Chapter 890: Mood

I found a building and sat inside, waiting for the next day to arrive.

The long night dragged on, and I flipped through the *Gao Deng Zhi Wu Tu Jian* that Di She had given me. Come to think of it, this seemed to be the first book I'd obtained myself since entering Zhong Yan Zhi Di.

I don't know how it is for others, but for me, it's truly a nice gift.

Although I never choose something like a plant atlas when I buy books or borrow from the library, picking up some knowledge here is still worthwhile.

Ever since I met Bai Yang, the speed at which I gain knowledge from talking with him has far outpaced reading books. It looks like I've been slacking off—I shouldn't stop reading.

The academic content in this book is indeed a bit overwhelming for someone like me who knows almost nothing about botany; it's tough to get through.

Each plant includes its Chinese name, Latin name, morphological features, pictures, and uses. When discussing flowers, it even includes the flower language for each one in a rather elaborate way for reference.

I followed Bai Yang's example and read the book all night long. During that time, I tried hard to forget what I was doing and immersed myself as much as possible in the world of plants. By dawn, I didn't feel tired at all—just some soreness in my shoulders and neck from looking down for so long.

I put the book away and, facing the sunrise, headed to Bai Yang's place to ask for an extended leave. If he agrees, I'll return the book to Di She in the afternoon and set off on my own journey.

For over four years, I've come here almost every day. I've grown a lot stronger, and now I want to focus on some things for myself.

Thanks to Jiang Ruoxue, I've noticed I've become more decisive than before.

*Jile Qianzhuang* is still as terrifying and powerful as ever, running smoothly on its own without needing "Shengxiao."

At the outermost gambling tables, the gamblers organize the games themselves, and losers accept their fate.

As soon as a white light turns on, the gamblers rush to place their bets. When everyone knows "Shengxiao" is overseeing the place, no one dares to welch. Lose and pay up; win and take the money—the rules are incredibly straightforward.

Even losing every last penny is still better than being beaten to death by "Shengxiao."

After all, Bai Yang, who was reading in his room one second ago, can appear behind anyone questioning the results the next second.

Just his eyes on them are enough to terrify them senseless.

The "lottery" and "money house" are even more low-maintenance; Bai Yang only occasionally meets with some "big clients."

The standard for "big clients" is depositing eighty "Dao" at once. Anyone who can pull out that kind of stake is undoubtedly a renowned powerhouse in Zhong Yan Zhi Di.

"Yang Ge."

I found him in the office; today he wasn't reading, just staring blankly.

I called him a few times and got no response.

Strange... It's clearly morning...

I remember Bai Yang only zones out in the afternoons; now he's doing it in the morning too?

"Yang Ge...?"

He had his eyes open but was gazing blankly ahead.

Forcing someone awake from hypnosis or sleepwalking could have serious consequences, but I couldn't just leave without a word.

As I hesitated, I suddenly thought of Jiang Ruoxue.

Hadn't she already taught me a method?

I walked up, looked around Bai Yang, and finally focused on the table in front of him.

I reached out and knocked hard on the desktop.

"Knock knock knock!"

Although Bai Yang didn't wake up, I could clearly see his expression change a bit; it really worked.

"Knock knock knock!"

I knocked again, and Bai Yang snapped out of it immediately, looking at me with a blank expression.

He first glanced at my clothes, then at the tattoo on my hand. As he started to look puzzled, he finally looked at my face.

In an instant, his face grew calm.

"Yan Zhi Chun...?"

"Yes, Yang Ge, I hope I didn't cause you any trouble?"

"No."

Bai Yang quickly scanned the surroundings, as if confirming where he was.

A few seconds later, he stood up and went to the bar counter in the office, where there were some wines and coffee powders sent by "big clients." But Bai Yang had said he doesn't drink, so these were probably for entertaining guests.

"Would you like something to drink?"

"No, thanks. I'm here to ask for leave," I said. "About one cycle's time; I won't be coming to see you."

Bai Yang nodded, not refusing.

"You seem to be in a good mood."

"Mm..." I smiled, "I've figured out a lot of things. I plan to stop being passive and pursue what I want, just like chasing my own life goals."

"Good."

Bai Yang nodded. "Is one cycle enough? If not, I can extend it. You've helped me a lot; you don't need to be so worn out from now on."

"Yang Ge..."

I smiled and asked him a question I'd been holding back for a long time, "How have you been lately?"

"I've been...?"

"I'm just being honest... You look like you're in a good mood too," I said. "Is it because this game is bringing in so much money? I feel like you're not as burdened as before."

"How should I put it..."

Bai Yang poured himself a glass of water, took a sip, and said, "This game is unfolding exactly as I planned; there's nothing particularly joyful about it."

"Then you..."

"If there's anything affecting my mood, it's that I've taken on a few students who are annoyingly troublesome. They give me headaches all day, but... this feeling isn't bad."

Bai Yang's mouth curved slightly, and I actually saw him smile a little.

Oh my god, what a rare sight.

"Students...?"

I nodded, pretending to be calm. "So 'Di Ji Shengxiao' also takes students?"

"At first, I found it troublesome," Bai Yang said. "I refused a large number of 'Ren Ji Shengxiao' and wanted to be on my own. But Di Long told me that if a 'Di Ji Shengxiao' refuses to lead disciples, it violates the rules. After all, 'Shengxiao' needs to be passed down, so I just picked three unwanted Ren Ji ones."

"Ah...?"

Although it's a bit absurd, it really fits Bai Yang's style...

"I didn't expect them to be interesting," Bai Yang said. "I was even thinking of not eating anymore, but being able to sit with them every day and chat over meals feels pretty good."

It seems my previous guess was spot on; Bai Yang mistakes this sense of togetherness for 'family.'

This is exactly what he's been missing the most.

Even if they're a few problematic characters that no one wants, as long as Bai Yang can talk to them, he'll naturally form bonds—

I was genuinely happy for Bai Yang.

Before I could say "Congratulations," Bai Yang changed the subject:

"But... such days will end one day, right?"

"End?"

"There's no feast that doesn't come to an end," Bai Yang said. "Having emotions means having weaknesses, and having weaknesses means having vulnerabilities. One day... others will threaten me just like I threaten them."

"But you're strong enough," I said. "Why would a truly strong person fear threats?"

"What if I forget about them?" Bai Yang said.