Blossom In Adversity - Vol. 2

C245. The Chao Li Totem.

Chapter 245: The Chao Li Totem

"Chief, the Celestial Sect leader says they have urgent matters to discuss," a messenger reported.

Chen Qing looked towards the master.

Gu Yanxi curled his lips, "Since she's so eager, let's grant her wish. Bring her here."

"Yes."

This was Yuan Shifang's study, divided into inner and outer rooms. It seemed he spent quite a lot of time here, as the inner room was furnished very comfortably.

Gu Yanxi's eyes scanned the room, his brow furrowing slightly. For some reason, he felt a sense of unease, as if something was out of place. His gaze moved inch by inch, and suddenly, he turned his attention back to the inconspicuous lower left corner of the cabinet.

Walking over, he picked up a four-legged incense burner and examined it inch by inch. Then, from among the miscellaneous items in the upper right corner, he hooked out a vaguely round and square object. Gu Yanxi placed this object on top of the incense burner, and it fit perfectly. The object he was holding now was easily recognizable—a tail.

Searching the rest of the room carefully, he found nothing else. Yet, looking at the object in his hand that was now taking shape, even with Gu Yanxi's composure, he felt a storm brewing within.

Meanwhile, there was a commotion outside.

The Celestial Cult Master, still clad in white robes, maintained a serene expression, appearing utterly detached from worldly affairs.

Chen Qing sat unmoving as the wind howled.

The Cult Master smiled, a knowing glint in her eyes. “Haoyue, greets the leader of the Seven Stars Bureau.”

“Haoyue, a beautiful name. I wonder whose heart this bright moon seeks to illuminate?” Chen Qing's voice, distorted by his mask and his deliberate imitation of the Crown Prince, was remarkably similar.

“Three months ago, I was still learning in the mountains. I had no desire for the mortal world back then. But one day, I felt a sudden premonition and cast a divination, only to learn that great turmoil was about to engulf the world.” Haoyue spoke slowly, her words like a clap of thunder in Chen Qing's heart.

Great turmoil was about to engulf the world—could this mean the Great Qing Dynasty was on the brink of collapse?

Chen Qing suppressed his thoughts. “I wonder, Miss Haoyue, who is your esteemed master?”

“My master has never been involved in worldly affairs. Even if I were to tell you, no one would know. He allowed me to enter the mortal world because he divined that my destiny was intertwined with this earthly realm. Besides, how can one truly understand detachment without first experiencing the world of mortals?”

“So, Miss Haoyue, you created the Celestial Sect merely to attract this official?”

Haoyue smiled, gracefully tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “Leader, do not worry. The holy water is a potion I concocted. It is beneficial and harmless to the body.”

While she seemed to deny it, she had essentially admitted it.

Chen Qing maintained his imposing posture. “What are your intentions, Miss?”

“Leader, Haoyue dares not claim to possess great abilities, but I have mastered the art of divination from my master. Seeing as you care deeply for the common people, I am certain I can be of great assistance.”

“Oh?”

Haoyue knew it was her time to shine. A faint smile played on her lips, "In August of this year, the Wei River broke its banks, causing tens of thousands of casualties. The breach occurred in Xiangyang, Jingzhou."