The Zhang family of three had been so engrossed in live-streaming rewards and leaderboard rankings that they only remembered their pressing matters once they returned home.
Zhang Chengyan immediately called Du Jiaming and Yang Su, hoping to persuade them to turn back from their misguided path, but neither answered their phones.
He had already explained the situation to his parents and now said anxiously, "Dad, Mom, Du Jiaming and Yang Su have been bewitched just like I was. Today, Qin Ruo suddenly attacked me—I almost died. Now their phones are unreachable. What should we do?"
After falling under the Peach Blossom Seal, he had turned against his best friends and even fought them publicly. Now that he had regained his senses, he couldn’t just stand by and watch them die at Qin Ruo’s hands.
Father Zhang’s expression darkened. "I’ll call the Du and Yang families."
That enchantress had simultaneously ensnared the children of three families—he couldn’t help but suspect her motives.
This was no longer just about their own family’s interests.
When the Du and Yang families received his inquiries, they realized their sons were indeed missing—not at home, not at their usual hangouts, and their phones were all turned off. They immediately sent people to search.
Father Du couldn’t hold back his question: "Chairman Zhang, what exactly happened to your son? Why are you asking about Jiaming?"
"Director Du, let’s find your son first," Father Zhang sighed. "If there’s any problem you can’t solve, you can come to me."
The Yang family received the same response.
Originally, they had been observing the Zhang family’s situation, but now, while the Zhangs’ son had returned safely, their own son was nowhere to be found.
After making the calls, Father Zhang turned and saw his son staring intently at him.
"What is it?"
"Dad, didn’t you want that plot of land in the northern suburbs?"
"Yes."
"Don’t pursue it."
"Why?"
Zhang Chengyan shook his phone, displaying a novel’s webpage. "You donated so many rewards to the Master’s story, but you haven’t read it yet, have you? Read it from start to finish—you’ll understand."
Father Zhang, exhausted from the day’s harrowing events, felt his head pounding, but he complied and began reading. Mother Zhang, hearing this, picked up her phone and joined him.
The chapters were short, and they finished quickly, both wearing dazed expressions afterward.
Mother Zhang murmured, "This story sounds so familiar."
Father Zhang had an epiphany. "So Chairman Su recommended the Master to me because she helped him find his son?"
"But wait—shouldn’t the Master be an elderly sage with a long beard and an immortal aura? How… how is she just a young girl?" Mother Zhang suddenly snapped back to reality and looked at her son. "Did you meet the Master?"
"I did." Seeing his parents’ shock, Zhang Chengyan felt a twisted sense of satisfaction.
When he learned that Qi Quan was the Master who had saved him, his reaction had been even more exaggerated—after all, his life had been on the line.
"So the Master is really…"
Zhang Chengyan nodded. "She’s the true heiress who recently returned to the Qi family. Uncle Su’s story is probably true, and so is the grandmother of that maid. I looked into it—the Master posted the new chapter before the maid even learned of her grandmother’s death."
Mother Zhang gasped.
Father Zhang added, "So the Su and Qi families withdrew from the northern suburbs competition because of the Master’s novel?"
"Exactly." Zhang Chengyan spoke gravely. "Before, you could dismiss it, but now—better safe than sorry."
As far as he was concerned, Qi Quan had his complete devotion.
Mother Zhang chimed in, "Let’s listen to the Master. She did save Yan’s life, after all."
"Fine. I won’t pursue the land either."
Meanwhile, in the "Food Crime Syndicate" group chat:
[Qian Kun: Holy crap! It’s a miracle! Zhang Chengyan is alive again!]
[Sun Yu: I have ten thousand curses I don’t even know how to articulate.]
[Peng Peng: I live next door to him—I knew before any of you. You have no idea how I felt seeing Zhang Chengyan alive and kicking.]
[Qian Kun: Didn’t the doctors issue a critical condition notice?]
[Sun Yu: I just want to know which divine healer pulled this off.]
[Peng Peng: My family’s driver said they went to a Master to save him.]
...
[Qian Kun: How does your driver know?]
