Chapter 72: The Ambush
"Wait a minute..." Jiang Hong suddenly recalled, wondering if Lu Xiu had a performance scheduled for today? He hoped they weren't going to fly onto the stage together – that would be mortifying!
"Do you have a performance today? All the teachers have one, right?" Jiang Hong pleaded, "Please don’t do anything strange!"
Fortunately, they didn't. Lu Xiu flew past the stage, taking Jiang Hong for a spin before disappearing behind the Administration Building.
As the music faded, Jiang Hong breathed a sigh of relief. Lu Xiu asked, "Did you want to join me in singing on stage?"
"No, no!" Jiang Hong said, "I'll be your fan in the audience! Is your performance singing? Wow, that's great! I'm super excited!"
Jiang Hong was terrified of being suddenly pushed onto the stage, but thankfully it didn't happen. Lu Xiu simply led him through a side door into the interior of the Administration Building.
The music started again, echoing in the enclosed corridors as if coming from underground. The school anniversary concert had officially begun on stage, welcoming the visiting exorcism committee leaders.
"Follow me," Lu Xiu said in the dim corridor, holding Jiang Hong's hand and intertwining their fingers naturally. Jiang Hong guessed he was trying to find the most comfortable spot to watch the show, but in the darkness, he felt a bit infatuated. The narrow, long corridor was dark, unable to see each other, only hearing each other's slightly hurried breathing and feeling the warmth of their hands.
At the end of the corridor was a door.
Lu Xiu stopped and said, "Wait here for a while."
"What place is this?" Jiang Hong felt a thrill of exploration.
"A... kind of secret passage," Lu Xiu positioned Jiang Hong to lean against him, and they stayed quietly together for a moment before Lu Xiu knocked on the door three times.
"Just a moment," came Cao Bin's voice.
"Coming," Xuan Hezhi's voice added.
The door opened, letting light stream out, revealing an all-white room inside.
"Sorry for the wait," said Cao Bin, "We're still adjusting... Good to see Jiang Hong here too. Come in and close the door."
"Hello, teachers," Jiang Hong said, somewhat surprised. In the room stood Ke Da, Xuan Hezhi, and Cao Bin, making five of them including himself and Lu Xiu. Sigui was nowhere to be seen. Did they have a performance to give? He hoped they wouldn't drag him on stage as a guest.
Ke Da remarked, "Our guest has also arrived."
"Ahhh—," Jiang Hong's face turned pale, looking towards Lu Xiu.
Lu Xiu assured, "It’s not a performance, don’t be scared."
Cao Bin smiled, giving Jiang Hong an extra glance.
There was a dressing mirror in the room, covered with a cloth. Once everyone was in place, Cao Bin said, "Then, let’s start now."
Ke Da added, "All interference should be completely eliminated by now."
Lu Xiu, holding Jiang Hong's hand, heard him nervously ask, "What are we going to do?"
Lu Xiu whispered, "Just follow me, don’t ask about the rest."
Xuan Hezhi pulled off the cloth covering the mirror, and Ke Da started casting a spell. Jiang Hong recognized it as the same dressing mirror he had seen at the counterfeit Chen Zhen’s place!
"Huh?" Jiang Hong began to question, but Ke Da snapped his fingers, and the mirror erupted with a white light that filled the room.
In an instant, the five were teleported away, leaving the room in darkness.
Jiang Hong only saw darkness and then light again, finding himself in a conference room.
"Welcome," Chen Zhen's voice said, "Everyone’s here now."
"Is this... the Exorcism Committee?" Jiang Hong walked to the floor-to-ceiling window, recognizing the view outside as Lingjing Hutong.
They were in the Exorcism Committee's eleventh-floor conference room, an incredible feat! Jiang Hong realized he had been transported over a thousand kilometers to the Beijing Exorcism Committee!
Lu Xiu released Jiang Hong's hand and casually found a seat. Cao Bin explained, "This is the Exorcism Committee. After the last battle in Guangzhou, we seized this mirror. We've made some simple modifications to use it as a sort of portal, but it can only shuttle between the Exorcism Committee and the school, and certain conditions must be met."
Everyone found their places to sit, but no one attended to Jiang Hong. Ke Da leaned on the table, asking, "Where's An Jie?"
"He's having dinner with Qi Wei in the cafeteria," Chen Zhen replied, "Let's not bother them for now. I'm more worried about Yifeng; we still haven't heard from him."
Cao Bin commented, "He will return when it's time."
"What are we doing here?" Jiang Hong asked Lu Xiu in a low voice, sitting near the floor-to-ceiling window with the dazzling lights and night view of Beijing outside.
Lu Xiu glanced at Chen Zhen, hesitating slightly.
"To confront the enemy," Chen Zhen, who was drinking coffee, overheard Jiang Hong's quiet query.
