10: Breakthrough and Thunderclap

Su Wan's departure did not take away the heavy atmosphere within the Antique Shop; instead, it left behind an even tauter string.

Lin Mo sat alone under the dim yellow light, his fingertips unconsciously tapping the rough surface of the old tree root tea tray, emitting dull thudding sounds.

His encounter with Su Wan was like a high-intensity mental marathon; although he temporarily passed the test, it made him clearly realize that he was walking on two rapidly tightening steel wires—one was the increasingly penetrating scrutiny of the Anomaly Investigation Bureau, and the other was the invisible, intangible energy entanglement entity that constantly sought to drag him into the abyss of misfortune.

On the editor interface, the scarlet warning remained glaring; the energy reserve, under the continuous consumption of the 'Order Stability' domain, had plummeted to a dangerous threshold of 0.2 units, like a flickering candle in the wind, liable to extinguish at any moment.

Once the domain disappeared, the 85% backlash effect that had been temporarily suppressed would surge back like a tide, with unimaginable consequences.

Passively waiting for energy to recover naturally was too slow and full of uncertainty.

He had to actively break the deadlock, and the key to doing so seemed to lie in the hint Su Wan left—"Perhaps there will be places I need to consult you on in the future"—and the recently verified method of "analyzing anomalous items."

A bold and risky plan gradually formed in his mind.

He couldn't sit idly by and wait for the Bureau to come knocking for "consultation"; he needed to create an opportunity—an opportunity for Ink Master to reasonably and proactively approach and "help" the Bureau deal with anomalous items.

This would allow him to acquire energy (by analyzing items) while further enhancing Ink Master's value and indispensability, solidifying this protective shell.

But this required a catalyst, a "problem" that would make the Bureau feel intractable and force them to seek outside help.

He recalled the cinnabar patterns on the talisman when Su Wan brought out the "Faceless Puppet"; though complex, they seemed slightly unrefined, and the energy flow was not perfectly smooth.

The Bureau's "experts" did not seem entirely adept at handling truly supernatural forces.

Perhaps... he could "help" them create a problem, neither too big nor too small, that would just happen to require Ink Master's specialized knowledge to solve?

This idea was extremely dangerous, akin to playing with fire.

But at the moment, he seemed to have no safer choice.

He needed to orchestrate a precise "performance."

First, he needed a "prop."

An anomalous item that appeared ancient, mysterious, and imbued with energy, yet not overly dangerous, and whose "problem" could be precisely "countered" by Ink Master's knowledge system.

This item couldn't be created out of thin air, as that would consume too much and have unpredictable karmic consequences.

It would be best if it was an existing item that the Bureau hadn't fully recognized or correctly understood.

He once again used his pitiful energy reserves for an extremely precise and minimal scope deduction:

[Deduction: Within the city limits (prioritizing antique markets, second-hand stalls, private collections), find an item that meets the following criteria: 1. Contains faint but stable anomalous energy; 2. The energy nature is neutral or slightly negative, easy to guide; 3. Its energy imbalance can be explained by traditional theories such as 'Feng Shui' or 'Nourishment'; 4. Currently in an easily obtainable state.]

The deduction screen flickered and jumped, consuming the last 0.1 unit of energy, finally locking onto a target—a Tang Dynasty "Water Heart Bronze Mirror" reportedly salvaged from a sunken ship in the old course of the Yellow River, held by an old stall owner at the "Ghost Market" (an antique and second-hand market that opens at dawn) in the south of the city.

The mirror itself was of average quality, with green rust spots on its back, but the deduction showed that the mirror had been buried at the bottom of a watery yinpulse node for a long time, absorbing a trace of extremely faint water yin qi, causing its surface to occasionally reflect some blurry, non-realistic distorted reflections.

Holders would feel uneasy but suffer no substantial harm.

The stall owner merely thought it was an old mirror and paid it no mind.

That was it!

The energy was faint, the nature was clear (water yin qi), and its "problem" could be entirely explained and "solved" by the Feng Shui theory of "yin qi intrusion, requiring yang qi to harmonize"!

