Chapter 156: I'll Treat, You Pay

Grandmaster Yongxin pulled a small, round mirror from his breast pocket. Flipping open the lid, he checked his reflection. Despite his age and wrinkles, he felt that in this situation, he exuded the air of a true master.

Perfect!

He tucked the mirror away, patted his clothes, and stood up to leave.

Lin Fan and Old Zhang were in conversation. Their chat was at a pace ordinary people couldn't follow. Their minds jumped from topic to topic with terrifying speed. Keeping up with them was difficult.

"Unexpectedly, I've encountered the two benefactors here. It seems we are destined to meet."

Grandmaster Yongxin approached, a smile on his face. Although a graduate of a prestigious Buddhist academy and steeped in Buddhist scriptures, he wasn't a monk. In his youth, he had been a strikingly handsome man.

But handsome men often suffer one unfortunate fate: baldness in middle age. It's a law of nature.

He was now bald, and combined with his slightly Buddhist-like countenance, he looked every bit the part of a grandmaster.

Lin Fan and Old Zhang exchanged glances, expressions of confusion on their faces.

Who is he?

Grandmaster Yongxin, unaware of their thoughts, assumed they were awestruck by his masterful aura. He had deliberately toned it down to appear approachable, hoping they would see him as a friend. He desperately wanted to avoid creating any distance between them.

"Lin Fan, when people greet us, we should shake their hands," Old Zhang whispered.

"Yes, you're right," Lin Fan nodded.

Grandmaster Yongxin, overhearing their whispers, was puzzled. Their way of speaking was peculiar. But these details were unimportant. One-Eyed Dragon had a saying: Strong individuals have their quirks.

"Hello."

They extended their hands towards Grandmaster Yongxin. Shaking hands, feeling each other's warmth – this was how good friendships began.

Grandmaster Yongxin, oblivious to their unique social customs, shook their hands one by one. He quickly realized something was amiss. One hand remained clasped in his, while the other person's hand was still extended. This was… not entirely insurmountable. He instantly understood and crossed his hands to shake with both of them simultaneously.

He was a persistent and quick-witted individual. As long as there weren't more than three people, he had enough hands for everyone.

Friendship often blossoms from the first encounter.

Just after Grandmaster Yongxin left with Lin Fan and Old Zhang, One-Eyed Dragon emerged from the building with five experts from headquarters. He immediately spotted Yongxin leaving with the two mental patients he had brought in.

He stared after them for a few seconds, then looked away.

I hope he won't regret this.

The younger patient wasn't the most frightening; the truly terrifying one was the unassuming older man, whose acupuncture skills were genuinely formidable.

Jin Heli was adept at reading people. She noticed One-Eyed Dragon staring into the distance. Yongxin's mingling with the two patients surprised her, but after the Roach Demon incident, she understood that the two patients were powerful.

Downtown streets.

Due to the Roach Demon, many buildings had suffered damage. Yanhai City's relevant departments were working urgently on repairs, all expenses covered by the special department, sparing the citizens any financial burden.

More people than usual were out shopping. Logically, with such extensive damage, there shouldn't be many places to go. Even if there were, yesterday's events would surely keep people at home, too afraid to venture out.

But the citizens' reasoning was simple:

Embrace life, face challenges head-on, and enjoy the present moment.

Who knows when one might unexpectedly die?

Meanwhile, Grandmaster Yongxin casually chatted with the two, avoiding direct questions about their cultivation methods. He wanted to cultivate friendship first. Being too direct would make him seem like he had an ulterior motive.

He was overthinking it. They hadn't even considered the possibility, let alone taken it seriously.

Never be polite with mental patients. Being polite with them is just asking for trouble.

"Where are you from?" Grandmaster Yongxin inquired.

"Qingshan," Lin Fan replied, then pointed at Old Zhang. "He's from the same place as me."

