Chapter 67: Borrowing Your Power
They all knew this painting was terrifying. Back then, they had held meetings but ultimately had no choice but to discard it and ignore it. Yet, guilt lingered in their hearts, and inner demons slowly took root. After all, if such an evil painting were to spread, it would undoubtedly cause unimaginable harm. This was the karma they had sown, and they had no idea when they would face the consequences.
“You knew?” Mi Shen narrowed his eyes slightly. These people were fully aware of the painting’s malevolence yet allowed it to circulate outside. Wasn’t that bound to cause panic among ordinary people?
At his words, the old men shrank back. “Indeed, we knew. But you were the one who refused to believe us, weren’t you?” They had been imprisoned here for years, only able to practice their skills in secret. As for promoting science and writing reform statements, these old men had no intention of complying.
If they had never witnessed the wonders of metaphysics, if they had been ignorant of the unseen forces in this world, they might have yielded under the ruler’s pressure. But now, things were different. If they surrendered, only to later watch others suffer from hauntings - leading to ruined families and deaths, that would be the true sin of cultivators.
Mi Shen was left speechless by their retort. “Do you have a way to destroy it?” Only by eradicating it completely could they prevent the evil painting from harming others.
“Young Master Mi, our Daoist arts are too shallow. We have no means to suppress the evil energy within it. That’s precisely why we’re puzzled, who could possibly have the power to seal away the malevolence leaking from this painting?” One of the old Daoists spoke slowly, his face filled with hope, clearly eager to learn of this person’s identity.
Mi Shen grew even more frustrated as he studied their expressions. “Fine. I’ll let you go.”
Yes, he had been the leader of the anti-superstition campaign. But now, inexplicable events had unfolded before him - even personally experienced, making it impossible for him to remain entirely skeptical.
“Young Master Mi… You’re releasing us?” The men stared at him in disbelief. They had never imagined they would ever leave this place.
“What? Do you prefer staying here to study science?” Mi Shen smirked faintly.
“No, no… We much prefer the freedom outside.” Even though they lacked nothing here - food, clothing, being forced to study scientific theories and denounce feudal superstitions every day was nothing short of torture to their ears.
Mi Shen glanced at the painting in his hand, his gaze darkening. It seemed necessary to establish a "cleaning" company - one specialized in handling supernatural incidents. If these things were allowed to spread unchecked, it would bring no benefit to those in power.
When Mi Shen returned to his villa, he found the young man sitting leisurely on the sofa, sipping tea. “You… Are you alright?” Unconsciously, a hint of tension seeped into his voice.
“What? Do you wish something had happened to me?” Mu Lichuan replied coolly, his eyes flickering when he noticed the ink-wash painting in Mi Shen’s hand.
He had used his strongest seals to suppress it, yet the evil energy was now threatening to break free. Even as a Foundation Establishment cultivator, completely sealing the painting’s malevolence was proving difficult.
If possible, the best solution would be to launch this painting into outer space, let some mighty being capable of transcending time and space discover it and destroy it once and for all.
“Mu Lichuan, you know that’s not what I meant.” Mi Shen’s voice carried a hint of defeat.
He couldn’t understand why Mu Lichuan had disliked him from the start. Was it because he advocated for science? But that didn’t make sense, when he learned of the painting, his first instinct hadn’t been self-preservation but to take it away, even at the risk of his own life.
Before, Mi Shen hadn’t grasped the extent of the painting’s danger. But after visiting the reform bureau, he realized even those self-proclaimed enlightened cultivators were powerless against its evil energy.
Mu Lichuan stretched out his hand. “Give it back. Once something is given, there’s no taking it back.” Judging by Mi Shen’s trip, he had clearly tried to deal with the painting and failed.
“Mu Lichuan.” Mi Shen’s voice was low.
Mu Lichuan smiled. “Hurry up. Aside from me, no one else can handle this.” His soul possessed unique power, further shielded by the golden light of a "nation’s fortune." Not to mention, he also had the Bloodvine and Xiao Mo within him.
For the first time, Mi Shen felt utterly powerless. This was a problem he had brought upon himself, yet no matter what he tried, he couldn’t make the painting disappear.
