Chapter 45

Xu Yan asked, "Yao Yu classmate, but why do you need my help to donate? Can't you do it yourself?"

Chen Yao Yu's face darkened, seemingly displeased that someone dared to refuse her request. She clearly suppressed her emotions and patiently explained, "I don't want to donate because I don't want to draw attention to myself or become a role model at school. Moreover, Xue Ting and I are roommates, and we get along very well. If she finds out that I donated so much money, her attitude towards me would change, and our relationship would become strained. In the future, it would be awkward for us to be together—do you understand what I mean?"

"I get the general idea; you want to do good without leaving a name— but why ask me to donate? You are roommates, and there should be many other classmates who can help with this, right?"

In fact, this was a question that Chen Yao Yu found strange herself—after all, compared to this boy she had just met, there were many more suitable people she could entrust with this task. Why did she feel that this boy was reliable and trustworthy the moment she saw him?

She gave Xu Yan a glare, "After all, it's 30,000 yuan, not a small amount. If I just randomly ask someone, what if that person gets greedy and embezzles the money? Since you like Xue Ting, and you don't seem like someone who would embezzle money... I don't think you would keep the money for yourself, right?

If you refuse, I can go back to class and find another boy to help. You know, there are quite a few boys in our department who like Xue Ting, and they would be very willing to have this opportunity—what do you say, are you a man of your word, will you do it or not?"

Xu Yan hesitated, chin in hand: Indeed, as Chen Yao Yu said, this was a good deed that benefited both others and himself, but her aggressive tone made him uncomfortable. If he didn't do it, this good deed would fall into the hands of Gong Xue Ting's admirers—well, Xu Yan admitted, he wasn't a saint. He nodded firmly, "I'll do it!"

Chen Yao Yu's lips curled up into a smile.

Immediately, she took Xu Yan to a bank, withdrew 30,000 yuan in cash, and handed him an envelope, "Take it, and give it to Xue Ting as soon as possible."

Xu Yan took the envelope and asked, "Should I write a receipt for you?"

Chen Yao Yu was straightforward, "No need! But if you dare to embezzle my money, you're dead!"

Her answer was so domineering that Xu Yan was speechless.

After returning from the hospital, Xu Yan rushed home, pushed the door open, and shouted, "Xuan Yun! I'm back!"

Hearing Xu Yan's voice, Zhu Youxiang, dressed in ancient robes, came out to greet him. Xu Yan glanced at the living room, where the TV was showing news: "Xuan Yun, were you watching the news all day?"

"Yes, I watched the news broadcast and the news from Shu Capital, and I found it very interesting!"

To be honest, Xu Yan really admired Zhu Youxiang. This girl could sit in front of the TV all day, watching leaders in meetings, inspections, and giving important instructions, without blinking. Her ability to sit still and focus was something Xu Yan admired greatly.

He laughed, "Xuan Yun, I think you're the only one who finds these news interesting—do you have news in your Ming Dynasty?"

Zhu Youxiang thought for a moment and shook her head, "In our dynasty, there are only official gazettes, and they are only available to officials. Ordinary people cannot see them. Your country's news is complete with sound and images, much more vivid and educational than our official gazettes."

"So, we also have our official gazettes, some newspapers are specifically for leaders to read, like 'Internal Reference' or some confidential documents."

Zhu Youxiang nodded, "There is a clear distinction between officials and the people, and it should be so." As she spoke, she looked at Xu Yan, her expression slightly changed, her eyes scanning his face, her brows furrowed, and she sized him up.

"Xu Gongzi, where did you go today?"

Xu Yan thought that Zhu Youxiang was really cooperative. He was still wondering how to bring up the topic, and she had already asked. He pondered, "Xuan Yun, do you remember? When we bought clothes, my classmate Gong Xue Ting..."

"Is it that Gong Miss?" Zhu Youxiang nodded seriously, "Gong Miss is very kind and热情, I naturally remember her—how is this related to her?"

"Today, Gong Xue Ting's father fell ill, and I went to the hospital with a few classmates—what's wrong? Xuan Yun, is there something wrong?"

Zhu Youxiang smiled and nodded, "Gongzi, you have a faint trace of demonic aura on you, but it's very light." She reached out and lightly patted Xu Yan's shoulder. Xu Yan felt a warm sensation, a warm current flowed into his shoulder, then into his chest and abdomen, making him feel refreshed and the discomfort he felt earlier disappeared.

Xu Yan thanked Zhu Youxi, who waved her hand, "Gongzi, there's no need to be polite. The demonic aura you have is not deep, just a trace. Even without my help, it would naturally dissipate in the sunlight."

"Xuan Yun, what is demonic aura? Is it from the demon realm?"

"Demonic aura is not a living thing; it is a unique aura in the demon realm, opposite to the spiritual energy we cultivate. Our spiritual energy is nourishing to the human body, while demonic aura is the opposite, cold and highly corrosive. Once a human is invaded by demonic aura, their vital energy will be drained, and they will soon wither and die—Gongzi, did you come into contact with the patient today?"

"Exactly." Xu Yan took out the book "The White Deer Disciple's Training" from his schoolbag, "When I got close to him, this book suddenly caught fire without any wind, and it was very hot. I didn't dare to get closer, and the flames went out."

