Chapter 80: Chapter 79: Chen Xianyou’s Unmatched Loyalty
Deep in the night, a solitary lamp flickered like a bean.
The visitor was none other than County Magistrate Feng!
Chen Xu and County Magistrate Feng stared at each other, an indescribable horror suddenly welling up.
This was all because the image of County Magistrate Feng at this moment was exceedingly disheveled.
His temples were slightly messy, his demeanor restrained, and his gaunt face bore a hint of despair, looking as if he had just experienced a bout of madness.
Just as Chen Xu was about to immediately employ the Netherworld to make his escape, County Magistrate Feng suddenly spoke.
"I have inquired thoroughly about those who emerged from the Ghost Market," he said softly, "Your poetic talent is rare in the world, far beyond my reach."
Chen Xu remained tense, the Innate Qi circulating rapidly within him, yet outwardly he showed no reaction, instead clasping hands toward County Magistrate Feng and said, "Your praise is too generous, My Lord."
"It is by no means undue praise, we both know this."
County Magistrate Feng wore a wry smile, finally revealing his emotions as he looked at Chen Xu and said:
"Young friend, I wish to borrow your poetic talent to re-enter the Ghost Market and rescue my son. What kind of conditions do you want?"
What?
Chen Xu had imagined many scenarios where County Magistrate Feng would vent his anger on him, and even considered that County Magistrate Feng might be rational enough to calmly accept that Feng Xi could never return.
Yet he never expected that County Magistrate Feng would actually seek his help to rescue Feng Xi!
However, after the initial shock, upon further contemplation, it made perfect sense for County Magistrate Feng to act in such a manner.
It was also because Chen Xu often had a heightened sense of caution, which led him to overlook the obvious. He first considered harm, then other matters.
What Chen Xu did not know was that not long before, County Magistrate Feng had just had a confrontation with the Cui Family and the Wang Family.
Especially the Wang Family, for Wang Ji had been detained and suffered greatly at the hands of County Magistrate Feng.
County Magistrate Feng had always been low-key in Yunjiang Prefecture, but this sudden outburst was like an unstoppable force.
The Wang Family not only did not gain any advantage but was ruthlessly beaten back by County Magistrate Feng.
Yet tormenting Wang Ji was not the main issue; for County Magistrate Feng, the urgent matter was still to rescue Feng Xi.
At the time, a counselor had maliciously suggested to County Magistrate Feng:
"Your Honor, the young master cannot be saved. Instead of venting your anger on the Wang Family’s son and facing their retaliation, why not seek that unlucky Chen, Chen...?"
County Magistrate Feng immediately kicked the counselor, causing him to vomit blood and collapse.
Cursing, he said, "Fool! Do you think I am mad to make enemies for no reason, and harm others and myself? Go back and reflect, you are not to come out for ten days!"
Though he only ordered the counselor to reflect, in his heart, County Magistrate Feng had sentenced the counselor to death.
Chen Xu, of course, knew nothing of these details, but he had no need to get entangled in other people’s affairs lightly.
Though he originally also considered using the Netherworld to re-enter the Ghost Market because there were some Spiritual Objects he still intended to obtain.
Most importantly, he wished to try selling his Spiritual Food in the Ghost Market.
If the ghostly spirits consumed the Spiritual Food, who knew how many likes they might give?
However, some things should not be said to County Magistrate Feng.
"The Ghost Market is closed, how could it be entered again?" Chen Xu said, "By the rules of the Ghost Market, even if I could compose the Cyan Smoke Poem again, it would only save myself, but not others."
"I have my ways to find the Ghost Market’s location, and as for entering after that..." County Magistrate Feng paused for a moment.
After a brief silence, he said, "You just need to assist me; whether or not I succeed in rescuing him is no concern of yours.
If you are willing to accompany me, I have three pounds of Blood Soul Cloud Crystal, a Duanzhou Purple Stone Compassionate Heart Inkstone, a Qi Nourishing and Heart Purifying Jade Pendant, and an Observing Things Scroll...
All these Spiritual Objects can be given to you.
Afterward, if you wish to participate in the prefectural and academy examinations, I can personally guide your writing, analyze the examiners’ preferences, and teach you how to avoid or accommodate them...
Or if you wish to learn the Qi Cultivation Technique in advance, that can also be arranged.
I only ask... that you can help me, save my son!
If there are other conditions you wish to propose, feel free. Although I am currently not in a high position, my family still has some foundation.
Our ancestors have been officials for several generations; if you are willing to help me, I can give everything!"
As he spoke to this point, County Magistrate Feng, who had been slightly drooping his eyes, suddenly lifted them, and Chen Xu instantly saw the blood-red veins at the corners of his eyes.
In the dim light of the oil lamp, Chen Xu saw in him the near-maniacal dedication of a father.
Chen Xu immediately understood that County Magistrate Feng was indeed willing to rescue Feng Xi at all costs!
At this moment, no matter what conditions Chen Xu proposed, he would likely agree.
Chen Xu originally did not want to get involved in these matters, but now... County Magistrate Feng’s sincerity was too overwhelming.
--- Knock, knock, knock!
