Longevity begins with slaying demons and eliminating demons

Chapter 293 Walking on the edge of a cliff

After Gu Xu and Shangguan Jin returned to the Yamen of the Exorcism Department in a carriage, they immediately went to the observatory and reported what they saw and heard during this mission to Chief Luo.

Luo Chuan couldn't help but frowned after hearing the news that "the waiter in the shop looks exactly like the former members of the 'Shenji Camp'".

"This sounds a bit weird," he said, "you two go to deal with other things first. I will go to the people in the palace to ask about the recent situation of the 'Dragon Formation'."

Gu Xu and Shangguan Jin nodded.

Seeing that Chief Luo took over the case personally, they didn't delay on the matter.

After leaving the observatory, neither of them opened their mouths to speak, but came to the library of the Department of Exorcism together in a tacit understanding, and read the materials about the previous generation of "Shenji Camp".

After a brief silence, Shangguan Jin pointed to the few lines on the information and said to Gu Xu beside him: "The members of the first generation of 'Shenji Battalion' had to go out to deal with dangerous ghosts frequently, so they all stayed in the yamen. The next 'soul lamp' - if the 'soul lamp' goes out, it means that they have died unfortunately.

"The 'soul lamps' left by senior Wu Danggui and his comrades were all extinguished in the battle against Qiongqi, but no one could find their bones."

Hearing her words, Gu Xu couldn't help thinking of the "Snow Maiden" and "Hanba" in Qingzhou Prefecture—he secretly guessed whether the group of monks who sacrificed their lives for the sake of duty in the eighth year of Tianxing might have passed a similar "Zhaoming ban" Using another form of life to bring the dead back to life?

"The 'Shenji Battalion' back then was definitely full of talents. Bao Xun, a master of formations, Zhuang Xingchen, a master of stick techniques, Mao Chichang, a famous 'poison doctor', Su Ying'e, a Gu master from southern Xinjiang... are all among them. Members. Their team leader is even the legendary swordsman Su Hao, who attained the sixth realm before he was 40 years old," Shangguan Jin continued, "but none of them returned safely from that mission. .”

Having said that, she sighed softly, took out the "Shenji Token" from her pocket, and held it in her hand.

The golden sunlight shines through the window lattice into the library.

With the help of the light, Gu Xu saw clearly the nine-tailed fox carved on the surface of the token, and also noticed a trace of melancholy in Shangguan Jin's eyebrows.

"To be honest, Fellow Daoist Gu," Shangguan Jin turned his head and showed a complicated smile to Gu Xu, "Since Mr. Si Chief gave me this token, I have been both proud and fearful.

"I know that being qualified to join the 'Shenji Battalion' is an enviable honor as the head of the department and the court's recognition of my aptitude and strength.

"I really want to seize this opportunity to climb a little higher and see the higher scenery.

"However, since the 'Long Night' is approaching, the ghosts that our generation of 'Shenji Camp' will encounter will only be stronger than the previous generation.

"Sometimes I get really scared, in case we never come back on a mission..."

Her voice became softer and softer, becoming as thin as a mosquito, and soon like a wisp of green smoke, it completely dissipated in the library, and could not be heard again.

Gu Xu looked at her elegant and beautiful face, looked at her eyes that had become hazy due to loss of focus, and felt that she was a little strange today.

The impression Shangguan Jin left on Gu Xu was that he was shrewd, capable and slick.She seems to get along with everyone and handle everything with ease.

Unexpectedly, deep in her heart, there is still a fragile side hidden, hiding the fear of the future.

He pondered for a moment, then said softly: "Actually, in my opinion, the long night is doomed in this world. Whether we join the 'Shenji Battalion' or hide in a corner, we will encounter terrible ghosts and die. possibility.

"In the 'Shenji Camp', although we often need to take the lead, from another perspective, we also have more opportunities to become stronger than outsiders."

Hearing his words, Shangguan Jin covered his mouth and let out a chuckle.

She took a serious look at Gu Xu, and the worry on her face just now disappeared without a trace, and she returned to her calm and elegant appearance as before.

"Gu Daoyou, you are the youngest among us," she teased, "but in the face of various crises, you are calmer than everyone else. Sometimes, I wonder if you are really the only one."

Gu Xu smiled, but did not respond.

As a time traveler, his mental age is already beyond.

Besides, since he came to this world, he has been living under the shadow of death, and has been working hard for the goal of longevity, and because of this, he has become calm, and it is difficult to cause too much emotional turmoil.

Next, Shangguan Jin asked Gu Xu about his later arrangements.

