Chapter 153 Someone Arrives from Above! Zhao Xuance announced the "Guide," and Su Changqin

The morning light was even brighter in front of the Taiji Hall.

But everyone's hearts seemed to be suddenly pressed down again by Zhao Xuance's last, abrupt silence.

The wind blew down from the heights of the imperial city, swept across the white jade square, and stirred the white-gold runes along the edge of the Immortal Cage, producing an extremely faint humming sound.

The sound was very faint.

But to the ears of others, it inexplicably made them feel depressed.

Because everyone knows that the question Su Changqing just asked was no longer about "what happened in the past" or "who is involved".

But -

What will happen next?

This is the question that everyone most wants to know, and least wants to hear the answer to, now that the knife has been drawn.

Inside the fairy cage.

Zhao Xuance's lips moved as if he wanted to say something, but he stopped abruptly before he could actually speak.

His face turned even paler.

If the previous explanation of the seven steps to picking fruit at the Patrol Hall, and the explanation of several main storylines and main fruit candidates, were merely bringing up old accounts, then Su Changqing's question at this moment was to force him to reveal "who else is looking this way from behind the ledger now."

This is different.

totally different.

The former refers to the system, while the latter refers to people.

It is a position with higher status and greater power, a presence that can silence many people even within the Patrol Hall.

Yue Zhenchuan had been keeping a cold face, like a hard, black iron.

But when Su Changqing asked this question, the expression on his face finally changed noticeably.

That wasn't just simple anger.

Rather, it was a kind of vigilance and repression that was hard to conceal.

Even Gu Changxuan slowly raised his eyes, a complex emotion flashing across them.

He suddenly realized that whether Zhao Xuance spoke or not, things couldn't be any less serious today.

If I say that, the reputation of the Patrol Palace will be tarnished even further.

I won't say—

Su Changqing would most likely peel it open himself to see.

That would only make things worse.

During the meal, many people were still immersed in the lingering meaning of the saying "the fruit grows on the tree, and the tree is rooted in the soil," and their hearts sank and their hands and feet went cold.

But at this moment, they all subconsciously drew their attention back to each other.

Especially desolate.

He had been sitting upright to the side, his expression steady, but at this moment, the fingers hidden in his sleeve had quietly tightened a little.

Because he understood.

If Su Changqing's guess is correct, this means—

Today's world of young singers is no longer the kind of orchard that can be "slowly nurtured".

Instead, it was a place that had been alerted beforehand.

After the disturbance, the next group to arrive will definitely not be minor figures like Gu Changxuan and Zhao Xuance who are sent to scout ahead.

It will come more like "cleaning up the mess".

It's more like an "in-person confirmation".

It's even more like they've come to take over directly.

That's the most troublesome part.

But Su Changqing, sitting in the main seat, remained as calm and composed as ever.

He held Su Xiaonuo in his arms, gently tapping the edge of the table with his other hand, his gaze fixed on Zhao Xuance's face, without urging or showing any impatience.

That posture made it difficult to discern—

He was waiting for an important answer.

We're still waiting for the other party to figure out how to continue operating today.

Su Xiaonuo also sensed that the atmosphere was a little different.

The little girl was listening intently to the "bad guy telling bad stories," but now that everyone was quiet, she stopped talking and just clung to Su Changqing's arm, her eyes wide as she looked at the person in the cage.

Although she didn't understand the adults' intricacies.

But she keenly sensed—

This silver-robed villain is a little scary now.

This time, the little girl was no longer afraid.

She tilted her little head and looked at Zhao Xuance for a while, then suddenly asked in a childish voice:

"Don't you know how to say it?"

The moment that voice came out, the oppressive, suffocating atmosphere in the room was gently broken up.

Zhao Xuance's lips twitched slightly as he looked up at her.

Su Xiaonuo continued in a serious tone:

"I also do this when I can't memorize something."

"His face was pale, and his eyes were darting around."

"Then Daddy said, if you really don't know, start from the beginning."

You can do it too.

"..."

Dead silence.

Even the sound of the wind seemed to pause for a moment.

