Although Xi Mufu had guessed that the rice could benefit humans, including improving their physical constitution, she was genuinely happy to see it confirmed.
The two elders beside her were also delighted. “This is truly a great blessing for humanity!”
Ji Jiu said, “The professors will soon gather volunteers. They’ll be very busy this year.”
Xi Mufu understood. Normally, research is first conducted on animals before progressing to humans.
“I’ll sign up,” said the Third Elder of Longhu Mountain eagerly. Despite being a powerful Taoist master with longevity beyond ordinary humans, he was still human and naturally interested in extending his lifespan. He also wanted to see if the rice could enhance his cultivation.
If it worked for Taoist practitioners too, its value would be incalculable.
Elder Ge Wu of the Maoshan Sect also expressed willingness to volunteer.
In recent days, Shanqu had returned to the temple; if he were present, he would certainly be eager to sign up as well.
Ji Jiu nodded. “Alright.”
With approval, the two elders went off to the farm to meet the professors.
Only Xi Mufu and Ji Jiu remained in the courtyard.
“This cultivation technique may be even more powerful than you imagine,” Ji Jiu said, lowering his gaze as he looked at Xi Mufu.
Xi Mufu met his eyes.
Ji Jiu continued, “Right now, you’re only cultivating rice. Imagine if you grew other grains or rare medicinal herbs—think of the impact that would have.”
Xi Mufu suddenly understood.
She remembered that China had always relied on imported soybeans. If her cultivation skills advanced enough to grow soybeans on a large scale, they wouldn’t be at the mercy of foreign suppliers anymore.
As for rare medicinal herbs, such as ginseng or lingzhi mushrooms, if their effects matched the rice, they would certainly be in high demand.
“You chose this skill wisely, Master Ji,” she quickly complimented.
Ji Jiu shook his head. “Only you can use this skill, so you are the key. Your safety is paramount.” He glanced behind him. “Qin Yi, from today onward, protect Xiao Fu 24/7.”
Xi Mufu was momentarily stunned.
It seemed like the first time Ji Jiu had addressed her that way. Perhaps, because the head of Shanqu Temple often called her “Xiao Fu,” Ji Jiu followed suit.
Also, she recalled that Qin Yi didn’t seem to be in the courtyard just moments ago—how did he appear so suddenly?
What she didn’t know was that Qin Yi was the head of the First Hall of the Underworld. His power was immense, and invisibility was just one minor technique.
Qin Yi responded respectfully.
“Thank you,” Xi Mufu said sincerely.
Although she hadn’t worried about her safety—Ji Jiu had been around all this time—she felt reassured. She couldn’t explain it, but she trusted him completely.
Moreover, the two elders lived next door and would visit the incense shop during the day to share Taoist knowledge. Special police were stationed in town as well, so she felt very safe.
“By the way,” she suddenly remembered, “Master Ji, are you going home to be with your family for the New Year?”
She didn’t yet know Ji Jiu’s true identity and assumed he was a mortal with family and friends celebrating human holidays.
Elders like the Third Elder of Longhu Mountain and the Fifth Elder of the Maoshan Sect would return home to honor their ancestors during the New Year. Even Shanqu Temple’s head had returned a few days ago to oversee New Year preparations.
She thought about Ji Jiu and the other personnel from the Special Administration Bureau—they would likely return home too, leaving her alone with Qin Yi at the incense shop. She felt a pang of melancholy.
This was the first New Year since her grandfather passed away. She had lived alone for months before the otherworldly visitors arrived, so she was used to being alone during holidays. But over the past half-month, with everyone around, the courtyard had been lively. Having daily company made her reluctant to see them leave.
Even knowing they would return next spring, facing New Year’s Eve alone made her sad.
Qin Yi, assigned to protect her 24/7, seemed to silently acknowledge this: Indeed, I am not human. 🙂
Ji Jiu glanced at her and said softly, “I’m not going.”
Xi Mufu looked at him in surprise.
“I and the Special Administration Bureau personnel will stay here,” Ji Jiu said. “There may be otherworldly visitors on New Year’s Eve—we can’t be negligent.”
That made sense. Otherworldly visitors always appeared unexpectedly, and as the person in charge, Ji Jiu couldn’t leave.
A surge of joy filled Xi Mufu’s heart. Her eyes curved in a smile. “Then we’ll celebrate New Year together, and we can invite the professors too—more people, more lively.”
If Ji Jiu weren’t there, she wouldn’t have felt comfortable inviting the professors.
Ji Jiu nodded. “Alright.”
Just as Xi Mufu was feeling happy, a voice rang out from outside the gate. “Xiao Fu, are you there?”
Ever since Xi Mufu had helped Wang Jie find her son, Wang Jie had grown closer to her, often bringing fruits and vegetables from her garden.
Xi Mufu stood up. “I’ll go see.”
Ji Jiu and Qin Yi followed her.
Seeing the two handsome men, Wang Jie’s eyes lit up, but she quickly refocused. She gestured to the middle-aged man beside her. “Xiao Fu, this is Mr. Liu from Elephant Supermarket in the city. He has a problem and wants your help to calculate something.” She paused and explained, “I don’t know Mr. Liu personally, but he heard you helped me find my son and asked me to introduce him to you.”
Xi Mufu looked at Mr. Liu.
He was fair, plump, and looked quite fortunate.
But how had her reputation reached the city?
“Hello, Master Xi,” Mr. Liu stepped forward, offering his business card with great respect. “I’ve heard you are a famous semi-immortal. I’m in a bit of trouble and hope you can help me.”
Xi Mufu: …Huh?
Master Xi? Me?
“Hello,” she replied politely. “I’m sorry, I’m not a master and don’t know fortune-telling or magic. Perhaps you could go to Tianyou Temple to see Shanqu Temple’s head.”
As far as she knew, locals used to visit Tianyou Temple. Shanqu Temple’s head was well-known in the city and had real abilities; he could probably solve Mr. Liu’s problem.
But Mr. Liu shook his head. “I already went to Shanqu Temple’s head. He said he couldn’t solve my problem and told me to come to you.”
He had heard Shanqu Temple’s head mention Master Xi, then inquired further and discovered that Master Xi was famous in Jingning Town. Many city residents visited the town, and locals’ promotion had spread her reputation—the incense shop owner in Jingning Town was known as a young semi-immortal.
Xi Mufu: “…”
Head of the temple, you’re only causing more trouble!
Meanwhile, Wang Jie praised her beside him: “Yes, Xiao Fu is amazing. She once remotely seized a criminal’s knife to save kindergarten children—her magic is incredible!”
Xi Mufu: “…”
“I’ve been unlucky all week. Almost got into car accidents, almost got hit by falling objects, and my supermarket business is suffering. I feel cold all over, even with the heater on and blankets at night. Shanqu Temple’s head said I might have encountered some bad energy and mentioned you have protective talismans that could help. I’m willing to pay 500,000 for talisman paper—could you sell it to me?” Mr. Liu pleaded.