Chapter 34: Return to the Land of Buddha

New State International Airport—Qi Yan, Li Ruoke, and Li Lan each waited in the departure lounge, carrying two small suitcases apiece. This time, they were all heading to Bangkok together, and the reason was simple: “restocking.”

“Couldn’t you and Li Lan go by yourselves? All three of us leaving the country—who’s going to look after the shop?” Even after collecting his boarding pass and clearing customs, Qi Yan was visibly restless.

Li Ruoke glanced up from her phone with a small smile. “What’s wrong? Are you still haunted by your memories of Thailand? Haven’t you already come to terms with your amulet?”

Qi Yan did, in fact, have some lingering shadows from that place. After all, that was where everything began—where he first witnessed the existence of the supernatural. Even though he’d grown more immune to such things, he still couldn’t summon any fondness for it. Still, he put on a brave face. “I just think it’s overkill for all three of us to go just for a restock. We finally earned some money, and now we’re blowing it all on the trip.”

Although Wang Yudong and Shi Xiaoxue had “accidentally” died, and Cheng Ziyue was still recovering from serious injuries, those few had placed their orders and made payments on the spot. Whether living or dead, business was business—the deal had to be completed.

Indeed, they’d made a tidy sum, but when Li Lan returned to China last time, the batch of goods she brought back was unfortunately confiscated by the Zhao gang. Now the warehouse was bare, and Li Ruoke had to go to Thailand herself to replenish supplies.

“We’re not here to sightsee. We’re flying budget, and staying at a friend’s place in Bangkok. It’ll cost far less than your last trip. Besides, I wanted you to come along not just to get familiar with the Ajarn masters, but also to ask them to take a look at your mysterious shadow amulet. They’re the real experts—maybe they’ll find some clues.”

Li Ruoke’s intention was to bring her new partner, Qi Yan, to meet the key “suppliers” and learn more about the channels for sourcing Thai goods, so that in the future, he could handle things independently.

Qi Yan, somewhat flattered, arched an eyebrow and teased, “Old Li, hmm… Could it be you’ve taken a fancy to me? Why are you always looking out for me like this? We’re not exactly lifelong friends, you know.”

If it were any other girl, such blatant teasing would have made her blush or curse, but Lady Coco was no ordinary girl. She met his joke with a sly grin. “That’s right! I’ve got my eye on you. Tonight, you’ll be warming my bed!”

A bandit meeting a rogue—let’s see who’s more shameless.

Sure enough, Qi Yan wilted instantly, waving his hands. “Boss Li, I was just joking. Just let it go, okay? Don’t take it seriously!”

He’d finally met his match; this girl didn’t play by the rules, and even someone as thick-skinned as Qi Yan had to admit defeat…

Fortunately, Li Lan arrived just then with three cups of milk tea, easing the awkwardness. “The airplane food is terrible. Drink this and stock up on some calories before we go.”

Their flight was at two in the afternoon. As Li Ruoke had said, it was a budget airline—small and old.

After boarding, Qi Yan and Li Lan filled out their arrival cards while Li Ruoke briefed them. “We’ll be in and out in five days, all staying at my friend’s house. She’s a local tour guide—and a woman, so you two better not wander off. Remember, we’re here on business.”

Qi Yan muttered, “Who wants to wander? It’s just Thailand. I was there recently—honestly, it was nothing special, just hot enough to dry you out.”

Li Ruoke smiled. “You’re obviously the type who loves to have fun. I’m worried you’ll lead Lan astray. Stay away from the bar streets, both of you. We have a lot to do—first, we’ll visit Ajarn Shi to commission some custom fortune amulets for clients, and then…”

In Thailand, “Ajarn” is a title of respect for monks or teachers—those who craft protective amulets are considered magicians, though they need not be shaven-headed monks in saffron robes. Some look like ordinary people. So, one need not go to a temple to obtain an amulet; as long as you know a respected Ajarn, you can visit his home.

The rarity and potency of an amulet is closely tied to the Ajarn who created it.

Some high-ranking Luang Phor Ajarns craft amulets that are priceless. When acquiring such amulets, the accompanying certificate will clearly state the maker’s name—the Ajarn himself.

It’s not very thorough to choose an amulet based solely on its image, as Dong Ye and Xu Dan did last time. Each image corresponds to a different effect, true, but it’s also crucial to consider which master made it.

Simply put, would an amulet crafted by a revered monk have the same effect and value as one made by an ordinary teacher, even if they share the same image?

Qi Yan himself had fallen into this trap early on. Why did two Somdej amulets, obtained from the same place, differ so greatly in price? The answer was the status of their respective creators—a key factor in determining the amulet’s value.

Some amulets are like a painter’s masterpiece—the Ajarn who made them has already passed away, so no more can ever be produced. Such amulets are effectively limited editions, and their price reflects that.

So, rather than obsessing over whether an amulet is real or fake, it’s better to focus on whether the Ajarn is a true master or a charlatan.

As for the “fortune tubes” Li Ruoke mentioned, these are another form of protective amulet: finger-sized metal cylinders filled with sacred powders, incantations, and symbols drawn with special magical ink, then sealed tightly and hung on a chain to be worn close to the body.

Their purpose is much the same—good luck, prosperity, warding off evil, and so on.

A custom-made fortune tube can even include the bearer’s birth date and time, making it more personally effective.

Some amulets also have smaller tubes embedded within them, complementing one another for even greater effect.

But no matter which kind of amulet you wear—whether for wealth, luck, or romance—it’s not as simple as putting it on and waiting for a miracle. That’s not how it works. The bearer must maintain good intentions and do good deeds—with a kind heart towards work, family, and others. The amulet is merely a helping hand, giving you a subtle push when you’re on your way up.

Yet, Qi Yan once asked Li Ruoke why, during their encounters with ghosts, her amulets didn’t seem to display any obvious miracles.

Li Ruoke replied, “Nonsense! If every amulet were as powerful as yours, wouldn’t the world be in chaos? And who says they didn’t work? At the very least, we three came through all those dangers safe and sound, didn’t we? A true protective amulet is meant to bless you quietly, behind the scenes. Did you expect the Buddha himself to appear and strike the ghost down with his palm?”

Qi Yan was left speechless.

Such is the difference between those with faith and those without.