[Peng Peng: Our drivers are close. Something this supernatural deserves to be shared.]
[Qian Kun: Which Master? Maybe my mom knows her.]
[Sun Yu: You mean the ‘Ghost-Fearing Taoist Priest’ Auntie Ma introduced? LOL.]
[Peng Peng: No idea, but apparently Father Zhang was directed to her by Chairman Su—somewhere in the lakeside villas in the southern suburbs.]
[Qian Kun: @Su Nuanuan, my dear Miss Su, are you really still not unblocking me? I admit I was wrong for doubting your family’s stance on Qi Quan and slandering Uncle Su’s character!]
[Sun Yu: Miss Nuanuan, was it really your dad who pointed the Zhangs to the Master?]
Su Nuanuan watched the group chat flood with messages, knowing they were itching for answers, but she played coy: [If you want to know, ask the Zhangs yourself.]
With that, she muted the chat and went to sleep.
The midnight moon was veiled by clouds.
In a downtown apartment, Qin Ruo had regained her youthful beauty. She addressed the two men with dull, lifeless eyes: "You may leave now."
Du Jiaming and Yang Su obeyed without question.
Huang Qifeng, who had been hiding in the bathroom, emerged cautiously. "Are these two pawns also useless now?"
"What are you implying?" Qin Ruo sat before a mirror, admiring her eternally flawless face.
Huang Qifeng hesitated. "What about the Master in the future…"
"Those three were just mediocre specimens. The truly high-quality ones are still out there."
"You mean Song Lin?"
"One isn’t enough." Qin Ruo’s eyes darkened with malice. "I can’t show myself right now. Go investigate—find out which expert the Zhangs hired."
"What if the Zhangs refuse to talk?"
Qin Ruo shot him a cold glare. "Didn’t we just acquire two new test subjects? Can’t you follow them?"
"Yes!"
Huang Qifeng left respectfully. Once alone, Qin Ruo dropped her composed demeanor and nervously dialed a number.
"It’s late. What is it?" A deep, authoritative voice answered.
Qin Ruo clenched her teeth. "The Qi family is giving up on that land."
"Why?"
"I’m not sure yet. Maybe the competition was too fierce."
The man fell silent before replying, his tone unreadable: "What about Qi Quan?"
"Huh?" Qin Ruo was taken aback. "You mean the Qi family’s true heiress?"
"Yes." The man chuckled. "You’ve been hunting in Longjiang City for so long—haven’t you noticed?"
"Noticed what?"
"Those three prey of yours combined aren’t worth half of her."
Qin Ruo’s heart lurched. "But she’s just…"
A mediocre country girl—how could she possibly possess such overwhelming fortune?
"She will be your greatest obstacle." His voice lowered, laced with temptation. "Those men are your weapons. Use them wisely."
"And the Qi family…?"
"Without her, they’re nothing to fear."
"I understand."
"I’ll be visiting Longjiang City in a few days."
"Understood."
Qin Ruo didn’t dare admit she had already lost three pawns. Clinging to hope, she resolved to hunt for higher-quality targets.
Like Qi Yuan.
Like Song Lin.
Qi Yuan had already been targeted. Compared to the other three, Qi Yuan's aura was stronger—devouring him would undoubtedly be far more satisfying.
Moreover, if she could use her own younger brother’s hands to eliminate Qi Quan, her greatest obstacle, wouldn’t that be even more perfect?
Thinking this, she still felt uneasy and retrieved a bracelet—one enhanced with a spell formation, far more advanced than Huang Qifeng’s.
Before, she had disliked the bracelet’s unattractive appearance and assumed there were no profound practitioners of the mystic arts in Longjiang City, so she hadn’t worn it.
Who would have thought that a moment of negligence would lead to the backlash of the Peach Blossom Seal, causing her to lose three pawns in an instant?
The bracelet bore a talisman array personally inscribed by that person, capable of blocking one...
...lethal attack. As long as the opponent’s cultivation wasn’t deeper than that person’s, they couldn’t harm her—instead, they would suffer the backlash.
