Jiang Tianxin reported the situation to Liao Cheng, who immediately ordered someone to check Xuan Tong and Wang Xiaofeng's location. It turned out they were in Haishi, praying for a wealthy businessman's newborn. Liao Cheng called Jiang Tianxin hesitantly and said, "I'll send someone over right away, but they might hear about it and run away. You're here, why don't you go?"
Before Jiang Tianxin could reply, he asked with some concern, "Is your master here? Will he go with you? That Xuantong is quite capable; you definitely can't go by yourself."
Jiang Tianxin raised an eyebrow slightly and smiled, "Uncle Liao, actually I do have some ability, but it's too dangerous to rashly arrest people. Does our department have insurance? Does it have risk allowance? Does it reimburse travel expenses and ritual implement expenses? You know I only have this one job now, and I'm not getting any younger, so I can't always rely on my parents, right?"
Although Liao Cheng didn't know the specifics of what had happened in that mountain village, he knew from hearing that his third uncle had been plotting for decades that he must have hidden a lot of treasures. Now, none of these treasures had been handed over; clearly, Xu Zifan and Jiang Tianxin had pocketed them. And she still had the nerve to say she was sponging off her parents?!
However, his act of using Jiang Tianxin to keep Xu Zifan tied down was indeed a bit cunning. Jiang Tianxin didn't understand metaphysics at all, which was dangerous. After thinking for a long time, he reluctantly agreed to reimburse her and provide subsidies, and there would be a reward for completing the task.
Jiang Tianxin happily agreed, promising to complete the task. Liao Cheng felt utterly miserable. After hanging up, he called Director Fang and complained, "Why didn't you tell me that Xiao Jiang was a clever little devil? This girl is always trying to steal my treasures. Do you know how hard it is for our department to collect anything? She demands payment for everything she does. She's like a hawk that won't act until she sees something."
Director Fang said aggrievedly, "This, this can't be! Xiao Jiang has worked for me for several years and has always been selfless and dedicated. She always rushes to the front in any situation and often treats her subordinates to meals. How can she be like what you're saying? What she always teaches her subordinates is to serve the people. Are you sure you've made a mistake somewhere?"
Liao Cheng snorted twice, "I'm wrong? I wish I were wrong. It must be his master who taught him badly. Alright, alright, I have things to do, I'm too lazy to talk to you."
Director Fang put away his phone, puzzled. He hadn't intended to tell Liao Cheng, but Liao Cheng had insisted on calling him. He pondered for a long time but still couldn't figure it out. Could it really be Jiang Tianxin who wouldn't work without expecting something in return? This change was too drastic!
Liao Cheng called a subordinate who was about the same level as Xuan Tong and sent him directly to Hai City on the nearest plane. Meanwhile, in Hai City, Jiang Tianxin was showing off to Xu Zifan, as she had gotten another job that would earn her a reward.
Xu Zifan patted her hair with great satisfaction, "Smile more like this from now on, it will make you much cuter."
Jiang Tianxin's expression froze, and she awkwardly moved to the side. What do you mean, "cute"? She's going to be a powerful Taoist priest, who wants to be cute?
Xu Zifan glanced at her with a smile, took out a small piece of jade, and trapped the vengeful ghost Dong Hao inside it. Then he gave Jiang Tianxin the Soul-Summoning Bell and the Ghost-Binding Chain. These two items were magical artifacts that could change size. Uncle San used to wear them as necklaces, but now that Jiang Tianxin was wearing the defensive jade pendant Xu Zifan had given her, wearing a silver chain would look bad.
She thought for a moment and said, "How about turning it into a bracelet?"
"Hmm, not bad." Xu Zifan shrunk the Ghost-Binding Chain and strung the Soul-Summoning Bell on it, making it look like a beautiful silver bracelet.
He held the bracelet by both ends and reached out his hand. "Here, let me put it on you."
Jiang Tianxin reached out naturally, without thinking much of it. But when Xu Zifan stood in front of her, head bowed, intently putting the bracelet on her wrist, the sunlight shone on his face, softening his expression and sharp features, making him appear exceptionally gentle. She suddenly felt her heart skip a beat. This was the first time a boy had put jewelry on her; it felt so strange!
Xu Zifan looked up, and Jiang Tianxin quickly composed herself and looked at the bracelet. "It's quite pretty and convenient. Thank you, Master."
"What are you thanking me for? Let's go, we're going to catch Wang Xiaofeng." Xu Zifan ruffled her hair again, said goodbye to everyone, and drove Jiang Tianxin away.
Jiang Dong stared blankly in the direction they left. Luo Chen's expression was also a little strange. He nudged Jiang Dong with his elbow and whispered, "Don't you think... Xin Xin's expressions are particularly rich when she's with the master? She used to be very aloof. I didn't know she had so many expressions."
Jiang Dong's face showed a look of reminiscence. "Xin Xin was incredibly cute when she was little, like a sweet doll, our family's little princess. My parents named her 'Tian Xin,' which is a homonym for'sweetheart.' But after that incident, she lost all her dolls and insisted on learning martial arts, and she learned many different kinds. Since then, I've rarely seen her smile so beautifully, like she's so relaxed, so natural, so...carefree?"
Luo Chen stroked his chin and nodded thoughtfully, saying, "Could those guesses we joked about before actually be true? Think about it, Xin Xin smiles so happily and relaxes so much in front of a man, doesn't that mean this man is special to her?"
Jiang Dong looked at him, somewhat bewildered and dazed. "Luo Chen, I don't know if what you're saying is true, but I just feel that all these years of my antics and joking around haven't been able to make my sister laugh easily, while Brother Fan can. So I'm willing to let Xin Xin stay with Brother Fan. She... must feel very safe to do this, right? I've never made her feel safe. I'm a failed brother."
