Chapter Five: Pei (Three)

  "Dissociative disorder?"

  Lü Wēng looked at the old man in surprise, and asked inexplicably: "What is this ' Departed Soul Syndrome'? How can you contract such a strange illness?"

  The old man with white eyebrows said: "This person, if he is hurt in the heart and kidney, will produce a state of distraction and restlessness. When lying down, his soul will fly away, his body on the bed but his spirit leaving his body, often startled and frightened. Many things will appear unclear memories, even confusing situations. For example, he can recognize his mother, recognize two young ladies... But does not recognize the old master, two young masters... Many things are muddled and unclear, cannot be explained clearly.

  This is mainly due to damage to the heart and kidneys, causing the soul to scatter.

  My family doctor left a book that recorded similar symptoms. I just spent some time with the child and didn't feel much discomfort.

  The so-called "ghost possession" is not appropriate.

  "As for treating this 'soul departure' condition, I'm afraid I'm not capable of doing anything about it. However, I have a senior fellow apprentice who has done some research in this area. If Master Dong is willing, he can send someone to fetch my senior fellow apprentice, and they will definitely be able to cure the illness... Ah, that's roughly the situation."

  "But, senior brother, he was injured in the chest earlier, and it's something we all saw. How can that be explained?"

  The old man with white eyebrows smiled and said: "Junior brother, then you first explain to me the scene you saw at dawn yesterday?"

  "This..."

  The old man with white eyebrows ignored Mr. Jun, stood up and bowed to Lü Weng, "Master Dong, that child is quite talented, it's worth observing him carefully."

  Lü Wēng stood up, "Sir, you've worked hard! The child's father died because of my Lü family. Now that he has come to this, I, Lü, truly cannot be at peace. Sir, you just said that your master uncle is quite skilled in the spiritual realm, but I don't know what his surname and full name are, or where to go to find him?"

  The White Eyebrow Old Man said: "Household Master Uncle ordered Xu Shi (pronounced as 'fu'), to roam freely in all directions, and his whereabouts are difficult to capture. However, I once heard someone mention that he appeared near Mount Tai not long ago. If Dong Gong wants to search for him, he can go to Mount Tai, but this old man dares not guarantee that he will definitely find him. After this old man returns, he will also try to contact Master Uncle, and in short, resolve this matter as soon as possible."

  "Then I'll trouble you, sir!"

  The old man with white eyebrows bid farewell and left.

  At the gate, he mounted a donkey and rode off slowly.

  A young boy followed him, asking in a low voice: "Master, I see that Liu Quan's face is dark and his vital energy has been exhausted. Why didn't you say it out loud?"

  "Child, don't talk about the strange and mysterious powers of the gods. There are some things that we cannot explain. How could I not see that Liu Quansheng's fate was already sealed? But he is clearly alive, and can even recall many past events. It's likely that there is another mystery at play, one that is beyond our comprehension... Let's wait for Master Shu to appear, perhaps he will be able to see something. But before then, don't reveal the heavenly secret, lest we invite disaster."

  "Got it!"

  The child was obviously frightened by Bai Mei's words and nodded repeatedly.

  The old man with white eyebrows pondered for a moment and suddenly said: "I remember you have an uncle who lives in Pei, right?"

  The child nodded, "Yes, but three generations ago they no longer came and went. I only heard that he had a son, who is my cousin, nineteen years old, named Shen Shi Qi, and nothing else is known!"

  "Try to get in touch with your cousin and ask him to observe on your behalf... well, you can set off now, and come back to Lu County to find me after you've finished."

  "Child's play!"

  The young boy hastily bid farewell and parted ways with the old man at the fork in the road.

  The old man raised his head and let out a long sigh.

  Suddenly he smiled and muttered to himself: "No matter whether he is a monster or not, this small Pei County will probably become even more lively because of him."

  Liu Shanjun... No, from now on, he should be called Liu Kan.

  You must adapt to your new identity as soon as possible. The saying "hunyuan" can deceive people for a while, but it's impossible to deceive them forever.

  Liu Jian has temporarily adapted to his physical condition and is able to get out of bed and walk around.

  Lü Weng considered one of his heart's desires fulfilled and was unwilling to tarry any longer, so the next day he set out on his journey, hurrying towards Pei County.

  His family business is gone, fortunately he had set up a property in Pei in his early years, and can still live a carefree life.

  However, although Liu Jian has been proven not to be a freak, the people of the Lü family still dare not and are unwilling to approach him.

  Lü Weng readily set aside a carriage for Liu Quan and his mother to ride in. However, since no one was willing to drive the carriage for them, Quan Mu took it upon herself to be the coachman. As for Liu Quan, although he still couldn't fully control his body, he could help Quan Mu drive the carriage together.

  She loves her son dearly and has a simple and honest nature.

  In her eyes, no matter if Liu Yan was a demon or not, he was still her son and the hope for her to live on.

  Liu Quan's father was once a wandering knight in the area of Luoyang, the capital city of Eastern Zhou. After Eastern Zhou was destroyed by Qin, Liu Quan's father took his family and fled to Shanfu. Liu Quan's father, Liu Fu, had exceptional martial arts skills and some reputation, so he joined the household of Lü as a retainer.

  After hundreds of years of war and chaos in the Spring and Autumn Period and Warring States Period, a strange phenomenon appeared in society: raising scholars.

  The so-called "three thousand guests under one's gate" refers to the practice of great aristocrats raising scholars in order to gain power, while small merchants also raise scholars to protect their families.

  At the end of the Warring States period, seven countries produced a group of wise men.

  Wisdom, intelligence, ability and special skills have become the capital and means for many people to stand out in the world and seek wealth and honor.