“Mi Shen.” Mu Lichuan stood. “But I’ll still need your help with this.” He could sense the young master’s frustration, but some things required knowing one’s limits. Reckless self-sacrifice wasn’t bravery, it was foolishness.
“What?” At these words, Mi Shen’s face brightened. As long as he wasn’t completely useless, he would give his all.
“Your blood. And your influence.” Mu Lichuan’s expression was deadly serious.
As a "nation’s chosen one," Mi Shen was favored by the heavens, his blood had potent suppressing effects on evil energy. As for his influence, it would be needed to discreetly launch the painting into space, resolving the crisis once and for all.
[國運之人 (guó yùn zhī rén): lit. nation's chosen one; fig. someone blessed by the nation’s fortune, often acting as its living embodiment or guardian. Their destiny is intertwined with the nation’s survival/prosperity]
“Alright.” Mi Shen agreed without hesitation.
Mu Lichuan was taken aback. “You’re not even going to…?” He didn’t finish, but the meaning was clear.
“I trust you.” Mi Shen’s three simple words carried weight. He didn’t believe in ghosts and gods, but he believed in this young man before him.
Under that gaze, Mu Lichuan felt a pang of guilt. Though he possessed abilities beyond ordinary people, he had started later than most. His current standing was largely due to luck.
“Once I reinforce the seal, arrange for the painting to be sent into space, let it drift there. That’s the best solution.” Mu Lichuan’s voice was quiet.
Mi Shen nodded. The logistical challenges ahead would be immense, but there was no need to worry Mu Lichuan with those details.
The painting unfurled midair, hovering despite the layers of seals. From the crevices of its inked mountains, tendrils of evil energy persistently strained against the barriers.
Without hesitation, Mu Lichuan drew a dagger and slit Mi Shen’s wrist. Crimson blood flowed like a small stream—yet instead of spilling to the ground, it surged toward the painting.
As if sensing its impending suppression, the evil energy erupted violently. Mu Lichuan’s hands moved swiftly, golden and milky-white light weaving around the blood. A complex seal formed, infused with crimson and radiance, pressing down upon the malevolence until—
Snap. The scroll rolled shut and dropped to the floor.
Mi Shen’s face was pale from blood loss, but Mu Lichuan didn’t look much better.
“You’ll need to replenish your blood for a while,” Mu Lichuan joked weakly. His own spiritual energy was nearly depleted. Though he had just reached Foundation Establishment, this ordeal would ironically help solidify his foundation.
“You should focus on recovery too.” Mi Shen studied him, an inexplicable warmth in his chest.
By the time Mu Lichuan returned to school, the sports meet was already underway. His homeroom teacher was used to his absences, these wealthy "legacy students" treated education as a formality, valuing the diploma more than the learning.
“I’m signed up for the sports meet?” Mu Lichuan’s expression darkened upon learning he was registered for the 10,000-meter race and marathon.
“Yes, Mu Lichuan. Everyone in our class is participating in some event. Whether we win or not, our motto is ‘it’s the taking part that counts,’” said class monitor Xie Dong cheerfully. The girls had joined the cheer squad, but since Mu Lichuan had been absent so long, he’d lost the chance to choose.
Their class stood no chance against the school’s athletic recruits anyway. Participation was enough to satisfy the teacher.
“Fine.” Mu Lichuan didn’t refuse. If it was a collective effort, he saw no reason to be the exception.
Xie Dong blinked in surprise. Previously, this young man would’ve flat-out declined. Had he fallen on hard times? Even so, with his physique, winning prize money seemed unlikely.
On the day of the meet, dressed in sportswear, Mu Lichuan lined up for the 10,000-meter race. His current body was leagues beyond his past self, even jogging casually, he secured first place with ease.
“Mu Lichuan! Mu Lichuan!” The stadium erupted. His graceful running form, coupled with his looks, sent the female students into a frenzy.
Mu Lichuan remained indifferent. After his past life’s experiences, women stirred no emotions in him.
“You’ve been hiding your skills!” Xie Dong exclaimed excitedly. Not only had he won, but he’d also broken the school record—a huge boost for their class’s reputation. The sports recruits’ scowls were a bonus.
“Mu Lichuan, please come with us for a doping test. We suspect you’ve taken performance enhancers,” announced a sports committee member sternly.
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