Chapter 115: Don't Be Nervous, It's Normal

Sun Xiao was a young man in his early twenties, around twenty-four or twenty-five.

His childhood dream had been to become a great hero, a student at one of the four great academies. Unfortunately, he wasn't selected.

Devastated, he went to a spa for the first time, spending several hundred yuan to sob uncontrollably in front of a uniformed young woman, pouring out his dreams and frustrations.

The young woman, a true professional, maintained a gentle smile even as his tears and snot landed on her shoulder. She softly consoled him, "Men shouldn't cry so easily."

Sun Xiao: "But I'm still a child!"

Young woman: "You won't be in a little while."

Seventy minutes was a long time, but for Sun Xiao, it passed quickly. No one knew what he experienced, but as he emerged from the spa, gazing at the starlit night, he muttered to himself, "I'm a man now. I have to work hard."

Later, he joined the Special Network Department. Through persistent effort, he became a well-known figure, famous for appearing near the scenes of battles between supernatural beings and powerful individuals.

He would capture the thrilling moments with his cheap SLR camera.

Back in his small but cozy rented apartment, he grabbed a piece of bread, took a bite, opened his computer, and organized the video footage. He watched it from beginning to end, growing increasingly shocked, especially by the scene where the supernatural being was dragged into the shop.

So damn terrifying.

He opened the online forum and posted the video. He pondered the title, deciding on a straightforward approach. The title was a bit long, but it conveyed the general idea. He also included his own questions, hoping to get answers from the experts on the forum about the power levels of the individuals in the video.

He had once yearned to be a student at one of the four great academies. Sadly, he lacked the talent. However, his understanding of supernatural beings and powerful individuals wasn't inferior to that of academy students; he even knew more than the average student.

Shortly after posting the video, it attracted a large number of viewers. After all, he was a well-known figure on the forum, always posting interesting content.

"Oh my god, that supernatural being is so fierce! A team of four well-coordinated powerful individuals was wiped out. Are electric eels really that terrifying?"

"They lost tragically, but if they hadn't fought so desperately, our city would be in ruins."

"Wait, didn't anyone notice the fat chef earlier? Damn, that's a real man, saving the little girl in the face of a supernatural being. Kudos to him."

"Holy crap, who was that guy at the end, dragging the supernatural being into the shop so casually?"

"The electric arcs didn't even faze him. That guy is too strong."

"Asking for online experts to answer: What levels are the powerful individuals in the video?"

Online members discussed the video fervently, attracting attention from members in other cities. The video, though not high-definition, captured the complete story from beginning to end.

Soon, Ai Ai, an administrator, appeared to offer an explanation. His analysis was well-reasoned and convincing, gaining widespread agreement.

Tang Tang, a data expert, also posted a lengthy comment after Ai Ai's analysis.

The insightful analyses of the two experts provided a wealth of information, leaving the members satisfied.

"So fortunate to have two technical gurus provide a comprehensive analysis."

"Top two hundred is quite impressive data."

"What gurus? I think the analysis is flawed. Personally, ranked 400+ in the Buddhist school, I could take down that supernatural being alone."

"Don't brag, buddy. I just considered Ai Ai's analysis, and it makes a lot of sense. You can't just calculate the supernatural being's strength, you have to factor in its electric arc ability. Even powerful individuals have limited electrical resistance."

The members of this forum weren't prone to random trolling. They generally based their discussions on facts.

Of course, there were always those who boasted about their Buddhist, Taoist, Maoshan, or medical skills, so the thread was still filled with a lot of meaningless chatter.

Sun Xiao learned a lot from the experts' comments.

He scrolled to the end of the video, staring at the figure's back.

"Who is he?"

This was the first time Sun Xiao had felt such intense interest in a powerful individual, especially one whose face he couldn't even see. Perhaps this was the enduring allure of curiosity.

At the Special Department, One-Eyed Man also watched the video, immediately recognizing the two individuals.

"Don't they know how to change clothes? Wearing the same thing yesterday and today, it must stink."

He had provided the clothes Lin Fan and Old Zhang were wearing. It seemed he needed to get them some new ones.

One-Eyed Man wasn't one to spend money on others unless absolutely necessary, or unless he had a strong interest in someone.

Lin Fan had piqued his interest.

He claimed he couldn't cultivate, yet he dragged the supernatural being into the shop barehanded. How many people could accomplish such a feat?

He stroked his chin, lost in thought, curious about how Lin Fan cultivated. A mentally ill person cultivating into a master was a terrifying thought. Yet, when interacting with Lin Fan face-to-face, he couldn't detect anything unusual.

There was no aura.

