Longjiang City First Hospital.
Ever since the Song family decided to disperse their wealth, miraculously, Song Lin had not suffered any further accidents.
Except for when Mrs. Song, rushing to leave the hospital to handle the family assets, tripped and fell.
The words had been spoken, and that ghostly entity had heard them. If she didn't follow through, the consequences would be unthinkable.
As soon as Mrs. Song got into the car, her first action was to notify the company and convene a meeting of the major shareholders and board members.
The Song family held nearly half of the group's shares. Converting these shares into cash would amount to an astronomical sum.
However, the other major shareholders, whose wealth was second only to the Song family, were all immensely rich themselves. Pooling their resources, they should be able to absorb the shares.
Then there were all the real estate properties, movable assets, and more—everything had to be converted into money or donated directly.
The colossal Song family empire crumbled in an instant.
Mrs. Song sorted through the family assets while weeping bitterly.
All of this had been built up by their family bit by bit through hard work; she truly couldn't bear to let it go.
But with her husband and son lying in the hospital, she had no other choice!
Meanwhile, Qi Yingxue hurried to the hospital.
Her face etched with anxiety, she asked, "A-Lin, have you and Uncle Song really decided to give up the Song family fortune?"
Song Lin: "..."
He had just started feeling a bit lighter physically, but now the heaviness returned.
It seemed that if he denied it, accidents would start happening again.
Not daring to be careless, he stated with absolute certainty, "Yes, we plan to donate all that money—to hope primary schools, orphanages, and so on. The rest will be handed over to the authorities for disposal."
"But how will you live afterwards?" Qi Yingxue blinked, her voice full of concern. "You and Uncle are still in the hospital. If you give all the money away, how will you pay the hospital fees? Will Aunt Song have to support everything alone outside?"
Thinking she was worried, Song Lin smiled gently and said, "Yingxue, if we don't give it up now, my parents and I might lose our lives. Money gone is gone; we can earn it again later. Do you believe in me?"
"Of course I believe in you!" Qi Yingxue nodded.
Song Lin looked at her sincerely. "Originally, our wedding was set for next spring. But now our family has nothing. Marrying me would be a hardship for you, Yingxue. Can you wait for me?"
He didn't mention breaking up. He believed that with his abilities, he could make a comeback in the future.
A flicker of hesitation passed through Qi Yingxue's eyes, but on the surface, she smiled tenderly. "Of course. We're still young. Once you're better, we'll work hard together!"
"Thank you," Song Lin said hoarsely.
Lakeside Villa.
Qi Quan was sitting at her desk typing when suddenly, a strange, captivating fragrance slipped through the door crack, wafted to her nose, and completely destroyed her motivation to write.
What was that amazing smell? Was Steward Su cooking something delicious again?
But this aroma was different from Steward Su's usual culinary skills. Had Steward Su leveled up again?
Unable to resist, she abandoned her keyboard and followed the scent to the kitchen.
In the kitchen, a tall, slender young man stood with his back to her, holding a long-handled soup ladle and stirring a pot slowly.
"Ling Sheng?" she exclaimed, extremely surprised.
Hearing her voice, Ling Sheng turned around, his eyes bright as morning stars.
He took a bowl from the cupboard, ladled in some soup, placed a ceramic spoon inside, and handed it to Qi Quan.
System: [Ling Sheng is learning to cook now?!]
Although it couldn't smell the aroma, just the appearance was incredibly enticing.
Silver ear fungus, osmanthus, and lotus seed soup—crystal clear and utterly appetizing.
Qi Quan took the bowl, took a small sip, and her eyes instantly lit up.
How was this possible?
It wasn't that she had never eaten lotus seed soup before, but for some reason, this bowl was completely different from any previous one. It was as if all the impurities in the soup had been removed, and the pure sweetness and fragrance of the silver ear fungus, osmanthus, and lotus seeds had been brought to their absolute peak.
A master's senses differed from those of ordinary people. A regular person might only marvel at the deliciousness of this lotus seed soup, but she keenly detected the spiritual energy contained within it.
Lotus seed soup stripped of impurities, pure and flawless, imbued with spiritual energy—how could it not captivate one's heart and mind?
Who could have imagined that a Natural Spirit Body possessed such a skill!
Qi Quan couldn't help herself; she finished the bowl in a few spoonfuls and then handed the empty bowl back to the young man.
Ling Sheng's eyes curved into happy crescents as he took the bowl.
Just as he was serving her another portion, Su Rong and Xue Hong also arrived, drawn by the fragrance.
"So fragrant," Xue Hong said, gazing at the pot of soup with burning eyes. "May I try some?"
Ling Sheng nodded but didn't reach out to serve her.
