FIMA Ch68: Don’t call that

Gu Siyuan pinched his cheeks, his tone icy: “What’s wrong? How dare Special Division 1 mistreat you!”

Xie Xuanxing, puffing his cheeks as Gu Siyuan pinched them, sighed weakly: “No, you know there have been frequent supernatural events lately. The colleagues in Special Division 1 are almost always out on missions. But the talisman sales from the major families have sharply decreased. Luckily, with my grandfather and me, it’s still manageable, though it’s been tough. Sigh…”

Gu Siyuan frowned.

Hmph, those families…

He looked at Xie Xuanxing, his expression softening: “Which talisman is in the highest demand?”

Xie Xuanxing glanced at the desk he had just been working at: “The Yin-Avoidance Talisman and the Fiery Sun Talisman are the most commonly needed. Actually, the Thunderbolt Talisman is more useful, but it’s harder to draw, consuming too much spiritual energy and mental strength, so people don’t request it as often.”

Gu Siyuan took the Thunderbolt Talisman from his hand, looked at it for a few moments, and then softly said: “Rest for a while, and then show me how to draw it.”

Xie Xuanxing smiled: “I already rested before you came. I can draw it for you now.”

Saying this, he took two steps back to the long table.

On the table were stacks of cut yellow paper, jars of cinnabar, brushes, and other items.

Xie Xuanxing closed his eyes for a moment, adjusting his breathing and spiritual energy. Then he quickly picked up the brush, the dark handle making his fingers appear jade-like.

The brown brush tip dipped in blood-red cinnabar touched the yellow paper, each stroke continuous and flowing.

Strings of characters flowed from Xie Xuanxing’s brush tip, forming complex and intricate patterns.

At first glance, the pattern seemed chaotic, but upon closer inspection, it appeared as though thunder from the Nine Heavens was falling.

As Xie Xuanxing drew, his expression grew increasingly solemn.

Beads of sweat formed on his smooth forehead, like dew on white jade.

Gu Siyuan watched as his fingers trembled slightly. At the final stroke, he held the brush for a long time before forcefully completing it.

Instantly, the entire talisman flashed with golden light, and it was completed.

Drawing talismans is essentially invoking the power of heaven and earth.

Different patterns are signals to request different powers.

The power of thunder is the greatest, not only requiring the most complex patterns but also the most precise control of mental strength, making it the most consuming.

Xie Xuanxing exhaled deeply, his body weakly falling backward into a warm, firm chest.

Xie Xuanxing smiled softly, leaning into the warmth as if he had no bones, even nuzzling against the chest like a little puppy.

Then he looked up at Gu Siyuan, his eyes sparkling: “I finished drawing it.”

So cute.

Was the little follower being affectionate?

Gu Siyuan coldly stared at him for a moment, then wrapped an arm around him to steady him, using the other hand to touch his sweaty forehead: “This Thunderbolt Talisman consumes so much mental strength. No wonder you can’t draw many.”

Xie Xuanxing puffed his cheeks and lightly bumped his head against Gu Siyuan’s chest: “It’s because my cultivation isn’t enough, and my mental strength is lacking.”

Gu Siyuan shook his head in denial: “You’re already doing well. I noticed that while you were drawing the talisman, you not only used your mental strength to communicate with the power of heaven and earth but also infused spiritual energy into the talisman pattern.”

Xie Xuanxing’s eyes curved with a smile: “That’s about right. You’re amazing to have noticed the key point right away.”

At this moment, Xie Cang walked over from the neighboring workshop.

Seeing their posture, he widened his eyes: “You…you…how improper!”

Xie Xuanxing blushed slightly but was reluctant to leave the warm embrace.

Gu Siyuan’s expression remained unchanged as he looked at Xie Cang and said calmly: “Are you jealous? Do you want someone to lean on too?”

“…” Xie Cang.

What nonsense was this guy talking about? At his age? Besides, if anyone were to lean on someone, it would be others leaning on him, not like his grandson being so spineless.

No, he was being dragged into this again.

Leaning on someone or not, clearly, this guy had ulterior motives, using the pretense of being a follower to openly bully his precious grandson.

The old man glared angrily: “If you have nothing to do, get out of here. Stop disturbing Xing’er from drawing talismans!”

Xie Xuanxing, not backing down, puffed his cheeks and whispered: “Grandpa, he didn’t disturb me. I was just drawing a talisman for him to see!”

“…” Xie Cang.

Xie Cang’s heart ached, feeling like his prized cabbage was running straight into the pig’s mouth.

He angrily said: “See what? He can’t understand a damn thing about talismans. All he knows is playing with energy and such nonsense!”

Xie Xuanxing stubbornly defended: “It’s not nonsense, and he understands talismans too.”

