This Damned Thirst for Survival
chapter-57

The talent show had to be open to the public, and the existence of the metaphysical community could be exposed if they were not careful. Dean Xu personally called the nine members of the metaphysics class to himself and specifically explained the purpose of this mission: to keep everything low key and careful.

“We’ve spoken to the crew, the chief director will ask the staff to do their best to ignore your scenes, to skip the performances and so on, to keep a low profile so that the other trainees don’t find out who you really are,” Dean Xu recited two or three times, “the crew will give you as much freedom as they can. For security reasons, there are only a few people on the show who know who you are, so if you have any problems, go to these people.”

Jiang Luo took a look at the list and saw that the names of several heads of the programme were on it.

In short, they are there to be transparent, to solve the paranormal incident and then retire from the show without a trace.

Jiang Luo looked at the name of the variety show, which was called Next Stop, Idol.

The name made him look a little familiar.

When he thought about it, it dawned on him that this was the talent show that Bai Qiu had been trying to recommend him to.

Two months ago, he and Chi You’s disguised brother Qiao helped Bai Qiu, a first-rate actress, to break the charm her agent had placed on her. He also outlined a plan for Jiang Luo’s debut, the first stop being the talent show Next Stop Idol.

Jiang Luo has never hesitated to turn it down, but he never expected to see this variety show come back to him.

When I think of Bai Qiu, I think of Bai Qiu’s manager. Jiang Luo took out his phone and searched for follow-up news.

Bai Qiu moved quickly, and a week after she sobered up from the Harmony Charm, her manager, He Meng, was sent to prison on a number of charges, the most serious of which were drugging and blackmailing and threatening Bai Qiu.

Each of these charges was extremely serious and could have put He Meng straight through prison.

Jiang Luo sighed in admiration, saying that when women are ruthless, there is basically nothing left for men to do.

Next Stop, Idol is a boy band talent show, and Zhuo Zhongqiu thankfully stood next to the dean, gloating at his peers and asking, “So who’s going?”

Dean Xu stroked his white beard, “You’ve hit the nail on the head with your question.”

When you go to a talent show, you have to look good, of course.

Dean Xu looked at his students one by one and was worried: they all look good, how should I choose?

The school’s missions accumulate credits for graduation, or for school rewards, and can also be exchanged for money. The Sixth House also takes high-credit students from the school to be their first disciples, so every mission is a mixture of crisis and opportunity.

When Dean Xu couldn’t choose, he said, “Here’s the deal, you guys vote.”

Jiang Luo came first in the poll. Second and third were Qi Ye and Lu Youyi. The dean decided on the three of them and said, “Someone will pick you up the day after tomorrow to take you to the programme, and you will meet at school at eight in the morning. That’s it, it’s all right now, go back.”

Walking out of the dean’s office, Jiang Luo asked grimly, “Who voted for me?”

In unison, eight hands were raised.

Wen Renlian ruffled her curls and smiled, “With a face like yours, it’s a waste not to be on the show. And I’m used to women’s clothes, so I can’t. Ge Zhu is a Taoist priest, so he can’t do it either. Kuang Zheng is too big, so he can’t do it either. Ye Xun has to hold Xiao Fen at all times, so I don’t think the crew are allowed to bring dolls? As for Sai Liaoer.”

He looked at the little curly blonde with green and black eyes and a kidney deficit, “…… better give him time to catch up on his sleep.”

“And by the count of it, that leaves only three of you.”

Jiang Luo narrowed his eyes as he swept past them, accepting that this was a foregone conclusion. He touched his face, Jiang Luo had always been good-looking and self-conscious, and if this face was noticed, he would be in trouble for the rest of his life.

Jiang Luo will do everything he can to keep a low profile in order not to be mobbed when he goes out in the future.

Jiang Luo was called back to Tian Shifu by Feng Li after the afternoon session.

Coincidentally, Zhuo Zhongqiu and Qi Ye were also called back by the Zhuo and Qi families.

