The Daochang of Nantong Laoshi Li was personally designed by Li Zhuiyuan and built with the generous sponsorship of Zhao Yi.

Though small, it was fully equipped and featured extremely high-quality details, truly a miniature golden sparrow.

Yet, even so, some sounds could not be completely muffled.

The Daochang’s purpose was to make the specific source ambiguous and unknowable, but those nearby with keen perception could still instantly confirm that something inauspicious had occurred in their vicinity.

In the northwest corner of the first floor, three coffins were neatly arranged.

Run Sheng’s snoring remained steady and loud.

Inside Tan Wenbin’s coffin, lights flickered, and wisps of white smoke occasionally escaped.

Next door, Lin Shuyou suddenly sat up in his coffin, his eyes open, vertical pupils beginning to emerge.

Tan Wenbin said, “It’s fine, go back to sleep.”

Lin Shuyou lay back down.

In the west room.

Uncle Qin got out of bed and, walking towards the door, said, “I’ll go take a look.”

Aunt Liu, who had been sleeping on her side in the adjacent bed, turned over and said faintly, “Do you need to look?”

Uncle Qin’s hand, reaching for the door, paused.

Though unable to pinpoint the exact location, in this vicinity, only one person could, and would, cause such a disturbance.

Uncle Qin took a breath, then still pulled out the door bolt.

Aunt Liu’s voice came again, “Do you need to interfere?”

Uncle Qin’s hand grasped the door panel, about to open it, his eyes filled with determination.

Aunt Liu said, “Do you need to teach?”

Uncle Qin ultimately reinserted the door bolt, turned back, and sat on the edge of his bed.

His simple code of Jianghu ethics was clashing with reality.

Aunt Liu turned to face the wall, closed her eyes, and before falling asleep again, added, “Think about the Yu family.”

Uncle Qin took off his shoes, lay back in bed, and clenched his fists.

After a long time, he closed his eyes, and his fists relaxed.

Liu Yumei’s fingertips gently arranged Chen Xiyuan’s messy hair.

She now felt as if a relative’s child had come to visit her.

Previously, she would have been indifferent to such emotions, but now, she found herself quite pleased.

Suddenly, Chen Xiyuan’s Domain violently erupted again, clearly sensing the ominous presence.

Liu Yumei’s fingertips smoothly pressed against Chen Xiyuan’s brow, once again suppressing the girl’s Domain.

From beginning to end, the smile on Liu Yumei’s lips never faded.

She didn’t care.

Turning, she walked to the offering table and placed three sticks of incense in the censer.

These individuals on the offering table were the most selfless and fearless, so when they collectively departed that year, they did so without any hesitation.

Yet, they were also the most selfish, knowing the consequences of their departure, which was why they left her behind.

Not only was Old Dog Qin keeping things from her, but during that time, even the spirits in the house made no extra movements; clearly, they were all hiding things from her.

Heh.

They left her alone precisely because everyone in the Jianghu knew about her bad temper, didn’t they?

Some people, even when pushed, would still prioritize the bigger picture, but if she truly had no other option, she would genuinely go to any lengths to perish with her adversary.

Only such a person could sustain a crumbling household.

“You chose me to guard the house, and I chose Xiaoyuan.

This child has given me hope, allowing me to shed my burdens and find joy in life again.

Anyway, I won’t pick up what I’ve put down.

I will always support him, no matter what he does.”

Deep within the peach grove in front of Dahuzi’s house.

Qing’an, still immersed in the afterglow of the zither and flute duet, put down his wine jar and chuckled to himself, “This child moves faster than you.”

Li Zhuiyuan emerged from the Daochang, where A’li had been waiting in the rice paddy outside.

The young man seemed to have discovered a new game and was eager to share it with the girl.

“A’li, I’ve confirmed it. From now on, we can play together.”

A smile appeared on the girl’s face.

Holding A’li’s hand, he led her to the door of the east room. The door was ajar, and A’li pushed it open and stepped inside. As the girl turned to close the door, her eyes met the young man’s.

Upon entering the bedroom, several chairs were placed together beside the bed, covered with a layer of bedding and a straw mat.