“Understands?” Xie Cang snorted, unwilling to speak further with his grandson, feeling there was no hope. He directly looked at Gu Siyuan: “Tell me, what talisman was just made, and what did you see?”

Gu Siyuan glanced at Xie Cang indifferently, not answering. Instead, he picked up the brush, dipped it in cinnabar, and began drawing something on another blank yellow paper.

Xie Xuanxing tilted his head to look, then widened his eyes.

It was the pattern and strokes of the Thunderbolt Talisman he had just drawn.

Heavens…

A moment later, the yellow paper flashed with an invisible golden light.

Gu Siyuan put down the brush, feeling his spiritual energy completely drained.

“Ah…” Xie Xuanxing lunged forward, excitedly hugging him, astonished: “Amazing! Your mental strength must surpass that of many cultivators. The Thunderbolt Talisman has such a complex pattern, yet you learned it completely after seeing it once? And after drawing it, it seems your mental strength wasn’t consumed at all?”

Gu Siyuan slightly smiled, wrapping his arm around his waist, speaking softly: “There’s no problem with my mental strength. However, my spiritual energy is not sufficient.”

Since the last fight with Gu Beilin, he had been focusing on spiritual energy cultivation in his spare time and had made significant progress compared to when he first arrived in this world.

Otherwise, even if his spiritual energy was exhausted, he might not have been able to finish the drawing.

Gu Siyuan looked up and glanced at the expressionless old man Xie, saying calmly, “I just figured out how to draw it.”

Hearing this, Xie Xuanxing happily looked at his grandfather.

Xie Cang snorted in anger, stubbornly left the room, unwilling to continue interacting with these two annoying people.

However, once he was outside and alone, he couldn’t help but sigh deeply.

Decades ago, when he learned the Thunderbolt Talisman, it took him three or four days, and he was praised by his master for his talent. Xie Xuanxing, with even greater talent, took more than a day to learn it. But Gu Siyuan had just looked at it once and…

Thinking this, Xie Cang chuckled: If this person were born into a talisman family, those so-called geniuses would be utterly embarrassed. Who would dare to be arrogant?

Inside the workshop, Gu Siyuan released Xie Xuanxing, picked up the newly drawn Thunderbolt Talisman, and said, “You should rest for a while today. I’ll take this back to study.”

“Okay,” Xie Xuanxing replied, but he still held onto Gu Siyuan’s sleeve.

Gu Siyuan lifted his chin with his hand, staring deeply into his eyes. His voice was low and magnetic, yet he only said a few cold and simple words: “Be good, listen.”

“…” Xie Xuanxing’s mind buzzed, almost collapsing into Gu Siyuan’s arms.

How could such a cold person have such an irresistible charm? He couldn’t withstand it at all.

He nodded pitifully, drawing out his reply: “Okay.”

Then he slowly let go of Gu Siyuan’s sleeve.

Gu Siyuan squinted his eyes.

After a while, seeing him being so obedient and pitiful, he thought for a moment and said decisively, “Or… you can come to the Special Division 2 office with me to rest. It’s the same.”

Xie Xuanxing immediately widened his eyes and, pulling him, said, “Let’s go. The sooner we study it, the better.”

“…” Gu Siyuan.

What a changeable little follower.

Xie Cang watched this scene from the window next door, his heart aching.

“……”

What a disaster, nowadays even cabbages grow legs and jump into the pigsty on their own.

Special Division 2 was on the upper floor.

As the two walked towards the elevator, they were in luck. Just as they stood there, they heard a “ding,” and the elevator door opened. Two familiar figures walked out.

Luo Chuan, seeing the intimate scene between Gu Siyuan and Xie Xuanxing, chuckled and asked maliciously, “Second Brother, came to find your big brother and see Xingxing, huh? Too bad your big brother is not in the office. Do you want to go back now?”

Gu Siyuan, not embarrassed at having his lie exposed, instead looked displeased and warned, “Don’t call that.”

“Hmph, what’s wrong? What did I call wrong? Second Brother, Second Brother, I’ll keep calling you that. What can you do? Even your big brother doesn’t care.” Luo Chuan rolled his eyes and pulled on Gu Beilin’s sleeve, acting brazenly.

Beside him, Gu Beilin, who carried a big sword, nodded coldly without any objection.

“No one cares about you,” Gu Siyuan said indifferently. “Don’t call… Xingxing.”

“?” Luo Chuan was momentarily stunned.

Then, he couldn’t help but burst into laughter, mocking, “Haha, my Second Brother, you’re too funny.”

He must be crazy.

Gu Siyuan disdainfully glanced at Luo Chuan and pulled Xie Xuanxing into the elevator.

Even after they stepped out of the elevator, he didn’t forget to coldly remind him, “In the future, stay away from that lunatic. Except for my big brother, no one can stand him.”

After thinking for a moment, he added, “Also, don’t let him call you that.”

