The estate in the suburbs of the capital.
"What?!"
The carving knife in the man's hand nearly slipped and cut his own fingers.
He looked up in shock, his expression almost contorted. "Dead? All dead? One Level 8 and three Level 7s?"
The steward was equally stunned.
In a daze, his voice strained, he replied, "Yes, dead. Not a single one left."
The man's eyes widened. "Didn't they have Bloodburst Pills?"
Taking a Bloodburst Pill could elevate one's cultivation by a whole level. Couldn't three Level 8s and one Level 9 kill a single Level 8?
Their secret estimation was that Qi Quan's level should be around Level 8.
It wasn't that they were unwilling to consider a higher level, but rather they dared not.
She's only twenty-two!
Level 8 was already the absolute limit. Any higher wouldn't be genius, but monstrous.
No, even this was already monstrous.
The steward said in a low, hoarse voice, "It's unclear. No one knows what happened there. The fight ended very quickly. I inquired with the Dragon Lake City Celestial Masters Association. Someone who was relatively close by only saw a massive long blade spanning the sky from afar, seemingly blotting out the sun and sky."
The man: "..."
He suddenly broke into a loud coughing fit, as if trying to cough his entire lungs out.
"Family Head, please take care of your health," the steward urged anxiously. "That place was just an abandoned den anyway. Nothing can be traced back. You needn't worry."
The man clutched his chest as the coughing gradually subsided.
He raised his pale, gaunt face, his eyes actually showing a trace of bewilderment. "With a Celestial Master so formidable... can we really kill her?"
If they couldn't kill her, Qi Quan would become their greatest obstacle.
The steward tried to console him, "At most, she's a Level 9 Celestial Master. She can't possibly be a Human Sovereign, right? A Human Sovereign isn't something so easily..."
His voice trailed off.
It was said a Human Sovereign could faintly touch the power of laws. Thinking of that massive blade formed from spiritual energy, a chill ran down his spine.
Could it be... she had truly reached the Human Sovereign realm?
His terrified expression was reflected in the man's eyes.
The man actually started chuckling, his voice raspy. "Truly a favorite of the Heavenly Dao!"
The steward: "..."
Ah, the Family Head is about to lose it again.
After a moment, the man regained his composure and asked, "What about the people sent to attack the villa?"
"No news yet."
The man: "...Contact them immediately!"
"Yes."
Lakeside Villa.
Outside the courtyard, the two Celestial Masters were still relentlessly attacking.
Xue Hong stretched lazily, bored. "How long are they going to keep this up? It's disturbing my reading."
"Probably brought a lot of talismans this time. They'll stop when they run out," Su Rong guessed.
As soon as he finished speaking, his phone received a message.
He looked down and suddenly broke into a delighted smile.
Xue Hong raised an eyebrow. "From the Master?"
"Yes." Su Rong smiled. "The Master says she'll be home in about two hours."
"Is that all?"
"There's more," Su Rong said, his gaze turning towards the outside of the courtyard. "The Master said there's no logic in being on guard against thieves for a thousand days."
Xue Hong: "What does that mean? Those two outside are both higher level than us."
"Before leaving, the Master specifically set up a retaliation array. Once activated, anyone attacking the protective array will suffer double the backlash."
Given the ferocity of the two attackers outside, once the array was activated, they would be severely injured if not killed.
Xue Hong floated up excitedly. "That's perfect! Activate it quickly!"
Following Qi Quan's instructions, Su Rong took out a sparrow-shaped jade token and... placed it into the eye of the retaliation array.
Instantly, another layer of light shield appeared outside the protective array.
The shield flashed for a second before vanishing.
The two Celestial Masters outside the courtyard looked at each other.
"What was that just now?"
"Not sure. Probably just the array shield?"
"An extra layer?"
"Maybe."
"The ghost servants know arrays too?"
"Who knows. Let's finish this quickly."
As they spoke, they threw out several Level 6 Thunder Talismans, all aimed at the retaliation array.
The retaliation array glowed with a faint halo. The energy from the several Thunder Talismans suddenly doubled and, with lightning speed, shot back and struck the two men!
"Pfft—"
"Gah—"
Both men vomited blood simultaneously and collapsed to the ground, unconscious.
Hearing the commotion outside, Su Rong smiled slightly and dialed Meng Yunzheng's number.
"Director Meng, two Celestial Masters attacked the villa and were counterattacked by the array. They are now critically injured."
Meng Yunzheng: !!!
He immediately replied, "I'll send someone right away."
Shortly after, Tang Mian led a team over, took the two men into custody, and brought them to the Investigation Department for interrogation.
Having suffered the backlash of double the power of Level 6 Thunder Talismans, the two were covered in wounds. However, being Level 6 Celestial Masters themselves, they could withstand it with some treatment.
The Investigation Department naturally showed no mercy to those who attacked the villa.
That was the Chief Consultant's home!