It was noon when we arrived at Tian Shifu. Jiang Luo entered through the door, and the disciple standing by the door said respectfully, “Brother.”

Jiang Luo nods and enters the inner courtyard amidst many reverent stares.

Feng Li was not at Tian Shifu, but he had sent another disciple, Wang Santan, to arrange for Jiang Luo. Jiang Luo hadn’t seen this brother for quite a while, and he casually asked, “Brother San Sigh, why weren’t you at the third level of the competition in Xiangxi the other day?”

He remembered that Wang Santan and another brother, Zhou Wudu, had clearly made it through to the second level.

Wang Santan’s face darkened, “because the eight people who ate the mushrooms at Yun Nan included me.”

Jiang Luo : “……” pfft.

Wang Santan sent him back to his room and said, “Sir has asked you to practise the new five charms and when ten o’clock rolls around, Sir will check your practice via video.”

“By the way, I’ve got a suit for you and I’ve put it in the wardrobe,” Wang Santan said, “we’re going to a funeral tomorrow, so you remember to wear that tomorrow.”

After Wang Santan’s departure, Jiang Luo practised Fu Lu in earnest, as time was running out.

When he first became Feng Li’s master, he deliberately hid his strength. But Feng Li seems to know that there is more to him than meets the eye, and sets him heavier and heavier tasks, pushing Jiang Luo’s true strength.

There are only three hours left before ten o’clock, three hours to learn the five Fu Lu paintings, he really dares to set them up.

Time always flies when you are concentrating. At 10pm, Jiang Luo was on time for Feng Li’s video.

On the other side of the video, another of Feng Li’s direct disciples, Zhou Wudu, is fiddling with the computer. He adjusts the angle and Feng Li’s cold, watery face enters the shot.

Feng Li sits in a carved wooden chair with a faintly unsuspecting look on his face, his arms folded and his dark Tang suit giving him an intimidating presence that dares not be looked at.

Zhou Wudu stood warily behind Feng Li, who squeezed his eyes towards Jiang Luo and made silent gestures: Sir is in a bad mood!

Jiang Luo said to himself, “Bad luck.

He lifted his brush in a proper manner, “Sir, I am ready.”

Feng Li nodded gently, “Let’s get started.”

Jiang Luo mentions the air and focuses on the pen.

His talent in Fu Lu is of the “God’s gift” variety, and Feng Li’s request would have made anyone cry. But when it comes to Jiang Luo, he does it fast and well. In less than half an hour, five brand new Fu Lu sheets were laid out on the table.

Feng Li’s face eased a little when he saw that his brush was flowing without any stagnation, “Wudu, you studied Fu Lu several years earlier than Jiang Luo, but your progress is not as good as his in a month.”

Zhou Wudu watched with envy and jealousy as Jiang Luo put down his pen, “Sir, senior brother is great.”

Jiang Luo said modestly, “Brother is also great.”

The two of them had been bragging to each other for a while, but Feng Li looked at Jiang Luo’s face and suddenly said, “You didn’t use dinner?”

Jiang Luo : “I practiced Fu Lu when I got back, I didn’t have time to eat.”

Feng Li’s expression sank again, “Is this how your senior brother takes care of you? Call him over.”

Wang Santan came over and was scolded by Feng Li, the 80kg man almost cried at the scolding and sobbed, “I’m going to prepare food for my brother!”

Twenty minutes later, he served Jiang Luo a bowl of noodles and a small dish. Jiang Luo finished eating as Feng Li looked on, and when he was 80% full, Feng Li slowly asked, “Did he look for you during the days I was away?”

Jiang Luo understands who this ‘he’ is.

“No.” He shook his head deliberately and hesitantly.

Feng Li’s eyes went cold, ” Jiang Luo , tell the truth.”

Jiang Luo’s eyes turned red all of a sudden, “Sir, I really can’t help but not see him. I beg you not to hurt him, I took the initiative to go to him this time, I really miss him too much …… Sir, you believe me, after I help him get his revenge …… I will try to forget him.”