The drunken Chen Xiyuan had taken over the bed.

“A’li, you sleep here.”

A’li shook her head, pulled up a small stool, retreated outside the bedroom, and after sitting down on the stool, the girl placed her feet on the threshold and closed her eyes.

The door frame resembled a painting scroll, like a beautiful picture.

She had long grown accustomed to this posture.

However, unlike in the past when she would sit almost motionless in this position all day long, now her expression was gentle, and falling asleep was no longer a torment but a quick way to reach tomorrow.

Liu Yumei paused slightly. Although her granddaughter didn’t speak, she had just felt her granddaughter’s affection for her.

It wasn’t deliberate or forced. Her granddaughter, who once needed persistent persuasion just to eat, was increasingly adapting to her role in real life.

Liu Yumei spread her hand, and the sword box under the bed opened. A sword flew out and was caught by her.

Streamlined jade covered the entire scabbard, simple yet profound, depicting the transformation of snakes, Jiao, and dragons through storms.

Liu Yumei placed this sword by Chen Xiyuan’s pillow.

Her old friend’s granddaughter was a terribly restless sleeper; without care, she would collapse the bed and break the window.

With this sword, her Domain could be continuously suppressed within her body.

Liu Yumei removed her cloud shawl and lay down on the makeshift bed her granddaughter had given her.

She turned her head, ready to flick a finger to turn off the light.

A’li, sitting by the door with her eyes closed, raised her hand, grasped the switch cord, and gently pulled it down.

“Clack!”

The light went out.

The villagers woke up early.

Especially the Li Sanjiang family, who also had a business, so they had to squeeze time for farm work from early mornings and late evenings.

Uncle Qin walked out of the west room, first looking up at the sky, then scanning his surroundings.

The dense inauspiciousness of last night was gone this morning without a trace, as if everything was just a dream of his.

Aunt Liu followed him out, looked at Uncle Qin standing there in a daze, and deliberately repeated her words from last night in a teasing manner: “Do you need to look, do you need to interfere, do you need to teach?”

Uncle Qin nodded.

Then, he picked up a hoe and slung it over his shoulder.

Run Sheng came out at this moment and squatted by the well to wash up.

Uncle Qin picked up another hoe and walked down the dam.

After brushing his teeth, Run Sheng cupped water in his hands and splashed it hard on his face, rubbing it thoroughly, then stood up and followed Uncle Qin’s retreating figure.

Aunt Liu, mimicking Uncle Qin’s earlier action, looked up at the sky.

Clean, very clean.

As clean as her Xiaoyuan’s habit of traveling the river.

She didn’t know how that child did it, nor did she need to know.

Although she and A’li had been raised by the old woman since childhood, like mother and son/daughter, both she and A’li were more accustomed to the status of “house-born” servants.

The old woman said she was short-sighted and had a hint of ruthlessness in her bones, so the old woman was not at ease letting her go out and had to keep her “tethered” by her side;

And A’li was also evaluated by the old woman as too pedantic, having the same stubbornness as the Qin family ancestors despite not being born into the peak Qin family, and also failed at river-traveling.

Neither of them was suitable for independent work; they needed a “master” to give them orders.

Now, she and A’li were both waiting, waiting for that young man to finish his river-traveling, waiting for that young man to grow up. Then, she could untie her apron, A’li could put down his hoe, and both of them could fully return to the positions most suitable for them.

When Aunt Liu lowered her head, she saw Lin Shuyou standing in front of her, also looking up at the sky.

Aunt Liu said, “It rained last night, but I didn’t expect it to be such a sunny day this morning.”

Lin Shuyou said, “It is, the sky is very blue.”

Aunt Liu said, “How much do you want for breakfast?”

Lin Shuyou said, “A bowl of noodles with a poached egg, hehe.”

Aunt Liu reached out and gently patted A’you’s back of the head.

Lin Shuyou said, “Aunt Liu, I’ll help you.”

Aunt Liu said, “No need to help. I haven’t had much work since the mule plague. If you lend a hand again, I’m afraid your Uncle Li will fire me tomorrow.”

Lin Shuyou scratched his head, and after washing up, he left with his simple electrician’s toolbox.

