Qi Quan paid no mind to the online commotion, simply lying down on her bed and drifting into sleep.
Others, however, were deeply troubled by that particular Weibo comment.
Many people were replying under the post, pleading with Master Bai Shui to perform a divination for that person. Seeing that Master Bai Shui had not responded, trolls seized the opportunity to muddy the waters, posting malicious remarks.
["A self-proclaimed 'Master'—how could they possibly have any real skill?"]
["Hah, wrote a poorly crafted supernatural story and really thinks she's a grandmaster now?"]
["Have you all forgotten? She's just a young, ordinary writer. Do you actually believe this?"]
["I just don't get it. These days, beauties don't rely on their looks to gain fans; they have to create personas. This one is even more exaggerated, crafting a 'Taoist master' persona."]
Chen Feilu saw these comments and clenched his fists in anger. He was about to log into a burner account to argue with them when he paused, his eyes caught by the avatar of the user "Please, kind people, help me."
Something seemed off.
He enlarged the photo on the avatar. Based on his studies in metaphysics, he scrutinized it carefully, and the more he looked, the more convinced he became that something was wrong.
Worried his skills might not be proficient enough, he hurried to knock on Ning Zhi's door.
"Ning-ge, have you seen Weibo?"
Ning Zhi: ?
Chen Feilu facepalmed. Right, Ning-ge doesn't really use Weibo much.
He quickly showed Ning Zhi the photo of the young girl. "Can you take a look at her facial features? Is there a problem?"
Ning Zhi glanced at it.
"Lost both parents at age eight. Thin kinship ties. A life of many hardships. No children in her fate. Her later years will be relatively stable."
"Exactly!" Chen Feilu said excitedly. "That's what I saw too."
"So what's the issue?"
Chen Feilu switched to the interface showing the blogger's comment. "Look, he says it's his 'daughter.' Isn't that a huge problem?"
Ning Zhi's brow furrowed slightly. "He's asking... Senior?"
"Right. Now, lots of people under the post are speaking up for him, hoping Master will do a divination for him. But it's obvious this person has issues. If Master replies, it might cause harm to that girl. If she doesn't reply, netizens will just curse her for having no real ability."
The more Chen Feilu analyzed, the angrier he got. "It's so frustrating!"
"Can't we just point it out directly?" Ning Zhi asked.
Chen Feilu was stunned for a moment, then laughed wryly. "Don't be fooled by how many netizens are now hoping Master will do the divination. In reality, no one would believe it. Even if Master points out this person isn't the girl's parent, as long as this person plays the victim and spins a story, and we can't provide scientific evidence, netizens will just say Master couldn't figure it out and is making excuses."
Ning Zhi: "..."
So, this problem has no solution?
Chen Feilu said worriedly, "Master doesn't check Weibo much; she might not even know about this yet. No, I must go to the Lakeside Villa tomorrow and ask her."
Early the next morning, Qi Quan leisurely finished her breakfast.
Su Rong said, "Master, Nuan Nuan is taking the train to Longjing City this morning. I'm going to the station to see her off."
"Go ahead."
Truth be told, Qi Quan was somewhat reluctant to see Su Rong leave, as there were quite a few guests scheduled to visit today, and then there would be no one to receive them.
At eight in the morning, the first batch of guests arrived: Ning Zhi and Chen Feilu.
These two were familiar with the place and didn't need special hospitality, but it would be impolite not to offer them even tea.
Just as Qi Quan was about to tell them to help themselves if they were thirsty, a tall, slender figure appeared at the doorway, holding a tea tray. The faint, soothing aroma of tea instantly calmed the visitors' anxious minds.
The young man wore light-colored casual clothes. Stepping in with the morning light, his appearance was exceptionally striking.
He methodically placed the tea tray on the coffee table and, imitating Su Rong's manner, poured tea for Qi Quan and the two guests.
After finishing, he looked up at Qi Quan, his eyes sparkling brightly, seemingly saying, "Praise me, praise me!"
System: [Wow, Ling Sheng has learned how to receive guests! What a good boy!]
Qi Quan was equally pleased. A good-looking, well-behaved, and sensible young man truly brought a sense of fondness.
She didn't hold back her praise: "Well done."
Ling Sheng's eyes curved into smiles, his pupils shining with light. After pouring the tea, he didn't leave but stood quietly to the side.
Qi Quan didn't ask him to leave either.
The last time Ning Zhi saw Ling Sheng, he had already sensed the surging spiritual power within him but hadn't thought much of it. Now, he took another look.
"What is it?" Qi Quan asked.
Ning Zhi shook his head. He was still young and inexperienced, and didn't think of the legendary constitution.
He simply assumed Ling Sheng was a cultivator of astonishing talent.
