Chapter 30: Exorcism Committee
At the airport, Lu Xiu and Jiang Hong were waiting for their flight. After finishing their tasks, the group split up. Lu Xiu took Jiang Hong to Beijing, while the other roommates returned to Xi'an with the artifact.
Fortunately, Jiang Hong's father was quite open-minded. He was startled to see the car in such a state, first asking if anyone was hurt, and not getting too angry since the car was insured. Thus, Jiang Hong, filled with guilt, said goodbye to his father and prepared to head to Beijing to meet with Cao Bin.
Jiang Hong, feeling a bit down, lay on the table: "Ever since I was born, I always seem to cause trouble for everyone."
"If it weren't for you," Lu Xiu said, "this time wouldn't have been so easy."
"Oh, so I did play a role?" Jiang Hong lifted his eyes to look at him through the gap in his arms.
Since leaving Mai Qing's place in Nanshan, Lu Xiu had been pondering, seemingly troubled by something he couldn't figure out.
"What will happen to Mai Qing?" Jiang Hong asked again.
"He's been escorted to the Exorcism Committee," Lu Xiu said, "for interrogation."
Jiang Hong curiously asked, "Will it cause an earthquake?"
Lu Xiu gestured that he couldn't say: "I don't work at the Exorcism Committee, so I don't know how they will handle it."
Jiang Hong: "Is it serious?"
Lu Xiu: "Very serious. There's a traitor in the Exorcism Committee, and they've only started investigating now. What do you think?"
Jiang Hong: "It's not because of my involvement, is it?"
After a moment of hesitation, Lu Xiu answered, "They must have been suspecting it for a while."
Jiang Hong nodded, then asked, "Actually, I'm still quite curious about something…"
"Are you sure you want to keep talking about this topic?" Lu Xiu said.
Jiang Hong laughed and said, "Okay, I won't ask anymore. Are we on vacation? What have you been up to lately?"
Lu Xiu said nonchalantly, "Investigating this matter."
After going around in circles, they returned to the topic of the Exorcism Committee. Both of them exchanged glances, Jiang Hong burst into laughter, and then the announcement for boarding came, leading Lu Xiu to hurry Jiang Hong away.
The winter in Beijing was bitterly cold, but it was bearable outside the airport. Jiang Hong tucked his neck into his collar, looking around, and noticed Xuan Hezhi waiting for them at the arrival gate.
Xuan Hezhi whistled to signal them to the car, where Cao Bin was waiting inside a six-seater business vehicle.
"Did you get the item?" Cao Bin asked.
Without any delay, Lu Xiu handed over the wind chime they found at Mai Qing's house to Cao Bin.
Cao Bin looked at it against the pale sunlight outside the car window, with Xuan Hezhi also curiously leaning over to take a look.
"This is an octagonal bell taken from a temple," Xuan Hezhi explained, "It has a sophisticated name, 'Eight Directions Clouds Coming'. There are eight in a set, and they can sense each other."
Cao Bin said, "So, as we suspected, Mai Qing's attention was all on the arrest order from the Exorcism Committee. He didn’t predict our sudden intervention."
Lu Xiu: "I don't know."
Jiang Hong sat quietly, feeling like he had been pulled into a mysterious group, and remained silent.
After a moment of silence, Lu Xiu added, "But someone came to Mai Qing's house, I guess he was his accomplice."
Cao Bin replied, "With the Exorcism Committee after him, it's natural for Mai Qing to seek help from his superiors."
Lu Xiu: "That person might have originally come to confront the Exorcism Committee, but due to a twist of fate, they acted earlier than planned because we stole another artifact..."
Xuan Hezhi: "You guys actually went into someone's house to steal artifacts?"
Jiang Hong: "Uh…"
"Go on," Cao Bin said calmly, sitting in the passenger seat, examining the wind chime.
Lu Xiu: "To intercept us, the other side also used an artifact."
Cao Bin: "Hmm."
Lu Xiu: "That artifact was the Map of Mountains and Rivers."
Xuan Hezhi jerked the steering wheel sharply, nearly causing a rear-end collision, and exclaimed, "Impossible!"
"Director Xuan! Focus on driving!" Jiang Hong was frightened.
Xuan Hezhi: "Lu Xiu, are you sure it was the Map of Mountains and Rivers?!"
Cao Bin remained silent, his face turning extremely complex.
Lu Xiu didn’t say more, gazing out at the evening streets of Beijing.
There was a deathly silence in the car, and after a moment, Cao Bin said, "Apart from Chen Zhen, who else in the Exorcism Committee could use it?"
Xuan Hezhi: "Only Chen Zhen could have access to it, no, it's impossible."
A long silence filled the car again, the atmosphere turning slightly eerie.
"Is it... very serious?" Jiang Hong ventured to ask, "Chen Zhen is the president of the Exorcism Committee, right? Do you suspect him to be a traitor too?"
"He's the leader of the exorcists," Cao Bin said in his usual casual tone, "Or to use his other title, you would understand his status and identity."
"The Great Exorcist," Lu Xiu said.
Cao Bin: "Let's have a meal first, you must be hungry. Director Xuan, stop looking for coupons, let's just eat at that hotpot restaurant."
Xuan Hezhi: "Alright, alright, parking now."
Inside the restaurant:
"This doesn't make sense," Jiang Hong, forgetting his status as an undergraduate, was eager to help his mentor and senior, "He's already a Great Exorcist, why would he betray the Exorcism Committee?"
Cao Bin remained silent, seriously perusing the menu. Xuan Hezhi, wiping his hands with a wet towel, said, "I think Chairman Chen isn't that kind of person; there must be some mistake."
Lu Xiu: "Hmm, maybe I was mistaken."
Cao Bin glanced at Lu Xiu, both understanding without saying; Lu Xiu couldn't lie, and he wouldn't mistake such an important matter.
Jiang Hong found a new angle: "If using the Map of Mountains and Rivers artifact would expose his identity, he wouldn't use it, right?"
Lu Xiu, still indifferent, said softly, "I don't know, I just saw the Map of Mountains and Rivers. As for the details, I'm not a registered exorcist, so it's not my place to resolve it."
Each having their own hotpot, Jiang Hong was happily eating, adding a lot of chili as a Chongqing native who found it not spicy enough. Lu Xiu and Jiang Hong occasionally chatted, just like usual, while Cao Bin remained silent throughout, and Xuan Hezhi seemed somewhat afraid to speak much around Cao Bin.