Last night at dinner, Uncle Li told him to go to Li Weihan’s house today. Panzi and Leizi pooled their current subsidies and this month’s wages to buy a refrigerator for Grandpa and Grandma’s house.

But when they turned it on, there was a “pop,” and it burned out the circuit at Grandpa and Grandma’s house.

When you possess a practical skill, you naturally become the troubleshooter among friends and family, and Master Lin was no exception.

As soon as Lin Shuyou left, Tan Wenbin walked out, yawning and holding his mobile phone.

The call was from Xue Liangliang.

With the start of the new semester approaching, he was notifying them to make time to return to school for a meeting.

The reason for calling so early was that Xue Liangliang was busy day and night; he could only catch some sleep after making the call.

“Brother Liang, work is important, but you don’t have to push yourself so hard. You should pay more attention to your health, exercise more, like diving or something.”

“You rascal.”

“I’ll discuss it with Brother Xiaoyuan and let you know the return date in advance once it’s decided. Also, I need to go to the river to take some scenic photos.”

“When you come to Jinling, I’ll treat you to a meal.”

“Brother Liang, there’s no need to be so formal between us. Just a house will do.”

“Next to your girlfriend’s school?”

“Yes, she’ll be busy next semester, and it’s not convenient to stay in the dorms.”

“Then I’ll buy a few sets first. When you return to school, you can choose a suitable one and handle the transfer of ownership.”

“Put it under your name, I’ll rent it.”

“Alright, as you wish.”

“Thanks, Brother Liang.”

“Just take more photos of the riverside scenery for me.”

Hanging up the phone, Tan Wenbin was about to light a cigarette.

The door to the east room opened, and A’li walked out.

Today, the girl wore a light blue smoke-gauze dress. From a distance, it seemed as if clouds and mist drifted with her steps, exuding an air of dignified serenity.

Tan Wenbin smiled and nodded at A’li.

A’li paused briefly as she passed Tan Wenbin, in acknowledgement, then went upstairs.

When she reached the second-floor room, Li Zhuiyuan was already awake.

The young man took out some “hand-made figures” he had acquired from the previous wave and gave them to A’li.

A’li originally intended to find a piece of cloth to wrap up items like the writing brush, to keep them as collectibles.

Li Zhuiyuan said, “If you don’t use them, I won’t bring you any more in the future.”

A’li looked at the young man, and after a moment, she placed these items on her drawing table, preparing to use them.

Next, Li Zhuiyuan spread out the three damaged talisman armors on the ground, including Feng Lushan’s “tendon.”

A’li first inspected the extent of the talisman armor’s damage, then took her carving knife and attempted to cut and pull at Feng Lushan’s “tendon” with her fingertips.

The girl smiled and nodded at the young man.

Clearly, not only was repair feasible, but with the connection of this precious “tendon,” the talisman armor’s bearing capacity could be further enhanced, allowing the two generals of increase and decrease to exert even greater combat power.

A’li picked up a broken metal fragment and made a gripping motion on it with her fingertips.

Li Zhuiyuan said, “Blood porcelain for bones, now with tendons, what if we add some demon beast fur to it?”

A’li drew a circle on the metal fragment with her fingertip.

She indicated it wouldn’t be very thick, similar to putting a casing over a deck of playing cards.

Raw materials were not a concern. Although some were used for the evil art experiment last night, Zhao Yi had given a sack full of demon beast essence last time.

However, this would require intricate extraction followed by precise bonding, which would definitely be a time-consuming and labor-intensive project.

The boost to the two generals of increase and decrease would not be significant, but their aura and appearance during their next descent would be remarkably enhanced.

Li Zhuiyuan said, “Don’t overwork yourself.”

A’li shook her head; she enjoyed doing these things.

Li Zhuiyuan said, “The White Crane Boy also needs a set, to be draped over his statue.”

A’li nodded.

Li Zhuiyuan took out the gourd and handed it to A’li.

A’li took the gourd and examined it carefully.

Then, she pointed diagonally downwards.

“You need to select the necessary materials from the spirit tablets to re-forge your tools? Alright, I’ll help you make the tools.”

