Although Xi Mufu had speculated that the rice would bring benefits to humans, including improving human physique, she was still genuinely happy when it was confirmed.
The two elders beside her were also pleasantly surprised: “This is a great boon for humanity!”
Ji Jiu: “The professors are about to recruit volunteers. They’ll be very busy during the New Year period.”
Xi Mufu understood – generally, all research would first be tested on animals before progressing to humans.
“I’ll go sign up.” The Third Elder of Longhu Mountain was eager to volunteer. Although he was a prominent figure in the Xuanmen who practiced cultivation techniques and had a longer lifespan than ordinary people, he was still human after all and naturally had great interest in extending his life. Moreover, he wanted to know whether consuming that rice could enhance the cultivation of someone like him who practiced the Dao.
If it proved useful for Xuanmen practitioners as well, it would be priceless beyond measure.
The Fifth Elder of Maoshan Sect also expressed willingness to volunteer.
Shan Qu had returned to his temple two days ago – if he were here, he would definitely be clamoring to sign up too.
Ji Jiu: “Approved.”
With permission granted, the two elders casually made their way out to the farm to find the professors.
Only Xi Mufu and Ji Jiu remained in the courtyard.
“This Planting Skill might be even more remarkable than you imagined.” Ji Jiu lowered his gaze, looking at Xi Mufu as he spoke.
Xi Mufu met his eyes.
Ji Jiu: “You’ve only planted rice so far. If you were to plant other grains or rare medicinal herbs, consider how immense the impact would be.”
Xi Mufu suddenly understood.
She remembered that China had always relied on soybean imports. If the Planting Skill could be upgraded to allow large-scale soybean cultivation in the future, they wouldn’t be constrained by foreign suppliers anymore.
As for rare medicinal herbs like ginseng and lingzhi mushrooms – if their effects were as exceptional as the rice, they would certainly be highly sought after too.
“Ninth Master, this skill you chose shows such great foresight.” She quickly flattered him.
Ji Jiu shook his head: “Only you can use this skill. You’re the key, so your safety is crucial.” He glanced behind him, “Qin Yi, from today onward, protect Xiao Fu 24 hours a day.”
Xi Mufu was taken aback.
This seemed to be the first time she heard Ji Jiu address her like that. Was it because Abbot Shanqu and the others often called her Xiao Fu, so Ji Jiu started doing the same?
Also, she remembered that Qin Yi didn’t seem to be in the courtyard earlier – how did he suddenly appear?
What she didn’t know was that Qin Yi was the Lord of the First Hall of the Underworld, possessing immense power. Invisibility was just the most insignificant of his techniques.
Qin Yi responded respectfully in acknowledgment.
“Thank you.” She expressed her gratitude sincerely.
Although she wasn’t particularly worried about her safety – because with Ji Jiu around all this time, she felt completely secure. For some reason, she had an inexplicable trust in Ji Jiu.
Moreover, the two elders lived next door and would come to the Incense Shop during the day to exchange Xuanmen knowledge with her. With special police stationed in the town as well, she felt very safe.
“By the way.” She suddenly remembered something, “Ninth Master, are you going back to spend the New Year with your family?”
She still didn’t know Ji Jiu’s true identity, thinking he was an ordinary mortal who had family and friends, and would also celebrate mundane festivals.
Like the Third Elder of Longhu Mountain and the Fifth Elder of Maoshan Sect, who both had to return to pay respects to their founding masters during the New Year. Abbot Shanqu had also returned to his temple two days ago to oversee New Year affairs.
Thinking about how Ji Jiu and other staff from the Special Administration Bureau would also return home for the New Year, leaving only her and Qin Yi to guard the Incense Shop, she couldn’t help but feel a little melancholy.
This was the first New Year since her grandfather passed away. Before the visitors from the otherworld arrived, she had actually been living alone for several months and had long grown accustomed to solitude, mentally preparing herself to spend every holiday alone. But over the past half-month, with everyone’s company, the courtyard had become exceptionally lively. Having people accompany her every day made her reluctant to see everyone leave.
