Chapter 70: The Emergence of the Flashbang (Happy National Day)

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Although Old Wu did not truly comprehend the so-called power of faith, Qiu Chuji understood exactly what Fang Xu meant. Mere reliance on these things was not enough. The most crucial factor, of course, was Fang Xu’s own mistake two nights ago, which had led to certain consequences. If Fang Xu had not provided that erroneous demonstration, today’s explanation might still fail to convince everyone.

As for those who, lacking reverence in their hearts, were bitten by insects this morning, that too had been orchestrated by Fang Xu through Old Wu. Fang Xu’s keen ability to read people, honed in his previous life, was not to be underestimated; if one cannot perceive a person's true nature, how could one possibly know whether they would sign a contract with you?

Qiu Chuji never expected Fang Xu could achieve such feats, but what troubled him now was the so-called “manifestation of the divine.” Watching Qiu Chuji’s bewildered expression, Fang Xu finally remembered the matter at hand.

“As things are winding down and time is running short, I suppose there’s no need for suspense,” Fang Xu said with a smile, retrieving a small bamboo tube from his robes and looking at Qiu Chuji.

“Is that what you used to make the so-called deity appear?” Qiu Chuji pointed at the tiny bamboo tube in Fang Xu’s hand, still incredulous.

“What else? Just step outside and see for yourself.” Fang Xu smiled as he walked out, while Old Wu and the others, mindful of their previous experience, leaned against the doorframe, none daring to step outside.

Only the uninformed Qiu Chuji followed Fang Xu out. When Fang Xu emptied the ashes from the bamboo tube onto the ground, Qiu Chuji continued to stare at them in a daze.

“Why are you just standing here? Go to the doorway!” Fang Xu said helplessly to Qiu Chuji, who finally snapped out of his stupor.

“Is this... truly impressive?” Qiu Chuji asked, uncertain, after witnessing Old Wu and the others’ reactions.

“It’s hard to say. It just makes your eyes very uncomfortable,” Old Wu replied after thinking for a moment, unable to explain it further, hoping to give Qiu Chuji some mental preparation.

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“Squint your eyes—I'm about to ignite it!” Fang Xu called out to Qiu Chuji, Old Wu, and the others behind him. Old Wu and the rest responded, and without hesitation, Fang Xu tossed the fire starter onto the ashes. Instantly, the entire Quanzhen Taoist temple was illuminated.

Villagers resting at the foot of the mountain came out of their homes, and even the county magistrate emerged from his residence. Everyone gazed up at the dazzling light emanating from the Quanzhen temple above, falling to their knees in reverence.

Given the events of that morning, none of the villagers doubted the claim that the temple was protected by the divine. If it was not, how could the morning's incident be explained? And now, how else could this radiant light be accounted for?

“How strange—is everything happening at the Quanzhen temple true?” the steward standing before his house muttered in confusion, clearly at a loss.

Inside the temple, now once again “manifesting the divine,” Old Wu and his companions, having learned from their experience two nights prior, reacted far less dramatically. Fang Xu, positioned with his back to the flash, was least affected.

Who suffered the most? Naturally, it was Qiu Chuji. Having not fully grasped what was happening, he was suddenly confronted by a world of blinding white, a wave of nausea rising within him.

“Why can’t I see anything? Am I blind?” Qiu Chuji anxiously stretched out his hands, groping about in confusion, while Fang Xu quickly grabbed Qiu Chuji’s small hand.

The moment Fang Xu touched Qiu Chuji’s hand, he was startled by its softness. Instinctively, he kneaded it gently, but Qiu Chuji, still overwhelmed by the effects of the flash, paid no mind to Fang Xu’s small gesture.

“What on earth is this thing?” For the unknown, people’s reactions are always much the same.

“This is what you helped me craft. I’ve named it the flash bomb—what do you think?” Fang Xu asked with a smile, looking at the vacant-eyed Qiu Chuji.

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“A flash bomb? It certainly is dazzling. Help me back to my room; I need to rest now.” Qiu Chuji looked blankly at Fang Xu, unconsciously clutching his arm.

“All right, Old Wu, you all should rest early as well. I’ll help him back to his room.” Fang Xu understood that Qiu Chuji was still quite shaken and needed time to recover.

He then supported Qiu Chuji as they walked toward the courtyard, while Old Wu watched their departing figures and smacked his lips.

“What are you staring at, Old Wu? Reluctant to see the young master leave?” A guard tidying up couldn’t help but pat Old Wu’s shoulder and ask.

“I suspect Old Wu hopes his luck in romance will bloom—am I right?” another guard joked, and Old Wu glared at them.

“Go away! Didn’t you notice that this little Taoist is actually a girl?” Old Wu’s gaze was odd as he looked back at the guards, who exchanged bewildered glances.

“How could that be? Clearly a little Taoist boy! Old Wu, are you just desperate for company?” The guards laughed, but Old Wu knew what he knew. It was a hunch, though no one believed him, and Qiu Chuji herself was unaware that her true identity had been detected by Old Wu.

At that moment, Fang Xu, feeling a twinge of concern, supported Qiu Chuji while muttering under his breath. He had warned Qiu Chuji earlier—how did she still fall for it?

What could he say? Fang Xu couldn’t blame her; it was her first time, after all, and there was nothing she could do. Thinking back to his own experience two nights ago, wasn’t he just as clueless then?

How could he possibly mock Qiu Chuji? The thought made Fang Xu touch his nose with a wry smile.