The next moment, many people's shoulders began to tremble.

Even Xiao Se couldn't help but turn his face away, as if he didn't want anyone to see the faint smile in his eyes.

Sikong Changfeng almost slapped his thigh on the spot.

Like.

so similar!

This little rascal's finishing move skills are truly a direct inheritance from Su Changqing.

When Zhao Xuance was compared to someone who "can't recite his lessons" by a little girl, his face turned pale and then red, but he couldn't really refute her.

Because the way he looked just now really resembled it.

Su Changqing looked down at Su Xiaonuo and smiled.

That makes sense.

"Let's start from the beginning."

"Um!"

Su Xiaonuo nodded vigorously, looking earnestly as if she had helped.

The two figures, one large and one small, working in unison, dispelled most of the heaviness and vigilance that Zhao Xuance had just accumulated.

But precisely because of this, Zhao Xuance realized even more clearly—

There is no room for delay anymore.

He took a deep breath, his throat bobbed a few times, and finally spoke slowly.

"Under normal circumstances, in places like this where the map has been alerted in advance and an anomaly of a broken chain has appeared in this realm, the Patrol Palace will do three things first."

"First, retrieve the data of the vanguard and the out-of-control sign."

"Second, reassess the danger level of this area."

"Third, if it is confirmed that there are variables that cannot be suppressed by the lower levels of the Patrol Hall—"

He paused noticeably at this point.

Su Changqing looked at him and said, "Continue."

Zhao Xuance closed his eyes and whispered three words.

"We will ask the guide."

The guide.

The moment those three words were uttered, many people outside the Immortal Cage who were hearing this title for the first time were slightly taken aback.

This title sounds even milder than "Immortal Official Holding the Seal" or "Patrol General".

Like some kind of immortal who comes to take people to heaven.

But when Zhao Xuance said those three words, his voice carried an obvious sense of apprehension.

This makes people even more uncertain.

Sikong Changfeng reacted the fastest, immediately starting to ponder in a low voice.

"The guide..."

"It sounds like welcoming guests."

"If it were really just a matter of welcoming guests, Zhao Xuance wouldn't be so afraid."

Xiao Se said calmly, "In the Patrol Hall, the more unassuming the name, the more troublesome it often is."

"Too."

Sikong Changfeng nodded, and then his eyes lit up again.

"However, the name 'Guide' is quite suitable for promotion."

Xiao Se looked at him, his eyes filled with an extremely complex expression.

"Are you crazy?"

Sikong Changfeng said matter-of-factly, "I was just making contingency plans in advance."

"..."

Su Changqing seemed to take a liking to the title, raising an eyebrow.

"Guiding what?"

Zhao Xuance looked at him, his voice growing increasingly low.

"To guide someone doesn't necessarily mean to bring them up."

"It could also be—"

"Take over a realm."

As soon as those words were spoken, the air in the square seemed to become heavier.

The lazy smile on Su Changqing's lips hadn't faded, but his eyes had deepened slightly.

Explain yourself.

Zhao Xuance nodded, and since he had already spoken, he struggled less afterward.

"Within the Hall of Boundary Patrols, those truly responsible for the routine observation, patrols, harvesting, and accounting of all realms are people like us."

"The Immortal Official in Charge of Seals is responsible for sealing, defining, and suppressing boundaries."

"The patrol and killing will be responsible for eradication, suppression, and cleansing."

"The vanguard of true immortals is responsible for scouting the way, repairing the chains, and leaving imprints."

"But what if certain special circumstances arise, such as an uncontrollable anomaly appearing in a certain realm, or the entire orchard deviating too far from its intended course, beyond the reach of ordinary means to repair—"

"Then a higher-level 'guide' will step in."

"They are both the executors and the eyes that personally oversee things on behalf of those above."

"Sometimes they come to pick people up."

"Sometimes they come to collect fruit."

More often than not, they are there to make the decisions—

Zhao Xuance raised his eyes and spoke slowly and deliberately.

"Is it still necessary to continue cultivating this land?"

Upon hearing this, the expressions on everyone's faces completely changed.