The energy reserve was completely depleted.

The editor interface became extremely dim, barely able to maintain its own display.

[WARNING: SEVERE ENERGY SHORTAGE! SOME FUNCTIONS RESTRICTED! 'ORDER STABILITY' DOMAIN WILL SHUT DOWN IN ONE HOUR DUE TO ENERGY DEPLETION!]

Time was pressing!

Lin Mo had to act immediately.

He removed his mask, quickly changed back into ordinary clothes, and quietly left the Antique Shop through the back door.

It was late night, and the antique street was deserted.

Relying on the vague guidance from the deduction and his familiarity with the city, he rode his repaired, dilapidated bicycle straight to the Ghost Market in the south of the city.

Without the protection of the domain, the familiar sense of misfortune immediately followed him like a shadow.

Along the way, his bicycle had a flat tire once, he was almost hit by a speeding motorcycle, and he even encountered two drunken hooligans looking for trouble, whom he barely managed to shake off with his fairly agile movements and calm words.

By the time he reached the Ghost Market, he was disheveled and panting, but his eyes were unusually bright.

Amidst the dim lights and cluttered stalls, he quickly found the target stall and the "Water Heart Bronze Mirror."

After a not-so-intense negotiation, he used the few hundred yuan he had left to purchase the bronze mirror, which contained a faint trace of water yin qi.

The moment he got the mirror, he attempted a very brief contact analysis.

[Contact Target: Water Heart Bronze Mirror. Analyzing... Acquiring trace information energy: +0.05 units. Energy Nature: Water Yin. Can be guided and adjusted.]

Although the energy was minuscule, it verified feasibility!

This invigorated him.

There was no time to rest; he had to get back to the Antique Shop before the domain expired and "process" this mirror to prepare for the upcoming "performance."

The return journey was equally bumpy, but with a goal in mind, he calmed down and avoided several obvious "accidents."

When he finally stumbled back to the Antique Shop, reactivated the domain (consuming the 0.05 units of energy he had just acquired, briefly extending the domain's duration), and placed the bronze mirror on the tea tray, he felt a wave of exhaustion.

After resting for a moment, he forced himself to gather his spirits and began "processing" the bronze mirror.

He didn't need to change the mirror's essence; he only needed to perform a minor "conceptual fine-tuning" to amplify the external influence of its water yin qi, especially its slight interference with specific types of energy (such as detection instruments or sealing talismans the Bureau might use), making it appear as an "unstable" anomalous item that required "professional attention."

This process required precise control.

He concentrated his last bit of mental energy, guiding the faint qi sensation, and with the remaining functions of the editor, carefully "edited" the bronze mirror's energy field.

[Performing conceptual fine-tuning on target item 'Water Heart Bronze Mirror': Enhancing the weak interference effect of its water yin qi on external energy detection, causing its energy fluctuations to exhibit 'intermittent disorder' characteristics. Energy consumed: 0.04 units.]

After the editing was complete, the bronze mirror looked unchanged, but Lin Mo could feel that the cool aura emanating from the mirror seemed to have become more "active" and elusive.

The prop was ready.

Next, was how to "deliver" this mirror to the Bureau and make them actively seek out Ink Master.

He couldn't directly send it anonymously; that would be too deliberate.

He needed a more natural way.

He thought of Professor Wang—the old professor who often visited the library and held him in high regard.

Professor Wang had a wide circle of friends, some of whom seemed to be consultants for the city museum or the cultural bureau, potentially having indirect connections with the Bureau.

Lin Mo conceived a story: The mirror was acquired by "Ink Master's" distant relative from the Yellow River bank, and feeling uneasy with it at home, he entrusted "Ink Master" to examine it. "Ink Master" perceived the mirror to be somewhat "sinister," exuding heavy yin energy that ordinary people couldn't suppress. He initially intended to handle it himself, but realizing his limited ability and fearing future complications, he heard that official channels had a specialized department for such matters (implicitly referring to the Anomaly Investigation Bureau). Unwilling to contact them directly, he decided to pass the mirror, along with a written explanation (treatment suggestions written in "Ink Master's" voice), to the relevant department through Professor Wang, a respected scholar, considering it his civic duty.

