Only I Cultivate

Feng Fan blinked, his face twisting slightly in discomfort. 

"His consciousness seems to be returning. It's fine for now, but a more thorough examination should be done later," said a man in a white coat, putting the flashlight he had used on Feng Fan's eye into a first aid kit.

"Thank you, Doctor Zhu," said a burly man standing nearby.

The man was middle-aged, with a big belly, and wore a neat grey suit—clearly someone used to office work, not field tasks.

Doctor Zhu nodded. "It's a shame Gao Shan died. He was a very promising Hunter. I hope this new one is at least as capable as he was."

The middle-aged man smiled faintly, well aware of Doctor Zhu's fondness for Gao Shan. He simply nodded as Doctor Zhu left.

"Who are you?" Feng Fan asked. After leaving the strange place within his body, he found himself next to an ambulance.

The middle-aged man put on the most friendly smile he could muster before answering. He was used to dealing with all kinds of people, especially Hunters, who were known for their eccentricities.

"Nice to meet you, Feng Fan. I'm Mao Jiang, the director of the Green Vine city branch of SIF," the man said, extending his hand for a handshake.

Feng Fan glanced at the man's hand but didn't take it. "Can I leave now? I have important things to do."

The man's smile faded a little, but he quickly regained his composure and pulled his hand back.

"We need to ask you some questions first. You'll also need to come to SIF's headquarters tomorrow for some exams. I hope you'll cooperate."

Feng Fan clicked his tongue in annoyance. "Why? Am I under investigation? A crazy ghost just attacked, and you government people were useless, as usual. I know my rights, I want a lawyer!"

Mao Jiang's face twitched. "Sir Feng, I think we got off on the wrong foot. You're not under investigation; you're actually a hero. Thanks to you, many lives were saved."

He continued as calmly as he could. "But you were exposed to the ghost's spiritual energy. Everyone inside the ghost zone was affected to some degree. And you're especially unique because you managed to awaken your abilities and kill a Baleful Ghost, which is something no newly awakened Hunter should be able to do, even if the ghost was already injured."

Feng Fan nodded. It wasn't really him who dealt with Ma Chen, but the straw hat on his head, though he didn't feel the need to explain that.

"For a Hunter to awaken, they must be exposed to a ghost's spiritual energy. This not only triggers special abilities related to their soul and personality but also brings curses and distorts their soul. The stronger the Hunter, the greater the contamination they face. It's not uncommon for Hunters to lose control and team up with ghosts."

"That's why we need to examine anyone who's been contaminated, especially those who have awakened because that means they've absorbed more of the ghost's energy. Do you understand?"

Feng Fan nodded calmly. "I saw Luo Li eating a ghost. Is that how Hunters absorb them and grow stronger?"

"There are many ways for a Hunter to grow stronger, but they all involve absorbing a ghost's spiritual energy. The more they absorb, the stronger their abilities become, with the possibility of awakening more than one ability. But this also comes with dangers. As I mentioned, the curses and the soul distortion will get stronger too."

Feng Fan didn't care much about Hunters' abilities or curses. After the cultivation technique from the Ghost Sealing Sect was imprinted on his mind and body, he knew he was destined to follow a different path.

But to avoid raising any suspicions, he decided to cooperate. "What kind of examinations do I need to take?"

Mao Jiang's smile widened at his response. "I'm glad you're willing to cooperate, Sir Feng. For now, a police officer will take you home. Since you can talk and reason with me, there should be no immediate danger."

He then took a card from his pocket and handed it to Feng Fan. "Come to this address tomorrow at 10 a.m."

Feng Fan looked at the card, which read 'Supernatural Investigation Force,' along with a phone number and address: Chusan Street, 3452.

"I must also remind you that anything related to ghosts is classified. Revealing it to the general public is considered treason," Mao Jiang said seriously.

Feng Fan nodded casually, not taking his words too seriously. "Sure, can I go home now?"

"Of course, I'll call a police officer to take you home," Mao Jiang said, signaling a young woman a few meters away. She came to their side.

"Director Mao, how can I help?" the policewoman asked, her voice sweet.

"Officer Xie, please take this gentleman to his home."

Officer Xie nodded and turned to Feng Fan. "My car is just a few meters away. Let's go," she said, walking toward her car and expecting Feng Fan to follow.

Just as Feng Fan was about to take the first step, he suddenly remembered something. "Ah, Director Mao, what happened to Luo Li?"

Mao Jiang was surprised. He hadn't expected Feng Fan to ask about Luo Li, especially since he had seen her cursed mark. Most people would feel disgusted or uneasy after seeing her face.

"She's fine and was sent to the hospital. Luckily, she got treated in time, and her condition isn't critical. Hunters are a tough bunch, haha!"

Feng Fan thought for a moment before continuing. "Can I… see her?"

Mao Jiang was even more surprised by the request. He couldn't understand why the boy would want to see her despite the curse. He couldn't know that Feng Fan wasn't affected by it at all.

"I'll visit her tomorrow at the hospital. Why don't I take you? Then we can go to the SIF together. How does that sound?"

Feng Fan nodded and followed Officer Xie.