FI CH101: Extra

——Seven Years Later——

Clear sunlight streamed through the living room balcony, falling on the two figures on the sofa.

Lin Su leaned comfortably against He Zhenling’s side.

Seven years had passed, but his appearance had hardly changed. His features were still handsome and refined, the corners of his eyes tilting up slightly. Dressed in a light-colored thin shirt, he had an air of leisure and laziness.

He Zhenling was propped up on the table, looking at a laptop.

He now occasionally wore low-collared shirts at home, no longer bundling himself up so strictly.

At this moment, an old, faded mark was visible above his collar, along with a few newly added red love bites.

From the ball pit in the corner of the balcony came a rustle. Xuenima lay sprawled on a newly purchased dolphin plushie. =w=

The years were quiet and peaceful, with only the soft tapping of the keyboard filling the silence.

Amidst the tranquility, Lin Su’s phone suddenly buzzed.

He opened it to see a digital admission ticket: [The 6th Tianshi New Selection Competition]

——The Tianshi New Selection Competition.

It was a celestial master selection competition organized by the Tianshi Association Headquarters, held every four years since the decline of the Feng Shui world twenty-four years ago. The winners had the opportunity to enter the headquarters.

This year happened to be the sixth one.

The Tianshi Alliance had also matured by now, so this year it was jointly organized by the Tianshi Association and the Alliance.

As the president, Lin Su had also received an admission ticket as a formality.

He suddenly sighed, “Ah…”

A voice came from his side. “What’s wrong?”

“It’s already been seven years.”

Lin Su’s conversation took a turn, and he nuzzled against He Zhenling. “No wonder I’ve been so itchy lately.”

He Zhenling turned his head. “?”

“Turns out it’s our seven-year itch.”

“…” He Zhenling chuckled, correcting him. “It’s you who’s been rubbing and getting itchy.”

Lin Su: .

Having been seen through, he tilted his phone towards He Zhenling and said, “Let’s go take a look. Guanyue has been handling all the competition matters. I wonder what kind of grand occasion it will be this year.”

He Zhenling glanced over. “With you there, it will be grand even if it isn’t.”

Lin Su ignored his underlying meaning and said seriously, “Of course. Our presence will surely make the competition shine.”

He Zhenling’s lips curved. “I know, President Kunkun.”

The competition venue was built in a suburban area.

It covered a large area, with an open-air field in the center shaped like flowing water rings. The surrounding areas were for preparation and spectators.

The guards at the entrance were from the Surveillance.

Before Lin Su could even show his admission ticket, the guard snapped to attention. “President, President Lin!”

He Zhenling nodded and went inside with Lin Su.

There was still an hour before the competition began.

At this time, most of the contestants were in the preparation and spectator areas outside, so the hallways were mostly empty.

Lin Su tucked his hands in his sleeves, looking forward to it. “Our Alliance also has a seed team. I’m going to check on them.”

“You go first.”

He turned his head. “You’re not coming?”

He Zhenling was scrolling on his phone. “I handed things over to Yin Lin here before. Since I’ve come, I should go take a look.”

Lin Su shook his head. “You’re also a hands-off boss.”

Xuenima picked out a key word: [Also.]

A hand that had been doing this for a decade pressed it down: We have a legitimate reason.

The two of them were divine officials, after all.

Especially Lin Su, who had left video clips of himself on the internet before. Although they were only partial views or his face was covered, his unchanging appearance over the years was ultimately not suitable for frequent appearances in front of “ordinary people.”

In recent years, the two of them had intentionally stayed behind the scenes, gradually delegating power.

In the Surveillance and the Alliance, it was Yin Lin and Yan Guanyue who were active in the forefront.

They had reached the end of the corridor, and He Zhenling stopped. “I’ll head over first.” He stroked the silver hoop on Lin Su’s ear and smiled. “Don’t be… too wild when I’m not looking.”

After speaking, he turned and strode away.

Lin Su stood at the entrance of the hallway, touching his earlobe: Ah, Nima, he’s flirting with me again.

