Jinlian."

Qiu Chanyi, a young girl, was no match for the old ghost Su Su. Shame and anger, she stomped her foot and ran away.

"Go find Master Jinlian." Xu Qi'an glanced at the spirits floating in the room, sighed, and silently put away the sachet.

He suddenly realized that he had been too hasty. There were experts like Chu Yuanzhen in the manor, who were very sharp-eyed and could hear his biggest secret in no time, even if he didn't eavesdrop on purpose.

First, put Master Jinlian and the others at ease, then find Yang Qianhuan to set up a soundproof array. Xu Qi'an hung the sachet back on his waist, opened the door, and waved to Su Su outside the courtyard.

Su Su walked briskly into the house with her hands behind her back, humming a little tune.

"It seems you feel a strong sense of belonging to your identity," Xu Qi'an said with satisfaction.

This incomparably beautiful female ghost, though verbally resistant, was quite honest in her heart. She had already taken on the role of Xu Household's concubine and harbored strong hostility towards any woman who tried to seduce her husband.

"I just find it incredibly satisfying to ruin your plans and damage your image," Su Su chuckled playfully, beaming with pride.

Men love to be self-righteous, enjoying the thrill of breaking up couples while mistaking it for jealousy and rivalry.

Xu Qi'an's face darkened. He placed his hand on Su Su's shoulder and said calmly, "Once you have a physical body, I will fill you with intense pleasure."

Su Su raised her head, stuck out her tongue at him, and made a face. Her charming and graceful demeanor was now tinged with a touch of coquettish cuteness.

During the conversation, Master Jinlian arrived, followed by Daoist Bailian, Li Miaozhen, Chu Yuanzhen, as well as Xiao Hei Pi from Southern Frontier and Master Hengyuan.

Yang Qianhuan and Nangong Qianrou did not come to visit him.

"The decisive battle is tomorrow, and we need to discuss things beforehand. How do you feel?" Master Jinlian grabbed Xu Qi'an's wrist, took his pulse, and her expression turned grave.

"I'll recover in three to five days. I'm sorry about tomorrow's battle," Xu Qi'an sighed.

His current situation is that his physical strength has recovered, but his inner energy is gone. He can fight, but he can't unleash his full power. Unless the enemy also doesn't use inner energy and fights him in pure hand-to-hand combat.

That's bad!

Suddenly, a figure in white flashed into the room, facing the window and with his back to everyone.

Yang Qianhuan said leisurely, "The formation I set up has eight layers, and each layer's core requires a master to guard it. I originally set up a defensive formation based on your Vajra Divine Skill."

Although the night battle was a great victory, killing the young master and two peak fourth-rank attendants.

But these two were already an extra pair, while our side had lost the great master Xu Qi'an.

Xu Qi'an pondered for a moment and said, "Nangong Qianrou can fill in."

Yang Qianhuan chuckled dismissively, "Compared to your Vajra Divine Skill, a fourth-rank martial artist's physique is still somewhat lacking. Don't forget, the Prince of Huai's spies have cannons and ballistae."

Master Jinlian shook her head and said, "Nangong Jinluo was already part of the plan; he wasn't an unexpected bonus."

The enemy has the Earth Sect, with six fourth-rank experts and one third-rank Daoist leader avatar; the Prince of Huai's secret agents, with two fourth-rank martial artists and several other experts; and the Martial Alliance, with one near-third-rank super expert and several fourth-rank sect leaders and gang leaders.

On our side, those who can be confirmed to possess fourth-rank combat power are Daoist Jinlian, Daoist Bailian, Chu Yuanzhen, Li Miaozhen, Xu Qi'an Qianhuan, and Nangong Qianrou.

In contrast, the Heaven and Earth Society could only deal with the combined forces of the Earth Sect and the Prince of Huai's secret agents. However, due to their home-field advantage and the formation they had set up, they had the confidence to contend with various forces.

In Master Jinlian's plan, all they had to do was wait for the lotus seeds to ripen so they could abandon the manor and avoid a desperate battle.

The premise is that we can hold on.