Grandmaster Yongxin was puzzled. Where was Qingshan? He didn't recall such a place. But he didn't dwell on it, smiling as he said, "Oh, that place! I know it. The scenery is beautiful, and the people are wonderful."

This was reminiscent of those writers' association gatherings.

A group would proudly declare, "I've read such-and-such a famous foreign novel. The writing is superb!" Then they'd ask others, "Have you read it?"

Those who hadn't would be met with disdain. How could you be here if you haven't even read that book?

When asked if they had read "Er Gou Dan Battles Steve," their expressions would shift from surprise to confusion, then to sudden realization: "Of course! That book is amazing! Unforgettable! Like a refreshing spring in the scorching heat!"

(That book title is entirely made up.)

Then, silence would descend.

Get out!

That's roughly what it meant.

Lin Fan smiled. "Yes, the scenery is beautiful, and the people are wonderful. I like them very much."

"Haha," Grandmaster Yongxin chuckled. "I must visit sometime. If it's not too much trouble, I'd like to stay there for a while."

"Sure, we can take you there now," Lin Fan offered.

He and Old Zhang were homesick again, thinking of chatting with old friends. It would surely be a joyous occasion.

Grandmaster Yongxin's spirits soared. He began to admire his own ability to make friends. With just a few words, he had gained their favor. Who could be more impressive?

"Then I'll gladly accept your offer. I apologize for the imposition," Grandmaster Yongxin said, not bothering with false modesty. His goal was to build rapport with Lin Fan, and this was a golden opportunity.

Staying at their home for a while would naturally strengthen their friendship.

If he knew Qingshan was Qingshan Mental Hospital, he probably wouldn't be so enthusiastic.

Thud!

An elderly man carrying two bags of cement stumbled and fell, the weight too much for him.

Nearby workers called out, "Take a break if you need to. You're too old for this kind of heavy lifting."

They were all casual laborers. The extensive damage in Yanhai City required repair crews, and these cement bags were delivered from the cement factory by trucks. The workers were hired by the factory to transport the cement to the construction sites.

"I'm fine, don't mind me," the old man insisted.

As he struggled to lift the cement again, he saw a pair of feet appear before him and heard a voice.

"Let me help you."

Lin Fan effortlessly picked up the two bags of cement and walked towards the building.

"Thank you, young man, but I can do it. You'll get your clothes dirty," the old man called after him.

Lin Fan placed the cement inside, smiled, and said, "It's no problem. Helping others is what we should do."

He then walked back outside.

Grandmaster Yongxin asked, "Weren't we going to Qingshan?"

Lin Fan shook his head. "Not for now. I have something more meaningful to do. Old Zhang, go rest over there and watch me work."

"Okay." Old Zhang sat down nearby with the demonic rooster, waiting.

Grandmaster Yongxin stood there, stunned.

Carry things?

What am I supposed to do?

His purpose in approaching Lin Fan was simple: to build a relationship and learn a thing or two.

Now, his plan was disrupted.

There was no other choice. He would have to join in the carrying. The sooner it was over, the better.

"Can you handle it?" Lin Fan asked, seeing his new friend also carrying cement. He was concerned; after all, the man was quite old and shouldn't overexert himself.

"I have no problem," Grandmaster Yongxin replied gently. I, a powerful graduate of the Buddhist academy, am known as a meat shield in combat. I can endure and take a beating. These little things are nothing. I can carry four or five bags in one hand with ease.

Such words were a bit humiliating. If others knew that a top expert from the Yanhai City special department was carrying cement, they would laugh their heads off.

But if news reporters saw this, they would definitely take pictures of him carrying cement with the caption:

[Top expert of the special department connects with the people, setting a good example for the new era.]

Grandmaster Yongxin's status and strength were worthy of such flattering media attention.

As Lin Fan passed by him carrying cement, he smiled. "You're a truly good person."

"I always strive for good in my heart," Grandmaster Yongxin replied, presenting his best qualities. He had no other intention than to gain favor.

He was also a little smug.