A’li shook her head, pointing to the young man’s desk.

“I’m not busy.”

The girl looked at the young man.

“Okay, I’ll do my work, and you do yours.”

The girl smiled.

She first gathered the “hand-made figures” she couldn’t use directly, wrapped them in cloth. These “hand-made figures” could be used for material decomposition.

After picking up the cloth-wrapped bundle, A’li hugged the gourd and walked out of the room, going downstairs.

The girl’s craftsmanship inheritance partly stemmed from “The Records of Righteousness Subduing Demons” which she read with Li Zhuiyuan, and partly from her own exploration and insights. Therefore, she had to take these items and search for corresponding materials from each spirit tablet.

Watching the girl’s departing figure, Li Zhuiyuan’s gaze fell upon the drawing table.

A’li didn’t, as usual, first draw a picture of her previous wave.

It must be because… she has too much work on hand, too busy now.

After dressing her granddaughter, Liu Yumei sat down at her dressing table and began to do her own hair and makeup.

Chen Xiyuan was still sleeping soundly on the bed. She had not drunk ordinary wine last night, and her mental exhaustion was severe; without external stimulation, she would need to sleep for several more days.

Liu Yumei decided to let her continue sleeping until she woke up naturally. This balance of outpouring and replenishment would greatly benefit her, and as an elder, she had to protect her.

Just then, A’li walked in.

The girl placed the items from the bundle and the gourd on the offering table. Then, she brought a stool, stepped on it to reach the offering table, and continuously felt the spirit tablets on the table, selecting corresponding materials.

From Liu Yumei’s perspective, A’li seemed to be cherished amidst the ancestors, like a moon surrounded by stars.

But as Liu Yumei’s gaze shifted downwards, looking at the pile of “good items” on the offering table, including that gourd, Liu Yumei’s brows furrowed slightly, her eyes filled with guilt and distress:

“Alas, these children truly live difficult lives. They consider these undesirable scraps as treasures.”

Outside, Aunt Liu’s voice called out:

“Breakfast time!”

Run Sheng and Uncle Qin returned. After breakfast, they still had to make a delivery.

Lin Shuyou also returned with his toolbox. The circuit problem at Li Weihan’s house had been perfectly resolved, and his hair stood tall as if he had used too much mousse.

Tan Wenbin said he would go to the train station to pick someone up after breakfast.

When he returned yesterday and told Liu Yumei “stories,” Tan Wenbin had already informed her about Granny Yao.

Granny Yao was able to take on the work of making clothes for A’li, was gifted A’li’s hairpin, and could frequently correspond with Liu Yumei, clearly holding a significant place in Liu Yumei’s heart.

It’s just that in the past, Liu Yumei had little interest in meeting old acquaintances from her family; she wasn’t enthusiastic about it. Now, her state of mind was clearly different.

Tan Wenbin then called Yao Nian’en’s guesthouse.

When Li Zhuiyuan extended the invitation, Granny Yao had already asked her son to pre-purchase train and bus tickets for the next few days, just waiting for the notification.

If they couldn’t make it on time or it was inconvenient, she would have her son arrange a car to take her to a city near Nantong, and then she would take public transportation to Nantong.

In any case, she wouldn’t allow her son or any other family members to enter the Nantong area with her.

Entering without paying respects to the young mistress would be disrespectful, and bringing others to pay respects would be insatiable.

Fortunately, when the notification arrived, she was just able to catch the train.

Yao Nian’en sent his mother to the train station, feeling a hundred percent uneasy, constantly giving her instructions.

Finally, Granny Yao got annoyed, kicked her son, and scolded him, “You weren’t even born when your mother was traveling the Jianghu.”

She was expected to arrive at noon, so Tan Wenbin planned to leave early. On the way, he could first go to the riverside to take photos for Brother Liang.

Li Sanjiang had no appetite for the bowl of porridge in front of him. He put his chopsticks in his mouth and stared at the three children, each of whom had eaten a bowl of noodles with an egg and put down their empty bowls.

“What a sin! How can you sustain yourselves eating so little!”