Within the Investigation Department now, who didn't know about the Chief Consultant's glorious feat of intimidating the major Celestial Master sect leaders at Guiyuan Sect?
Consultant Qi was a figure genuinely revered by all investigators from the bottom of their hearts.
Those daring to attack the Chief Consultant's home had to face the wrath of the Investigation Department!
Under the investigators' relentless questioning and unable to bear the pain from their injuries any longer, the two men revealed a little.
But only a little.
When pressed for deeper information, no amount of prying could make them talk.
Meng Yunzheng watched from outside for a while, then asked Tang Mian beside him, "Do they seem like dead soldiers to you?"
Tang Mian: "Drugged?"
"Probably more than just drugs," Meng Yunzheng frowned. "I'll report this to Dragon Capital."
Dragon Capital City Investigation Department.
Li Guoyan received a video transmitted by Di Meng.
In the video, there were three piles of human-shaped ashes on the ground. Within the ashes, three dark red pills were particularly conspicuous.
Di Meng's voiceover played in the video.
"These are called Bloodburst Pills. They can help a Celestial Master instantly elevate their cultivation by a major realm. Side effects unknown."
A pair of hands placed the Bloodburst Pills into an evidence bag.
"We discovered many children's skeletons inside the house, along with traces of a pile of ashes."
The scene in the video was truly horrifying.
The earth on the ground had been stained red by blood, and even after twenty years, the color had not faded.
This was undoubtedly the den where Bloodburst Pills were refined back then.
Li Guoyan sighed inwardly. The work of the Investigation Department was long and arduous.
Those inhuman evil cultivators hiding in the shadows must be brought to justice to appease the souls of the departed.
The phone rang, and he answered.
It was Meng Yunzheng.
"Director Li, two Level 6 Celestial Masters suddenly attacked the Lakeside Villa. They were counterattacked by the villa's array and are now in the interrogation room. But no matter how we interrogate them, they won't reveal who's behind this."
Li Guoyan's heart skipped a beat. "Attacked the Lakeside Villa?"
"Yes. It was reported by Mr. Su."
Mr. Su, the butler of Lakeside Villa, Qi Quan's first ghost servant—the Investigation Department was aware of this.
Li Guoyan instantly understood.
The latest chapter of "The Aristocratic Diary" had clearly made the evil cultivator organization behind the scenes restless. Obviously, all firepower was now focused on Qi Quan.
They understood the Investigation Department, they understood Qi Quan. They lay in wait at the abandoned den to ambush her, just like they did with Fu Jiuge back then.
They deployed Level 7 and Level 8 Celestial Masters, even equipped them with Bloodburst Pills, all to overpower Qi Quan. They even tried to attack Qi Quan's residence during the operation to disrupt her state of mind.
They would stop at nothing!
Unfortunately, they had misjudged Qi Quan's strength.
To be honest, when Li Guoyan heard Di Meng's report, he thought he might have misheard.
Three Level Sevens and one Level Eight?
And the Level Eight even took a Bloodburst Pill to reach Level Nine?
Then they were all beheaded by Master Qi with a single slash, leaving not even a speck of bone dust behind?
He couldn't fathom just how profound Master Qi's cultivation level truly was.
It was fortunate that such a master was a member of the Investigation Department.
The loose cultivator chat groups in Longhu City were already boiling over.
[Did you all see the giant blade shadow in the sky just now?!]
[I was watering plants on my balcony and dropped my watering can.]
[I was driving and ran a red light...]
[What on earth was that? Could any senior explain?]
[Perhaps, fellow cultivator, have you heard of Spirit Power Materialization?]
[That technique that condenses spirit power into a solid form? That's a divine ability only Masters of Level Seven or above can perform!]
[So, just now, a Level Seven Master passed by our area and left behind a giant blade?]
[Internal news: It seems high-level Masters were fighting in that restricted zone. Three Level Sevens and one Level Eight against a Master of unknown level. The result? They were all slain with a single slash!]
[Upstairs is writing fiction, that's impossible.]
[Damn, I'll never reach Level Seven in my lifetime. Are Level Sevens like cabbages now? Someone who can defeat three Level Sevens and a Level Eight with one move isn't human, they're a god!]
[What about Level Nine? You ignoring Level Nine?]
[Level Nine... do we even have Level Nine powerhouses in our mystical community?]
[Forgot about the Guiyuan Sect's feast? Forgotten about that certain big shot who saved all the Masters with a wave of their hand?]
[Wasn't it said she was above Level Seven? Level Eight at most!]
[They said 'above Level Seven,' but no one actually knows her true level.]
[My heavens, how ridiculously powerful is that.]
[The most crucial point is, she's only twenty-two.]
[So, where did the Investigation Department find such a colossal powerhouse? With her there, isn't the Investigation Department set?]
[Hey, Investigation Departments nationwide are recruiting. Fellow cultivators, want to form a group and go sign up?]