"It would be much better if Xiang Cheng were here," Xuan Hezhi remarked.
"He's probably held up by something," Cao Bin said, "We can't rely solely on him and Xiao Duo."
Xuan Hezhi: "We're going to the Exorcism Committee tomorrow, what's your plan?"
Cao Bin, after drinking a little, answered, "Wait and see. Later, I'll visit Senior Zhou Maoguo. You take them back to the hotel to rest."
After the meal, Xuan Hezhi drove Lu Xiu and Jiang Hong back to the hotel. On the way, Jiang Hong asked, "Will you come with me tomorrow?"
Lu Xiu nodded, and Xuan Hezhi said, "We'll all go, don't worry, the Exorcism Committee isn't what you think."
Jiang Hong added, "Principal Cao seemed very serious today. There won't be any trouble tomorrow, will there?"
Xuan Hezhi: "Cao Bin is very capable, you should trust him."
Lu Xiu subtly gestured to Jiang Hong to 'ask no further', which Xuan Hezhi saw in the rearview mirror and said with a smile, "Jiang Hong, thank you for taking care of Xiao Pi. Ah, such a worrisome kid."
Jiang Hong modestly deflected the praise. After returning to the hotel, he went to bed early, feeling somewhat uneasy. The howling winds of Beijing carried a desolate chill as the calendar year drew to a close.
That night, he slept restlessly and even had a strange dream:
In the dream, a strange voice spoke to him in an unfamiliar language. He remembered it was Dragon Speech but couldn't discern its meaning.
As the voice faded, Jiang Hong saw a blood-red comet in the sky, surrounded by black flames.
"Wake up," Lu Xiu's voice echoed in his ear.
Jiang Hong struggled to sit up, bleary-eyed, and was led by Lu Xiu to wash up, then they went downstairs for a buffet breakfast.
Xuan Hezhi perfectly exemplified someone who, regardless of the number of problems and pressures, always eats and drinks well; he consumed four large plates of food along with two cups of coffee and two juices.
Cao Bin only drank a cup of black coffee. During the wait, he said to Jiang Hong, "Today, Chen Zhen will ask you about some details, mainly about what you heard underground last time."
Jiang Hong: "Oh."
Cao Bin: "Just answer truthfully."
Jiang Hong: "Okay."
Jiang Hong looked at Lu Xiu, who said, "We'll wait outside for you."
Xuan Hezhi: "Chen Zhen wants to see him alone?"
"His testimony is very important," Cao Bin said, "Chen Zhen has his own judgment."
Xuan Hezhi drove into a small alley, and Jiang Hong saw the street sign 'Lingjing Hutong'. He thought this must be the place, feeling suddenly nervous without reason.
The four of them got out of the car, with Lu Xiu looking around but not saying anything.
"Has it changed since you last came here?" Cao Bin asked.
Lu Xiu: "Hmm, last time they were doing roadworks."
Cao Bin led the trio into a bookstore. At 8:40 in the morning, the bookstore had just opened and was empty.
Lu Xiu: "The entrance has changed too."
Cao Bin: "Because of you."
Jiang Hong found it amusing, but when Lu Xiu glanced at him, he immediately stopped laughing.
Cao Bin walked behind a bookshelf and handed his suit jacket to Xuan Hezhi, rolling up his shirt sleeves.
Xuan Hezhi said, "Being and Nothingness."
Cao Bin found a copy of Sartre's "Being and Nothingness" and pulled it from the shelf. Xuan Hezhi added, "Metaphysics, The World as Will and Representation... these two, and Zhuangzi."
Cao Bin pulled out Aristotle's "Metaphysics," Schopenhauer's "The World as Will and Representation," and Zhuangzi's "Equalizing Discussions of Things," setting them aside.
"Open sesame!"
Then, Cao Bin slightly bowed, pressed his hands against the bookshelf in front of him, and pushed it over!
This is so cool! Jiang Hong thought: This is exactly what I've always wanted to do!
From the "Philosophy Series" to "Historical Reads" to "Youth Novels," the bookshelves triggered a domino effect, one after another tumbling down with earth-shattering sounds, "bang, bang, bang, bang." The last bookshelf fell against the wall, which then opened up, letting sunlight stream in, revealing a fountain.
Before them stood a thirty-three-story tall building with shimmering glass walls, labeled "National Association of Exorcists" at the entrance, flanked by statues of Acala and Dipankara, resembling a government office building, with stairs leading up to the entrance.
The square was deserted, with the adjacent parking lot filled with luxury cars like Mercedes and BMWs.
"I am Cao Bin," Cao Bin swiped his card at the entrance, followed by Xuan Hezhi. Cao Bin added, "These are two students I've brought with me."
The young man at the reception desk looked at Lu Xiu warily, but Lu Xiu just calmly returned his gaze.
"I have an appointment with Chen Zhen at nine this morning," Cao Bin said.
The security guard didn't ask too many questions and let them in after a brief check.
Lu Xiu commented, "The security checks weren’t this strict before."
Cao Bin explained, "It's been tightened recently. After that incident was discovered, we don’t know who's a friend or foe. It’s not because of you."
Jiang Hong followed them into the demon-hunting committee headquarters, curious about everything. However, the building looked like a typical government office, with spacious staircases on the first three floors and the second floor resembling an office area.
"Demon hunters receive their assignments here," Lu Xiu said. "All the supernatural incidents from across the country are sent here."
The building was bustling with people from various professions – delivery uniforms, work clothes, and others in suits with briefcases – creating a rather unusual scene.
Cao Bin led them to the elevator behind the lobby. He Zhi pressed the elevator button, and several people were already inside when they entered.
"Principal Cao." Many in the elevator recognized Cao Bin and greeted him, also noticing Lu Xiu.
At that moment, almost everyone subtly moved a little bit backward.
Cao Bin nodded to them, and Jiang Hong also saw the demon hunter he had met before – He Lanshan!
He Lanshan smiled at Jiang Hong and nodded to Lu Xiu.
He Lanshan asked, "Are you all here to visit Beijing?"
"Also here for the New Year," Cao Bin replied.
"Thirteenth floor, Magical Treasure Research Department," announced the elevator as He Lanshan exited.
"Nineteenth floor," the elevator voice continued, "Central Department."
