Chapter 235: The Intention of the Drunkard Lies Not in the Wine
After bidding farewell to Wang Yiming, Yang Haoran activated the Yin spirit power within him to sober up.
During lunch, he had consumed quite a bit of alcohol. When dining with friends, he always felt the atmosphere was lacking without wine, so he couldn't resist indulging. However, since he had to drive now, it was dangerous to let the alcohol remain in his system, jeopardizing his sobriety.
Of course, the danger was not to him personally. Even if his car suddenly exploded, it might not necessarily kill him. However, causing inconvenience and harm to others in the event of an accident would be a sinful act.
Later in the evening, he had to make arrangements at the South Lake Death God Temple, but since it was still early, he decided to make a quick stop at a small convenience store.
"I wonder how Master Jiang is doing now, and if he has become a ghost messenger."
After getting into the car, Yang Haoran lit a cigarette. Instead of immediately driving away, he recalled Master Jiang.
Anyone who had significant achievements in the mortal realm had the potential to become a ghost messenger after entering the underworld. Depending on the level of achievements, they would hold different positions within the Yin Division.
However, this was contingent on the individual's willingness. If they were unwilling, the Yin Division might either force them or allow them to be reborn.
Ghost messengers were a type of Underworld Envoy, a generic term for individuals associated with the Yin Division, whether they were living or dead.
However, Night Watch was somewhat different. Although they worked for the Yin Division, their position was awkward. They could be considered Underworld Envoys, as they were part of the Yin Division, yet they lacked official recognition and did not enjoy the privileges associated with being an Underworld Envoy.While this might seem unfair to them, it was a situation beyond their control. Their choices were limited to doing the job or not doing it.
Ghost messengers were only appointed from the deceased; living individuals were ineligible. To put it more directly, all ghost messengers were ghosts.
When Master Jiang was alive, he was not only a devout believer in the Death God but also the head of the South Lake Death God Temple and a member of the Night Watch.
After becoming part of the Night Watch, he guided many undead, contributing significantly to the Yin Division. It was a possibility for him to become a ghost messenger after death.
However, this was merely a possibility.
Master Jiang was different from other deceased members of the Night Watch. He was personally taken away by a mysterious figure in black, who had promised to make him a ghost messenger upon returning to the underworld. Considering the identity of the black-clad figure, Yang Haoran believed there was no need for deception.
Moreover, Night Watch members were eligible to become ghost messengers after death, depending on their willingness and approval from higher authorities.
If the man in black was willing to help, it should be relatively easy for Master Jiang to become a ghost messenger.
Of course, nothing was absolute. Whether Master Jiang could become a ghost messenger would be revealed when he visited the underworld.
Extinguishing the cigarette, Yang Haoran temporarily set aside this issue and drove towards the location of the grocery store.
Before reaching the grocery store, Yang Haoran spotted an elderly man waiting outside. This man was none other than Master Wu.
Seeing Yang Haoran's car stop outside the grocery store, Master Wu felt pleased and quickly approached.
"Mr. Wu, were you waiting for me here?" Yang Haoran smiled and asked.
Master Wu nodded with a smile and respectfully said, "Divine envoy, as per your instructions, the bodies have been taken care of, and I have informed the other Night Watch members. They will come to the South Lake Death God Temple tonight."
Yang Haoran smiled and then spoke, "Thank you for your efforts, Mr. Wu. However, you could have just called me for such matters; there was no need for you to make a special trip."
"This is what I should do, not at all troublesome. By the way, I came here to find the divine envoy for another matter," Master Wu said as he opened up the conversation.
"Is there anything else?" Yang Haoran's expression remained unchanged as he smiled and nodded. He continued, "Let's go inside and talk. It's quite impolite to have you standing out here."
Opening the roll-up door of the grocery store, a clattering sound followed, revealing the scene behind it.
This grocery store was not new to Master Wu, but witnessing its dilapidation again, he couldn't help but sigh. It was indeed quite rundown.
Although he had always thought so, he never voiced such opinions before and certainly wouldn't now.
Yang Haoran fetched a chair for Master Wu and seated himself on a chair in front of the counter.
Taking the offered chair, Master Wu didn't sit down immediately. Instead, he placed the chair in front of him, maintaining a respectful attitude as he smiled and looked at Yang Haoran.
Yang Haoran shook his head with a wry smile, saying, "Please, Mr. Wu, sit down. Your formality makes me uncomfortable."
Master Wu nodded with a smile and finally sat down.
The uncomfortable street vendor chair did not bother Master Wu. At this moment, he was genuinely happy from the bottom of his heart.
"Mr. Wu, if you're here to discuss something with me, is it because you need my help?" Yang Haoran asked with a smile.
Rubbing his hands awkwardly, Master Wu spoke with a bashful smile, "Indeed, there's something I need the divine envoy's help with."
A curious expression appeared on Yang Haoran's face, followed by a smile as he said, "Tell me, as long as it's within my capabilities."
"I've only recently become a Night Watch member, and I know too little about this world. So, I bought a new house near our family's villa. I hope the divine envoy can move there. It would be much more convenient for me to seek guidance from the divine envoy when needed," Master Wu explained with a hint of longing in his words.
With this statement, Yang Haoran's smile took on a deeper meaning.
The intention of the drunkard lies not in the wine. Yang Haoran understood the implication, but rather than exposing the truth, he remained silent. He understood this principle well.
"I appreciate your kind offer, Mr. Wu. However, I'm already accustomed to living here. For now, I have no intention of leaving. If there comes a day when I wish to move, I'll be sure to contact you first," Yang Haoran politely declined Master Wu's offer.
A fleeting disappointment crossed Master Wu's eyes. From Yang Haoran's tone and attitude, he could tell that Yang Haoran genuinely had no intention of leaving this rundown grocery store. Though he didn't understand the reasons behind it, he certainly wouldn't push against the tide, as that would only be counterproductive.
"Since the divine envoy has no intention of leaving, Old Man naturally won't insist," Master Wu said with an expression of regret before adding with a smile, "If there's anything you need to know, divine envoy, feel free to call me anytime. My phone is on 24/7, and I'll be sure to answer your call."
"In the future, I'm afraid I might trouble the divine envoy quite a bit. I would like to express my gratitude in advance," Master Wu said, standing up and bowing respectfully to Yang Haoran.
"Please, please, don't be so formal. Sit down quickly. With the weather getting warmer, have a sip of water to quench your thirst," Yang Haoran hurriedly stopped Master Wu. He then took two bottles of mineral water from the shelf, handing one to Master Wu and opening one for himself.
Taking a sip of water, Yang Haoran retrieved a cigarette, first offering one to Master Wu before lighting one for himself. After a deep inhale, he spoke slowly, "Regarding the recruitment of new members, Mr. Wu, you need to expedite the process. Currently, our Yin Division in Lecheng is like an empty shell. Without enough manpower, it won't be long before things go awry in Lecheng."
Master Wu accepted the cigarette but didn't light it. Hearing Yang Haoran's words, he promptly assured, "Divine envoy, rest assured. In the next few days, I'll finalize this matter. Do you have any special requirements for new recruits?"
Yang Haoran's smile became more pronounced. The change in his expression left Master Wu curious, but he refrained from asking.
The reason behind Yang Haoran's sudden smile was because the last sentence from Master Wu sounded extremely familiar to him.
"No specific requirements, as long as they are capable. With the shortage of personnel, I don't have the luxury to be picky. If someone doesn't fit well, they can be let go directly. Of course, it's best if there are no such cases."