This story was logical and reasonable, highlighting "Ink Master's" discernment and caution, while also showcasing his "limitations" and "sense of social responsibility," thus avoiding excessive suspicion.

Just as dawn broke, Lin Mo, carrying the carefully packaged bronze mirror and a sincerely worded letter of explanation written in small brush script, arrived at the park Professor Wang frequented. He had timed it perfectly to "casually" encounter Professor Wang, who was doing his morning exercises.

He recounted the fabricated details of the situation with a sincere tone tinged with a hint of worry. Professor Wang, already interested in antiques, picked up the mirror and examined it. He indeed felt an inexplicable chill and palpitation. After reading "Ink Master's" letter, he was even more impressed by the mysterious librarian, finding him not only knowledgeable but also righteous, and readily agreed to help pass it on.

The seed had been sown. Now, it was time to wait.

Lin Mo returned to the Antique Shop, where his domain energy finally completely depleted and silently dissipated. The suffocating sense of misfortune instantly returned, but its intensity seemed to have weakened somewhat compared to before, as if the continuous purification had consumed part of the energy entanglement entity's power. He had to endure this discomfort and wait for the Anomaly Investigation Bureau's response.

The waiting was agonizing. Every minute was accompanied by various minor troubles, but he gritted his teeth and persevered, dedicating all his mental effort to maintaining the calm facade of his "Lin Mo" identity and repeatedly rehearsing in his mind all possible scenarios for his next meeting with the Anomaly Investigation Bureau.

Two days later, as Lin Mo was organizing a batch of newly arrived periodicals in the library, while painstakingly dodging a suddenly snapping bookshelf shelf, his phone rang. It was an unfamiliar number.

His heart stirred, and he walked to a secluded spot to answer.

"Is this Mr. Lin Mo?" a capable female voice came from the other end of the line. It was Su Wan. "I'm Su Wan. Regarding the bronze mirror you passed on through Professor Wang, we have some technical questions and would like to consult Mr. Ink Master again. Would Mr. Ink Master be available this afternoon?"

The fish had taken the bait!

Lin Mo suppressed the turmoil in his heart and replied in a calm tone, "Captain Su, I will inform Mr. Ink Master. The Antique Shop should be available at three in the afternoon."

"Alright, see you at three this afternoon."

After hanging up, Lin Mo leaned against the cold wall and let out a long sigh of relief. The first step was successful.

At three in the afternoon, Su Wan appeared punctually at the Antique Shop. This time, she was accompanied by a young technician in a white lab coat carrying a silver metal case.

After exchanging pleasantries, Su Wan got straight to the point, gesturing to the bronze mirror the technician had placed on the table: "Mr. Ink Master, we've tested this mirror, and it indeed shows abnormal energy reactions. Moreover... its energy fluctuations are very unstable and have caused some interference with our regular detection equipment. Your letter mentioned the need to 'nourish it with vigorous earth energy or fire-attributed objects.' Could you elaborate? We'd like to know a more specific treatment plan."

Lin Mo knew it was time for his performance. He picked up the bronze mirror, feigning profundity as he caressed its back, while secretly beginning the true "analysis."

Contact target: Water Heart Bronze Mirror. Deep analysis begins...

As the analysis deepened, a stream of informational energy, noticeably purer than during previous brief contacts, slowly flowed into the editor. Energy reserves began a difficult recovery: 0.1 units... 0.2 units... At the same time, based on the information obtained from the analysis (the core nodes of water yin energy, and its energy interaction patterns with the surrounding environment), combined with the feng shui theories he had already prepared, he spoke eloquently:

"Captain Su, please observe. This mirror originates from the bottom of the Yellow River; water is inherently yin, and it was buried atop a yin-vein, thus accumulating a rather pure water yin energy. The mirror is metal, and metal generates water, further amplifying its power. However, isolated yin cannot thrive; this energy, lacking yang to harmonize it, becomes like a rootless tree, restless and interfering with external objects."

