Ch 116: Is There Really Such a Good Thing? [QT]

The misfortunes of the trolls happened all over the country. Everyone who both grabbed a red envelope from Shen Yunxuan’s livestream and insulted her ended up with bad luck, each facing setbacks in the areas they cared about the most, experiencing the deepest pain.

One person couldn’t help but complain in the troll group:
“Today, I had the worst luck ever! I tried to mess with my stepmom’s brat, but my dad caught me! Damn it, with a stepmom comes a stepdad. Now he’s sending me to boarding school and won’t give me pocket money. Worst of all, I have to share a dorm with the person I hate the most! What a nightmare!”

Another chimed in:
“I had terrible luck today too. The family I work as a nanny for went on vacation, so I thought I could relax for a couple of days. I invited friends over, and we made a bit of a mess. Then the family suddenly came back and caught me! They kicked me out in front of everyone, I was so humiliated. Now the agency has blacklisted me and won’t refer me for any future jobs. I’m furious!”

Someone else added:
“You think that’s bad? I was working as a postpartum nanny, and the baby wouldn’t stop crying. I put a little calming medicine in their formula so they could sleep better. The parents checked the camera, saw what I did, and fired me on the spot, saying I was dangerous. What kind of people are they?”

A fourth person complained:
“None of you have it worse than me. My parents passed away, and I went to handle the inheritance paperwork. But a lawyer showed up with a will saying they donated everything! Just because I had a falling out with them and didn’t visit for years, they claimed I abandoned them and said I had no right to inherit! I feel like blowing up their graves. This is infuriating!”

As everyone vented their grievances, one person suddenly asked:
“Could this be the retribution Shen Yunxuan mentioned?”

The group went silent for a moment, then the chat exploded:
“What retribution? Are you saying we deserve this? Whose side are you on?”
“Why would you even listen to Shen Yunxuan’s nonsense? Don’t you know what kind of person she is?”
“Admins, kick this person out! We don’t need randoms infiltrating the group.”

But another person countered:
“Hold on, what are you saying? The admins screened everyone; only Shen Yunxuan’s haters are in this group. If so many of us are unlucky, isn’t it reasonable to question what’s going on? Can you explain why everyone here is having bad luck?”

“Yeah, the more I think about it, the scarier it seems. I blanked out during a weekly test today, even though my parents enrolled me in multiple tutoring sessions. I just told my classmates how unlucky I’ve been. If this is Shen Yunxuan’s doing… oh my god, I’ve got goosebumps.”

“Do you remember Shen Yunxuan giving out red envelopes during her livestream? Hardly any of her fans got them, but our group grabbed a lot.”

“I went undercover in her fan group—none of them got any envelopes. But in our group, tons of us did.”

The group leader asked everyone who grabbed an envelope to report. Out of a thousand members, over 800 had received one. The rest hadn’t participated in the livestream or hadn’t seen the notification. All 800 had experienced varying degrees of bad luck without exception.

“It’s a curse! Shen Yunxuan cursed us! Let’s storm her Weibo and demand an explanation!”
“Yeah! Let’s report her to the police and hold her accountable!”

Their collective misfortune left them desperate for an outlet. Fueled by anger, they flooded Shen Yunxuan’s Weibo, demanding answers. This immediately drew the attention of her fans and other curious netizens.

“What nonsense are you spouting? A practitioner can’t harm people without their birth date or personal items like hair. How could Shen Yunxuan curse so many trolls?”

“This is hilarious. What kind of new accusation is this? Now you’re claiming Shen Yunxuan cursed you? Aren’t you the ones who said she was a fraud who couldn’t predict anything? And now you think she can curse? Make up your minds before coming up with baseless accusations!”

“Seriously? Are you going to report this to the police? What are you going to tell them? That you’re unlucky and it’s all Shen Yunxuan’s fault? This is a new level of ridiculous!”

Onlookers began questioning the trolls’ mental state, though many were more interested in the stories of bad luck they were sharing. What was meant to be a protest turned into a spectacle, with everyone enjoying the trolls’ self-reported misfortunes.