"That's not right. No matter whether I've recovered or not, I can't actually protect the lotus seeds. Even if I can 'force back' the Rogue Person and some fourth-rank masters from the martial arts alliance."

"But wealth is tempting, and not everyone will give me face. At most, they'll show mercy when the time comes, so in the end, I still can't keep it."

Thinking of this, Xu Qi'an felt a chill and realized that something was wrong.

What else does Master Jinlian rely on?

The thought had barely formed when he heard Daoist Jinlian speak in a gentle tone, "Xu Qi'an, what are your thoughts?"

Xu Qi'an shook his head.

Master Jinlian looked at him gently, her eyes crinkling with wrinkles, and reminded him, "Think about it again."

Xu Qi'an squinted at him, their eyes meeting. Their gazes seemed calm, but countless messages were subtly flashing between them.

What did Master Jinlian mean by that? Does he know my secret? Is it fate, or divine intervention?

The Daoist priest knew about my "unclear" relationship with the Supervisor, but what he didn't know was that I carried the destiny of the Great Feng Dynasty. I remember last time when I came out of the underground palace, I used the excuse of subduing the ancient corpse to say that the Supervisor had left a trick inside me, and that wasn't wrong, he did indeed leave a trick.

So, does Master Jinlian believe that the Supervisor still has a "hidden trick" up his sleeve? Is this what he's been planning all along? No wonder he's so calm. The Master thinks I can unleash the combat power of a top-tier expert, just like that time in the underground palace.

Or perhaps, Master Jinlian already knows that Shenshu is inside me. The "mysterious master" of Chuzhou may seem mysterious to outsiders, but to some insiders, his existence is actually questionable.

For example, Master Jinlian was involved in the Sangbo case and knew that the sealed artifact was related to Buddhist School. The master was particularly familiar with me. Moreover, the boasts I made in front of the head of the Earth Sect were heard by tens of thousands of people.

Whew, thankfully the Daoist priest isn't a Great Feng, otherwise I would have had a very difficult time. Xu Qi'an sighed:

"I truly have no ideas, and I'm powerless to help."

First, Monk Shenshu is already in a deep sleep and cannot be awakened, so this cheat is temporarily disabled. As for the Supervisor, this old man is cunning and ruthless; such a terrifying figure is not someone Xu Qi'an can control.

So, he really had no other options and was out of options.

Master Jinlian's eyes darkened, and she remained silent for a long time.

After a long while, he sighed, "So be it. What's done is done. Now it's all up to fate."

Everyone sighed upon hearing this.

"Oh, right."

Suddenly, Master Jinlian turned to Chu Yuanzhen and asked, "I asked you to inform Luo Yuheng about this matter. Did you do so?"

Chu Yuanzhen gave him a strange look, not understanding why the Daoist priest had deliberately brought this up. He nodded and said, "Of course I've relayed the message."

Master Jinlian quickly pressed, "Did she say anything?"

"The Imperial Advisor only said 'Take care'," Chu Yuanzhen said calmly. The Imperial Advisor was such a cold-hearted woman that she wouldn't give too many instructions.

Master Jinlian frowned, asking with a mixture of anticipation and eagerness, "Did she... did she give you anything?"

Chu Yuanzhen was taken aback and said, "Daoist Master, you even guessed that. The Imperial Preceptor did indeed give me a protective talisman."

"Quick, take it out!"

Master Jinlian spoke repeatedly, and anyone could see his surprise and eagerness.

Chu Yuanzhen frowned, took out a talisman made of folded yellow talisman tied with a red string from his pocket. "This is just an ordinary talisman, it has no effect."

In fact, Scholar Chu did not want to take it out; it was a gift from the Imperial Advisor, a token of his appreciation as an "elder."

Master Jinlian reached out, took the amulet, and a hint of relief appeared in his eyes. Then, he did something that surprised everyone in the room.

"Xu Qi'an, take this talisman."

Chu Yuanzhen: "???"

Everyone looked at Xu Qi'an.

"Daoist Master, why are you giving this to me?" Xu Qi'an asked, looking bewildered.

Master, Chu Yuanzhen is going to eat me! Look at his eyes! Look at his eyes!

