"Are there people like that in the world?"
Bai Ye's eyes widened in surprise upon hearing their plight, finding it hard to believe.
"Before the anomalies and heretics appeared, didn't people also believe monsters didn't exist?" Qi Qing lit a cigarette and puffed on it.
"Then shall we go to Peach Blossom Pool directly?"
"It's not that simple. Getting into Peach Blossom Pool requires some effort."
"How did you get in before?"
Qi Qing waved his hand, "I used my invisibility ability to sneak in with Chu Yue. The entrance to Peach Blossom Pool needs to be opened with the energy of a clan member. Without it, you probably can't get in."
"In that case... it is indeed a bit difficult. If we find a member of their clan, they might suspect our purpose for going to Peach Blossom Pool."
"You, Little Duan, use your ability and try to open the passage to Peach Blossom Pool."
Duan Chen was stunned, "Me?"
"Yes, weren't you marked by Chu Yue? She can still use your abilities and spiritual energy. If I'm not mistaken, this sharing should be bidirectional. You might also be able to use her abilities."
"Whoa, Duan Chen, why don't you just give in to her? She's already marked you," Bai Ye chuckled.
Before he could say another word, he sensed a sharp sword energy from the back seat and immediately fell silent.
He was a bit dejected. Who would have thought Mi Xue'er's strength would improve so quickly? Even he had to avoid her sharp edge now.
"Turn the corner and park by that alley."
"Okay."
"The entrance to Peach Blossom Pool is in a place like this?"
Duan Chen surveyed the surroundings, realizing it was just an inconspicuous residential area in the southern part of Su City, surrounded by connected residential buildings. Peach Blossom Pool was actually in this sewage-filled alley between two buildings.
"Where else did you expect it to be? For a species that exists between humans and heretics, it's already remarkable they've taken root in this world without being wiped out," Qi Qing shot him a look.
"Duan Chen, hurry up and try to use that girl's power to open the entrance." Bai Ye was eager.
"Okay."
Duan Chen tentatively infused his spiritual energy into the lotus mark on his palm.
...
"Huh? They're really slow."
Chu Yue, wearing a white dress, leaned lazily on the sofa. She extended her right hand, and the lotus mark on her palm warmed slightly, indicating Duan Chen was attempting to use her ability to open the passage.
She hopped to the second bedroom, where an old woman sat, head bowed, embroidering something.
"Grandma, I'm going out for a bit. If guests come, please entertain them!"
The old woman looked up, her cloudy eyes glaring at her. Chu Yue clasped her hands together, and the old woman nodded in assent.
"Go ahead."
"Okay."
She walked to the edge of Peach Blossom Pool, extended her right hand into the water, and gave a sly smile.
"How can I let you succeed so easily?"
Having finally encountered Duan Chen, she wanted to have some fun. As the lotus mark touched the pool water, its light immediately dissipated, and the warmth was replaced by a cool sensation. Chu Yue withdrew her hand with satisfaction.
...
"No, I can't use her power."
Duan Chen gritted his teeth. This damned mark was too unfair! Why could Chu Yue use his abilities and spiritual energy, but he couldn't use hers?
Duan Chen tried calling out to Chu Yue twice in their mental link, but there was no response. Was she toying with him?
"We can't get in?" Qi Qing was somewhat disappointed.
"Let's ask Xu Xi. Maybe she knows something," Sheng Chen took out his phone. Even Qi Qing didn't know when this kid had added Xu Xi on WeChat.
"Good kid."
Several heads crowded around Sheng Chen's phone screen. He described the situation in detail to Xu Xi, who seemed quite exasperated and sent back six dots. Finally, after Sheng Chen's persistent pleading, Xu Xi sent him a business card, which he directly forwarded to Duan Chen.
This person was named Qu Yan, one of the few males in Peach Blossom Pool. He had left Peach Blossom Pool a month ago and came to Su City. Upon hearing Duan Chen's story, Qu Yan sent an address, stating they could meet to discuss further. Since this man had only recently left Peach Blossom Pool, he lived nearby, only two kilometers away from Duan Chen and the others. They drove for a few minutes and arrived.
"You... want to see Chu Yue?"
Qu Yan was handsome, but he was currently lying on the sofa untidily, a cigarette dangling from his lips, glancing at Duan Chen.
"Yes."
Bai Ye sized up this guy, comparing himself to see who was more handsome.
Qi Qing chuckled, "Everyone who comes out of Peach Blossom Pool is good-looking. What are you comparing yourself for?"
"Who wants to compare with him?" Bai Ye decided to deny it vehemently.
"Let me see your palm." Qu Yan stood up, hands in his pockets, and slowly walked up to Duan Chen. He extended his hand, revealing a lotus-like pattern on his palm.
"It really is..." He stroked his chin, then cautiously eyed their group. "It's not impossible to bring you into Peach Blossom Pool, but you are Spirit Hunter Agents. To us, you are like heretics. How can you guarantee you won't cause trouble in Peach Blossom Pool?"
"I can sign a contract using my ability."
"That won't work—" Qu Yan rolled his eyes and casually turned away. "The contract is one you've made. What if there are some word games I haven't seen?"
"Then what do you want?" Duan Chen patiently asked. He indeed needed to resolve this quickly, otherwise, given Chu Yue's personality, she might drain his spiritual energy at any moment.
Qu Yan's eyes darted around. "How about this, you help me with a commission?"
"You have a commission? What kind of work?" Yan Qiu, being the professional, asked.
"A private investigator. But from my observations, the client is likely a sea monster, or at the very least a peculiar entity. How about this: you go and confirm for me. As long as you help me complete the commission, I'll take you into Peach Blossom Pool. What do you say?"
Duan Chen felt it wasn't ideal, but there seemed to be no better option at the moment. He nodded, "Okay, but this also requires a contract."
"Not doing it."
"You..." Bai Ye glared.
"Don't worry. Although I've only been out for a month, I have some reputation around here. If I break my word, you can ruin my reputation!" He said this with conviction. Duan Chen and the others reluctantly accepted his documents and left, half-believing him.
After they left, Qu Yan took out his phone and sent a message to Chu Yue.
[Mission complete. They really came looking for me.]
[Would older sister lie to you?]
[You'll have to settle my reward after things are over.]
[Ok.]