One troll, trying to prove they weren’t unfairly targeting Shen Yunxuan, shared screenshots of their group chat. “See? We only started suspecting her after we noticed everyone who grabbed an envelope had bad luck. Who has the time to frame her? She did something to us, or how else do you explain why none of her fans got an envelope while so many of us did?”

It was a suspicious detail, but when fans checked again, a few confirmed they had received envelopes, as had some neutral viewers who watched the stream. None of them reported any misfortune and even posted screenshots of their envelopes as proof.

This silenced the trolls. While it was true that over 800 trolls had received envelopes compared to only a handful of fans and neutral viewers, it proved that the envelopes weren’t exclusively targeting trolls. A more plausible explanation was a technical glitch that caused the trolls to see the envelopes earlier than others, allowing their group to grab most of them.

After all, this was an online livestream. Metaphysics is an ancient and mysterious art—how could it possibly be applied to the internet? It seemed absurd.

Once this theory was dismissed, people suddenly noticed the contents of the screenshots from the troll group.

“Wait a second, someone in the group mentioned giving a child calming medication? Could that have been sleeping pills?”

“Why isn’t this person reported to the police? I’ve already filed a report. This kind of person should never work as a nanny again!”

“Look at this one—they say they’re a caregiver. When feeding an elderly man, the man threw up all over them, including into their eyes. I don’t know if I’m overthinking, but their tone feels off. I suspect they’ve been mistreating the elderly man for a long time.”

“I feel the same way! They seem so impatient—totally unsuited to being a caregiver. I’ve reported them as well. Better safe than sorry, and if they are abusive, they shouldn’t be allowed to continue.”

When the trolls saw these comments being shared in the group, they exploded with anger.

“Who’s the scumbag leaking our group messages? Are you crazy? Traitor! Backstabber!”

Someone started to get suspicious. “Wait, are you actually guilty of something?”

“None of your business! Isn’t it a group rule not to leak messages? Are you blind?”

“Yeah, whoever leaked it, may your child be born without—”

Ironically, the person who leaked the messages happened to have a wife about to give birth. Furious at the insult, they started a heated argument in the group.

As trolls, they were masters of sarcasm, insults, and irrational arguments, and their fight quickly devolved into a full-scale brawl. The language was so vile it was unbearable to witness.

Some members began reflecting on their behavior. Realizing how toxic the group had become, they left and even posted apologies to Shen Yunxuan on social media. One of them shared screenshots of the chaotic group, admitting they should never have participated in online harassment and that it had ruined their perspective on life.

Many others silently left the group, deciding to focus on fixing their real-life problems instead of engaging in toxic online drama.

The spectacle became the latest viral sensation online, with netizens enthusiastically discussing the chaos. It was unprecedented for a troll group to expose itself so spectacularly—after collectively failing to pin their misfortunes on Shen Yunxuan, they turned on each other with vicious infighting. Their tales of bad luck became a source of entertainment for onlookers.

“Serves them right! Karma in action!”

“If only every internet troll faced consequences like this. Trolls are everywhere, ruining the internet for everyone.”

“Do you think this is retribution? Didn’t Master Shen warn them that bad-mouthing others would bring bad luck?”

“Exactly! She said those who commit verbal harm would suffer misfortune, and after death, they’d have their tongues pulled out!”

“Then why haven’t other online trolls faced similar misfortune?”

“Maybe it’s because this happened in Master Shen’s livestream? Her words could have some special power. Could this be fate?”

“Agreed. Practitioners always carry a mysterious aura. Why else would everyone who grabbed her lucky bags during livestreams have significant issues? It’s not surprising the trolls who grabbed her red envelopes ended up unlucky. They got what they deserved!”

“Right, none of the fans or neutral viewers who grabbed the envelopes had bad luck. So it’s not about the envelopes—it’s about evil intentions and the resulting karma.”