"Since you asked," Chen Zhen said, "let's discuss it briefly."
Jiang Hong quickly interjected, "No, no, if it's a secret matter, don't mind me. I was just curiously asking."
Setting down his coffee cup, Chen Zhen said, "It’s alright. It’s a good opportunity for us to review and analyze, especially since Xuan Hezhi and Ke Da are not fully aware of the details."
Playing a game on his Switch, Ke Da mentioned, "I only learned about this special operation this morning."
Cao Bin frowned slightly, seemingly not fully agreeing with Chen Zhen's approach, but he kept his opinions to himself.
Chen Zhen said, "Among the younger generation of exorcists, Jiang Hong and Lu Xiu, you have been involved in almost the entire process of the Yinghuo affair. After the last battle in Guangzhou, we raised a doubt in the analysis meeting, which I believe you’ve also noticed."
Jiang Hong: "?"
Filled with questions, Jiang Hong felt that everything was doubtful, but he knew better than to interrupt Chen Zhen. It wasn't his place to speak yet.
Cao Bin stated, "Yinghuo’s strength, or rather, the 'displayed' strength, greatly mismatches their ambition."
Ke Da continued playing his game, while Xuan Hezhi pulled out a notebook and began to write and draw on it.
"In other words," Cao Bin added, "we believe that Yinghuo is not as weak as they appear to be."
Jiang Hong thought to himself, how is that weak?? With just a few appearances, they've turned Chongqing, Qilian Mountains, and Guangzhou upside down, causing the Exorcism Committee so much trouble. If this is considered weak, then what's strong?
"Hmm," Chen Zhen nodded, and at that moment, the conference room door opened, and An Jie and Qi Wei entered.
Chen Zhen continued, "In our previous meeting, every exorcist here raised the same question. What is Yinghuo's true strength? How many exorcists from our organization have they replicated? Are there any high-level exorcists among them? If Yinghuo is stronger than we anticipated, what steps should we take to fully understand their capabilities?"
An Jie and Qi Wei didn't speak, simply finding seats to sit down.
"Oh," Jiang Hong thought, "I, with my simple mind, hadn't really considered that."
"That leads us to another issue," Chen Zhen said. "Everyone is asking, if you were Yinghuo's leader, what would you do? And everyone here understands that the leader of this organization is indeed 'me'."
"Right!" Jiang Hong realized instantly. The conflict between Yinghuo and the Exorcism Committee was a battle of 'two Chen Zhens'. Knowing the enemy and knowing yourself ensures victory in a hundred battles; as difficult as it is to overcome oneself, this principle applies to the enemy as well. Only Chen Zhen knows himself best, and the reverse is also true.
"That's why I've been pondering," Chen Zhen said, "If I were in their place, how would I confront the Exorcism Committee? The answer is just as my clone has done: initially stay hidden in the shadows, gathering strength."
Cao Bin added, "But with Jiang Hong's breakthrough, Yinghuo has gradually moved from the shadows into the light."
"Exactly," Chen Zhen agreed. "Now that they have emerged from the shadows, our best move is to strike with full force, to decisively cripple the enemy, leaving them no chance to retaliate."
"For this reason, to probe their movements, we sent an experienced spy," Chen Zhen mused. "I've always had a premonition that the time for their assault is near. According to reliable intelligence and my own judgment, the time is imminent."
"When?" This time, it was Lu Xiu who asked.
Chen Zhen: "Undoubtedly, it's tonight, when the high-ranking officials of the Exorcism Committee are all out, attending the Tsangqiong University anniversary celebration."
Jiang Hong: "！！！"
"Are you so certain?" Lu Xiu asked again, "What if their target isn't the Exorcism Committee but Tsangqiong University?"
Chen Zhen replied, "According to the intelligence and my own analysis, if I were them, I'd prepare to battle on two fronts. If they are at Tsangqiong University, I'd attack the Exorcism Committee; if they return to the Exorcism Committee, then I'd attack Tsangqiong University."
Jiang Hong: "……"
The conference room fell silent. Ke Da set down his Switch and said, "Now it's just a matter of waiting to see if they will actually come."
Jiang Hong thought to himself that Chen Zhen was indeed very confident. But now everyone was at the Exorcism Committee, leaving only students and a few teachers at Tsangqiong University. Could they handle it?
Chen Zhen, however, didn't comment on this, simply gesturing to An Jie, who then picked up a remote and turned on the projector.
"Now is the moment of revelation," Chen Zhen declared.
The projector in the conference room flickered and then began to broadcast live from the valley of Qinling, showing the anniversary celebration at Tsangqiong University.
"See that?" Chen Zhen asked Ke Da.
Ke Da put away his Switch, his expression instantly turning serious.
"Huh?" Jiang Hong noticed something odd—the other "Chen Zhen" was sitting in the first row of the audience, watching the celebration. He saw the back of his head!