That's too blunt.

That's too cruel.

Is it necessary to continue raising it?

This is almost equivalent to saying that the birth and death of a realm is merely a matter of whether it is worth keeping it in the eyes of those above.

If it's worth it, then raise it.

If it's not worth it, then shovel it.

The so-called "guide" is someone who comes to make this decision personally on behalf of those higher beings.

Li Hanyi's eyes grew even colder as she said softly, "So, they're more like harvesters than you are?"

Zhao Xuance gave a wry smile.

"If we are responsible for bookkeeping and harvesting the fruit, then they are here to inspect the entire orchard."

"In places where guides are present, the focus is no longer solely on the value of a single fruit."

"The question is—can this entire area still be retained for use?"

This caused even many people who had just been trying to suppress their emotions with reason to become restless.

An elderly man who looked like a duke suddenly gripped his cane tightly, his voice deep and resonant.

"What if they feel they can't stay?"

Zhao Xuance was silent for a moment, then said in a low voice:

"Then the park will enter the 'closed park' process."

"After the garden is sealed off, the source is recovered, the fortune is extracted, the main fruit is picked clean, and the remaining creatures... will either return to dust or be transformed into inferior flames and thrown into another place."

boom.

These words were like a silent thunderbolt, overwhelming the entire room.

Return to dust.

Inferior flames.

Throw it away somewhere else.

This is no longer simply treating people as fruit.

This treats the entire world as a material that can be disassembled, recycled, and reused.

That previous comment, "It's so crude," was already quite hurtful.

The phrase "inferior flames" now makes many people feel a tightness in their chest.

Those who have truly risen from the bottom are the ones who can best understand the sense of humiliation involved.

Lei Wujie's face darkened, and he gritted his teeth, saying:

"If they actually dare to come down and close the park, I'll break their legs first!"

Wushuang stood to the side, not saying a word, but her eyes were as cold as blades.

Xiao Se lowered his eyes and after a moment slowly said:

"In other words, if the guide arrives in person, the fate of this realm will be weighed."

Zhao Xuance nodded.

"You could say that."

Upon hearing this, Sikong Changfeng finally stopped talking about "market predictions".

He held the ledger and for the first time felt that it was a bit heavy.

When someone runs a restaurant, their only thought is how to keep the business alive and keep the business going.

But when those guys looked at a realm, they were thinking about whether it was worth keeping it.

That's too big a leap.

It was so powerful that even he couldn't help but feel a chill run down his spine.

But only a few breaths later, another extremely absurd thought uncontrollably popped into Sikong Changfeng's mind—

The Receptionist, doesn't he sound more valuable than Zhao Xuance and his men?

He was stunned for a moment as soon as the thought popped into his head.

Then, he slowly turned his head and glanced at Su Changqing in the main seat.

really.

Su Changqing's face showed no sign of seriousness or panic; instead, he appeared thoughtful.

That expression, no matter how you look at it, looks like he's thinking—

"Could this new product be a little more durable than the old one?"

Sikong Changfeng was immediately relieved.

Row.

As long as Mr. Su remains the same, it means the situation isn't too serious.

At least, not so much that he would seriously frown.

Meanwhile, Zhao Xuance, trapped in the cage, clearly noticed Su Changqing's completely unperturbed expression, and felt inexplicably bitter.

Others will be afraid when they hear the word "Guide".

But after listening, this person actually seemed a little... interested.

That's what really sends chills down your spine.

Su Changqing didn't speak immediately, but fed Su Xiaonuo a piece of chopped fruit.

The little girl obediently opened her mouth and ate it. After chewing twice, she looked up and asked:

"Father, is this 'guide' also a bad person?"

"Um."

"Will he also be locked in a cage?"

"It depends."

"What's going on?"

"If he behaves himself, lock him up for now."

"What if they don't behave?"

Su Changqing smiled.

"Then beat him until he behaves himself, then lock him up."

"..."

The entire room fell silent for a moment.

Immediately afterwards, the tension that had been building up in many people's hearts eased a bit with these few casual questions and answers.

