The instant He Xiuyu was vanquished, ghost cultivators like Zhang Feng and Gao Peilan all dissipated into nothingness along with him.
So-called masters, even in death, would drag so many ghosts down with them.
No one pitied these ghost cultivators.
They had followed He Xiuyu, using talisman patterns and verbal suggestions to cause many people to "commit suicide." Their current fate was nothing but well-deserved retribution.
It was worth mentioning that the moment Gao Peilan vanished, Pan Hao also lost his life. Only then did the Investigation Department learn that a ghost and a person had actually formed a binding contract: if the ghost died, the person would die too.
Naturally, everyone was glad that the criminal ghost cultivators had received their due punishment. But what excited and thrilled them even more was undoubtedly the fact that Senior Qi Quan had advanced to become a Human Immortal! Ahhhhh!
A Human Immortal! That was a Human Immortal!
To witness such a miracle with their own eyes in their lifetime, how could they not be moved to tears?
The ghostly aura dispersed, and the world returned to peace.
[Big Boss, wuwuwuwu, thank you for choosing me.] The system was so touched it almost cried.
Qi Quan teased: [Will you still pester me for updates then?]
[Ah, well...] the system said quietly, [I'll still have to urge you... To be honest, you've been on a hiatus for many, many days.]
Qi Quan smiled: [I am a Human Immortal now.]
Having become a Human Immortal, her lifespan was no longer limited. The so-called "writing to extend life" was no longer necessary.
The system: [Wuwuwuwu, you just said you wouldn't abandon the story.]
Qi Quan: [Yes, I did.]
[Then...]
[Just teasing you.]
The system was stunned for a moment, then started laughing happily.
Qi Quan did not linger in mid-air. Her gaze lightly swept over the reverent-looking Taoist masters below and settled on Ling Sheng's face.
The young man looked somewhat pale, a trace of crimson blood still at the corner of his lips, but his eyes were exceptionally clear and burning with intensity.
In a flash, she appeared before Ling Sheng, took his hand, and channeled pure, powerful spiritual energy into his body, rapidly healing the backlash injuries he suffered from using his Word-Spirit power.
In moments, the injuries were fully healed.
A group of senior Taoist masters gathered around, not daring to disturb her in the slightest. Only after she released Ling Sheng's hand did Fu Jiuchong, urged by the others' glances, step forward and ask:
"Senior Qi, you, you have already..."
His usually calm voice trembled uncontrollably.
Qi Quan did not answer directly, only saying, "I need to go to the Department first."
"Please, you go ahead, you go ahead."
Everyone unanimously made way.
Faced with a legendary figure of this caliber, they truly were at a loss for words.
Li Guoyan had already received the news.
After the evil formation was broken and He Xiuyu's spirit scattered, he let out a long sigh of relief. If not for Taoist masters like Qi Quan and Physician Qi within the Taoist community, the consequences would have been unimaginable.
At this moment, his gratitude towards Qi Quan and Ling Sheng was beyond words.
They had saved countless lives!
According to the compiled casualty statistics, although this operation was hastily arranged, thanks to the presence of Master Qi and Physician Qi, 174 members of the official forces were injured, but there were zero fatalities.
The Taoist masters were injured due to attacks from the three Ghost Generals, but thanks to the Unity Talismans and protective formations, everyone escaped death.
In short, this was a victory worth celebrating.
When Qi Quan arrived, Li Guoyan had just finished instructing on the follow-up cleanup.
He solemnly saluted Qi Quan and Ling Sheng.
"You've both worked hard."
He understood deeply that this battle had not been easily won.
Even though Qi Quan seemed to have effortlessly destroyed He Xiuyu, at the very beginning, they were quite passive due to He Xiuyu's formation.
He Xiuyu had linked his own fate with that of half the city's populace, making it impossible for Qi Quan and Ling Sheng to take direct action.
If not for Qi Quan's thorough preparations and formidable strength, and if not for Ling Sheng's unique Word-Spirit power, this battle would not have been won so smoothly. It could very well have ended in total annihilation.
He Xiuyu's divination was not wrong.
The only ones who could break this deadlock were Qi Quan and Ling Sheng.
They were truly deserving heroes.
