Capítulo 6: I Don't Have Any Money
Lieutenant Xiomei crossed her arms with a skeptical look; "And what way is that?"
Fang Chen leaned back as his eyes twinkled with mischief. "It's simple, really. The Xiao Demons are after something specific... Something a bit ancient."
Xiomei shook her head. "That's a pretty big leap, Fang Chen. You nearly took a bath in my refrigerator because you didn't know what it was, there is no way you could have just figured something like this out just like that."
"Ah, modern conveniences still elude me, I admit. But I know a pattern when I see one," Fang Chen voiced with a burst of light laughter.
She rolled her eyes. "Okay, genius. Where do you think they'll strike next?"
He pointed to a spot on the map without hesitation. "Here. Yuan Pharmaceuticals."
Xiomei stared at the map, then back at him. "Yuan Pharmaceuticals? Why would they go there?"
Chen Feng shrugged. "Sometimes the truth is hidden in the place you'd least expect. But believe me or don't—it's your call."
She sighed, rubbing her temples again--
...
Minutes later, Fang Chen stood at the window of Lieutenant Xiomei's apartment, gazing out at the bustling streets of Pekking City.
"Twenty thousand years," he mused with a slight smile. "And the world has changed so much."
Fang Chen had asked more about Pekking City and discovered that It was one of the cities under the current Emperor Zhao Ming's rule who happened to be a descendant of the emperor who sealed him.
It turned out that the Xiao Demons first appeared here about two months ago and the law enforcement had been struggling with getting any type of leads on them till Fang Chen intervened.
They were still unaware of the Xiao demons' motives.
He leaned forward as his gaze intensified. "All of that is intriguing, but my priority is retrieving my seventh treasure vault. I can sense its presence here in Pekking City, but the problem is, I don't know how to navigate this city. Everything has changed so much."
Xiomei who was behind heard him and chimed in; "What exactly are these vaults and why are they so important to you?"
Fang Chen chuckled. "Imagine a lifetime's worth of collected artifacts, ancient relics, medicinal knowledge, high-grade cultivation scrolls, and powerful items. That's what's in my treasure vaults. They're scattered across various locations, hidden from all but me. One of them is here, and I need it."
Xiomei's skepticism was evident. "Let me indulge in your delusion for a bit. Let's say this treasure vault truly exists, how do you intend to find it? The city is huge."
He nodded, acknowledging the challenge. "True, but I have my ways. The first step is understanding the modern layout of the city. Can you help me with that?"
She sighed while rubbing her temples once more. "Alright, I suppose I can help you with a map. But you need to promise me you won't get into any trouble. This city is already on edge with the Xiao Demons running around."
Fang Chen grinned. "Trouble? I'll be on my best behavior, Lieutenant."
---
The next day at the station, the atmosphere was tense with urgency.
Officers moved briskly through the bustling corridors as they worked on various cases. The Xiao Demons' activities were no doubt a significant focus.
Lieutenant Xiomei sat at her desk, sifting through files and reports as her mind raced with thoughts of their recent discoveries.
A young officer, Officer Liu, approached her desk, looking hesitant. "Lieutenant Xiomei, do you have a moment?"
Xiomei's expression softened slightly as she glanced up. "What is it, Liu?"
He shifted nervously. "I was hoping to get your insight on the Xiao Demons case. We've been trying to piece together their activities and figure out their next move, but we're hitting a wall."
Xiomei sighed before leaning back in her chair. "Join the club. It's been a frustrating few weeks."
Liu nodded, sitting across from her. "We've been reviewing the items taken from the Wei District Museum during their last attack, but none of it makes any sense. Do you have any theories?"
She rubbed her temples, feeling the weight of the situation. "Honestly, we're still in the dark. The artifacts they took don't seem to have any obvious connections or significant value that we can discern. It's like they're after something specific, but we don't know what."
Liu frowned, flipping through his notes. "The last item they took was a jade amulet. It's old, but there's nothing in our records to suggest it's particularly valuable or powerful."
Xiomei nodded. "Exactly. We've checked the historical records and consulted experts, and still, we have nothing. It's frustrating."
As Liu prepared to leave, Xiomei suddenly recalled Chen Feng's prediction from the previous night. "Wait, Liu," she said with a thoughtful tone.
He turned back with a look of curiosity. "Yes, Lieutenant?"