Among the crowd, only Xuan Hezhi and An Jie were missing.
Jiang Hong quickly regained his composure and looked at Cao Bin, who made a 'shushing' gesture.
It must have been some sort of decoy spell, creating doppelgängers. Chen Zhen and the others were all in the audience.
When everyone saw a particular scene from the anniversary celebration, it seemed like they received a peculiar signal, confirming a fact, and they all stood up.
"Start preparing," Chen Zhen said, "a major battle is inevitable."
Qi Wei was the first to leave the room, followed by An Jie, Ke Da, Xuan Hezhi, and finally Cao Bin said, "Lu Xiu, you're responsible for guarding the second floor of the courtyard. Make sure to protect Jiang Hong."
After everyone left, Chen Zhen suddenly said, "Xiao Hei (Lu Xiu)."
Lu Xiu stopped in his tracks, still holding Jiang Hong's hand, and looked towards Chen Zhen.
Chen Zhen stated, "It was my suggestion to bring Jiang Hong here."
Lu Xiu replied, "I know, the principal already mentioned it."
Chen Zhen continued, "Even though Cao Bin has already instructed you, I still insist on explaining it from my perspective, not as the Exorcism Committee's..."
Jiang Hong looked at Lu Xiu and then back at Chen Zhen. Before coming to the Exorcism Committee, he thought Lu Xiu just didn't want to be separated from him, or perhaps believed that staying by his side was the safest option. Now, it seemed there were other reasons.
After a pause, Chen Zhen said, "Firstly, Yinghuo losing the Book of All Things is a variable for them. They will definitely try every means to get it back."
Lu Xiu hummed in acknowledgment but didn't look at Chen Zhen. Instead, he quietly watched Jiang Hong, as if in thought.
"This information has been sold to the enemy by Luo Peng. As long as they target him, no place is safe. In other words, tonight, with six high-level exorcists at the Exorcism Committee, this is the safest place in the world."
Jiang Hong understood. Chen Zhen was probably worried that the enemy would take advantage of the situation, with all the high-level exorcists occupied, to kidnap him and retrieve the Book of All Things.
Lu Xiu said, "I understand, hiding is futile. They will find us eventually."
Chen Zhen nodded and added, "Secondly, since the Book of All Things is with Jiang Hong and has recognized him as its master, it might assist us tonight in unraveling some mysteries hidden in the darkness."
Jiang Hong: "What do I need to do?"
Chen Zhen: "For now, you don't need to do anything. Let fate take its course. You just need to protect yourself, and if you sense any danger, immediately go to Cao Bin."
"Okay… alright," Jiang Hong said.
"I'll protect him," Lu Xiu responded, "One of the reasons I brought him here is that, without him by my side, I might not be able to confront your darker aspects."
Chen Zhen nodded and then added, "Furthermore, though it's inappropriate to say, Jiang Hong, in a way, serves as 'bait.' The other 'me' will definitely try to find him, and we can use this to our advantage."
Jiang Hong, puzzled, asked, "Will they really come?"
Chen Zhen nodded, signaling them to leave.
"What does that mean?" Jiang Hong asked, "Why has everyone left? But why, upon seeing the anniversary celebration, are we sure the enemy will come?"
Lu Xiu replied, "I don't know either. Let's go."
Still full of questions, Jiang Hong followed Lu Xiu into the elevator.
"Can the Book of All Things predict the enemy's arrival?" Lu Xiu asked.
Jiang Hong quickly snapped back to reality and said, "Let me check."
This was the first time Lu Xiu had actively asked Jiang Hong to use the Book of All Things. Jiang Hong activated the book, similar to the otherworldly space created last time in Qingyu Jinzun. If the enemy was about to arrive, the upper left corner of his vision should display "Time until Chen Zhen arrives: XX:XX:XX."
But this time, there was nothing in front of him.
"Nothing?" Lu Xiu said, "Never mind, let's wait in the lobby."
The Exorcism Committee's foyer was a three-story atrium in a semi-open design, with a spacious area below, reminiscent of a hotel lobby. It was now after office hours, empty and quiet, with the doors closed and even the security guards gone.
Lu Xiu and Jiang Hong stood on the balcony, looking down at the lobby.
"Will that dark Chen Zhen really come?" Jiang Hong felt very puzzled.
"They said he would, so let's assume he will," Lu Xiu said, then fell silent.
Lu Xiu stood quietly at the railing, the area filled with a serene stillness. Feeling a bit nervous in the silence, Jiang Hong rummaged through his bag for a water bottle to give Lu Xiu but instead saw the pot he had stuffed in there.
"Ah!" Jiang Hong took out the aluminum pot and said, "Now you don't have to worry about me, you can…"
Lu Xiu quickly made a 'shushing' gesture, simultaneously glancing up at the lobby's cameras. Fortunately, their position was in a blind spot.
