Chapter 23: Qing Er

  Pan Yu's body trembled involuntarily, and she closed her eyes even tighter. A teardrop rolled down along her long eyelashes, wetting Xu Xian's collar. In her heart, she whispered: I'm sorry, this is the last time I deceive you.

  That piece of glass had nothing to do with her chastity. If he really wanted her body, she would not refuse, but rather cater to his every whim and please him, only to leave afterwards and return to her own path. Only when he hurt her deeply could she make up her mind to let go. When he caressed her, her heart was filled with both joy and pain.

  But he whispered a few words in her ear, and at that moment all the persistence became worthless, all the roads turned into nothingness, and there was only one thought in her heart: to be with him forever. In her heart, she silently made up her mind: Father and mother, he didn't let me down, I also can't let you down for him.

  Pan Yuxuan stretched out her arms and hugged Xu Xian, resting her head on his chest, rather than curling up as she had before. She didn't break the illusion, perhaps because she was a little embarrassed, or afraid of what might happen next, or perhaps just holding him made her feel so satisfied that she didn't want anything else.

  Xu Xian spoke out his inner thoughts and felt as if he had found a glimmer of light in the darkness, letting out a sigh.

  Silently in my heart, I said: Sorry to that person, the one in my arms, I must give her happiness. If it weren't for my entanglement, could you have gone further? At least you wouldn't have to suffer those hardships for Xian's sake. If I couldn't give you the promised happiness, then let's make a clean break at our Qingming Festival reunion, at the beginning of this story.

  Is it really that simple for things to end just like he thought, now that the cause and effect have begun, just like his encounter with Pan Yu?

  But no matter how firm his heart was, the temptation in his arms was real. Pan Yu held him like this, and he could clearly feel her slender body. Xu Xian smiled and sighed, forming a seal with his hands behind her back.

  If you don't insist on such a strong effect, but just want to calm your mind and infuse a little spiritual energy, then it's done in one go. Of course, there is no great effect, but gathering the mind is more than enough.

  Looking at Pan Yu in his arms again, he found that she had fallen asleep with a gentle breath. Having wandered to the end of his thoughts, he made up his mind and her sleep was exceptionally sweet. Xu Xian gently kissed her forehead before also drifting off to dreamland.

  Waking up early in the morning, I see the morning sunlight and her smiling face, both equally bright.

  The following days were light and breezy, as if every gaze contained sweetness. However, Xiān still had to painfully practice the Ming Wang seal at night, and also continuously strengthen her spiritual power input. Nevertheless, with diligent practice, her mastery of the seal technique accelerated significantly.

  It has now reached the realm of being moved by the printed word.

  Pan Yu fell asleep extremely quickly and sometimes slept with a terrible posture that wrapped around him. This further urged Xu Xian to practice.

  Since making that decision, Pan Yu has seriously thought about the problem between the two of them. Although the emotional impulse was a catalyst, the subsequent issues could not be resolved by relying on temporary impulses. Although Xu Xian considered himself to have the responsibility of a man, he was far inferior to Pan Yu in this regard. After calm and careful planning, it was decided that the lie would be temporarily kept, and for now, they would just maintain their current distance from each other.

  If it weren't for that lie as a barrier, she would have no way to refuse his requests, and perhaps some unexpected trouble would arise, which would be very unfavorable to the future of both people. However, she also thought of a way to make up for it, after all, in order to maintain the current state, the two must get married separately. Although it's a pity that they can't be together, compared to being separated, this is already a good result.

  That's the difference between a genius and an ordinary person, always with extraordinary foresight. As for how to persuade her father, she also had a general idea. First of all, lies and delays were ruled out, which would only get herself into a passive situation. Then there was only frankness left, but crying and making a scene was not her style, and using sincere love to move her father was even more ridiculous, and might even have the opposite effect.

  You have to start from the other person's perspective to solve the problem. Then, put out enough chips to shake the balance in that man's mind, and then make a decisive decision with your own determination. These chips include all aspects, Wang Xuezheng, Jin Wancheng, those inventions, and Xu Xian's cultivation itself. If Xu Xian was just an incompetent person, she would have no choice but to follow suit, but the people she loves have so many things worth mentioning, she can also take a gamble. Create some light for the future of the two people.

  But this is just an idea, and the actual difference with imagination is unknown, no one understands it better than her who is good at designing. So everything is still uncertain, the only thing that is certain is her own intention. Therefore, she did not tell Xian about these things, but wanted him to enjoy the happiness of being together with her lightly, rather than worrying.