Knock, knock!

Jin He Li, the head of the Special Department's Supernatural Being Analysis Team, walked in. She was dressed as provocatively as ever: straight legs, black stockings, high heels, and a tight skirt. He wondered why competent women always dressed this way. Perhaps it was a special hobby.

Jin He Li placed the data samples on the table. "This is the data analysis of the supernatural being on Binyang Road today."

"Someone from the Special Network Department captured the entire video. Who are those two at the end? Are they from our department?"

She had watched the video. It was indeed shocking. A supernatural being that had wiped out five powerful individuals was dragged into a shop. The final outcome was unknown. Did the disappearance of the energy fluctuations have anything to do with those two?

She had sent people to check the shop, but they found no trace, not even a drop of blood. The surrounding security cameras had been fried by the electric arcs.

So it remained a mystery.

Where did the supernatural being go?

Who were those two?

"No," One-Eyed Man said.

He didn't want to explain. It was too much trouble. Explaining one thing would lead to explaining another, and it would become a hassle. It was simpler to just say he didn't know them.

Besides, their identities were a bit complicated.

Mentally ill patients.

The leader of the Special Department bringing back two mentally ill patients was a bad look.

"Really?"

Jin He Li looked at him skeptically. A woman's intuition was sharp, terrifyingly so. She felt that One-Eyed Man was hiding something.

One-Eyed Man shrugged helplessly. "Do I look like someone who lies?"

Jin He Li curled her lips into a smile. "A woman's intuition is very accurate. Fine, if you don't want to say anything. But I know you're hiding something. Also, the Demon God incident is over. We detected energy fluctuations indicating the Demon God has left. The Demon God lost the game. I really want to know who managed to defeat it."

When she spoke of the person who defeated the Demon God, a rare look of anticipation appeared on her face.

"To be honest, it was me," One-Eyed Man said.

Jin He Li's red lips parted slightly, and she uttered a single word, "Get out!"

One-Eyed Man shook his head. Is that how you talk to your superior? He received only a roll of her eyes as Jin He Li clicked her heels and swayed her hips out of the office.

Night had fallen.

One-Eyed Man stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, looking at the night view. His phone buzzed with a message.

He opened it.

His brow furrowed as he read the content, then relaxed as he deleted the message.

A traitor?

He'd see who was hiding so deeply. If something big was about to happen, they would surely act during this period, and then everything would become clear. Even if he couldn't identify the traitor, he could narrow down the possibilities.

But anyone who could betray them must hold a high position. A traitor capable of shaking an entire city was someone to be wary of.

His biggest concern was the supernatural being in the suburbs. He wasn't worried about anything else. If his suspicions were correct, the situation would be dire.

Forget it!

He'd have a cigarette to calm his nerves.

At the dormitory, Liu Ying arrived at Lin Fan and Old Zhang's room full of anticipation. He carried fruits and milk; when asking a master for help, one had to be polite.

Gifts were a must.

Knock, knock!

He knocked softly, thinking about his opening line.

For example:

"Hello, I brought some gifts to see the master. I hope…"

No.

Too direct. He shouldn't mention the gifts. He should casually put them down; that would be perfect.

No one opened the door.

Liu Ying knocked again, softly.

Were they not back?

That shouldn't be the case.

Inside the room, Lin Fan and Old Zhang looked at each other.

"Someone's knocking."

"Is there?"

"Really, listen…"

Knock, knock!

"See? I told you."

"I heard it. I thought someone was knocking on the wall."

It wasn't that they hadn't heard, but they weren't sure if it was someone knocking on the door. After verifying it a few times, they finally concluded that someone was indeed knocking.

Just as Liu Ying was about to give up and leave, the door finally opened.

The light was bright, almost dazzling.

But to Liu Ying, it was as if the heavens had opened their gates, inviting him in.

"Master, hello, I'm Liu Ying. We met during the day. You said you'd treat my hair," Liu Ying said with a warm smile.

He was supposed to be trying new things with his girlfriend tonight.

But he had told her, "Tonight, I'm going to see the master about my receding hairline. I'll have thick, black, shiny hair soon. Wait for me."

He would never forget the look of anticipation in his girlfriend's eyes.

He knew he had to succeed.

Old Zhang smiled. "I remember you. Come in."

Such normal conversation. How could anyone call them mentally ill?

Lin Fan was reading comics on the bed. He missed cola, but there wasn't any here. Seeing Liu Ying enter, he walked over with a smile and extended his hand.

"Hello, Liu Ying."

Liu Ying put down his gifts and shook Lin Fan's hand with a smile. "Hello, Lin Fan."