[Let's do it! To meet the great powerhouse just once in this lifetime would leave no regrets!]
The giant blade shadow over Longhu City sparked heated discussions.
Of course, ordinary people couldn't see it with the naked eye.
A fortunate Master happened to be nearby and used a Recording Talisman to capture the complete image of the blade shadow.
Possessing sharp business acumen, he purchased many expensive Recording Talismans, copied the original recording onto them, and began selling them online.
The price of a Recording Talisman containing the giant blade image was at least three times that of a blank one!
Sects, families, Master Associations, and loose cultivators outside of Longhu, all took a keen interest in the giant blade shadow.
Even the top sects and families in Longjing City were no exception.
He made a fortune... a real killing from selling those talismans.
As for the most precious original recording, of course, he kept it for his own collection.
This talisman would be a family heirloom from now on.
The Fu Family.
Fu Jiuge had just woken up and was still quite weak.
Leaning against the bed, she listened quietly as Fu Luanfei recounted recent events.
The protagonist in all of them was Qi Quan.
A smile lingered in Fu Jiuge's eyes throughout. After Fu Luanfei finished, she finally spoke, "I'd like to read 'The Diary of a Wealthy Family.' Is that possible?"
"Of course!" Fu Luanfei nodded. "But you've just woken up, you shouldn't overexert yourself. You need more rest. How about I read it to you?"
"Alright."
Fu Luanfei opened her phone, about to tap into the app, when a message suddenly popped up in the family group chat, followed by a continuous stream of chat records.
[Have you all heard about that incident in Longhu City?!]
Fu Luanfei's mind stirred, and she switched to the group chat instead.
She knew of Longhu City; it was where her aunt had met with the accident years ago.
[I know! Ahhhhh! Why wasn't I there? Hearing the descriptions from fellow cultivators over in Longhu, I'm so excited and thrilled, I really wish I could have seen it myself!]
[So annoying! You've got me all curious now. So what exactly happened?]
[So cool, so cool! I was on a mission right here in Longhu, ahhhhh! I was capturing a ghost, looked up, and oh my heavens!]
[Could you all stop telling half the story? It's really annoying!]
[Did you learn cliffhangers from Author Baishui?]
[Pfft, Author Baishui is an old hand at cliffhangers.]
Fu Luanfei: "..."
So, what on earth happened?
She gave Fu Jiuge an apologetic smile. "Aunt, there's something in the group chat, let me check first."
"Go ahead."
Fu Luanfei asked directly in the group: [What happened in Longhu City?]
[Wow! It's Sister Fu!]
[Snagging Sister Fu! I'll explain! Just a moment ago, a giant blade suddenly appeared in the sky over Longhu City. It was so long it seemed to span half the sky. The blade shadow slowly descended for a slash and then vanished.]
Fu Luanfei: [And then?]
[There is no 'and then.']
Fu Luanfei: [?]
[That's all anyone saw. As for what actually happened, I'm not clear either. Perhaps, Sister Fu, you could inquire with the mystical community or the authorities?]
Fu Luanfei: [Thanks.]
Soon, the major sects and families in Longjing City each bought back an expensive Recording Talisman.
Seeing the long blade in the recording, the big shots fell silent.
They convened another video conference.
Master Yin: "I consulted an elder who recently emerged from seclusion, Level Eight. He said he is incapable of such a feat."
Master Wan: "Same here."
"Senior Qi left Longjing this morning," Yan Family Head stated, sharing the known information. "Based on the timing, she could have reached Longhu City."
"What would she go to Longhu City for?" Yu Lanzhi frowned.
Yan Family Head: "Haven't you read her file? She grew up in Longhu City. Perhaps she just went back to visit her hometown."
Everyone: "..."
Master Wan said, "Are you suggesting this giant shadow was left by Senior Qi?"
Yan Family Head: "Just a guess. It's unlikely the world has produced another monstrous talent, right?"
Everyone: That makes sense.
"Brother Fu, what's your view?" Yan Family Head asked.
Fu Jiuchong hadn't uttered a word. He was more certain than the others that the blade shadow was indeed left by Qi Quan.
The clue about Longhu City was the one he had provided to the Investigation Department... Presumably, the Investigation Department would send someone to Longhu to investigate thoroughly. Last night's new chapter of "The Diary of a Wealthy Family" subtly hinted at the discovery of clues regarding the "Bloody Pills."
The mastermind behind the scenes would definitely not sit idle and might even set a trap based on this.
He had a rough idea but couldn't say it.
The news of Jiuge's awakening was still confined within the Fu residence, known to very few even there.
He couldn't reveal the slightest hint.
"Possibly," he said expressionlessly.
He had always been taciturn in front of others, so no one found it strange.
Master Yin suddenly sighed, "Do you think... she might have reached Level Nine?"
"..."
The big shots all fell silent.
