“Song Chu-shi is actually still in this city?”

When Han Su heard this name, his heart immediately experienced a significant stir.

Starting from the previous lifeline, all the changes he encountered originated from the spell Song Chu-shi had given him.

Even the girl he rescued from the ancient castle last time was also connected to the spell Song Chu-shi gave him.

However, strangely enough, after leaving the ancient castle this time, another bizarre change occurred. On this current lifeline, Song Chu-shi had not given him the spell, merely aiding him in joining the Disaster Management Bureau.

Then, what exactly was this person’s intention?

Additionally, even if Song Chu-shi did not provide the spell on this lifeline, did he at least have some knowledge about its origins?

He hoped no one would bring up the fisherman’s chant used during sea rituals again. By now, Han Su had pretty much concluded that this explanation was pure nonsense…

“Don’t think too much.”

Zhang Zhiguo seemed to perceive Han Su’s thoughts. He slowly shook his head and reminded him, “No matter why Song Chu-shi approached you back then, or whether he harbored ill intentions or something else entirely, you must remain cautious.”

“The Disaster Management Bureau’s enemies are not limited to those grotesque entities attempting to penetrate reality.”

“There are also lunatics who worship historical shadows, as well as dangerous individuals like Song Chu-shi, who show absolutely no regard for taboos.”

“You are now a member of the Disaster Management Bureau. Private contact with him could easily bring trouble your way.”

“…”

Listening to Zhang Zhiguo’s reminder, Han Su gently exhaled and smiled. “Understood. Then, Uncle Zhang, what should I do now?”

“Should I perhaps act as bait, helping you lure him out?”

This was not the first time Zhang Zhiguo had warned him about Song Chu-shi’s danger.

Moreover, in this lifeline, it even seemed that Han Su’s entry into the Disaster Management Bureau was planned—perhaps even orchestrated—by Song Chu-shi. Naturally, Zhang Zhiguo had grown more vigilant.

Yet, Han Su himself knew clearly that in the previous lifeline, Song Chu-shi had even gifted him a spell of immeasurable value, one transcending time and space.

This person's attitude was indeed unclear, but Han Su was very certain of one thing: Song Chu-shi was definitely not his enemy. Whether he was a friend was still unclear, but at least they were on the same side.

“…”

“No need for that.”

Zhang Zhiguo directly dismissed Han Su’s half-joking suggestion and lightly said, “You should be seriously injured right now. Take good care and recover.”

“Recover?”

Han Su was genuinely taken aback this time.

Zhang Zhiguo nodded, explaining, “Currently, you are officially under Investigator Mr. Strange Bird. Although I have ways to keep him in check and have reached some consensus with him, nobody knows if he’ll suddenly get some strange idea and cause trouble.”

“So the only thing you can do now is to avoid him until the Investigator I’ve requested returns.”

“Right now, not only do you need rest, you might even deserve some extra compensation…”

“…”

“Should be seriously injured, indeed…”

Han Su carefully considered Zhang Zhiguo’s words, then raised his head and saw Zhang Zhiguo's meaningful gaze.

Those no longer youthful eyes seemed sharp enough to penetrate many things.

Realizing something, Han Su rubbed his forehead, saying, “Having just taken this step, I felt excited initially, but during our conversation, I gradually just wanted to sit down—as if my brain had no energy left for thinking.”

When he was in the ancient castle, he had experienced mental exhaustion so severe it nearly caused him to faint.

Now, his description of that feeling turned out to be extremely accurate.

Zhang Zhiguo gave a slight smile, said nothing further nor questioned anything, merely replying, “Then sit down, empty your mind, and don't think of unnecessary things. Later, I'll have Cui Qiao bring you some strong sleeping pills.”

Han Su obediently sat down. He listened to Zhang Zhiguo’s additional instructions, discussed precautions against Investigator Mr. Strange Bird, and finally, Zhang Zhiguo left the training room.

After sending him off, Han Su slightly closed his eyes, yet his mind kept pondering incessantly.

“So, is this what true Spiritual Penetration feels like?”

“…”

He distinctly sensed that on his right hand—the place where the crow had held him—there appeared to be an invisible wound.