"Master, do you know about the Weibo situation?" Chen Feilu got straight to the point. "I suspect someone is deliberately trying to tarnish your reputation."
Qi Quan hadn't expected them to come because of this. In her view, it was an extremely trivial matter, yet they took it so much to heart.
She didn't show any particular reaction, but Ling Sheng, standing beside her, lifted his gaze slightly, his lips pressing down a little.
Qi Quan nodded. "I know."
"What do you plan to do?" Chen Feilu asked.
Qi Quan countered, "What are your thoughts?"
Chen Feilu said, "Ning-ge and I discussed it on the way here. Perhaps we could ask an authoritative fellow practitioner on Weibo to point it out. That way, netizens wouldn't have much to say."
"That's not a bad approach," Qi Quan said with a smile. "However, there's an even more thorough method."
"What is it?" Ning Zhi asked curiously.
He couldn't think of anything more reliable.
Qi Quan said earnestly, "When there's trouble, call the police."
The two: ???
"Since you believe the blogger is problematic and can also divine the girl's general location, why not let the police intervene to investigate and clarify the matter? Then follow the clues to uncover the person hiding behind the internet."
Chen Feilu's eyes lit up. "Right!"
They had fallen into a fixed mindset, thinking matters of the mystical world had to be solved with mysticism. It never occurred to them that the blogger was just an ordinary person, and letting the police deal with him was sufficient.
Ning Zhi, having grown up within the mystical community, generally didn't consider police involvement in such matters, so the concept wasn't in his mind.
Fortunately, Qi Quan enlightened him.
One shouldn't be too rigid when handling things. If a flexible approach can reach the goal more efficiently, why not take it?
His face was filled with admiration, feeling he still had much to learn.
"Senior, I could only divine that the girl is in the Qingfeng County area of Longxi City. I couldn't get more specific."
Qi Quan nodded. "That's already quite good."
The doorbell rang from the courtyard.
Ling Sheng had just lifted his foot when Chen Feilu darted out, diligently going to open the door.
Ling Sheng lowered his eyelashes and retracted his step.
The system laughed: [Haha, Ling Sheng was going to answer the door, but Chen Feilu beat him to it. What a pity.]
Qi Quan was puzzled: [Pity what?]
[Pity he couldn't earn your favor.]
Qi Quan: ...
She looked up at the young man. Sensing her gaze, Ling Sheng also turned his head. Their eyes met—one pair deep as an abyss, the other clear and luminous.
Qi Quan felt a slight stir in her heart.
Compared to when he first arrived, the young man seemed to have gained more emotion, no longer resembling a cold, ruthless beast.
Was he really trying to please her?
Footsteps from outside the living room pulled her thoughts back.
The visitors were Qian Kun and his family of three. Like previous clients, they brought many gifts.
Mr. Qian had originally been skeptical, but after Ning Zhi performed the ritual, witnessing Qian Kun's spirit return, he had no choice but to believe.
Even if he still held some skepticism, just the fact that Qian Kun had woken up was something he needed to acknowledge.
Ma Yinglan was far more enthusiastic than him.
"Thank you so much, Master Qi Quan." She presented the usual three gifts: a house, a car, and a card.
Since Su Rong wasn't present, Ling Sheng stepped forward to receive them.
Suddenly seeing Ling Sheng's face, she gasped, her eyes lighting up with an expression of awe.
Mr. Qian cleared his throat lightly and also presented gifts separately to Ning Zhi and Chen Feilu: "Master Ning, Master Chen, we originally planned to visit you personally to express our gratitude. We didn't expect you to be here as well. Thank you both so much this time."
Although it was ultimately Qi Quan who resolved... the problem, both Chen Feilu and Ning Zhi contributed their efforts, so thanks were certainly due.
Ma Yinglan snapped back to reality, reluctantly tearing her gaze away from Ling Sheng's face, and smiled apologetically at Qi Quan: "I read your novel. I didn't know about your abilities before and recommended a mediocre Taoist priest to your mother. I was really showing off my meager skills in front of an expert."
When she read the chapter about Xuan Feng, her face burned with embarrassment.
Qian Kun said earnestly, "Sister Qi Quan, you didn't hold my past disrespect against me and were magnanimous enough to save me. Thank you so much!"
The matter of the true and false heiresses in the Qi family had become widely known. Back then, Qian Kun and others, influenced by others' attitudes, hadn't taken Qi Quan seriously. Thinking back on it now, he really wanted to slap himself!
"Sister Qi Quan, from now on, your matters are my matters. Whatever you command, I will not refuse!"
Young people are always full of fervor.
Qi Quan smiled and asked, "If the female ghost who harmed you were standing before you now, how would you want to deal with her?"