As Level Sevens themselves, they were already the heads of top sects and first-rate families, looking down upon the entire mystical community. Level Eight elders were almost perpetually in secluded cultivation, detached from worldly affairs. Only someone like Qi Quan, a Master beyond Level Eight, was still active in the mortal world.
Didn't she need secluded cultivation?
How on earth did she reach Level Nine?
Master Wan suddenly remarked, "What if this is her method of cultivation? Perhaps secluded cultivation alone isn't conducive to advancing one's realm. Maybe continuous engagement with the world is more likely to provide opportunities for breakthrough."
"That makes sense," the Yan Family Head nodded.
Yu Lanzhi said helplessly, "What, are we supposed to start writing novels like her?"
"..."
Ahem, that's certainly not possible.
Master Yin said, "Everyone has their own unique path of cultivation. What suits her may not suit us. Let's set this matter aside for now. Regardless of who left that sword shadow, what we should be discussing right now is the matter of the supervision teams."
"Supervision teams have already begun stationing in various regional Celestial Master Associations. They are all swift and decisive, not easy to deal with," Master Wan stated.
The Yan Family Head said, "It's only the beginning. The supervision teams haven't taken major action yet. Once friction accumulates to a certain degree, conflicts are probably unavoidable."
The others present: "..."
So you're just here for the show?
Longjiang City.
Qi Quan and the other two finally returned to the lakeside villa.
"Master, the tea is ready. What would you like for dinner?" Steward Su's eyes and brows were filled with joy.
Qi Quan smiled and said, "Anything is fine."
Su Rong had expected that answer. He turned and walked into the kitchen, selecting a few of Qi Quan's favorite dishes.
"It's been no fun reading without you here," Xue Hong followed Qi Quan to the sofa and poured her some tea.
Qi Quan felt a long-missed sense of ease.
Compared to business trips, staying at home was the most comfortable.
She had just finished a battle at Long Lake, and a trace of excitement still lingered within her.
Slaying a ninth-level Celestial Master, while not requiring her utmost effort, had still consumed a large portion of her spiritual power.
Since coming to this world, she had never unleashed such a powerful move. In her previous life, it was only during battles against ghost generals that she truly experienced what it meant to fight with exhilarating satisfaction.
[Master, I have good news to tell you!] the system suddenly announced.
Qi Quan: [What is it?]
[Your novel has reached number one on the site's monthly rankings! Reward: twenty days of lifespan!]
Qi Quan: [Good.]
[To celebrate this good news, you should at least update a chapter tonight, right?]
It wasn't even asking for an extra update, how considerate!
Qi Quan held her tea, her expression blank as she said, [No inspiration.]
[Can't you write about the big battle against the villain and the counterattack with the formation this time?]
Qi Quan: [No.]
[Why not?]
Qi Quan: [What's so interesting about all that fighting and killing...?]
[...]
Just making excuses!
Qi Quan sat quietly on the sofa, while over there, Xue Hong was already grading the test papers Ling Sheng had done during the business trip.
The sound of Steward Su washing and chopping vegetables came from the kitchen.
The warmth of everyday life filled the villa.
Cozy and beautiful.
Qi Quan finished a cup of tea, her lips unconsciously curving into a smile as she got up and entered her room.
She first released the Car-blocking Ghost.
The Car-blocking Ghost had previously been under the control of an eighth-level Celestial Master. Now that the eighth-level Celestial Master was dead, the control had dissipated.
He had been lectured by Qin Ruo all the way inside the peach wood talisman and learned that the eighth-level Celestial Master had been killed by Qi Quan with a single sword strike. He dared not show the slightest disrespect towards Qi Quan.
He bowed and scraped, saying, "G-Great Master, I really haven't done any bad deeds. I'm just an ordinary ghost! If I hadn't been controlled by someone, I wouldn't have dared to harm you!"
Qi Quan said calmly, "I assume you wouldn't want to experience the taste of a soul search."
"..."
The Car-blocking Ghost wiped his face, his expression bitter as he said, "That Celestial Master liked collecting ghosts. He had many ghosts under him, both powerful and weak. I was just the most insignificant one. Last night, I received the task to block your car on the road and then get in to guide you to Longhu City."
[What did he collect so many ghosts for?] the system asked.
Qi Quan: [Perhaps for him, ghosts were the cheapest labor force.]
[Because they don't require food or money?] the system asked, speechless.
[Yes, and they are easy to command.]
[...]
Then now that he's dead, wouldn't those powerful ghosts he raised be out of control?
The system voiced its concern.
Qi Quan said: [Powerful ghosts are hard to control; they might have been made into ghost servants. When the master dies, the ghost servants perish as well. The remaining lesser ghosts are not a concern.]
Even if the eighth-level Celestial Master hadn't died, those lesser ghosts would have been driven to do bad deeds.
[That's true.]
"Great Master, I really don't know anything else. I only received this one task," the Car-blocking Ghost pleaded. "I haven't done any evil. All these years, I've only wanted to move on to reincarnation. Please, let me go to reincarnation."