Gu Xu replied without hesitation, "Go home and practice."

However, he thought that "Shouchangfang" had just opened, and he should be busy recently, so he needed to pay more attention to it, so he added: "Stop by my elixir workshop."

Hearing the words "elixir workshop", Shangguan Jin felt curious, and said with a smile: "I have heard that Daoyou Gu has built a new elixir workshop in Luojing, but because of the recent busy work, there has been no I have an opportunity to cheer for you. I just have free time today, can you take me to have a look?"

Gu Xu thought about it, and felt that running a shop and workshop in a place like the capital would be difficult if he didn't have some background.As a native of Luojing, Shangguan Jin has a wide network of contacts, and there may be places where she needs help in the future.

"No problem." He nodded in agreement.

…………

When Gu Xu came to "Shouchangfang" again, the steward Yang Shuo immediately put down his work and went out to greet him enthusiastically.

In the past, Guanshi Yang had been working for the Shi family in Qingzhou Mansion, and his understanding of Gu Xu was roughly "a young handsome man with amazing talent".

Now that he came to the capital, seeing "Shouchangfang" full of people, and hearing all kinds of exaggerated rumors, he realized that he had obviously underestimated the talent and influence of this young man.

So on the one hand, he silently sighed "Miss Shi's vision is really good", on the other hand, his attitude towards Gu Xu became more and more polite.

"Master Gu, earlier today, our workshop signed an order with Dongping Hou, Yongcheng Bo, and the Jiazi Battalion of the capital defense team," Steward Yang walked forward with a smile on his face, and couldn't help but In a tone of asking for credit, he said to Gu Xu, "They have already paid the deposit, and they will come here to pick up the goods in a few days."

Gu Xu nodded, and once again sighed in his heart at the speed of development of this workshop—it has already entered the field of vision of Luojing's dignitaries before it has recruited all the staff.

Shen Qiu's ability to manage the property really wasn't something he boasted.

Thinking of Shen Qiu, Gu Xu casually asked Yang Guanshi: "Is Mr. Shen busy in there now?"

"Mr. Shen is not in the workshop," Steward Yang shook his head, and replied, "He said that his family has an important matter, and he has to go back to Jinling to deal with it. He should be able to come back within two days."

Gu Xu was not too surprised by this.

After all, as a son of a powerful family, even though Shen Qiu said he wanted to leave the family, he definitely had an inseparable connection with the family, and he would definitely encounter many messy and troublesome things.

Besides, Shen Qiu's identity is a retainer, not a servant, so he has a high degree of freedom.

It is also normal to leave the workshop for two days occasionally.

Afterwards, Steward Yang brought a young man in his twenties to Gu Xu.

This person is of medium height, with a thin build, a pointed chin, and hanging eyes. He is wearing a blue gown similar to Gu Xu's.

"His name is Zhong Jun, and he is an alchemy apprentice that our workshop just recruited today." Manager Yang introduced.

From Guanshi Yang's mouth, Gu Xu learned that this young man named Zhong Jun was a casual cultivator from the nearby Xin'an County. He came to the capital three years ago and worked in many pill workshops in order to make a living.

Since Gu Xu has been in the limelight recently and "Shouchang Fang" has just been built, Zhong Jun regards it as a godsend opportunity, and he leaves his former employer and comes here without hesitation.

"I have admired Mr. Gu's reputation for a long time," Zhong Jun said with a smile on his face, "Being able to work under Mr. Gu's command is a blessing that I can only earn in several lifetimes."

He spouted flattering words endlessly, and at the same time, he didn't forget to run into the house and pour Gu Xu a cup of hot tea.

Gu Xu had a calm expression on his face, but deep in his heart he couldn't help but secretly commented: This person's ability to compliment others is too different from Shangguan Jin's rank.

Shangguan Jin's compliments are very natural, very meticulous, and can always praise others' hearts, giving people a feeling of spring breeze.

But this Zhong Jun's words were a bit pretentious and exaggerated.

Even with Gu Xu's psychological quality, he couldn't help but feel a little embarrassed.

"Good job!"

In the end, Gu Xu didn't know what to say, so he reached out and patted Zhong Jun on the shoulder, leaving a simple word of encouragement.

Then, Gu Xu also introduced Shangguan Jin, who came with him, to everyone in the workshop.

Hearing that Shangguan Jin is a trusted assistant and an indispensable right-hand man of the head of the Exorcism Division, all the faces of the people present showed expressions of surprise and awe.

After all, Luo Sishou, as a mysterious and powerful saint, rarely shows up in public on weekdays.

