Die, Replay, Repeat

'Emperor?'

'The Emperor Bell?'

Fang Xiu was momentarily taken aback by the name. He wasn't particularly knowledgeable about history, and the term didn't seem familiar.

But that didn't matter to him. It was enough that someone else knew.

He immediately called for the expert he had consulted earlier.

Professor Zhang, his gray hair giving him an air of wisdom, carefully cradled the bronze bell in his hands and marveled at it.

"Is this really the same bronze bell from yesterday?" he asked, his voice filled with wonder. "The power of this Spiritual Gadget is extraordinary. It was so worn and faded before, barely recognizable as a Han Dynasty artifact. I never expected it to recover like this. It looks brand new."

Fang Xiu nodded, but his mind was already racing. "This item is called the Emperor Bell. Professor Zhang, do you know anything about its origin?"

Professor Zhang studied the bell closely, examining its intricate details. "From its appearance, it certainly resembles the Emperor Bell. But this one is missing the handle, and it lacks a clapper inside. It's possible the handle and clapper were lost or destroyed over time."

'A broken item?' Fang Xiu's mind whirred. 'If this incomplete Emperor Bell can manipulate time in its area, what kind of power will the complete Emperor Bell possess?'

"What exactly is the Emperor Bell?" he asked, curiosity edging his tone.

Professor Zhang took a deep breath, ready to explain in detail. "The Emperor Bell is an important Taoist artifact, used in rituals and ceremonies. It's also known as the Three Purity Bells, the Dharma Bell, or the Bell of Spells. It serves both as a ritual tool and a musical instrument, engraved with charms, divine images, and scriptures.

"Typically, the Emperor Bell stands about 20 cm high and has a diameter of 9 cm. It's made of brass, with a handle, and inside it has a clapper—much like a small bell.

"The bottom is flat, not lotus-shaped, and the bell is held in hand, often with a short handle about an inch long for gripping.

"The top of the bell is shaped like a mountain, symbolizing the Three Pure Ones: the Jade Pure Original Heavenly Sovereign, the Supreme Pure Spiritual Treasure Heavenly Sovereign, and the Great Pure Taoist Virtue Heavenly Sovereign.

"According to Volume 5 of the Taiping Jade Codex, Taoists use the Emperor Bell in rituals where they summon fire that can travel thousands of miles, and the bell rings with the force of eight divine strikes…"

Fang Xiu wasn't interested in hearing more of the history. "Alright, that's enough," he interrupted, cutting him off mid-sentence.

Professor Zhang opened his mouth, likely ready to explain more, but Fang Xiu had already lost interest.

A crucial ritual tool? Used in ceremonies? That didn't quite fit. The name Emperor Bell felt far too formal, far too rigid to Fang Xiu. It didn't match the bell's true potential in his mind.

An idea clipped in Fang Xiu's mind, 'the Specter Bell—now that had a better ring to it.'

A faint thought began to form in Fang Xiu's mind. He needed to test something.

"Professor Zhang," he said, his voice steady, "you seem to know a lot about antiques. Do you have any collections?"

Professor Zhang smiled slightly, flattered by the question. "You have an interest in antiques as well? I do have some rare items at home."

"Let's go to your place."

Professor Zhang blinked in surprise. "Now?"

"Yes, now," Fang Xiu said, his tone urgent.

He didn't expect Fang Xiu to be so interested in antiques—especially with such immediacy.

"Well then, I'll get the car ready."

Fang Xiu shook his head. "No need. Where do you live? Just point me in the direction."

Professor Zhang was confused but complied. He pointed to the direction of his home and gave Fang Xiu the name of his neighborhood.

Fang Xiu immediately took out his phone. "Get Liu Shuai here."

...

A short time later, guided by Liu Shuai, Fang Xiu arrived at Professor Zhang's home.

Despite Professor Zhang's scholarly, unassuming appearance, his home was surprisingly luxurious.

The villa, spanning nearly 400 square meters, had an entire floor dedicated solely to housing antiques and curios.

As Fang Xiu stepped inside, the mood felt strange, as though he had walked into a Specter lair.

A 100-square-meter room was crammed with dozens of Specters.

Professor Zhang, blissfully unaware of their presence, proudly led Fang Xiu through his collection.