Lin Daoming and the others had expressed interest in this young man, hoping for a brief exchange.

He had disagreed. If they all tried to curry favor, his competition would increase. So he had put on a serious face and told them:

Be mindful of our status. He's just a young man. Can you lower yourselves to flatter him? I certainly can't. If any of you do, I'll spread the word and see if you can still show your face.

This effectively blocked their path. They all agreed it was impossible; they would never approach the young man.

Grandmaster Yongxin had smiled with satisfaction. Then he went alone to find Lin Fan, engaging in deep conversation and fostering friendship.

So far, everything was going smoothly.

Shared joy is less than solitary joy.

He alone was enough.

One truckload of cement was unloaded, but another arrived. Grandmaster Yongxin felt the rhythm was a bit off, but seeing Lin Fan's enthusiasm, he could only persevere.

The sky gradually darkened.

The unloading was finally finished.

Lin Fan and Grandmaster Yongxin each held a few hundred yuan, their wages for the day's work.

"Cheap labor," Grandmaster Yongxin muttered, looking at the money in his hand. In a blink, Lin Fan took the money, walked over to the old man, and handed it to him. "This is your money."

The old man was stunned. "But this is yours."

"No, we just helped you with the work," Lin Fan explained.

He and Old Zhang didn't need money. Their lives were fulfilling, and many people cared for them. This old man, however, worked hard and needed help.

Grandmaster Yongxin realized Lin Fan was a kind-hearted person.

Kindness is good.

It makes communication easier.

But giving away all the money they earned after a day's work… He wasn't reluctant to part with the money, but was this level of help necessary? If he had known beforehand, he could have simply given the old man the money himself.

"You're a good person. Let me treat you to dinner," Lin Fan said.

He felt fortunate to have encountered only normal people, not those with mental issues. Of course, he never discriminated against people with mental illnesses. They were already unfortunate enough. But sometimes their actions could be dangerous, and for Old Zhang's safety, they had to avoid them.

Grandmaster Yongxin was in high spirits.

A good beginning often starts with a meal.

Old Zhang was snoring where he sat. Lin Fan woke him up, and they excitedly followed Lin Fan to find a place to eat. They were starving, almost faint from hunger.

The three of them, along with the demonic rooster, walked down the street, looking at the various restaurants. They stopped at a small eatery.

Lin Fan pointed. "Let's eat here."

Xin Xin Home-Style Cooking.

Grandmaster Yongxin agreed. "Alright."

They ate at a simple restaurant, while One-Eyed Dragon and the others dined at a luxurious restaurant, hosting the five experts. Jin Heli, Liu Haichan, Lin Daoming, and other high-ranking members of the Yanhai City special department were also present.

Initially, One-Eyed Dragon had intended for everyone to go their separate ways.

But he couldn't bring himself to do it.

That day, he had taken them to visit the families of the deceased members. The five experts were all seasoned veterans in the fight against demons, and they too had lost comrades. So, before One-Eyed Dragon could say anything, they had all offered their condolences.

Regardless of their personalities, at least in matters like this, they shared the same sentiment.

Since they were all bleeding (metaphorically), One-Eyed Dragon decided to bleed a little himself and treat them to a meal.

"Why didn't Grandmaster Yongxin come?" Heng Jianqiu asked. The experts stationed in Yanhai City had all once lived in seclusion before being recruited by One-Eyed Dragon. They were all senior figures, and it was customary to pay respects when the opportunity arose.

Jin Heli replied, "He didn't answer his phone. We couldn't reach him."

Since they couldn't reach him, there was nothing they could do.

They began the meal with drinks and conversation.

Heng Jianqiu looked at One-Eyed Dragon. "Did you know the Roach Demon would come to Yanhai City? You pretended to leave, but you were actually circling around, waiting for the opportunity, weren't you?"

"Hehe," One-Eyed Dragon chuckled, offering no further explanation.

The place was crowded, and he didn't want to say too much.