Xue Hong didn't mind. She ladled herself a large bowl. After one bite, her pale, ghostly face seemed to flush with a rosy hue.
She clearly felt a strange power generating within her ghostly form, making her soul more solid and substantial.
It actually had a boosting effect!
She eagerly shared, "Steward Su, you have to try this!"
Su Rong was both amused and exasperated.
The kitchen was originally his exclusive domain. But ever since the Master went on a business trip to Longtan City last time, Ling Sheng had started tinkering in the kitchen every now and then, accompanied by the sounds of cooking videos playing.
He had initially thought Ling Sheng was just having a fleeting interest, casually playing around. He never expected him to actually succeed in creating something.
Su Rong, being a skilled cook himself, naturally also loved fine food.
He served himself a bowl. The clear and sweet lotus seed soup touched his taste buds, causing them to bloom. A peculiar sensation enveloped his ghostly body. To his astonishment, he discovered his ghostly power had actually increased.
This...
This was far more than just a bowl of delicious soup!
He looked at Ling Sheng in confusion.
To be honest, he still didn't understand exactly what Ling Sheng was.
Last time when the villa was attacked, it was Ling Sheng who protected the formation and repelled the intruders. That alone proved Ling Sheng was also part of the Mystical Arts world.
But the Master had never mentioned Ling Sheng's master level.
Was he even a master?
After finishing her second bowl, Qi Quan inwardly marveled. Who would have thought that rescuing someone on a whim would net her the ultimate support character.
A Natural Spirit Body was truly extraordinary and divine.
She asked, "Does making this waste a lot of spiritual energy?"
Ling Sheng shook his head.
"In the future, when there are outsiders present, don't make it," Qi Quan instructed the other two ghosts. "This matter is only for the four of us to know."
Su Rong and Xue Hong naturally agreed.
If such a great treasure were known to the masters and supernatural beings outside, peace at Lakeside Villa would be a thing of the past.
System: [And me! And me!]
Qi Quan said gravely: [Yes, you must also keep it secret.]
System: [...]
It was just joining in the fun. The big shot was being a bit too serious.
The entire pot of lotus seed soup was devoured by Qi Quan and her two ghost attendants. Ling Sheng sat quietly to the side, carving jade tokens.
He seemed to have developed a fondness for this activity, carving a few pieces every day, infusing them with spiritual power, and then handing them to Qi Quan for safekeeping.
Qi Quan also noticed that Ling Sheng's control over spiritual energy was becoming increasingly proficient. For the same type of jade token, the ones carved later stored denser spiritual energy—a clear result of compressing the energy.
After drinking the soup, feeling refreshed and invigorated, with the spiritual energy within her body circulating more smoothly, the human and the two ghosts all returned to their rooms. Seizing the moment before the boosting effect faded, they dedicated themselves to serious cultivation.
At dusk, Qi Quan exhaled a turbid breath and slowly opened her eyes. A faint golden light shimmered deep within them.
Her realm seemed on the verge of a breakthrough.
Pleasantly, she stood up and walked to the floor-to-ceiling window, watching as the setting sun slowly sank below the horizon, its afterglow fading away.
It was time to eat again.
Su Rong laid out a lavish dinner.
He had broken through to the third level during his afternoon cultivation session and was in high spirits. His culinary skills seemed to have improved yet again, and both humans and ghosts ate their fill with great enjoyment.
Xue Hong patted her stomach and sighed, "What kind of life was I living before?"
Now, she was simply too happy.
Qi Quan's eyes curved into crescents; she loved seeing her ghost attendants so joyful.
"Master, the feng shui of our home is excellent, and the spiritual energy is abundant. I was thinking, should we plant some fruit trees? The fruits might taste even better than those on the market," Steward Su proposed with a smile.
Qi Quan didn't need to think: "Do as you suggest."
She paused, then added, "However, things are quite chaotic outside right now. The three of you should not go out for the time being. Hire someone to handle it."
Xue Hong asked, "How is it chaotic?"
"The authorities are cracking down on Taoist masters. Many who have broken the law are on a blacklist. There might be turmoil for a while," Qi Quan explained.
When the authorities finally moved, they struck with a heavy fist.
Their previous restraint was merely to accumulate strength and gather evidence. Once the time was ripe, they acted swift as lightning.
Those Taoist masters who helped others commit evil deeds were likely being arrested, fleeing, hiding, or desperately seeking help.
Investigation departments across the regions would probably soon face a severe shortage of personnel.
She was right.
In Longjiang City, the number of personnel at the Investigation Department was disproportionate to the caseload.
The person in charge was nearly tearing his hair out.
"Director, Yan Wu still hasn't confessed."
