Chapter 89

Since Xuyan met Wenshuzhi, the latter had always given him the impression of being confident and capable. He was always full of energy and self-assured, like an engine that never rested. Xuyan had never seen him display such a weak expression.

Under the immense pressure, Wenshuzhi was also wavering.

In response to Wenshuzhi's question, Xuyan could only tightly press his lips together. He lowered his eyelids and remained silent.

After looking at Xuyan for a while without getting a response, Wenshuzhi could only let out a bitter laugh. He muttered, "I understand. This question was wrong of me to ask. There's no way you could answer it—F virus rage syndrome is a new disease. You couldn't have had a patient to test the medicine on before."

He sat up straight, as if to breathe more easily, and unbuttoned his military uniform, leaving it open. He gazed at the sea of clouds outside the window for a long time. Xuyan watched him from behind, suddenly feeling that this thin figure looked lonely and fragile, bearing a tremendous burden in this frail body.

"Wen-ge..." Xuyan called out, but didn't know what to say.

Hearing Xuyan's voice, Wenshuzhi turned his head. He looked at Xuyan and said seriously, "Brother, it's nothing. Let's proceed according to the plan."

"But, if..."

"If the medicine works and the person is successfully cured, everything will be fine. Even if the worst happens and the pill is ineffective, at least the task force will have a living rage patient for research. This will still be useful for further research—capturing a live one for study is a reasonable achievement, right?"

Wenshuzhi stared blankly for a moment, then waved his hand at Xuyan. "Go back and rest. I'll think about it some more."

Xuyan got up and left, returning to his seat in the economy class. Zhu Youxiang was still looking out the window at the sea of clouds, enjoying the view. Xuyan quietly told her about the decision they had just discussed. She remained calm, only raising her delicate eyebrows slightly. "To capture a person possessed by a demonic spirit alive? That won't be easy."

"Yes, they plan to use net guns, electric shock guns, and tranquilizer guns to deal with him—Xuanyun, what do you think? Will these work?"

Zhu Youxiang shook her head. "I have never seen the net guns, electric shock guns, and tranquilizer guns you mentioned. I don't know how powerful these devices are, so I can't answer. However, I remember that about 300 years ago, a small-scale disaster occurred in Henan. Someone was possessed by a demonic spirit. The local military tried to capture the demon alive, mobilizing over a thousand soldiers, but the operation failed, resulting in dozens of casualties.

"This shows that even though a demonic spirit is a low-level demon, it's difficult to capture it alive without the presence of cultivators. After possession, humans become puppets of the demon, and ordinary weapons have little effect on them. They are very difficult to deal with. You need to be extra careful."

Thinking of Wenshuzhi's anxious expression earlier, Xuyan hesitated and asked, "Xuanyun, if our capture operation doesn't go smoothly, will you lend a hand?"

Without any hesitation, Zhu Youxiang said firmly, "No."

Seeing Xuyan's disappointed face, she smiled and said seriously, "I've already told you, haven't I? Unless your life is in danger, I won't intervene."

Xuyan asked softly, "Why?"

Zhu Youxiang shook her head with a smile. "This is your country's struggle against the disaster. I'm just a passerby here. Interfering randomly would go against the natural order—uh, this is a bit complicated, but cultivators value fate and intuition. If the feeling is wrong, we won't get involved. In the end, you can only rely on yourselves."

Xuyan still couldn't understand. "If that's the case, Xuanyun, why did you come with me? I thought you wanted to personally deal with a few demons."

"You misunderstood. I came with you for two reasons. First, I'm a bit worried about you—remember, although cultivators are the main force against disasters, the ones who suffer the most in each disaster are often the new cultivators.

"New cultivators often overestimate their own strength and underestimate the power of disasters and demons. They are young and brave, but they are also the ones most likely to be injured. You are kind and honest, and I'm afraid you might spontaneously step forward in a crisis—uh, I won't say more about that."

Thinking of how he had been proud of his small achievements in cultivation last night, Xuyan blushed but was also touched by Zhu Youxiang's concern. He said, "Thank you—do you have any other reasons?"

"The spirit medicine made by my second master finally has a chance to be tested. I want to see how effective it is and report back to my second master. Another reason is that I need to travel for my studies.

"As the ancients say, reading ten thousand books is not as good as traveling ten thousand miles. Having the opportunity to travel and see the landscapes and customs of different places is a joy in my life. Especially being able to witness your country's troops fighting against the disaster is a rare opportunity—your White Deer Academy has given me the task of traveling and investigating disasters, and writing a travel report. Being able to witness such a battle will add a wonderful page to my report, which is a rare opportunity."

Xuyan looked troubled, thinking that Wenshuzhi took this matter very seriously, treating it as a life-or-death small war, using all his skills, while to Zhu Youxiang, it was just an "interesting experience that could add a wonderful page to her travel report."