He was certain now; there was definitely a mole at headquarters, and a high-ranking one at that. Honestly, anyone who came from headquarters looked suspicious to him, especially the higher-ups.

Heng Jianqiu said, "It's alright if you don't say anything. We know you suspect there's a mole at headquarters, but we can guarantee there absolutely isn't one."

"Just because you say there isn't one doesn't mean there isn't. You can't see into people's hearts," the one-eyed man replied.

Heng Jianqiu looked at the one-eyed man meaningfully and said, "You're right. You really can't see into people's hearts. We came to Yanhai City to help, but we didn't expect to be set up by you. But it doesn't matter. Even if you hadn't done this, we would have come anyway. Come, let's raise a glass to those members who gave their lives for Yanhai City. May their spirit live on forever."

"Cheers!"

"Cheers!"

Everyone stood up, their expressions solemn, raised their glasses high, and then drank them down in one gulp.

After they sat down, the private room was quiet. Everyone's expression was different, but it was hard to discern any problems from their faces.

They all had their own thoughts.

The one-eyed man found it hard to trust anyone from headquarters. Too many things made him feel there was a problem there. Secrets were like that; tell one person, and it's hard to guarantee a third won't find out.

Liu Haichan and the others, invited out of retirement by the one-eyed man, were just coasting along. Slaying evil creatures? No problem. But as for anything requiring brainpower, don't bother them. Even if you did, it would be useless; they didn't want to get involved.

They were on the one-eyed man's side. If you asked, they would tell you what they knew. If you didn't ask, they wouldn't go looking for trouble. They spent their days drinking tea, playing cards, living a leisurely life. If they really had nothing to do, they'd go and guide the newly graduated youngsters, basking in the admiring gazes of the younger generation.

Listening to the flattery, enjoying themselves.

Jin Helian spoke little, only listened. If she opened her mouth, there was bound to be a mistake, and mistakes inevitably led to trouble. So it was best to stay quiet. Even if she heard something questionable, she wouldn't say it out loud. She would keep it in her heart, go back, calm down, and carefully analyze it. After all, in special situations, people's brains were often in a foolish state.

That's why there were those who regretted saying things they shouldn't have said in certain situations. It was always hindsight.

Heng Jianqiu looked at the one-eyed man and asked with a smile, "Did you get the body of the evil Cockroach Demon?"

"Get it? How? This Cockroach Demon had a practically indestructible body. In the end, we could only destroy it to ashes, not even a scrap of flesh left. Sigh, if only there were some scraps left, we could have studied the Cockroach Demon thoroughly," the one-eyed man said helplessly.

"Is that so?" Heng Jianqiu's expression seemed to be both believing and disbelieving.

But none of this mattered to the one-eyed man.

Whether you believe it or not, what came out of my mouth is what happened. There's nothing you can do if you don't believe it.

"That goatee of yours is a bit conspicuous. When are you going to trim it?" the one-eyed man changed the subject.

Heng Jianqiu stroked his goatee and smiled. "This is my precious treasure. How can I just casually trim it? Oh, right, why didn't that Hao Ren come? Don't tell me you didn't invite him?"

"Do you want the truth or a lie?" the one-eyed man asked.

"The truth, of course," Heng Jianqiu said, smiling, then a look of reminiscence crossed his face. "It's been so many years. I wonder how he's doing now."

The one-eyed man said, "He said if you want to see him, you have to pay."

"What do you mean?" Heng Jianqiu asked, surprised.

"Those were his exact words. If you want to see him, you have to pay," the one-eyed man said, deeply exasperated. Hao Ren had completely fallen into the money pit. Actually, he knew Hao Ren didn't want to see them, didn't want to have anything to do with them. Did that Qingshan Psychiatric Hospital really have that much charm? He was actually wholeheartedly devoted to it.

Heng Jianqiu slapped a bank card on the table. "This money is as good as given. We're old friends; how could we be stingy with this kind of money? Call him over. We may not have much else, but we're not afraid to spend money."