"Ah?" Qian Kun scratched his head in confusion.
"She caused your soul to leave your body. If it had gone on too long, you would have lost your life. Don't you want to punish her?"
Qian Kun thought for a moment, then a look of shame appeared on his face. "Actually, she didn't really hurt me. She just couldn't stand my lack of ambition. I can understand that. Also, I saw the news... she, she had a pretty tragic fate too."
Even after being brutally dismembered, she still didn't forget to study diligently after death. That kind of spirit made him feel utterly ashamed.
He had indeed been recklessly wasting his youth, relying on his family background.
Mr. Qian and Ma Yinglan also sighed softly.
Of course, they resented the female ghost, but no matter what, the ghost hadn't intended to harm anyone, and her death was so miserable. They couldn't bring themselves to wish severe punishment upon her.
"Forget it. Surviving a great disaster surely brings future blessings," Mr. Qian said.
Qi Quan nodded. "Mr. Qian is right."
She took out a prepared brocade pouch and handed it to Qian Kun, saying, "Inside is a peace talisman I drew. It can protect you from a fatal danger once."
The Qian family of three: !!!
By now, they had had ample time to inquire about everything concerning Qi Quan.
They heard that the Zhang family, because they had gifted many talisman papers and cinnabar, received three peace talismans drawn by the Master for free. Those three treasured them immensely, wearing them close to their person everywhere.
The Du and Yang families wanted to buy them but couldn't!
And they had obtained one so easily?
Qian Kun happily accepted it, his smile exceptionally bright. "Thank you, Sister Qi Quan!"
As soon as the words left his mouth, a woman in a red dress stepped into the living room. She had a striking, beautiful face, a tall figure, and a pale, bluish-white complexion that carried an eerie allure.
Xue Hong stood before Qian Kun and suddenly bowed deeply, nearly one hundred eighty degrees. If not for the exceptional flexibility of her ghostly form, her waist might have snapped.
Qian Kun was startled and hurriedly took a few steps back.
"What are you doing?" He didn't recognize Xue Hong with her restored appearance.
Xue Hong straightened up and said sincerely, "I'm very sorry. I lured away your soul, causing your parents worry and fear. I never intended to take your life. I had thought about releasing you back when the time came. I am truly sorry. You can punish me however you see fit. I will accept it."
"Ah, you're the female ghost from the woods?" Qian Kun's face was full of surprise.
He hadn't expected her to be so good-looking. What kind of monster could have brutally murdered her!
He waved his hands hastily. "It's alright. I know you didn't mean to harm me. It was my fault for saying the wrong thing when I passed through the woods, upsetting you."
Putting himself in her shoes, if he had been murdered in the prime of his youth, losing a bright future, and heard someone brazenly talk about indulging in pleasure, he would probably feel uncomfortable too.
One should cherish such precious time!
Xue Hong couldn't help but smile, warmth shining in her eyes. "Thank you."
The human and the ghost reached a reconciliation, and the Qian family of three took their leave.
Xue Hong turned to Qi Quan, her expression serious. "Let's complete the contract. I'll be your ghost servant."
She understood the intent behind Qi Quan giving Qian Kun the peace talisman just now—it was undoubtedly to protect her.
Xue Hong was an orphan who had experienced the fickleness of human relationships since childhood, relying on her own hard work and effort to get into university and pursue a doctorate.
She was beautiful, academically top-notch... and never lacked suitors trying to curry favor with her. But those people's eyes were filled with nothing but desire, very different from Qi Quan's actions just now.
It had to be said, Qi Quan's protection had touched her.
She liked Qi Quan's character and way of doing things, and she liked everyone and every ghost in this villa.
Qi Quan asked, "Have you thought it through?"
"I have," Xue Hong said with a smile. "Your house is full of men. That must be inconvenient sometimes, right? And with only Steward Su, in situations like today, there was no one to take charge."
Ling Sheng looked up.
[Our Ling Sheng did perfectly fine!] The system protested on his behalf.
Qi Quan smiled. "That's true. You taught Ling Sheng well. In just half a day, he learned to proactively serve tea and water and entertain guests."
Children should be encouraged when they do things well.
Xue Hong: "..."
Although she had only interacted with him for an afternoon, she understood Ling Sheng's nature quite well.
He proactively made tea?
How strange!
She looked at Ling Sheng. The young man's lips were slightly upturned, his eyes bright as he gazed at Qi Quan, seemingly very pleased to hear her praise.
It seemed he was only special towards Qi Quan.
Qi Quan squeezed out a drop of blood from her fingertip. The blood formed a talisman seal in the air, which then sank into Xue Hong's spiritual platform.
The two successfully established the contract.
Xue Hong looked somewhat surprised. "This contract of yours... is quite in line with core socialist values."
