Fellow Daoist! That scoundrel has written a new book again.

Chapter 18: Treasure of Heaven and Earth

Because he dared not speak directly, he could only persuade Zhu Wuyao indirectly, guiding him to use the brush and see if he could naturally make the spirit recognize him as its master.

Just as Zhu Wuyao wrote down the divination text, he took the opportunity to circulate his spiritual power and unlock the layers of seals on his eyes.

In his gaze, there was only that seemingly ordinary writing brush.

It was held all alone in Zhu Wuyao's hand.

His body had neither spiritual light nor causal lines, as if he were not subject to the cycle of reincarnation and did not care about fortune or misfortune.

But in this world, what thing is without cause and effect?

What materials it was made of, who carved it, who gave it to, and for what reason it was given away—all these are the inevitable causes and effects of its existence in the world.

Therefore, the fact that it has never been connected with anyone and has no causal relationship already demonstrates its extraordinary nature.

Just as he focused his attention on it, in Shen Anzhi's vision, the pen suddenly trembled slightly, the ink turned black, and the sky turned white, the two colors mixing and swirling together.

Until it completely stained the gray-white mist in his eyes.

It all happened in an instant.

When he came to his senses, a sharp pain shot through his eyes, and Shen Anzhi abruptly closed them, unable to bear looking any longer.

When he opened his eyes again, he experienced a brief period of blindness, tears of blood welled up in his eyes, and a warning lingered in his heart.

Shen Anzhi was trembling with fear—this brush actually possessed sentience!

Hearing Zhu Wuyao's question, he suppressed his chaotic thoughts and pretended to be nonchalant, saying:

"I just had an epiphany and tried a new technique, but I ended up making a mistake."

He sighed softly, wiping away the blood and tears from the corners of his eyes.

The counterattack from this supreme treasure of heaven and earth wasn't severe; it was merely a warning, and it should heal in a few days.

Unfortunately, I can't use my spiritual power freely these next few days.

Thinking of this, he suddenly paused, no wonder... Shen Anzhi seemed to be thinking about the divination he had just performed for Ji Yuezhang.

At the time, he predicted that Zhu Wuyao would meet with misfortune in a few days, but he was very puzzled.

Although he was not good at fighting, he could still lead people to safety, so how could he let Zhu Wuyao be in danger?

But, just a quarter of an hour later, fate provided the answer—

It turned out that he was the one who was injured.

Zhu Wuyao, standing to the side, was half-believing and half-doubting. She looked at Shen Anzhi's unfocused eyes and couldn't hide her worry.

But Shen Anzhi was unwilling to say more, so she didn't press him for details.

After thinking for a moment, Zhu Wuyao began to pack up her fortune-telling stall. Although she had only done one divination today, the sight of Shen Anzhi's eyes filled with tears of blood made her feel that there might be danger around her.

People shouldn't stand still when they clearly realize something is wrong.

As a "wise" person, Zhu Wuyao did some calculations and felt that it was not a good day to go out.

Shen Anzhi noticed Zhu Wuyao's actions and hesitated to speak.

Actually... there's no need to go back.

However, Shen Anzhi was not good at lying and couldn't think of a good way to stop it for a moment. He could only watch helplessly as Zhu Wuyao, like a frightened rabbit, prepared to go back to her burrow.

Hey, whatever.

There are still three months left, so there's no need to rush to draw qi into the body.

Thinking this, Shen Anzhi was about to get up and help pack his things when Zhu Wuyao pushed him back down onto the stool.

"Brother Shen, take good care of your injuries!"

Shen Anzhi sat back down on the stool, somewhat bewildered.

Just as Zhu Wuyao had finished packing and was preparing to return home, a servant suddenly appeared, shouting as he ran—

"Master Wuyan, wait!"

Zhu Wuyao looked at the newcomer with some hesitation. In the short time she hesitated, the servant had already run up to the stall, panting.

