PCJ – Chapter 507 Supernatural Exploration

“Zhang Jiaohua, thank you for the Six-Word Mantra,” Xu Xiaoting said.

“You’re welcome. Actually, I just read about it in a book and didn’t expect it to work so well,” Zhang Jiaohua waved his hand modestly.

“People say you know martial arts. Is that true?” Xu Xiaoting asked.

“Just a little,” Zhang Jiaohua nodded.

“You really do?” Xu Xiaoting said in surprise.

The two of them chatted casually as they walked and soon arrived at the classroom.

To their surprise, their classmates were also discussing the Six-Word Mantra.

Zheng Wendong said, “The Six-Word Mantra really works. After military training ended, I started practicing standing in military posture every day. I feel stronger the more I stand.”

Zheng Wendong’s deskmate Wang Shibin laughed, “This year is the most amusing one yet. Everyone’s so obsessed with standing in military posture that it’s like a craze.”

“True, true. Now everyone just starts practicing military posture at any moment,” Zheng Wendong said with a laugh.

This had become a peculiar phenomenon at their school. Many students discovered that the Six-Word Mantra not only made it easier to stand in military posture but also noticeably improved physical fitness. At first, they thought it was just a fun gimmick after military training, but as time went on, they found that practicing the stance felt increasingly pleasant and even stylish. Eventually, standing in military posture became a trend among the first-year students.

Xu Xiaoting nudged Zhang Jiaohua lightly. “Look, everyone’s been influenced by you.”

Zhang Jiaohua blushed slightly. Xu Xiaoting stood so close that a faint fragrance from her reached him. Rarely being so close to a girl, Zhang Jiaohua suddenly felt a bit nervous.

Xu Xiaoting stole a glance at Zhang Jiaohua, her face showing a faint, playful smile.

“Zhang Jiaohua, do you have any secrets better than the Six-Word Mantra?” Zheng Wendong walked over and hooked an arm around Zhang Jiaohua’s shoulder.

“Yes,” Zhang Jiaohua nodded.

“Then can you share it with us? Or do we have to become your disciples?” Zheng Wendong asked eagerly.

Zhang Jiaohua shook his head. “No need to become disciples, but it does require enduring some pain.”

“That’s no problem. I can handle it,” Zheng Wendong said confidently.

“Well, to practice the ‘Sunflower Manual,’ one must first…” Zhang Jiaohua paused, his tone suddenly serious, “become a eunuch!”

The moment he finished speaking, the entire class burst into laughter. At the time, the TV drama The Smiling, Proud Wanderer was wildly popular, and everyone was familiar with the infamous Sunflower Manual.

“Come on, Zhang Jiaohua, don’t mess with me. I’m an honest person,” Zheng Wendong said, feigning a pitiful expression.

“If you don’t like this method, there’s nothing I can do,” Zhang Jiaohua said, shrugging.

Scratching his head, Zheng Wendong said, dejectedly, “I’ll just stick to the Six-Word Mantra then.”

“The Six-Word Mantra may not be some profound technique, but it is quite beneficial. With consistent practice, it can even prolong life,” Zhang Jiaohua said.

After starting high school, life became more colorful compared to middle school. Many students, especially high achievers, enthusiastically joined various clubs and societies. However, Zhang Jiaohua didn’t join a single one, despite being a top scorer in every subject. Each club hoped to recruit him due to his academic reputation.

Xu Xiaoting, a member of the literature club and now the club leader due to her published articles, was determined to recruit Zhang Jiaohua.

“Zhang Jiaohua, we were middle school classmates. You have to help me out,” Xu Xiaoting pleaded with hopeful eyes.

“Depends on what it is,” Zhang Jiaohua replied cautiously.

“You have to promise first.” Xu Xiaoting knew Zhang Jiaohua would decline if she stated her goal upfront.

“No way. If it’s about joining the literature club, I’m not interested,” Zhang Jiaohua said quickly.

“Don’t be like that! Joining the literature club won’t take much of your time. You can skip events you don’t want to attend,” Xu Xiaoting tried to persuade him.

Unmoved, Zhang Jiaohua refused, wanting to avoid getting entangled in trivial matters.

Not long after, other classmates tried to recruit him for their respective clubs.

Among the recruiters was Han Qiulong from the Paranormal Exploration Club. He enthusiastically explained their upcoming activity—investigating a haunted house notorious for its eerie history and tragic deaths.

Zhang Jiaohua, however, expressed his concerns, pointing out the potential dangers of the site. Despite his warnings, Han Qiulong and the club members remained undeterred, convinced it was a mere urban legend.

Later, Zhang Jiaohua decided to visit the haunted house himself. The police barricades had been removed, and the site was accessible. Though the passage to the underground tunnels was sealed, the lingering chill and unsettling atmosphere convinced him that the place was far from ordinary.

Despite his efforts to dissuade his classmates, the Paranormal Exploration Club decided to proceed with their plan. Zhang Jiaohua, unwilling to join them but deeply concerned, notified a local police contact about the potential risks.