Not feudalistic, not capitalistic, very respectful of human rights.
Qi Quan nodded. "Ours is a relationship of cooperation and mutual benefit. There's no need for bloody suppression. New era, new contract."
"I like you even more now," Xue Hong didn't hesitate to express her thoughts.
Ning Zhi, who had been observing, hung his head in guilt.
"Senior, is your contract with Steward Su also an equal one?"
Qi Quan: "Yes."
"I misunderstood you before," he apologized sincerely. "I previously thought you also used the forbidden arts of the mystic realm."
Just that you didn't use them to harm people.
He felt deeply remorseful for his narrow-mindedness.
Chen Feilu patted his shoulder. True brothers in hardship—he had also misunderstood the Master before.
He still hadn't gotten over the feeling of guilt.
The two young men wore expressions full of self-reflection, to the point where even Qi Quan felt a bit overwhelmed. Taking their sincerity into account, she asked earnestly:
"What kind of arts do you consider to be forbidden arts?"
Ning Zhi answered without thinking, "Arts that harm people."
Chen Feilu, not having been steeped in the traditions of mystic families or sects, had a more flexible way of thinking. He said, "Perhaps the arts themselves have no inherent good or evil. It depends on how people use them."
"Hmm." Qi Quan's smile deepened. "Let's hear it."
"Take the Peach Blossom Seal as an example. We all know it plunders a person's vitality and fortune. But what if someone couldn't bear to let their loved one go and willingly shared their vitality with them?"
Ning Zhi shook his head in rebuttal. "But there's absolutely no benefit to a ghost marriage."
Chen Feilu was stumped for a moment.
"Not necessarily," Xue Hong said. "Perhaps some people have that particular preference, liking to marry ghosts. You have to allow such people to exist."
Ning Zhi: "..."
Mind blown.jpg
"What is the Master's esteemed opinion?" Chen Feilu asked at the right moment.
Qi Quan said, "Esteemed opinion is not the word. I just think that the development of the mystical arts shouldn't be stuck in the past. It needs to abolish the old and establish the new. Every technique has its own value."
The group of people and ghosts listened attentively. Even Qi Zheng, who had no interest in the mystical arts, was quietly standing outside the door.
"Since the Peach Blossom Seal can seize vitality, naturally it can also provide vitality. If practitioners of the mystical arts encounter a powerful enemy and engage in a group battle, can we, based on the principle of the Peach Blossom Seal, set up a formation that allows sharing vitality and distributing damage? This could minimize casualties to the greatest extent."
Usually in such situations, those with lower cultivation levels would die faster.
Some might scoff, thinking if the low-level ones die, they die—they're not much use anyway. But often, low-level practitioners are the new recruits trained by major sects and families... they are the reserve force. Once they suffer losses, it creates a talent gap.
A practitioner's life is very precious.
Chen Feilu had a sudden realization. "Just like a support role in a game! That way, casualties really can be minimized."
He eagerly sought guidance. "What about the ghost marriage? What kind of modification can be made?"
"A truly effective ghost marriage essentially allows a ghost to linger in the mortal world by borrowing a living person's vitality. Moreover, it can closely follow the living person anytime, anywhere, possessing tracking and binding functions."
"I understand." Ning Zhi finally grasped the essence, his eyes shining with excitement. "If my companion and I encounter an enemy, and I'm injured and unable to move, my companion can use the binding function to take me along."
The senior truly is a senior, able to transform decay into magic.
This trip to Longjiang City, he had really benefited greatly.
If the official mystical arts team were led by Master Qi, he would join without hesitation!
Chen Feilu clenched his fist excitedly; his thoughts were the same as Ning Zhi's.
Master Qi was truly different.
Amid this lively atmosphere, the doorbell outside the courtyard rang again.
The third group of guests had arrived.
This time, Ling Sheng reacted faster than Chen Feilu. He was at the front courtyard patio almost instantly.
"Come back!" Qi Quan commanded in a low voice.
Ling Sheng's steps halted. He turned to look at her, a hint of grievance in his eyes that made one's heart soften involuntarily.
[Big Boss, why not let him open the door?] The system was puzzled.
Qi Quan's expression turned serious. She walked to the patio, stuffed a Concealment Talisman into his pants pocket, and said, "The newcomers mean trouble. Aren't you really afraid of being tied up like livestock again?"
Ling Sheng was stunned, staring at her blankly.
"Go back to your room." Qi Quan patted his arm.
An experienced master could tell Ling Sheng's special constitution at a glance. Qi Quan hated trouble more than anything in her life. To avoid causing disputes, she had to keep him well hidden until he could protect himself.
Ling Sheng's slender fingers reached into his pocket, clutching the thin talisman paper tightly.