He was bent over, his hands resting on his knees, exhausted.

Now that things have come to this, Zhu Wuyao can't leave even if he wants to.

After the servant had caught his breath, Zhu Wuyao spoke first:

"I just had a realization, and I should go home early today. What's up?"

The servant was somewhat disappointed upon hearing this, but he quickly recounted what his master had instructed him to do:

"Master Silent Daoist, I'm a waiter at the 'Longevity Inn.' Our inn... might have a demon!"

Zhu Wuyao raised an eyebrow, realizing that what he had just said made perfect sense—he should indeed have gone home earlier today!

This "Longevity Inn" was the inn where she stayed for many days after arriving in Beixuan City.

She had barely left when news of a demon appeared.

It all seems too coincidental.

This servant boy, Zhang Fu, was sent by the manager today to urge the guests to check out. He knocked on the door for a long time, but no one came to open it.

He thought the guest had just left with their luggage, and was about to push the door open when he found it was locked from the inside.

Li Fu grumbled as he went downstairs, intending to ask the manager what to do. On the way, he ran into the owner, who immediately sensed something was wrong. He quietly had the second floor cleared out and brought some employees to break down the door.

Sure enough, something happened to the guests inside!

His chest was ripped open, as if he had been mauled by a wild animal, but there were not many signs of a struggle inside the house, and there were no signs of damage to the doors and windows, so this could not have been done by human hands.

Fearing damage to his reputation, the owner intended to quietly cordon off the room and secretly report it to the Star-Picking Tower for investigation. However, a guest who had just woken up came out to see what was going on and happened to witness it.

His shout shook the entire inn three times.

The owner was almost driven to despair when, coincidentally, the manager of the Longevity Inn knew the name "Master Wuyan" and also knew that Zhu Wuyao was probably related to the Star-Picking Tower.

Upon hearing this, the owner immediately sent someone to report to the Star-Picking Tower's permanent residence and also summoned Li Fu to see if he could run into "Master Wuyan".

This just so happened, but then Master Wuyan said he had to go home...

Seeing the waiter's worried face, Zhu Wuyao silently apologized in his heart.

I apologize for being a fake fortune teller.

She felt the matter was too bizarre and instinctively didn't want to get involved.

He hasn't even managed to draw qi into his body yet; he's just a mortal now. Getting involved in such demonic matters is practically suicide.

Besides, the owner of the Longevity Inn has already sent someone to inform the disciples stationed at the Star-Picking Tower, so he probably won't be needed.

Zhu Wuyao was determined to refuse.

Unexpectedly, Shen Anzhi, who was standing next to Zhu Wuyao, spoke up at this moment:

"I am a disciple of the Star-Picking Tower. You may come with me."

Zhang Fu had thought he wouldn't be able to summon Master Wuyan, but to his surprise, the disciple from Zhaixinglou standing beside him was actually willing to go and take a look, which made him extremely excited.

Zhu Wuyao frowned and pulled Shen Anzhi over:

"Brother Shen, your eyes?"

"It's just a minor issue. It's not advisable to use your spiritual power for the next couple of days, but if you encounter danger, it's okay to use it."

Zhu Wuyao was somewhat speechless, and Shen Anzhi continued to explain:

"Because my junior sister and I went down the mountain for training, the disciples stationed at the Star-Picking Tower are on leave, so you probably won't find anyone at the Longevity Inn."

That being said, Zhu Wuyao was still very worried.

Brother Shen's innate magical talent mainly lies in his eyes. Now that he can't easily cast spells, what should he do if he encounters danger?

Zhu Wuyao truly cherishes his life.

She feared that getting involved with demons would bring trouble upon herself; but if something happened to Shen Anzhi, her chances of successfully drawing qi into his body would be greatly reduced.

Neither side will have a good ending.

Zhu Wuyao felt a pang of resentment in her chest. She looked up at Shen Anzhi and said:

"You are such a kind person."