My Arms Can Turn into Blades

Chapter 376 - 228: Oh

"Overturn the chessboard?"

Chen Lusi muttered, repeating Xia Yue’s words, then said, "I don’t think I’m quite suitable for it. It’s better for you to take on the role, besides, I don’t have the hobby of becoming someone else’s knife. Actually, I’m not very familiar with Ji Xin."

Xia Yue looked at Chen Lusi for a moment, then suddenly chuckled softly, "... That’s true, after all, you don’t even know her real name."

Chen Lusi was a bit curious upon hearing this, "Real name?"

"Ji Xin is a name she changed later; her original name is Chu Xin."

Xia Yue casually explained, "The name Ji Xin is actually her way of making fun of her deformity. She probably knows herself that she’s extreme... But, more likely, it’s her way of joking about her inability to walk. Indeed, she’s always been fixated on this issue, which is probably typical of women, having inexplicable obsessions.

Her previous name felt just fine, and not being able to walk doesn’t affect a person’s true value."

"..."

Chen Lusi glanced back at the conference room, saying nothing. Though he wasn’t as blunt as Xia Yue, he also couldn’t empathize with Ji Xin, since he hadn’t experienced mobility issues. Claiming to understand her would definitely be false.

Leaning against the wall, Xia Yue continued, "Back to the previous topic, you suggested I take on the role, but I’m not always around. Like the previous period when I wasn’t."

Chen Lusi snapped back to reality, "Aren’t you back now?"

Xia Yue smiled, "What if I need to leave again?"

Chen Lusi asked, "Leave?"

"Yes, leave."

Xia Yue nodded, and then softly said, "At that time, a stabilizing force like a needle anchoring the sea would be needed. Mount Tai could possibly take on the role but his personality is indeed too soft. He might scare off outsiders in a fit of rage, but that’s questionable.

The most important thing is, he can’t solve internal problems. It’s okay when I’m around, but if I’m not, I reckon he’ll be played around.

Ji Xin could easily manipulate him, and as for Yu Zhou, Tang Language, and the others, they’re good for acting as clowns or henchmen, but worse in other aspects.

And further afield, the few in charge on the borders of Celestial Strategy, they’re even less suitable. They might be able to fight against Ji Xin, but they definitely can’t outwit her. Letting them act as the stabilizing force could mean they’d start conflicts with all the nearby nations in days."

"So, after weighing it all, it seems like you’re the only option. You might not realize yet what kind of potential energy you can unleash."

"Xiaoxiao and her daughter are quite fond of you. Given her personality, she’d probably rather follow you than me. And as for the Security Army, no need to mention it. Although I haven’t tested the Celestial Punishment Weapon yet, given Li Zheng’s high regard of you, as long as you don’t cross the line, he’d probably follow your lead quite willingly.

Adding to that, with Zhang Xiufeng’s recent attitude, if you really complete that talisman without a head, the entire Daoism... at least Dragon Tiger Mountain, would probably be very willing to cooperate with you."

"That’s something Ji Xin can’t achieve."

"..."

Chen Lusi paused for a moment, then suddenly said, "You should know I joined the Celestial Strategy Mansion just to make money. Though my goals changed later... it was really only to protect a few people. I truly have no big ambitions."

"I joined the Celestial Strategy initially just for fun too."

Xia Yue chuckled, "But I can understand that. When the time comes, it’ll depend on your choice. Actually, I’m quite curious about the choice you’ll make."

"You seem quite certain about going on a journey?"

Chen Lusi heard something in his words and curiously asked.

"..."

Xia Yue fell silent for a while, then asked back, "Do you know the Yellow Springs Root Source?"

Chen Lusi uncertainly replied, "I’ve only heard you mention it once?"

"If you get the chance, go take a look."

Xia Yue patted him on the shoulder, "There, many answers can be found... Of course, you’ll need to take some risks."

"..."

Chen Lusi helplessly shook his head, "Why would I go to the Yellow Springs for no reason?"

"Who knows."

Xia Yue shrugged, then continued, "Try out the talisman Zhang Xiufeng gave you when you get a chance. If it works, it will probably be fun... They’re likely coming out soon; remember what I said. I’ll leave for a while, see you later."

Having said that,

he waved his hand and then turned to leave.

Chen Lusi watched him leave, realizing that he was deliberately shifting the topic at the end, but didn’t ask more questions.

Because Xia Yue really wasn’t for him to worry about.

Though... he was indeed quite interested in Xia Yue’s talk of a journey.

"... Why are you out?"

At the same time,

the conference room door was pushed open again.

Zhang Xiufeng emerged, looking a bit dazed.

It was clear that

he hadn’t even noticed that Chen Lusi had left earlier.

Chen Lusi replied, "Just getting some air."

Zhang Xiufeng nodded, then asked, "Have you tried the talisman?"

Chen Lusi shook his head, "Not yet."

"Then keep this vermillion, and be sure to try it."

Zhang Xiufeng took out a small bag of vermillion from somewhere and handed it to Chen Lusi, "I thought it over carefully, and feel it’s necessary to discuss with fellow Daoists. I’ll come back tomorrow, please make sure to tell me the outcome then."

Having said that, once Chen Lusi accepted the vermillion, he immediately pulled out another talisman and gently waved it.

In Chen Lusi’s view, Zhang Xiufeng instantly shrank back and compressed, then turned into a wisp of green smoke, disappearing before his eyes.

"..."

Chen Lusi held the small bag of vermillion, looking at the empty space in front of him, showing an interested expression.

Is this the Shrinking Earth Talisman?

However, what did he mean by gathering fellow Daoists?