The Agarwood Bagua Mirror

Ever since Fourth Martial Uncle revealed a method to find the Agarwood Bagua Mirror, Su Ni would visit the Main Hall every day to inquire about it.

Fourth Martial Uncle was so annoyed by this that he was driven to distraction, "Oh dear, I've already sent a carrier pigeon!"

Su Ni, as if disbelieving what she had just heard, gaped in doubt, "In this day and age, why don't you just make a phone call, Martial Uncle?"

To conceal his inner embarrassment, he awkwardly replied, "Last month, the statue of the Three Sages was damaged, so I sold my phone to get money for repairs."

Su Ni was about to argue with Fourth Martial Uncle but then refrained. She looked at him and slowly asked, "Fourth Martial Uncle, why don't you give me that person's phone number? I'll go down to the town to call."

As soon as he heard this, he became somewhat flustered and said, "No, you cannot. Demons and fiends are rampant; what if something happens to you?"

Su Ni hesitated for a while, finally deciding to voice her thoughts, "I am not afraid of demons and fiends; I only fear that Chu Ling cannot withstand the Evil Qi."

I had thought that upon hearing this, Fourth Martial Uncle would show pity for my life, but unexpectedly, he even went out of his way to mock me, "His Righteous Qi is strong; it's fine for him to suffer a little."

Su Ni exclaimed agitatedly, "How can that be! Martial Uncle, you must quickly find a way to help Chu Ling!"

He leaned closer, observing Su Ni's face, "Girl, I see you have feelings for Chu Ling, don't you?"

Su Ni blushed and shyly lowered her head, replying, "How could that be?"

He narrowed his eyes, looking sly, "Really? If you like him, you must say so. That blockhead won't understand your intentions."

Su Ni said nothing, only shyly nodded. Whether she liked him or not, in the end, she couldn't say. She remained silent for a long time, then her nose suddenly stung, and her eyes seemed to well up with tears, "Chu Ling already has someone in his heart."

Fourth Martial Uncle had just taken a sip of tea, and upon hearing this, he immediately spat it out, "That rascal! He has a beloved?"

Su Ni nodded dejectedly. Fourth Martial Uncle put down his teacup and scolded, "Hmph! You are so good, yet he has someone else. Su Ni, listen to me, don't bother with him anymore."

Su Ni shook her head, showing disagreement with that opinion, "The person in Chu Ling's heart is a good person; I am happy for him, if anything."

Fourth Martial Uncle's eyes revealed a sly glint, "Happy? Who in the world would be happy that the one they care for has someone else? You foolish girl."

Su Ni continued with a sorrowful expression, "No matter what, I still want to save Chu Ling. Martial Uncle, please don't tell Chu Ling about this, alright?"

Fourth Martial Uncle sighed and slowly said, "Alright."

Su Ni forced a smile, then returned to her room.

As she stepped through the door, she seemed to have cast aside all her previous sorrow and happily took my hand. My heart felt a little awkward, beating continuously as if wanting to leap out of my chest. I looked at Su Ni and smiled, "Did you go ask Fourth Martial Uncle about the Agarwood Bagua Mirror again?"

Of course, she nodded, looking at me as she replied, "Yes."

I sighed and said, "I can endure it."

Upon hearing this, she immediately took my hand to examine it, her eyes also reddening, "The Evil Qi is already more potent than yesterday."

I gently patted her head and slowly said, "I am fine."

Su Ni also understood clearly; from a young age, my disposition was very resolute; even in pain, I would never utter a sound.

At this moment, the room door opened, and Grandfather entered, walking to my bedside. He extended his hand to observe the Evil Qi, then said, "The day after tomorrow, your Fourth Martial Uncle and I will descend the mountain to investigate the matter of the Vengeful Ghost. If my calculations are correct, the Agarwood Bagua Mirror will arrive tomorrow."

Su Ni now looked up, her eyes revealing a hint of surprise, "That quickly!"

Grandfather nodded and slowly said, "Indeed. When it comes to getting things done, your Fourth Martial Uncle is the fastest."

Su Ni was instantly overjoyed, a smile clearly visible on her face, "That's wonderful! So you won't have to suffer any more pain!"

I, too, was somewhat infected by her joy; just one smile from her made those around her feel as if they were bathed in bright, cheerful sunlight.

Grandfather, as if not wanting us to enjoy this happiness for long, immediately changed his demeanor, "But the day after tomorrow, you two must descend the mountain with me on a trip."

Su Ni and I looked at Grandfather in momentary surprise. Normally, he would not allow us into dangerous places, but today he proposed taking us along. It was evident that we must be of some use for Grandfather to suggest this. Whatever the case, I trusted him, "Very well, the day after tomorrow, I will go with everyone."

Su Ni pouted and nodded, "Me too."

Grandfather still maintained a calm expression, "I am taking Su Ni because she possesses Yin-Yang Eyes, which can perceive evil entities. As for you, your strong Righteous Qi will be useful in suppressing Evil Qi. Consider this an opportunity to accumulate some merit, which will make life easier in the future."

Grandfather's words perfectly echoed the saying, "Virtue can overcome fate, Man's will can conquer Heaven." If we live knowing how to accumulate blessings and virtue, we will surely be able to turn misfortune into fortune. And indeed, the character "Virtue" stands first among human qualities, just as the saying goes, "Among a hundred virtues of a scholar-official, Virtue ranks first."

As for the Evil Qi, there was no longer cause for worry, as the Agarwood Bagua Mirror could suppress the Evil Qi within me. The important matter now was to resolve the situation down the mountain and save the villagers. I felt a renewed surge of motivation after so many times of being harmed, "I will strive my best. No matter how powerful the demons, fiends, or ghosts, I will directly confront them. I will not let my own timidity harm those around me."

Grandfather looked at me with astonished eyes, for from a young age, he had clearly understood my somewhat timid nature. But after this journey, I had become entirely different from before.

Grandfather said nothing, only nodded in satisfaction, then left the room.