Hidden Moth-Chapter 460 - 260: Purging Lead Poison As Always
There’s something quite interesting: among the Jianghu wanderers He Kao has come across, aside from the likes of Fabre, the ones considered "normal" are Chang’an Residence and Zhang Jin Kui, who both happen to be from the Xingshen Sect.
Today, he also asked Elder Li, who explained that this is no coincidence and is related to the characteristics of each sect’s techniques and cultivation traditions. For example, the sorcerers of the Micro Realm Sect like to band together to form factions, while the Xingshen Sect sorcerers prefer to wander the Jianghu alone.
In ancient times, there was a term called wandering sorcerer, which meant traveling around. For instance, disciples of the Heart Plate Sect love to visit famous mountains and rivers, sensing the Earth Qi and Spirit Core, which is essential for their cultivation.
In fact, for disciples of the major Magic Sects, reaching a certain stage in their cultivation necessitates traveling and experience, albeit with different emphases. In ancient times, Xingshen Sect disciples were more likely to become wandering sorcerers.
Because their cultivation involves interacting with various people, observing their desires, and engaging in something advantageous, they might do magic tricks and sell ointments one year and set up a fortune-telling stall the next, depending on what is more convenient.
Under the ancient conditions of transportation and communication, over time, it became more common for their descendants to end up as Jianghu wanderers.
Nowadays, the situation has completely changed. Even in the remotest corners of the world, one can communicate instantly, have video chats as if face-to-face, and even group chat in teams.
Returning to Qi Yuan, He Kao distributed the specialties he brought among colleagues and neighbors, even sending a portion to his aunt’s family.
As for the specialty tea, it was mainly given to Gao Xue’e and Qian Guran, with Lan Jiwan and Ye Liangcheng also getting a share. Its effect is primarily to assist in stimulating blood circulation, and it can accompany all kinds of Moving Techniques; He Kao could brew a pot during sword practice.
To Xiaopang and Mrs. Chen, it was almost all food, minus the tea and ointment... why, you ask? Considering what Lin Qingshuang did, giving such gifts to his apprentices might seem provocative.
On New Year’s Eve, it was still officially a workday, and every department needed someone present, but after clocking out in the morning, everyone packed their things and snuck away, leaving just Gao Xue’e at her desk by afternoon.
Initially, Huang Xiaopang and He Kao were still there by noon, but Gao Xue’e actively told them to just go do their own things. Only then did Deputy Manager Huang leave, with He Kao exchanging a knowing glance with Manager Gao before he left early.
Past noon on New Year’s Eve, it shifts to New Year’s Night. Lan Jiwan and Ye Liangcheng did not return to the "base" but stayed at the "Jiuliang Manufacturing" factory.
Back when Ye Liangcheng was braving an abandoned district alone, he made his own meals, and quite well at that. He planted fruit trees, cultivated a vegetable plot, raised a flock of chickens, and also kept five dogs.
Now, as the factory chief, he even set aside a special kitchen in the factory and liked to cook himself. Today he showcased his culinary skills again, with several ingredients sourced from the "base."
They set up a round table in the workshop, and as Lan Jiwan set the table, she kept glancing outside. Seeing this, Ye Liangcheng laughed, "Brother Huo Qing said he’d come, and he surely will!"
Why Brother Huo Qing instead of Sect Leader Senior Brother? It’s in the details; after all, they’re in a workshop, and speaking fully openly isn’t secure. The title of Sect Leader might inadvertently reveal sensitive information.
Around one in the afternoon, with no sign of movement outside, Lan Jiwan suddenly turned her head towards the entrance, prompting Ye Liangcheng to realize something was happening, as He Kao entered with two large bags of local specialties.
He Kao was still wearing the Hidden Moth Gauze, assuming the guise of Feng Zilong, a look these two were now accustomed to. They promptly greeted him and waited for his arrival to start the meal.
Ye Liangcheng’s former alias under Bitter Tea was Ye Wuniang, and he was fond of Wuliangye. That’s what he drank today. Lan Jiwan usually didn’t drink, but seeing He Kao pouring, she joined in, drinking a few with Brother Huo Qing.
During the meal, He Kao joked about other units having year-end bonuses and asked what they wanted as a year-end bonus.
Ye Liangcheng: "I think the Awakening Incense works well and helps increase Divine Sense. Can you get some more, brother?"
He Kao: "I can get a batch of raw materials; you can help with the processing, and I’ll handle the last step myself..."
The Awakening Incense can now be self-refined since Cold Needle Jade and Celestial Palace Curtain are obtainable. To refine Awakening Incense, one must have Fourth Realm Cultivation, but the preliminary processes can be entrusted to Ye Liangcheng and Lan Jiwan,
When it was Lan Jiwan’s turn to speak, she hesitantly expressed a desire to have Brother Huo Qing help with another poison cleansing.
Ye Liangcheng wasn’t familiar with the "poison cleansing and healing" experience, only finding it odd; was it possible that the residual toxins in her internal organs and meridians hadn’t been fully cleansed? Poison cleansing is just cleansing, yet she spoke as if murmuring like a mosquito.
Lan Jiwan’s voice was very soft, and her head was down, her face flushed, likely from drinking.
Having expressed the request, being the Sect Leader, He Kao couldn’t lack authority and thus nodded in agreement. But whether refining Awakening Incense or conducting poison cleansing and healing, it would all have to wait until after the New Year.
...
Gao Xue’e was the last to leave the office, clocking out at five-thirty on the dot. She ran into Qian Guran, who was also just getting off work, in the elevator.
They chatted a few sentences, with Qian Guran mentioning that a deputy general manager would be appointed to the branch company after the New Year. This role would handle business similar to when Qian served as deputy general manager previously, and he casually asked Gao Xue’e for her thoughts on this.
Gao Xue’e wasn’t foolish; she seemed to hear an implication but wondered if she was overthinking it. Upon returning home, He Kao was already in the kitchen cooking, and she quickly changed into an apron to help.
