Chapter 975: Chapter 689: The Return
However, Yang Xiao did not let the sudden surprise cloud his judgment. The stronger the magic artifact, the greater the danger—it would be no exception. The transmission this time lasted only a dozen minutes and was under the premise that he hardly used the artifact at all.
If engaged in combat and consuming substantial spiritual power, the duration would only be shorter.
Calming himself, Yang Xiao considered several other questions. First, since it involves spiritual transfer, once attacked, would he be injured? If injured, how would the wounds manifest?
Second, after his spirit had transferred, what state would his physical body be in? Would it vanish in place or remain, turning into some kind of unconscious vessel?
Third, if the opponent possessed a magic artifact similar to the Ghost Lantern capturing him, and his spirit failed to return to his body within the stipulated time, what would happen?
These three questions may seem intricate, but they were all critical issues Yang Xiao urgently needed to clarify. Using the ghost phone in actual combat without understanding the mechanics was tantamount to suicide.
Among these three, the first and the third questions remained unverifiable for now. The second one, however, could be tested relatively easily by having someone reliable watch nearby during his trial. But the requirements for this person were highly stringent—they must be absolutely trustworthy.
If Yang Xiao’s speculation proved accurate, then once his soul left his body, his physical form would remain in place, a motionless shell without any defense. If the observer harbored malicious intent, his life would be forfeited.
Reflecting on the hardships he had endured to reach this point, Yang Xiao refused to accept that his journey might end in such an absurd and disgraceful manner.
Because the matter involved the ghost phone, everyone from the Patrol Defense Office had to be excluded. Fu Qingzhu was a reliable brother, but he was too weak. If the gradually maturing Little Mirror Ghost set its sights on him, he might not prove to be a match, which could lead to unforeseen consequences.
After much deliberation, Yang Xiao’s mind settled on Tong Han as the ideal candidate. The two shared a deep revolutionary bond after enduring life-or-death trials together. Unfortunately, she wasn’t by his side.
"Tap, tap, tap..."
While deep in thought, Yang Xiao heard a series of footsteps. The Little Mirror Ghost poked its head out cautiously from behind a nearby black car.
Yang Xiao beckoned it over, calling it as promised, and let it play with the Ghost Lantern for a while, enjoying a brief moment of pseudo-parental bliss.
Returning to the real world, the weary Yang Xiao collapsed onto the sofa, holding the phone he’d pried off the Little Mirror Ghost’s body to check it. As expected, he found no incoming calls in the call log—it was indeed the ghost phone.
Furthermore, electronic devices malfunctioned in the Mirror World unless they were infused with supernatural power. For instance, this old phone, previously influenced by the ghost phone, was usable. Otherwise, Yang Xiao would prefer using a camera to record his state post-spiritual transfer, which was more reliable.
Packing his backpack tightly, Yang Xiao embraced it against his chest and drifted into deep sleep. The next day, he made an appearance at the Action Bureau.
Although the department had been well-managed under Fu Qingzhu and others during his recuperation, Yang Xiao remained the top supervisor and the absolute core of the Action Bureau.
During his recovery, wild rumors ran rampant outside. Some claimed he had already died in Jingping Town, but the Patrol Defense Office, concerned about the impact, had chosen to keep it a secret.
These rumors were instantly dispelled with Yang Xiao’s public appearance. After issuing simple work orders, Yang Xiao personally went to the training grounds to instruct a few elite Action Team members on techniques for utilizing spiritual power.
It’s worth mentioning that throughout the process, two experts brought in by Nalan Shuo from the Provincial Office accompanied Yang Xiao—one in plain sight and one in the shadows—to ensure his safety.
Normally, training and combat lessons were the responsibilities of Qu Muzhi, the special squad leader of the Action Team. Yang Xiao came solely to demonstrate that his health was fine and to send a clear message to those scheming troublemakers to steer clear of him.
Just after leaving the training grounds, Yang Xiao received a phone call from Nalan Shuo asking him to come over when he had time to discuss something.
Before long, Yang Xiao arrived at the Lin’an Patrol Office and stood outside Nalan Shuo’s office door. Out of habit, he knocked twice and waited for the "Come in" response from inside before pushing open the door.
At that moment, apart from Director Nalan, there was another middle-aged man in the office. The man’s face was unfamiliar to Yang Xiao—he wore a neat suit, his sharp features and resolute expression exuding an imposing aura even when sitting quietly.
When Yang Xiao entered, Nalan Shuo gestured for him to approach and introduced the man to him: "This is Mr. Qi, a Specialist from the Provincial Office. He’s here to investigate and handle the supernatural events in Jingping Town and to prepare for the rebuilding of the Luming Bureau."
Mr. Qi glanced over Yang Xiao, his chiselled jaw tilting slightly. "I’ve heard of Director Yang’s accomplishments back at the Provincial Office. Elder Yang holds you in high regard and has mentioned you more than once during meetings."
"It’s all thanks to Elder Yang taking care of me," Yang Xiao replied humbly.
"Little Yang, Mr. Qi is here on orders from above, intending to select key personnel for the reconstruction of the Luming Bureau," Nalan Shuo reminded him again.
"Director Yang, you’ve been a key asset to the Patrol Defense Office. Your achievements since joining are evident to all. If you have any thoughts, feel free to share them," Mr. Qi said, looking at him expectantly.
After hesitating for a moment, Yang Xiao shook his head. "I don’t have any personal demands. I only hope to track down the true culprit and seek justice for the unfortunate brothers who lost their lives."