Only the four of them remained in the elevator, with He Zhi holding the door open for Cao Bin to exit first.
The nineteenth floor had four offices, one of which had an open door with a nameplate reading "Chen Zhen" outside.
Cao Bin glanced inside, where Chen Zhen was wearing Bluetooth earphones, talking on the phone near the floor-to-ceiling window. Cao Bin stood outside, patiently waiting.
Jiang Hong also couldn't resist taking a peek inside—
—In that moment, he saw that figure.
Instantly, Jiang Hong dared not make a sound, remembering the person he had seen on the second floor of Mai Qing's house! He was almost certain it was him!
That was him! There was no mistake! Jiang Hong thought to himself, no wonder he felt a sense of déjà vu. Chen Zhen had attended and spoken at the opening ceremony, but when Jiang Hong saw the figure from behind at Mai Qing's house, he couldn’t recall who it was at the time…
"It's him," Jiang Hong mouthed to Lu Xiu with a look of fear in his eyes.
Lu Xiu: "?"
Just as Jiang Hong was thinking about how to explain discreetly to Lu Xiu, Lu Xiu gestured with his hand, indicating that they would talk about it later.
Chen Zhen soon finished his call and turned around, "Cao Bin? You're here."
Cao Bin gestured for Jiang Hong to come in with him, while Lu Xiu waited outside.
"Have you had breakfast?" Chen Zhen asked.
Cao Bin: "Just had a cup of coffee. They have already eaten."
Jiang Hong saw his Google Glasses on the table, along with a photo frame. In the frame was a photo of him, a boy who looked very similar to him, another tall man, and another boy.
"Just coffee in the morning is not good for the stomach," Chen Zhen said. "You're Jiang Hong, right? Come, sit down. Is Lu Xiu also outside?"
Cao Bin: "We actually have something to discuss, you can chat with Jiang Hong, I'll come back up later."
Chen Zhen handed Cao Bin his meal card, saying, "Go to the cafeteria and eat something."
Cao Bin took it and left, closing the door behind him.
Jiang Hong was instantly very nervous; this was his first time interacting with someone of such high rank in the Exorcism Commission.
"Jiang Hong?" Chen Zhen seemed a bit puzzled, then laughed, "Are you a bit nervous?"
"A little," Jiang Hong replied.
Chen Zhen had a strong presence, but he unknowingly relaxed Jiang Hong.
No! He's the traitor from Mai Qing's house! As soon as Jiang Hong relaxed, he sensed danger again, his nerves tensing up. He didn't have time to warn Cao Bin before entering, and even Lu Xiu didn't know about this... What to do? He watched Chen Zhen warily, thinking that today... maybe he wouldn't do anything to him.
Chen Zhen seemed to sense the change in Jiang Hong's mood again.
"Why are you nervous?" Chen Zhen smiled, "Tea? Is it because I'm the president? How did they introduce me, a great exorcist?"
"Um… Senior Lu Xiu mentioned, mentioned it," Jiang Hong replied.
Chen Zhen, with his back to Jiang Hong, began making tea: "Because of the administrative level?"
Jiang Hong didn't answer, staring at his back, confirming once more that he was the man he saw at Mai Qing's house.
Chen Zhen turned around and said, "When Professor Zhou retired, it was between Cao Bin and me to take over as president. Cao Bin wanted to work at the school, so I took over the Exorcism Committee. Are you also very nervous in front of Cao Bin?"
Jiang Hong: "That won't be the case."
Jiang Hong was always thinking, his mind beginning to get chaotic. Chen Zhen was already the leader of the exorcists, what was his purpose in betraying the organization? To help the traitors, how significant is that?
Chen Zhen: "I was almost your principal, from this point of view, you don’t have to sit so upright."
Jiang Hong forgot again that Chen Zhen was the enemy and suddenly laughed, then suddenly realized that he shouldn't be like this and became serious again.
He felt like his mind was about to split, constantly wavering.
"Have some tea." Chen Zhen handed Jiang Hong some black tea. Jiang Hong drank it with a troubled mind, thinking it shouldn't be poisoned.
"I'm very sorry, I should have come to you myself, but I've been really busy recently. Please excuse your special trip," Chen Zhen said politely and earnestly, "Mainly, I wanted to understand what Yang Feiyao said underground."
"Oh..." Jiang Hong looked at Chen Zhen suspiciously, thought for a moment, then relayed to Chen Zhen what he had heard himself that night, while thinking whether there was any special significance to doing this. If they were all traitors, then Yang Feiyao should be in league with Chen Zhen.
The narration was identical to what Jiang Hong had told Lu Xiu; he didn't lie to Chen Zhen, as Cao Bin must have told him too. The other party just wanted to confirm personally.
"Okay, I understand, thank you." After listening, Chen Zhen didn't ponder much, simply nodding in acknowledgement.
Jiang Hong just wanted to leave this eerie place as soon as possible. Overwhelmed by the other's imposing aura, he was about to say his goodbyes in a natural way when Chen Zhen suddenly changed the subject, asking, "I also heard that you were captured by this group not long ago?"
"I'm not sure if it's the same group." By then, Jiang Hong had calmed down a bit and replied, simultaneously hoping that Chen Zhen wouldn't ask too much. After all, he hadn't prearranged his story with Cao Bin and didn't know what he could or couldn't reveal.
Chen Zhen gestured to wait and pulled out a form from his office drawer – it was Jiang Hong's printed resume.
Jiang Hong felt a jolt of alarm: Was he already under scrutiny?
Chen Zhen said, "According to the report, they had another objective – they were inquiring about the whereabouts of your Wisdom Sword. Did anything interesting happen on the day you were kidnapped?"
"Uh..." Jiang Hong tried to recall, but his attention was caught by a "special" seal on the resume, and he couldn't concentrate. Chen Zhen, mistaking his distraction for psychological trauma, waited patiently and expectantly. Finally, Jiang Hong said, "Nothing else... He also mentioned my uncle, but I don't have one. My dad is an only child..."
Following the resume was a stack of thin investigation reports. After pondering, Chen Zhen added, "I also noticed something – according to Cao Bin's feedback, your chakras currently do not seem capable of practicing magic. You've already studied the characteristics of chakras, right? Don't be nervous... Wipe your sweat, Jiang Hong?"
"Ah?" Jiang Hong came back to his senses and replied, "Yes, that's right."