Lu Xiu took out his phone and typed: [Put it on your head.]
Jiang Hong did as instructed and also typed on his phone: [Can you see me?]
Lu Xiu nodded. Jiang Hong: [But why can you see me while others can't?]
Lu Xiu: [After you stole it last time, I did some research. It's called “Almost Heaven and Earth Hidden,” a celestial-level magical item.]
Jiang Hong thought to himself that it was just an inconspicuous aluminum pot used for cooking instant noodles!!! And why name it “Almost Heaven and Earth Hidden”? The person who named it was too precise!
Lu Xiu: [Wearing this pot can refract or reflect almost all consciousness. In other words, you become almost invisible in the world.]
Jiang Hong slightly lifted it to peek at Lu Xiu: [Can you see me now?]
Lu Xiu: [It's not invisibility. It works by deflecting the attention everyone projects on you. In other words, they can still see you, but they won’t notice you anymore.]
Jiang Hong: [But why can you notice me?]
Lu Xiu’s expression became slightly unnatural, replying: [That's the 'almost' part. There's a special reason only I can see you. You could understand it as…]
Lu Xiu thought for a moment, seemingly choosing his words carefully: [A special connection that even a celestial-level magical item can’t interfere with.]
Jiang Hong flicked the aluminum pot with his finger, creating a faint sound, but it sounded deafeningly loud since Lu Xiu was so close. Lu Xiu then raised his hand and took the pot off Jiang Hong's head.
Lu Xiu raised his eyebrows, signaling: Do you understand?
Jiang Hong nodded, then raised a finger, indicating he had another question.
Lu Xiu sat sideways on the railing of the lobby's balcony, allowing him to monitor the outside while still being able to see Jiang Hong, and gestured for him to ask.
Jiang Hong: [Why are we typing on our phones to communicate?]
Lu Xiu: “……”
Lu Xiu and Jiang Hong stared at each other, Jiang Hong full of confusion, and asked, "What are you thinking about?"
Suddenly, Lu Xiu regained his composure as if acting, speaking calmly, "I'm thinking about what Yinghuo's target would be if they came."
Jiang Hong: "????"
"Maybe the treasury of magical items," Chen Zhen's voice suddenly echoed in their ears, "or perhaps some specific areas of the Exorcism Committee."
Cao Bin's voice also followed: "Or maybe they want to capture someone. After all, we have prisoners in our hands."
Jiang Hong was startled by their conversation, as if they were speaking right next to his ear.
Lu Xiu raised his eyebrows, signaling: Do you get it?
Jiang Hong then realized that Chen Zhen was probably casting a spell, allowing them to converse in real-time through some sort of sound transmission technique and also hear his conversation with Lu Xiu.
Ke Da's voice said, "Hopefully, they won't bombard us here again."
Chen Zhen replied, "The Exorcism Committee has been bombed several times since its establishment, and each time it has recovered."
"You've been quite down lately," Qi Wei's voice said, "Where's that sunny, adorable big boy gone?"
Cao Bin: "Maybe because he got dumped."
Ke Da remained silent, and Chen Zhen added, "When Xiang Cheng returns, let him speak for you."
Ke Da: "Forget it, it's pointless."
Jiang Hong didn't dare to speak, feeling like a low-level player in a group chat with high-level players, while he hadn't even left the newbie village.
"Is everything ready?" An Jie's voice asked, "It's already 9:30."
"The first-floor lobby is ready," Lu Xiu responded.
Cao Bin's voice came through: "The elevator is ready."
Jiang Hong turned to look and realized Cao Bin was not far from him. Lu Xiu whispered instructions: "If there's danger, run towards the elevator and slide down the stair railing."
Jiang Hong nodded, indicating: Okay.
"Ley lines are ready," Ke Da's voice said.
Xuan Hezhi announced, "The cafeteria terrace is ready."
Qi Wei stated, "The rooftop is ready."
An Jie reported, "The magical artifact repository is ready."
Chen Zhen said with ease, "Good, the central control is ready."
"I feel something approaching," Lu Xiu suddenly said, "Spiritual energy is gathering towards the main entrance."
"I feel it too," Chen Zhen said, "Seems like something formidable is coming. Be prepared."
Lu Xiu signaled to Jiang Hong, who gestured back to reassure him, ready to don the pot on his head at any sign of danger. At this moment, he was very curious.
"The 'spirit' has collapsed," Ke Da's voice conveyed.
Jiang Hong had learned in class that the collapse of 'spirit' meant that the presence of a powerful demon beast could cause a vortex in the surrounding spiritual energy, similar to how a massive celestial body distorts space around it.
Theoretically, beings like Lu Xiu, being a dragon, should be enough to cause such a collapse in the spirit, but Jiang Hong had never felt it before.