Luo Chen quickly said, "Brother, what are you being so dramatic about?! You're so good to Xin Xin, who wouldn't appreciate that?"
"You know? Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses. You're not good at protecting her, but you haven't caused her any other trouble, right? Xin Xin is good at protecting people. She's happy protecting you all; it's just that she's finally met someone who can protect her now. The master is truly strong; I've never seen anyone more powerful than him in my life. I feel he's a pretty upright person, so we have nothing to worry about. Don't overthink it. I was just being nosy; maybe nothing will happen at all."
Jiang Dong slowly exhaled and laughed, "You have a good eye. I think the current Xin Xin is the real Xin Xin, lively, cute, and playful, completely different from her previous aloof, stern, and sharp-edged appearance. It's good that she's like this now. I have to treat Brother Fan to dinner later to thank him properly. He's truly a benefactor to our family. Come on, I'm happy today, I'll treat you to dinner and drinks."
"No, I'm not going. My girlfriend was frightened, and I need to comfort her. You go have fun by yourself." Luo Chen was about to leave when he remembered something and added, "I'm not going back with you guys. I'll stay here with my girlfriend while she's filming, if they're still filming."
Before Jiang Dong could even try to stop him, Luo Chen ran off to his girlfriend. Jiang Dong chuckled and cursed, then decided to go to the hotel. He wasn't really in the mood for anything else and would just wait for news from Xu Zifan and Jiang Tianxin at the hotel.
Xu Zifan had no intention of disturbing the wealthy businessman's full-moon celebration for his son. With a quick scan, Shao Hua knew that Xuan Tong hadn't done anything wrong and was genuinely praying for the child's well-being.
So he waited until the banquet was over and Xuan Tong had taken Wang Xiaofeng away before he intercepted them.
Wang Xiaofeng flared up the moment he saw Xu Zifan. "What's going on? Is Master Qingfeng trying to steal our business, even coming to Haishi?"
Jiang Tianxin showed her identification and said coldly, "The Special Operations Bureau has found that you are involved in a case where a male fan transformed into a vengeful ghost and intended to harm people. Please come back with me to assist in the investigation."
Wang Xiaofeng's eyes darted around in panic, and he denied it with a blustering but weak voice, "What ghost? I don't know what you're talking about. Didn't you resign? What Special Intelligence Bureau? Your credentials aren't fake, are they? Are you and your apprentice trying to harm me again?"
Xuan Tong's expression changed. He stepped forward and carefully examined Jiang Tianxin's identification, then said in a deep voice, "Xiaofeng, don't be rude. The Special Affairs Bureau is the police force of the metaphysical world." He felt a little uneasy. "So, Master Qingfeng and Miss Jiang have joined the Special Affairs Bureau?"
Jiang Tianxin put away the documents and casually said, "It's not 'we,' it's just me. My master has Qingfeng Temple to manage, so he doesn't have time."
Xuan Tong nearly spat out a mouthful of blood. The Special Affairs Bureau! That was an officially recognized metaphysical institution. Even the Heavenly Dao would be more lenient with them, since they were working for the country; things like the Five Deficiencies and Three Shortcomings would definitely be handled much lighter.
He once went out of his way to curry favor with Liao Cheng, hoping to get into the Special Affairs Bureau. But Liao Cheng said he was too eager for quick success and his intentions weren't pure enough, so he refused to take him in. Now, this government job is being offered to Xu Zifan, but Xu Zifan won't take it. He insists on managing that dilapidated Taoist temple. Isn't he just trying to annoy him?!
Wang Xiaofeng panicked completely, terrified. He had never known such a thing existed in the world of metaphysics! He grabbed Xuan Tong's sleeve, feigning shock and anger, "Master, last time this Qingfeng messed with me, making me look so foolish in public and humiliating you. This time, they might use this opportunity to settle a personal score and frame me. Master, you can't let them arrest me! I'm innocent!"
Xuan Tong waved his whisk and looked at the master and disciple opposite him with displeasure. "I know my disciple's character best. Although he is usually impulsive and talkative, he will not be involved in any cases. You have the wrong person. Investigate again."
Xu Zifan leaned against the wall with his arms crossed and said casually, "The order to arrest him was given by Deputy Director Liao. Not only will Wang Xiaofeng come with us, but you will also come with us to assist in the investigation. You are no less suspicious than your apprentice."
Xuan Tong was furious. "Outrageous! This is clearly a frame-up!"
Doesn't he know whether he himself has done anything wrong? If even he is a suspect, this is definitely a frame-up.
Jiang Tianxin narrowed her eyes and drew her peach wood sword. "Are you trying to resist arrest?"
Wang Xiaofeng immediately sowed discord, saying, "With my master's abilities, even if the Special Affairs Bureau suspects him, they would find a master of his level to invite. How could they possibly send two small fry like you? So what if you helped the Jiang family avert a disaster? What a trivial matter! Do you really think you're more capable than my master? What can you possibly investigate? You'll definitely find it's all a wrongful conviction. Master, don't listen to them!"
Xuan Tong thought this made sense, as he hadn't been able to discern any cultivation level from them. He immediately said coldly, "When I return to Yanjing, I will personally inquire with Deputy Director Liao about the situation. If you continue to pester me, don't blame me for showing no mercy!"
"Oh? Then I'll have a good chance to learn from Master Xuantong's skills." Xu Zifan didn't move and said lazily, "Xinxin, this is a rare opportunity, have a good spar with Master Xuantong."