The Martial Artist Turned Movie Mogul-Chapter 992 - 991. Miasma Forest (Fifth Watch)

"’Are kings and nobles born special?’—I understand this phrase. Especially in today’s world, it’s deeply philosophical. So many ordinary people rely on themselves to reach the pinnacle of life, but those people are not like you."

"How are they different?"

Tang Shu raised an eyebrow in surprise, motioning her to continue.

"In the way they conduct themselves, their thought processes, and their temperament—they’re all different. Born into noble families, the people and things you’re exposed to from a young age are not the same as what ordinary people experience. These broaden your horizons and make you realize the rules of survival in this world much earlier, allowing you to grasp truths more easily than others. And these truths often become shortcuts to success."

Luo Lin’s initial high regard for Tang Shu stemmed precisely from the unique aura surrounding her, an aura cultivated through her parents’ teachings.

Tang Shu remained silent for a moment after hearing her words, then said, "Since when did you become a philosopher?"

She understood this truth better than anyone in the modern world. After all, in Damo it was the same—ordinary people struggled just to fill their bellies, let alone get an education. This drove their focus entirely on solving the problem of daily survival. Meanwhile, the children of wealthy and prestigious families were rigorously trained from a young age. Although there were always a few eccentric exceptions who turned out worse than the average person, they were rare cases.

Most of them could grow into towering trees.

"You’re right. The reason I’ve come as far as I have is indeed thanks to the patient guidance of elders."

Except those elders weren’t from Tang Village but from some unknown world within the universe where the Tang Sect resided.

Tang Shu put away the three invitations. "I’ll attend on time. Besides, I have the filming of *You Smile 3* tomorrow, and two days after that, I have some personal matters to handle. It’ll take... three or four days?"

Having just finished her heartfelt speech, Luo Lin froze, then stared at her as if she wanted to devour her whole.

"You... again... have... what... *business*?!"

This little ancestor had just come back and already needed to deal with personal matters? Why didn’t she just ascend to the heavens?

Honestly, even someone holding the most revered status as Commander Tang’s granddaughter could still be infuriating enough to make people want to grab a dagger and slit her throat on the spot!

Tang Shu shrugged. "No need to get so riled up. Want me to brew you some dandelion tea to calm down?"

"You’d better have a good reason for this!"

"Hmm—why serve the people?"

"..."

*Do you think I believe you?*

***

Tang Shu really did go off to serve the people.

Three days later, she boarded Wen Nuan’s special car and headed straight for Xiangnan. In less than a day’s time, she and a group of heavily armed personnel were deep in the mountains.

The Xiangnan forest, due to its geographical location, covered an expansive area. The forest stretched endlessly across the landscape, with rolling hills one after another, making it quite difficult for Wen Nuan’s team to navigate.

"Hiss—It’s freezing here."

As soon as everyone got out of the car, they felt the hostility of the environment.

This cold was completely different from the chill in northern areas. In the north, temperatures below ten degrees could be managed with proper clothing. But near Xiangnan, the cold pierced straight to your bones.

The kind that burrowed into your marrow.

Wen Nuan led her two teams to a local safehouse, spreading a map out on the table. Everyone gathered around.

"Point A is Collar Village, about 20 kilometers away. Due to road conditions, we can only abandon the vehicles and proceed on foot. The village has a kilometer-wide area of toxic mist nearby—everyone, be cautious. We’ll split into two teams. I’ll take one team to scout ahead, and Captain Song will lead the second team as backup..."

Tang Shu stood quietly next to Wen Nuan, memorizing every mark on the map.

Once the mission was confirmed, everyone gathered their belongings and headed into the mountains. Wen Nuan and Tang Shu’s group dressed in plain clothes, each one looking like a college student yet to graduate.

In contrast, Captain Song’s team was fully armed—each person giving off the aura of an elite soldier. Even from afar, their menacing presence could be felt, creating a stark difference between the two groups.

After observing everyone, Tang Shu leaned over to Wen Nuan.

"How did those three people die?"

"Throat slit with a dagger, one slice each. No signs of struggle whatsoever."

The three people Tang Shu referred to were her patients who had been treated for Gu Poison. Originally, she thought with Dr. Qin looking after them, they’d live for a few more years. She never expected ’a few more years’ would turn into ’a few more days.’

The day she got Wen Nuan’s call was the second day after arriving at Tang Village. The news jolted her awake instantly, banishing her sleepiness.

Nobody expected the enemy to be so audacious and brutal. This forced Wen Nuan to focus their attention back on Collar Village, leading to today’s operation.

It took an entire morning to hike the 20 kilometers of mountain paths. By noon, Tang Shu finally saw the kilometer-thick toxic mist outside Collar Village.

"This mist is mildly toxic. And... it doesn’t seem to be naturally occurring."

After observing carefully, Tang Shu reached her conclusion and pulled out a small porcelain bottle from her person, distributing its contents for everyone to consume. Moving forward, their steps became noticeably more cautious.

Wen Nuan froze in place, her expression turning even graver.

Not naturally occurring meant this was artificially created—most likely the handiwork of someone using Gu Insects.

"Captain Song, we’ll split up here. Be extra careful. Report back once you reach the destination."

"Understood. Be cautious yourselves."

Wearing camouflage gear, Song Qingyuan led a squad of seven. In no time, they disappeared into the thick, white mist. Tang Shu retracted her gaze from watching them depart and looked at her own team.

Quite a stark difference indeed.

"They’re military?"

"You figured it out? That obvious?"

"How to put it... they remind me too much of my father."

One glance was enough for Tang Shu to discern their distinctiveness. The stern aura of military discipline radiating from them explained everything. It was a presence she was intimately familiar with—after all, Tang Village’s environment was much the same every day.

Wen Nuan was silent for a moment before gesturing toward the people around them.

"What about this group?"

"You lot can conceal your presence at will—clearly, you’re seasoned in covert operations. Though you also carry a hint of murderous intent, it’s different from those who engage in hand-to-hand combat regularly."

"I knew recruiting you was a solid investment."

Wen Nuan clicked her tongue with smugness, her pride almost making Tang Shu want to gouge out her own eyes.

"...Does Xiao Xi’s dad know about your narcissism?"

"Of course,"

She shot back a look as if saying, *Is that even a question?* "You know... I wasn’t always this way. I used to be quiet and reserved."

Tang Shu’s jaw dropped as she scrutinized her for a long time. "What in the world traumatized you enough to turn you into this?"