"Director, Lu Shen has been captured, but he claims he is the nephew of a certain Elder Lu from the Guiyuan Sect and that we have no right to convict him."
"Director, the Yan family in Longjing also called, saying that if Yan Wu has done wrong, he should be dealt with by the family."
"Director, another Taoist master has broken the law in the East City."
"Director, we are truly short-handed!"
"Director..."
Meng Yunzheng massaged his temples, utterly exhausted, and asked, "Headquarters said they would transfer personnel from other regions. Have they arrived?"
"Not yet..."
"Director!" A young investigator suddenly rushed in, his face lit up with excitement. "New recruits are here!"
"Excellent!" Meng Yunzheng waved his hand. "Aren't we short-handed? Put them to work immediately!"
The phone rang suddenly.
Meng Yunzheng picked it up casually, but after listening for a few moments, his expression gradually turned grave.
"Yes, we will definitely complete the task!"
After hanging up, he sighed softly.
"Director, what's wrong?"
Meng Yunzheng said, "Everyone knows about the situation with the land in the northern suburbs, right?"
"Yes," the investigator replied. "We previously monitored the concentration and fluctuations of Yin energy there. The data indicates the entity there is at least Level Six. We currently have no way to deal with it."
With urban development, land had become increasingly precious. The fact that the plot in the northern suburbs remained unused was a great regret for Longjiang City.
Meng Yunzheng nodded. "Now, with the Song family incident, the higher-ups believe dealing with the northern suburbs matter is urgent."
"Why?" the investigator asked, puzzled.
Since it had been left untouched for so many years, waiting a bit longer shouldn't be an issue.
"Someone from the Mystic Arts community has proposed a trade. They will help us deal with the malevolent ghost in the northern suburbs, and we release the detainees," Meng Yunzheng said, frowning. "But the authorities don't want us to be controlled by others again. They've ordered us to resolve this matter as soon as possible..."
The investigator looked indignant. "They are Taoist masters! Protecting ordinary people and catching ghosts is their duty! To be so... so..."
He couldn't find the right words.
"Enough. Follow orders," Meng Yunzheng said sternly.
The investigator protested, "But that's at least a Level Six Red Ghost!"
The highest level in their Investigation Department was only Level Four. They couldn't even touch the hem of a Red Ghost's garment.
Meng Yunzheng: "I will handle this matter. You take the new members and familiarize them with the work."
"Yes!"
At ten o'clock at night, readers of "Diary of a Wealthy Family" saw the update and excitedly clicked in.
[Knowledge changes fate. This saying truly does not deceive.
I worked hard to acquire knowledge, and knowledge has rewarded me.
Now that I am well-fed, well-clothed, and free from worldly worries, I wish to do something to give back to society.
After the age of five, I grew up in an orphanage. The orphanage gave me shelter from the wind and rain, allowed me to study and learn, and granted me a new life.
I have always wanted to repay that kindness.
Now that I have earned money, I want to donate a portion to help more homeless children, giving them a bright future.
After inquiring with an acquaintance, I decided to consult a lady known for her charitable work.
Let's call her the Charitable Lady.
After setting a time, I paid a personal visit.
Her husband opened the door. He looked scholarly, wearing gold-rimmed glasses, and gave me a polite, well-mannered smile.
After studying Mystic Arts, I've developed a habit of reading people's faces. I was startled.
My acquaintance had told me that the Charitable Lady and her husband had been together since their first love, deeply affectionate and very much in love.
But this gentleman's facial features indicated he had experienced one passionate, earth-shattering romance.
Was I mistaken?
Entering with doubts in my heart, the Charitable Lady's husband was a gracious host. He personally brewed tea for me and kept me company.
I asked, puzzled, "Where is the Charitable Lady?"
He said, "In the room. I'll go call her."
I was full of surprise. I had clearly contacted the Charitable Lady herself, so why was she avoiding me?
Only when she walked out of the room and forced an extremely stiff smile at me did I suddenly feel a chill, as if my head had been struck by something, leaving me stunned and blank.
This was no Charitable Lady!
It was clearly a malevolent ghost that had seized a human body!
Instinctively, I shot out a talisman.
The talisman successfully yanked the ghost out of the Charitable Lady's body. The lady collapsed on the sofa, unconscious.
Just as I was about to subdue the ghost, the Charitable Lady's husband called the police. He wanted to falsely accuse me of harming his wife.
Hah, foolish man.
I walked into their bedroom and stood before a photograph.
It was the Charitable Lady's solo wedding photo, positioned directly opposite the double bed.
Her soul was trapped within that small frame, forced to watch day and night as her husband and the strange female ghost occupying her body were intimate.