Qi Quan began forming hand seals.
Car-blocking Ghost: !!!
He couldn't tell what it was, but he could sense it was definitely nothing good!
He cried and begged, "Great Master, I really don't know anything else!"
Qi Quan's hands didn't stop forming the seal as she asked casually, "How did you die?"
"I... I was killed by someone."
"Who killed you?"
The Car-blocking Ghost lowered his head, not daring to meet her eyes: "It was like I said before. I went to find a corner to relieve myself, and then someone killed me."
[Still lying!] the system said.
Qi Quan completed the Soul Search Seal and slowly pushed it towards the Car-blocking Ghost.
"No! I'll talk! I'll talk!" the Car-blocking Ghost wailed. "I just saw something I shouldn't have seen, heard something I shouldn't have heard. That's why they killed me."
Qi Quan's hand didn't stop.
"I heard them say those children were to be sent to Longlin City!"
[What? Did I hear that right?!] the system exclaimed.
Qi Quan: ...
Longlin City again.
She continued to push the Soul Search Seal forward. Just as the seal was about to touch the Car-blocking Ghost's forehead, he actually fainted from fright.
System: Well, that's...
It asked Qi Quan: [Can ghosts faint?]
Qi Quan: [Hence the saying 'scared out of one's wits'.]
System: Makes sense.
[He fainted from fright, so what he said must be the truth, right?]
Qi Quan: [Yes.]
She rarely used soul search techniques. Unless absolutely necessary, she wouldn't employ such a cruel method.
She had just been scaring the Car-blocking Ghost.
The Car-blocking Ghost was a white ghost (lesser ghost) and truly hadn't harmed anyone before this. Although he followed the eighth-level Celestial Master's orders to guide her to Longhu City, legally speaking, his punishment could be mitigated or reduced.
Just hand him over to the Investigation Department to deal with.
She put the Car-blocking Ghost back into the peach wood talisman.
The system asked: [Master, what about the other three?]
Qi Quan: [They've been implanted with puppet talismans. We'll deal with that later.]
She closed her eyes and began cultivating.
Longjing City.
Di Meng hurried back to the Investigation Department with the Bloodburst Pills and sent them to the technical department for analysis.
Soon, the technical department delivered their conclusion.
The Bloodburst Pills did indeed contain human blood components. The alchemist had used some method during refinement to refine the vitality within human essence-blood, fusing it with other pill ingredients to create this kind of pill that could instantly boost a Celestial Master's level.
Of course, this pill also had side effects.
After taking the pill, the short-term stimulated potential would place a tremendous burden on the body, causing irreversible damage to bodily functions and resulting in permanently stagnant cultivation.
In short, this pill was for those who didn't value their lives.
Di Meng sensed the enormous conspiracy hidden behind this.
"If this kind of pill were mass-produced, it could absolutely build a formidable team of Celestial Masters in a short time. What does the one refining these pills intend to do?!"
Li Guoyan's expression was grave as he said, "They started this at least twenty years ago. The reach of this cult far exceeds our imagination."
"Utterly devoid of conscience!" Di Meng slammed his fist on the table angrily.
The thought of children drained of blood to death filled him with uncontrollable fury.
Children around three years old, full of vitality and easy to control, had become the premium "herbs" in the eyes of that evil cultivator organization.
Despicable! Absolutely despicable!
Li Guoyan thought for a moment and said, "The Investigation Department is short-handed. This organization is deeply hidden. We need to unite with other factions of the Mystic Arts world."
"Will they be willing?" Di Meng frowned.
Li Guoyan replied, "There are far-sighted individuals within the Mystic Arts world. Didn't the Fu family also pay a heavy price investigating this lead years ago? Twenty years ago, the Mystic Arts world also launched a major crackdown on evil cultivators. It wasn't as murky as it is now."
Di Meng nodded.
"You're right. What do you plan to do?"
Li Guoyan instructed, "Make backups of the recorded video and send it to the Guiyuan Sect, Xuanqing Sect, Hengfeng Sect, as well as the Yan Family and the Fu Family... No, hold off on Hengfeng Sect for now."
His impression of Hengfeng Sect had soured after their recent act of "relying on ghosts to bolster their standing."
He didn't quite trust Hengfeng Sect.
Di Meng frowned. "Will that be enough? Will they truly care?"
"At the very least, it serves as a warning for them to discipline their disciples. If it can stir their sense of justice, all the better."
Di Meng said, "I'll go back and do it right away."
As soon as he finished speaking, Li Guoyan's phone rang.
He looked down and saw the words "Master Qi". He immediately called Di Meng back.
He answered the call.
"Master, I haven't had the chance to thank you for making the trip to Longhu City yet. The travel expenses will be transferred to you shortly."
Qi Quan said, "That won't be necessary."
