Chapter 9: The Mysterious Sect Society of Yan Capital

A man on the brink of death was granted a new lease on life thanks to the intervention of a mysterious figure. The miraculous recovery of Su Qingsheng, the patriarch of the Su family, sent shockwaves through the entire Huatuo Rebirth Hospital. The team of gathered specialists, experts in their respective fields who had come together to attempt his treatment, were left utterly dumbfounded. There had been no need for a risky cranial surgery, yet the bullet fragment embedded deep in Su Qingsheng’s skull—a remnant from half a lifetime ago—had been extracted with an uncanny, almost ghostly precision.

Who was this so-called “mysterious figure”? How could anyone possess such extraordinary skills bordering on the supernatural? The hospital staff pressed the Su family for answers, but all they could learn was that the man carried a chilling name—The Ferryman.

The Ferryman—what a name, reeking of enigma and prestige.

Beyond this, no further information could be gleaned. Yet in this world, no secret remains impenetrable. News of Su Qingsheng’s rescue by a mysterious man, who removed a bullet fragment from his brain with his bare hands, quickly spread to the capital, Yan Jing.

Within the conference room of the Xuan Sect Society in Yan Jing, all the society’s key members gathered. In attendance were President Tang Ao, Dr. Owen, and members such as Bai Feng and Kunbu, all assembled in one room.

Tang Ao swept his gaze across the group and said, “I’m sure you’ve all heard about the incident in Dongdu. What are your thoughts on what happened?”

Dr. Owen, an elderly man of sixty, was the first to offer his perspective. He was perpetually disheveled, his hair always a tangled mess, a pair of black round glasses perched on his nose. His eyes, sharp and penetrating, lent him a profound, formidable, and wise air whenever he narrowed them in thought.

“It’s quite unbelievable, that event in Dongdu,” Dr. Owen began. “To remove a bullet fragment lodged in someone’s brain without surgery, with bare hands—such a feat could only be accomplished by someone with supernatural abilities.”

“I agree with Dr. Owen,” Bai Feng chimed in.

“I second that.”

“So do I,” Kunbu and the others echoed in unison.

Tang Ao furrowed his brow. “Very well. Since we’re all of one mind, the next step is clear. We must determine the true identity of the mysterious figure who saved Su Qingsheng. Is he in fact someone with supernatural powers? This is critical—of utmost importance.”

He paused, then addressed Bai Feng and Kunbu, “Bai Feng, Kunbu, I’d like you both to make a trip to Dongdu. Go there and investigate the situation firsthand. Find out exactly what happened.”

Neither Bai Feng nor Kunbu objected; in fact, they were eager to uncover the hidden truths behind this mysterious event. Anything that defied nature, exceeded human knowledge, or fell outside the realm of science was precisely the sort of phenomenon the Xuan Sect Society was tasked to monitor and manage.

“All these years, we have been researching bizarre occurrences around the world—those that science cannot yet explain,” Tang Ao continued. “For instance, the existence of longevity arts, immortality, or even cultivators. These unknowns are our mission.”

Tang Ao’s eyes swept over the assembly. “Through our years of investigation, we have achieved some modest results. Yet, there’s a matter that has long troubled me—the spontaneous human combustion event from five years ago. To this day, we have not unraveled its cause. I must admit, it remains a regret.”

That infamous case had shocked the world. Expectations had run high, but even the most renowned international teams of scientists failed to offer a definitive explanation. Theories abounded, none conclusive. The incident had occurred domestically, and even the authoritative Xuan Sect Society had been left helpless, unable to trace its roots to this day.

It was understandable that Tang Ao, as president, considered it a lingering wound. Now, with another supernatural incident emerging, his mind was plagued with unrest.

“President, when should we set out for Dongdu?” Bai Feng inquired.

“The sooner the better,” Tang Ao instructed. “Hand over your current tasks to your colleagues, and as soon as you’re free, depart for Dongdu without delay.”

“Understood.”

Dr. Owen sighed, “Ah, it seems this old man must continue my research into the origins of life and genetic species. Bai Feng, Kunbu, if you hear any good news or make new discoveries, remember to inform me at once.”

“Dr. Owen, you may rest assured,” Kunbu replied. “You are the backbone of our society. If we uncover anything new, you’ll be the first to know.”

On the table lay a piece of decayed wood. Tang Ao placed his palm over it, then with a sudden twist and a sharp sound, the rotten wood burst forth with slender vines and budding branches, growing and stretching in all directions.

The members of the society, witnessing this strange and bewitching miracle, remained unfazed—they had seen wonders aplenty.

“Life’s genetic combinations are truly remarkable. Take this heavily rotted wood in my hand. I can still draw new shoots and vines from it—a testament to the tenacious miracle of life.”

Tang Ao set the wood down, now transformed into a potted plant. “Barren wood revived, a flourish of life. The world is vast and full of marvels. I have a strong premonition, Bai Feng, Kunbu, that your upcoming mission in Dongdu must be carried out with utmost seriousness—no carelessness or neglect will be tolerated.”

“Now, I ask you—what is our duty as members of the Xuan Sect Society?” Tang Ao’s tone turned solemn.

All the members immediately declared in unison, “Our shared duty as members of the Xuan Sect Society is to protect the Earth, uphold peace for humanity, and defend to the last drop of blood, even at the cost of our lives.”

“Excellent, excellent! In that case, Bai Feng, Kunbu, coordinate your current tasks with your colleagues, and by tomorrow at the latest, you must set out for Dongdu.”

“Rest assured, President. We will move as quickly as possible.”

As the meeting dispersed, everyone busied themselves with preparations.

Dr. Owen was the last to leave, when Tang Ao called after him, “Dr. Owen, please wait a moment.”

Dr. Owen adjusted his glasses, a hint of confusion on his face. “President Tang, what is it? Is there something else you need to discuss?”

Tang Ao smiled and shook his head. “Not at all. You are a man of vast erudition, knowledgeable in many fields. I just wanted to ask—do you believe cultivators truly exist in this world?”

“Ahem… That’s a difficult question to answer. Tell you what, once things are less hectic here, let’s sit down and have a proper talk about it.”

“Agreed! It’s a promise.”

So, do cultivators really exist in this world? Perhaps only the spirits know the answer.