  On this day, Xu Xian and Pan Yu were about to go out when a servant respectfully asked: "May I ask if you are Master Xu?"

  Xu Xian Dao said: "I am indeed below, who are you?"

  The servant said: "It's a small one sent by Yang Zhixian of Qiantang County, who wants to invite Master Xu to the county government office for a meeting."

  Xu Xian didn't know what Yang Zhizhou wanted with him, but he had received kindness from him before, and his brother-in-law was also working under him. So, out of both sentiment and reason, he should go to see him. He said, "You go back first! I'll come over later."

  "The messenger said: 'Young Master Xu, it's really an urgent matter, the sedan chair is waiting outside!'"

  Xu Xian smiled helplessly at Pan Yu and said, "It seems that we won't be able to go to Pinghu Garden this time. Let's go to Qiantang together instead!" The two of them usually got along as if they were good friends, without revealing any flaws, but in private, they would always indulge in intimate affection.

  Pan Yutui pushed back: "I won't go, you go." These two days the two were inseparable, she also wanted to find time to do some extra things.

  Xu Xian nodded and said: "Alright." Then he casually asked the servant: "Brother Cha, do you know why Master Yang wants to see me?"

  He glanced around to make sure no one was listening, then whispered: "Young Master Xu, I think you're the younger brother-in-law of our Captain Li. Let me tell you a secret: a few days ago, there was a theft in the treasury and we still can't find the thief or the stolen goods. The whole yamen is in an uproar, like they've caught on fire. As the head of the constables, Captain Li is under a lot of pressure. If it weren't for your face, he'd probably have been beaten by now."

  Xu Xian was taken aback, remembering something and thought to himself: "Could it be her?" He could only recall the memory of helping Pan Yu escape that night, but couldn't remember having met this thief before.

  "Mingyu, I'm afraid I won't be able to return tonight. If I don't come back tomorrow, you can find me in Qiantang!" Qiantang County and Hangzhou City are extremely close, and it doesn't take much effort to travel between them. However, the two of them now cherish the time they spend together.

  "Off you go!" said Pan Yuxiao. After a moment's thought, he pulled out a silver note and handed it to Xu Xian. "Don't forget to bring something for your sister and brother-in-law." Nowadays, Xu Xian's source of income came entirely from the business with Tong Jinwan, which was fully managed by Pan Yuxiao. As their relationship had developed, everything naturally fell under Pan Yuxiao's control, and Xu Xian was happy to be free from worry.

  The man next to him took a glance and secretly shook his head, "One hundred taels, the relationship between Pan Gongzi and Xu Gongzi is indeed extraordinary."

  All the way to Qiantang, Xu Xian actually preferred his own divine travel symbol. Even taking a boat was much more comfortable and faster than this sedan chair, but who made him talk about being elegant.

  It was easy to arrive at Qiantang County, and he directly entered the back hall and went into the government office. Yang Zhenxian had been waiting for a long time, and when he saw Xu Xian, he was shocked. People who often saw Xu Xian could still sense his change in demeanor, let alone Yang Zhenxian, who hadn't seen Xu Xian for several months. Today, upon seeing him again, he was still the same young scholar as before, clearly a learned and refined gentleman with an elegant and composed demeanor that even his family couldn't help but admire. For a moment, he forgot about the worries in his heart.

  "The student has seen Lord Yang."

  Yang Zhixian then remembered his own worries and ordered tea, the two sat down, and said: "Xian nephew, this time you must save me!"

  Xu Xian smiled and said: "You are Lord Shangguan, I'm just a commoner, how can you say that I should save you?"

  Yang Zhi Xia then told the story of the stolen silver in detail, and naturally had to mention the involvement of Xu Xian's brother-in-law Li Gongfu. It turned out that the theft of the silver was no trivial matter, and it had already reached the ears of the emperor, with a deadline for solving the case. The person in charge of this matter was Wang Xuezheng's father, Wang Tingzhang.

  Yang Zhi County did not have the slightest confidence in catching the thief, because the treasury had been stolen many times before. No matter how many people were guarding it, the thief could still get in and out as if he was reaching into his own pocket, without even opening the door or lock. It's not that easy to solve the case, let alone keep his official hat, even his life would be at risk. That's why he sought help from Xu Xian.