The dark-haired youth bowed his head and choked out, “I will really forget him, please don’t let his soul fly away.”

Feng Li’s face was unruffled, “Where did you meet him?”

Jiang Luo shut up and didn’t say anything.

Feng Li’s heart was suddenly filled with murderous intent.

A mere evil spirit had already influenced his disciples to this extent.

He had thought that after his last fight with Chi You, Chi You would never dare to come near Jiang Luo again. But the reality is that this evil spirit is like a skeleton in the closet, deepening its influence on Jiang Luo.

Chi You ……

He touched the jade trigger finger on his hand and said calmly, “If you don’t tell me, I still have a way of knowing. Jiang Luo, I’ll tell you one last time, there is a difference between human beings and ghosts. The next time you see him, you must inform me immediately. If you don’t do as I say, I will not only let him live forever.”

Feng Li looked at Jiang Luo and said coldly, “And break your legs.”

Jiang Luo’s buried smile faltered at the corners of his mouth, and he looked up at him with an expressionless face.

The dark-haired young man’s eyes were slightly red, and even without expression, he had a sad look about him. Feng Li frowned and said, “Go and wash your face.”

The look on his face was unmistakable and Jiang Luo lowered his eyes for a few seconds before getting up and going to the bathroom.

Jiang Luo poured two shovelfuls of cool water over his face and when he looked up, the dark-haired young man in the mirror looked slightly sombre.

Jiang Luo hates Feng Li’s attitude.

Since he was a child, Jiang Luo has never been restricted in his actions, let alone threatened gently: if you do this, I will break your legs.

He and Feng Li were in a relationship of mutual use. Although Feng Li did not say so, he knew that Feng Li had taken him as his disciple only because of his talent and strength, and that by taking him as his disciple, he would be able to do something for Tian Shifu.

Feng Li is not a nice person, otherwise he would not have watched the original disciple of his clan being tortured to death by Chi You in order to avenge Chi You in the original book.

We all understand that some things are enough. Jiang Luo can accept that Feng Li has sent Chi You to his death, but he can never accept Feng Li’s control over him.

Drops of water slid down his chin, Jiang Luo wiped them away and walked out with a collected look.

Feng Li looked at him as he had recovered, and the coldness around him warmed back up considerably.

Zhou Wudu, shaken by fear behind Feng Li, scowled at Wang Santan, who swallowed and mustered up the courage to say, “Sir, it’s late, you should go to bed.”

Feng Li said in a soft voice: “Close it.”

Zhou Wudu walked up and turned off the video.

The screen goes black, Jiang Luo sits down and looks to the side where Wang Santan is typing rapidly on his mobile phone.

“I was asking what would make Mr. angry,” Feng Li was not here, but Wang Santan still did not dare to speak up, “Zhou Wudu said that Mr. met a female madman today, came up and rushed at Mr., and yelled Feng Li, I want to raise the next Heavenly Master with you’, and almost hugged Mr.”

Jiang Luo almost laughed out loud as he imagined the scene, and he felt slightly better, “How did sir do it?”

“Sir,” Wang Santan shuddered, “the girl was a member of the Chi family, and the Chi elders were standing around smiling, and it felt like they were happy to see it happen.”

Can we not be happy with that?

Feng Li has an identity, an ability and a look.

To those who don’t know Feng Li, he is indeed one of the best husbands in the world.

But Jiang Luo can guarantee that Feng Li’s future wife, if Feng Li doesn’t like her, is just that, and if Feng Li does, she will be the type who says, “If you go out, I’ll break your legs.

They may have to trap people in Tian Shifu and not let them out.

Jiang Luo and Wang Santan chatted for a few minutes before Wang Santan yawned, “Enough talk, go to bed, we have to get up early tomorrow. We have to get up early tomorrow. We have to be there by eight o’clock, so you’d better set an alarm for six o’clock, brother.”

Jiang Luo : “I know.”

After a peaceful night, Jiang Luo got up early the next morning and left the house after breakfast with Wang Santan.