He had endured for over a decade, almost personally killing Ding Ji at the final moment, but was interrupted by Qi Quan.
Qi Quan's intrusion was an accident.
He wanted to know what kind of greedy, disgusting face this accidental intruder would show him.
But she didn't, not at all.
Perhaps her disguise was too good, so good even he couldn't tell.
He followed her to this villa.
Now in her territory, would she reveal her true nature?
Still, she did not.
For the first time, Ling Sheng felt confused. He was treated like a mute child, forced to complete a set amount of homework every day.
He detested being forced.
But in this matter, he didn't feel as resistant.
"What are you standing there dumbly for? Go back to your room."
Qi Quan's soft, low voice pulled his mind back.
Ling Sheng tightened his grip on the talisman. The icy cold in his eyes seemed to waver for a moment. The corners of his lips curved slightly as he obediently returned to his room.
The feeling of being protected was actually quite nice.
Under Qi Quan's instructions, Xue Hong and Qi Zheng, both ghosts, left the living room.
Chen Feilu was still the one to open the door.
Outside the courtyard stood three people, two men and one woman, dressed in casual clothes with work badges hanging around their necks. The badges faced Chen Feilu, printed with the words "Master Association."
People from the Master Association?
"What's the matter?" he asked coldly.
He had clearly seen Master Qi's actions just now. If the Master said the newcomers meant trouble, then they definitely meant trouble. Even if they were from the Master Association, he wouldn't be polite.
Yan Wu stood behind the two staff members, trying to observe the energy flow inside the villa through the open courtyard gate, but it was blocked by a transparent substance.
The villa clearly had a formation set up, likely a protective one, of a high level, something only a master proficient in formations could accomplish.
Could a twenty-two-year-old practitioner really possess such capability?
Yan Wu was skeptical.
...Perhaps she had a powerful backer behind her.
The female staff member said, "Hello, we are officers from the Master Association. Someone reported that Ms. Qi Quan used mystical methods without a license, violating the association's rules. We're here to inquire."
Chen Feilu: "..."
What nonsense is this!
Speechless, he let them in.
Yan Wu followed inconspicuously behind, entering the main house's living room.
Only Qi Quan and Ning Zhi remained in the living room, both holding teacups and sipping tea, presenting a picture of leisurely tranquility and peaceful times.
But then, an excited cry suddenly came from the peachwood plaque.
"It's him! The one at the back is the senior who introduced me to the path back then! His name is Yan Wu!"
Qi Quan: "..."
What a coincidence.
She composed herself and said calmly, "I heard your purpose for coming."
Her words stopped the staff member who was about to speak.
The staff of the Master Association are all masters, but those doing clerical work are usually low-level masters. The two staff members who came were only Level Two.
A Level Two master can at most help summon spirits; encountering a Level Three or higher fierce ghost would be hopeless.
The male master couldn't discern Qi Quan's cultivation level and didn't dare be negligent. He said gently, "Master Qi might not be familiar with the association's rules and failed to register information with the association in time. The association has now discovered this oversight. We ask for Master Qi's cooperation."
"How should I cooperate?" Qi Quan asked.
The female master smiled. "Just come with us to the association to register."
Qi Quan said nonchalantly, "Must I go in person?"
"Of course."
Qi Quan sighed softly. "What era is it now?"
"Pardon?"
"Online service portals, online certification processing, haven't you heard of them?" Qi Quan truly looked down on the conservatism of the mystical arts community. "The mortal world can achieve efficient and convenient office procedures, yet the mystical arts community doesn't even have a proper online office system?"
The staff members: "..."
Yan Wu: "..."
Are young practitioners these days all so fanciful?
Chen Feilu and Ning Zhi tried very hard to hold back their laughter.
The master truly lives up to the title, every word strikes right at the heart.
But this indeed reflects the current state of the Mystic Arts community: stagnant, conservative, with not a shred of innovation.
Qi Quan asked again, "Is registering my information all that's required?"
"No, an on-site level assessment is also needed to issue the Celestial Master certificate." The male Celestial Master, reminded, found a ready-made reason. "Because rating is involved, we need you to make the trip in person."
The female Celestial Master quickly nodded in agreement.
"Oh."
The two of them inwardly breathed a huge sigh of relief. It was good that she agreed.
"How does the Association assess levels?" Qi Quan asked further.
The male Celestial Master replied, "Press your palm against the Testing Stone and channel your spiritual energy. The stone will determine the level based on the concentration of the energy."
The higher the level of a Celestial Master, the denser the spiritual energy condensed within their body.
Qi Quan posed another soul-searching question, "Since you're already here, why didn't you bring the Testing Stone with you?"
"......"