However, after a long time, Gu Siyuan received no response. He frowned and slightly turned his head to look at the person beside him.

The next moment, a shadow passed before his eyes.

Then, something soft and warm touched his lips, accompanied by slightly hot breath, softer than his cheeks.

After that, a little red tongue slid along the seam of his lips, gently licking.

Gu Siyuan was stunned.

This felt different from the accidental lick on his neck in the car, a warm, moist sensation that made his heart race.

However, at that moment, the softness suddenly left.

He frowned, dissatisfied, and looked at the person beside him.

Xie Xuanxing was looking at him with bright, watery eyes. Seeing his expression, he became a little hesitant and pouted, asking, “You don’t like it?”

Gu Siyuan looked at him: “Why so fast?”

“…” Xie Xuanxing.

What was he talking about?

“Too fast, didn’t feel anything,” Gu Siyuan’s gaze locked onto him as if he wanted to devour him whole. His voice remained as cold as ever: “Why don’t you try again, so I can see if I like it?”

Xie Xuanxing: “…”

This… this person, how could he be like this?

However, the next moment, he still stood on tiptoe and kissed him again.

After all, he just liked this person so much!

This time, as soon as their lips touched, a pair of large hands firmly grasped his slender, flexible waist, pressing them tightly together, as if merging into one.

His small, white teeth were forcefully pried open by the other’s aggressive tongue, which then unceremoniously began to explore every corner, as if patrolling its territory.

Xie Xuanxing almost couldn’t breathe.

He couldn’t help but think to himself: Luo Chuan was right, he’s repressed. It seems I can keep playing with Luo Chuan.

But soon, he had no time to think more, completely immersed in the unique sensations brought by Gu Siyuan.

When the two walked into Special Division 2 together, the atmosphere between them was extremely intimate.

The head of Special Division 2, Shen Ling, a female professor passionate about science, was currently engrossed in examining something.

Upon catching sight of Gu Siyuan and Xie Xuanxing, Shen Ling immediately looked up and smiled brightly, “You’re back, and you’ve brought Little Xie with you. It’s so good to be young.”

Gu Siyuan nodded and looked at the item in her hand, “A Ghost Orb, left behind by that semi-ghost king?”

Shen Ling nodded, “Yes, it was sent back by a Taoist priest from Maoshan after being refined.”

Gu Siyuan squinted his eyes, “Perfect timing.”

Shen Ling’s eyes lit up, “What, do you have a new idea? Your previous research on spiritual energy composition was truly eye-opening.”

Gu Siyuan said calmly, “I want to mechanize the production of talismans.”

“…” Xie Xuanxing looked at him in shock.

So this guy wanted to take back the Thunder Talisman for research to do something like this?

Mechanized production of talismans, is that even possible?

That’s incredible, isn’t it?

Shen Ling was equally shocked.

However, over these past days, she had become quite aware of Gu Siyuan’s abilities and could only continue to ask with determination, “How do you plan to do that?”

Gu Siyuan replied expressionlessly, “I plan to modify a printing press to replace the brush for printing. Ideally, it should be a press that’s already been in operation many times. Do you have any connections to obtain one, Director?”

A printing press?

“…” Shen Ling.

This is terrifying.

Privately owning a printing press is illegal.

“What is the principle behind a printing press?” 

Gu Siyuan explained, “Drawing talismans requires the forces of nature, needing both spiritual consciousness and spiritual power. Let’s set spiritual power aside for now; we’ve been researching its composition these past few days, and I already have some ideas, only lacking final confirmation. As for spiritual consciousness, it is somewhat similar to making a wish, which involves mental power. Is there anything in this world imbued with more wishes and prayers than money? Hence, a printing press is the best tool for drawing talismans.”

“Especially those that have already printed many banknotes and are widely circulated among the people. As their birth mother, the printing press should also receive a lot of feedback in terms of mental power. When it officially starts operating, having a little assistant nearby to respond accordingly will suffice.”

Xie Xuanxing: “…”

I feel a lot of pressure.

“…” Shen Ling.

It sounds somewhat reasonable, but don’t you think putting together terms like spiritual consciousness, mental power, printing press, and currency circulation is a bit out of place?

Gu Siyuan looked at her, his expression serious, “Is there a problem?”

Shen Ling swallowed, “I’ll try my best.”

Gu Siyuan continued, “If possible, please also apply to engrave the national emblem on the printing press. This will make it more formal and imposing, making it harder for the forces of heaven and earth to refuse communication.”

Shen Ling looked at the young man in front of her, speechless.

So, if the forces of heaven and earth don’t cooperate, you’re planning to force them?

Impressive.

Really impressive.

Xie Xuanxing, considering that he might become a production line worker in the future, thoughtfully reminded, “If we use a printing press, won’t regular yellow paper be too soft and get stuck in the machine? We need specially produced smooth and tough yellow paper.”