This unique trend quickly climbed to the top of the search rankings, becoming the hottest topic. It encompassed so many elements: nanny and caregiver misconduct, sensitive issues involving children and the elderly, and the mysterious collective bad luck of the trolls. It was both shocking and satisfying to witness, drawing massive attention.

Even government agencies took notice.

A police officer who had worked with Shen Yunxuan on previous cases remarked in surprise, “Another big incident involving Ms. Shen. The trolls in her livestream all suffered bad luck, and now they’re claiming she cursed them.”

“We’ve received reports about this too, but baseless speculation like this can’t lead to a case. We only deal with concrete evidence.”

“Captain, do you think Ms. Shen is really that extraordinary? After all, she did help solve a case before.”

“Believe in science and evidence. As long as Ms. Shen doesn’t break any laws, she’s not our concern. From what I can see, she’s helped multiple police departments solve cases, donates regularly, and engages in charity work. She’s a good citizen.”

It was clear they had a positive view of Shen Yunxuan and didn’t consider her a threat. As for the trolls, they couldn’t exactly report bad luck to the police.

Meanwhile, a secretive government department convened a meeting to discuss the trending topic.

“Do you think Shen Yunxuan is responsible for the collective bad luck of these trolls?”

“Absolutely. But the question is, how did she do it? I’ve wracked my brain and still can’t figure it out. I need to meet her—she’s incredible!”

“She’s only in her twenties, right? Besides today’s incident, she can predict the future, exorcise spirits, analyze feng shui, and craft talismans. To have such abilities at such a young age is extraordinary. We should recruit her into our department.”

“Agreed. If her talisman-drawing skills in the livestream are real, she’s already surpassed everyone in this room. Minister Zhou, what’s your take?”

Minister Zhou, a man in his sixties with a straight posture that revealed his military background, thought for a moment before speaking to the white-haired elder who had volunteered to visit Shen Yunxuan. “You can go and assess her character and personality. See if she’s someone suitable for our department and whether she would even be willing to join us.”

Apart from official institutions, the incident also drew the attention of other practitioners of metaphysics.

Previously, although Shen Yunxuan had trended online several times and her metaphysic-themed livestreams were popular, the mystic community largely dismissed her. They regarded her as just another internet gimmick, not worth their attention. Even her temple, Idle Cloud Temple, was an unfamiliar name. However, this incident was different. From their perspective, the collective misfortune of the trolls could only be caused by a technique beyond their reach. It immediately placed this newcomer under their scrutiny.

---

At Xuantai Sect, Xuanqing spoke to Xuanyang. “Was that incident with the man called Dominating Tycoon your doing?”

Xuanyang frowned and nodded. “Twenty years ago, I met Fang Dehai. I saw that he was prosperous but had a dire fate looming over him, so I altered his destiny. I didn’t expect a little girl to expose this now.”

Xuanqing reminded him, “Be careful not to bring trouble to the Sect. Don’t tarnish our sect’s reputation.”

Xuanyang sneered. “This nobody, a girl who appeared out of nowhere, is insignificant. I’ll send someone to deal with her.”

“Make sure to keep it low-profile and clean,” Xuanqing added.

Both men, accustomed to their elevated status, regarded Shen Yunxuan as inconsequential. With just a few words, they decided her fate.

Meanwhile, Shen Yunxuan was immersed in cultivation. The widespread belief in her abilities following the livestream’s incidents and the trolls’ misfortunes had brought her an influx of faith energy. Thrilled, she retreated to her quarters to cultivate, unaware of the growing commotion outside.

She was now in the mid-stage of the Qi Refinement phase, progressing rapidly. Within just two days, she refined all the faith energy she had gained, reaching the peak of Qi Refinement, feeling as though she was on the verge of forming her Foundation.

However, the Foundation Formation stage was a critical milestone and not something achievable through sheer effort. After several unsuccessful attempts, she decided to let it be for now and focus on other matters.