Seeing Xuyan's disappointed face, Zhu Youxiang smiled faintly and turned to look at the sea of clouds outside the window again. Seeing Zhu Youxiang's interest in the sky, Xuyan was puzzled and asked, "Xuanyun, flying in the sky and looking at the sea of clouds, isn't this something you do often? Don't you often fly on a sword, seeing such scenery frequently? Why are you so interested?"

Zhu Youxiang turned to look at Xuyan seriously and shook her head. "It's different, completely different. Although I have flown on a sword with my master, we didn't fly this high, at most a hundred or so feet above the ground. Here, we are actually above the clouds... I think this must be over a thousand feet high.

"Moreover, the speed is not as fast. I estimated the speed... it must be faster than the wind. Even if my master flew with all his strength, he couldn't reach such a speed.

"Using ordinary human objects, without the support of spiritual energy or the control of cultivators, to achieve such a magical effect, it's no less impressive than the magical treasures of our great Ming cultivators—whether it's the airplane or your weapons, your country's technology and craftsmanship are truly remarkable and awe-inspiring."

Talking about this, Xuyan felt much more relaxed. Zhu Youxiang complimented Earth's advanced technology, and he naturally wanted to return the favor. "But you can fly yourself, which is so convenient! Xuanyun, look, we have to go to a special airport, go through security, and wait for the flight—today we didn't wait long, but that's because we got lucky. Normally, it's a hassle, waiting one or two hours before the plane takes off. Cultivators are so much better; wherever you want to go, you just use your powers, release your flying sword, and off you go, covering a thousand miles in an instant."

Zhu Youxiang laughed. "You can't compare them like that. You only know that taking a plane requires waiting for a few hours, but you don't consider one thing: even for cultivators, it takes a lot of time to reach the level where they can fly on a sword. Even with good talent, it takes decades of hard cultivation to reach the wind-riding stage. Even I, a middle-stage foundation builder, find it quite strenuous to fly on a sword, let alone the millions of ordinary people who don't even know what cultivation is."

Pointing to the sea of clouds outside the window, Zhu Youxiang said with a sigh, "To let millions of ordinary people fly like cultivators, covering a thousand miles in an instant, your technology is truly remarkable."

The plane had been flying for less than an hour when the cabin began to broadcast that they were preparing to land, asking everyone to fasten their seat belts. A few minutes later, the plane landed smoothly at the airport. The group left the plane in an orderly manner.

Xuyan and Zhu Youxiang followed the military team. When they left the plane, Xuyan saw that the sky was overcast with thick clouds, clearly a gloomy day. Several police cars were already lined up next to the plane, and a crowd of people, including many soldiers and police officers, were gathered around, clearly officials from Xiangcheng.

Wenshuzhi was already shaking hands with the people waiting for them, and they were talking quickly. Xuyan was hiding behind, watching the scene, when Wenshuzhi turned around and saw him, waving him over.

Xuyan walked up quickly. "Leader Wen, you called me?"

Wenshuzhi nodded but didn't explain why he called Xuyan over. He just stood next to Xuyan. He saluted the men in front of him and said politely, "Secretary Liu, Mayor Zhang, Director Ma, and Commander Fang, we are a group of uninvited guests, and we have caused you a lot of trouble. We are very grateful for your support."

The officials from Xiangcheng all said it was no trouble. Secretary Liu, with a round face and a round belly, wearing gold-rimmed glasses, said in a clear voice, "Leader Wen, you are too polite. This is not the case. Such a strange case has occurred, and the central investigation team has come to guide our work, which is a great support for Xiangcheng. With the guidance of the central investigation team and Leader Wen, we feel much more confident and determined.

"I have already told Director Ma and Commander Fang that we must fully support the central investigation team, providing as many people and equipment as needed, and following all orders without delay. Anyone who obstructs the central investigation team will be dealt with severely, without mercy!"

"Right!" Mayor Zhang, a tall and slender man, added, waving his fist with great enthusiasm. "The policy of the Xiangcheng municipal party committee and government is consistent and firm. We will punish criminals according to the law, without mercy! Anyone who commits crimes in Xiangcheng or harms the people and causes panic will not be tolerated by the five million people of Xiangcheng, nor by the municipal party committee and government. The iron fist of people's democratic dictatorship will strike them without mercy!

"Now, the central investigation team has come to support our work, and Leader Wen has brought the instructions of the central and general staff leaders. Our determination to fight against criminals is even stronger. We believe that under the correct leadership of the central investigation team, Leader Wen, and the central leaders, and under the correct command of the Xiangcheng municipal party committee and government, with the support of the people and the efforts of the public security, armed police, and military, we will surely win this battle!"

A round of applause broke out. Everyone clapped, and Xuyan joined in, but he felt puzzled. This morning, Wenshuzhi had rushed everyone to the airport, using his privileges to requisition a civilian flight to reach Xiangcheng as quickly as possible. But upon arriving in Xiangcheng, instead of heading straight to the crime scene, they were listening to a bunch of formalities from local officials, wasting precious time—wasn't this ridiculous?

