Chapter Ninety-Seven: I Truly Admire You (An Extra Chapter for the Sect Leader, “Bored While Driving”)

Fang Mu took the wine flask over, flipped it around to pour a cup for Director Wu, then poured one for himself.

In dealings with others, the first thing to learn is social etiquette. Though Fang Mu sometimes seemed a bit unorthodox, having lived two lifetimes, he knew better than to let the other party lose face.

Director Wu raised his cup and accepted Fang Mu’s toast.

Fang Mu took a sip, then smiled and said, “I’m a mortician—was one before, am one now, and probably will be in the future. To be honest, I initially wanted to join the Celestial Surveillance Bureau, but later changed my mind.”

In Fang Mu’s heart, though the Celestial Surveillance Bureau was commendable, it was ultimately too rigid and dogmatic. With his unique corpse examination techniques, he suspected there were things in this world that could be uncovered. Besides, the bureau was already filled with talented and extraordinary individuals.

Director Wu nodded and said, “You’re not suited for it. Like you said, you wouldn’t simply sever one hand of the Ghost Market’s master. If I were younger, that master would have died eight times over. Unfortunately, now that I hold a high position, I must think of the people.”

Fang Mu nodded in agreement and continued, “Speaking of which, I prefer sticking to my old trade. I plan to open a shop in Dongfeng County—a place dedicated to solving strange and eerie cases.”

“Oh?” Director Wu was momentarily taken aback. “Specializing in the strange and eerie?”

“That’s right,” Fang Mu chuckled. “Having been a mortician for so long, I’ve studied people thoroughly, and the structures of the dead are largely familiar to me. Now I’m curious about the makeup of the supernatural. If I can solve those mysteries in the process, why not?”

His words were part truth, part fabrication; the reasoning was largely a pretext.

Director Wu pondered. “I understand that those gifted with the arcane often have peculiar temperaments, but what does this have to do with our discussion?”

Fang Mu dipped his finger in the wine and traced a circle on the table. “This is Dongfeng County. It’s beyond your reach, but I’m here. As long as it’s not too extreme, it should be manageable. This is what the Celestial Surveillance Bureau needs.”

Director Wu nodded in affirmation.

Fang Mu added, “My aim is to study the strange and eerie, which complements the bureau’s objectives. They can provide me with information, and I can resolve the issues. Of course, I’ll need to charge some fees.”

Having said his piece, Fang Mu wiped the wine off the table and waited silently for a response.

He had laid out his thoughts clearly: rather than joining the bureau, they would cooperate to meet their respective needs.

A sly smile crept onto Director Wu’s lips, making his already unsavory expression appear even more so. “Fang Mu, this is quite difficult.”

Fang Mu stroked his chin, sensing that Director Wu was scheming.

“You see...” Director Wu hesitated, “the bureau has no precedent for this.”

Fang Mu spoke bluntly, “I know, but from your expression, it seems you’re confident—just that you need certain conditions.”

Director Wu’s smile faded. “Fang Mu, to be frank, if you become my disciple, everything becomes much simpler. I’ll fight tooth and nail for you.”

“Hmm... hmm?” Fang Mu was taken aback. “Become your disciple? Our supernatural talents differ—how can we be master and apprentice?”

“Different talents don’t prevent master-apprentice bonds,” Director Wu smiled. “The inheritance among the arcane isn’t just about abilities, but experience and spirit. Think it over... Hey, why aren’t you drinking? You’re getting old, you need to drink more.”

Fang Mu poured a cup, clinked it with Director Wu’s, and said, “Master, your humble disciple Fang Mu pays respects.”

Director Wu blinked in surprise. Why so straightforward? No bargaining?

Fang Mu took a sip and said, “Being a director’s disciple isn’t a loss for me.”

Taking a master solves problems—it’s that simple.

The title of director’s disciple, for now, was merely symbolic to Fang Mu; resolving issues was what truly mattered.

Director Wu caught on, slapped his forehead, and said, “Since that’s the case, I was once a rogue myself and won’t fuss about details. I accept you as my disciple.”

He then pulled a book from his chest pocket and handed it to Fang Mu. “This contains my lifelong experience. Take it.”

Fang Mu accepted it, glancing at Director Wu in puzzlement.

Director Wu laughed, “What, can’t tell? I really do want you as my disciple.”

Fang Mu waved his hand, pocketing the book. “What about my matter?”

Director Wu’s face turned serious. “Don’t worry. I still need to discuss with the other directors, but I promise a decision will come soon. Just wait patiently.”

Fang Mu nodded. “Then I’ll be on my way.”

The matter was settled, but Fang Mu had other affairs and needed to leave immediately.

Director Wu made no move to detain him.

Fang Mu rose and reached the door. Just as he was about to open it, a voice sounded behind him.

“When roaming the martial world, one naturally cannot let others easily learn their name. This world is full of diverse supernatural powers; who knows what shadows lurk? Have you thought of a code name?”

Director Wu took a sip of wine, speaking softly.

Fang Mu considered briefly. “Just call me ‘Mortician’—my profession.”

Director Wu waved a hand. “You have the greatest potential I’ve seen. Until you fully mature, be cautious.”

Fang Mu nodded and opened the door, stepping out.

After Fang Mu left, Yan Xian poked his head in. “I didn’t see or hear anything.”

“Get lost!” Director Wu snapped angrily.

Yan Xian awkwardly closed the door and scratched his head. Why was Fang Mu’s saying okay, but his got him scolded?

Puzzled, he decided it was better to stick to playing with his blades.

...

In the room, Director Wu took a bite of food and suddenly asked, “Any objections?”

A shadow flickered, and a mysterious figure clad in azure appeared.

“I don’t understand,” the figure replied.

“We’re in this line of work,” Director Wu smiled, “one day it might be gone. Finding a successor to pass on my experience—is that so hard?”

“You are the director...” the azure-clad man hesitated. “And his personality is too...”

Director Wu interrupted, “Directors don’t just disappear overnight. Besides, the kid suits me well. We have to guide him properly. What’s wrong with his personality? I was once a rogue too, and yet here I am, director.”

The man sighed, “It just means you’ll have some trouble when you return.”

“Not scared,” Director Wu scoffed. “If anyone disagrees, I’ll burn their ancestral graves.”

The man smiled wryly, offering no further objection and prepared to disappear.

“Wait,” Director Wu raised his cup, then said thoughtfully, “Make sure to notify everyone at the bureau. Don’t let any careless fools provoke him. If they do despite the warning, they’ll suffer the consequences.”

“Didn’t you say adversity breeds growth? Isn’t that better?” the man asked, puzzled.

“I just found a disciple who suits me. Why put him through hardship when things can go smoothly? I’m not that bored,” Director Wu sneered.