Chapter 72: The Ambush
"Wait a minute..." Jiang Hong suddenly recalled, wondering if Lu Xiu had a performance scheduled for today? He hoped they weren't going to fly onto the stage together – that would be mortifying!
"Do you have a performance today? All the teachers have one, right?" Jiang Hong pleaded, "Please don’t do anything strange!"
Fortunately, they didn't. Lu Xiu flew past the stage, taking Jiang Hong for a spin before disappearing behind the Administration Building.
As the music faded, Jiang Hong breathed a sigh of relief. Lu Xiu asked, "Did you want to join me in singing on stage?"
"No, no!" Jiang Hong said, "I'll be your fan in the audience! Is your performance singing? Wow, that's great! I'm super excited!"
Jiang Hong was terrified of being suddenly pushed onto the stage, but thankfully it didn't happen. Lu Xiu simply led him through a side door into the interior of the Administration Building.
The music started again, echoing in the enclosed corridors as if coming from underground. The school anniversary concert had officially begun on stage, welcoming the visiting exorcism committee leaders.
"Follow me," Lu Xiu said in the dim corridor, holding Jiang Hong's hand and intertwining their fingers naturally. Jiang Hong guessed he was trying to find the most comfortable spot to watch the show, but in the darkness, he felt a bit infatuated. The narrow, long corridor was dark, unable to see each other, only hearing each other's slightly hurried breathing and feeling the warmth of their hands.
At the end of the corridor was a door.
Lu Xiu stopped and said, "Wait here for a while."
"What place is this?" Jiang Hong felt a thrill of exploration.
"A... kind of secret passage," Lu Xiu positioned Jiang Hong to lean against him, and they stayed quietly together for a moment before Lu Xiu knocked on the door three times.
"Just a moment," came Cao Bin's voice.
"Coming," Xuan Hezhi's voice added.
The door opened, letting light stream out, revealing an all-white room inside.
"Sorry for the wait," said Cao Bin, "We're still adjusting... Good to see Jiang Hong here too. Come in and close the door."
"Hello, teachers," Jiang Hong said, somewhat surprised. In the room stood Ke Da, Xuan Hezhi, and Cao Bin, making five of them including himself and Lu Xiu. Sigui was nowhere to be seen. Did they have a performance to give? He hoped they wouldn't drag him on stage as a guest.
Ke Da remarked, "Our guest has also arrived."
"Ahhh—," Jiang Hong's face turned pale, looking towards Lu Xiu.
Lu Xiu assured, "It’s not a performance, don’t be scared."
Cao Bin smiled, giving Jiang Hong an extra glance.
There was a dressing mirror in the room, covered with a cloth. Once everyone was in place, Cao Bin said, "Then, let’s start now."
Ke Da added, "All interference should be completely eliminated by now."
Lu Xiu, holding Jiang Hong's hand, heard him nervously ask, "What are we going to do?"
Lu Xiu whispered, "Just follow me, don’t ask about the rest."
Xuan Hezhi pulled off the cloth covering the mirror, and Ke Da started casting a spell. Jiang Hong recognized it as the same dressing mirror he had seen at the counterfeit Chen Zhen’s place!
"Huh?" Jiang Hong began to question, but Ke Da snapped his fingers, and the mirror erupted with a white light that filled the room.
In an instant, the five were teleported away, leaving the room in darkness.
Jiang Hong only saw darkness and then light again, finding himself in a conference room.
"Welcome," Chen Zhen's voice said, "Everyone’s here now."
"Is this... the Exorcism Committee?" Jiang Hong walked to the floor-to-ceiling window, recognizing the view outside as Lingjing Hutong.
They were in the Exorcism Committee's eleventh-floor conference room, an incredible feat! Jiang Hong realized he had been transported over a thousand kilometers to the Beijing Exorcism Committee!
Lu Xiu released Jiang Hong's hand and casually found a seat. Cao Bin explained, "This is the Exorcism Committee. After the last battle in Guangzhou, we seized this mirror. We've made some simple modifications to use it as a sort of portal, but it can only shuttle between the Exorcism Committee and the school, and certain conditions must be met."
Everyone found their places to sit, but no one attended to Jiang Hong. Ke Da leaned on the table, asking, "Where's An Jie?"
"He's having dinner with Qi Wei in the cafeteria," Chen Zhen replied, "Let's not bother them for now. I'm more worried about Yifeng; we still haven't heard from him."
Cao Bin commented, "He will return when it's time."
"What are we doing here?" Jiang Hong asked Lu Xiu in a low voice, sitting near the floor-to-ceiling window with the dazzling lights and night view of Beijing outside.
Lu Xiu glanced at Chen Zhen, hesitating slightly.
"To confront the enemy," Chen Zhen, who was drinking coffee, overheard Jiang Hong's quiet query.