She had gone voluntarily this time and didn't need reimbursement.
"I've just obtained a lead. In recent years, missing children have likely been taken to Longlin City. Furthermore, the Bloody Pills might have different versions."
...
Li Guoyan exclaimed in surprise, "Longlin City?!"
Hengfeng Sect was located in Longlin City. If this was true, his earlier intuition was correct.
"It was extracted from a minor ghost's account, not one hundred percent certain."
"What do you mean by different versions?"
"An evil cultivator confessed to one type of pill that only replenishes spiritual energy, but the Bloodburst Pill can instantly boost one's cultivation level."
One could say the latter was an upgraded version of the former.
Li Guoyan's expression turned grave. "I understand. Thank you for informing me, Master. I am already aware of the attack on the Lakeside Villa. My sincerest apologies; the Investigation Department failed to detect the criminals in time."
"They were all Level 6 Masters. It's normal you couldn't detect them." Qi Quan didn't mind much.
Li Guoyan, however, felt deeply remorseful. "Master fights on the front lines, yet we cannot even secure your rear. It's truly..."
“In that case, there's something I need to attempt, and I hope the Department will agree.” Qi Quan took the opportunity to make her request.
Li Guoyan said, "Please, go ahead."
Qi Quan stated, "The three Level 7 Masters and the two in the interrogation room all have Puppet Talismans planted on them. These talismans activate a self-destruct program when the implanted person reveals core secrets, which is very disadvantageous for interrogation."
"Master wishes to remove the Puppet Talismans?" Li Guoyan understood her implication.
Qi Quan: "Correct. I want to conduct an experiment to remove them without alerting the talismans."
Li Guoyan smiled. "I look forward to the results of Master's experiment."
He made the decision directly.
Lakeside Villa.
Qi Quan closed her eyes, recalling various ancient texts in her mind, and finally unearthed methods related to removing Puppet Talismans.
The conditions were harsh.
Puppet Talismans are imprints directly branded onto the soul. Even after death, this imprint does not disappear unless one undergoes reincarnation.
Removing a Puppet Talisman is akin to performing surgery on the soul.
Those capable of performing soul surgery are typically high-level medical cultivators.
In this current era, medical cultivators are almost extinct.
Qi Quan had indeed perused many texts on the medical path. She had attempted it before but lacked the innate talent for medical cultivation and thus gave up.
The so-called all-round genius was merely accomplished in the paths of the sword, talismans, and formations.
The system suggested: [Big shot, how about letting Ling Sheng try?]
Qi Quan had the same thought, but the medical path in this world lacked a complete system. If Ling Sheng attempted it rashly, he might very well go down the wrong path.
"Knock, knock, knock."
A knocking sound came at the door.
"Come in."
The door opened. It was Ling Sheng.
He approached, holding a piece of paper, and handed it to Qi Quan.
Qi Quan looked down and was momentarily stunned.
The paper was filled with notes on the feasibility of "surgically removing Puppet Talismans," along with specific experimental steps.
System: [!!!]
Qi Quan gave it a quick scan and asked, "How did you know I was researching this?"
Ling Sheng handed over his phone, which displayed a passage.
[They have imprints on their souls. Ding Ji had one too. Ding Ji was controlled by someone, so are they.]
The words were brief but clear.
This was likely a special trait of his innate spiritual body—the ability to sense Puppet Talismans on others' souls. Having "interacted" with Ding Ji for so long, he must have studied Ding Ji's Puppet Talisman.
The three people she apprehended in Longhu City had Puppet Talismans on their souls identical to Ding Ji's. Normally inactive, they would activate the self-destruct program once captured and interrogated.
Following normal procedure, she would naturally "interrogate" these three. But because they had Puppet Talisman imprints on their souls, if she wanted information about the person behind them, she would have to...
It is essential to deal with the puppet symbol first, otherwise all efforts would be in vain.
He had studied the talisman books Qi Quan gave him, understood the principles of Puppet Talismans, guessed her intention, and was willing to try with her.
He had never hidden his abilities from Qi Quan. Whether it was the enhancement effects on food or his word spirit power, he had always openly displayed them before her.
Qi Quan smiled and beckoned him.
"Come here."
The young man stepped closer, half-squatting beside Qi Quan's leg, the paper still clutched in his hand, looking up at her.
Qi Quan sat on the sofa, reached out and ruffled his hair, and said with a smile, "Your idea is that the Puppet Talisman is bound to the soul. Once the host utters key phrases or suffers external attack, the talisman activates its self-destruct program. So, during the surgery, first imprint another talisman on the host's soul. At the instant the Puppet Talisman self-destructs, suppress that self-destructive energy, and then extract it?"
Ling Sheng nodded, his eyes sparkling.
Gathering courage, he stacked his hands and placed them over Qi Quan's left knee, then rested his chin on the back of his stacked hands.
Qi Quan asked with a smile, "Where did you get the inspiration?"
