Chapter 72
Chapter 72 - Three Sects and Six Factions
When Xiao Ming and Ye Hao leapt from the fourth floor, Ye Hao headed towards his home.
“Why are you following me?” Ye Hao asked, surprised to see Xiao Ming trailing behind him.
“I don't have anywhere to stay,” Xiao Ming admitted sheepishly, “I'll just stay one day. I'll leave tomorrow.”
“Fine,” Ye Hao nodded, “but you can't stay for free.”
Xiao Ming's face fell. “I don't have any cash on me.”
“I'm not after your money. Just do me a favor,” Ye Hao said, noticing Xiao Ming's pallor and suppressing a chuckle. He figured Xiao Ming must have had a rough time since descending the mountain without any money.
“I'll help to the best of my ability,” Xiao Ming replied after a brief hesitation.
“Do you know about the Nightmare Incarnate?”
“Nightmare Incarnate?” Xiao Ming's expression grew grave. “You've encountered the Nightmare Incarnate?”
“Yes.”
“This magical beast, the Nightmare Incarnate, lurks within a person's soul. With my current level of cultivation, I'm unable to drive it out,” Xiao Ming said solemnly.
“Does the Keepers of Forbidden Lore belong to the Way of Nature?”
“Yes.”
“Do you possess an efficacious charm that can heal illnesses?”
“No.”
“You don't have even a basic efficacious charm?”
“The Keepers of Forbidden Lore uphold the cycle of fate. We do not meddle in the lives of mortals,” Xiao Ming explained, as if reading Ye Hao's mind.
“I've already promised that young lady I would help her.”
After a moment's thought, Xiao Ming produced a jade vase. He poured out a yellow fitness pill and said, “This fitness pill was crafted by the Keepers of Forbidden Lore. It should significantly bolster her constitution. I believe it might alleviate her symptoms to some degree.”
Ye Hao eagerly accepted the pill, then quickly asked, “Could you give me a few more?”
“Taking more than one won't have any effect,” Xiao Ming cautioned gently.
“They're for my parents.”
“Alright.” Xiao Ming considered for a moment, then handed over the entire bottle of pills to Ye Hao. “However, these pills are of no use to you or me anymore.”
“Do you know which sect within the Way of Nature possesses a healing potion?”
“The Way of Nature encompasses three sects and six factions, yet none of the Six Factions have that capability. If you seek a healing potion, you must appeal to someone from the Three Sects,” Xiao Ming explained, pausing briefly before adding, “But be warned, those from the Three Sects are not known for readily assisting others.”
Ye Hao felt a twinge of heaviness in his heart.
He had once believed that finding Mei Xinxue would secure the miraculous cure for Lan Qingqing.
Now, he recognized his naivety; Mei Xinxue could very well be a cultivator from the Six Factions.
Yet, Ye Hao did not succumb to despair.
With further advancement in his cultivation, he would be able to concoct the panacea himself.
Armed with the knowledge of pill refining and formations from the black-robed youth's memories, Ye Hao was prepared.
Upon returning home with Xiao Ming, Tang Pianpian hurried out to greet them.
The events that had just unfolded left everyone unsettled.
“It's all settled now,” Ye Hao reassured her in a gentle tone.
Tang Pianpian nodded, though the fear lingered.
“Surely the Keepers of Forbidden Lore have something like an efficacious charm?” Ye Hao inquired, turning to Xiao Ming.
“I'm not carrying any at the moment.”
“Your Taoist robe is quite impressive.”
“That's not available to give,” Xiao Ming replied, his face tensing. “However, I'll draw you a Taoist charm tomorrow.”
“Just one isn't enough.”
“Drawing charms takes a toll on my spirit,” Xiao Ming admitted with a wry smile.
“I need two.”
“Fine,” Xiao Ming conceded with a reluctant nod.
“What materials will you require?”
“Cinnabar, a brush, yellow paper, and chicken blood,” Xiao Ming listed.
“Understood.” Ye Hao pulled out two thousand in cash from his wallet and handed it to Xiao Ming.
“That's more than necessary,” Xiao Ming remarked, visibly moved.
“You still have business at the Supernatural Bureau, right? You'll need funds,” Ye Hao pointed out.
Gratitude washed over Xiao Ming, his earlier annoyance about the soybeans forgotten.
“Tonight, you'll stay in my room,” Ye Hao offered, gesturing to the guest bedroom.
Ye Hao and Tang Pianpian then retreated to their master bedroom.
Ye Hao placed the copper bell on the nightstand and said, “This bell can ward off evil spirits.”
“Here, take these three soybeans.” Ye Hao pulled out three soybeans from his pocket.
“What are these?”
“These are no ordinary soybeans. Each one is inscribed with a spell.”
“Why are you giving me these?”
“The Six Paths of Reincarnation are in disarray. All sorts of demons and monsters are running amok.” Ye Hao let out a soft sigh, “More than once, I've spotted wandering souls at our school. You're aware it's built on an old burial ground, right? The strong moral character of the students used to keep these spirits at bay. But now, I fear these apparitions will grow increasingly bold.”
Tang Pianpian's face paled at his words.
“The Almighty and the Shadow Messengers from the Underworld have started to take action. With this amulet, you won't need to worry about your safety,” Ye Hao reassured her in a gentle tone.
Tang Pianpian felt somewhat relieved.
“Feeling sleepy?”
“Not at all.”
“Then I'll do some reading.” Ye Hao picked up the Encyclopedia of Herb and began to read.
Meanwhile, Tang Pianpian turned her attention to an economics book.
Over time, Ye Hao's memory had significantly improved.
He was curious if, after some time, he could memorize ten lines of text at a glance.
After three hours of focused reading, Ye Hao set his book aside. Noticing the book in Tang Pianpian's hands, he expressed his surprise.
“Why have you taken up an interest in economics?”
“I've been finding it quite fascinating lately.”
“Ever considered investing in a project?”
“Yes, but it requires a substantial amount of money.”
“How much are we talking about?”
“For the initial phase, I might need a billion yuan.”
Ye Hao's face fell at her response, “You're not serious, are you?”
“The future belongs to the internet. I'm aiming to launch a groundbreaking app. Both Quincize and Hyperhile are already gearing up for such a project. If I can get this app off the ground before them, I'm confident it will yield significant returns.”
“What's the initial funding you need to get started?”
“To recruit top-level programmers and lease a decent office space, I'll need an initial investment of 20 million yuan for the project,” Tang Pianpian explained.
“How long will it take to get the project off the ground?”
“Right now, the biggest challenge is developing the app. If I manage to recruit a top-level programmer, I believe I could wrap up the project within a year.”
“That won't be an issue. I actually know a few hackers,” Ye Hao mused, then added, “Regarding the funding, I can provide you with about 30 million yuan.”
Tang Pianpian's expression shifted as she exclaimed, “What? How could you possibly have that much money?”