Chen Zhen continued, "We're just chatting casually now, take it as small talk. Today's meeting was indeed too formal, I'm very sorry. Maybe this will make you feel a bit better?"
Realizing Jiang Hong had been distracted, Chen Zhen switched tactics, leaning forward in his swivel chair, hands clasped together, emitting a gentle glow. Suddenly, the entire office was filled with peculiar light rays, as if immersing Jiang Hong's spirit.
Ah... so comfortable.
Instantly, Jiang Hong felt warm all over, bathed in that light. Only one word could describe it... Holy? Yes, holy. Within that gentle and holy light, Jiang Hong felt an impulse: He couldn't possibly be a traitor, not a bad person.
In that moment, Jiang Hong almost completely believed in Chen Zhen, wanting to speak candidly to him, even to tell him about what he saw at Mai Qing's house and to ask why he went there.
But before he could speak, Chen Zhen smiled again and said, "This is indeed much better."
Chen Zhen was quite handsome, but his charm was different from that of Lu Xiu and Cao Bin. Jiang Hong's first impression of him was one of gentleness, like a piece of warm jade, lacking the sharpness of youth, yet possessing an inner strength and toughness.
"You are the descendant of the great Feng Shui master, Jiang He," Chen Zhen thought for a moment and added, "Although it's not good to talk too much about bloodlines and inheritance, um... I guess you might feel a bit troubled?"
"Why?" Jiang Hong's attention shifted again, and he asked curiously.
Chen Zhen answered, "We don't encourage overemphasizing one's family background. Exorcists are a group with unique abilities, and focusing too much on hereditary aspects can easily foster rebellious thoughts in some people."
"Oh, I see."
Chen Zhen spoke cryptically, but Jiang Hong understood him clearly. Indeed, even in school, some students couldn't help but emphasize their family lineage.
"Does it bother you?" Chen Zhen took a sip of tea and asked.
"More than bother," Jiang Hong replied helplessly, "It's downright despairing!"
By now, Jiang Hong had forgotten his suspicions about Chen Zhen's identity and saw him as a kind elder brother, wanting to share all his troubles with him.
Chen Zhen, however, looked at Jiang Hong seriously, still wearing a smile.
"Not having magical powers doesn't affect becoming an exorcist," Chen Zhen said.
"But I still really wish I could learn magic," Jiang Hong said, disheartened.
Chen Zhen asked again, "Has Teacher Xie conducted a test on you?"
Jiang Hong: "Xie Liao? I've used the Light Jade."
Chen Zhen thought for a moment, then stood up and said, "The Light Jade can only serve as a preliminary reference for measurement, accurate but not precise. Come, let me do another check for you. This magical instrument is not often activated, but as a token of appreciation for your trip to Beijing, I think it’s warranted. Next time we meet, perhaps I will personally come to you."
"Okay, thank you." Jiang Hong, not having much regard for his own chakras, stood up and followed behind Chen Zhen.
Chen Zhen led Jiang Hong into the elevator, where he swiped a bracelet, and the elevator began descending.
"Nineteenth floor underground," the elevator announced, "Magical instruments and special material space."
Jiang Hong looked around curiously and was about to ask when Chen Zhen said, "This is where we store magical instruments; you could call it a secret area."
Jiang Hong thought to himself that if Chen Zhen were his mentor, he would surely pester him with questions every day until he ended up in a psychiatric hospital.
In front of them was a deep corridor, with a guard sitting outside playing on his phone. Seeing Chen Zhen, the guard put away his phone. At the end of the corridor was a vault-like door.
Jiang Hong: "The security is quite strict."
Chen Zhen swiped a small access card and said, "Five years ago, your senior Lu Xiu carelessly broke in here, causing everyone to get punished."
Chen Zhen stood outside the vault, waiting for the door to open, then suddenly sensed something.
"Who else has been here?" Chen Zhen asked the guard.
The atmosphere suddenly tensed.
The guard immediately stood up, his face showing panic, but before he could answer, Chen Zhen turned his head towards the door.
The vault door slowly opened, revealing two figures standing inside, both looking towards the door.
It was Cao Bin and Lu Xiu!
The two were in the storeroom, with Cao Bin responding, "It's me."
The tense atmosphere emerged only momentarily before quickly dissipating. Jiang Hong, standing behind Chen Zhen, curiously peered inside. Lu Xiu immediately signaled him with a look.
"I thought you went to the cafeteria," Chen Zhen said casually, "Jiang Hong, come in. Cao Bin, what brings you here?"
Cao Bin answered comfortably, "I'm preparing a research topic, focusing on using magical instruments to bind spirits, and brought Lu Xiu to have a look."
The vault was decorated in an ancient style, spacious with rows of shelves lit by eternal lights. Every meter, there was a pedestal with a glowing magic array beneath it, slowly rotating.
In the center was a huge plaque with the single character "Heaven," indicating that the magical instruments stored here were of the highest level.
On both sides were the sections labeled "Earth" and "Man."
Lu Xiu cautioned Jiang Hong, "Be careful not to touch anything."
Jiang Hong: "Do I really look like a troublemaker?"
Lu Xiu gestured for Jiang Hong to come over and stand beside him.
Chen Zhen said to Cao Bin, "Bringing a dragon into the treasure vault isn't exactly by the book. Be careful, or you might get reported by An Jie."
Cao Bin replied, "Haven’t you also brought a freshman in?"
Chen Zhen and Cao Bin stood in front of the shelves holding the 'Heaven' level magical instruments. The first item was a prayer wheel, followed by various odd items.
"Are you guys done talking?" Cao Bin asked.
"Hmm," Chen Zhen said, "So what conclusions has your research led to?"
Cao Bin remained silent, and Chen Zhen walked over to where Cao Bin and Lu Xiu had been standing. Jiang Hong noticed a brass sand tray placed there.
"This is called the 'Map of Mountains and Rivers'," Lu Xiu explained to Jiang Hong proactively, "It's a 'Heaven' level magical instrument of the Exorcism Committee. It's directly connected to the earth's ley lines and can influence the surrounding environment based on the strength of the user's spiritual power."
Jiang Hong: "Wow, it looks very impressive. Can you demonstrate it?"
Lu Xiu: "It would trigger earthquakes and tsunamis."
Jiang Hong realized, just like Lu Xiu, why Cao Bin and Lu Xiu had come here – to check on that magical instrument.