As he spoke, he pointed his finger at several specific locations on the mirror's surface (precisely the energy nodes identified by the analysis): "The method of handling it is not forceful suppression, but rather guidance and harmonization. As for vigorous earth energy, one can find a place with ample sunlight and a stable foundation, bury it three feet deep, and slowly neutralize it with the yang energy of the earth'spulse. Regarding fire-attributed objects, one must be cautious. For instance, high-quality cinnabar or fragments of lightning-struck wood, placed within the mirror's casing, can warm it with fire energy. Absolutely avoid direct contact, lest water and fire clash, leading to a counterproductive effect..."

He explained things in an easy-to-understand manner, incorporating both metaphysical theories and seemingly the principles of energy operation, making both Su Wan and the technician nod frequently. Especially when he pointed out several energy interference sources (nodes) that even precise instruments struggled to accurately locate, the technician's expression turned to one of surprise.

Deep analysis complete! Acquired information energy: +0.8 units! Current energy reserve: 1.0 units.

Understanding of the 'Water Heart Bronze Mirror' energy structure improved. Limited energy guidance is now possible.

Analysis complete! Energy reserves finally returned to above 1 unit! Although not much, it meant he had temporarily escaped the crisis of energy depletion!

Just then, perhaps influenced by the analysis process and "Ink Master's" explanation, the bronze mirror suddenly vibrated slightly, and a subtle, soft white light flickered across its surface. The previously cold and chaotic aura noticeably calmed down!

This scene was witnessed by both Su Wan and the technician!

Both wore expressions of disbelief. The energy fluctuations that they had been unable to stabilize using various methods had actually improved with a few explanations and seemingly casual gestures from this "Ink Master"?

Su Wan's gaze towards "Ink Master" had completely changed. Previously, it was one of inquiry and caution; now, it held a genuine sense of importance and... an indescribable hint of apprehension.

"Mr. Ink Master's methods are indeed extraordinary." Su Wan took a deep breath, her tone much more solemn. "We will seriously consider your suggestions. Thank you for your help. The fee for this consultation..."

"No need." Lin Mo waved his hand, adopting the demeanor of a reclusive master. "To contribute to social peace is simply my duty. I only hope this object can be properly placed and cause no further trouble."

After seeing off the thoughtful Su Wan and the technician, Lin Mo closed the shop door, feeling almost drained. However, on the editor interface, his energy reserve showed 1.0 units, and the warning about karmic backlash, though still present, seemed a shade dimmer.

Successfully analyzed and guided anomalous energy, making a positive micro-adjustment to reality's rules. Partially offset negative karma. energy entanglement entity strength reduced by 10%.

He had successfully broken the deadlock! Not only did he acquire much-needed energy and weaken the backlash, but he also elevated the value and mystery of his "Ink Master" identity to a whole new level in front of the Anomaly Investigation Bureau!

However, just as he slightly relaxed his mind, the editor interface suddenly flashed violently without warning, emitting a series of urgent alarms!

Warning! Detecting super-high intensity energy fluctuations converging over the city!

Warning! Energy nature: Unknown! Energy level exceeds existing record limits!

Source analysis... Analysis failed! Unable to track!

Conjecture: A large-scale reality distortion phenomenon is about to occur! Please immediately take the highest level of protective measures!

Lin Mo abruptly looked up, as if he could see through the roof to the terrifying power invisibly gathering. Outside the window, the previously clear sky had, at some point, become covered in dark clouds. Faint dark red lightning rolled within the clouds, and a sense of oppressive dread that made one's soul tremble enveloped the entire city!

This was not ordinary weather change! What was this?!

He had just resolved one crisis, yet a larger, more unknown terror now hung over the entire city like the Sword of Damocles!