Ling Sheng looked at her.
[Big shot, it was from that scene at Guiyuan Sect where you controlled Lu Jiang's self-detonation!] The system exclaimed in surprise.
Qi Quan chuckled to himself: [However, among the talismans I've learned, there isn't one that can instantly envelop self-destructive energy.]
[Ah? Then what to do?]
[We can try creating a new talisman.]
Qi Quan enjoyed innovation. In the path of talismans, one couldn't always rely on old knowledge; it was necessary to innovate. Ling Sheng's idea was good. If they could invent a new type of talisman, they wouldn't have to fear others self-destructing in the future.
She nodded and said, "Alright, let's try your method first. We'll research it together."
Ling Sheng happily curved his eyes into smiles.
"Knock, knock."
Butler Su's voice came from outside the door. "Master, dinner is ready."
"Coming."
Qi Quan pinched Ling Sheng's cheek. "We'll study the new talisman after dinner."
Ling Sheng moved his hand away from her knee, obediently stood up, and followed her out of the room.
Dinner consisted entirely of Qi Quan's favorite dishes. Butler Su's culinary skills had improved yet again, each dish a perfect blend of aroma and flavor, leaving Qi Quan thoroughly satisfied.
After dinner, she reclined in the wicker chair under the open courtyard skylight, gazing up contentedly at the starry sky, savoring this rare moment of peace.
Ling Sheng sat upright nearby, diligently studying the creation of a new talisman.
He had already mastered the entire talisman manual and could essentially draw every type of talisman. His understanding of talismanic principles was quite profound, and coupled with his innate spiritual physique, he possessed a unique insight into the flow of spiritual power.
Talismans were, after all, a special method of channeling spiritual energy.
He held a pencil, sketching and writing on paper.
Qi Quan's peripheral vision fell on the crown of his head, and she suddenly felt an itch in her fingers. As if guided by a whim, she extended her index finger and poked that spot.
Ling Sheng: ?
He froze for a moment, not daring to turn around, just sitting dumbly on the stool, feeling the warmth of her fingertip.
The system suddenly exclaimed with surprise: [Did Ling Sheng's hair just all stand on end?]
Qi Quan took a closer look and was amused.
The hair around his crown stood up like the bristles of a startled hedgehog, completely upright, losing its previous soft and smooth appearance.
With a mischievous thought, she poked it a few more times before withdrawing her hand, asking with feigned calm, "Any progress with your research?"
Ling Sheng's body remained stiff for a while before he shook his head, his head drooping...
down.
"New talismans are inherently difficult to develop. Take your time, no rush."
Ling Sheng nodded and continued scribbling on the paper.
[Great One, look. Ling Sheng is researching new talismans, Butler Su is cultivating ghost techniques, Teacher Xue is delving into her professional studies. Only you are lying here like a salted fish.] The system tried to instill a sense of shame in her.
Qi Quan asked leisurely: [So?]
[So, you should go back to your room and write your novel now!] It argued its point logically.
Qi Quan: [I'm not being a salted fish. I'm cultivating by absorbing the power of the stars.]
The system: [...]
Faced with such a laid-back Great One, it gave up.
The evening breeze rustled gently in the courtyard, carrying a faint hint of osmanthus fragrance.
Qi Quan suddenly said, "Ling Sheng, tomorrow I'll take you to get your ID card. You can think of a new name for yourself, and you can also choose your own surname."
The young man was taken aback and turned to look at her.
Under the deep, vast starry sky, his eyes reflected the lamplight from the villa, like a fallen Milky Way, shimmering and brilliant.
"What is it?"
The young man typed on his phone: [Qi Ling Sheng.]
Qi Quan's heart suddenly softened.
The system: [Ahhhhh! From now on, Ling Sheng is officially one of us at Lakeside Villa!]
Getting an ID card required household registration. Qi Quan's current household registration was at Lakeside Villa. Non-relatives could have their registration attached there, so Ling Sheng would also be registered under that address.
Although this was Qi Quan's original plan, seeing Ling Sheng unhesitatingly use her surname and accept the name she had given him filled her with a particularly warm and pleased feeling.
In a moment of joy, she couldn't help herself. She cupped the young man's face, planted a kiss on his forehead, then ruffled his hair, her brows and eyes brimming with laughter.
"I'm going back to my room to cultivate. You should rest early too."
Leaving these words behind, she turned and walked away from the courtyard.
Ling Sheng stood rooted to the spot, staring wide-eyed in a daze. After a long while, he reached up and touched his forehead, feeling somewhat bewildered, yet also inexplicably happy.
Clutching his pencil, inspiration suddenly surged within him, and he began sketching rapidly.
Inside her room, Qi Quan was preparing to sit in meditation for cultivation.
The system asked slyly: [Great One, you kissed Ling Sheng just now!]
Qi Quan: [Is there a problem?]
The system: [Why did you kiss him?]