Yes.

Even if the guide is of a high rank, what good will it do?

Zhao Xuance was a celestial official.

Yue Zhenchuan was a patrol general.

Gu Changxuan was a true immortal's vanguard.

Aren't they all in cages now?

Thinking of this, the immense oppression that everyone had felt due to the "park closure" suddenly didn't feel so bad anymore.

Because they are not without powerful backers.

Their supporter is sitting here feeding their child.

Moreover, when talking about "the guide," it's like discussing whether to prepare dishes in advance for the new guests.

That's outrageous.

But it also makes people feel at ease.

Li Hanyi looked at Su Changqing, the coldness in her eyes fading slightly, then turned to ask Zhao Xuance:

"When will the guide arrive?"

Zhao Xuance shook his head.

"Under normal circumstances, it cannot be determined."

"But now two groups of people have lost contact here, the Dharma seal has been dismantled, and the boundary anchor coordinates have not been recovered."

"If the higher-ups have confirmed that this place is no ordinary anomaly, then the guide... will most likely arrive soon."

"How many days?"

"Maybe."

"Which month?"

"That's possible."

"but--"

Zhao Xuance's gaze fell on Su Changqing, his voice hoarse.

"If they really did see what you did last night through some remaining traces, then it's very likely... even faster."

What I did last night.

It would have been better if they hadn't said that.

Upon hearing this, the scene from last night immediately flashed into everyone's minds—

Under the watchful gaze from the sky, Su Changqing said, "Watching the show is fine, but remember to buy a ticket."

Sikong Changfeng's lips twitched as he thought of this.

Good guy.

Others try to keep a low profile and stall for time.

Mr. Su, on the other hand, simply waved upwards and casually reminded them to pay first.

If a guide really does come, probably half the reason is because that phrase "Remember to buy a ticket" is so infuriating.

Xiao Se had obviously thought of that as well, and gave Su Changqing a complicated look.

"Did you do this on purpose?"

Su Changqing nodded frankly.

"Um."

Why?

"They need to know that I'm waiting too."

After a moment of silence, Xiao Se uttered a soft sentence:

"...That's really arrogant."

Su Changqing smiled.

"People are already trying to pick my fruit, can't I even urge the delivery company to hurry up?"

Sikong Changfeng was still trying to digest the weight of the title "Guide," but when he heard this, he almost lost his composure.

Again.

At a time like this, only Mr. Su could casually compare the visitors from the sky to deliverymen.

But as soon as those words were spoken, the already heavy and oppressive atmosphere inexplicably took a turn for the worse.

Lei Wujie was the first to chime in.

"If we really come, do we have to take a number at the entrance first?"

Su Changqing thought for a moment and said seriously, "Okay."

"Pay a deposit first."

"Let's see if there are any private rooms available."

Sikong Changfeng's eyes suddenly lit up.

"A private room! Yes!"

"How can someone of the rank of Guide be treated the same as an ordinary immortal?"

"This project must be done separately!"

"The No. 1 private room? No, no, no, we need to go even higher, let's make a 'VIP reception package for guests from beyond the heavens'..."

Xiao Se finally couldn't help but close his eyes.

crazy.

They've all gone mad.

Zhao Xuance was somewhat dazed as he watched these people seriously discussing "what kind of meal should be arranged when the guide arrives" right in front of him.

For the first time, he began to wonder if he had misunderstood something from the very beginning.

Perhaps what's truly abnormal is never that the world is being targeted.

But in this world, something like Su Changqing just happened to grow up.

Just as everyone was talking, another commotion suddenly came from outside the Taiji Hall.

Several waiters from Changqinglou rushed in, followed by several elegantly dressed noble ladies and young gentlemen.

They had clearly just arrived, but hadn't managed to get front-row tickets, and they all looked anxious.

"Manager Sikong!"

Are there any extra seats available?

"Standing seats are fine too!"

"We're willing to pay more!"

"If all else fails, a seat in the Q&A section would be fine too!"

Upon hearing this, Sikong Changfeng instantly got into the zone, his previous inhibitions vanished, and he immediately went to meet him.