Chapter 30: Exorcism Committee
At the airport, Lu Xiu and Jiang Hong were waiting for their flight. After finishing their tasks, the group split up. Lu Xiu took Jiang Hong to Beijing, while the other roommates returned to Xi'an with the artifact.
Fortunately, Jiang Hong's father was quite open-minded. He was startled to see the car in such a state, first asking if anyone was hurt, and not getting too angry since the car was insured. Thus, Jiang Hong, filled with guilt, said goodbye to his father and prepared to head to Beijing to meet with Cao Bin.
Jiang Hong, feeling a bit down, lay on the table: "Ever since I was born, I always seem to cause trouble for everyone."
"If it weren't for you," Lu Xiu said, "this time wouldn't have been so easy."
"Oh, so I did play a role?" Jiang Hong lifted his eyes to look at him through the gap in his arms.
Since leaving Mai Qing's place in Nanshan, Lu Xiu had been pondering, seemingly troubled by something he couldn't figure out.
"What will happen to Mai Qing?" Jiang Hong asked again.
"He's been escorted to the Exorcism Committee," Lu Xiu said, "for interrogation."
Jiang Hong curiously asked, "Will it cause an earthquake?"
Lu Xiu gestured that he couldn't say: "I don't work at the Exorcism Committee, so I don't know how they will handle it."
Jiang Hong: "Is it serious?"
Lu Xiu: "Very serious. There's a traitor in the Exorcism Committee, and they've only started investigating now. What do you think?"
Jiang Hong: "It's not because of my involvement, is it?"
After a moment of hesitation, Lu Xiu answered, "They must have been suspecting it for a while."
Jiang Hong nodded, then asked, "Actually, I'm still quite curious about something…"
"Are you sure you want to keep talking about this topic?" Lu Xiu said.
Jiang Hong laughed and said, "Okay, I won't ask anymore. Are we on vacation? What have you been up to lately?"
Lu Xiu said nonchalantly, "Investigating this matter."
After going around in circles, they returned to the topic of the Exorcism Committee. Both of them exchanged glances, Jiang Hong burst into laughter, and then the announcement for boarding came, leading Lu Xiu to hurry Jiang Hong away.
The winter in Beijing was bitterly cold, but it was bearable outside the airport. Jiang Hong tucked his neck into his collar, looking around, and noticed Xuan Hezhi waiting for them at the arrival gate.
Xuan Hezhi whistled to signal them to the car, where Cao Bin was waiting inside a six-seater business vehicle.
"Did you get the item?" Cao Bin asked.
Without any delay, Lu Xiu handed over the wind chime they found at Mai Qing's house to Cao Bin.
Cao Bin looked at it against the pale sunlight outside the car window, with Xuan Hezhi also curiously leaning over to take a look.
"This is an octagonal bell taken from a temple," Xuan Hezhi explained, "It has a sophisticated name, 'Eight Directions Clouds Coming'. There are eight in a set, and they can sense each other."
Cao Bin said, "So, as we suspected, Mai Qing's attention was all on the arrest order from the Exorcism Committee. He didn’t predict our sudden intervention."
Lu Xiu: "I don't know."
Jiang Hong sat quietly, feeling like he had been pulled into a mysterious group, and remained silent.
After a moment of silence, Lu Xiu added, "But someone came to Mai Qing's house, I guess he was his accomplice."
Cao Bin replied, "With the Exorcism Committee after him, it's natural for Mai Qing to seek help from his superiors."
Lu Xiu: "That person might have originally come to confront the Exorcism Committee, but due to a twist of fate, they acted earlier than planned because we stole another artifact..."
Xuan Hezhi: "You guys actually went into someone's house to steal artifacts?"
Jiang Hong: "Uh…"
"Go on," Cao Bin said calmly, sitting in the passenger seat, examining the wind chime.
Lu Xiu: "To intercept us, the other side also used an artifact."
Cao Bin: "Hmm."
Lu Xiu: "That artifact was the Map of Mountains and Rivers."
Xuan Hezhi jerked the steering wheel sharply, nearly causing a rear-end collision, and exclaimed, "Impossible!"
"Director Xuan! Focus on driving!" Jiang Hong was frightened.
Xuan Hezhi: "Lu Xiu, are you sure it was the Map of Mountains and Rivers?!"
Cao Bin remained silent, his face turning extremely complex.
Lu Xiu didn’t say more, gazing out at the evening streets of Beijing.
There was a deathly silence in the car, and after a moment, Cao Bin said, "Apart from Chen Zhen, who else in the Exorcism Committee could use it?"
Xuan Hezhi: "Only Chen Zhen could have access to it, no, it's impossible."
A long silence filled the car again, the atmosphere turning slightly eerie.
"Is it... very serious?" Jiang Hong ventured to ask, "Chen Zhen is the president of the Exorcism Committee, right? Do you suspect him to be a traitor too?"
"He's the leader of the exorcists," Cao Bin said in his usual casual tone, "Or to use his other title, you would understand his status and identity."
"The Great Exorcist," Lu Xiu said.
Cao Bin: "Let's have a meal first, you must be hungry. Director Xuan, stop looking for coupons, let's just eat at that hotpot restaurant."
Xuan Hezhi: "Alright, alright, parking now."
Inside the restaurant:
"This doesn't make sense," Jiang Hong, forgetting his status as an undergraduate, was eager to help his mentor and senior, "He's already a Great Exorcist, why would he betray the Exorcism Committee?"
Cao Bin remained silent, seriously perusing the menu. Xuan Hezhi, wiping his hands with a wet towel, said, "I think Chairman Chen isn't that kind of person; there must be some mistake."
Lu Xiu: "Hmm, maybe I was mistaken."
Cao Bin glanced at Lu Xiu, both understanding without saying; Lu Xiu couldn't lie, and he wouldn't mistake such an important matter.
Jiang Hong found a new angle: "If using the Map of Mountains and Rivers artifact would expose his identity, he wouldn't use it, right?"
Lu Xiu, still indifferent, said softly, "I don't know, I just saw the Map of Mountains and Rivers. As for the details, I'm not a registered exorcist, so it's not my place to resolve it."
Each having their own hotpot, Jiang Hong was happily eating, adding a lot of chili as a Chongqing native who found it not spicy enough. Lu Xiu and Jiang Hong occasionally chatted, just like usual, while Cao Bin remained silent throughout, and Xuan Hezhi seemed somewhat afraid to speak much around Cao Bin.
