Chapter Fourteen: Chu Mengxi’s Request

I stood up and sat beside my master, pondering for a while before finally speaking, “Master, I just recalled what my grandfather once said—our family is also a lineage of the supernatural. Could you tell me more about it? This question has been circling in my mind for so long. And about this jade pendant of mine, what is its true origin? Why did the female ghost seem so frightened the moment I took it out? And why, after using the Yangming Jade, do I feel so weak, as if all my strength has been drained away?” After firing off my questions one after another, I fell silent, waiting for his reply.

My master was quiet for a long time too, resting his chin in his hand before he began to speak slowly, “I don’t want to keep anything from you. Your Lin family indeed comes from a supernatural lineage. Counting from the time you truly entered the world of the occult, your family has a history of over eight hundred years up to your generation. The origins of the Yangming Jade are complicated and subject to many tales. The most credible theory is that it dates back to ancient times, but about six hundred years ago, a powerful figure unearthed it from the ‘Ancient Dynasty Secret Realm’ in Xi’an. That man was Lin Fancheng, the fifth patriarch of your family after joining the supernatural world. Since then, the jade has been passed down within the Lin family. The Yangming Jade has two colors, as you’ve seen—black and white. The white side is yin, the black is yang. The white devours all, the black fortifies one’s strength. When combined and wielded to their utmost, their power is astonishing, but it also requires the wielder’s cultivation to support it. I recall that one of your ancestors once used this power to battle a great shaman from an ancient witch tribe for several days, eventually defeating him. Then, a hundred years later, there was a struggle for succession between two patriarchs in your family. The two split the jade into its polar halves, one taking yin, the other yang. They fought each other bitterly for years, both ultimately suffering defeat and retreating from the world. The jade was then reunited and passed to the fifteenth patriarch, Lin Xun, and now your grandfather has given it to you. So, the burden on your shoulders is not light. Entering the supernatural world isn’t the only thing—by now, you’re essentially the next patriarch of the Lin family. Though your family has retired from the public eye under your grandfather’s leadership, there are branches all over the country. The Lin family has one strict rule: whoever holds the Yangming Jade, all Lin family members must obey them unconditionally.”

My master paused here, took a sip of water, and continued, “As for why you feel weak when using the Yangming Jade, that’s because you’re simply not strong enough yet to bear its power.”

Sitting beside him, I was dumbfounded by all he had said, feeling as though my mind was crammed with things I needed to digest. My master, seeing me frozen in place, kicked my stool, snapping me back to my senses. “Master, did you say our family’s supernatural history spans eight hundred years?” I gestured the number eight with my fingers, looking at him in disbelief.

He nodded, saying nothing more. I put down my hand and continued, “And what about that prophecy in the family genealogy that Grandpa mentioned last time? What was it? Master, you seem to know our family so well—does that mean we’re wealthy too? If there are branches, there must be a headquarters, right? Where is it? Can you take me there? And what exactly is a great shaman from the ancient witch tribe? Are they really that powerful?”

My master stood up, walked to the balcony, leaned against the railing, lit a cigarette, and said, “Well… your family’s business is vast. I’ve looked up some records, that’s all I know. As for the genealogy prophecy, you’ll have to ask your grandfather. And about the power of an ancient great shaman—how should I put it? They could summon wind and rain, do anything imaginable. I don’t really know how to explain it, but just know that anyone at the ‘great shaman’ level is terrifyingly strong. If it were me in the old days facing such a foe, I’d likely be killed on the spot, without even a chance to fight back. As for your family’s estate, naturally, it’s in Chongqing, but… I can’t take you there right now.”

I nodded and walked to stand beside him, puzzled. “Why not? It’s my family’s home—why can’t I go?”

“It’s not that I won’t take you—there are reasons, but you don’t need to ask now. You’ll understand someday.” He gazed at the moonlit sky, exhaling a thin wisp of smoke.

I pouted and muttered under my breath, “Always someday, why can’t it be now? I really don’t get it.”

We stood quietly on the balcony for a long time before I finally broke the silence. “I feel like this world isn’t as simple as I thought,” I said, staring at the sky.