No one could understand her pain and despair.
Using the knowledge I had learned, I shattered the confinement and freed her from her cage, allowing her to return to her own body.
The moment the Charitable Lady opened her eyes, she fiercely slapped her husband dozens of times!
It turned out, it was all her husband's scheme!
This gentleman came from an ordinary background. With the support of his wife's family, he climbed the social ladder to become successful, but he couldn't bear his wife's overly strong personality.
By chance, he met a master.
He asked the master to change his wife for him.
He wanted the soul of his long-deceased first love to merge with the Charitable Lady's body. That way, he could have the best of both worlds.
But he never imagined that his first love had already reincarnated. The female ghost the master found for him was not his first love at all.
I was disgusted.
I also don't understand why some masters would aid and abet such evil.
I returned home feeling gloomy.
Unexpectedly, we had a visitor. She carried a faint trace of black energy on her, but her own fortune was extraordinary, so the black energy couldn't harm her for now.
There was also an acquaintance with her, the mother of the Peach Blossom Mark's first client.
They were very polite, asking if I could intervene to save someone.
I hesitated.
It wasn't that I didn't want to save them, but that I couldn't.
The dark energy in the northern suburbs isn't something that can be easily resolved. Since it has claimed that land, you must "let the one who tied the bell be the one to untie it."
I pointed out a path for her: "Dissipate all your family wealth."
Whether she understood or not, she left in a daze.
The mother of the first client seemed somewhat embarrassed. After all, she was the one who brought the person here, yet a perfect solution wasn't achieved.
But how many things in this world are truly perfect?
Just as she was also turning to leave, I suddenly called out to her.
She turned back.
A few faint wisps of dark energy floated over her glabella.
End of new chapter.
[If you see me, tell me to go prepare lessons: Damn! This social-climbing man still wants to enjoy the blessings of two wives? Get lost! I really felt the despair of that kind-hearted lady trapped in the photo, it's so unsettling just thinking about it. Thankfully, the Master saved her! The person with dark energy at the end of the chapter should hurry and seek the Master's help!]
[Today is Auspicious: Peach Blossom Mark's first client... holy crap???]
[Today is Favorable: Patting the person above.]
[Auspicious and Favorable: Hang in there, brother.]
[Lose Twenty Pounds in Three Months: Great read, throwing flowers.]
[Scumbags and Fools, Get Lost: What kind of freakshow of a major scumbag is this! He genuinely disgusts me. Did Nuwa forget to fill in your brain when she was mending the sky? Get the hell out!]
[Wanting Male Virtue Stories: Sigh, that's just how reality is. Get promoted, get rich, and the wife dies. Why is 'the wife dies' equated with the first two? Because in the eyes of certain scumbags, it's a heavenly joyous event!]
[Malan Flowers Bloom Thirty-One: First client's mother, go find the Master quickly!]
[Qiankun Great Shift: Holy crap, waiting for the update!]
The Zheng Family in Longtan City.
After her experience of being possessed by a ghost, Zheng Hui followed Zheng Guangming back to their hometown.
Comforted by her family, the despair and chill in her heart had completely dissipated.
After reading the latest chapter of "Diary of a Wealthy Family," filled with deep gratitude towards Qi Quan, she fiercely threw a thousand deep-water torpedoes.
"Brother, did you tell the Master that I'm involved in charity?" Zheng Hui asked, holding her phone.
Zheng Guangming shook his head, "No, I didn't."
"Then how did she know?" Zheng Hui pointed out the content in the story, "This is definitely talking about me."
Zheng Guangming scratched his head and guessed, "The Master is, after all, a Master. It's normal for her to know."
"Alright." Convinced by him, she added excitedly, "Do you think the Master specifically mentioned in the story about consulting me as a hint? Is she implying she wants me to help manage her charity work?!"
"...That's possible."
...
Zheng Hui said joyfully, "Then I'll return to Longjiang City tomorrow and go ask at the Lakeside Villa."
Lakeside Villa.
The system had the same question: [Master, how did you know Zheng Hui is involved in charity work?]
Qi Quan: [Saw it on a magazine cover.]
[Alright.] The system then asked, [And the 'first client's mother' you mentioned at the end of the chapter, does that refer to Mrs. Zhang?]
The one who accompanied Mrs. Song that day was Mrs. Zhang.
[Yes.]
[What's wrong with her?]
Qi Quan: [It's not her. It's someone related to her.]
The Zhang Residence.
Zhang Chengyan knocked on the master bedroom door, phone in hand.
"Mom, are you asleep? Did you read the Master's new chapter?"
The door quickly opened.
Father Zhang said with a grave expression, "Your mom is hiding under the covers, too scared to move."