"Please be patient, please be patient, distinguished guests!"

"Adding seats is negotiable, but it depends on the location."

"The Q&A section is currently full, but if you are willing to purchase the 'Further Transcription and Proofreading Edition', you can reserve a spot for the next session."

"In addition, today's content is very important, and we may add an extra 'afternoon debriefing' session later to specifically discuss the welcoming process and the park closure procedures—"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Se's eyelids twitched violently.

Afternoon debriefing session?

You're even starting to plan for additional sessions?

Meanwhile, Sikong Changfeng had already quickly negotiated prices with several newly arrived distinguished guests.

In just a few words, the anxious expressions of those people turned into gritted teeth and resignation, and then into "It's expensive, but it's worth it."

In the blink of an eye, the silver note was handed over.

The entire process was so smooth and skillful that it was astonishing.

Zhao Xuance looked at this scene with a sense of bewilderment.

He was clearly talking about "the guide", "the sealing of the garden", and "the birth and death of a world".

How come when it comes to these people, it turns into "add to cart", "review", and "follow-up revised version"?

Is this place the Taiji Hall, or the headquarters of a shady restaurant?

wrong.

Now it seems that there is no difference between the two.

Su Changqing watched Sikong Changfeng busy himself and simply nodded in satisfaction.

"The third brother has made some progress."

Li Hanyi said softly, "If you continue to lead him for a while, he might even be able to open a branch of Tianque."

Su Changqing thought for a moment, then said seriously, "It's not impossible."

Li Hanyi: "..."

She knew this person wasn't just saying it casually.

Su Xiaonuo was completely excited.

"Father, the guide has arrived. Shall we sell tickets too?"

"Sell."

"Is it more expensive than today?"

"expensive."

"How much more expensive?"

"It depends on whether he's good-looking or not."

The little girl immediately understood, nodded emphatically, and looked like she had learned something.

"Oh! The nicer ones are a bit more expensive!"

Sikong Changfeng happened to walk back and, upon hearing this, immediately became respectful.

Xiao Nuonuo's business acumen is simply perfect for being the young manager of Changqinglou.

Just as the atmosphere in the room was starting to lighten a bit thanks to these jokes, Xiao Se suddenly spoke up and asked a more practical question.

"If the guide comes, where will he go first?"

Zhao Xuance was slightly taken aback.

Xiao Se's gaze was cold.

"Apocalypse? Snowmoon City? The Southern Border? Or somewhere else?"

This sentence instantly brought everyone's attention back to the main topic.

Yes.

After talking about the guide for so long, if a guest from a higher place is really coming, where will he place his first step?

This is a major event concerning defense deployment, public morale, and many subsequent arrangements.

Zhao Xuance remained silent for a moment before slowly saying:

"Normally, we would look at the anomalies first."

"That means we should look at Su Changqing first."

"but--"

"If the guide is more cautious than I think, he might first go to the place that is most like the center of the orchard."

Xiao Se's eyes darkened: "Apocalypse."

"good."

Zhao Xuance nodded.

"The central hub of the dynasty's fortune, the place where imperial stars gather, and the place where the fates of the court and all the people are most easily affected together, has always been a key point."

"If you want to see if a realm is still worth raising, look here first, it's the fastest way."

In front of the Taiji Hall, many people's expressions instantly tightened.

In particular, some high-ranking officials and commanders of the imperial guards changed their expressions when they heard the words "see the Tianqi Emperor first".

Because this means—

If the guide truly descended to the heavens first, then he wouldn't be looking at just a few people.

Rather, it is the heart of the entire Northern Frontier.

Xiao Se remained silent for a moment, then turned to look at Su Changqing.

"It seems things are about to get even more interesting in Apocalypse."

Su Changqing hummed in agreement.

"Good."

"Once the people arrive, things will get done quickly."

Xiao Se looked at him, suddenly feeling somewhat helpless.

When others hear that a powerful enemy at a higher level might descend directly into the Apocalypse, they must first make some plans.