Moreover, judging by the formalities, after Secretary Liu and Mayor Zhang finished speaking, the political commissar of the Xiangcheng military district, the secretary of the political and legal affairs committee, the police chief, and the commander of the armed police detachment would probably also speak. After such a round of formalities, if they followed official etiquette with a welcome banquet, they might not reach the scene until the next day.

Clearly, Xuyan wasn't the only one who saw the problem. As soon as Mayor Zhang finished speaking, Political Commissar Lu of the Xiangcheng military district was about to speak, but Wenshuzhi was quicker. He took the lead and said, "Good! Secretary Liu and Mayor Zhang's speeches are insightful and inspiring, with great guiding significance for our work. They have greatly encouraged all the members of our team. We are determined to follow the spirit of Secretary Liu and Mayor Zhang's speeches, work together with the comrades of Xiangcheng, and quickly bring the criminals to justice, achieving practical results to please Xiangcheng—Secretary Liu, Mayor Zhang, and all the leaders, time is pressing, and our comrades at the scene are waiting for our support. Let's head to the scene right away. If there's anything to discuss, we can do so on the way, okay?"

Secretary Liu said that Leader Wen truly lived up to the fine traditions of the people's army, and his efficient and decisive style was admirable. However, he had an important meeting to attend, and Mayor Zhang had a business conference to host. As for the scene, they wouldn't go, leaving it to Political Commissar Lu of the military district, Police Chief Ma, and Commander Fang of the armed police detachment to accompany Leader Wen. They wouldn't join in.

"Comrades, Mayor Zhang and I wish Leader Wen and the members of the central investigation team success in this operation! When you return victorious, the Xiangcheng party committee and government will host a banquet to celebrate!"

After saying this, Secretary Liu and Mayor Zhang shook hands with the leaders of the investigation team and then got into a car parked nearby, driving away. Everyone waved and watched the two leaders leave, then, under Wenshuzhi's command, got into the vehicles. Wenshuzhi directed, "Captain Zhong, Director Gao, Director Yu, Director Zhang, and the leaders of Xiangcheng, let's take the bus, so we can discuss things on the way—oh, Xuyan, you also get on the bus! Other comrades, find a police car to sit in, and let's go!"

Xuyan felt very strange being specifically called to sit on the bus. He hesitated and said to Wenshuzhi, "Leader, you want me to sit on the bus, but I have a friend with me..."

Wenshuzhi, impatient, said, "She can come too!"

So, Xuyan and Zhu Youxiang followed the others onto the bus. Xuyan deliberately pulled Zhu Youxiang to sit in the back of the bus to avoid drawing attention. He whispered to her, "It's so strange! Since Secretary Liu and Mayor Zhang don't plan to go to the scene, why did they come here to waste our time?"

Zhu Youxiang smiled and whispered, "This is official etiquette, and you don't understand the subtleties."

Although she wasn't from this world, Zhu Youxiang understood the ways of officials much better than Xuyan. The behavior of Secretary Liu and Mayor Zhang might seem strange to outsiders, but as someone from an official family, Zhu Youxiang understood the deeper meaning.

By rushing to the airport to welcome the central investigation team, Secretary Liu and Mayor Zhang showed their respect for the central investigation team and their emphasis on this case, as well as their respect for Wenshuzhi personally. By saying they had other matters and wouldn't go to the scene, they weren't necessarily that busy, unable to spare a couple of hours. The reasons were, first, to show their respect for Wenshuzhi, their confidence in his abilities, and full authorization—without the presence of local leaders, Wenshuzhi, being the highest-ranking person on the scene, could act freely and command independently without worrying about interference.

Second, Secretary Liu and Mayor Zhang were also avoiding trouble. At their level, they were all well-informed. They had heard rumors that this case of rage and murder was not a simple criminal case. Many provinces and cities had suffered heavy casualties, even among the armed police. Dealing with such a sudden violent case was a hot potato—handling it well wouldn't bring much credit, but if there were heavy casualties, the leaders on the scene would be held responsible. Local leaders, if not forced, wouldn't want to take on this difficult task.

Now, with the central investigation team coming, the leaders all had the same idea, wanting to pass the hot potato to Wenshuzhi and not go to the scene. If there were major casualties, they could say, "We didn't know the situation! It was specifically commanded by Leader Wen of the central investigation team, and we only provided assistance, knowing nothing about the details."

But if Wenshuzhi handled it well and resolved the case smoothly, the main credit would go to the central investigation team, but the local authorities, by cooperating and following orders, would also get some credit, which was inevitable.

In fact, Wenshuzhi, also from an official background, couldn't fail to see the subtle intentions of the Xiangcheng officials to shirk responsibility. But now, he had no time to worry about these things—failing to solve the case, he was under immense pressure from the central government. Even if he were blamed for poor command, it wouldn't matter much. (To be continued)