So cronies like Shangguan Jin and Chu Fengge are often regarded as the spokespersons of Luo Sishou. Every word they say makes people wonder whether it is the will that Sishou wants to convey. .

But today, Shangguan Jin showed no airs, with an approachable smile on his face, and cordially greeted everyone present.

In addition, she also took out a large, exquisitely shaped three-legged alchemy tripod with cranes, pines and cypresses carved on the outer wall from the magic treasure she carried with her.

"This small gift is a small gift from me," she said with a smile, "I hope that 'Shouchangfang' will prosper in the future and everything will be successful."

Steward Yang thanked him again and again.

Things like Dan furnace and Dan Ding are indeed the supplies that "Shouchangfang" needs very much at present.

The "Three-legged Danding" has the meaning of prosperity and magnificence, and the cranes and pines and cypresses on it symbolize longevity, which can be regarded as a just right wish.

It's just that Gu Xu felt a little strange about it.

He thought that Shangguan Jin came to "Shouchangfang" with him today on a temporary basis.

Unexpectedly, she prepared a gift early and carried it with her all the time——

It was premeditated!

This woman's mind is really unfathomable.

As for the new alchemy apprentice Zhong Jun, after seeing Shangguan Jin, his face was even more joyful.

He was born in poverty, lacked background, and wandered in the capital for a long time, but he never made a name for himself.

The reason why he left his former employer and came to "Shouchangfang" was because he had speculative thoughts in his heart, and wanted to rely on Gu Xu, a rising star, to seek a good future for himself.

Because of this, when he met Gu Xu for the first time, he was eager to show courteousness, hoping to be remembered by Gu Xu.

But he didn't expect that apart from Gu Xu, he would have the opportunity to meet another big shot from the Daqi Exorcism Division today!

For him, this was simply a surprise!
So he rushed into the room again and brought Shangguan Jin a cup of tea. The compliments poured out of his mouth like a tide, and he praised Shangguan Jin from head to toe, from appearance to character, When it comes to cultivation and ability to do things, how exaggerated and exaggerated it is.

Shangguan Jin stood still, looking at him with a half-smile.

Seeing this scene, Gu Xu silently complained in his heart: Young man, do you know that you are playing with an ax at the door of the class?

It has to be said that Zhong Jun's performance today reminded him of some young people who had just entered the workplace in his previous life - he couldn't wait to be liked by his boss, but because of some inappropriate words and behaviors, he ended up self-defeating.

…………

At this time, a gorgeous van came from the end of the street and stopped outside the gate of "Shouchangfang".

An old man in fine clothes and long beard got out of the carriage with the help of a waiter.

The old man raised his head first, glanced at the plaque with the words "Shouchang Fang", then walked straight towards the small building with a kind smile on his face.

Since Gu Xu had never seen this old man before, he asked Steward Yang beside him, "Who is he?"

Steward Yang's eyes were serious, and he didn't answer immediately.

He took out a note with more than ten names written on it from his pocket, read it over and over again, his brows became more and more wrinkled.

After a while, he said apologetically to Gu Xu: "I'm very sorry, Mr. Gu, I didn't know this guest when I first came to the capital."

Gu Xu looked at the familiar handwriting on the note, and narrowed his eyes slightly: "Who wrote this note in your hand?"

"It was left by Mr. Shen before he left," Guanshi Yang replied, "He said that these people are all customers he brought in, and they may come to visit in the past few days. But, Mr. Gu, please forgive me, I really I can't recognize which one of them this old man is..."

Gu Xu didn't speak.

The Daqi Dynasty has always paid attention to etiquette.

Not being able to recognize the identity of the guest may sound insignificant, but it also means disrespecting the host and the guest, which is extremely detrimental to the future relationship between the two parties.

However, when Gu Xu was thinking hard about how to solve this problem, Shangguan Jin suddenly leaned into his ear and whispered to him: "This old man is the leader of the 'Wynn Chamber of Commerce', Ye Wuwei, and his full name is Ye Wuwei. One of his cousins ​​is a concubine of the Chen family in Xiangyang, and a large part of the funds in his chamber of commerce come from the Chen family of Xiangyang. Not long ago, his son was engaged to the younger sister of the head of the "Fufa Chamber of Commerce" Luo Hui... "

While she was talking, Gu Xu could clearly smell the calming fragrance from the sachet around her waist.

He suddenly remembered that Shen Qiu had also mentioned in front of him that Ye Huishou was a creditor of "Shouchangfang", not only lent a thousand taels of silver to "Shouchangfang", but also waived most of the interest.