Zhang Chengyan: "..."
He walked in, looked at the trembling quilt mound, and felt both amused and exasperated: "Mom, don't worry. The Master's wording is always precise. Since she said it's 'faint,' it definitely can't be serious. Don't scare yourself. First thing tomorrow morning, we'll go to the Lakeside Villa and beg the Master to intervene."
"Stay away from me!" She poked her head out to take a breath of fresh air, then quickly ducked back under, "Don't get tainted by my dark energy."
Zhang Chengyan: "..."
"Ever since you got that Peach Blossom Mark, I've been doing charity work non-stop, accumulating blessings for our family. How could something happen again? I don't understand!"
Zhang Chengyan's eyes shifted, "Mom, maybe it's because you've been in contact with Aunt Song for a long time, and you picked up a little."
"Probably not," she said gloomily from under the covers, "If that were the case, the Master wouldn't have needed to point it out."
"True."
Father Zhang and son looked at each other, not knowing how to comfort Mrs. Zhang.
The phone on the nightstand rang abruptly.
No movement from the quilt mound.
Zhang Chengyan: "Mom, it's your phone. Uncle is calling."
A hand shot out from under the covers, deftly grabbed the phone, adjusted her tone, and asked, "Ah Qi, what's the matter?"
Mrs. Zhang's maiden name is Wei, Wei Suhe. She has a younger brother named Wei Qi.
"Sis, if you have time, come to Longlin. Xiao Qian... he might not make it." Wei Qi's voice was choked with tears.
Wei Suhe shot out from under the covers, sitting bolt upright, her face full of worry: "What happened to Xiao Qian? What on earth happened? Tell me clearly!"
"I don't know." Wei Qi sobbed, "He suddenly collapsed unconscious during a P.E. class at school. The hospital couldn't find anything wrong, but he just won't wake up."
Wei Suhe: "He's been hexed!"
Wei Qi: "..."
Somewhat resentfully, he said, "Sis, what kind of joke is this at a time like this?"
"Ah Qi!" Wei Suhe couldn't explain, she just said, "Believe me, go find a Master to take a look."
Wei Qi: "..."
He silently hung up the phone.
Wei Suhe: ???
She froze for a moment, then suddenly realized: "I know! It's not me who's in trouble, it's Xiao Qian! No, I need to go to Longlin City tomorrow. Old Zhang, help me pack."
"Mom, I'll go with you," Zhang Chengyan said while simultaneously throwing deep-water torpedoes at "Diary of a Wealthy Family."
"Fine," Wei Suhe agreed readily.
In the "Guardian Master Squad" group chat.
[Du Jiaming: @Zhang Chengyan, remember to find the Master.]
[Yang Su: @Zhang Chengyan, remember to find the Master.]
[Qian Kun: @Zhang Chengyan, remember to find the Master.]
[Zhang Chengyan: It's not my mom, it's my cousin. Need to go to Longlin City tomorrow.]
[Su Rong: The house needs some fruit trees planted. Not sure if there are any purchasing channels...?]
[Du Jiaming: Butler Su! What fruit does the Master like? I can get anything, and I can even bring people to plant them!]
[Yang Su: Tomorrow! I'll buy them and come over tomorrow!]
[Qian Kun: And me too! I want to go plant fruit trees for the Master, so when she eats the fruit later, she'll think of me!]
[Zhang Chengyan: ...]
He wanted to go too!
The next morning, just after Qi Quan finished breakfast, three groups of people arrived in the yard.
Multiple trucks were parked outside the villa, all loaded with various kinds of fruit trees.
Du Jiaming: "Master, they are all professionals at planting fruit trees. We'll be quick and won't disturb you for too long!"
Yang Su: "Master, I specifically bought fruit trees you like. You can leave this to me with complete confidence!"
Qian Kun: "Master, I guarantee you'll be able to eat the fruit next year!"
Qi Quan: ...
Well, that was sudden.
She left them in Butler Su's care and returned to her room to cultivate.
When Meng Yunzheng arrived at the lakeside villa, he was startled by a long line of trucks.
Who was going to such great lengths?
He muttered to himself, carefully avoiding the trucks and parking at the villa's entrance.
Huh? So it was this Consultant Qi who wanted to plant trees.
He walked to the courtyard gate and was about to press the doorbell when a handsome man approached, calmly directing people in and out of the yard.
Meng Yunzheng's eyelids twitched.
As a fourth-level Celestial Master, he could tell this handsome man was a ghost, a ghost servant.
It seemed the information was correct. This eccentric Consultant Qi did indeed keep ghost servants.