My master stubbed out his cigarette, sighing. “This world truly isn’t as simple as you imagine. The current situation is turbulent, undercurrents are surging, and many dark forces are stirring. For those of us in the supernatural world, we’re often not in control of our own lives, living day to day, with no certainty about tomorrow. But people have to make a living. Without striving and working hard today, how can you expect happiness tomorrow? Remember this: no one is born lucky—every experience is a way for you to transform. Only then can you become who you want to be. In this world, whether in the supernatural circle or among ordinary people, the one with the hardest fist and the greatest skill has the right to speak.”

I exhaled deeply, nodding, engraving every word he said into my heart. Looking at him, I asked, “Master, could you tell me about your own past? Last time I heard that spirit say you went to settle a score with someone—there must be an exciting story there. Please, do tell. I’m curious.”

After I spoke, I saw him tremble slightly, as if recalling something. He was silent for a long while, then took another cigarette from his pack, smoked deeply, and finally said, “What story could I possibly have? It’s all in the past—I don’t feel like talking about it anymore. Maybe I’ll tell you someday. It’s getting late. When I finish this cigarette, I’m going to bed.”

Once again, my master avoided answering my question. I didn’t press further, but I made a mental note of his reaction. Clearly, there’s something in his past he hasn’t resolved—perhaps now simply isn’t the time to share it with me. After he finished his cigarette and left my room, I checked the time—somehow, we’d talked for over two hours. I washed up and collapsed into bed.

The weekend passed quietly at home. My master taught me how to use Daoist techniques and the power of the jade, as well as some combat techniques. I learned quickly, mastering the basics of fighting in just a day—even my master praised me as a genius.

On the third day, when it was time to go back to school, I didn’t ask Master to escort me. I went on my own. He’d already had my phone repaired, and though I didn’t really want to carry it, he insisted, saying it’d be easier to reach me if something came up. I rolled my eyes, thinking—what trouble could I possibly get into on my way to and from school? In the end, I couldn’t refuse him and took it with me.

Walking through the school grounds, I was surprised to see that construction had resumed on that teaching building. Workers in yellow helmets bustled up and down. Entering my classroom, I spotted Yu Wenzhou surrounded by a group, clearly deep in discussion. He had sharp eyes and instantly spotted me, then shouted, “Lin Xuan’s here! He and his master saved us last time. If you don’t believe me, ask him yourself!”

Hearing Yu Wenzhou’s shout, I froze. The group immediately swarmed over, bombarding me with questions.

“Lin Xuan, did you really encounter a ghost in that building last time? What did it look like? Was it scary?”

“Yeah, yeah! Yu Wenzhou said you and your master saved everyone. If not for you, the ghost would’ve killed them. Is it true? Can you really see ghosts?”

“Hey, hey, Zhang Wen, that’s nonsense! I’m sure ghosts exist, we just can’t see them. What Yu Wenzhou said must be true!”

I looked around at the crowd, exasperated, and made a time-out gesture, shouting for them all to stop. When things finally quieted down, I took a deep breath and said seriously, “Everyone, let me make this clear—there are no such things as ghosts! Yu Wenzhou is just making things up. He’s been watching too much TV. Yes, we went to the building, but nothing happened—it was just dark and a bit creepy, that’s all. We left right away. Don’t let your imagination run wild—believe in science!” By the end, I was out of things to say, so I squeezed through the crowd to my seat.

When I passed Yu Wenzhou, he tried to stop me. “Come on, Lin Xuan, I wouldn’t lie about something like this. Be honest, last time—”

But before he could finish, I shot him a look, warning him not to say another word. He was startled, pursed his lips, and returned to his seat, while the others booed and jeered. Some even shouted, “Boring! I knew it—there’s no such thing as ghosts. Yu Wenzhou, are you so desperate for fame that you’d make up stories to trick us?”

Yu Wenzhou hid behind a book, but his eyes never left me. I caught his gaze and chuckled, then took my seat. Chu Mengxi had already arrived. She glanced at me and giggled. “Lin Xuan, you really threw Yu Wenzhou under the bus this time. He’s definitely famous now.”

I shrugged, smiling. “Serves him right—he’s too much of a chatterbox. A little setback will do him good.” We both laughed.

Afterwards, Chu Mengxi nudged my arm and leaned in. “Lin Xuan, are you free tomorrow? A friend of mine is in trouble. I wanted you to help her out.”