The female Celestial Master forced a smile. "Every Celestial Master is tested this way."
The Celestial Master Association, perched high above, would never consider the thoughts of a minor Celestial Master.
Qi Quan's face turned cold. "When you've installed an online service system that allows for on-site assessments, then I'll consider registering my information."
It wasn't that she was unwilling to cooperate.
The Celestial Master Association was merely a balancing zone for power struggles among the sects and major families. At most, the Association had some restraining power over independent practitioners and low-level sects or families, but it held no real authority over those deeply rooted, powerful sects and families.
Moreover, this visit from the Celestial Master Association was merely a tool for someone to come and probe.
She naturally wouldn't play into their hands.
The male Celestial Master felt his dignity was wounded, his tone turning stiff. "Master Qi, if you refuse to register with the Association, you will be forbidden from using any Mystic Arts methods in the future."
"Oh."
The male Celestial Master: "......"
Unbearable, he was getting so angry he could barely breathe.
He had never encountered such a stubborn...
such an audacious independent practitioner who dared to defy the Celestial Master Association!
Yes, they had judged her to be an independent practitioner.
Generally, sects and families had their own rosters. After consulting them, they found no record of anyone named Qi Quan.
From this, they concluded that Qi Quan was merely an independent practitioner without sect, family, or backing.
"In that case, we'll take our leave," the female Celestial Master said coldly. "Ms. Qi Quan, if the Association discovers you privately using Mystic Arts methods to earn money or valuables, you will be penalized according to the 'Celestial Master Regulations.' We hope you'll know better."
Qi Quan: "I won't see you out."
After the three left, Ning Zhi immediately said, "That person who remained silent the whole time is the one we encountered at the hospital entrance yesterday."
Chen Feilu was shocked. "You mean the one who placed the tracking beetle on me?"
He hadn't paid attention yesterday and had no idea what the troublemaker looked like.
"Yes, it was him," Ning Zhi stated with certainty. "Today, he used the Celestial Master Association's name to enter the villa for reconnaissance. His intentions are likely sinister."
"So what does he want? Why is he targeting the Master?"
Ning Zhi frowned. "The Peach Blossom Seal, the ghost marriage... the forces behind these run deep. Could it be that the major sects and families haven't detected anything at all?"
"The Master solved these two cases, so the organization behind them sent someone to investigate?" Chen Feilu worried. "They won't harm the Master, will they?"
Once again, the two young men looked at Qi Quan with anxious faces.
Qi Quan: "......"
Did she really seem so easy to bully in their eyes?
"Su Rong is back," she said, trying to divert their attention, but her face turned cold the next second.
A vast surge of spiritual energy blasted toward the area outside the villa.
Outside the villa, Su Rong, returning home, happened to run into the three leaving. Although he had concealed his form, to a Celestial Master, low-level ghosts being visible or invisible made little difference.
Upon sensing a ghost's presence, what should one do?
Of course, capture it!
Su Rong had been practicing ghost arts for some time now, his strength equivalent to a second-level White Ghost. If he encountered a single second-level Celestial Master, he might have had a chance to escape. But facing one sixth-level and two second-level opponents, he was nothing but fish on the chopping block.
Yan Wu was experienced and sharp-eyed. He blurted out, "He's a ghost servant!"
Privately keeping a ghost servant was not permitted for Celestial Masters; at least on the surface, it violated the Celestial Master Association's management regulations.
Hearing this, the two Celestial Masters from the Association found a reasonable outlet for their hidden annoyance at Qi Quan's lack of cooperation.
This ghost servant was heading into the villa; it must belong to Qi Quan.
Qi Quan had violated the rules; they had the authority to take her in!
Su Rong instantly grasped their intention. His first thought was to avoid implicating the Master. He decisively fled in the opposite direction.
Would Yan Wu let him go?
A talisman capable of annihilating a fifth-level ghost shot toward Su Rong's back.
A scorching, powerful force nearly enveloped Su Rong. He felt the terror and trembling of his soul facing destruction.
But he did not look back.
At the critical moment, another gentle wave of spiritual energy interposed between him and the talisman. The cool, soothing energy wrapped around his entire being like water, dissolving the searing pain deep within his soul.
It was the Master.
The vast spiritual energy was as ethereal and soft as a misty sea, yet it effortlessly swept away the talisman. The talisman was torn to shreds by spiritual energy fine as a hair, each fragment carrying immense force as it slapped against Yan Wu's face!
Again and again, right in front of the Celestial Master Association staff, merciless and fierce.
Even with his spiritual energy protecting him, Yan Wu couldn't withstand Qi Quan's powerful counterattack. His entire head had swollen into a pig's head, his features barely recognizable.
The male and female Celestial Masters: "......"