However, the Investigation Headquarters had analyzed that Qi Quan acted with principle and restraint, had a bottom line, did not collude with evil cultivators, and possessed profound cultivation. There was a high probability she was proficient in both talisman and array techniques, making her a Celestial Master of exceptional talent.
But she disliked constraints and was reluctant to be overly restricted, so the higher-ups' attitude was primarily one of courting her; saying 'recruitment' might be a bit presumptuous.
Fortunately, this Celestial Master Qi had accepted the Headquarters' appointment and was now a consultant for the Headquarters.
If they could persuade her to take action this time, the possibility of resolving the situation with the vengeful ghost in the northern suburbs would greatly increase.
He spoke politely, "Hello, Mr. Su. My name is Meng Yunzheng. I'm the head of the Longjiang City Investigation Department. I've come specifically to visit Senior Qi."
Su Rong turned and looked at him through the protective array, saying, "Please show your credentials."
Meng Yunzheng took out his ID.
Every credential from the Investigation Department was intimately linked to its holder and could not be counterfeited by others.
Su Rong nodded. "Please come in."
Having been granted access, Meng Yunzheng passed through the array and followed him into the living room.
"Please wait a moment." Su Rong left the living room to report to Qi Quan.
Meng Yunzheng waited alone, distinctly feeling the exceptionally rich spiritual energy within the villa. Every pore in his body seemed to open up.
Could it be that the senior had set up a Spirit Gathering Array in her home?
A moment later, a tall figure appeared outside the door.
She wore a black maxi dress with a plain-colored cardigan over it. The dress reached her ankles, faintly revealing slender, pale ankles. She wore slippers on her feet, her attire quite casual.
He quickly stood up and bowed.
"Senior Qi, I am Meng Yunzheng, a junior and the head of the Longjiang City Investigation Department. I come uninvited today because there is a matter requiring your assistance."
His manner was humble, without a trace of official arrogance.
Qi Quan sat down and said calmly, "Director Meng, are you referring to the Red Ghost in the northern suburbs?"
"Yes." Meng Yunzheng's face showed anticipation. "It's embarrassing to say, but I, as the head, am only at the fourth level. The investigators in our department are still inexperienced. In all of Longjiang, besides you, I'm afraid no one can subdue that... Red Ghost."
Qi Quan asked, "How do you plan to handle it?"
"Naturally, subdue it and purify the dark energy in the northern suburbs."
Qi Quan gave him a faint glance.
Though not severe, Meng Yunzheng still felt a wave of pressure.
He steeled himself and asked, "Senior, is there something inappropriate about that?"
"Have you read the relevant materials on the northern suburbs?" Qi Quan inquired.
Meng Yunzheng nodded. "I have."
"A sixth-level Red Ghost has very deep obsessions. If its obsessions can be resolved, the chances of success will be much greater. If not, forcing a confrontation offers no benefit."
Meng Yunzheng said, "When you had the Song family disperse their wealth, were you trying to resolve its obsessions?"
Qi Quan nodded. "The Song family was merely collateral damage. It cannot truly resolve the Red Ghost's obsessions. Only by finding the root cause can the northern suburbs see the light of day again."
"Thank you for the guidance, Senior. I will return and investigate carefully."
The events from years ago were already very vague, and the records were incomplete. The Investigation Department did not know how the Red Ghost came to be.
But since Qi Quan had pointed this way, he could only follow this direction in his investigation.
Meng Yunzheng took his leave and departed.
The system asked Qi Quan: [Big shot, do you know what happened back then?]
Qi Quan: [No.]
The system: [Huh?]
[I took a look on the way to Lingxu Temple. The dark energy is indeed heavy, but there's one thing I didn't mention.]
[What?]
Qi Quan smiled: [There's a golden light shimmering within the dark energy.]
[Huh? What does that mean?] The system was baffled. Just when it thought it had learned a lot about metaphysics, the big shot would prove it wrong.
[It means this ghost has accumulated merit.]
[...]
The system asked, puzzled: [But isn't it a Red Ghost?]
[Xue Hong was also a Red Ghost.]
[That's true.]
But—
[It caused Song Lin to have constant accidents, didn't it harm people?]
[If someone dances on your grave, are you not allowed to fight back?]
The system: [...Alright then.]
Due to the collapse of the Song family, Longjiang City's business world was in turmoil.
Those in the know felt pity, but they couldn't help but admire the decisiveness of the Song family.
Not everyone could give up such a vast commercial empire.
The Song family sold off all their assets, truly becoming penniless.
Miraculously, not only did Song Lin stop having accidents, but the speed of his physical recovery was astonishingly fast.
The attending physician looked astonished. "The cellular activity in your body is many times stronger than an average person's!"
Song Lin: ...