"Since you asked," Chen Zhen said, "let's discuss it briefly."
Jiang Hong quickly interjected, "No, no, if it's a secret matter, don't mind me. I was just curiously asking."
Setting down his coffee cup, Chen Zhen said, "It’s alright. It’s a good opportunity for us to review and analyze, especially since Xuan Hezhi and Ke Da are not fully aware of the details."
Playing a game on his Switch, Ke Da mentioned, "I only learned about this special operation this morning."
Cao Bin frowned slightly, seemingly not fully agreeing with Chen Zhen's approach, but he kept his opinions to himself.
Chen Zhen said, "Among the younger generation of exorcists, Jiang Hong and Lu Xiu, you have been involved in almost the entire process of the Yinghuo affair. After the last battle in Guangzhou, we raised a doubt in the analysis meeting, which I believe you’ve also noticed."
Jiang Hong: "?"
Filled with questions, Jiang Hong felt that everything was doubtful, but he knew better than to interrupt Chen Zhen. It wasn't his place to speak yet.
Cao Bin stated, "Yinghuo’s strength, or rather, the 'displayed' strength, greatly mismatches their ambition."
Ke Da continued playing his game, while Xuan Hezhi pulled out a notebook and began to write and draw on it.
"In other words," Cao Bin added, "we believe that Yinghuo is not as weak as they appear to be."
Jiang Hong thought to himself, how is that weak?? With just a few appearances, they've turned Chongqing, Qilian Mountains, and Guangzhou upside down, causing the Exorcism Committee so much trouble. If this is considered weak, then what's strong?
"Hmm," Chen Zhen nodded, and at that moment, the conference room door opened, and An Jie and Qi Wei entered.
Chen Zhen continued, "In our previous meeting, every exorcist here raised the same question. What is Yinghuo's true strength? How many exorcists from our organization have they replicated? Are there any high-level exorcists among them? If Yinghuo is stronger than we anticipated, what steps should we take to fully understand their capabilities?"
An Jie and Qi Wei didn't speak, simply finding seats to sit down.
"Oh," Jiang Hong thought, "I, with my simple mind, hadn't really considered that."
"That leads us to another issue," Chen Zhen said. "Everyone is asking, if you were Yinghuo's leader, what would you do? And everyone here understands that the leader of this organization is indeed 'me'."
"Right!" Jiang Hong realized instantly. The conflict between Yinghuo and the Exorcism Committee was a battle of 'two Chen Zhens'. Knowing the enemy and knowing yourself ensures victory in a hundred battles; as difficult as it is to overcome oneself, this principle applies to the enemy as well. Only Chen Zhen knows himself best, and the reverse is also true.
"That's why I've been pondering," Chen Zhen said, "If I were in their place, how would I confront the Exorcism Committee? The answer is just as my clone has done: initially stay hidden in the shadows, gathering strength."
Cao Bin added, "But with Jiang Hong's breakthrough, Yinghuo has gradually moved from the shadows into the light."
"Exactly," Chen Zhen agreed. "Now that they have emerged from the shadows, our best move is to strike with full force, to decisively cripple the enemy, leaving them no chance to retaliate."
"For this reason, to probe their movements, we sent an experienced spy," Chen Zhen mused. "I've always had a premonition that the time for their assault is near. According to reliable intelligence and my own judgment, the time is imminent."
"When?" This time, it was Lu Xiu who asked.
Chen Zhen: "Undoubtedly, it's tonight, when the high-ranking officials of the Exorcism Committee are all out, attending the Tsangqiong University anniversary celebration."
Jiang Hong: "！！！"
"Are you so certain?" Lu Xiu asked again, "What if their target isn't the Exorcism Committee but Tsangqiong University?"
Chen Zhen replied, "According to the intelligence and my own analysis, if I were them, I'd prepare to battle on two fronts. If they are at Tsangqiong University, I'd attack the Exorcism Committee; if they return to the Exorcism Committee, then I'd attack Tsangqiong University."
Jiang Hong: "……"
The conference room fell silent. Ke Da set down his Switch and said, "Now it's just a matter of waiting to see if they will actually come."
Jiang Hong thought to himself that Chen Zhen was indeed very confident. But now everyone was at the Exorcism Committee, leaving only students and a few teachers at Tsangqiong University. Could they handle it?
Chen Zhen, however, didn't comment on this, simply gesturing to An Jie, who then picked up a remote and turned on the projector.
"Now is the moment of revelation," Chen Zhen declared.
The projector in the conference room flickered and then began to broadcast live from the valley of Qinling, showing the anniversary celebration at Tsangqiong University.
"See that?" Chen Zhen asked Ke Da.
Ke Da put away his Switch, his expression instantly turning serious.
"Huh?" Jiang Hong noticed something odd—the other "Chen Zhen" was sitting in the first row of the audience, watching the celebration. He saw the back of his head!