But in the past, he always sent a housekeeper to deal with him, so the people in "Shouchang Fang" didn't recognize his identity.

"It would be too embarrassing if I couldn't recognize this benefactor's father today."

Gu Xu thought silently, thanked Shang Guanjin softly, then stepped forward with a smile, and said to the long-bearded old man: "Ye Huishou came to patronize in person today, it really makes my small workshop flourish."

Ye Huishou cupped his hands and said with a smile: "I have long heard that Mr. Gu is the proud son of heaven, a young hero. Seeing him today, he really deserves his reputation."

"..."

The dialogue between the two was carried out in the middle of a business exchange.

Gu Xu's image and conversation left an excellent impression on Ye Huishou.

Ye Huishou was in a happy mood, so he waved his hand and placed an order worth hundreds of taels of silver on the spot—Wynn Chamber of Commerce itself was not short of pills, and he placed this order obviously out of favor, to give Gu Xu join in.

At the same time, he also mentioned that he has a daughter who is one year older than Gu Xu - if Gu Xu is not married, he might as well think about it.

Of course, Gu Xu resolutely refused, and at the same time politely expressed that he already had a crush.

Ye Huishou felt very sorry.

However, Guanshi Yang, who was next to him, breathed a sigh of relief quietly, and thought to himself: This future son-in-law is really a favorite in the capital—if Miss Shi hadn't known him early enough, I'm afraid he would have been snatched away by others up.

…………

After Ye Huishou, several distinguished guests came to "Shouchangfang".

They were all people Shen Qiu had contacted before, and Gu Xu didn't know any of them.

Fortunately, Shangguan Jin followed him and told him the identities of these guests in time, which saved Gu Xu from embarrassment.

These customers showed a very friendly attitude towards Gu Xu, and they placed the order without any hesitation. Seeing that Gu Xu was not married, they enthusiastically introduced someone to him.

But Gu Xu refused.

Steward Yang next to him looked very nervous.

He felt that it was necessary for him to write a letter to Sir Qianhu Shi in Laizhou Prefecture, describing how popular Gu Xu was in the capital, and to persuade Master Shi to make a marriage contract for his daughter as soon as possible, so as not to have long nights and dreams.

Although Gu Xu and Shi Xiaohan have a deep and righteous relationship, he is a vigorous young man after all—if a certain family wants to recruit Gu Xu as his son-in-law, marry him a beautiful and noble daughter, and provide him with a way to reach the sky in one step. Manager Yang can't guarantee that Gu Xu can resist this temptation.

…………

After all the guests had left, Gu Xu stood on the steps outside "Shouchangfang", looked at the crowds coming and going on the street, and let out a long sigh of relief.

He had to admit that the high reputation these days, the support of many monks, and the attitude of the guests scrambling to show their favor to him really gave him a feeling of elation.

His current situation can be called "prosperous in the spring breeze".

In the entire history of the Great Qi Dynasty, almost no one could achieve what he is today at the same age.

But Gu Xu didn't dare to relax because of this.

Because his goal is still far away.

As long as he fails to become a saint one day, he will feel a sword hanging over his head, making him uneasy.

In addition, he also hides secrets such as "Ziwei's fate", the white-haired boy, and the "Huilu Rune", and he has also learned about the hidden truth about Emperor Tianxing behind the case of Lu's haunted house-these secrets, No doubt it would put him on the opposite side of the emperor.

If one day, the emperor discovers his secret, will his brilliance at this time be shattered in an instant like a flower in a mirror and a moon in water?

Gu Xu didn't think about it any further.

He just felt that he seemed to be walking on the edge of a cliff, and he had to be careful with every step.

At this time, Steward Yang came to his side and reported to him the income of "Shouchangfang" today.

Gu Xu listened silently.

Suddenly, he realized an important problem——

Shen Qiu has always been a very thoughtful person.

Ever since he signed a cooperation agreement with Gu Xu, he has handled things in an orderly manner and never let Gu Xu worry about things in the workshop.

Dealing with the dignitaries, he can also figure out everyone's mind and give the most appropriate gift according to their preferences.

According to his character, if he wants to leave Beijing for business, he should find the portraits and information of each client in advance to avoid the embarrassing incident of not being able to recognize the identity of the client.

However today, Shen Qiu threw a note and left in a hurry - his handover work was completely incomplete, so that Manager Yang looked at the guests in a daze.

This is completely inconsistent with Shen Qiu's past style of doing things!
Gu Xu frowned.

He guessed that Shen Qiu might have encountered real trouble when he left Beijing to return to Jinling City.

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(End of this chapter)