Mr. Song's injuries were lighter than his and he could already get out of bed and walk.
Such a supernatural occurrence forced the Song family to believe completely.
Mrs. Song said, "I borrowed some money from a friend and rented a place outside. Once you're both recovered, our family will find jobs together. We're not afraid of not being able to support ourselves."
With their wealth completely gone, she had become more open-minded.
Things couldn't get worse than this.
Song Lin's eyes reddened slightly. "Mom, you've worked hard. It was my stubbornness and refusal to listen to advice. If I had sensed something was wrong when they withdrew from the competition, if I had believed in 'The Diary of a Tycoon,' our family wouldn't have ended up like this."
"Out with the old, in with the new." Mrs. Song smiled. "Right now, I just hope you can be safe and sound."
In just a few days, wrinkles had already appeared on her once well-maintained face.
Mr. Song looked at her with heartache and patted her hand. "In the future, the two of us men will work. You rest at home."
"No need. After all, I graduated from university back in the day." Mrs. Song said proudly. "I'll feel more at ease once we pay back the borrowed money sooner."
...
Mr. Song smiled.
Mrs. Song suddenly said, "However, when I donated all our assets before, I forgot to set aside something to thank the Master. Suhe and the others told me we should follow the Master's rules and give a tip for the article."
"How much money do we have left now?" Song Lin asked.
Mrs. Song: "Only fifty thousand."
She didn't dare borrow more, afraid that 'that thing' wouldn't be satisfied.
Song Lin: "I'll ask some friends to borrow a bit more."
Lakeside Villa.
Du Jiaming had just finished directing the workers planting the fruit trees when a message popped up on his phone.
[Song Lin: Can you lend me some money?]
Well, well! The lofty Song Lin was actually asking to borrow money!
He was about to screenshot it and send it to Yang Su when Yang Su leaned over mysteriously and said, "Do you know what message I just got?"
Du Jiaming waved his phone. "You're not going to say it's this, are you?"
"He asked you too?!" Yang Su exclaimed in surprise. "I thought he would never ask to borrow money."
Just then, Zhang Chengyan sent a screenshot.
Song Lin had asked all three of them!
To be honest, even though the Song family was gone, they didn't look down on Song Lin because of it. Song Lin's abilities were obvious to all. Given the opportunity, he would surely soar again.
They just never expected Song Lin to ask for a loan.
"So, are you going to lend it or not?" Yang Su asked.
Du Jiaming said, "Lend it, why not? Think about it, he's pretty pitiful, getting caught up in this mess."
"Just unlucky, I'd say." Yang Su then asked, "How much are you planning to lend?"
"Depends on how much he needs."
Du Jiaming replied to Song Lin: 【How much do you need?】
Yang Su replied at the same time.
【Song Lin: One hundred thousand.】
A hundred thousand is nothing!
Du Jiaming and Yang Su immediately transferred the money.
"Actually, with the Qi family's support, Song Lin will probably bounce back quickly," Yang Su remarked with a sigh.
Du Jiaming chuckled, "He won't ask the Qi family for help. His pride won't allow it."
"True."
Du Jiaming put his phone in his pocket. "The trees are planted, we should head back."
"A shame, we didn't get another chance to see the Master," Yang Su lamented.
"Mr. Du, Mr. Yang, you've worked hard. The Master invites you to the living room for some tea and rest," Su Rong appeared at the right moment to say.
"Great!"
The two entered the living room, where Qian Kun was already sitting on the sofa drinking tea.
"Brother Du, Brother Yang, come quick, this tea is really amazing!"
Du Jiaming and Yang Su: "..."
Well, yes, but your flattery is a bit too blunt.
What kind of expensive tea haven't they tasted before?
The tea here at the Master's place is top-notch, sure, but the flavor should be about the same as the ones they have at home, not something to praise as if it were divine nectar, right?
The two took a sip.
!!!
They took another sip.
They couldn't help but exchange a glance, then poured the entire cup into their mouths like oxen chewing peonies, gulping it down.
They immediately felt the fatigue in their bodies swept away, replaced by a strange sense of lightness.
Du Jiaming eagerly asked, "Butler Su, what kind of supreme tea is this? Where can I buy it?"
His family's old man loves fine tea. If he could bring back tea like this, the old man would definitely be overjoyed.
Yang Su also looked at Su Rong with hopeful eyes.
"Don't bother asking," Qian Kun waved his hand. "I already did. It's not for sale."
Their faces fell instantly.
Su Rong smiled.
Ever since Ling Sheng figured out a new way to use spiritual energy and saw that the Master liked it, he had filtered all the food and drink in the house.
Naturally, these things couldn't be sold.
...