  Xu Xian smiled and said, "This matter is already taken care of by the student, no need to ask that teacher." This thing should be Xiao Qing driving the five ghosts to act, Xu Xian felt that he also had a share of responsibility. Moreover, it concerns his own brother-in-law, he can't just cross over and let him take the blame.

  Yang Zhi Xian said with a strange tone: "What should be done then?" But he didn't dare underestimate Xu Xian.

  "Sir, I'm confident that I can retrieve the stolen silver, but catching the thief won't be so easy." The silver was likely hidden within the Qi Wang Fu, but he suspected that he might not be a match for Xiao Qing at present. From what he had observed, many people had clashed with Xiao Qing before, but most of them were ordinary humans and didn't reveal much. However, he had also fought against Fa Hai before, but each time it ended with him being swiftly defeated after charging forward aggressively, which also didn't reveal much. Nevertheless, Xu Xian thought to himself that Fa Hai probably wouldn't be able to defeat him in one move!

  Yang Zhixian stood up and took a few steps forward: "As long as you can find the missing silver, things will be easy to handle."

  Xu Xian didn't ask him how to deal with it anymore, and he bowed his head and retreated. He returned home first, but it wasn't the home where he grew up since childhood. Instead, it was the courtyard that his parents had redeemed in their previous life. The vermilion gate and painted beams were not extremely wealthy, but they also had the style of a moderately well-off family.

  Knocking on the door and entering, Xu Xian's sister Xu Jiaorong exclaimed with surprise: "Hanwen is back!" Having not seen him for some time, he had indeed gained a lot of weight.

  Xu Xian saw his long-separated relatives and was overjoyed. He put down the gifts and immediately asked about his brother-in-law's situation.

  Xu Jiaorong said, "Don't mention it, these past few days Yang Zhixian has been pressing hard, and this case can't be cracked, don't mention Duomu Xin again." She shouted again, "Gongfu, Hanwen is back, you quickly come out!" He was on night duty at night, so he rested at home during the day.

  "Back so soon? I thought you were out on a pleasure trip?" said Li Gongfu, strolling out from the inner quarters.

  Xu Xiandao said: "Brother-in-law, you've been back for some days now." He knew that his brother-in-law strongly disapproved of his carefree wandering.

  "You, you, why don't you read good books? What's the point of touring mountains and playing with water? In the future, even a successful candidate will be better than your sister's husband who eats official rice! Don't dawdle, finish eating quickly and hurry back to the academy to study! You need to make up for lost time."

  Xu Xian hastily put on a respectful expression. He knew that his brother-in-law had a stubborn temperament, and despite having made a big name for himself outside, whoever saw him didn't give him any respect. Only his brother-in-law could completely ignore it and scold him as soon as he felt something was wrong. However, Xu Xian not only didn't dislike this temperament but also found it likable. Such an upright person is indeed hard to find in the world.

  However, Xu Jiaorong was unhappy, "Hanwen has just returned home for a short rest, and you're urging him to leave. What's on your mind? It's so hard outside, he should stay at home for a couple of days to rest. How can he study well without energy?"

  Xu Xian hastily advised: "I came this time, it was Yang Zhixian who invited me."

  Li Gongfu still had some concern for his superior and asked: "What did County Magistrate Yang ask you to do?"

  Xu Xian took a sip of tea and laughed: "Helping brother-in-law catch thieves!"

  Li Gongfu laughed and pointed at Xu Xian: "You? Help me catch a thief? Don't even joke about it."

  Xu Xian suddenly stood up and said in a clear voice, "Li Gongfu, I just came back from the county government office. This matter has been entrusted to me, Xu Hanwen, by County Magistrate Yang. He ordered you to cooperate fully and not delay." He didn't want to explain too much, so he took out the most effective method for his brother-in-law, handling it in a strictly official manner.

  Li Gongfu indeed took the bait, although he was still somewhat unwilling, but he stood up and said: "Yes, I'll listen to Lord Yang." No matter how dissatisfied he was in his heart, orders had to be obeyed. And if they could really catch that thief, he would also be happy.

  Xu Jiaorong watched with relish and praised, "Hanwen, you've really become capable. Even Yang Daren asked for your help to catch the thief in a hundred seconds. You're much better than your brother-in-law who became like a timid grandson when he met the county magistrate. But can you really catch that thief?"

  Xu Xian said confidently: "Sister, rest assured, everything will be fine." He also asked Li Gongfu: "Brother-in-law, can we offer sacrifices to the god of the warehouse in the warehouse?"