Qin Ruo refused to believe that the practitioner who had saved Zhang Chengyan could possibly match that person’s level of cultivation.
The Du and Yang families had sent countless people to search for their missing children, but by dawn, the two boys had returned home on their own and collapsed into bed.
Seeing no obvious abnormalities on the surface, their families relaxed and went to rest.
The next morning, sharp, terrified screams erupted from both households.
Horrifying wrinkles now marred the faces of Du Jiaming and Yang Su. Medical examinations revealed that, while their conditions weren’t as severe as Zhang Chengyan’s, their bodily functions were indeed slowly deteriorating.
After receiving three patients with eerily similar symptoms in just two days, the hospital doctors began to suspect something was amiss.
But their deeply ingrained materialistic worldview kept them from considering supernatural causes. Their advice remained the same: transfer to a better-equipped hospital.
Without consulting each other, the Du and Yang families both arranged transfers to the capital’s top hospital.
Meanwhile, the Zhang family arrived at the lakeside villa bearing gifts.
Inside the villa, Su Rong served a lavish breakfast and sat down to eat with Qi Quan, while Wang Hua drifted nearby, his expression full of envy.
As he ate, Su Rong discreetly observed Qi Quan, mentally noting which dishes she favored and which she barely touched, determined to refine his cooking further next time.
Having been a ghost for over a decade, Su Rong had rarely left Chibe Village to search for his father. Most of his time had been spent among the graves by the river, where he befriended many elderly spirits.
One ghostly grandfather, whose ancestors had once served as imperial chefs, often boasted about his culinary skills. Su Rong, having listened countless times, had memorized many recipes.
A quick learner, he had mastered the art of cooking after just a few attempts in the villa.
Qi Quan ate with relish, thoroughly satisfied with the first ghost servant she had taken under her wing in this world.
After the meal, she called Su Rong over.
“From now on, I’ll often send you out on errands. Though you’re under my protection, there’s no guarantee some fool—human or ghost—won’t try to bully you.”
She pulled out several sheets of paper covered in writing and, in front of both ghosts, burned them with spiritual fire.
The ashes drifted into Su Rong’s hands.
“This is a cultivation technique for spirits. Study it on your own for now, and ask me if you have any questions.”
Su Rong’s face lit up with joy. “Thank you, Master!”
Who wouldn’t want to grow stronger?
Wang Hua: “...”
Was it too late to change his mind?
Soon after, the Zhang family arrived to express their gratitude.
Once again, Su Rong greeted them.
Last night, in their panic, they hadn’t looked closely at him, but now, Mother Zhang found Su Rong strangely familiar—though she wisely kept the thought to herself.
Father Zhang bowed respectfully. “Is the Master available? We’d like to thank her in person.”
“Follow me.” This time, Su Rong didn’t refuse.
The three were led to the backyard.
A small pond lay at the center, adorned with a pavilion surrounded by lush lotus leaves and blooming flowers.
Zhang Chengyan looked up.
Inside the pavilion sat a woman in a pale blue dress, her hair loosely pinned with a wooden hairpin, a few strands dancing in the breeze. She wore no other adornments, yet her presence was breathtaking—ethereal and effortlessly elegant.
Remembering the cruel remarks he and Du Jiaming had once made about her supposed “ugliness,” Zhang Chengyan burned with shame.
Her features hadn’t changed since her return to the Qi family, but back then, her sun-darkened skin and thin frame had obscured her beauty. Now, nourished and radiant, her allure was undeniable.
Father and Mother Zhang were equally awed.
Had their son not fallen victim to such a bizarre ordeal, they would never have known the Qi family’s daughter possessed such extraordinary abilities.
Bowing deeply, Father Zhang extended several documents and a card. “We owe you our son’s life. These are but small tokens of our gratitude.”
Qi Quan lazily scattered fish food into the pond. “No need for formalities.”
...and motioned for Su Rong to accept the gifts.
A property deed, a luxury car, and a card holding fifty million.
Predictable offerings, no different from her past life.