Next, Run Sheng and Uncle Qin left with the handcart to deliver goods, Tan Wenbin drove out to pick someone up, and even Lin Shuyou was going with him today to perform at a sitting fast ceremony.

Logically, mules ate little yet still performed their tasks, so he should have been happy, but Li Sanjiang’s brow remained furrowed.

After breakfast, Li Zhuiyuan first accompanied A’li to carry away the spirit tablet she had chosen from the east room.

Liu Yumei gave Aunt Liu a look, and Aunt Liu immediately went to restock the shelves.

After checking on Chen Xiyuan, Aunt Liu walked to Liu Yumei’s side and asked, “This girl has gained some fortune, she’ll probably sleep for another three days. How enviable.”

Liu Yumei picked up her tea, took a sip, and said, “The Chen family is like that. Either they produce no talent, or they produce extraordinary individuals favored by the heavens.”

Aunt Liu said, “Then…”

Liu Yumei smiled and glanced at Aunt Liu: “See? Being small-minded again, aren’t you?”

Aunt Liu said, “Aren’t you worried?”

Liu Yumei said, “She was brought back by Xiaoyuan in a tricycle. Do you think Xiaoyuan has the confidence to keep her under control?”

Aunt Liu teased, “I’m not talking about that. A young lady secretly coming to our house, do you really believe it’s to pay respects to you?”

Liu Yumei said, “I don’t believe it.”

Aunt Liu said, “Exactly.”

Liu Yumei said, “A’ting, I think you’re truly idle.”

Aunt Liu said, “Should I clear a space for A’li’s things in the south room of your house? Or should A’li and I clear out the west room? She’s occupying your bed, and Aunt Yao will arrive today, so your room won’t be spacious enough.”

Liu Yumei said, “Too lazy to bother. I’ll take A’li and Shan’er and sleep somewhere else for a few days.”

Aunt Liu said, “Sleep somewhere else? Where do you plan to go…”

“Sister Liu! Sister Liu!”

Liu Jinxia arrived, leading Granny Hua and Wang Lian.

She couldn’t play cards yesterday because she attended the sitting fast, so she came especially early today.

Once everyone was present, the card table was immediately set up, and tea and refreshments were laid out.

Granny Hua spoke first, saying that she had attended a慰问 (comfort and care) event in the city yesterday, watched performances, ate a meal, and even shook hands and spoke with various leaders.

She described it in great detail, with Liu Jinxia constantly asking specific questions to get her to elaborate further.

Even Liu Yumei asked a few questions.

Wang Lian listened attentively beside them, and even their card-playing movements slowed down.

Often, Granny Hua could only feel her son’s presence through this method.

After Granny Hua spoke until her throat was dry, she first drank a cup of tea and then changed the subject with Liu Jinxia:

“Someone in the village saw yesterday that your Xiamei Hou rode back to the village in Old Man Tian’s tricycle.”

Among old sisters, there was nothing to hide. Liu Jinxia explained that Xiamei Hou had twisted her ankle, which was why she asked Old Man Tian to drive her. But when she got home, she saw Xiamei Hou and her granddaughter playing jump rope.

Granny Hua laughed heartily.

Wang Lian laughed so hard she was breathless.

Liu Yumei also laughed and shook her head.

Liu Jinxia said, “I lost my temper with that dead girl of mine yesterday, asking her why other children are afraid of their parents finding new partners, but she, on the other hand, seems eager to push her own mother out!

What’s even more infuriating is that even my Little Cui Hou was there, helping her mother speak, saying that Grandpa Tian is a very good person!

This Old Man Tian, I don’t know when he managed to bewitch my daughter and granddaughter!”

Wang Lian said, “Sister Xiamei, it’s come to this, why don’t you just give in!”

Liu Jinxia glared at Wang Lian.

Granny Hua said, “Oh my, Xiamei, if you don’t get moved, I’m going to be.”

Liu Jinxia said, “If you want him, take him!”

Granny Hua said, “I do want him, but he wouldn’t look at me. I’m nowhere near as charming as our Xiamei.”

Wang Lian said, “Exactly, when Sister Xiamei was young, she was the village beauty, and still is.”