The situation at the time was extremely perilous. If Ling Sheng did not possess the "Concealment" skill, He Xiuyu and the three Ghost Generals could have precisely targeted and besieged the two of them. Even if Qi Quan had the power to slay all four ghosts, she would have been severely hampered by their connection to the lives of half the city's residents.
Li Guoyan was filled with emotion.
He said sincerely, "Master Qi, Physician Qi, now that He Xiuyu is dead, logically you two could return to Longjiang City. However, many people suffered meridian injuries from ghost energy during this battle. Could you possibly stay in Longjing for a while to heal the wounded?"
Qi Quan looked at Ling Sheng, who nodded decisively.
This was his vocation; he naturally wouldn't give it up. Without a career, he wouldn't meet the standards of an excellent man as defined by his dad.
"Alright. I'll have someone arrange accommodations immediately."
"Wait!" Xie Lanzhou suddenly floated over, his face full of expectation. "Director Li, could you give Jiuge and me a chance to show our sincerity?"
Li Guoyan understood instantly. He smiled and asked Qi Quan, "Then should we arrange separate accommodations for you, Master?"
"Senior Qi has shown us great kindness. If the senior doesn't mind, perhaps we could make the arrangements?" Xie Lanzhou's offer was full of sincerity.
Qi Quan was fine with staying anywhere and nodded in agreement.
"Please."
Outside the Investigation Department, Fu Jiuge waited nervously.
"Don't worry. Since Ling Sheng agreed in the group chat before, he probably won't mind having a meal with you and Lanzhou," Fu Jiuchong comforted her.
Fu Luanfei added, "That's right, Aunt. Cousin just has difficulty speaking; he's not truly cold-hearted."
He had healed many of the wounded and saved half the city's population. He was undoubtedly a warm and kind person at heart.
Before today, although they wondered about the reason Ling Sheng didn't speak, they never asked out of turn.
It was only today, upon hearing Ling Sheng's Word-Spirit and seeing him cough up blood from the backlash, that they understood why he seldom spoke.
Fu Jiuge's heart ached for her child, but she also felt immensely proud of Ling Sheng's life-saving actions.
She was deeply grateful to Qi Quan from the bottom of her heart; it was she who had given Ling Sheng a new life.
Li Guoyan personally escorted Qi Quan and Ling Sheng to the entrance of the Investigation Department. Seeing the eagerly waiting trio from the Fu family outside, he was filled with emotion.
In the past, Fu Jiuge was traumatized and became reclusive, Xie Lanzhou sacrificed himself and became a ghost, and Ling Sheng was trapped in a cave from birth. What should have been a happy family of three was torn apart for twenty years due to the greed of evil cultivators.
Fortunately, Master Qi was there, allowing the family of three to reunite.
Such an ending was truly wonderful.
Fu Jiuge looked at Qi Quan and said with a smile, "Senior Qi, we have a small, unused courtyard at home. While you're in Longjing on business these days, perhaps you could stay there?"
Qi Quan replied, "Thank you."
[Hehehe, I wonder if it comes with a computer.]
The system, having held back from urging updates while Qi Quan was busy clearing out the evil and ghost cultivators, now that everything was settled, started pushing her to write again.
Qi Quan: ...
Back at the Investigation Department, Li Guoyan returned to the interrogation room and played the images from the Memory Retention Talisman for Cai Ji and Yan Fengqing to see.
This was what he had promised earlier.
After watching, Cai Ji's ghostly face contorted wildly. He laughed maniacally and then chose to dissipate on his own.
As for Yan Fengqing and the remaining members of the evil cult, the death penalty was inevitable.
Meanwhile, Qi Quan and the others arrived at a residence.
This was a traditional Chinese courtyard, its style similar to the lakeside villa, with every arrangement within the courtyard exuding delicacy and an air of refined luxury.
Shen Hui and Tang Mian, having participated in the battle, were currently recovering their spiritual power and handling the cleanup work, so they didn't come along.
They didn't need to come anyway. Anyone could see this was a family gathering; it was better for outsiders not to play the third wheel.
