Chapter 707: Help

Chapter 707: A Favor

The conversation between Qing Wanglai and Li Huowang continued, despite their differing viewpoints. Surprisingly, they did not argue or dispute each other.

Qing Wanglai turned his gaze back to Li Huowang. “Although we’ve only just met, since Qian Fu said he wants to help you, it’s safe to assume we’re allies on that side. He has a talent for this sort of thing.”

Li Huowang, rubbing his temples in frustration, felt more confused than ever. The man’s words were not clarifying anything—they were only making his head spin further. “I’m genuinely curious, how did you end up agreeing with him? Your worldviews are completely different from both of theirs!”

“Because we are illusions. Though we may have flesh and blood, we are merely projections—truly, utterly false. The real truth exists absolutely, and absolute truth is also absolute reality—but such truth transcends our comprehension. It’s beyond what either of us can perceive.”

“So if everything is false, why should we care about others’ opinions?”

“Heh,” Qing Wanglai chuckled, “I don’t believe things are as they say, but everyone has their own unique perspective. I don’t need to force my beliefs upon others—I respect theirs.” With that, he raised his teacup toward Qian Fu and Chen Hongyu, his companions.

Through the screen, Li Huowang studied the man’s profile, his mind quietly weighing every word. He was highly skeptical of everything Qing Wanglai had said.

Though it had been only a moment, he had seen it clearly—Qing Wanglai had just taken something that looked like a psychiatric medication.

Despite appearing learned and profound, mental illness had nothing to do with intelligence.

In fact, based on years of observation, intelligent people were more prone to madness than average individuals. The truly foolish rarely suffered from such afflictions.

“This is our first meeting, and you naturally harbor doubts. I understand. But rest assured, I am here to help you. And now, you’re the one in trouble—not us, right? Regardless of who those projections belong to.”

Li Huowang found himself momentarily convinced. Indeed, if the man was genuinely trying to help, then it would be unwise to keep suspicion written across his face. Even so, caution remained only in his heart, secretly held.

“I apologize, Mr. Qing. This situation is simply too bizarre. Naturally, I couldn’t help but ask a few more questions. So, what method will you use to get me out of this mess?”

“In today’s world, success comes through connections. In this regard, I know quite a few people who might be able to assist. And your matter isn’t particularly serious.”

“You can wait at home for now. We’ll go find someone to help solve this. I’m confident we’ll have an answer soon. Once you’re free, we’ll discuss the next steps.”

“Find someone? You’re not planning to seek out another mentally ill person, are you?” Li Huowang frowned slightly, thinking to himself.

He wanted to ask more details, but the man seemed unwilling to elaborate.

“Well, let’s call it a day. I have other matters to attend to. Oh, by the way, add my WeChat. It’ll make communication easier.” Qing Wanglai stood up as he spoke.

With the contact information secured, the matter seemed to come to a close. His efforts hadn’t been in vain—progress had been made.

After seeing them off at the university gate, Qing Wanglai returned. Just as Li Huowang was about to hang up the video call, he noticed Qian Fu rushing toward a trash bin, reaching inside and licking his lips while searching through the contents, drawing strange looks from passersby.

“Qian Fu! What’s wrong with you? Be normal!”

Qian Fu spun around holding half a cup of milk tea, defending himself with conviction. “Me being crazy? This stuff isn’t inedible. I’m just saving it from going to waste. Is there something wrong with eating it? How am I the one who’s nuts? There are still plenty of people in the world who don’t even have enough to eat! I think those who casually throw away food are the ones really suffering from mental illness!”

For a moment, Li Huowang was left speechless. He didn’t know what to say. The guy’s thought process was clearly unlike that of a normal person.

Eventually, Chen Hongyu forcibly dragged Qian Fu away. Li Huowang then ended the video call.

Alone in his bedroom, Li Huowang reflected on everything he’d heard, contemplating whether he had missed anything important.

“Ding dong.” His phone rang. As he swiped open the screen, he saw a message from Yang Na.

“Huowang, didn’t Chen Dama say she had psychic powers? I asked her what kind of power she had, and guess what she told me? (⊙ω⊙)”

“What did she say?”

As soon as Li Huowang sent that message, Yang Na replied with a video.

Chen Hongyu stood lazily by the roadside, her expression solemn as she stared directly into the lens.

“Huowang, watch closely.”

A large question mark appeared in Li Huowang’s mind. “Watch what?”

At that moment, the camera zoomed in on Chen Hongyu’s forehead.

All Li Huowang could see were some pimples on her face—nothing else.

“Hmm…” Chen Hongyu’s expression grew more intense, and a low humming sound emerged from her mouth, like the sound of energy flowing.

Just as Li Huowang puzzled over what she was doing, she suddenly let out a sharp shout. Two pus-filled bumps on her forehead exploded instantly.

Yellowish pus mixed with thin, thread-like growths poured out onto her greasy face, causing Li Huowang to feel a wave of nausea.

The video cut off abruptly. Yang Na immediately sent another message: “That’s such a disgusting psychic ability…”

Li Huowang tossed his phone onto the bed and sighed. Who exactly was he dealing with?

---

“We must take the initiative,” roared a burly man clad in black fur, standing in the military tent with anger. “These useless members of the Daoist sect want to ambush us and kill us? Do they think we’re soft targets?”

No one dared to contradict him. After all, he was the Great Khan of Qingqiu, the dragon vein of the land. With the emperor absent, he was the most honored figure present.

“Great Khan,” said Xuan Pin, “you speak wisely. Of course, we must counterattack. I have a skill. May I borrow the tiger talisman of your kingdom?”

Hearing this, the Great Khan narrowed his eyes and instinctively covered his sleeve. “Are you joking? The tiger talisman that commands the three armies of Qingqiu cannot be given to outsiders! Now you realize you're short on troops? Then go ask your stingy emperor of Liang!”

“He’s playing a clever game. While we fight and bleed, he reaps the benefits!”

“Report, Great Khan,” said an old eunuch, bowing respectfully. “His Majesty has already dispatched his army.”

“What good is that now? How far is Liang from Hou Shu? By the time they arrive, the purslane will be too old to eat!”

Seeing the tension rising, the Astronomer-in-Chief of Qingqiu stepped forward to mediate. “Xuan Pin, if you have a plan, speak plainly. If your suggestion makes sense, my Khan will surely send troops to support you.”

(End of Chapter)