"It would be much better if Xiang Cheng were here," Xuan Hezhi remarked.
"He's probably held up by something," Cao Bin said, "We can't rely solely on him and Xiao Duo."
Xuan Hezhi: "We're going to the Exorcism Committee tomorrow, what's your plan?"
Cao Bin, after drinking a little, answered, "Wait and see. Later, I'll visit Senior Zhou Maoguo. You take them back to the hotel to rest."
After the meal, Xuan Hezhi drove Lu Xiu and Jiang Hong back to the hotel. On the way, Jiang Hong asked, "Will you come with me tomorrow?"
Lu Xiu nodded, and Xuan Hezhi said, "We'll all go, don't worry, the Exorcism Committee isn't what you think."
Jiang Hong added, "Principal Cao seemed very serious today. There won't be any trouble tomorrow, will there?"
Xuan Hezhi: "Cao Bin is very capable, you should trust him."
Lu Xiu subtly gestured to Jiang Hong to 'ask no further', which Xuan Hezhi saw in the rearview mirror and said with a smile, "Jiang Hong, thank you for taking care of Xiao Pi. Ah, such a worrisome kid."
Jiang Hong modestly deflected the praise. After returning to the hotel, he went to bed early, feeling somewhat uneasy. The howling winds of Beijing carried a desolate chill as the calendar year drew to a close.
That night, he slept restlessly and even had a strange dream:
In the dream, a strange voice spoke to him in an unfamiliar language. He remembered it was Dragon Speech but couldn't discern its meaning.
As the voice faded, Jiang Hong saw a blood-red comet in the sky, surrounded by black flames.
"Wake up," Lu Xiu's voice echoed in his ear.
Jiang Hong struggled to sit up, bleary-eyed, and was led by Lu Xiu to wash up, then they went downstairs for a buffet breakfast.
Xuan Hezhi perfectly exemplified someone who, regardless of the number of problems and pressures, always eats and drinks well; he consumed four large plates of food along with two cups of coffee and two juices.
Cao Bin only drank a cup of black coffee. During the wait, he said to Jiang Hong, "Today, Chen Zhen will ask you about some details, mainly about what you heard underground last time."
Jiang Hong: "Oh."
Cao Bin: "Just answer truthfully."
Jiang Hong: "Okay."
Jiang Hong looked at Lu Xiu, who said, "We'll wait outside for you."
Xuan Hezhi: "Chen Zhen wants to see him alone?"
"His testimony is very important," Cao Bin said, "Chen Zhen has his own judgment."
Xuan Hezhi drove into a small alley, and Jiang Hong saw the street sign 'Lingjing Hutong'. He thought this must be the place, feeling suddenly nervous without reason.
The four of them got out of the car, with Lu Xiu looking around but not saying anything.
"Has it changed since you last came here?" Cao Bin asked.
Lu Xiu: "Hmm, last time they were doing roadworks."
Cao Bin led the trio into a bookstore. At 8:40 in the morning, the bookstore had just opened and was empty.
Lu Xiu: "The entrance has changed too."
Cao Bin: "Because of you."
Jiang Hong found it amusing, but when Lu Xiu glanced at him, he immediately stopped laughing.
Cao Bin walked behind a bookshelf and handed his suit jacket to Xuan Hezhi, rolling up his shirt sleeves.
Xuan Hezhi said, "Being and Nothingness."
Cao Bin found a copy of Sartre's "Being and Nothingness" and pulled it from the shelf. Xuan Hezhi added, "Metaphysics, The World as Will and Representation... these two, and Zhuangzi."
Cao Bin pulled out Aristotle's "Metaphysics," Schopenhauer's "The World as Will and Representation," and Zhuangzi's "Equalizing Discussions of Things," setting them aside.
"Open sesame!"
Then, Cao Bin slightly bowed, pressed his hands against the bookshelf in front of him, and pushed it over!
This is so cool! Jiang Hong thought: This is exactly what I've always wanted to do!
From the "Philosophy Series" to "Historical Reads" to "Youth Novels," the bookshelves triggered a domino effect, one after another tumbling down with earth-shattering sounds, "bang, bang, bang, bang." The last bookshelf fell against the wall, which then opened up, letting sunlight stream in, revealing a fountain.
Before them stood a thirty-three-story tall building with shimmering glass walls, labeled "National Association of Exorcists" at the entrance, flanked by statues of Acala and Dipankara, resembling a government office building, with stairs leading up to the entrance.
The square was deserted, with the adjacent parking lot filled with luxury cars like Mercedes and BMWs.
"I am Cao Bin," Cao Bin swiped his card at the entrance, followed by Xuan Hezhi. Cao Bin added, "These are two students I've brought with me."
The young man at the reception desk looked at Lu Xiu warily, but Lu Xiu just calmly returned his gaze.
"I have an appointment with Chen Zhen at nine this morning," Cao Bin said.
The security guard didn't ask too many questions and let them in after a brief check.
Lu Xiu commented, "The security checks weren’t this strict before."
Cao Bin explained, "It's been tightened recently. After that incident was discovered, we don’t know who's a friend or foe. It’s not because of you."
Jiang Hong followed them into the demon-hunting committee headquarters, curious about everything. However, the building looked like a typical government office, with spacious staircases on the first three floors and the second floor resembling an office area.
"Demon hunters receive their assignments here," Lu Xiu said. "All the supernatural incidents from across the country are sent here."
The building was bustling with people from various professions – delivery uniforms, work clothes, and others in suits with briefcases – creating a rather unusual scene.
Cao Bin led them to the elevator behind the lobby. He Zhi pressed the elevator button, and several people were already inside when they entered.
"Principal Cao." Many in the elevator recognized Cao Bin and greeted him, also noticing Lu Xiu.
At that moment, almost everyone subtly moved a little bit backward.
Cao Bin nodded to them, and Jiang Hong also saw the demon hunter he had met before – He Lanshan!
He Lanshan smiled at Jiang Hong and nodded to Lu Xiu.
He Lanshan asked, "Are you all here to visit Beijing?"
"Also here for the New Year," Cao Bin replied.
"Thirteenth floor, Magical Treasure Research Department," announced the elevator as He Lanshan exited.
"Nineteenth floor," the elevator voice continued, "Central Department."