"Ten billion," the one-eyed man said.

Heng Jianqiu put the bank card back in his pocket and said gravely, "We've recently discovered that the sinkhole near Mount Tai might be changing. We've already detected unusual energy fluctuations."

The one-eyed man pressed, "Aren't you going to call Hao Ren?"

Heng Jianqiu pretended to be unconcerned. "This has nothing to do with Hao Ren. Calling him over wouldn't be of any use. It's better for us to talk about serious matters. I suspect the sinkhole that appeared on Mount Tai might be affecting some things."

The one-eyed man smiled. "What things?"

"Mythology," Heng Jianqiu said, raising a finger and pointing at the ceiling.

Am I pointing at the ceiling? I'm pointing at the sky.

The one-eyed man's face remained expressionless, but his heart was far from calm. This wasn't the first time he'd heard about mythology.

Old Chen had also speculated about a connection to mythology before. One person saying it was fine, but when a second person said the same thing, it meant there was something to it.

"Go on."

Heng Jianqiu didn't hide anything. "In ancient mythology, Mount Tai in the east held great significance, with many myths surrounding it. The most famous is that Mount Tai is the head of an ancient mythological figure. There's also the myth of the God of Mount Tai, rumored to be the gateway to hell. I'm guessing, could those evil creatures be escaping from hell?"

"If that's really the case, then we're facing things from mythology."

There's an element of fantasy to it.

The one-eyed man couldn't help but laugh. "How much fake alcohol have you drunk? Mythology? Haven't you analyzed the genes of those evil creatures? They're almost identical to the beasts and insects we know today."

He's pretending not to believe it.

In fact, he's already starting to suspect it.

Old Chen told him about it.

Now Heng Jianqiu was saying the same thing.

To still hold the attitude that it's impossible would be foolish. Maybe Heng Jianqiu was trying to scare him, but Old Chen, who pursued the truth, would never talk nonsense. He must have discovered something.

"Haha!" Heng Jianqiu laughed. "I really have had too much to drink. If I keep drinking with you, I might even tell the story of how you confessed your feelings in school and got friend-zoned."

The one-eyed man glared at him unhappily. "Is there any difference between saying that and not saying it?"

Just as Heng Jianqiu had said these things, the person beside him gently kicked his ankle, signaling him to stop talking nonsense and change the subject, treating it as mere bragging.

Laughter filled the private room. Everyone was chatting happily. Although they all had their own thoughts, everything was developing in a warm and friendly direction.

Only two people at the scene took Heng Jianqiu's words seriously.

One was the one-eyed man, and the other was Jin Helian.

Lin Daoming was the most curious.

Because he was a Daoist.

He was very familiar with those mythological figures, but they were just myths. Who knew if they were real or not? At least in his cultivation journey so far, he had never had an ancient mythological figure communicate with him. Even if one had just farted in his presence, he would have believed that all of this existed.

Xinxin Home-Style Restaurant.

Master Yongxin stared dumbfounded at the plates in front of him, stacked a meter high.

"A good appetite is a blessing."

He sighed.

Wonderful.

Lin Fan loved the food here, and he was starving, needing a lot of food to replenish his energy.

Not long after, he put down his bowl.

"Although I'm not full yet, I know I shouldn't eat too much at night. It's not good for my health."

Lin Fan said, rubbing his belly and squinting his eyes.

Master Yongxin admired him. He had eaten so much and could still say he wasn't full. Look at the expressions of the diners around them; they looked like they had seen a monster.

"Let me get the bill," Master Yongxin said. He wanted to build a good relationship with Lin Fan, so he was trying his best to gain favor with him. If anyone said this was brown-nosing, he would immediately lose his temper. How could making friends be considered brown-nosing? How dirty must your mind be?

Lin Fan said, "Okay, I'll treat, and you pay. We agreed on that earlier."

Master Yongxin, who was taking out his wallet, paused slightly.

There's something wrong with that statement.