[I was happy.]
[Then why were you happy?] The system got straight to the point.
Qi Quan: [Adding a new member to the household isn't a cause for celebration?]
The system: [...]
Is that really how you use that phrase?!
Forget it, no more questions.
Early the next morning, Shen Hui drove to Lakeside Villa.
Qi Quan didn't have a dedicated driver, so she had to ask him to come pick them up to go process the ID card.
The police station wasn't far, only a fifteen-minute drive.
Illusion techniques couldn't be used to alter appearances for ID photos, so Qi Quan only concealed Ling Sheng's spiritual physique.
Ling Sheng had previously been unregistered, with no identity information. However, the household registration officer was aware of Shen Hui's investigator status and didn't ask many questions. They proceeded directly with taking the photo and entering the information. The ID card production would take some time; they'd have to wait a while to receive it.
On the Lakeside Villa household register, the name "Qi Ling Sheng" was now added.
After the ID photo was taken, the three prepared to leave the police station.
A strikingly beautiful woman walked towards them. She wore a black, off-the-shoulder fitted sweater, a pencil skirt, and high heels, her walk swaying gracefully.
As they passed each other, a rich perfume scent wafted over.
Shen Hui had a sensitive nose and couldn't hold back a sneeze.
The beauty stopped, turned to look at them, her eyes instantly curving into crescents, her red lips...
parting slightly, even her hair seeming to carry a hint of allure.
"Sorry about that."
Shen Hui: ?
He really hadn't encountered someone apologizing for their perfume before.
Habitually, he offered a smile and replied, "It's fine, it's my problem."
"You're so polite." The beauty's lips curved slightly, her gaze appreciative. "Handsome, there aren't many gentlemen like you around these days."
Shen Hui smiled awkwardly.
This wasn't the first time he'd been hit on, but this approach was new to him.
He felt it would be impolite not to respond to the compliment.
Just as he was about to say "thank you," a police officer suddenly approached the woman, his expression extremely serious: "Excuse me, are you Ms. Shao Jing?"
Shao Jing raised an eyebrow, "I am."
"Do you know Dai Chao?"
Shao Jing remained calm: "Yes, I do."
"Please assist with a police investigation."
"It's not him threatening to jump off a building again, insisting on seeing me, is it?" Shao Jing sounded impatient. "I'm not anything to him, why should I see him? I lost my ID card, I'm busy getting a new one. No time."
The police officer: "..."
Shen Hui: "..."
What a character!
But this matter had nothing to do with them.
Shen Hui followed Qi Quan and the others back to the car.
However, a doubt lingered in his mind. After dropping off Qi Quan and Ling Sheng, he returned to the Investigation Department, saw Tang Mian, and couldn't help but ask: "Between me and Ling Sheng, who do you think is more handsome?"
Qi Quan was the department's senior consultant. The department had her file, including information on the people and ghosts in her household.
Although Tang Mian hadn't met Ling Sheng in person, she had seen his photo. Hearing Shen Hui's question, she rolled her eyes. "You have the nerve to ask that?"
Shen Hui: "I have self-awareness, but today a beauty only hit on me."
He recounted the incident to Tang Mian.
Tang Mian: "..."
She analyzed: "You said her face shows abundant peach blossom luck, and she's dismissive of men infatuated with her. She's very likely a player."
"So?"
"Players don't hit on just anyone," Tang Mian looked him up and down. "It's not because you're more handsome than Ling Sheng. It's because you didn't have Senior Qi Quan by your side."
Shen Hui: "..."
He thought about it; it made sense.
Ling Sheng had the Great One Qi Quan with him. A female player, knowing she couldn't compete, could only settle for the next best option—him.
Just as their conversation ended, the department's alarm suddenly blared.
"A Level Four ghost has appeared on Wutong Road in Nanhu District!"
The two exchanged a glance and immediately rushed out of the Investigation Department.
Wutong Road is not far from the police station. According to the investigation, the last place the Level Four ghost appeared was Shengyuan Tower.
Shengyuan Tower is the office building of Shengyuan Real Estate. The Song family used to be the major shareholder here.
And just moments ago, a man named Dai Chao fell to his death from the thirty-fifth floor.
When they arrived at Shengyuan Tower, the onlookers had already been dispersed by the police. A pool of blood remained on the ground, and the body had been taken away.
Shao Jing was also at the scene. Having likely witnessed Dai Chao's fatal fall firsthand, she was quite shaken. Her face pale, she crouched on the ground, her body trembling uncontrollably.
Shen Hui quickly gathered the details.
After they left the police station, Shao Jing agreed to the police's request to come and persuade Dai Chao. Dai Chao then abandoned his intention to jump. But just as he had one leg back over the rooftop railing, his body suddenly tilted backward, as if pushed by someone, and he plummeted straight down.
He fell eerily past the safety air cushion set up below, dying instantly.
However, that "someone" did not exist.
