Xi Mufu, regarded by players as a deity, met with Ji Jiu, the Director of the Special Operations Bureau.
Director Ji had a striking name and an equally remarkable appearance. His features were refined, almost like a painting, and simply standing there, he exuded an ethereal, otherworldly aura—truly godlike. He looked young, no older than twenty-eight, yet his presence was commanding, clearly someone accustomed to high office.
Xi Mufu murmured to herself—having such an important person come to see her in person, and being so handsome, was a bit intimidating.
“Hello,” Ji Jiu nodded gently. “I’ve already reviewed your situation. I’d like to see your Purification Talisman.”
Xi Mufu drew one on the spot, finishing in under five minutes.
Nearby, Master Shanqu whispered to the three elders from Longhu Mountain, proudly boasting, “See? A true genius! From our H Province!”
The elders from Longhu and Maoshan had heard of Xi Mufu’s ability to draw talismans at a stroke, but seeing it firsthand left them deeply shocked. In nearly a century, their most talented disciples had never drawn talismans with such ease.
Ji Jiu was slightly surprised at how quickly and effortlessly Xi Mufu completed the talisman. He studied her intently, then examined the talisman for a moment before saying, “We currently have a plan to use this talisman to control pollution. We want to conduct an overnight experiment, so we’ll need you to draw several more.”
There was a chemical plant in the city. Although it passed inspections, its pollutants could never be fully removed. If the Purification Talisman could achieve zero pollution, it would be a groundbreaking advancement for the human environment.
Imagine the number of chemical plants worldwide, and the pollution they produce. If even nuclear contamination could be cleaned, the merit would be immeasurable.
Xi Mufu was momentarily stunned—she hadn’t expected the talisman could be used this way.
Of course, she hoped it could improve the environment. She immediately began drawing, producing ten talismans in one go. The process was still effortless, and though her hands were a little sore, she remained energetic.
Ji Jiu took the talismans and immediately sent them for testing. Then he glanced at his watch. “It’s late. Rest well. As for the otherworldly visitors, we’ll discuss that tomorrow.”
Xi Mufu had no objections.
As she was about to leave, Ji Jiu added, “You saved people yesterday. There will be a reward from the authorities, though it won’t be much.”
Xi Mufu didn’t mind. Saving lives was instinctive; anyone in that situation would have acted the same.
·
The next day, the talisman experiment yielded results.
“The effect is excellent. The pollutants were completely removed. One talisman can purify about 500 cubic meters of space,” Ji Jiu said.
Xi Mufu blinked. “It really works?”
Ji Jiu nodded. “We will purchase talismans from you at ten thousand per piece. You can choose to receive cash or items of equivalent value, such as gold, antiques, or fixed assets.”
Xi Mufu’s eyes widened.
What?!
Ten thousand per talisman?!
If she drew fifty a day, that would be half a million a day!
Drawing talismans was really easy for her. Although her hands would tire, fifty per day was completely feasible. She could get rich overnight!
Her talismans were really worth this much?!
“The state spends more resources and manpower annually to control pollution than you can imagine,” Ji Jiu explained gently, noticing her surprise.
Xi Mufu bit her lip, hesitant to decide. She had submitted her items and skills out of trust in the state, never intending to profit.
Ji Jiu said, “This is your due. The state never mistreats those who have contributed.”
Finally, Xi Mufu decided to accept and exclaimed, “Thank you!” Then, in a small voice, she asked, “Can I… choose gold bars?”
She loved gold. With gold prices soaring, she could barely contain her excitement, imagining all the glittering bars she would soon possess.
The sensation of overnight wealth was intoxicating!
Ji Jiu glanced at her expression and smiled lightly. “Very well.”
For a moment, Xi Mufu was a little distracted by his smile—but she quickly refocused. Compared to a handsome man, gold bars were far more appealing!
“Now, let’s discuss the otherworldly visitors,” Ji Jiu said, tapping the table thoughtfully. “I must meet them first to determine whether they pose an uncontrollable risk to this world.”
If it was only about trading items or skills for the benefit of the state and humanity, there was no concern. But if they brought disaster, precautions were necessary.
Xi Mufu agreed with his prudence. Hesitating, she said, “But I don’t know when the second group of otherworldly visitors will appear.”
“No matter. I will remain in Jingning Town until we understand their purpose,” Ji Jiu replied.
Xi Mufu was surprised, then realized the importance of this. As Director of the Special Operations Bureau, his personal presence in the town made sense.
“I’ve arranged for your neighbors to temporarily relocate, and your business may need to pause. Any losses will be fully compensated.”
This was also a way to protect nearby residents, since it was unclear whether the visitors might cause destruction.
Xi Mufu understood and waved off the compensation. “No need. You’ve already provided more than enough.”
Ji Jiu smiled and suddenly said, “I’m afraid I will have to stay with you from now on.” He paused, then added, “In your house.”
Xi Mufu blinked.
Ji Jiu explained, “Firstly, to observe the visitors at any time. Secondly, to protect you up close.”
Xi Mufu nodded slowly. “O… okay.”
Her house behind the incense shop was spacious, with several empty rooms—convenient for this arrangement.
·
Once arrangements were made, the group returned to Jingning Town.
Along with Special Operations personnel, elders from Longhu and Maoshan also accompanied them, even Shanqu tagged along.
While the Special Operations Bureau settled in, Xi Mufu quietly asked Shanqu, “Selling the Purification Talisman for ten thousand… isn’t that too much?”
“Not at all,” Shanqu shook his head. “Your talismans are so effective and bring enormous benefits to the state. Even more money would be justified. Previously, a Longhu elder’s Vajra Health Talisman sold for over a million. Once you master protective talismans or higher-tier talismans, many influential people will come seeking them—gold, silver, and jewels, all yours to choose.”
Xi Mufu was stunned.
Talismans were really that valuable?
She now eagerly anticipated upgrading her talisman skill, though even having learned the Purification Talisman, she was still stuck at Level 1. She didn’t know the requirements to unlock the Level 2 Protective Talisman.
That day, the Special Operations Bureau completed all arrangements. Shops and residents at the far end of the street were relocated, leaving only the bustling front street open.
Xi Mufu was slightly worried. If the otherworldly visitors were hostile, they could cause irreversible damage to the entire town. Many tourists visited Jingning Town—what if something went wrong?
Shanqu calmly reassured her: “Don’t worry. With Director Ji here, the entire mystical world combined isn’t his equal. Since he hasn’t restricted tourists, he must have complete confidence.”
He had heard rumors that Ji was no ordinary person, perhaps already beyond the mortal realm. He even speculated that Ji might be a reincarnated ancient deity.
Xi Mufu was deeply shocked again.
This Director Ji was even more impressive than she imagined!