"This one's from the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 AD), from the official kiln…" he began, showing off the pieces, oblivious to the eerie energy that filled the room.

Fang Xiu didn't bother to listen to Professor Zhang's lengthy explanation. Instead, he focused on the Specters, observing their reactions to the antiques in the room.

Casually, he picked up a porcelain vase, and as expected, several Specters were immediately drawn to it. 

He set the vase down and moved on to another antique, testing each one in turn.

After several attempts, he concluded that not every item in the room could attract the attention of a Specter. 

"Professor Zhang," Fang Xiu said, his tone calm but probing, "Are all these antiques authentic?" 

Professor Zhang puffed up his cheeks, immediately defensive. "Sir, you can trust my eye for quality. I may have a few fakes in this room, but these items are genuine!" 

'Are they really all authentic?' Fang Xiu's gaze shifted back to the Specters, deep in thought. He began to consider a new possibility—it wasn't the antiques themselves that attracted the Specters, but rather certain special ones. 

"Tell me about the origins of the antiques that caught the attention of the Specters," Fang Xiu asked, eager to dig deeper. 

Half an hour later, after hearing Professor Zhang's stories about the various items, Fang Xiu started to piece the puzzle together. 

The antiques that seemed to attract Specters were those with deep historical significance, symbolic meaning, or religious reverence—objects that had been cherished, worshipped, and passed down through generations. 

It clicked in his mind—just like the Specter Bell. 

As an important Taoist artifact, the Specter Bell carried immense symbolic weight. It was more than just an object; it was a vessel of history and spiritual energy. 

Fang Xiu's thoughts continued to evolve. It wasn't just humans who could become psychic—objects could, too. These objects, infused with Spiritual Energy, became what were known as Spiritual Gadgets. 

Spiritual Energy was the power of the mind, but there was no rule that this energy could only reside in living beings.

Over the centuries, objects with great symbolic significance often absorbed spiritual essence. When these objects interacted with Specters, a chemical reaction occurred, transforming the object into a Spiritual Gadget. 

In many ways, Spiritual Gadgets were similar to psychics, and Specter Tools were akin to Specters. 

The reason why Spiritual Gadgets were generally stronger than Specter Tools? It was likely because Spiritual Gadgets originated from antiques—items that had accumulated centuries of spiritual energy from countless people. When this energy reached its tipping point, it exploded into immense power. 

However, the strength of a Spiritual Gadget versus a Specter Tool wasn't absolute. It was like comparing gemstones to luxury cars. A Mercedes might not always be more expensive than a gem, but a million-dollar Mercedes existed, just as a gem worth hundreds of thousands could be found. 

Fang Xiu felt the weight of this realization. This discovery could change everything. 

It meant that, with the right approach, it was entirely possible for every member of the headquarters to one day possess a Spiritual Gadget. 

And as the Chief Commander, Fang Xiu himself could acquire a Spiritual Gadget on the same level as the legendary Xuanyuan Sword. 

After all, this was Huaxia—the country with an old and continuous civilization, and a marveling cultural heritage. The historical treasures buried within this ancient land were beyond measure. 

With so many powerful artifacts waiting to be uncovered, it was clear that obtaining a few wouldn't be that difficult. 

"Professor Zhang," Fang Xiu said, his voice taking on an air of finality, "The time has come for the headquarters to make use of your collection. These antiques are all Spiritual Gadgets, and I need to take them with me." n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

Professor Zhang froze, his eyes wide with disbelief. "What do you mean?" 

Fang Xiu's expression remained unchanged. "Don't worry. The headquarters will buy them at a price well above market value. Liu Shuai, get to work. Pack up all the items I've pointed out and take them away." 

"Understood, Xiu," Liu Shuai replied immediately, ready to follow orders. 

"Wait, wait! It's not about the money! These are my treasures!" Professor Zhang protested, his voice shaking. 

Fang Xiu didn't waver. "The headquarters will not forget your contribution. Now, pack them up and take them away." 

In the end, Fang Xiu and Liu Shuai left, carrying large bags filled with antiques. Behind them, Professor Zhang stood alone in his now empty room, staring at the bare walls, his hands trembling as tears welled up in his eyes.

Translator's note: With that ability, Fang Xiu should quit the job and become a connoisseur of antiques.