Chapter 64: Before Itachi, I Am Only a Cowardly Fearful Man

In the exhibition hall, Luo Pei slowly opened his eyes, the confusion in them gradually dispersing as he surveyed the unfamiliar surroundings.

The modern art on the walls, the oddly shaped lamps, the polished marble floor—all were utterly different from the world he remembered.

Finally, his gaze settled on Luo Jie.

Luo Jie stood quietly a short distance away, giving a slight nod, his face wearing a gentle smile.

Drawn the ancient tool guy—now it’s time to test my acting skills.

“Welcome to the modern era, Saint Warrior Luo Pei.”

Luo Pei frowned, his nostrils flaring slightly, as if sensing something in the air.

“I sense the power of black qi.”

Immediately, he turned his gaze back to Luo Jie, a flicker of awe in his eyes.

“Such immense righteous qi.”

But then his expression shifted to confusion.

“Yet within Itachi, I faintly detect the presence of black qi.”

Luo Jie met Luo Pei’s scrutiny with calm composure.

As the saying goes: if your body is upright, your shadow will not crook.

He had no fear of Luo Pei’s inspection.

If anything went wrong, his fists would teach Luo Pei who was righteous and who was evil.

I hope Master Luo Pei won’t be ungrateful.

“I am Luo Jie, the Righteous Qi Mage. In this era, I sealed the resurrected Holy Lord and Bo Gang, who escaped from Hell.”

“I imprisoned them within myself—they will never emerge again.”

As he spoke, Luo Jie unbuttoned his shirt, revealing the sealing runes on his chest.

Luo Pei’s gaze snapped to them; his wary eyes gradually softened.

He gave a slight nod, as if understanding the source of the black qi on Luo Jie’s body.

He had sealed two demons.

In short, at least two demons had appeared in this era.

That meant the evil forces in this era were far more active than in his own.

Thus, it was no surprise that Luo Jie, empowered by righteous qi, surpassed him.

Yet Luo Pei suddenly seemed to realize something, a hint of concern appearing on his face.

“Itachi revived me?”

“That will disrupt the balance of yin and yang!”

Luo Jie explained patiently: “No, I did not revive Itachi. Itachi are merely animated by the power of the Rat Talisman.”

“Itachi are still, at your core, a statue.”

“The power of the rat…”

Luo Pei murmured, his eyes fixed on Luo Jie as if he could see through his body to the talisman’s magical energy.

Seeing the moment was ripe, Luo Jie pressed on.

“Though I sealed the Holy Lord and Bo Gang, the talismans are still scattered across the land, many fallen into the hands of evildoers.”

“I need your help to find them, to prevent them from reaching the most wicked.”

“Luo Pei, this era needs your aid.”

Luo Pei fell silent for a moment, as if recalling past experiences.

Finally, he nodded firmly: “Understood, Master Luo Jie.”

“If this is a matter of upholding justice, I shall give my all.”

Luo Jie felt a measure of relief—this reasoning had indeed convinced Luo Pei.

He then said to Luo Pei: “Itachi must have many questions, but this is not the place to speak. Let’s leave first.”

With that, he activated the Eye of Onora; light surged rapidly, enveloping both of them.

In an instant, Luo Jie and the antique figurine vanished from the exhibition hall, as if they had never been there.

…

Before searching for the talismans, Luo Jie had made a little money.

He used it to buy outright a countryside villa on the outskirts of San Francisco as his residence.

Just a safehouse, really.

At this moment, with a faint ripple in space, Luo Jie and Luo Pei appeared suddenly in the villa’s living room.

Luo Jie gestured for Luo Pei to sit, then took a seat on the nearby sofa, beginning to patiently answer his questions.

This was no deception.

It was simply the greatest Righteous Qi Mage of this era sharing intelligence with his ally.

Luo Jie merely concealed certain truths unsuitable for disclosure.

And he presented the facts according to his own understanding.

How could that be called deception?

Those who understand, understand; those who don’t, wouldn’t understand even if told.

Time passed second by second.

Long after, Luo Pei nodded slightly, the confusion on his face fading—he clearly grasped the general course of events.

At the very least, he firmly believed he fully understood the current situation.

What?

Was Luo Jie lying to him?

Impossible—Luo Jie had sealed two demons, a Righteous Qi Mage far superior to him.

Such a feat meant Luo Jie was undoubtedly the greatest Righteous Qi Mage of this era.

How could such a man deceive him?

At that moment, Luo Pei raised his head, meeting Luo Jie’s gaze directly.

“Itachi wish to use the Dog Talisman’s power to live forever, using yourself as a prison to bind the Holy Lord and Bo Gang?”

Luo Jie’s expression turned solemn; he nodded seriously.

“Correct. Without constant vigilance, even the strongest sealing spells will eventually be breached by cunning demons.”

“Just as Itachi once sealed the Holy Lord—he still found a way to be reborn.”

“And when other demons escape from Hell, I can act swiftly to seal them one by one, sparing the world from their harm.”

Hearing this, Luo Pei’s heart filled with solemn respect; an unmistakable glimmer of admiration appeared in his eyes.

“Immortality is not a blessing—it means watching your loved ones depart one by one.”

“And Itachi must wage eternal battle against the demons within Itachi. Such sacrifice is immense.”

“Master Luo Jie, your character far surpasses mine. Before Itachi, I am but a cowardly, fearful man.”

Seeing Luo Pei completely fooled.

Luo Jie felt triumphant inside.

Life is a play—reliant entirely on acting.

Indeed, I am the supreme master of the grand illusion.

Three sentences, and the Saint Warrior would lay down his life for me.

Yet Luo Jie’s face wore a humble smile.

“Itachi flatter me. All I have done is merely to preserve the peace of this world.”

“It is the duty of every righteous mage.”

Luo Pei gave a slight nod, his expression grave. “Yet there is one thing Itachi must heed.”

“Though I am now only a statue animated by the Rat Talisman, prolonged existence will still disrupt the balance of yin and yang.”

“I will hasten to help Itachi recover all the talismans and impart to Itachi without reservation the magic I know.”

“I hope to lend Itachi my strength.”

Luo Jie quickly replied: “Then I rely on Itachi.”

“With the aid of such a great Saint Warrior, I am certain the demons will be sealed forever.”

The thought of so many talismans still to be found stirred Luo Pei to immediate action.

Seeing this, Luo Jie cautioned: “It’s late—it’s already midnight. Let’s act tomorrow.”

“And tonight, Itachi may use the time to learn more about this era—it will aid your future efforts.”

Luo Pei pondered a moment, found Luo Jie’s words reasonable, and nodded in agreement.

(End of Chapter)