Arriving at the small courtyard, Fu Jiuge and Xie Lanzhou volunteered to cook. Although Xie Lanzhou had become a ghost, he was a ghost of merit, an eighth-level powerful ghost with cultivation, able to remain in the mortal world for a long time, with ample time to accompany his family.
Having been apart for twenty years, the couple cherished each other even more after their reunion than they had in their youth.
Qi Quan sat on the living room sofa, with Ling Sheng beside her. Fu Jiuchong and Fu Luanfei sat on the left and right respectively.
"Senior, the family intends to transfer the ownership of this residence to Ling Sheng's name. What do you think?" Fu Jiuchong asked.
Qi Quan: ?
Why was he asking her this question?
"Mr. Fu can ask Ling Sheng for his opinion."
Fu Jiuchong smiled and looked at Ling Sheng, saying, "In the future, when you and the Senior come to Longjing on business, you won't need to stay elsewhere."
Although the likelihood of future business trips was small, what if? They couldn't possibly stay at someone else's villa or in accommodations arranged by the Investigation Department every time, right? That would be quite inconvenient.
Ling Sheng didn't answer immediately. He took out his phone and asked Qi Quan: [What do you think? Is this place good?]
Objectively speaking, the courtyard was indeed excellent.
She nodded. "It's very nice."
Ling Sheng's eyes curved into a smile. Using his phone, he replied to Fu Jiuchong: [Thank you.]
He didn't care whether the courtyard was under his name or not; he only cared about whether Qi Quan would be comfortable staying here.
Fu Jiuchong secretly breathed a sigh of relief. He had genuinely been afraid the gift would be refused.
Fu Luanfei, watching the interaction between Ling Sheng and Qi Quan, stifled a giggle.
Before long, Fu Jiuge and Xie Lanzhou brought the dishes to the table.
After twenty years of suffering, the Fu family was finally reunited.
Fu Jiuchong couldn't help but feel his eyes grow hot, discreetly wiping the corner of his eye.
Fu Jiuge and Xie Lanzhou's culinary skills were truly exceptional.
The dinner table atmosphere was less formal. Fu Luanfei, being the youngest and with fewer reservations than the adults, asked curiously, "Senior, will you be residing in Longjiang permanently from now on?"
Qi Quan replied gently, "Yes."
"Then, can I visit my cousin in Longjiang in the future?"
Actually, she wanted to see both the Senior and her cousin, but she was too shy to say it outright.
Qi Quan: "Of course."
After advancing to the Human Immortal realm, her entire being had an inner radiance, with not a trace of spiritual energy fluctuation around her. Her demeanor was composed and serene. Although she displayed no imposing aura, it involuntarily inspired reverence in others.
Fu Luanfei's eyes shone with admiration.
The legendary Human Immortal realm. To have the fortune to witness it once in a lifetime was worth it.
She asked further, "Senior, are there realms beyond the Human Immortal realm?"
Qi Quan: "I don't know either."
Human Immortal realm cultivators possessed long lifespans, but they were not immortal or indestructible. Wishing for a lifespan as long as heaven's was impossible. Exactly how long one could live, she hadn't had time to prove yet.
"And cousin..." Fu Luanfei asked carefully, "What are cousin's future plans?"
She wanted to ask, given Ling Sheng's lifespan, if he could stay by Qi Quan's side all along.
Ling Sheng... turned to look at Qi Quan upon hearing this, his meaning clear.
He intended to stay by Qi Quan's side.
But—
He didn't know how long he could live, didn't know how long he could accompany her.
Qi Quan no longer concealed Ling Sheng's special constitution either.
"He is a Natural Spirit Body."
As she spoke, she waved her hand, dispelling the illusion technique that had been concealing Ling Sheng's constitution.
Fu Jiuchong and the others were extremely surprised.
A Natural Spirit Body! This was a legendary constitution!
One had reached the legendary Human Immortal realm at such a young age, the other possessed the legendary Natural Spirit Body. No wonder He Xiuyu had laid such an elaborate scheme, determined to suppress their fortunes and use them as the most perfect sacrificial offerings.
Fu Jiuge, coming back to her senses, suddenly remembered something and asked, "Do the ancient texts mention the lifespan of a Natural Spirit Body?"
"I don't think so," Xie Lanzhou shook his head.