They took a step back in unison.
Terrifying, utterly terrifying. This was a one-sided beating!
They couldn't afford to provoke a Celestial Master like this!
As the last scrap of talisman paper fluttered to the ground, Yan Wu's face was no longer human. If not for the slight rise and fall of his chest, one might think him dead.
Qi Quan had still let him off.
If you don't let the pawn go...
how can you hook the big fish hiding behind it?
The two from the Celestial Master Association didn't dare linger a moment longer. They hastily picked up Yan Wu and fled the Lakeside Villa at top speed.
Su Rong drifted back into the villa, full of self-reproach.
"I was discovered."
And worse, he had become a liability.
He couldn't always rely on the Master to save him, could he?
Su Rong secretly resolved to practice his ghost arts even more diligently, striving to gain the ability to protect himself.
"It doesn't matter," Qi Quan said, unconcerned about the Celestial Master Association's opinion.
But Ning Zhi shared Su Rong's worry. "Senior, the Celestial Master Association forbids keeping ghost servants. You've violated the regulations. They will definitely report this to headquarters and send someone to arrest you."
"What kind of lousy association is that?" Chen Feilu fumed, rolling his eyes. "They ignore the Peach Blossom Seal harming people, ignore ghost marriages harming people, but insist on policing whether the Master keeps a ghost servant? What kind of logic is that!"
Ning Zhi: "Regardless, the Celestial Master Association is powerful. And just now, Senior injured that man. If the person behind him holds a high position, they probably won't let this opportunity slip by."
Chen Feilu scratched his head. "Then what should we do?"
[That's right, Big Boss, what if they gang up to fight you?] The system also fell into anxiety.
Qi Quan: ...
Every single one of them was a pessimist.
But seeing their genuine concern, she chose to set their minds at ease.
"Ning Zhi, what is the highest level among current Celestial Masters in the Mystic Arts community?"
Ning Zhi was taken aback for a moment, then realized something, his heart suddenly pounding wildly.
He stared dumbfounded at Qi Quan. "Eighth level."
The higher the level of a Celestial Master, the more difficult it is to advance. Don't think the gap between the sixth and eighth levels is just two steps; it's separated by countless chasms.
The difference is far greater than that from the first to the sixth level.
Many Celestial Masters stop at the sixth level. Without sufficient luck or innate talent, breaking through the sixth level is likely impossible in one's lifetime.
But even so, in the current metaphysical world, a sixth-level Celestial Master is already considered a first-rate expert, because those at the seventh and eighth levels are reclusive patriarchs who rarely show themselves.
Take their Ning family, for example. The sixth level is already considered a patriarch.
After all, the lifespan of a sixth-level Celestial Master can reach three hundred years.
Qi Quan said with a calm expression, "Then there's nothing to fear."
Ning Zhi: ???
What does that mean?
He had always speculated that Qi Quan's level was at most the sixth level. The sixth level could be further subdivided into three stages. Judging from her few actions that overpowered other sixth-level masters, she had at least reached the second stage of the sixth level.
However, he had still underestimated her.
If even an eighth-level Celestial Master was nothing to fear in her eyes, how profound was her cultivation really?
Chen Feilu was also dumbfounded.
He originally thought Qi Quan was a big shot, but he never imagined she could be an even bigger shot.
Respect, so much respect!
He decided then and there: from now on, he would follow this supreme master. He would endure beatings and scoldings, work hard without complaint, and never go west if told to go east.
"Master, are you still in need of a disciple who can go to university, has thick skin, and is eloquent?" Chen Feilu mustered up the courage to ask.
Qi Quan shook her head: "I don't take disciples."
Taking a disciple meant responsibility, and she truly feared trouble.
Chen Feilu's whole person instantly deflated.
"However," Qi Quan changed her tone, "if you truly wish to enter this profession, I can give you an introductory cultivation method. Once you become a first-level Celestial Master, you can choose a path that suits you among sword techniques, talisman arts, or formation arrays."
Chen Feilu was ecstatic. He tried hard to suppress his rising smile and said, "May I ask presumptuously, which path do you cultivate, Master?"
Hearing this, Qi Quan smiled slightly but did not answer.
"Su Rong, contact Officer Han," she changed the subject. "Ask him to come over."
Su Rong, holding back a laugh, went to make the call.
Chen Feilu whispered to Ning Zhi, "What does that mean?"
Ning Zhi gave him a pitying look: "The senior excels in all subjects; she has no weaknesses."
"Didn't you say that the metaphysical world has specialized talisman masters, formation masters, and the like?..." Shock could no longer describe Chen Feilu's feelings.
"Feilu, you need to accept the existence of a peerless genius."
