Chapter 163: with translation of chapter title

Previously, Chen Wuji had also thought about getting himself an official post to raise his status.

But after learning about his family's past, he completely abandoned that idea.

Unless, there is a change of heaven and earth.

"Do you have such a story?" Zhang Lao asked, frowning.

"Yes."

It's just that Chen Wuji has seen such stories before, but they don't exist in this world.

In fantasy novels, isn't this kind of setting often used?

In the Place of Exile, big shots gather, but they are all a bunch of people living in a semi‑free prison, unable to see hope.

This rundown Nan Jun really resembles the Place of Exile.

"The Place of Exile, that's quite vivid." Zhang Lao gave a light‑mocking smile, helped Chen Wuji up by the arm, and tremulously walked to the counter.

"I've prepared the supplies for you; they should be enough for a while. I heard the checkpoint at the city gate is now very strict, so I didn't add charcoal—you can add it yourself when you get back, and I've written down exactly how much you need to add."

"To throw people off a bit, I've put some other herbs in each medicine packet; even if they're found, they won't discover anything—these herbs are a little test for you before you become my apprentice."

Zhang Lao took out a bamboo basket from under the counter, completely stuffed with medicine packets.

Chen Wuji looked at Zhang Lao in astonishment, "Old sir, you don't have some kind of mind‑reading ability, do you? I haven't even said anything yet—how do you know I need this?"

"Because we're both ordinary folk with no power or influence." Zhang Lao smiled kindly, his withered hand patting the basket, "People like us, when bullied, aside from that bit of a commoner's blood‑courage, what else can we do?"

"I don't know what you'll do next, but I can't do much for you—now I can only help you prepare these things. By the way, the herbs I casually put in the paper packets can be made into Bewildering Fragrance, but you need to pick the correct formula from these dozens of herbs."

"You've spoken up, so this old thing of mine can't be so stingy as to give you no greeting gift; the formula for Bewildering Fragrance is worth something, enough to serve as your greeting gift."

Chen Wuji was stunned, "Zhang Lao, what merit or ability do I have…"

"To be honest, I haven't even noticed any talent in myself; your high regard makes me doubt myself now."

Zhang Lao waved his hand, "Anyone who has spent some years in the Mountain Doctor Divination trade and gained some insight, when taking on disciples and teaching the Way, will focus on just two words: first affinity, then virtue!"

"I'm old and don't like beating around the bush; perhaps I'm too blunt, making you feel abrupt—this is my fault as an old man."

Chen Wuji listened and became even more bewildered.

His virtue… is it good?

Although he is broad‑minded and eager to help, he can be considered a good person.

But he is also someone who repays every grudge.

Moreover, when he acts, he sometimes chooses to use any means necessary.

However, Zhang Lao's intention to take him as a disciple is indeed quite direct.

At their first meeting, he bluntly expressed that idea and even wanted to give him the Ciji Studio.

Chen Wuji was startled at the time, even suspiciously wondering if the old man had some ulterior motive; but later events proved that the old man was simply too lazy to simmer slowly, seeking to draw closer.

Just like those modern men who don't want to waste any effort on dating, they get straight to the point: can we marry? If yes, let's do it quickly; if not, let's drop it.

Zhang Lao's expression carried a hint of profound, faint smile as he said lightly, "In ancient times, the sages passed down a saying: those who attain the One—heaven attains One and becomes clear, earth attains One and becomes tranquil, spirits attain One and become spiritual, valleys attain One and become full, lords and kings attain One and thereby make the world correct."

"That One is what I see in you; having this One is enough for me to make any decision. Though there are many people in the world, few are as firm as stone, yet everyone despises stone."

Chen Wuji was bewildered.

Well, Zhang Lao said a lot, but he didn't understand a single word.

He does have a 'One' on him, but this One only appears when he sees a beautiful woman.

Zhang Lao looked at Chen Wuji's blank eyes, gave a faint smile, and said, "I'm talking about virtue. Virtue does have true/false and high/low distinctions. Upper virtue is not virtue, meaning it possesses virtue; lower virtue does not lose virtue, meaning it lacks virtue."

At that moment, Chen Wuji felt as if he had returned to the classroom.

He really doesn't understand.

Zhang Lao chuckled, gave no further explanation to Chen Wuji, and shifted the topic: "That little fish kid behaves a bit unconventionally; I've sent him back to the countryside to gather herbs for a while. No need to worry about raising suspicion—every year I and little fish leave for a few months to gather herbs, which is quite normal."

"Moreover, I, your master, am revered as a divine doctor and still have some standing in Yunan City. If there's no solid evidence, they won't make things difficult for me, so you can just attend to your own affairs. In all things, think twice before acting—my Ciji Studio will later fall on your shoulders."

Chen Wuji nodded, his feelings somewhat complicated.

He wanted to say something, but before he could get it out, Zhang Lao had already said it all.

Zhang Lao anticipated all his anticipations.

After thinking it over, it seemed there was indeed nothing else to report, so Chen Wuji turned and asked, "Old Master, is there any new news in the city today?"

"Not for now. Your concern is justified; being careful is never wrong, but don't expect those fools to find anything quickly—just relax a bit." Zhang Lao laughed.

"After the city gate was closed yesterday, guess what these people did?"

Chen Wuji shook his head.

This leaves him nowhere to guess.

"Under the pretext of inspection, they crack down wildly on dissenters and reap benefits." Zhang Lao said with a tone of mockery.

"Whether it's the Zhang Family or the Xianya, they act as if gone mad, frantically moving out. They've dispatched two groups: one team is responsible for investigating the traces left by the Drunken Eight Immortals and the Zhang Family, which counts as proper investigation."

"But whether it's Bewildering Fragrance or Shocking Heaven Thunder, these are things that exist only in jianghu rumors; they want to infer the culprit from those few clues—not that I look down on them, but they're really inexperienced."

"Their other wave of personnel, under the guise of investigation, carries out a large‑scale purge of dissenters. Those who previously had conflicts with them and hold some influence in the city have all been arrested and thrown into jail using this opportunity. Perhaps they intend to force out the culprit this way."

Chen Wuji understood in his heart, "No matter what else, as long as this fire doesn't temporarily burn us, I'm fine. Actually I'm not worried about myself; I just fear implicating you and little fish—that's all."

"Just look after yourself; we'll be fine." Zhang Lao waved his hand.

Chen Wuji nodded, "Old Master, if that's the case, then I'll be off now."