Xuenima, thoroughly unsurprised, curled up: [Yes, he’s flirting so much you’re itchy all over.] It said aloofly: [I get locked in the dark room three times a week. Have I said anything?]

Lin Su said shyly: I also think it’s too frequent, but He Zhenling…

[Shh, silence.]

He stopped just in time and walked outside.

…

In the seating area outside, there was a large crowd of contestants.

Lin Su scanned the area and quickly found the participating members from the Alliance. A familiar and conspicuous figure was standing in front of them.

He walked over and called out, “Xiao Shui.”

Yi Shui, whose back was turned, whipped her head around, her eyes lighting up.

The small figure from back then had grown taller and blossomed into a graceful young woman. She still had light-colored hair and lake-blue pupils. She ran over in pleasant surprise, whispering, “Brother Teacher.”

Not far away, the members of the Alliance saw him and were about to stand up.

The area was full of contestants from all over.

Lin Su stopped their greetings with a gesture and smiled. “I’m just here to take a casual look.”

He walked to the front of the preparation seats.

The trainees from the Alliance had also grown up from a group of little sprouts. The youngest contestant was 18, and the oldest was 22 or 23. They all looked at him with excitement and longing in their eyes.

Lin Su asked, “How are the preparations?”

“We’re ready!”

“I’m… okay, just a little nervous.”

“There’s a section in the competition that’s said to require a lot of theoretical knowledge. I’m afraid my mind will go blank on stage…”

“Don’t be nervous.” Lin Su’s voice was calming. “If there’s anything you’re unclear about now, just ask me directly.”

The eyes before him immediately lit up: A master class!

The classes in the Alliance were all taught by the Yi family; the trainees had never had a class from Lin Su. At this moment, regardless of whether they were clear on things or not, they all seized the opportunity to ask questions.

Lin Su was very patient and answered them one by one.

His answers were mostly concise and to the point, yet they hit the nail on the head, leaving people feeling as if they had been enlightened.

Gradually, some other contestants from the surrounding area also looked over.

There were even some “brave” ones who directly came over to listen in on the lesson.

Those who were a bit further away also listened in while discussing in low voices: “So impressive. That must be the seed team from the Tianshi Alliance.”

“Is the one answering questions their teacher?”

“He’s so young, probably not. Maybe a disciple of the Yi family, or a senior from the Alliance.”

…

Amidst the discussion, a dismissive voice was suddenly heard: “Tch, what senior? In this day and age, anyone can be called a ‘senior’.”

A man of about forty was sitting among the seats, his face full of resentment and the pride of unrecognized talent.

His voice wasn’t quiet, and the surrounding gazes turned towards him.

Lin Su also looked over, raising an eyebrow: Oh…

In recent years, aside from the academy and the Alliance, he had rarely appeared in public. Ever since learning that the internet has a memory, he had also swapped his iconic tassel earring for a silver hoop. Most celestial masters who weren’t active in the capital didn’t recognize his face.

At this moment, the middle-aged man looked at him with an imbalanced expression.

This was Hu Xutong’s third time participating.

He had been eliminated in the previous two competitions and failed to enter the association headquarters. But he considered himself experienced and a senior among this group of greenhorns—

Yet no one came to consult him. Instead, some young man had popped up out of nowhere and was holding forth over there.

Their eyes met. Hu Xutong couldn’t suppress his irritation and said snidely, “Young people just can’t stay composed, showing off every little bit of knowledge they have.”

A trainee from the Alliance couldn’t help but stand up. “You—”

A hand pressed him back down.

Lin Su nodded in response. “You’re certainly composed, still participating in the new selection competition in the prime of your life.”

A few chuckles broke out from the surrounding crowd.

Hu Xutong’s sore spot was hit, and he shot to his feet! He stared at Lin Su for a few seconds, momentarily at a loss for words. Then he turned his gaze to the contestants beside him.

“Fine, the Tianshi Alliance, is it? The ‘seed’ team with backing is certainly arrogant!”

Before Lin Su could speak, a voice came from the side: “Watch your words.”