Among the crowd, only Xuan Hezhi and An Jie were missing.
Jiang Hong quickly regained his composure and looked at Cao Bin, who made a 'shushing' gesture.
It must have been some sort of decoy spell, creating doppelgängers. Chen Zhen and the others were all in the audience.
When everyone saw a particular scene from the anniversary celebration, it seemed like they received a peculiar signal, confirming a fact, and they all stood up.
"Start preparing," Chen Zhen said, "a major battle is inevitable."
Qi Wei was the first to leave the room, followed by An Jie, Ke Da, Xuan Hezhi, and finally Cao Bin said, "Lu Xiu, you're responsible for guarding the second floor of the courtyard. Make sure to protect Jiang Hong."
After everyone left, Chen Zhen suddenly said, "Xiao Hei (Lu Xiu)."
Lu Xiu stopped in his tracks, still holding Jiang Hong's hand, and looked towards Chen Zhen.
Chen Zhen stated, "It was my suggestion to bring Jiang Hong here."
Lu Xiu replied, "I know, the principal already mentioned it."
Chen Zhen continued, "Even though Cao Bin has already instructed you, I still insist on explaining it from my perspective, not as the Exorcism Committee's..."
Jiang Hong looked at Lu Xiu and then back at Chen Zhen. Before coming to the Exorcism Committee, he thought Lu Xiu just didn't want to be separated from him, or perhaps believed that staying by his side was the safest option. Now, it seemed there were other reasons.
After a pause, Chen Zhen said, "Firstly, Yinghuo losing the Book of All Things is a variable for them. They will definitely try every means to get it back."
Lu Xiu hummed in acknowledgment but didn't look at Chen Zhen. Instead, he quietly watched Jiang Hong, as if in thought.
"This information has been sold to the enemy by Luo Peng. As long as they target him, no place is safe. In other words, tonight, with six high-level exorcists at the Exorcism Committee, this is the safest place in the world."
Jiang Hong understood. Chen Zhen was probably worried that the enemy would take advantage of the situation, with all the high-level exorcists occupied, to kidnap him and retrieve the Book of All Things.
Lu Xiu said, "I understand, hiding is futile. They will find us eventually."
Chen Zhen nodded and added, "Secondly, since the Book of All Things is with Jiang Hong and has recognized him as its master, it might assist us tonight in unraveling some mysteries hidden in the darkness."
Jiang Hong: "What do I need to do?"
Chen Zhen: "For now, you don't need to do anything. Let fate take its course. You just need to protect yourself, and if you sense any danger, immediately go to Cao Bin."
"Okay… alright," Jiang Hong said.
"I'll protect him," Lu Xiu responded, "One of the reasons I brought him here is that, without him by my side, I might not be able to confront your darker aspects."
Chen Zhen nodded and then added, "Furthermore, though it's inappropriate to say, Jiang Hong, in a way, serves as 'bait.' The other 'me' will definitely try to find him, and we can use this to our advantage."
Jiang Hong, puzzled, asked, "Will they really come?"
Chen Zhen nodded, signaling them to leave.
"What does that mean?" Jiang Hong asked, "Why has everyone left? But why, upon seeing the anniversary celebration, are we sure the enemy will come?"
Lu Xiu replied, "I don't know either. Let's go."
Still full of questions, Jiang Hong followed Lu Xiu into the elevator.
"Can the Book of All Things predict the enemy's arrival?" Lu Xiu asked.
Jiang Hong quickly snapped back to reality and said, "Let me check."
This was the first time Lu Xiu had actively asked Jiang Hong to use the Book of All Things. Jiang Hong activated the book, similar to the otherworldly space created last time in Qingyu Jinzun. If the enemy was about to arrive, the upper left corner of his vision should display "Time until Chen Zhen arrives: XX:XX:XX."
But this time, there was nothing in front of him.
"Nothing?" Lu Xiu said, "Never mind, let's wait in the lobby."
The Exorcism Committee's foyer was a three-story atrium in a semi-open design, with a spacious area below, reminiscent of a hotel lobby. It was now after office hours, empty and quiet, with the doors closed and even the security guards gone.
Lu Xiu and Jiang Hong stood on the balcony, looking down at the lobby.
"Will that dark Chen Zhen really come?" Jiang Hong felt very puzzled.
"They said he would, so let's assume he will," Lu Xiu said, then fell silent.
Lu Xiu stood quietly at the railing, the area filled with a serene stillness. Feeling a bit nervous in the silence, Jiang Hong rummaged through his bag for a water bottle to give Lu Xiu but instead saw the pot he had stuffed in there.
"Ah!" Jiang Hong took out the aluminum pot and said, "Now you don't have to worry about me, you can…"
Lu Xiu quickly made a 'shushing' gesture, simultaneously glancing up at the lobby's cameras. Fortunately, their position was in a blind spot.