The couple exchanged a glance, both seeing worry in each other's eyes.
Fu Jiuchong said, "I did read in another text a few years ago that Natural Spirit Bodies are born in response to the Heavenly Dao, and their lifespans are longer than ordinary people's."
But it didn't specify how much longer.
The system was also very curious: [Great One, how long can Ling Sheng actually live?]
A Heavenly Master's lifespan could be estimated based on their realm, but the Natural Spirit Body had no cultivation realm, making it impossible to discern lifespan length.
Qi Quan said: [He could previously sense spiritual energy fluctuations at the peak of the Human Emperor realm and could utilize far more of the world's spiritual energy than ordinary cultivators. Logically, his lifespan shouldn't be short.]
[That's good then!]
Qi Quan chuckled lightly.
The meal was enjoyable for both guests and hosts.
Having just advanced to the Human Immortal realm, Qi Quan went to her room after dinner to consolidate her cultivation.
Ling Sheng originally wanted to accompany her but was called into the kitchen by Xie Lanzhou.
Xie Lanzhou was cleaning the dishes with his ghostly power in the kitchen and asked in a low voice, "What are your plans for the future?"
Ling Sheng didn't quite understand the subtext of his question. After thinking, he replied on his phone: [Get a driver's license.]
Xie Lanzhou: "..."
He looked at the bewildered young man and sighed softly. "I'm asking about you and Senior Qi."
Ling Sheng understood now.
He typed: [Let things take their natural course.]
"You're not going to actively pursue her?"
Ling Sheng shook his head.
It wasn't that he was unwilling, but he believed those so-called pursuit methods weren't suitable for Qi Quan.
What he should do most was simply stay by Qi Quan's side.
If she stayed home, he would cook delicious food for her; if she went out to vanquish demons and uphold righteousness, he would drive for her; if she was developing new talismans, he would brainstorm with her...
Wherever she went, he would follow.
Xie Lanzhou found his answer in the young man's eyes.
Forget it. The younger generation will have their own fortune.
Interfering too much might backfire.
Qi Quan and Ling Sheng temporarily settled in the small courtyard.
Fu Jiuge and Xie Lanzhou visited occasionally to have meals with them, then threw themselves back into their work at the Investigation Department.
It was worth mentioning that after Fu Jiuge fully recovered, she also applied to become an investigator, often taking on missions with Xie Lanzhou.
Ling Sheng went to the Investigation Department every day to treat the injured.
Only Qi Quan was so idle she felt she might grow moss.
The system finally couldn't resist urging: [Great One, your realm is consolidated now. Isn't it time to update "The Diary of a Wealthy Family"?]
Qi Quan had previously turned a deaf ear, but this time she finally reacted.
She slowly sat down in front of the computer, opened the document, and typed the first word of the new chapter.
At ten o'clock in the evening, the long-waiting readers were thrilled and excited—"The Diary of a Wealthy Family" had finally updated!
[Achieving a harmonious and stable life... is not easy.
As long as greed does not vanish from this world, my steps will not cease.
After achieving a phased victory, I finally have some leisure time.
The first ray of morning sunlight awakens me from my dreams.
I open my eyes. Wherever my gaze falls, the sky is clear and pure as if washed.
Stepping out of the room, the courtyard's riot of colorful flowers vies to catch my eye, their faint, subtle fragrance lingering at the tip of my nose.
The aroma wafting from the kitchen makes one's mouth water.
On the dining table sits a pot of freshly brewed tea.
The table is by the window. A little sparrow perches on the windowsill, tilting its head, its round, bead-like eyes open, occasionally pecking lightly at the window frame with its slender beak.
A hand sets down breakfast and casually opens the window.]
The little sparrow hopped a few times, drawing closer to her hand.
A finger tapped its little head, and the sparrow seemed utterly content, its eyes half-closed, feathers slightly puffed.
He turned his head to look at me.
The sunlight outside the window was just right.
End of new chapter.
[If you see me, tell me to go prepare lessons: Ahhhhhh! The author finally updated!!! Even though it's even shorter, I can glimpse something a little different in these few words! One deep-water torpedo!]
