Taboo Mage - Chapter 177 - A Strange Dream

He said it was someone from Beijing.

Chi Rui’s words struck me like a knife, bringing to the surface something I least wanted to confront.

Indeed, it was the people from Beijing who were most likely to want me dead, even though I had no idea what benefit my death would bring them.

Suddenly, I heard Zhou Qifang’s voice from the steps, “If you die, I won’t be able to perform the soul transfer ritual.”

“What is the soul transfer ritual?” I asked, frowning as I looked up.

How many things was Zhou Qifang hiding from me… First, he betrayed the Gu Family, and now he’s talking about some soul transfer ritual?

On one side was Du Jun, and on the other, Beijing; now there was a soul transfer ritual in the middle. A series of events was quickly draining my fighting spirit.

That’s just how I am. I set my goals quite low for myself, and when a series of issues suddenly come crashing down, I just want to lie down right where I am, not wanting to deal with any of it.

Just like now, I really wanted to throw my hands up and not even listen to the reasons, but unfortunately, I couldn’t do that.

Zhou Qifang came down from the steps and returned to the sofa, saying slowly, “The soul transfer ritual is a way to use the life amulet technique of the Gu Family and the Zhou Family to forcibly reverse the life chart, thus changing the onset of a century-old curse.”

So that’s what it is… Zhou Qifang had mentioned finding the person in Beijing who had originally altered the Zhou Family’s life chart and then making modifications to it.

In any case, I haven’t even begun to search for that person yet, so there’s no need to rush.

But what about those in Beijing…

“Chi Rui, does your family know anyone in Beijing?” I looked at Chi Rui and asked, although my tone was gentle, he definitely understood what I meant.

To my surprise, Chi Rui shook his head. “No, the Chi Family is still most influential in Northeast China. As for Beijing… that place is filled with hidden talents and powerful figures. The old man tried to extend our reach there when he was younger, but later realized it was too difficult.”

I widened my eyes in shock. Just how much hidden power is brewing in Beijing that even the Chi Family cannot penetrate?

This news made me feel even more uneasy.

Suddenly, my phone rang. Chi Rui took out his phone, glanced at it, and then walked out onto the balcony with it.

The living room fell silent, everyone unsure of how to start the conversation. I glanced nervously at Zhou Qifang. Although he had spent many years in Thailand, his return to the country suggested that he had made some preparations in advance.

I just wasn’t sure how well prepared he really was.

“Right now, the most important thing is Du Jun,” Jue Chi suddenly spoke up, nearly startling me.

I turned to Jue Chi as he continued, “The person who came here today had unusual techniques. It doesn’t seem like modern combat, but more akin to ancient Chinese martial arts. Therefore, it’s highly unlikely that he was sent by Du Jun. However, their sudden appearance after lying low for so long surely has a reason behind it. If they came once, they will likely come again, and we can patiently wait.”

“Waiting for a rabbit by the stump…” I rubbed my chin. While it might not be the best strategy, given the current situation, it was still the most suitable approach.

Just then, Chi Rui walked in from the balcony, sliding his phone into his pocket as he said in a low voice, “There’s an emergency at home. I’ll need to return to Shenyang tomorrow.”

“That soon?” I furrowed my brows, hoping he could stay a few more days to help me deal with the situation regarding Du Jun.

After all, among the people in the room, Chi Rui was the only one who could match Du Jun’s influence.

“Don’t worry, if Du Jun needs anything, just give me a call. This time it was the old man who called, so it must be something significant.”

After saying this hurriedly, Chi Rui turned and went upstairs, presumably to pack his things.

I sighed lightly, suddenly feeling a wave of helplessness concerning the matters at hand. I waved my hand dismissively and got up to head upstairs myself.

So much had happened today that even if a knife fell from the sky, I wouldn’t want to deal with it. I just wanted to sleep; whatever it was could wait until tomorrow!

I fell into an unusually heavy sleep, and for the first time in a long while, I had a dream.

I say this because ever since I became a true yin-yang life amulet master, I hadn’t dreamed at all; the only dreams I had were related to my Grandfather and Father.

This time, I dreamt about an old acquaintance.

Li Mi. I remembered the first time I met her; she was a young student in university, dating her boyfriend. If it hadn’t been for…

But now, it’s too late to say anything.

What puzzled me was that I had dreamt of her. Logically, ever since I left school, I hadn’t seen Li Mi again, not even Xu-Jie, who had intentionally distanced herself.

Everything that happened before felt like a dream, yet it was undeniably real experiences that had occurred in my life.

In the dream, Li Mi was dressed in a traditional bridal gown, sitting on an old wooden bed, holding a bright red handkerchief, gently wiping away her tears.

In a fog, I found myself standing at the door. Suddenly, my vision sharpened, and I realized I was wearing a groom’s attire. Li Mi, sitting on the bed, suddenly smirked, her eyes squinting like a cat as she smiled at me.

Seeing her like that sent goosebumps racing up my arms…

This was not a good omen! I jolted awake, cold sweat beading on my forehead.

I fumbled under my pillow for my phone to check the time, which showed it was just 2:00 AM.

My heart was pounding heavily. I pressed one hand against my chest while pulling open the drawer with the other, retrieving a protective charm and holding it tightly in my hand. After a while, my nerves finally began to settle.

I dozed off again in a daze, and the next morning, I woke up early, just after 7:00 AM.

As I came downstairs, I ran into Chi Rui dragging a suitcase, apparently in a hurry to catch an early flight. He waved at me without saying a word and pulled the sleepy Lin Huan with him as he headed out the door.

I smiled and settled onto the sofa, turning on the TV. A popular drama was playing, featuring a palace maid who worked hard to become a favored concubine, still portrayed with that silly, sweet demeanor.

I couldn’t help but smirk; this was pure nonsense!

Bored, I cranked the volume up to the max and laid back on the sofa, my mind repeatedly drifting back to that strange dream from last night.

Li Mi… Li Mi…

Why did I suddenly dream of her? What could it mean…?