Then, Old Zhang also extended his hand.

"Hello, Liu Ying."

Liu Ying was a little confused but didn't dwell on it. Like earlier in the day, he crossed his arms and shook hands with both of them. "Hello, Master."

He released their hands.

He scratched his head, slightly puzzled. What a strange way to greet someone.

He didn't think too much about it. Perhaps this was their unique way of making friends. He'd just get used to it.

"I'll be very serious," Old Zhang said to Lin Fan.

"I believe in you."

Lin Fan patted Old Zhang's shoulder, nodding solemnly. He had absolute faith in him. Even if he failed, it would only be a temporary setback due to factors like bad weather, late hours, or incorrect positioning.

Liu Ying said hesitantly, "Master, shall we begin? Is there anything I need to pay attention to? Like not eating dinner, or taking off my clothes, etc.? These are not problems. Just tell me, Master, and anything is doable."

"No need. Just sit in the chair." Old Zhang smiled and brought a chair for Liu Ying.

Liu Ying trusted Master Zhang completely. Although it was his first time, if he had doubts, it wouldn't work. So, no matter what, he had to believe.

He sat down, filled with excitement and nervousness.

Old Zhang took out his precious needles from his pocket and carefully placed them aside.

The two of them stood before Liu Ying, carefully examining his head. It was bald and shiny under the light.

"What do you think?"

"We need to study it carefully."

"I think there might be a problem here. We need a needle."

"Because it doesn't feel right?"

"Yes, that's it."

Liu Ying was a little confused. It was normal for the master to have a solution, but was this other person also a master?

He wanted to ask, but he felt it might be presumptuous, that it might make them suspicious. He decided to trust them completely, without a shred of doubt.

Old Zhang pinched a silver needle and gently pressed it against Liu Ying's head. "Does it feel uncomfortable here?"

"Yes."

Pak!

A needle went in.

Swift and decisive.

No hesitation, just pure dominance.

Liu Ying felt something pierce his scalp. He swallowed and said, "Master, I'm a little nervous."

"Normal," Old Zhang said.

"Oh." Liu Ying was indeed nervous. This was his first time experiencing something like this, especially on his head. His heart was beating fast.

Lin Fan stood with his hands behind his back, slightly bent over, staring at Liu Ying's bald head, occasionally offering a comment.

Old Zhang considered Lin Fan's comments, pondered for a moment, feeling enlightened, and continued to apply the needles with great care.

The second needle!

The third needle!

…

"Master, my head feels a little dizzy. Is that normal?" Liu Ying asked nervously.

Old Zhang said gently, "Normal. The head is like a universe, and the acupuncture technique I've mastered is called the Half-Step Universe Operation Method. Although it's only half a step, it's already considered entering the realm of the universe."

"Trust me, okay?"

Liu Ying felt the needles in his head swaying. Most importantly, their conversation seemed to be about some kind of research, which he didn't quite understand.

But somehow, it gave him a sense of danger.

Lin Fan patted Liu Ying's shoulder. "Trust him, just like I trust him. Don't mind the advice I just gave him. It's just my personal opinion. You might think I'm unreliable, but you should trust him."

Friendly communication was always a good start.

Liu Ying felt nervous. After a moment of thought…

"Alright then…"

Oh my god!

His head felt like it was about to explode. Was he wrong, or was he just too nervous?

The sixth needle!

Fast! Accurate! Ruthless!

The eighth needle!

…

The twelfth needle!

Liu Ying couldn't help but say, "Master, it feels a little numb, and my body feels warm."

"Normal reaction. He used to be the same as you," Old Zhang said.

Liu Ying looked at Lin Fan, who nodded seriously, as if to confirm that what Old Zhang said was true. He had felt the same way before; it was a normal reaction, nothing to worry about.

Lin Fan's eyes were too clear, devoid of any hint of mischief.

Such a gaze reassured Liu Ying.

"Master, go ahead."

Old Zhang pinched the silver needle, searching for the last spot. Ah, there it was.

Pak!

The thirteenth needle!

Suddenly!

Thump!

Liu Ying collapsed to the floor.

Lin Fan and Old Zhang looked at each other, scratching their heads, their eyes filled with confusion…

"Normal," Lin Fan said.

Old Zhang pondered for a moment, then nodded vigorously.

"Right, normal. There's definitely no problem."

He had apparently forgotten the number of times he had sent Lin Fan to the hospital, and the times he had needled himself in the hospital. Back then, it had been just like this.

The supernatural rooster witnessed the scene of the "crime."

It trembled with fear.

Such terrifying humans.

It was best to keep its head down and pretend it hadn't seen anything.