Master Jinlian seemed to have transformed back into that calm and shrewd old silver coin, chuckling as he said, "Don't ask, you'll know tomorrow. Hmm, you'll guard the final checkpoint, outside the pool."

A bewildered Xu Qi'an received a telepathic message from Daoist Jinlian: "In this critical moment, burn your protective talisman and ask her for help."

Asking for help? To Luo Yuheng? Don't be ridiculous, Daoist. I'm not even close to my aunt. She gave me a talisman sword, which is already a big favor. How can I trouble her again and again?

"You're making things difficult for me, Fat Tiger!" Xu Qi'an wanted to wave his hand and say, "We're not that close yet."

However, given her knowledge of old silver coins, Master Jinlian would not have made such a decision without certainty.

"What does Master Jinlian mean by this? Why should she give the talisman that the Imperial Preceptor gave me to Xu Qi'an?" Chu Yuanzhen frowned, feeling offended.

But he was a wise and calm person, good at analysis (filling in the blanks), and turned to think about Master Jinlian's intentions, launching a brainstorming session.

Li Miaozhen and Master Hengyuan were equally puzzled, but they didn't think too much about it.

It's not that I'm stupid, it's just that I don't like to overthink things.

Lina is the one who's stupid; she never intended to use her brain from beginning to end, and she cherishes her brain cells immensely.

At this moment, Qiu Chanyi arrived with several female disciples, carrying steaming hot food, the aroma instantly filling the room.

A table was laden with chicken soup, braised pig's trotters, steamed river shrimp, steamed cornbread, steamed mutton, and braised pork.

"Gurgle."

Xu Qi'an and Lina swallowed simultaneously.

"Young Master Xu, this is what the kitchen prepared for you, just waiting for you to wake up and eat," Qiu Chanyi said crisply.

"Yes, yes, Junior Sister Chanyi made it herself." A female disciple covered her mouth and chuckled.

Qiu Chanyi's face flushed red.

Xu Qi'an quickly thanked them, then glanced somewhat awkwardly at Daoist Jinlian and Daoist Bailian, only to find that they remained calm and showed no displeasure at their disciple's romantic feelings.

"Then I won't disturb you any longer." Daoist Jinlian nodded and left first.

Chu Yuanzhen and the others then left.

Lina didn't leave; her feet were sealed, and her azure eyes stared longingly at Xu Qi'an.

Let's eat together.

Xu Qi'an said helplessly, then picked up the cornbread and ate it with braised pork and mutton.

"Young Master Xu, how does it taste?" Qiu Chanyi asked expectantly, pursing her lips.

"Junior Sister Chanyi has excellent cooking skills."

Xu Qi'an gave a thumbs up and praised him, then sighed, "His tea ceremony skills are a bit lacking."

"I'm also very good at tea ceremony," Qiu Chanyi retorted, sounding aggrieved.

Young Master Xu hadn't even tasted the tea she brewed, yet he made such a presumptuous judgment. Her face fell; she felt underestimated by Young Master Xu.

I was referring to green tea.

Xu Qi'an smiled and said, "I have a younger sister who's about your age, but her tea ceremony skills are far superior to yours. I'll introduce you two sometime, so you can learn from her."

Su Su is a seductive and alluring vixen; only a manipulative woman like her can control her.

If it had been Lingyue here, she would have burst into tears on the spot, then stood guard outside looking "wronged" all night long, and it would have been even better if she had caught a cold.

Su Su will be labeled a "devil" afterwards.

After a hearty meal, Xu Qi'an dismissed Qiu Chanyi and the other women, then called out twice in the courtyard, "Senior Brother Yang!"

The figure in white arrived as summoned, his back to him, and said leisurely, "If Heaven hadn't created me, Yang Qianhuan..."

"We're all so familiar with each other now, there's no thrill in showing off anymore," Xu Qi'an coldly interrupted. "The Great Feng Dynasty has been shrouded in eternal darkness."

Yang Qianhuan choked for a moment, then asked coldly, "What is it?"