When she stepped outside, her assistant, Xianglan, approached with excitement. “Master, your skin is flawless, your figure is more refined, and you’ve even grown taller!”

“Really?” Shen Yunxuan checked the mirror in surprise. She had grown five centimeters taller, now reaching 1.7 meters. Her hair was glossy and flowing, her skin as radiant as snow, and her figure was curvaceous. She looked so ethereal that she could easily cosplay a celestial maiden in traditional attire.

The Idle Master cupped his hands with a smile. “Congratulations, Master, on your great progress!”

Becoming more beautiful was certainly a joyful experience. Shen Yunxuan also noticed her heightened senses—she could hear the workers repairing the temple talking in hushed tones over 100 meters away and see the intricate veins on tree leaves and the precise movements of birds in flight. She felt she could catch any bird with ease if she tried.

These were the benefits of cultivation, showcasing the wonders of life. Overjoyed, Shen Yunxuan waved her hand. “Let’s go! Today, we’re eating at Wangfu Garden’s private kitchen!”

Xianglan quickly stopped her. “Master, wait. Several guests have arrived and are waiting in the guest rooms to see you.”

“Guests? Guest rooms?” Shen Yunxuan recalled the people who wanted to visit her after her livestream. She also thought about the dilapidated guest rooms and asked in concern, “They stayed in those rooms? Did anything happen?”

Xianglan smiled. “The rooms were drafty, so they could have caught a chill. But I used the warming and calming talismans you drew earlier, and they slept comfortably. I hope you don’t mind me taking the initiative.”

Shen Yunxuan held her hands gratefully. “I should be thanking you! You’ve handled everything perfectly. Feel free to use any of those talismans. You’re part of the temple too—don’t be so formal. I’ve been meaning to find a way to help you since you came here, but I feel bad that I haven’t yet.”

“Please don’t say that, Master. Having a place to stay and being free from the curse that bound me is more than I could have ever dreamed. I’m deeply grateful to you.”

Shen Yunxuan smiled. “Let’s stop being so polite and treat each other like family from now on. Senior brother, could you prepare some food for me? I’m starving! I’ll meet the guests first.”

Although cultivators of Shen Yunxuan’s level didn’t need to eat for days, her past experience of being imprisoned and mistreated for over a decade had left her with a deep craving for life’s simple pleasures, especially food. Eating brought her immense satisfaction and happiness, making her feel perpetually hungry in spirit.

Idle Wanderer and Xianglan, eager to accommodate her, rushed off to prepare a meal.

Shen Yunxuan learned that her visitors included Auntie Li, Dominating Tycoon and his six siblings, and an elderly man accompanied by a young man whose identity she didn’t know. She decided to meet Auntie Li first.

Auntie Li seemed visibly nervous. “Master Shen, I’m sorry to trouble you. I had no choice but to come here. Please help me. Here is my bank card—it only has a few thousand yuan, but it’s all I have. If it’s not enough, I can stay and clean or cook. I’ll do anything as long as you help me leave that house…”

Shen Yunxuan gently pushed Auntie Li’s card back and comforted her with a soft voice, “Auntie Li, don’t be nervous. I asked you to come all this way because I want to help you. There’s no one else here, so I’ll speak plainly. This man is a major obstacle in your destiny. Overcoming it will be tough—you may lose money, damage your reputation, feel stifled for a few years, and face misunderstanding from many people. But once you get past it, the rest of your life will be peaceful, healthy, and happy.”

Without hesitation, Auntie Li replied, “I’m not afraid. I don’t care about losing money or ruining my reputation. As long as I can leave him and that house, I’ll do anything.”

Tears welled up in Auntie Li’s eyes. “No one understands the pain I’ve been through. Master, you believe me, don’t you? My heart is so heavy. That man is so good at pretending to be kind. When I tell others about my suffering, they say I’m ungrateful, that I don’t know how lucky I am. They say he doesn’t waste money or cheat with other women, so he must be a good man. But he doesn’t spend money on the household either—it’s all saved for himself, his so-called burial fund. And not cheating? Isn’t that the bare minimum? Do I have to feel grateful for that?”