Only the four of them remained in the elevator, with He Zhi holding the door open for Cao Bin to exit first.
The nineteenth floor had four offices, one of which had an open door with a nameplate reading "Chen Zhen" outside.
Cao Bin glanced inside, where Chen Zhen was wearing Bluetooth earphones, talking on the phone near the floor-to-ceiling window. Cao Bin stood outside, patiently waiting.
Jiang Hong also couldn't resist taking a peek inside—
—In that moment, he saw that figure.
Instantly, Jiang Hong dared not make a sound, remembering the person he had seen on the second floor of Mai Qing's house! He was almost certain it was him!
That was him! There was no mistake! Jiang Hong thought to himself, no wonder he felt a sense of déjà vu. Chen Zhen had attended and spoken at the opening ceremony, but when Jiang Hong saw the figure from behind at Mai Qing's house, he couldn’t recall who it was at the time…
"It's him," Jiang Hong mouthed to Lu Xiu with a look of fear in his eyes.
Lu Xiu: "?"
Just as Jiang Hong was thinking about how to explain discreetly to Lu Xiu, Lu Xiu gestured with his hand, indicating that they would talk about it later.
Chen Zhen soon finished his call and turned around, "Cao Bin? You're here."
Cao Bin gestured for Jiang Hong to come in with him, while Lu Xiu waited outside.
"Have you had breakfast?" Chen Zhen asked.
Cao Bin: "Just had a cup of coffee. They have already eaten."
Jiang Hong saw his Google Glasses on the table, along with a photo frame. In the frame was a photo of him, a boy who looked very similar to him, another tall man, and another boy.
"Just coffee in the morning is not good for the stomach," Chen Zhen said. "You're Jiang Hong, right? Come, sit down. Is Lu Xiu also outside?"
Cao Bin: "We actually have something to discuss, you can chat with Jiang Hong, I'll come back up later."
Chen Zhen handed Cao Bin his meal card, saying, "Go to the cafeteria and eat something."
Cao Bin took it and left, closing the door behind him.
Jiang Hong was instantly very nervous; this was his first time interacting with someone of such high rank in the Exorcism Commission.
"Jiang Hong?" Chen Zhen seemed a bit puzzled, then laughed, "Are you a bit nervous?"
"A little," Jiang Hong replied.
Chen Zhen had a strong presence, but he unknowingly relaxed Jiang Hong.
No! He's the traitor from Mai Qing's house! As soon as Jiang Hong relaxed, he sensed danger again, his nerves tensing up. He didn't have time to warn Cao Bin before entering, and even Lu Xiu didn't know about this... What to do? He watched Chen Zhen warily, thinking that today... maybe he wouldn't do anything to him.
Chen Zhen seemed to sense the change in Jiang Hong's mood again.
"Why are you nervous?" Chen Zhen smiled, "Tea? Is it because I'm the president? How did they introduce me, a great exorcist?"
"Um… Senior Lu Xiu mentioned, mentioned it," Jiang Hong replied.
Chen Zhen, with his back to Jiang Hong, began making tea: "Because of the administrative level?"
Jiang Hong didn't answer, staring at his back, confirming once more that he was the man he saw at Mai Qing's house.
Chen Zhen turned around and said, "When Professor Zhou retired, it was between Cao Bin and me to take over as president. Cao Bin wanted to work at the school, so I took over the Exorcism Committee. Are you also very nervous in front of Cao Bin?"
Jiang Hong: "That won't be the case."
Jiang Hong was always thinking, his mind beginning to get chaotic. Chen Zhen was already the leader of the exorcists, what was his purpose in betraying the organization? To help the traitors, how significant is that?
Chen Zhen: "I was almost your principal, from this point of view, you don’t have to sit so upright."
Jiang Hong forgot again that Chen Zhen was the enemy and suddenly laughed, then suddenly realized that he shouldn't be like this and became serious again.
He felt like his mind was about to split, constantly wavering.
"Have some tea." Chen Zhen handed Jiang Hong some black tea. Jiang Hong drank it with a troubled mind, thinking it shouldn't be poisoned.
"I'm very sorry, I should have come to you myself, but I've been really busy recently. Please excuse your special trip," Chen Zhen said politely and earnestly, "Mainly, I wanted to understand what Yang Feiyao said underground."
"Oh..." Jiang Hong looked at Chen Zhen suspiciously, thought for a moment, then relayed to Chen Zhen what he had heard himself that night, while thinking whether there was any special significance to doing this. If they were all traitors, then Yang Feiyao should be in league with Chen Zhen.
The narration was identical to what Jiang Hong had told Lu Xiu; he didn't lie to Chen Zhen, as Cao Bin must have told him too. The other party just wanted to confirm personally.
"Okay, I understand, thank you." After listening, Chen Zhen didn't ponder much, simply nodding in acknowledgement.
Jiang Hong just wanted to leave this eerie place as soon as possible. Overwhelmed by the other's imposing aura, he was about to say his goodbyes in a natural way when Chen Zhen suddenly changed the subject, asking, "I also heard that you were captured by this group not long ago?"
"I'm not sure if it's the same group." By then, Jiang Hong had calmed down a bit and replied, simultaneously hoping that Chen Zhen wouldn't ask too much. After all, he hadn't prearranged his story with Cao Bin and didn't know what he could or couldn't reveal.
Chen Zhen gestured to wait and pulled out a form from his office drawer – it was Jiang Hong's printed resume.
Jiang Hong felt a jolt of alarm: Was he already under scrutiny?
Chen Zhen said, "According to the report, they had another objective – they were inquiring about the whereabouts of your Wisdom Sword. Did anything interesting happen on the day you were kidnapped?"
"Uh..." Jiang Hong tried to recall, but his attention was caught by a "special" seal on the resume, and he couldn't concentrate. Chen Zhen, mistaking his distraction for psychological trauma, waited patiently and expectantly. Finally, Jiang Hong said, "Nothing else... He also mentioned my uncle, but I don't have one. My dad is an only child..."
Following the resume was a stack of thin investigation reports. After pondering, Chen Zhen added, "I also noticed something – according to Cao Bin's feedback, your chakras currently do not seem capable of practicing magic. You've already studied the characteristics of chakras, right? Don't be nervous... Wipe your sweat, Jiang Hong?"
"Ah?" Jiang Hong came back to his senses and replied, "Yes, that's right."
