Ever since he ate that mysterious fruit, Jason Brooks's body underwent a transformation, becoming full of energy as if reborn, vigorous as a dragon or tiger. When climbing the mountain, he moved with remarkable speed, soon reaching the mountainside.

　　Whoosh!

　　Almost at the same time, the Daoist who had been sitting properly on the boulder suddenly disappeared.

　　Damn it, this is just messing with people...

　　Jason Brooks quickly looked around and saw, several meters up the winding mountain path, the Daoist holding a bamboo sign in one hand and shaking an ancient bronze bell in the other, its ringing echoing. Accompanied by the bell, he sang: “Everyone says immortals are wonderful, but who knows where to find them; white clouds and clear winds enter my dreams, and all the troubles of the world are gone…”

　　“Daoist, Daoist, please wait!”

　　Jason Brooks hurriedly shouted, but the Daoist ignored him, walking unhurriedly toward the mountain peak.

　　Jason Brooks was also roused to action, rolling up his sleeves and striding after him. Yet no matter how hard he ran, the distance between him and the Daoist always remained about ten feet, never getting any closer.

　　How strange!

　　One after the other, the two soon reached the summit of Maziling.

　　At this point, the Daoist finally stopped, turned, and bowed, saying, “Young master, you have pursued this poor Daoist so persistently. May I ask what you want?”

　　After this round of chasing, Jason Brooks was sweating all over, but thanks to his extraordinary constitution, he wasn’t out of breath. He quickly and respectfully saluted, saying, “I am Jason Brooks, a scholar. Greetings, Daoist. May I ask your name?”

　　The Daoist replied calmly, “I am Calvin of Laoshan.”

　　“So it’s Daoist Calvin. My apologies for the disrespect.”

　　While exchanging pleasantries, Jason Brooks was quickly thinking about how to start the conversation.

　　Calvin glanced at him, his gaze sharp and penetrating, as if he could see through his thoughts. He said, “Young master, if there’s nothing else, I must take my leave.”

　　“There is, there is…”

　　Jason Brooks quickly called out, “I wonder if you still remember what you said in the tavern today?”

　　Calvin smiled slightly. “Of course I remember, but my words were addressed to another young master…”

　　“He is my classmate and good friend… Daoist, here’s what happened…”

　　Without further delay, Jason Brooks recounted everything from rescuing the girl on the road, pouring out the whole story like beans from a bamboo tube.

　　After listening, Calvin pondered for a moment and asked, “You suspect that woman is problematic?”

　　“Exactly.”

　　Calvin nodded, looking Jason Brooks up and down, thinking to himself: This young man is not only handsome and well-built, but also perceptive—truly remarkable. It’s a pity he’s a scholar, with a title to his name; in the future, he may become entangled in worldly fame and fortune, which would be a shame… This thought flashed by, and he said, “Whether the woman is problematic is hard to say for now, but I can say for certain that your friend is in trouble. Forgive my bluntness, but when I saw him today, he looked sickly, shrouded in yin energy that wouldn’t dissipate. This is a sign that his vital yang energy has been greatly drained—clearly the work of a malevolent spirit… I hope you won’t blame me for speaking of ‘strange forces and spirits.’”

　　Jason Brooks replied solemnly, “Rest assured, Daoist. I am not one to be inflexible.”

　　Calvin chuckled, “That’s good. So, you chased after me to ask for my help in saving your friend?”

　　Jason Brooks cupped his hands and said, “Exactly. I hope Daoist will lend a hand and help him.”

　　—After this round of theatrical back-and-forth, Calvin’s identity as a reclusive master was clear as day. Jason Brooks no longer had any doubts. He was eager to see what kind of thunderous methods the Daoist would use to subdue demons and was looking forward to broadening his horizons—or perhaps, to encountering a new opportunity…

Chapter Eleven: The Bell

　　Facing Jason Brooks’s expectant gaze, Calvin merely smiled slightly, bowed, and said, “Unfortunately, I have other important matters to attend to in the near future and am afraid I cannot go to catch the demon.”

　　Jason Brooks was stunned and suddenly anxious—not entirely for Franklin Warren’s sake, since Franklin Warren was lustful and brought this trouble upon himself. Still, if there was a chance to save his life, Jason Brooks would never stand by and do nothing. Besides, the whole affair was strange, and Jason Brooks had been present at the time. Who knew if, after harming Franklin Warren, the demon might come after him as well? It’s always best to be prepared, to have more room to maneuver.

　　“Daoist, you can’t just stand by and do nothing…”

　　Calvin chuckled, “As a Daoist, I dwell among mountains and rivers, seeking only freedom and detachment, and shouldn’t meddle in worldly affairs. However…” his tone shifted, “since this matter involves a demon and I happened to encounter it, I cannot just ignore it…”

　　Hearing this, Jason Brooks was relieved.

　　Calvin continued, “Although I happen to be busy and cannot attend in person, you can take this bell and give it to your classmate. It will protect him, and the demon will not dare approach. If it dares to return, it will not escape, and this bell will capture it.”

　　With that, he handed over the ancient bronze bell.

　　Jason Brooks carefully accepted it, immediately feeling its weight—it was quite heavy. He examined it closely: the bell was antique and elegant, dark yellow in color, its surface engraved with many runes whose meanings he could not decipher, giving it an air of mystery. Holding the bell and giving it a gentle shake, it produced a crisp and pleasant sound.

　　Could this be the legendary magical artifact?