Blood could flow out from visible wounds, whereas from this unseen wound, his spiritual power could penetrate into reality.

It was just that this wound was far inferior compared to his right eye or the back of his left hand.

Even though the back of his left hand had not genuinely broken through yet to achieve Spiritual Penetration, he could clearly sense that it was akin to a massive dam, whereas the spot on his right hand felt more like a tiny ant hole, so small it was nearly invisible.

The two were fundamentally incomparable.

Nevertheless, the right hand seemed purely to provide a feeling of Spiritual Penetration.

Unlike his right eye and left hand, these two positions indeed allowed significant penetration of spiritual power, yet they couldn’t be freely controlled; he could only utilize their abilities passively.

However, the penetration in his right hand felt like a legitimate power…

He silently contemplated this for a while, and a strange thought arose: “Uncle Zhang is truly worthy of being an experienced frontline chief investigator…”

“But, if others became so weak after achieving Spiritual Penetration, why am I not experiencing that?”

“…”

Questions outweighed answers. But regardless, mastering that invisibility spell before returning to the Ancient Castle was the most crucial task now.

Be patient, a bit more patient…

…

…

“That part of history was hidden too deeply. Regarding that legendary forbidden spell, the information we found might not be entirely accurate. No matter what unexpected event occurs, it wouldn’t surprise me.”

Mentioning that failed adventure, the voice inside the silver suitcase sighed again, continuing: “However, I refuse to believe you intended to give that spell to a stranger.”

“If that spell were real, it could even shake the entire spiritual defense line.”

“What fool would give it away to someone else instead of keeping it?”

“But, since it already happened and became your most failed adventure, with your current state of mind, you shouldn’t still be brooding over it. Besides, you’ve already succeeded in sending him to the Disaster Management Bureau, so why remain here?”

“Is the coarse cornmeal at this farm really that tasty?”

“…”

“Simply sending him into the Disaster Management Bureau isn't enough.”

Song Chu-shi slowly picked up a napkin, glanced at the cornmeal on his plate, his expression revealing obvious disgust. Wiping his mouth, he said:

“In my eyes, he is actually innocent.”

“As the family of a victim, I needed to send him into the Disaster Management Bureau to enter that whirlpool and help me spin that wheel. But at the very least, I should also offer him a gift, lend him a hand. That’s only appropriate.”

After speaking to this point, he paused briefly, seemingly still disappointed over the disappearance of the spell.

With a sigh, he asked, “What is his current status in the Disaster Management Bureau?”

“You're sending me again to steal documents from that gossiping woman. Even though she’s locked up now, it’s still dangerous…”

The voice in the suitcase muttered unhappily.

Song Chu-shi listened without any worry, merely sneering, “The most laughable thing about Qinggang Disaster Management Bureau is that they've clearly acquired one of the world's most mysterious machines, yet they still insist on locking her up.”

“Going to steal from someone who's locked up—how difficult could it be for you?”

“…”

The suitcase fell silent, leaving only faint mechanical humming. After a while, the voice resumed: “Nothing special. He's just running errands, being prepared as cannon fodder.”

“But since he's still alive, it means the people you suspect are patient enough, and haven't attacked him yet.”

“They haven’t attacked him because I'm still staying around Qinggang City.”

Song Chu-shi wasn't surprised; he just slowly shook his head and said, “But I also don't understand—why isn't Zhang Zhiguo seizing this chance to hurry up and move him into the Investigator position?”

The silver suitcase sneered: “You're talking about that old-fashioned guy?”

Song Chu-shi slowly sighed, saying, “Indeed, relying on others is meaningless. But how long must I keep waiting like this?”

As he spoke, he tidied up the dishes, stood up, and continued slowly, “Since I still owe him a favor, perhaps I should lend him a hand myself…”

“…”

The silver suitcase immediately became excited: “Where to?”

Song Chu-shi responded indifferently: “Into the city!”

“Progress is too slow right now. It’s already too late. I don't enjoy waiting like this. Print out his latest detailed information for me. I'll see if I can offer a little assistance.”

“… And while we're at it, let's eat a bowl of small wontons.”