Suddenly, there was a knock on Chen Xu’s door.
Next, without waiting for a response from inside, the person outside abruptly pushed the door open.
The door opened with a creak, and Wu Zhengze stepped in, coldly gazing at County Magistrate Feng.
Feng Yuanbai sat on the bench, not rising, only turning his head to stare at him.
"County Magistrate Feng." Wu Zhengze cupped his hands, "Every Ghost Spirit Void Realm has its own ghost orders and laws. Since you’ve asked others, you should know... your son broke the laws himself and cannot exit the Ghost Market."
"There are no laws in this world that can’t be changed, nor loopholes that can’t be found. It just depends on whether you can do it."
Feng Yuanbai spoke slowly, "What’s more, everyone is striving to climb higher; my coming here is not to demand the impossible, but to come with genuine sincerity.
Everything I can offer is of use.
Why must you reject it all with one word? Shouldn’t you consider the involved party’s opinion?"
With these words, Wu Zhengze fell silent immediately.
Two pairs of eyes turned to look at Chen Xu.
Chen Xu steadied his suddenly racing heartbeat, first rising to cup his hands and bow to Wu Zhengze.
Then calmly said, "I have no other conditions, just some questions I wish to ask County Magistrate Feng."
Feng Yuanbai said, "Speak."
"There are many questions, which cannot be explained in a few words. Why not talk while we walk?"
This... is acceptance!
Chen Xu was so decisive, Feng Yuanbai stood up immediately, a look of great joy replacing the anxiety on his face.
He lifted his head, tears welling at the corners of his eyes, but he laughed aloud, "Good! Such decisiveness and straightforwardness from a worthy friend, Chen, with a loyalty as vast as the clouds, Feng will certainly not betray."
After speaking, he cupped his fists with both hands, even bowing deeply to Chen Xu.
This was a great gesture, and Chen Xu quickly shifted aside, then reached out to support him.
Feng Yuanbai wasted no words, he fetched a small seal from his sleeve pocket, and with a point to the seal, what looked like a solid seal spilled a heap of items helter-skelter onto the table.
The items fell on the table, with five or six labels.
Although Chen Xu did not recognize most things, those with labels were obviously edible Spiritual Materials. Judging by their effects, they were primarily for replenishing Qi Blood and boosting spirit.
Feng Yuanbai rummaged through the pile again, picking out two Yellow Talismans for Chen Xu:
"These two, one is the Qingxu Exorcism Talisman, the other is the Pure True Fire Talisman, which worthy friend Chen can carry for protection."
Chen Xu looked at Wu Zhengze, who sighed and said, "So be it, take them with you.
In this journey, always prioritize your own safety; don’t let certain old fellows entice you into risking your life to save others.
He risks his all because it’s his son.
You... haha, is that your son?"
Feng Yuanbai immediately turned his head, glaring at Wu Zhengze. Their gazes locked, almost like thunder and lightning.
In the end, it was Feng Yuanbai who softened his stance first.
He bent at the waist, cupping his hands to Wu Zhengze, "Rest assured, even if this journey costs me my life, I will first ensure worthy friend Chen’s safety!
How could I let someone helping me be trapped before my eyes?"
As the words fell, outside the deep night window, inexplicably, a muffled thunder resounded faintly.
Rumble——
The thunder rolled, coming and going swiftly.
Wu Zhengze was startled speechless by the thunder, because Feng Yuanbai had just made a solemn covenant!
Finally, Wu Zhengze gave Feng Yuanbai a long, deep look.
Without saying another word, he turned and went back to his room.
It was only before he left that Wu Zhengze patted Chen Xu on the shoulder.
Chen Xu keenly noticed something seemed to have stamped onto his clothes.
It was something invisible to the naked eye, yet it subtly emitted a profound and mysterious aura. It concealed a protective force, faintly present.
If it weren’t for Chen Xu possessing Innate Qi, with extreme sensitivity, he wouldn’t have noticed it.
Chen Xu realized, though Master Wu was but a Scholar and not an Advanced Scholar, his knowledge was vast, with a multitude of skills, truly remarkable.
Chen Xu hurriedly gathered the pile of items on his table, packed them with a cloth, and sent them to Wu Zhengze, asking him to temporarily keep them for him, and earnestly thanked the master’s kindness.
While he had the Fire and Smoke Kitchen, and could now open his own Netherworld Small Space, these means were not appropriate to expose in front of Feng Yuanbai.
After all the bustling back and forth, Feng Yuanbai set up nine oddly shaped Bronze Lamps in the inn room.
The lamp wicks emitted blue flames, suddenly soaring a foot high.
Vaguely, it was as if a deep and peculiar passageway unfolded within.
This was the Netherworld path, which Chen Xu, relying on Innate Divine Power, could freely enter and exit.
This was Chen Xu’s greatest confidence in agreeing to Feng Yuanbai.
Feng Yuanbai gestured for Chen Xu to step in with him, but before leaving, Chen Xu grabbed a nearby bookcase.
This bookcase could be used as a cover, to withdraw some previously prepared Ghostly Spiritual Food from his Fire and Smoke Kitchen.