Chen Feilu was stunned for a moment, then suddenly jumped up: "I accept, I accept! I accept it wholeheartedly!"
How could he not accept it? He would only be more excited, okay?
Having an all-subject genius master to guide him, what more could he possibly be dissatisfied with?
Hehe.
Hehehe.
Hehehehe.
When Han Mian rushed over, he saw Chen Feilu sitting on the steps by the courtyard, giggling foolishly.
"What's wrong with him?"
Su Rong said with a smile, "Overjoyed."
"......"
Han Mian stepped into the living room and asked directly, "Master Qi, what did you need me for?"
"Ning Zhi." Qi Quan would absolutely not speak if she could avoid it.
Ning Zhi pulled out Weibo and explained the oddities of the "Please Kind People Help Me" account to Han Mian.
With years of experience as a criminal investigator, Han Mian's alertness was quite high.
He said gravely, "I'll have someone investigate the person behind this account and then contact the local police."
It was very easy for the police to check someone's background.
Soon, the true identity of "Please Kind People Help Me" surfaced.
He was from Longtan City, living in a small county town. A middle-aged man with no proper job, a loafer, who had been to the police station several times for gambling. The local officers were very familiar with his family situation.
He had an older, unmarried son at home, also without a proper job, staying home playing games all day. It was said he was a game booster, but his skills were mediocre, earning very little money.
The family relied entirely on the man's wife, a cleaner, to make ends meet.
"Does his family not have a daughter?" Han Mian asked.
The officer said, "No, just one son. But there is a niece, his elder brother's daughter. This girl's parents died in an accident when she was eight."
"How is his relationship with his niece?"
"The niece left after graduating high school. There shouldn't be much contact."
Han Mian's eyes darkened. "Could you help keep an eye on him for me? See who he's been in close contact with recently, anyone suspicious."
"Sure."
After ending the call, Han Mian's expression turned somewhat grim.
He had a strange premonition that perhaps this inexplicably appearing man might be connected to the ghost marriage case.
He asked, "I see more and more people questioning you on Weibo. Do you want to respond?"
If this person truly had impure motives, perhaps they could trick him, turning his scheme against him.
"Oh no!" Chen Feilu suddenly exclaimed, "Someone on Weibo has already given the answer!"
Han Mian gritted his teeth. "Who?"
"It's Hengfeng Sect disciple Wei Huanyang. He's gained quite a few fans online through fortune-telling and is quite popular." Chen Feilu was very familiar with this "competitor."
Ning Zhi frowned. "It's him. The closed-door disciple of the Hengfeng Sect's sect leader, twenty-five years old, fourth-level third stage, ranked fourth in the last Metaphysical World Grand Competition."
"......"
Han Mian couldn't help but say, "There's a Metaphysical World Grand Competition? It's like a cultivation novel."
"Brother Ning, you never told me about this. What rank did you get in the competition?"
"Third."
Chen Feilu gave a thumbs up. "Impressive! And you're five years younger than him!"
Ning Zhi's lips curled up slightly.
No matter how steady he was, he was only twenty. Receiving praise naturally made him happy.
"Don't get caught up in compliments just yet," Han Mian said. "Now the girl's address is exposed."
Chen Feilu snapped back to reality. "Right, what should we do now? What's wrong with this Wei Huanyang? Is he an idiot? He's a fourth-level Celestial Master, can't he tell the girl's parents are deceased?"
Actually, he understood in his heart. How would a lofty Celestial Master care about the life or death of an ordinary person?
What he sought was merely the empty fame of being admired by the masses.
Ning Zhi said decisively, "I'll go to Longxi City to find that girl."
"I'll go with you." Chen Feilu thought it was an unfamiliar place, and having another person would provide some support.
After speaking, the two looked at Qi Quan, seemingly both... somewhat worried.
Qi Quan: ???
"Senior, please be careful of the Enforcement Division of the Celestial Masters Association," Ning Zhi said solemnly.
Qi Quan smiled. "Alright."
After the three left, Qi Quan let out a light sigh of relief. Finally, there were no more matters to trouble her mind.
She left the living room, intending to return to her room to write tonight's update. Ling Sheng approached her, holding a stack of talisman paper in his hand.
To be precise, a stack of Dust-Cleaning Talismans.
He spread out the Dust-Cleaning Talismans and offered them to her.
Qi Quan: ?
System: [Master, didn't you say before that he should learn to draw Dust-Cleaning Talismans to help Butler Su share the housework?]
[Ah, right.]
So, he drew a whole stack?
Seeing her not accepting them, Ling Sheng anxiously tried to stuff them into her hand, his eyes completely filled with the message "these are very useful."
It carried a rather amusing sense of "every potter praises his own pot."
Qi Quan couldn't help it and let out a soft laugh.