  "What's wrong?"

  Xu Xiandao said: "Let's go invite the Warehouse God now." In this world, such low-level gods were as common as cow hair. Although their combat strength was inferior, they were still quite spirited.

  Xu Xian remembered that in the original plot, Li Gongfu had invited the Treasury God, who later played a role, manifesting as a divine general and several divine soldiers. However, after fighting with Xiao Qing, they ended up evenly matched, and then said something outrageous like "Anyway, this silver isn't mine to begin with" and directly went on strike. But overall, he was still more useful than the yamen runners. And it was free labor, no need to pay him or not use him at all.

  Inviting a god is to first buy an image of the god, paste it on the wall, and then burn incense and pray to establish a connection with the god.

  Xu Xian then ordered Li Gongfu to buy a picture of the god of the warehouse, paste it on the door of the warehouse, and then led a group of police officers and guards to burn incense and pray. Others were not yet finished, but Xu Xian saw a flash of spiritual light on the painting, and the god in the painting seemed to have an expression. Xu Xian made another bow and said: "Tonight, we will trouble the god, and from now on, I will order them to worship every day and serve for a long time."

  The god in the painting with a long white beard nodded in satisfaction and said, "Well said! Well said!" However, these words were naturally unheard by the yamen runners behind Xu Xian.

  Xu Xian specially drew a few talismans to summon gods, which he had just learned recently. Although he could only summon some low-level heavenly soldiers, with the help of Ku Shen, they could form a divine sea tactic, and he himself would be safe and effective on the sidelines, waiting for the thief to fall into their trap. Although there was the Five Thunder Talisman, Xu Xian did not want to really kill Xiao Qing after all.

  Having made some preparations and with the sky already dark, Xu Xian said: "Li Gongfu, tonight we don't need to arrange for guards or night patrols."

  "How can this be? The treasury is a vital place, how can there be no one patrolling it? And with only you here, if the silver were to be lost again, wouldn't that be a huge responsibility?"

  Xu Xian smiled and said, "Thank you, brother-in-law, for your concern. My mind is made up. If that thief dares to come, by tomorrow, the silver will be returned to its rightful owner." His goal was to capture Xiao Qing and ask her about the location of the silver, but he didn't really want to do anything to Xiao Qing. If there were other people around, it would be even more difficult to handle this matter. Anyway, they would just be useless if they were here, so it's better to rely on his own abilities.

  Li Gongfu complained to Yang Zhixian: "Governor Yang, how can this be? Han Wen is just a scholar."

  County Magistrate Yang waved his hand and said, "You're not a scholar, the treasury silver is lost and you haven't been of any use. Young Master Xu Xian is a heroic young man, one look and he's no ordinary person. You don't need to worry about this matter anymore." County Magistrate Yang was also happy to shift the blame onto Xu Xian, although not with the intention of harming him, but in the future if the treasury silver were lost again, Xu Xian would have to take full responsibility for handling the matter. However, of course, if the treasury silver could be recovered, that would be a joyful outcome for all.

  These past few days the weather has been overcast and uncertain, tonight the sky is all dark clouds, without a single star or moon, making it seem especially dark. Outside the government treasury of Qiantang County there isn't a sound, but inside people are moving about stealthily.

  A handsome young man with a smile on his face, after mastering the Five Ghosts Moving Method, thought of trying it out. If he were to try it in an ordinary small household, he wouldn't be able to show off his skills, so he decided to steal from the treasury of Qiantang County. After one attempt, it turned out that the phrase "Five Blessings Arriving at the Door" was not in vain, and gold, silver, and treasures were at his disposal. Those stupid yamen guards had been guarding for several times but couldn't catch him, and he felt extremely proud of himself.

  It's just that tonight this place seems a bit too quiet, making her feel somewhat uneasy in her heart. But she is still shallow in her Tao and not skilled in the way of divination, so she can't calculate it clearly. Originally, there was some pride in her heart, but after the battle at the Qi Wang Fu a few days ago, it had been worn away quite a bit. If not for that person's powerful thunder talisman and his timely command, she would have died in that last desperate battle; otherwise, she would have lost her life right there.

  Thinking of this, she thought it was better to be cautious and said: "Enough, let's go!" She transformed and flew out of the warehouse.

  At this time, the eyes of the statue of Kū suddenly opened, and the long-handled halberd in his hand was raised, with an angry expression.

  Xu Xian stood in the darkness with a faint smile, watching you run!