[You're killing me with filial piety: Thank you so much, Author Bai Shui, for that night! Ten deep-water torpedoes!]
[I demand Male Virtue Literature: What? Just when I gave up asking about the male lead, a "he" appears in the new chapter?! Author, I ask you, is this person who can cook, make tea, and pet fluffy creatures the male lead?
Readers were already used to "I demand Male Virtue Literature" repeatedly asking related questions in the comment section.
Just as everyone thought she would never get an answer, a prominent author's reply suddenly appeared under her comment—
[He is.]
Everyone: ???
[Book famine is deadly: Ahhhhhh what did I just see!]
[Today, Great Auspice: Holy crap, who is he?!]
[Today, Great Profit: Isn't it easy to guess?]
[Auspicious and Profitable: Ah, I guessed right, as expected.]
[Soaring Sky, Prosperous Steed: What?! I need to go practice some swordplay to calm my shock.]
[Tranquility Leads to Far Reaches: One hundred deep-water torpedoes!]
Ling Sheng was treating an injured person at the Investigation Department when his phone suddenly rang.
He finished treating the patient before opening his phone.
[Mom: Congratulations! [Fireworks][Fireworks][Fireworks]]
[Dad: Son, you're amazing!]
Ling Sheng: ?
A screenshot appeared in the group chat.
He opened it with an expressionless face.
The next second, he dashed out.
Qi Quan's reply instantly caused a sensation within the Mystic Arts community.
Many Taoist masters were loyal fans of "The Diary of a Wealthy Family" and, seeing Qi Quan personally acknowledge the "male lead," flocked to leave comments under her Weibo post.
[Wuwuwu I really want to know who he is! Who has captured Senior's heart!]
[If I'm not mistaken, it should be him, right?]
[Upstairs, I think so too.]
[What riddle are you all talking in? Who is it exactly!]
[Ahhhhhh I know I know I know! I just want to say, they're such a good match!]
[Can someone who actually speaks plainly come forward?]
[You still can't guess? The handsome guy who followed Senior Qi at the commendation ceremony, it must be him!]
[Isn't he Physician Ling from the Investigation Department? I have a treatment slot and I'm in line waiting for him to treat me.]
[Envious of the person upstairs.]
[As everyone knows, Physician Ling used to be our Bigshot Qi's assistant, then somehow... lit up his talent for the medical path and became our Head Physician. I thought he had already reached the peak of life, but I didn't expect it could get even higher... That's Qi Quan, the absolute legend, ahhhhhh!]
[Wuwuwu the goddess has admitted it herself, I can only offer blessings, blessings, and more blessings.]
[I think Senior Qi and the Head Physician are a match made in heaven, perfect in looks, perfect in ability, perfect in every way!]
[What? Senior Qi is in love? Who captured her heart? Oh, it's Physician Ling? Well, that's fine then.]
[Hehe, you guys didn't see the scene before where Senior Qi held Physician Ling's hand after annihilating He Xiuyu, it was too, too, too beautiful!]
[Wuwuwu, I beg for a high-definition picture!]
[I'm shipping them, I'm shipping them!]
The Fu Family Residence.
Fu Jiuchong scrolled through the online comments, the corners of his mouth uncontrollably turning up.
His phone suddenly rang. It was Yin Yi.
"Old Fu, congratulations," his voice sounded somewhat sour.
Fu Jiuchong pretended not to understand. "Congratulations for what?"
"We know each other so well, stop pretending with me," Yin Yi said. "I don't believe you haven't seen Senior's new chapter. The Head Physician is your nephew, who doesn't know that now?"
Fu Jiuchong said with a smile, "Ah, these young people's affairs, I can't control them anymore."
Even if he wanted to control them, he couldn't.
A Human Immortal realm cultivator, a legendary existence—just being remotely connected to such a person was enough to bring joy, let alone such a joyous event.
Just listen to the tone of the Sect Leader of the Number One Sect now.
Yin Yi: "..."
After hanging up, another call came in.
"Brother Yan, weren't you in seclusion?" Fu Jiuchong asked.
Yan Fengjun sighed with emotion. "Even if I were in a tomb, hearing such good news, I'd have to crawl out."
His words were filled with both envy and jealousy.