Even though she knew they would return next spring, the thought of spending New Year’s Eve all by herself still saddened her deeply.
To this, Qin Yi, who was protecting her 24/7, expressed: That’s right, I’m not human 🙂
Ji Jiu glanced at her and said quietly, “I’m not going back.”
Xi Mufu suddenly looked at him.
“The Special Administration Bureau personnel will remain here,” Ji Jiu said. “There might be otherworldly visitors arriving on New Year’s Eve itself. We can’t let our guard down.”
Put that way, it made sense. Otherworldly guests always appeared unexpectedly, and as the person in charge, Ji Jiu indeed couldn’t leave.
A surge of joy welled up in Xi Mufu’s heart, her eyes curving into smiles: “Then we’ll celebrate the New Year together! Let’s invite the professors too – the more people, the merrier.”
If Ji Jiu weren’t here, she would feel too embarrassed to invite the professors.
Ji Jiu nodded: “Alright.”
·
Just as Xi Mufu was filled with happiness, Sister Wang’s voice suddenly called from outside the main gate: “Xiao Fu, are you there?”
Ever since Xi Mufu helped Sister Wang find her son last time, Sister Wang had grown much closer to her, often bringing over fruits and vegetables from her own garden.
Xi Mufu stood up and said, “I’ll go see what’s up.”
Ji Jiu and Qin Yi followed behind her.
When Sister Wang saw the two handsome men, her eyes lit up briefly, but now wasn’t the time for appreciation. She pointed to the middle-aged man beside her and said, “Xiao Fu, this is President Liu from the city’s Elephant Supermarket. He’s encountered some trouble and would like you to help with a divination.” She paused, explaining, “I don’t know President Liu personally, but he heard about how you helped me find my son and came to me, asking me to make an introduction.”
Xi Mufu’s gaze fell upon President Liu.
This President Liu was pale and plump, looking quite fortunate.
But how had her reputation spread to the city?
“Xi Da Shi, greetings.” President Liu stepped forward to present his business card, his tone extremely respectful. “I’ve heard you’re a famous Half-Immortal. I’m currently facing some troubles and beg you to help me.”
Xi Mufu: …Huh?
Xi Da Shi?
Me?
“Hello,” she replied politely. “I’m sorry, but I’m not a master, and I don’t understand fortune-telling or mystical arts. Perhaps you could go to Tianyou Temple to find Shanqun Abbot.”
From what she knew, townspeople used to visit Tianyou Temple to pay respects. Shanqun Abbot was quite famous in this city and possessed some genuine abilities that should be able to resolve President Liu’s problem.
But President Liu shook his head: “I’ve already been to see Shanqun Abbot. He said he couldn’t solve my problem and told me to come find you.”
He had learned Xi Da Shi’s name from Shanqun Abbot himself, and after making some inquiries, discovered that Xi Da Shi was quite famous in Jingning Town – usually many people from the city came to Jingning Town for tourism, and through the townspeople’s promotion, even city residents had heard that the owner of Jingning Town’s Incense Shop was the Little Immortal.
Xi Mufu: “…”
Abbot, you certainly know how to stir up trouble!
To make matters worse, Sister Wang was fanning the flames: “That’s right, Xiao Fu is really impressive.” She once disarmed a thug from a distance and saved the kindergarten children. Her magical skills are extraordinary!”
Xi Mufu: “…”
“I’ve been having a streak of bad luck for the past week—nearly getting into a car accident, almost being hit by falling objects, and my supermarket business has been affected too. I also feel a constant chill all over my body; even with the heater on and covered by a quilt at night, it’s not enough. Abbot Shan Qu said I might have encountered some unclean entity and mentioned that you have a Protection Talisman that could help resolve my troubles.” President Liu looked at her almost pleadingly, “I’m willing to pay 500,000 for the Fu Paper. Will you sell it to me, please?”