Turning his head, he saw Yi Shui standing tall.

The Alliance trainees were all students of the Yi family, so they were her “junior brothers and sisters” in a sense. Her voice was soft, but her gaze was unquestionable. “The Alliance’s trainees were also ‘ordinary people’ at the beginning. Even if they pass the competition, it will be the result of their own hard work.”

Hu Xutong was about to say something when his eyes narrowed in recognition. “Oh~ You’re that ‘genius girl,’ aren’t you?”

Yi Shui had long since changed careers to become a novelist.

But her hair color was distinctive, and the “myth” of her past still circulated in the celestial master world—

Except that when said now, it had a strange, sarcastic undertone.

Lin Su gently held Yi Shui back and spoke. “That’s right. She’s a genius novelist now, just had her new book launch. Master of one trade, expert in it…” He smiled. “And you?”

Hu Xutong was choked by his words. “So what about you?”

His gaze scanned Lin Su, finding no mark of identification. “What, did you get into the Tianshi Association Headquarters?”

Lin Su paused. “No, I didn’t.”

He added, “I’m with the Alliance.”

The Alliance accepted unaffiliated celestial masters. Hu Xutong let out a subtle sigh of relief and snorted smugly. “Looks like you’re nothing special either. You didn’t get into the Tianshi Association Headquarters. Is it because you didn’t want to?”

Lin Su nodded. “Correct.”

The trainees: “…”

Yi Shui: “…”

Hu Xutong was choked by his words several times.

Seeing more and more people noticing the commotion, he forced a strained expression and said to Lin Su, “Just keep pretending!”

With that, he sat back down with a self-important air and said no more.

The competition was about to start.

Lin Su casually withdrew his gaze, told the trainees to “relax,” and prepared to leave the preparation area.

Yi Shui followed to see him off.

As they walked one after the other towards the backstage passage, Lin Su’s voice fell softly. “Did you mind what was said just now?”

He was referring to the man’s snide remark about the “genius girl.”

Yi Shui’s features were clear and serene. “No. I no longer live according to other people’s ‘values’.”

Lin Su smiled slightly. “Old Yi… your grandfather was bragging to me about your book launch. How was it? Did it go well?”

“It went very well. I was very happy.”

A small curve appeared at the corners of Yi Shui’s mouth. “Just like a dream I had, many years ago.”

They had reached the entrance to the passage.

Yi Shui stopped in front of him. Lin Su turned to look at her. The sunlight fell on her back, as radiant as ever. He raised his hand and patted Yi Shui’s head, his voice warm.

“Congratulations, your dream came true.”

Yi Shui turned and returned to her seat.

Lin Su waited in the backstage corridor for a while.

A tall, handsome, and imposing figure walked over from the other end, with Yin Lin by his side.

He Zhenling stopped in front of him. “Finished checking on your ‘radish’ patch?”

Lin Su was gratified. “The little radishes are all green and thriving.”

A “mm” came from beside him, and they started walking forward. After a few steps, He Zhenling glanced sideways cautiously. “…You didn’t stir up any trouble, did you?”

Lin Su paused slightly. “No.”

Under He Zhenling’s direct gaze, he added, “Just a small incident.”

The familiar phrasing made He Zhenling take a shallow breath. “How small?”

“Really small. All smoke, no injuries.”

“…I believe you.”

They walked a short distance when Lin Su suddenly realized, “Are we heading to the main platform?”

He Zhenling glanced sideways with a slight smile. “Where else? Didn’t you want to watch the competition?”

Lin Su turned his head to look at Yin Lin behind them.

After several years of tempering, Yin Lin’s presence was not diminished even when facing the two of them. She stood with her hands clasped behind her back, looking sharp and capable, and said directly, “Presidents, since you’re already here, please don’t try to slack off.”

She looked at Lin Su. “Especially President Lin. For the first competition jointly held by both organizations, it’s best for the president to be there to preside over it.”

Lin Su, who had been planning to eat snacks in the audience seats: .

He sighed softly and looked down to browse. “I would have worn something more formal if I’d known.”