“That’s true.” Gu Siyuan nodded and pinched his little assistant’s cheek.

After saying this, he turned to Shen Ling, and said indifferently, “Director, there’s no need to rush too much. Just have the printing press moved here within three days, but it must be one that has been in production. During these days before the machine arrives, I’ll take care of all the preliminary work like special yellow paper and spiritual power synthesis. You can rest assured.”

“…” Shen Ling.

You really don’t need to have too much hope in me.

Three days? And you’re saying not to rush?

I thought you’d at least give me a month to go through the application process.

Shen Ling hurriedly left the lab. Working with someone like Gu Siyuan, even trying to slack off would get you pushed forward.

Xie Xuanxing, holding onto his sleeve, remarked, “If your idea succeeds, it could bring about a huge transformation in the entire metaphysical community.”

Gu Siyuan nodded but was indifferent, “For now, it’s just the talisman-making community.”

Xie Xuanxing: “…”

So you’re planning on mechanizing alchemy and medicine-making next?

But…

If it’s Gu Siyuan, it might not be impossible…

“Boom! Boom!”

In the building where the Special Bureau was located, there was a sudden flash of lightning and thunder.

“What’s going on? Why is it thundering out of nowhere? When I came in just now, it was sunny outside.”

A certain factory manager who had just returned from vacation walked out of his office, quite annoyed.

Hearing this, the staff replied calmly, “Indeed, for the past few days, there’s been loud thunder every day around quitting time. You’ll get used to it.”

“Thunder every day at quitting time?” The boss squinted suspiciously at them, “Are any of you making up something to avoid overtime? That’s illegal.”

“…” The staff almost rolled their eyes.

If I had that ability, would I still be working here?

However, it’s true that thanks to whoever caused this commotion, they had been getting home before seven o’clock these past few days.

Just then, the thunder suddenly quieted down and then completely disappeared.

For a long time, there was no more noise.

The chubby manager laughed, “Seems like with me here, even the thunder stops. Alright, alright, everyone can get back to work.”

“…”

Hehe.

Special Bureau Lab 2.

Xie Xuanxing, holding a talisman, turned around and threw himself onto Gu Siyuan, shouting excitedly, “It’s stabilized. The yellow paper can store and release energy normally, and the power of each talisman is almost identical.”

Gu Siyuan put his arm around him, his expression unchanged, and nodded, “As expected. For now, it’s just the Thunder Talisman. Next, we’ll test the others.”

Xie Xuanxing looked up at the person who still maintained his usual cold and spotless demeanor, and couldn’t help but feel a strong itch in his heart.

There was no one else like this in the world.

He extended his arms to hook around the man’s neck, leaned in, and stood on tiptoe to gently bite those thin, cold, slightly moist lips: “How can you be so charming? I really like you.”

“…” Gu Siyuan.

Are young people so straightforward these days?

But, he liked it too.

Gu Siyuan picked him up, took two long strides to a nearby chair, sat down, and leaned in to capture those crimson lips that could say the sweetest and most straightforward words in the world.

Hmm, indeed, they tasted just as wonderful.

“Mm…” Xie Xuanxing hummed softly.

In the following days, although the employees of the company working overtime in this building no longer heard thunder.

They occasionally saw some drifting rain or gusts of wind. One day, they even seemed to see a lot of flames, which disappeared in an instant, as if it were an illusion.

“Tsk tsk, you actually managed to pull it off.” Luo Chuan, holding a stack of talismans, couldn’t help but marvel repeatedly.

Xie Xuanxing blinked proudly: “Hehe, that’s just how awesome I am.”

Luo Chuan made a face at this protective little guy and then continued to ask Gu Siyuan curiously, “Now that the talismans you’ve printed are more than enough for the Special Bureau, why do you keep the machine running every day?”

Gu Siyuan was sitting in front of the computer, answering nonchalantly, “I’ve set up an online shop in the name of the Special Bureau, and it just went live today after getting approved.”

“…” Luo Chuan was quick-witted and instantly understood.

Tsk.

He played with his long hair, lazily leaned back in his chair, and said with a half-smile, “Your ability to attract hatred is about to rival your big brother’s. Talismans are a major source of income for the big families, be careful they don’t hire someone to take you out.”

Xie Xuanxing was unhappy. How could he curse Gu Siyuan like that?

Hearing this, Gu Beilin, who was nearby diligently polishing his sword, was suddenly filled with brotherly affection. He immediately looked up and confidently said to Gu Siyuan, “Don’t worry, big brother will protect you. It would be best if those assassins came together; I’ll take care of them all at once.”

Gu Siyuan: “…”

If it weren’t for seeing your eyes light up, clearly itching for a fight, I might have believed you.

…