  They traveled to various countries, socializing among the nobles and aristocrats, selling their skills. If they were favored by someone, they would enter his household as a retainer. Liu Fu was also one of them. Perhaps they didn't get much attention from the nobles and aristocrats, but for small merchants and petty nobles, such people were already quite impressive and would receive unusual hospitality.

  Qian Wei has no name, only a surname.

  When she was young, people called her Qian Ji, also a well-known woman in Luoyang. Born into a declining aristocratic family, she could recognize characters and drive a chariot to shoot arrows. Therefore, although no one was willing to drive a chariot for her mother and son, these difficulties were not enough to defeat Qian Ji.

  The son sat beside her, and she was overjoyed.

  Liu Jian's intentional or unintentional inquiries would always be answered readily by Qian.

  On this road, Liu Kan's understanding of the era he is in has become increasingly clear. Of course, most of the time he must pretend to be crazy and stupid. On the one hand, it is to cover up his true intentions, on the other hand, he also needs to adapt to his body as soon as possible and gain self-protection capabilities.

  To say the least, Liu Jian's body was quite impressive.

  Not yet fifteen years old, he was already 174 cm tall. According to the saying at that time, his height was around seven feet six inches, which can be said to be tall and majestic.

  Perhaps due to practicing martial arts since childhood, this physique is exceptionally robust.

  Not an ounce of excess flesh on his entire body, muscles bulging like iron clumps. Although somewhat lacking in gentleness, his strength was more than sufficient.

  During the break, Liu Kan ran to the river bank and took a look.

  Thick eyebrows and big eyes, with a round face. Can't say he's handsome or elegant, but can't say he's ugly either. Overall, I'd give him 60-70 points.

  It's okay!

  Although physical flexibility is not good enough, it can be practiced.

  Liu Kan lowered his head, clenched his fists, and looked himself up and down, as if he were examining a very interesting object, while secretly checking the functions of his body. As a nutritionist, he was also half a doctor. Liu Kan was generally satisfied with his own body.

  Stretched out by the river and performed two movements according to the basic moves of Thai boxing.

  Not bad!

  This body practices Thai boxing and is likely to be more outstanding than his original body. Liu Quan was very satisfied, turned around and walked towards the horse carriage.

  In the carriage, Lv Lü and Lv Jia sisters were chatting with Gan Jiang.

  "Auntie, after we arrive in Pei, will you still live with us?"

  "Ah, this depends on what I say. Along the way, Aunt still has some money and silk on her body, everything will be decided by me."

  Just then, Liu Kan walked over.

  Lv Jia asked: "Ah Kan, when you arrive in Pei, will you still live with us?"

  Liu Jian was taken aback and looked at Lü Zhi beside him with a puzzled expression. However, he found that Lü Zhi lowered his head, seemingly not daring to make eye contact with him.

  It suddenly made sense!

  I think this matter is probably not what Lü Jiāng wants to ask about. I reckon the Lü family still has reservations about him and isn't too willing to accept him and his mother again.

  So let Lü Zhi and Lü Yu's sisters come over to probe for information.

  The current Liu Kan is not the original Liu Kan. His temperament is extremely arrogant, even if the Lü family is willing, he may not be willing to live under someone else's roof.

  Since Lü's family has come to test the waters, it's better to go with the flow.

  He pretended to think for a moment, "Mother, we've already caused Old Dong a lot of trouble on this journey. Once we arrive at Pei, I don't think it's necessary to cause them any more trouble. I have a strong body, do I still need to worry about not having enough food?"

  Liu Jian said this, without revealing his tone, and also told Lü Zhi: I, Liu Jian, do not eat food that comes easily!

  In Liu Gong's view, Lü Zhi was still young and naive, not knowing the evil of human hearts. But Lü Yu was clever and would definitely be able to hear it.

  As expected, Lü Zhi's body trembled slightly, and she looked up at Liu Jian with a gaze that seemed particularly complex.

  With guilt and astonishment...

  "Bad luck!"

  Lü Cuī hadn't spoken yet, but Lü Jiāo pouted and grabbed the whip from the carriage handle, striking Liú Jiān, "Then in the future, won't I have anyone to play with?"

  As she spoke, a pair of bright eyes suddenly became teary.

  Lv Lian snatched the whip from Ma Jian's hand, "A'lian, you mustn't be rude!"

  Liu Jian smiled indifferently, "Sister, it's okay, won't hurt, right? However, a good man's ambition is in the four directions, can't I spend my whole life relying on others? I'm still young, I should strive. Even if I come back with a broken head and bleeding in the future, Father will surely take care of me."

  Lv Wei's eyes lit up, "Kan, you've really changed!"

  Qian Wei stood by, seemingly also very relieved, nodding lightly.

  But Liu Jian's heart was shocked, knowing that the previous sentence must have been vastly different from his original temperament.

  "It was probably after walking through the Ghost Gate Pass that you understood."

  Lv Wei said softly: "Anyway, in my heart, Xuan is still my little brother!"

  After finishing speaking, Lü Zhi pulled Lü Jia and left.

  Liu Jian's heart skipped a beat as he gazed at Lü Yu's back. Even now, he still felt that the name Lü Yu was extremely familiar, yet he couldn't recall it.

  "Ah Chu is a good girl... Ah Jia is also a good girl!"

  Liu Jian woke up and turned his head with a very awkward smile, "Mother, I know, I know..."

  At this time, the team set off again. Liu Kan sat beside his mother, watching her skillfully drive the horse cart, but his thoughts were in disarray.

  Why does the name Lü Zhi sound so familiar?

  "Ah Jian, don't think about it anymore!"

  "Let's return the carriage to Master Dong once we arrive at Pei, and then carefully plan our future affairs."

  Liu Kan nodded, "Then follow mother's arrangement."