This guy, on the other hand, spoke as if he were saying, "The dishes are all here, the pot should be boiling now."

At this moment, Su Changqing had indeed begun to think about other things.

He leaned back and looked up at the sky.

The morning light was already high; it was almost lunchtime.

He suddenly spoke:

"Hanyi, what do you want to eat for lunch?"

This question surprised not only Li Hanyi, but also the people around her.

Now that we've mentioned the guide is coming to the Apocalypse, are you starting to think about what to have for lunch?

Li Hanyi quickly adapted to his rhythm, thought for a moment, and said softly:

"Let's make it lighter."

"Nuonuo ate too much sweet food last night, so I'll make her something fresh today."

Upon hearing this, Su Xiaonuo immediately raised her hand.

"I want to eat fish!"

"And shrimp!"

"And I also want that bouncy meatball!"

Su Changqing nodded: "Okay."

"Then I'll make you some fish porridge, steam some spirit shrimp, and make you some meatball soup."

Lei Wujie almost drooled on the spot upon hearing this, and eagerly leaned closer.

"Boss, what about me?"

"You? Go chop the meat."

"..."

Lei Wujie's face fell.

Wushuang said calmly from the side, "I can cut the fish."

Sikong Changfeng's spirits lifted: "I'll go arrange for the kitchen and an extra performance this afternoon!"

Xiao Se looked at the group of people with a deep gaze, and finally confirmed one thing.

Whether the guide comes or not, how he comes or when he comes, will not affect Changqinglou's regular lunch service.

It might even affect menu upgrades.

Meanwhile, Su Changqing, sitting in the main seat, looked at Zhao Xuance again, his tone still calm.

"Alright, let's leave the matter of the guide here for today."

"If you really come back later, then you can recognize me."

Zhao Xuance: "..."

So you're using me as a living map?

Su Changqing, however, seemed not to notice his expression and nodded to himself.

"As for now—"

"Third brother, keep selling tickets."

"We'll have an additional debriefing session this afternoon, and a third session tonight."

The theme will be called—

He thought for a moment and casually came up with a title.

"Who will the guide eat first?"

Sikong Changfeng's eyes lit up instantly.

"Brilliant!"

"Great headline! Scary enough, and gripping enough!"

"I'll go and draft the sign right away!"

Xiao Se: "..."

You guys really aren't going to let this wave of popularity go to waste.

In front of the Taiji Hall, the crowd who were still anxious about the "Guide" and the "Sealing of the Garden" gradually calmed down upon hearing this familiar yet absurd arrangement.

I don't know why.

As long as Changqinglou continues to sell tickets, Sikong Changfeng continues to raise prices, Lei Wujie continues to think about getting a free meal, Wushuang continues to prepare to cut fish, and Li Hanyi continues to consider what Nuonuo should eat for lunch—

Then those lofty terms like "Guide," "Sealed Garden," and "Heavenly Palace" don't seem so scary anymore.

Because they have already seen it.

I've seen Su Changqing pull the so-called immortal down from the sky.

I've also seen him switch effortlessly between sensational secrets and everyday life, as if flipping the palm of his hand.

That being the case.

What if someone comes from a higher place?

at most--

This means adding a new dish to Changqinglou.

And at this moment, high in the sky.

Deep within that crack, which had long since faded to almost invisible, there seemed to be some extremely subtle fluctuation that gently rippled once more.

It's as if it's responding to something.

It also seemed real, as if something higher up was slowly approaching.

Su Changqing seemed to notice and looked up.

Then he laughed.

The smile was faint, yet it carried an indescribable meaning.

"Come on then."

"Perfect!"

He stood up, holding Su Xiaonuo in his arms, and casually straightened his cuffs with his other hand, as if preparing to temporarily leave the "Immortal Trial" in front of the Taiji Hall and go to the kitchen to work for a while.

"I should start preparing the ingredients too."

The wind swept past in front of the palace.

The fairy cage hummed softly.

Everyone who heard these words felt an extremely strong premonition at that moment.

The next "guest" to arrive.

I'm afraid I'm really in for a lot of bad luck.