I was taken aback, eyeing her warily. “What’s going on? Shouldn’t you call the police? Why ask me—I’m not a cop.”

“Of course, it’s something supernatural! Don’t play dumb. I saw what you did in the teaching building, and you’re Master Tan’s apprentice—you must be amazing. Please, help me out?” she pleaded.

Scratching my head, I answered awkwardly, “Well, alright. When?”

“Take a leave from the teacher tomorrow. My friend’s issue is pretty tricky—might take some time.”

I thought for a bit and nodded. After a while, I recalled what Master had said about the Chu family also being a supernatural lineage. Why didn’t Chu Mengxi ask her family for help? Why come to me instead? I turned to her, asking, “By the way, Mengxi, I heard from Master that your family does this kind of work too. Why not ask your folks for help?”

She turned and looked at me. “I just want you to run this errand for me—is that too much to ask? Why so many questions?” She even glared at me.

I swallowed, thinking, This girl sure has a temper when she gets fierce. I nodded and turned my attention to my book. The morning’s lessons were as dull and sleep-inducing as ever. For some reason, ever since starting middle school, I felt completely unsuited to sitting in a classroom. I always felt drowsy during class, which led to me falling behind in many subjects.

In no time, it was noon. Yu Wenzhou and I headed to the cafeteria for lunch. While waiting in line with my tray, someone bumped into me, knocking my tray to the floor with a loud clatter. I turned to see a boy—short, scholarly looking. Behind him, a group of others chased after him, shouting, “You little brat! Don’t run! Stand still! If I catch you, I’ll beat you to death, damn it!”

Everyone nearby was startled and stepped back. With a crash, the boy who’d bumped into me slipped on a puddle and fell hard on the tiled floor, breaking a tooth. When he got up, blood was streaming from his mouth. The group chasing him caught up, kicking him viciously. “Run, huh? Why aren’t you running now, you little shit?”

The boy was kicked to the ground again, clutching his mouth and mumbling, “Sorry, sorry, I was wrong, please don’t hit me.”

“Don’t hit you? You think a sorry is enough? Keep beating him!” the leader barked, launching another kick. The others swarmed in, and the boy’s screams echoed through the cafeteria.

Standing at a distance, I brushed the spilled food off my clothes and was about to intervene when Yu Wenzhou grabbed my arm. “Hey, Lin Xuan, you’re not thinking of getting involved, are you? Forget it, there are too many of them—we won’t win. Don’t get into trouble.”

My expression darkened. I pushed his hand away. “I’m not asking you to come. How could I just stand by? I hate school bullying the most—get out of my way, I’m going.”

Without looking back, I strode toward the crowd. Yu Wenzhou hesitated for a moment, then ran after me. “Damn, are you really sticking your nose in because you’ve got some skills? Fine, fine—who asked me to be your friend? If we get beaten up, so be it!”

I didn’t say a word, just smiled and patted his shoulder. The group was still pummeling the boy on the ground. I shouted, and they finally stopped, turning to look at me. The leader scowled, “Who the hell are you? Get lost.”

Unfazed, I smiled. “Come on, guys, we’re all from the same school. Can’t we settle things peacefully? Why resort to violence?”

They stared at me, exchanged glances, and burst out laughing. One said, “Wow, listen to this guy—trying to play peacemaker, huh? What do you say, should we take care of him too?”

The others joined in, sneering. “Kid, mind your own business. This is none of your concern. Get lost or don’t blame us for what happens.”

I couldn’t help but laugh. Glancing at Yu Wenzhou, I draped an arm over his shoulders. “Wenzhou, they say they’ll beat us up too. You scared?”

Sweating, Yu Wenzhou forced a smile. “Scared? Scared of what? The only people I fear in this life are my parents.”

Chuckling, I patted his shoulder and turned back to the group. “If you’ve got the guts, go ahead—try it.”

By now, I wasn’t afraid. After all, I’d spent the weekend learning how to control the jade’s power and picked up some fighting skills. Master had warned me not to use spells on ordinary people unless I was truly threatened or in danger—surely this was one of those times.

The group glared at me, their expressions turning hostile. “Trying to play the hero, huh? Beat him first, then we’ll deal with that other kid.”

And with that, the confrontation began.