Chapter 129: The Paranormal Leisure Gathering

We returned home to pack our bags, intending to set off immediately. Master sat to the side booking flight tickets while Li Muyang and I packed for the three of us, taking only a few sets of everyday clothes. We carried our luggage downstairs. Master raised his phone, waved it at us, and said, "Tickets are booked for the last flight this afternoon. Time is running short, let's go."

We nodded and hailed a taxi on the roadside to Jiangbei Airport. It was currently three o'clock, and we had about half an hour until departure. The driver realized we were in a rush and drove quickly, arriving at the airport before long. We ran through the terminal and just made it to the boarding gate. Gasping for air, I looked at Master and asked, "Master, why didn't you use the back door? With your status, you shouldn't have to rush for a flight like this."

Master was also breathing heavily. He replied, "I wanted to experience the thrill of rushing to catch a flight."

"Uh, alright then. Didn't you already experience the thrill of rushing for a train before? Why do it again?" I looked at him helplessly.

Master paused, then said, "You still remember that time, kid?"

I nodded. Master smiled and walked slowly into the queue. Once through security, we shouldered our bags and headed toward the tarmac. After boarding the plane, we finally caught our breath. Li Muyang fell asleep as soon as he sat down. I sat by the window with Master beside me. He looked at me and said, "Get some rest. We still have a long way to go to Zhengzhou."

I looked at the airport outside the window and agreed, but I felt no sleepiness. As the plane slowly ascended, I watched the buildings on the ground grow smaller and smaller, and the white clouds in the sky draw closer. Time passed quickly. Two hours later, we left the airport; it was already around five o'clock. We grabbed a casual meal at a restaurant and then found a hotel to stay in. Master called it "experiencing life." I smiled, settled my luggage, and asked, "Where are we going next?"

While straightening the bedsheets, Master replied, "Hmm... I know of a paranormal leisure club in this area of Zhengzhou. It’s specifically open to people in the supernatural community. Those who want to relax come here. Let’s go take a look tonight."

I nodded, looked at Li Muyang, and asked, "Muyang, are you coming?"

Li Muyang paused, yawned, and waved his hand. "I’ll pass. I’d rather curl up in the room and sleep. I didn't sleep well last night. You and the Master go ahead. If you come across anything tasty, remember to bring some back for me, hehe."

Watching Li Muyang's gluttonous expression, I couldn't help but smile bitterly. I nodded helplessly, and Master agreed. We headed out. Guided by Master, we arrived at a small alley. It was completely deserted, without a single resident, yet the ground was impeccably clean. Master stood before a rustic gate, looked up at the plaque, and whispered, "This should be the place."

"Should? Master, don't you know this place?" I asked, puzzled.

Master glanced back at me and said, "I don't come here often. I've only heard about it from friends in the circle."

I nodded. Just as Master was about to push the door, a low voice came from within: "Which friends are outside the gate? What path do you follow, and what arts do you practice?"

We were both taken aback; the voice was terrifyingly deep. Master faced the gate and replied, "The root of the 'walk' radical plus 'head,' traveling across the land."

"Then why pace here?" the low voice echoed again.

Master smiled slightly and said, "I heard that fun can be found here. Since I am passing through this precious place, I thought I would come and see."

After Master finished, a low laugh came from inside the gate. "Apologies, there is indeed fun to be found here, but the hands of the clock have not reached the mark. The hall is not yet open."

Hearing this, Master was stunned. "When will it open?"

"At the stroke of midnight."

Master nodded and cupped his hands in a salute. "Sorry to have disturbed you!"

The voice inside faded away. Master looked at me and said, "Let's go. We'll come back later."

I looked at Master, puzzled, and asked as we walked, "Master, what were you and that person talking about? I didn't understand a word."

Master smiled. "That's professional jargon within the circle."

I nodded again. "Then what was that about the 'walk' radical and the 'head,' and the 'hands of the clock' not reaching the mark?"

Still looking at him with confusion, Master sighed. "I told you to study hard, but you'd rather climb trees. You don't even know that?"

I shook my head. Master explained, "The 'walk' radical is a component, and 'head' is the other part. Put them together and it forms the word 'Dao' for Daoist arts. It seems all your schooling has been returned to your teachers."

I finally understood and gave an awkward laugh. "And what about the 'hands of the clock'?"

"It means the time hasn't reached the hour yet. 'Hall is not yet open' means it isn't open for business. Put it together, it just means it's not time yet. Seriously, you should go back and study for a few more years."

Master looked at me helplessly. I chuckled, fully understanding now. We reached the end of the alley. Master looked left and right and said, "Where to now? A run-down place that doesn't open until twelve. What a waste of my time."

I stood beside Master, feeling the cool night breeze. "Is there really no other way to find the Assassination Headquarters?"

Master rolled his eyes. "We don't know a soul here. This place is our only lead. Do you want me to go out into the street and ask? People would think I'm a lunatic and call the police!"

I shrugged. Just as Master was about to pat me on the shoulder, I dodged behind him. He then said, "Alright, let's see if there's a snack street nearby. I didn't get my fill earlier. We can grab something for that lazy kid while we're at it."

Upon hearing "snack street," I perked up immediately. I agreed and asked a nearby shopkeeper for directions. We set our sights on the Old Street Snack Market. We followed our noses and were soon greeted by the aroma of delicious food. I pointed ahead and shouted to Master, "Master, we're here!"

Master nodded with a smile. We entered the bustling street, which was crowded and lively. We sampled many local specialties—stinky tofu was a must because of its fragrance. After wandering for a while, we bought a portion of spicy hotpot to bring back for Li Muyang.

When we returned to the hotel, Li Muyang was still fast asleep. Master walked over quietly and gestured for me to be silent. I smiled mischievously, instantly understanding his intent. The next second, we both shouted at the top of our lungs and poked him. Startled out of his sleep, Li Muyang bolted upright. Seeing us, he clutched his chest and cried out impatiently, "Master! Lin Xuan! What are you doing? You scared me to death!"

Master and I burst into laughter. Master looked at him and said, "Are you part pig? What time is it? You're still sleeping? Don't you plan on sleeping tonight?"

Li Muyang sighed heavily and sat on the bed. Ignoring Master’s jab, he muttered to himself, "My beautiful dream... all ruined by you two. Sigh."

Master and I were stunned, then I roared with laughter. "A beautiful dream? Are you having a wet dream, kid? Honestly, a young man should think about his career, not be obsessed with beauties all day. Look at King Zhou of Shang—he was so mesmerized by Su Daji that he lost his kingdom."

Li Muyang rolled his eyes at me. "Your history is good, I’ll give you that. Fine. Hey, why is there such a fragrance? Master, did you bring food back? Where is it? Let me see."

As he spoke, he sniffed the air. Master’s hand, hidden behind his back, moved slightly. Li Muyang spotted it immediately. "Hey, Master, what delicious thing did you buy? Hurry up and show me, it smells so good!"

Master looked at him and said, "So, did we interrupt your 'beauty' just now?"

Li Muyang shook his head like a rattle, grinning. "No, no, hehe."

Master smiled and brought out the spicy hotpot from behind his back. Li Muyang snatched it up, took a sniff, and said with satisfaction, "It smells divine!"