Lu Xiu took out his phone and typed: [Put it on your head.]
Jiang Hong did as instructed and also typed on his phone: [Can you see me?]
Lu Xiu nodded. Jiang Hong: [But why can you see me while others can't?]
Lu Xiu: [After you stole it last time, I did some research. It's called “Almost Heaven and Earth Hidden,” a celestial-level magical item.]
Jiang Hong thought to himself that it was just an inconspicuous aluminum pot used for cooking instant noodles!!! And why name it “Almost Heaven and Earth Hidden”? The person who named it was too precise!
Lu Xiu: [Wearing this pot can refract or reflect almost all consciousness. In other words, you become almost invisible in the world.]
Jiang Hong slightly lifted it to peek at Lu Xiu: [Can you see me now?]
Lu Xiu: [It's not invisibility. It works by deflecting the attention everyone projects on you. In other words, they can still see you, but they won’t notice you anymore.]
Jiang Hong: [But why can you notice me?]
Lu Xiu’s expression became slightly unnatural, replying: [That's the 'almost' part. There's a special reason only I can see you. You could understand it as…]
Lu Xiu thought for a moment, seemingly choosing his words carefully: [A special connection that even a celestial-level magical item can’t interfere with.]
Jiang Hong flicked the aluminum pot with his finger, creating a faint sound, but it sounded deafeningly loud since Lu Xiu was so close. Lu Xiu then raised his hand and took the pot off Jiang Hong's head.
Lu Xiu raised his eyebrows, signaling: Do you understand?
Jiang Hong nodded, then raised a finger, indicating he had another question.
Lu Xiu sat sideways on the railing of the lobby's balcony, allowing him to monitor the outside while still being able to see Jiang Hong, and gestured for him to ask.
Jiang Hong: [Why are we typing on our phones to communicate?]
Lu Xiu: “……”
Lu Xiu and Jiang Hong stared at each other, Jiang Hong full of confusion, and asked, "What are you thinking about?"
Suddenly, Lu Xiu regained his composure as if acting, speaking calmly, "I'm thinking about what Yinghuo's target would be if they came."
Jiang Hong: "????"
"Maybe the treasury of magical items," Chen Zhen's voice suddenly echoed in their ears, "or perhaps some specific areas of the Exorcism Committee."
Cao Bin's voice also followed: "Or maybe they want to capture someone. After all, we have prisoners in our hands."
Jiang Hong was startled by their conversation, as if they were speaking right next to his ear.
Lu Xiu raised his eyebrows, signaling: Do you get it?
Jiang Hong then realized that Chen Zhen was probably casting a spell, allowing them to converse in real-time through some sort of sound transmission technique and also hear his conversation with Lu Xiu.
Ke Da's voice said, "Hopefully, they won't bombard us here again."
Chen Zhen replied, "The Exorcism Committee has been bombed several times since its establishment, and each time it has recovered."
"You've been quite down lately," Qi Wei's voice said, "Where's that sunny, adorable big boy gone?"
Cao Bin: "Maybe because he got dumped."
Ke Da remained silent, and Chen Zhen added, "When Xiang Cheng returns, let him speak for you."
Ke Da: "Forget it, it's pointless."
Jiang Hong didn't dare to speak, feeling like a low-level player in a group chat with high-level players, while he hadn't even left the newbie village.
"Is everything ready?" An Jie's voice asked, "It's already 9:30."
"The first-floor lobby is ready," Lu Xiu responded.
Cao Bin's voice came through: "The elevator is ready."
Jiang Hong turned to look and realized Cao Bin was not far from him. Lu Xiu whispered instructions: "If there's danger, run towards the elevator and slide down the stair railing."
Jiang Hong nodded, indicating: Okay.
"Ley lines are ready," Ke Da's voice said.
Xuan Hezhi announced, "The cafeteria terrace is ready."
Qi Wei stated, "The rooftop is ready."
An Jie reported, "The magical artifact repository is ready."
Chen Zhen said with ease, "Good, the central control is ready."
"I feel something approaching," Lu Xiu suddenly said, "Spiritual energy is gathering towards the main entrance."
"I feel it too," Chen Zhen said, "Seems like something formidable is coming. Be prepared."
Lu Xiu signaled to Jiang Hong, who gestured back to reassure him, ready to don the pot on his head at any sign of danger. At this moment, he was very curious.
"The 'spirit' has collapsed," Ke Da's voice conveyed.
Jiang Hong had learned in class that the collapse of 'spirit' meant that the presence of a powerful demon beast could cause a vortex in the surrounding spiritual energy, similar to how a massive celestial body distorts space around it.
Theoretically, beings like Lu Xiu, being a dragon, should be enough to cause such a collapse in the spirit, but Jiang Hong had never felt it before.