By the time of her death in that life, she’d lost count of her properties, cars, and bank balances—all rendered meaningless.
Perhaps this time, she could actually enjoy them.
Seeing her acceptance, Father Zhang relaxed slightly and ventured, “Master, regarding the woman Qin Ruo, who caused my son’s suffering... what should we do?”
“No need to worry. I have my own plans.”
Mother Zhang exhaled in relief, her reverence deepening. Hesitantly, she asked, “Master, if our son encounters someone like Qin Ruo again... could you grant him a protective talisman? Money is no object.”
Qi Quan fell silent.
It had been years since she’d last drawn a protection talisman, and she currently lacked suitable paper and cinnabar.
The Zhangs, mistaking her silence for disapproval, grew anxious.
“Forgive our thoughtlessness,” Father Zhang quickly interjected, pulling his wife back. “We won’t disturb you further.”
Qi Quan spoke softly, “I don’t have talisman paper or cinnabar on hand. Once I acquire some...”
“Master, tell us what quality you require, and we’ll have them delivered!” Father Zhang seized the opportunity to curry favor.
Qi Quan hesitated, then glanced at the eager man. “Anything will do.”
If the Master said “anything,” of course they’d procure the finest!
Father Zhang immediately prepared to arrange the purchase.
“Wait.” Qi Quan stopped them with a gentle warning. “Your son’s vitality has been drained, and his lifespan shortened. He should perform more good deeds, accumulate merit, and... exercise restraint in matters of the bedchamber.”
Zhang Chengyan: “...”
Father Zhang glared. “You hear that?!”
Hadn’t his son nearly died because of his lust? Why else would Qin Ruo target him and his friends, while men like Qi Lin and Song Lin remained untouched?
Blushing furiously, Zhang Chengyan muttered, “Understood.”
Even without the Master’s warning, he wouldn’t dare touch another woman recklessly.
After they left, Qi Quan remained in the pavilion, feeding the fish.
The system asked, [Great One, didn’t you draw talismans at the Su residence without paper or cinnabar?]
Qi Quan savored the tranquility. [Drawing talismans in midair consumes far more spiritual power.]
The system: So Zhang Chengyan only rates paper talismans, huh.
Before long, Su Rong approached with a phone.
“Master, you have a call.”
Qi Quan leaned back in her chair, eyes closed as she rested. "Who is it?"
"Unknown."
Qi Quan didn’t even twitch an eyebrow. "Ignore it."
"Yes."
Just as Su Rong turned away, the phone rang again—still displaying the same unknown number.
"Answer it."
The call connected. It was Qi Yuan.
"Qi Quan, I need to talk to you. Meet me outside."
Su Rong: "..."
Who would’ve thought her own brother’s number would show up as unknown?
Qi Quan traced the lines on her fingertips, her voice calm and certain. "It’s Song Lin looking for me."
"How did you know?!" Qi Yuan blurted out in surprise, glancing at the man seated across from him on the sofa.
Song Lin reached for the phone, his voice low and steady. "Qi Quan, I’d like to discuss the content of your novel with you."
"Go ahead."
"Let’s talk in person." Song Lin preferred face-to-face negotiations.
Qi Quan: "No time."
She hung up without hesitation.
Su Rong took the phone back, his expression gentle as he asked, "What would you like for lunch?"
"Anything." Qi Quan wasn’t picky—she enjoyed all good food.
Su Rong smiled and left.
Inside the coffee shop’s private room, Qi Yuan and Song Lin stared at each other in silence.
"Lin-ge, should we call again?"
Song Lin shook his head. "I’ll go to her place myself."
"But… she’s already moved out." Qi Yuan had only found out about it last night when he returned home.
Good riddance—less trouble for him.
Just as Song Lin was about to press further, his phone rang again—this time from a subordinate. "President Song, the Su, Qi, and Zhang families have all withdrawn from the bidding. The Du and Yang families probably won’t push forward either. The land in the northern suburbs is as good as ours!"
His brow relaxed. "Good. I’ll head to the company now."
Securing the northern suburban land was crucial. Everything else could wait.