Zhu Youxiang took the book and asked, "Was the flame a deep red?"

"Exactly! A deep red flame, very intense!"

"Then that's it. This is not ordinary fire; it is the true fire of spiritual energy. Gongzi, this book 'The White Deer Disciple's Training' was written by the scholar Lu and blessed by the teachers of the academy. Keeping it close to you is beneficial to your health and has the power to ward off evil and calm the mind. However, just as cultivators and demons are mortal enemies, spiritual energy and demonic aura are also mortal enemies. Once they encounter each other, they will immediately fight and attack each other, either one will be destroyed or the other will be consumed.

Gongzi, I gave you this book to protect you, but I didn't expect you to encounter demonic aura on the first day. This is also the will of heaven." Zhu Youxiang sighed, deeply regretful.

Hearing Zhu Youxiang's words, Xu Yan suddenly understood. Thinking about how Zhu Youxiang had taken care of him and secretly given him a protective treasure, he felt a bit moved but didn't know how to express his gratitude.

"Gongzi, you should first tell me about the patient who was invaded by demonic aura—uh, is it Gong Miss's father? How is Mr. Gong now?"

"His condition is not good. The doctor said—oh, according to your terms, it should be a physician?"

"Gongzi, it's fine, I gradually understand your words and terms. Please continue—what did the physician say?"

"The physician said he wouldn't last more than seven days."

Xu Yan recounted his experiences of the day, especially emphasizing the black layer he saw on Gong Xue Ting's father's face and forehead, and the doctor's opinion: "The physicians said that there have been several cases like this in the hospital, and it seems that many people are affected."

Zhu Youxiang nodded silently, confirming her suspicion—this world was being invaded by the demon realm to a significant extent. She looked at Xu Yan and asked calmly, "Gongzi, do you want me to help treat Mr. Gong?"

Xu Yan found it easy and pleasant to talk to Zhu Youxiang. Many things he didn't need to say, she already understood his intentions, saving him a lot of effort.

"Xuan Yun, can you help with this?"

Zhu Youxiang was silent for a moment, neither saying yes nor no, but asked, "Gongzi, from the news I've seen, hospitals in your country seem to be under the control of the government?"

"Ah, this... you're right. Yes, public hospitals are owned by the state."

"Is the hospital where Mr. Gong is also under the government?"

"The First People's Hospital is a public hospital, that's correct—but why are you asking this?"

As soon as he said it, Xu Yan realized: Zhu Youxiang was always cautious about the government on Earth. Since Gong Xue Ting's father was in a public hospital, she was probably unwilling to go there.

Sure enough, as Xu Yan expected, Zhu Youxiang said calmly, "From your description, the patient is not in a critical condition and still has a chance of survival. If I were to help, it wouldn't be difficult. He is only invaded by demonic aura, and to save him, I just need to input spiritual energy to remove the demonic aura."

"But..."

"But I am not in a position to help. The reason, Gongzi, is clear: I don't have a local household registration or travel permit. If I attract the attention of the government, it would cause a lot of trouble—so, I really can't help, and I hope you understand my difficulties."

Xu Yan's face fell. He remembered the encounter with the police last time, which was very dangerous. If it weren't for the murderer who happened to pass by and distract the police, the next thing that would have happened would have been Zhu Youxiang losing control and killing the police on the spot.

Xu Yan gradually understood why, after coming to this world, Zhu Youxiang had never left his home except for the time he took her to buy clothes. It wasn't because she was a homebody or loved watching TV news; it was because she understood her situation, which seemed safe but was actually dangerous. So, she chose to stay hidden in his home, minimizing her outings and contact with the outside world, and reducing the possibility of contact with the government.

Over time, Xu Yan had gradually discovered that although Zhu Youxiang appeared gentle and polite, she was actually a very decisive person. Once she made up her mind, no amount of persuasion would change it. So, he wisely gave up trying to persuade her and asked, "Xuan Yun, besides you personally helping, is there any other way to save the patient?"

Zhu Youxiang pondered for a moment and nodded, "There is a way to save the patient, but Gongzi, are you planning to do it yourself?"

"Yes, Xuan Yun, is there anything wrong with that?"

"I advise you not to," Zhu Youxiang said seriously, "Gongzi, as you said, many people have been invaded by demonic aura, and the government is starting to take this seriously. If you expose your ability to save people, it will attract the attention of the government and others, and you will have endless trouble. I hope you consider this carefully."

Xu Yan pondered, understanding the unspoken implication: if he exposed himself, she would also be in danger.

After some thought, Xu Yan decided to save the patient—being noticed by the authorities was just a possibility, but if he didn't act, Gong Xue Ting's father would definitely die. Compared to the two, saving a life was more important.

After he made up his mind, Xu Yan still insisted on going to save the patient. Zhu Youxiang could only sigh. She pondered for a moment, then took out a small black porcelain bottle from her long sleeve and handed it to Xu Yan, "This bottle contains 100 Clear Evil and Drive Demon Pills, personally made by my second master, Qing Yun... You might want to try it."

Hearing that it was a privately made drug, Xu Yan's face changed. He thought of some terms: "self-made medicine, unlicensed practice, traditional Chinese medicine, century-old secret formula..."

He shivered and forced a laugh, "What does this medicine