"I'd like to ask Senior Brother Yang to help me carve a soundproof array, preferably one that can also prevent prying eyes. I have something very confidential to do next," Xu Qi'an said bluntly.

"Heh, aren't you afraid I'll eavesdrop?" Yang Qianhuan asked jokingly.

"Ha, I don't believe anyone but Senior Brother Yang. Senior Brother Yang is the most virtuous person throughout history," Xu Qi'an said sincerely.

"You have a good eye." Yang Qianhuan was very pleased.

Inside the room, Xu Qi'an closed the doors and windows, opened the sachet, and released Qiu Qian's soul once again.

A cold wind began to blow, and the indoor temperature dropped.

Qiu Qian, like a foolish son of a landlord, floated blankly in the air.

"What's your name?" Xu Qi'an asked tentatively.

"Ji Qian."

Qiu Qian answered blankly.

Xu Qi'an pondered for a moment, then asked, "What exactly is your identity?"

"The royal family of the Great Feng Dynasty."

Qiu Qian's flat voice stirred up a storm in Xu Qi'an's mind, creating a tsunami-like effect that caused mountains to collapse and the earth to split.

He's a member of the Great Feng royal family?! No wonder his surname is Ji. Wait, is there such a person in the Great Feng royal family?

A jumble of thoughts flashed through his mind, Xu Qi'an tried to calm himself down and asked in a deep voice, "Which lineage?"

He asked this question because he was certain that there was no such person among the imperial family in the capital. The Great Feng Dynasty had lasted for six hundred years, with many branches and offspring. This Ji Qian was either from a collateral branch or was someone's illegitimate son.

That's why I asked him which lineage he belonged to.

Qiu Qian murmured, "The legitimate lineage from five hundred years ago."

Xu Qi'an almost lost control of his expression, and his arm trembled violently.

The legitimate lineage from five hundred years ago—meaning he's a descendant of the emperor who was killed by Emperor Wuzong? Does that emperor still have any bloodline left? Wasn't it said that the emperor's bloodline died at the hands of treacherous officials?

Well, that period of history must have been distorted, and historical records cannot be trusted, but Emperor Wuzong, such a powerful ruler, would not have been unaware of the principle of eliminating all threats at the root.

What is your status in the clan?

"I am my father's legitimate son."

Who is your father?

"His name is Ji Xiao, and he will surely become the ruler of the Nine Provinces, replacing Emperor Yuanjing."

Five hundred years ago, that lineage has returned for revenge? I killed a "crown prince"! Xu Qi'an was stunned for a long time, trying to digest this earth-shattering piece of information.

Then he asked, "What's the deal with the luck I have?"

He planned to refrain from asking about information related to the Ji clan until he got to the heart of the matter.

Qiu Qian remained silent, utterly silent.

I got a little too excited. Xu Qi'an took a deep breath. "What's going on with the luck on Xu Qi'an?"

"The aura within him is that of that great man, an asset to our grand ambitions, the foundation for our fight against the Imperial Censor, and the most crucial step in our plan to conquer the Central Plains."

As he said these words, Qiu Qian's usually expressionless face became unusually lively.

This incident seemed to be etched deep into his soul.

"Who is that person?" Xu Qi'an's lips trembled.

The next question he almost blurted out was: Why entrust your luck to me?

At this moment, Qiu Qian's expression became visibly distorted and he appeared to be struggling.

The night was quiet, with only the sharp chirping of insects.

On the hillside outside the dense forest, several jackals were gnawing on a carcass, making "howling" defiant noises to intimidate their companions.

A pair of feet wearing white boots fell from the air, landing lightly on the edge of Qiu Qian's headless corpse.

He was a person as white as snow, his white clothes and shoes contrasting sharply with his jet-black hair. His face was shrouded in layers of mist, as if he did not belong to this world.

His presence was minimized. He didn't try to conceal his movements, but the jackals around him continued to graze, and even though they should have been incredibly perceptive, they didn't notice the white-clad figure appear.

The figure in white lowered his head, glanced at the gruesome corpse, and then expressionlessly looked away, gazing towards the direction of the Yue Clan Manor.

He gazed at it for a long time, then chuckled softly.