Chen Zhen continued, "We're just chatting casually now, take it as small talk. Today's meeting was indeed too formal, I'm very sorry. Maybe this will make you feel a bit better?"
Realizing Jiang Hong had been distracted, Chen Zhen switched tactics, leaning forward in his swivel chair, hands clasped together, emitting a gentle glow. Suddenly, the entire office was filled with peculiar light rays, as if immersing Jiang Hong's spirit.
Ah... so comfortable.
Instantly, Jiang Hong felt warm all over, bathed in that light. Only one word could describe it... Holy? Yes, holy. Within that gentle and holy light, Jiang Hong felt an impulse: He couldn't possibly be a traitor, not a bad person.
In that moment, Jiang Hong almost completely believed in Chen Zhen, wanting to speak candidly to him, even to tell him about what he saw at Mai Qing's house and to ask why he went there.
But before he could speak, Chen Zhen smiled again and said, "This is indeed much better."
Chen Zhen was quite handsome, but his charm was different from that of Lu Xiu and Cao Bin. Jiang Hong's first impression of him was one of gentleness, like a piece of warm jade, lacking the sharpness of youth, yet possessing an inner strength and toughness.
"You are the descendant of the great Feng Shui master, Jiang He," Chen Zhen thought for a moment and added, "Although it's not good to talk too much about bloodlines and inheritance, um... I guess you might feel a bit troubled?"
"Why?" Jiang Hong's attention shifted again, and he asked curiously.
Chen Zhen answered, "We don't encourage overemphasizing one's family background. Exorcists are a group with unique abilities, and focusing too much on hereditary aspects can easily foster rebellious thoughts in some people."
"Oh, I see."
Chen Zhen spoke cryptically, but Jiang Hong understood him clearly. Indeed, even in school, some students couldn't help but emphasize their family lineage.
"Does it bother you?" Chen Zhen took a sip of tea and asked.
"More than bother," Jiang Hong replied helplessly, "It's downright despairing!"
By now, Jiang Hong had forgotten his suspicions about Chen Zhen's identity and saw him as a kind elder brother, wanting to share all his troubles with him.
Chen Zhen, however, looked at Jiang Hong seriously, still wearing a smile.
"Not having magical powers doesn't affect becoming an exorcist," Chen Zhen said.
"But I still really wish I could learn magic," Jiang Hong said, disheartened.
Chen Zhen asked again, "Has Teacher Xie conducted a test on you?"
Jiang Hong: "Xie Liao? I've used the Light Jade."
Chen Zhen thought for a moment, then stood up and said, "The Light Jade can only serve as a preliminary reference for measurement, accurate but not precise. Come, let me do another check for you. This magical instrument is not often activated, but as a token of appreciation for your trip to Beijing, I think it’s warranted. Next time we meet, perhaps I will personally come to you."
"Okay, thank you." Jiang Hong, not having much regard for his own chakras, stood up and followed behind Chen Zhen.
Chen Zhen led Jiang Hong into the elevator, where he swiped a bracelet, and the elevator began descending.
"Nineteenth floor underground," the elevator announced, "Magical instruments and special material space."
Jiang Hong looked around curiously and was about to ask when Chen Zhen said, "This is where we store magical instruments; you could call it a secret area."
Jiang Hong thought to himself that if Chen Zhen were his mentor, he would surely pester him with questions every day until he ended up in a psychiatric hospital.
In front of them was a deep corridor, with a guard sitting outside playing on his phone. Seeing Chen Zhen, the guard put away his phone. At the end of the corridor was a vault-like door.
Jiang Hong: "The security is quite strict."
Chen Zhen swiped a small access card and said, "Five years ago, your senior Lu Xiu carelessly broke in here, causing everyone to get punished."
Chen Zhen stood outside the vault, waiting for the door to open, then suddenly sensed something.
"Who else has been here?" Chen Zhen asked the guard.
The atmosphere suddenly tensed.
The guard immediately stood up, his face showing panic, but before he could answer, Chen Zhen turned his head towards the door.
The vault door slowly opened, revealing two figures standing inside, both looking towards the door.
It was Cao Bin and Lu Xiu!
The two were in the storeroom, with Cao Bin responding, "It's me."
The tense atmosphere emerged only momentarily before quickly dissipating. Jiang Hong, standing behind Chen Zhen, curiously peered inside. Lu Xiu immediately signaled him with a look.
"I thought you went to the cafeteria," Chen Zhen said casually, "Jiang Hong, come in. Cao Bin, what brings you here?"
Cao Bin answered comfortably, "I'm preparing a research topic, focusing on using magical instruments to bind spirits, and brought Lu Xiu to have a look."
The vault was decorated in an ancient style, spacious with rows of shelves lit by eternal lights. Every meter, there was a pedestal with a glowing magic array beneath it, slowly rotating.
In the center was a huge plaque with the single character "Heaven," indicating that the magical instruments stored here were of the highest level.
On both sides were the sections labeled "Earth" and "Man."
Lu Xiu cautioned Jiang Hong, "Be careful not to touch anything."
Jiang Hong: "Do I really look like a troublemaker?"
Lu Xiu gestured for Jiang Hong to come over and stand beside him.
Chen Zhen said to Cao Bin, "Bringing a dragon into the treasure vault isn't exactly by the book. Be careful, or you might get reported by An Jie."
Cao Bin replied, "Haven’t you also brought a freshman in?"
Chen Zhen and Cao Bin stood in front of the shelves holding the 'Heaven' level magical instruments. The first item was a prayer wheel, followed by various odd items.
"Are you guys done talking?" Cao Bin asked.
"Hmm," Chen Zhen said, "So what conclusions has your research led to?"
Cao Bin remained silent, and Chen Zhen walked over to where Cao Bin and Lu Xiu had been standing. Jiang Hong noticed a brass sand tray placed there.
"This is called the 'Map of Mountains and Rivers'," Lu Xiu explained to Jiang Hong proactively, "It's a 'Heaven' level magical instrument of the Exorcism Committee. It's directly connected to the earth's ley lines and can influence the surrounding environment based on the strength of the user's spiritual power."
Jiang Hong: "Wow, it looks very impressive. Can you demonstrate it?"
Lu Xiu: "It would trigger earthquakes and tsunamis."
Jiang Hong realized, just like Lu Xiu, why Cao Bin and Lu Xiu had come here – to check on that magical instrument.