“If a bottle of oil spills at home, he won’t even bother to pick it up, but he’ll blame me for not keeping the house in order. He constantly criticizes me, emotionally manipulates me, and even hits me! If it weren’t for wanting to see my daughter settle down and establish her life, I would’ve given up long ago. But people still insist he’s a good man—it’s so unfair!”

Shen Yunxuan handed her a tissue and held her hand reassuringly. “Auntie Li, I believe you. Don’t forget—I can read fates. I know the injustice you’ve suffered and what kind of person he really is. So, I want to suggest a bold plan: instead of struggling over this obstacle, let’s smash it to pieces and stride past it!”

She leaned closer and whispered her plan into Auntie Li’s ear. Auntie Li was so stunned she stopped crying. “What? Can that really work?”

Shen Yunxuan confidently replied, “Follow my instructions, and I guarantee you’ll be divorced within two months. You won’t have to endure years of frustration or lose any money.”

Having lived a conservative and straightforward life, Auntie Li found the plan unconventional and needed a moment to process it. But when she looked into Shen Yunxuan’s eyes, she saw unwavering trust and support—something she’d never experienced before. Resolute, she nodded. “Alright! I’ll do it! I’ll make him initiate the divorce!”

Shen Yunxuan handed her a few talismans. “You haven’t been sleeping well for years, but this calming talisman will help you get good rest. Also, visit a traditional Chinese medicine doctor and address any health concerns. This recovery talisman will accelerate the healing process. And here’s another one to ensure your safety…”

She patiently explained the purpose and use of each talisman. Auntie Li, comforted by Shen Yunxuan’s gentle tone, felt her battered heart begin to heal. She finally felt safe and secure, no longer afraid of being hurt.

Her resolve solidified. She would follow Shen Yunxuan’s plan and wouldn’t let her kindness go to waste.

Auntie Li soon left with the talismans in hand. She had arrived anxious and unsure but departed calm and determined, ready to face the battle ahead for her own happiness.

After calculating briefly, Shen Yunxuan smiled. She wasn’t worried about Auntie Li. A naturally resilient and resourceful person, Auntie Li would have eventually found her way out of the situation. Shen Yunxuan had only shortened the process, giving her the guidance needed to succeed earlier than she might have otherwise. All that was left was to wish her the best.

As Shen Yunxuan prepared to meet Dominating Tycoon and his siblings, she unexpectedly encountered an elderly man with white hair and a young man accompanying him. These must be the third group of visitors Xianglan mentioned. Upon seeing them, Shen Yunxuan immediately sensed they were fellow practitioners and became alert.

“And you are…?” she asked cautiously.

The elderly man, though sporting short hair instead of a traditional bun and clean-shaven, exuded vitality with his rosy complexion. He resembled a martial arts master from a TV show.

Noticing her vigilance, the elderly man smiled kindly. “Master Shen, I’ve long admired your reputation. We’re from a special department and came to visit you specifically. I am also a practitioner, known by my Taoist name Bai He. This young man here is my disciple, Mao Ximing. He has his own family lineage and hasn’t formally entered the Tao.”

Mao Ximing handed her two business cards with a smile. “Master Shen, here are our cards. Don’t worry—we mean no harm. We’re civil servants working for the government. We’re here to learn more about you because of your growing reputation.”

Shen Yunxuan was taken aback. Idle Wanderer had never mentioned that the government had a department for metaphysics. Though Mao Ximing’s comment about being civil servants was clearly lighthearted, it did help her relax. Taking the business cards, her mind raced.

This was an excellent opportunity! If she could establish a connection with the government, she wouldn’t be at such a disadvantage when dealing with the Xuantai Sect in the future. However, she needed to first gauge the government’s stance on the Xuantai Sect. Smiling, she said, “It’s an honor to meet fellow practitioners. Please, come inside so we can discuss further.”

🌸˚˖𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒✧🩷˚⋆