If people outside found out, who knows what a huge commotion it would cause.
The Master had instructed that since these three had delivered and planted the fruit trees and certainly wouldn't accept payment, they should be offered a cup of spiritual energy-infused tea as a token of gratitude.
This cup of tea was beneficial for cultivators and ghosts, let alone ordinary people.
The reason they felt so refreshed after drinking it was because the spiritual energy nourished their bodies and dispelled their fatigue.
In the bedroom.
The system reported to Qi Quan: 【Big shot, a new reader 'Lin Yuan Xian Yu' just gifted you three thousand deep-water torpedoes.】
Qi Quan: 【Hmm.】
The system was puzzled: 【Which client of yours is this?】
Usually, only big clients were this generous.
Qi Quan: 【Probably Song Lin.】
【Ah? He still has money for gifts?】 The system had almost given up on the Song family being able to afford divination fees anymore.
Qi Quan: 【Borrowed.】
【Big shot, will the Song family be able to make big money again in the future?】
【Don't know.】
She wasn't interested in other people's lives.
In the afternoon, the lakeside villa received another visitor: Zheng Hui.
Her body hadn't fully recovered yet, her face was somewhat pale, but her spirits were high.
"Master, thank you for saving me that day." Zheng Hui bowed deeply. "There was so much going on that day, I was very emotional and didn't get a chance to thank you properly."
Qi Quan got straight to the point: "Do you still plan to continue your charity work?"
"Yes!"
Qi Quan nodded. "I'd like to ask you to help me set up a charitable foundation, dedicated specifically to philanthropic causes."
Zheng Hui: "Does the Master have any specific directions in mind?"
There were many types of charity projects.
Qi Quan thought for a moment and said, "Orphanages, rescue for trafficked children and women, aid for out-of-school children. Those for now."
In her previous life, she had more money than she could spend, and the amount she poured into charity was countless. In this life, now that she had earned enough to secure her living and cultivation, it was better to help more people.
Zheng Hui: "No problem!"
Both parties signed a contract, with Zheng Hui managing the charitable foundation on her behalf and reporting to her regularly.
After Zheng Hui left, Qi Quan lazily leaned back on the sofa, holding a teacup, inhaling the subtle fragrance of the tea, feeling content and at ease.
【Big shot, you haven't written today's update yet.】
Qi Quan felt a headache coming on: 【No inspiration, can't write.】
The system: 【Actually, novels can be fabricated. You don't necessarily have to write a real diary.】
【Sorry, no imagination.】
【...】
The system offered a suggestion: 【Then what about the things you encountered in your previous life? Could you write about those?】
Qi Quan fell silent for a moment.
Why hadn't she thought of that?
Longlin City.
Zhang Chengyan and Wei Suhe rushed to the hospital and saw their cousin, Wei Qian.
Wei Qian was only eighteen this year, just started university. He was handsome and athletic, with a very cheerful personality. It was said he was the school heartthrob in high school.
His grades weren't top-notch; he only got into the local Longlin University and had been enrolled for less than a month.
Who would have thought that the lively young man from before would now be lying unconscious in a hospital bed?
Wei Suhe asked with heartache, "Have you found a master?"
Wei Qi: "..."
He pinched the bridge of his nose and asked, "Sis, you really weren't joking last night?"
"No." Wei Suhe was very serious.
Wei Qi certainly understood his sister wouldn't joke about something like this, but he really couldn't bring himself to accept this bizarre suggestion right away.
"No matter what, we have to try every possible method," Wei Suhe urged.
Wei Qi thought about it; that made sense.
"Alright, I'll go ask around!"
He ran out of the ward to make a call.
Zhang Chengyan watched his retreating back, feeling like he had forgotten something.
What was it?
A moment later, Wei Qi returned with a look of disbelief, frowning at the mother and son. "I found a master, but..."
"But what?" Wei Suhe quickly asked.
Wei Qi hesitated: "A master... is it really that easy to find one? Could it be a scam?"
He even felt like he was dreaming.
Before seeking out a master, he thought his friends were like him—not believers in this sort of thing. So before making the call, he had braced himself for mockery and ridicule.
Who knew that as soon as he brought it up, a friend enthusiastically recommended a master to him and even sent over a WeChat contact.
Utterly bewildering.
Zhang Chengyan said, "What's the master's name? I can ask around."
He could use his connection with Chen Feilu to check if this master was a legitimate Taoist priest.
Wei Qi said, "His name is Wei Huanyang. He's young, but they say he's quite skilled."
Zhang Chengyan: !!!
Wasn't that the idiot who leaked a girl's address on Weibo?
No wonder he felt he'd forgotten something.
The Hengfeng Sect was right here in Longlin City!