She hesitated, knowing how it might sound. "Send two officers to Yuan Pharmaceuticals. Have them keep a low profile and watch for any suspicious activity."
Liu looked puzzled. "Yuan Pharmaceuticals? Why there?"
Xiomei chose her words carefully. "It's just a hunch. I can't explain it, but I have a feeling they might target that place next. We can't afford to overlook any possibilities."
Liu nodded slowly, still confused but trusting her judgment. "Alright, Lieutenant. I'll get it done."
As he walked away, Xiomei leaned back in her chair as her thoughts drifted to Fang Chen. She hadn't mentioned his name to Liu, not wanting to appear unprofessional or reliant on a mysterious outsider's hunches.
---
Later that day, Liu briefed two officers, Officer Chen, and Officer Wang, on their new assignment. They listened attentively, though their expressions mirrored Liu's initial confusion.
"So, we're just supposed to watch Yuan Pharmaceuticals?" Chen asked, raising an eyebrow.
Liu nodded. "That's right. Keep a low profile and report anything unusual. It's based on a hunch from Lieutenant Xiomei."
Wang looked thoughtful. "A hunch, huh? Well, it's not like we have any better leads at the moment. Let's do it."
The two officers set off, making their way to Yuan Pharmaceuticals, a sprawling complex on the outskirts of the city. They positioned themselves discreetly, blending in with the regular foot traffic and keeping a close eye on the premises.
---
Fang Chen moved through the bustling streets of Pekking City. His divine appearance drew attention wherever he went.
His long, flowing hair and antique robes were still very much a disparity to the modern attire of the city's inhabitants.
Some passersby gasped in admiration, while others muttered enviously under their breath. Unperturbed by the attention, Fang Chen focused intently on the smartphone in his grasp. Its design was fascinating to him.
"This is truly something else," he muttered to himself.
His eyes were wide in disbelief as he tapped the screen and watched it move. "Who knew such a tiny object could hold so much information?"
Lieutenant Xiomei had helped him purchase the smartphone, explaining the basics of its use.
He still didn't fully understand how it worked, but the device fascinated him endlessly. The map displayed on the screen guided him through the streets, allowing him to familiarize himself with the city's layout.
As he walked, Fang Chen marveled at the modern world around him. Tall skyscrapers rose on either side and the streets were crowded with people, all moving with purpose with their faces glued to their own smartphones.
Occasionally, he would stop and stare at the various advertisements displayed on large digital screens, chuckling at the sheer novelty of it all.
< "Here at Cloud Breeding Sect, you can become a great cultivator.">
It looked like even cultivation had been modernized.
"Excuse me," a young woman said while approaching him with wide eyes. "Can I take a picture with you?"
Fang Chen smiled charmingly. "Of course, my dear."
Fortunately, the Lieutenant had informed him of this feature earlier on.
As they posed together, the woman's friend snapped a photo with her phone. "Thank you so much! You look like you stepped right out of a historical drama."
He laughed lightly before responding; "Something like that."
"I have used the Invo app to exchange contact information. I will chat you up," The girl waved while walking away with her friend.
'Chat me up? Is that another thing this smartphone can do? I will have to ask the Lieutenant later.'
Continuing his exploration, Fang Chen decided to visit a nearby store.
The display window was filled with various trinkets and gadgets, each more curious than the last. He stepped inside causing the doorbell to chime softly.
"Welcome!" the shopkeeper greeted him while eyeing his attire with a mixture of curiosity and suspicion. "Can I help you find something?"
Fang Chen nodded, still engrossed in his smartphone. "I'm just looking around, thank you."
He wandered through the aisles, marveling at the sheer variety of items on display. "This place is incredible," he muttered, picking up a small mechanical toy and watching it move. "How does it work?"
The shopkeeper, noticing his fascination, approached. "That's a wind-up toy. You turn the key, and it moves."
Chen Feng turned the key and watched in delight as the toy came to life. "Amazing! The ingenuity of modern craftsmanship never ceases to amaze me."
After a while, he made his way to the counter, arms filled with various trinkets. "I'll take these," he said while placing them down with a satisfied smile.
The shopkeeper rang up the items and gave him the total. "That'll be 200 yuan."
Chen Feng blinked as his smile faltered. "I'm afraid I don't have any money on me."
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