Chapter 1062: Chapter 733: The Secret of the Ancient Book_2
Now, Yang Xiao was no longer the naive novice he used to be. After such a long period of experience, he became increasingly clear about the strong capabilities of this Underworld Robe, which could greatly enhance his potential.
After all, a magic artifact represents a kind of ability; others dare not absorb too many artifacts because they fear being backfired by them. But for Yang Xiao, he only had to consider his sister’s threat.
This Drama Robe must also be a Nether-level magical artifact and definitely ranks among the top in Nether-level artifacts; it is indeed a true treasure.
At this point, Yang Xiao could only comfort himself. After all, neither the old clan leader nor the teacher uncle - the two seasoned Netherworld-level Apostles could discern the depths of the robe, so the possibility of the young sect leader being able to see through it was also not high.
Turning his head to look out the window, the sky was already lightening. For this book, Yang Xiao had been busy all night, his emotions staying in a state of high tension. Now, suddenly relaxing, a tide of fatigue surged through his heart.
"It’s time to rest..."
Yang Xiao closed the book and fell straight back onto the soft big bed, yawning, planning to take a nap. However, he inadvertently glanced at the bookmark lying beside the bed, which he also brought out casually.
He picked up the bookmark and inserted it into the book randomly. Yet with that one glance, he saw an inconspicuous line of small characters on the back of the bookmark.
The handwriting had a controlled beauty, the strokes sharp, with only four words: "Take it later."
Beneath the handwriting was the number 14
"Take it later..."
Yang Xiao immediately sat up, staring at the bookmark, and he looked at the bookmark back and forth several times but found no other clues.
This bookmark was nothing special, with a printed maple leaf pattern; such a style could be bought at a stationery shop in front of any primary or secondary school, belonging to a common variety. The only valuable thing was the words on it.
To be safe, Yang Xiao specifically used the Ghost Lantern to check this maple leaf bookmark, finding no problem at all.
This bookmark seemed more like a hint left by the sect leader for himself, similar to how Yang Xiao once worried about forgetting the deadline for submitting manuscripts and sticking notes with the final submission deadline everywhere, like on the refrigerator, computer, and even the bathroom door frame. It’s a form of self-motivation.
Yang Xiao’s first reaction was that the sect master used the book clues after obtaining it to find the complete Corpse Mirror magic artifact, but upon careful thought, he felt it was unlikely. If the artifact had been acquired, then this bookmark would have no reason to continue existing.
And this final number 14, what exactly is it—a date, or some sort of code he has yet to discern?
With this new discovery, Yang Xiao’s sleepiness vanished. To figure out everything, he must return to the Mirror World and seek clues in that secret chamber.
The chamber only contained books, so Yang Xiao could only beforehand speculate that the code 14 was related to books.
From the numerous problem books already organized, he searched for a while and indeed found one. On the spine of the book at the bottom, he saw the number 14.
He pulled the book out and, as usual, let the Mirror Ghost open it and check it. Confirming no issues, Yang Xiao then dismissed the Mirror Ghost and sat down to read himself.
The book’s cover showed a strange dark-red color, like the color of dried bloodstains, and inside, the pages were even more tattered. This book existed longer than the ancient book that records the Corpse Mirror.
The content inside was fairly clear, but the classical Chinese in it was even older, making it very difficult for Yang Xiao to decipher with his level.
No, he needed someone knowledgeable to review this thing. Taking the book, Yang Xiao returned to the real world, immediately planning to pick up his phone and find an expert from the technical department to interpret it for him. Their Patrol Defense Office had numerous talents; this was entirely feasible.
But just as he was about to dial the number, Yang Xiao hesitated. He suddenly recalled Captain Zhou’s warning before leaving: to keep one’s trump cards in one’s own hands. The people in the technology department are not fools; they’re experienced and could trace a lot through this book.
Thinking of this, Yang Xiao dismissed the idea. He merely needed someone who could understand classical Chinese, and such a person wasn’t only available in the Patrol Defense Office; any linguistics professor whose specialty matches would do.
