Chapter 961: Solution

"Two souls in one body already place an immense burden on the body, especially when both souls within you are exceptionally powerful. You'll be extremely prone to hunger and fatigue. Over time, your internal organs will be worn out, and you'll age much faster than others."

Shen Nan looked into Chen Ling's eyes. "Though it might sound arrogant, I am truly the only person in this era who can resolve your current dilemma without harming either soul."

The train rumbled on with a dull clatter. Chen Ling met his gaze in silence for a long time before slowly speaking.

"What do I need to give in return?"

Chen Ling was already well aware of the issue of two souls in one body, even without Shen Nan elaborating.

As his power grew, he knew that if he didn't resolve the dual-soul problem soon, his body would eventually give out. However, Chen Ling truly had no idea how to solve it.

Destroying Yao's soul, leaving only his own in the body? While Chen Ling was capable of doing so, he could never bring himself to do such a thing. Even without the influence of Fang Liangye's memories, he wouldn't do it.

Resolving the dual-soul issue without harming either soul... Perhaps only Shen Nan, who practiced both 'Xi' (Theater) and 'Wu' (Shamanism), could achieve this.

"Give in return?"

Shen Nan said casually, "No need. This isn't a transaction; I'm simply repaying an old favor to Elder Xiao."

Chen Ling was stunned.

Having experienced so much during the Nine Monarchs era, he instinctively viewed all acts of kindness from others as transactions or schemes. Pure, selfless help like Shen Nan's made him feel rather unaccustomed.

"What's with that look?"

Noticing Chen Ling's strange gaze, Shen Nan felt a little awkward. "In your era, did no one act like Lei Feng anymore?"

As he spoke, Shen Nan touched his collar, as if a bright red scarf were there.

Chen Ling: "..."

"...In that era, everyone had a very hard life." Chen Ling shook his head, moving past the topic. "You said you'd help me solve this. How?"

"Your current problem is two souls occupying one body. To solve it without harming either soul, we naturally have to find another host body for one of them."

"Another host body... Are you saying, find a physical body?"

"No, souls need nourishment. If it's not its own physical body, it won't be able to sustain the soul even if it takes residence there. Instead, it will gradually weaken over time."

"Then what can nourish a soul?"

Shen Nan didn't answer directly. "You'll have to come with me to a place."

"Where?"

"My hometown," Shen Nan paused briefly. "Guanzhou."

*Ring, ring.*

The crisp phone rang. An old hand fumbled in a pocket for a moment, then pressed the answer button.

"Oh, little friend Chen Ling?"

"Yes, Shen Nan is the son of an old acquaintance of mine from back then. He's a good person. He just called me as well."

"Ah... that child Shen Nan hasn't had it easy either. You two can interact more. The path he's taken is very unique, and he might even give you some inspiration."

"Okay, good. I wish you both success."

Xiao Chunping hung up the phone. As if remembering something, she let out a long sigh.

Cranes rumbled in the distance. Under the direction of the construction team, the museum's remains were slowly being rebuilt and restored. Amidst the dust, Yao Qing was holding blueprints, diligently confirming something with the construction team.

"Teacher Xiao," Su Zhiwei asked, walking towards them. "Whose call was that?"

"It was little friend Chen Ling. He called to let me know he was safe, and also inquired about Shen Nan."

Xiao Chunping recalled that Shen Nan had made a similar call just fifteen minutes earlier. A smile touched her aged lips. "These young people, each one more cautious than the last..."

"Shen Nan..." Su Zhiwei carefully recalled the name. "Is he the son of Master Shen Li? If I'm not mistaken, he should be the inheritor of Nuo Opera now..."

"That's him. You even met him when you were children," Xiao Chunping nodded. "He's not just an inheritor now... He's also the only person in the world who has truly merged 'Xi' (Theater) and 'Wu' (Shamanism), a Nuo master with genuine heaven-reaching power."

At this point, Xiao Chunping's gaze became somewhat complex.

"However, his path is almost impossible to replicate. After Shen Nan, the Nuo tradition will likely be lost."

Su Zhiwei had heard a thing or two about the Shen family's fate. She remained silent for a long time, unsure how to comfort Xiao Chunping. Xiao Chunping herself was an inheritor of intangible cultural heritage skills, and for her to watch another art form decline and disappear was undoubtedly a painful thing.

After much hesitation, Su Zhiwei finally spoke:

"Teacher Xiao, I want to go see them."

"Go find them?" Xiao Chunping was a little surprised. "But you haven't been here long... What if those foreigners come back to hunt you?"

"Yang Xiao and the others just messaged me. They want to go find Chen Ling. If I go with them, there shouldn't be any major problems." Su Zhiwei paused briefly and looked down at her hands. Invisible ripples shimmered between her palms.

"Besides, I have a feeling my power is constantly growing. Staying here might not be a good thing in the long run."

Seeing this, Xiao Chunping didn't try to persuade her further. She nodded slightly and said,

"Since you've made your choice, then go. My words still stand: if you encounter any danger, call me."

"Thank you, Teacher Xiao."

Su Zhiwei bowed deeply to Xiao Chunping.

Su Zhiwei herself knew that staying with Xiao Chunping would definitely be safer. But she was never one to shrink back. With Xiao Chunping and Yao Qing fully committed to restoring the museum, she felt she had nothing to do here. Rather than that, it would be better to take some risks and actively improve her own strength.

Xiao Chunping saw Su Zhiwei standing still, gazing absently in Yao Qing's direction, seeming a little hesitant.

"Aren't you going to say goodbye to Yao Qing?" Xiao Chunping asked.

"...No, I won't." After an internal struggle, Su Zhiwei still shook her head. "Tell him this: he'll definitely want to come with me, but if he leaves, he won't be at ease knowing you're facing all this mess by yourself. Rather than that, it's better not to give him the chance to be torn."

Xiao Chunping looked at her deeply, and said meaningfully,

"Zhiwei... Yao Qing isn't a child anymore. You don't need to consider him in every way. He can be responsible for his own choices."

Su Zhiwei lowered her head, not answering. After bowing once more to Xiao Chunping, she turned and walked alone towards the roadside. The roar of the cranes echoed over the ruins. Yao Qing, still sweating, continued to direct the team, unaware of her departure.

Su Zhiwei walked along the road for a long time, looking at her phone, as if waiting for something.

Soon, at the end of the road, a car sped towards her.

As the car window rolled down, Lu Xun, sitting in the driver's seat, lightly waved at Su Zhiwei.

"Dr. Su, long time no see."