Wang Santan dressed Jiang Luo in a plain black Tang suit, and he himself wore the same one. Although the clothes are the same, they have a very different effect on the two men.

After getting off the bus, Wang Santan silently moved away from Jiang Luo.

When he arrived, Jiang Luo realised whose funeral he was attending. It was the funeral of a member of the Chi family who had died in the Xiangxi tournament.

Inside the hearse, the coffin was placed in the middle. The picture of the deceased is placed on the table and the Chi You family kneel on either side of the coffin, crying much more sincerely than they did at the last Chi You funeral.

Jiang Luo and Wang Santan went up to the incense and looked for Feng Li in the crowd.

Jiang Luo is somewhat distracted.

He was thinking about something.

By the count of time, it had been seven days since this member of the Chi family had died. In August, the body was decomposing very quickly, so why was it not buried?

Wang Santan suddenly quickened his pace and led Jiang Luo through the people, saying respectfully, “Sir, we’re here.”

Jiang Luo looked up to see Feng Li with some old men standing beside him, a circle of people chatting. Among the old men, one of whom he had seen before at Tian Shifu, was the old man from the Chi family who was sitting with the old Master of Heaven.

Feng Li nodded slightly, “Come and meet some of the clan elders.”

Wang Santan, being the elder brother, was the first to say, “Greetings, my fellow clansmen, you all look much healthier again.”

“Good boy,” one of the old men smiled, setting his eyes on Jiang Luo with a gleam in his eye, “is this the first place winner of the competition? Come on, let me have a look and get some glory from the first place.”

Jiang Luo stepped forward, and several of the elders sized him up secretly. The elder of the Zhuo family said without haste, “We have also detained the children around, Zhong Qiu a few young children are playing at the back, let them pass too.”

Wang Santan looks to Feng Li who agrees, “Go ahead.”

The two disciples leave, Feng Li watching them. Tian Shifu’s Tang costume is discreet and conspicuous in the crowd, and Jiang Luo is impossible to ignore, and more or less someone steals Yu Guang on Jiang Luo.

But for Feng Li, living or dead, love is only a distraction and a weakness, like dirty water, and even an immaculate heart becomes muddy when it touches love.

He did not like love affairs and was sick of people bringing down the disciples he saw.

Both the living and the dead.

Feng Li withdrew his eyes and said indifferently, “Do the several clan elders know that this young disciple of mine has a different kind of lover?”

Several clan elders looked at each other, not understanding why the Heavenly Master would talk to them about such topics, “Oh? What do you mean by that?”

Feng Li looked at the Chi family elder, “Speaking of which, this lover of his has some ties to the Chi family.”

The mean-looking Chi family elder suddenly had a bad feeling about this.

The hand behind his back trembled slightly, his face forcing itself to be calm, “Could it be one of my Chi family girls?”

Feng Li gave a cold laugh, “It is none other than Chi You, the long-dead head of your Chi family. He took on the form of an evil spirit, but he haunts my disciples.”

“Bam…”

The Ikari family elder’s eyes widened as the thermos fell to the floor.

*

Jiang Luo did not go to Zhuo Zhongqiu after leaving Feng Li and the others.

He hid in the corner and one by one he swept past the guests attending the funeral.

With the first death in the Chi family line, Jiang Luo couldn’t believe that Chi You wouldn’t come to watch the fun.

It is likely that the evil spirit is already hiding in some corner, nastily watching every move of the funeral congregation.

Jiang Luo’s gaze swept past the coffin once more.

The cries on either side were so miserable that several people fell limp to the ground in tears; it was simply heartbreaking to hear and weep.

When Chi You, a proper full-blooded member of the Chi family and the one in charge of the family, died, it was not such a big deal.

Jiang Luo couldn’t help but laugh out loud, covering his mouth and taking several steps back so as not to be seen as a psychopath, lest his gloating be heard by others.

So much for retreating, but into the arms of another.

The man gave a muffled laugh and asked with interest, “What are you laughing at.”