“No need.” He Zhenling looked down at him. Dressed in a moon-colored thin shirt, just standing there so calmly was dazzling enough.

His lips curved. “You look great just like this.”

Lin Su’s face grew warm, and he turned his head. “Alright then.”

He lamented in his consciousness: Nima, we’re still outside, and he’s saying such captivating things again.

Xuenima yawned: [It’s the seven-year itch, after all. He’s probably afraid you two will have a marital crisis.]

“…”

…

The competition was about to begin.

The weather was wonderful today, with blue skies and white clouds. Bright sunlight filled the entire open-air arena.

The surrounding audience stands were already in an uproar.

On the main platform at the front, three flags were hung for the first time.

Notably, the Tianshi Association and the Surveillance were on the left and right, while the Tianshi Alliance, symbolizing “balance,” was in the center, its logo like an impartial scale.

At this moment, two figures were already seated on the platform.

Bai Jiang sat in his seat with a beaming smile.

In the middle sat Yan Guanyue, his features calm and cool, his thin lips lightly pursed. He glanced at the empty seat to his left and said softly, “Adjutant Yin Lin isn’t here yet.”

Bai Jiang said relaxedly, “It’s not time yet anyway, it’s fine~”

He looked at Yan Guanyue. “Nervous?”

Yan Guanyue nodded, but his face showed no sign of it. “Yes, a little. It’s a big event, after all.” He pushed up his glasses and sighed lightly. “If only the president were here. Having me do this is still too…”

“Don’t sell yourself short.”

Bai Jiang’s smile didn’t waver, and his clean, bright eyes swept over the crowd below. “That’s not what everyone else thinks.”

The opening music had already begun to resound through the venue.

The spectator stands were still buzzing with voices.

The New Selection Competition was considered the highest-spec official competition in the celestial master world. With it being jointly organized this year, the event was more magnificent than ever. Countless fervent gazes were fixed on the main platform.

“President Bai’s charm is as great as ever.”

“The one in the middle must be Vice President Yan, the publicly acknowledged ‘Number One Spirit Walker’ in the celestial master world. He also got an S-rank the year before last!”

“Who is the empty seat for?”

“It should be Adjutant Yin Lin, the second-in-command of the Surveillance, also an S-rank privileged celestial master.”

“Wow…! Three S-rank masters presiding. Only the New Selection Competition could reach this level of prestige!”

Amidst the lively discussion, someone less knowledgeable asked: “Why didn’t the top leaders come?”

The person next to them slapped their thigh. “Ai, don’t even think about it!”

“Do you know who the top leaders are? President He and President Lin! President He has rarely been active in the outside world these past few years, and President Lin is even more elusive. They are figures of that caliber, after all…”

—The highest record holder for S-rank in the celestial master world, who also had a legendary identity: Lin Juexiao.

They didn’t dare to hope they could see those two at such a large event.

…

Amidst the roaring discussions, the music was nearing its end.

On the main platform, the empty seat remained unoccupied.

The contestants and the spectators from the celestial master world couldn’t help but discuss it in low voices. Just as the crowd was speculating whether some accident had occurred, a commotion came from the entrance of the main platform—

All eyes fell there, and they saw three figures appear.

One was Yin Lin, who had become well-known in recent years.

Of the two beside her, one was cold, sharp, and steady, like a sheathed Tang sword. It was the rarely seen He Zhenling.

The other was like the bright moon and new snow, eye-catching but not blinding, walking gracefully towards the center of the stage.

The entire venue fell silent for a moment.

Before everyone could react, they saw President Bai and Vice President Yan on the platform first freeze, then stand up in unison—

On the stage, Bai Jiang came forward in pleasant surprise: “Teacher~!”

Lin Su smiled slightly at him. “Xiao Bai.”

He then turned his gaze to Yan Guanyue.

A rare smile appeared on Yan Guanyue’s face, and he suddenly relaxed.

Facing the countless gazes, he stepped aside, yielding the center seat as if he were waiting for the most suitable person, and said respectfully:

“President.”

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