It’s inappropriate to let an apostle handle this, Yang Xiao thought about it and finally thought of someone.
Zhao from the Script Club.
Zhao can be considered someone familiar with Yang Xiao’s background, and he is very reliable; he is not an apostle and is clueless about this aspect.
Zhao’s business is numerous, and the Script Club is just one of them. He has good relations with publishers, bookstores, and several universities in Rongcheng; so if he takes action to do this for Yang Xiao, there will certainly be no problem.
Now that it’s fully daylight, Yang Xiao called Zhao. The phone rang just twice before Zhao’s hearty laughter came through the speaker, "Little Yang, you busy bee finally remember me. How’s it going; everything okay these days?"
"Zhao, I’m doing well, my work is smooth, and my boss takes good care of me." Hearing Zhao’s voice, Yang Xiao unconsciously relaxed, happy to chat a few everyday topics with Zhao, a feeling that transported him back to the time writing scripts.
Back then, although it was a bit hard, and living conditions were poorer, it was actually quite happy, especially at the moment of receiving the manuscript fee, he would go out to a street vendor and feast heavily.
"The ones who take care of you deserve your hard work; don’t disappoint them, understand? It’s not easy these days to find someone who will support you; that’s your benefactor." Zhao continued his usual ramblings.
"I understand, Zhao. I have something I need your help with. Can you find someone who can read classical Chinese for me?"
"It’s that kind of very old classical Chinese. The person needs to be very skilled, professionally matched; I will pay for it," Yang Xiao added.
"Wait a moment, let me think." On the other side of the phone, Zhao was silent for several seconds, then suddenly spoke, "You know, I happen to have someone like that; she’s a girl, a graduate student specializing in Classical Literature at the City’s Literature Academy."
At this point, Zhao chuckled suddenly, "And you know what, you two are quite destined; she’s been looking for me multiple times lately, also trying to publish a script. She’s your fan."
"A script fan...," Yang Xiao’s heart moved, "Does she know me?"
"Probably not; you’re socially anxious; it’s too difficult to meet you even once." Zhao, knowing Yang Xiao’s history well, replied with a laugh.
"Not recognizing me is best, Zhao. Please arrange to meet her. I want to consult her face-to-face... hmm, tell her that someone is interested in her script and wants to invest," Yang Xiao said straightforwardly.
"Meeting isn’t a problem, but her script... hmm... Little Yang, I know you’ve made some money, but her script is indeed a bit... you’ll know when you see it," Zhao still wanted to save Yang Xiao some needless expenses.
Zhao’s efficiency was surprisingly high. After hanging up, not long after he called again, saying it was settled. The girl has class during the day and thus cannot come, but it’s set for tonight at 8 o’clock, at the Script Club.
Zhao also laughed and told Yang Xiao to come to the Script Club, saying business is very good now, with the Fengmen Ghost Play script and several micro-horror scripts afterward being the club’s top sellers.
At the start of each month, Yang Xiao’s account would receive a substantial sum of money punctually, all wired by Zhao as dividends from Yang Xiao’s investment in the Script Club.
Whether during Yang Xiao’s difficult times in the past or now, Zhao never shorted him a single penny, even openly and covertly helping him a lot, which is why Yang Xiao always holds gratitude towards Zhao.
With matters taking shape, Yang Xiao, who had been busy all night, fell into a deep sleep at ease, setting the alarm for 5 p.m. After waking up, Yang Xiao ordered a delivery meal, a richly sauced chicken rice.
Now with better conditions, Yang Xiao ate the chicken rice but could never quite recapture the feeling of eating street food from back then.
At 7:30, Yang Xiao set out promptly, changing into clothes he had never worn before. Standing in front of the mirror, he adjusted his attire, habitually donned a baseball cap, lowering the brim, and also wore a mask.
The shoes were also brand new, never worn in public.