Fu Jiuchong: "Brother Yan, choose your words carefully. That doesn't sound auspicious."
"Brother Fu, congratulations to you."
"Hahahaha, thank you, Brother Yan."
After Yan Fengjun, many more people called, ostensibly offering congratulations but secretly envious, making Fu Jiuchong feel utterly delighted.
Life was looking more and more promising.
On the other side, Ling Sheng rushed all the way back to the small courtyard.
Qi Quan was leaning on a rocking chair, basking in the sun.
A little sparrow hopped around the chair, chirping from time to time as if talking to her.
This sparrow had accidentally crashed into the window a few days ago and was badly injured. Ling Sheng found it and treated it, and it ended up staying in the courtyard, refusing to leave.
After a few days of being fed, it had become quite plump.
Ling Sheng abruptly stopped in his tracks.
Clutching his phone, he stood not far away, gazing intently at Qi Quan. After calming his emotions somewhat, he silently walked to the side of the rocking chair and half-knelt before Qi Quan.
He had so much he wanted to say but didn't know where to start.
[Bigshot, Ling Sheng is back, hehe.] The system's tone was that of someone watching a drama unfold.
Qi Quan didn't need its reminder to know Ling Sheng was kneeling before her.
She didn't open her eyes.
She was feeling mischievous and wanted to see how he would react.
The autumn wind brushed past the white pine needles in front of the courtyard, a faint, subtle fragrance quietly arrived, the fish pond shimmered with rippling light. The little sparrow tilted its head and chirped. Ling Sheng glanced at it, and it fluttered its wings and flew away.
Ling Sheng studied her "sleeping" face, a smile rising in his eyes.
Since Qi Quan advanced to the Human Immortal realm, he could no longer sense her emotions through fluctuations of spiritual energy.
But he had learned a new skill.
He could guess her mood from Qi Quan's subtle expressions and movements.
Right now, she was relaxed, peaceful, and harboring a bit of a teasing thought.
Ling Sheng knew she was doing it on purpose but didn't wake her. Instead, he got up, left the courtyard, and returned to his room.
[Bigshot, why did he leave?] The system wondered. [At a time like this, shouldn't the male lead kiss the female lead awake?]
That's how it happened in many novels it had read!
Qi Quan: ...
She remained calmly leaning in the chair.
But after a moment, a faint scent of fresh grass came with the wind. The young man returned to her side and took her hand.
Qi Quan: ?
[Bigshot!] The system exclaimed excitedly. [He, he...]
He what?
Qi Quan couldn't help but feel a bit curious and instinctively opened her eyes.
A touch of gentle coolness met the tip of her ring finger.
This was...
She slowly sat up, her gaze falling on Ling Sheng's hand.
He was holding a white jade ring, reverently slipping it onto her finger.
The jade ring was warm, flawless, and simply designed, its edges polished extremely smooth without the slightest roughness. The ring was imbued with spiritual energy. Somehow, within such a small jade ring, the concentration of spiritual power was remarkably dense.
This was personally carved by Ling Sheng, a perfect fit for her finger.
Seeing her "awaken," Ling Sheng stopped his movements, lifted his head to look at her, and anxiously awaited her reply.
Under the sunlight, the young man's amber eyes reflected a soft glow; the delight in their depths had not yet faded, now mingled with a trace of nervousness. Even the hand holding the jade ring trembled slightly.
Qi Quan asked with a smile, "Do you know what this means?"
Ling Sheng replied solemnly, "I do."
He gazed at Qi Quan with eager anticipation.
"Put it on me," Qi Quan said, her eyes sparkling.
Unable to contain his joy, Ling Sheng's lips curved into a high smile as he carefully slipped the jade ring onto her finger.
A hand suddenly lifted his chin.
The young man's eyes widened slightly.
The person he loved was now right before him.
The slender petals of a white pine-needle flower suddenly drifted down, carried by the wind to brush against Qi Quan's cheek before settling in her hair.
Ling Sheng raised his hand to remove it.
But as his fingertips grazed her hair, he changed direction—his palm pressed against her temple, applying gentle pressure.
He lifted his head and kissed her.
The fragrance filled the courtyard.