Granny Hua said, “Hey, hey, hey, speak of the devil and he appears.”

On the path, the figure of Old Man Tian running appeared.

He was carrying a package bag, ran up the embankment, and deliberately slowed down his steps and adjusted his breathing before approaching the card table. Then he walked up to Liu Jinxia:

“Jinxia, this is a package your god-grandson sent you. Quickly open it and take a look.”

Liu Jinxia said, “Didn’t I tell him not to send anything else? He has so little money, why is he so wasteful?”

Old Man Tian said, “It’s proper for him to show filial respect to his god-grandmother, it’s only right and natural.”

Granny Hua made a sound of surprise.

Wang Lian exclaimed.

The two clearly misunderstood the meaning of that sentence, thinking that Zhao Yi was trying to curry favor with his “grandpa’s” potential partner.

Liu Jinxia also blushed upon hearing this.

She didn’t know that Zhao Yi was representing the Jiujiang Zhao clan, expressing remorse to her. This god-grandson’s excessive attentiveness could only be interpreted by her as being out of respect for Old Man Tian.

The three didn’t notice that when Old Man Tian said this, his gaze briefly lifted to look at Liu Yumei, who was sitting at the card table.

Liu Jinxia said, “Tell him not to send anything next time. I’ll get some money from home tomorrow and transfer it to him.”

Old Man Tian said, “No need, no need at all.”

Liu Jinxia snorted, put down her cards, and opened the package.

Inside were food, drinks, and a silk scarf. They didn’t look expensive, but they weren’t cheap either.

Liu Jinxia kept the silk scarf and gave the food to Granny Hua and Wang Lian to share.

Granny Hua only took a little; she lived alone and couldn’t eat much, so most of it went to Wang Lian to take back for her children.

Among the items Liu Jinxia recognized, the most expensive were a few boxes of tea leaves.

“Sister Liu, this is the tea you love to drink.”

Liu Yumei drew a breath with a faint smile.

If Zhao Yi himself were here right now, she would make him knock another hole in this concrete ground.

At the same time, Liu Yumei already planned to ask Lin Shuyou when his girlfriend would visit again after he returned from the sitting fast.

But seeing Liu Jinxia’s smile as she handed her the most precious item, Liu Yumei could only reach out and accept it.

With a light tap of her fingertips, a faint tea aroma wafted from the packaging box.

Upon smelling this scent, Liu Yumei’s expression relaxed.

She looked at Old Man Tian and said, “Tell your Little Zhao that I’ve received his kind intentions.”

Old Man Tian said, “I wouldn’t dare say that. Showing filial respect to Grandma is only right.”

Liu Jinxia echoed, “Exactly, exactly. We’re all family, no need to be polite.”

Liu Yumei stroked the jade thumb ring on her finger and asked, “When will Little Zhao visit Nantong again?”

Old Man Tian said, “He said Brother Yuan invited him, and also said he wanted to treat him to a meal on your behalf.”

Liu Yumei nodded, saying nothing more.

Liu Jinxia said, “Tell Little Zhao that when he comes to Nantong, he should eat at my house.”

Old Man Tian said, “Yes, yes, I know, I know.”

Seeing that the gifts had been delivered, Old Man Tian bowed and left.

Granny Hua pursed her lips, “Xiamei Hou, how exactly do you train men?”

Wang Lian said, “Yeah, Old Man Tian is so well-behaved around you, it feels like he treats you like an empress.”

Liu Jinxia said, “Bah, bah, bah, don’t talk nonsense.”

In fact, Liu Jinxia also felt that Old Man Tian was overly restrained in front of outsiders, completely different from when they were alone.

Liu Yumei spoke, “Xiamei Hou, I need to discuss something with you.”

“Oh, Sister Liu, please tell me quickly?”

“We’re having a guest today, a little sister of mine. There’s one lying in my room right now, no place to sleep. I plan to take A’li and that little sister to stay at your house for a few days.”

“What?!”

Liu Jinxia exclaimed loudly, standing up.

Seeing this, Wang Lian quickly tried to smooth things over, “Why don’t they sleep at my house?”

Granny Hua immediately offered, “My house is spacious, with many empty rooms. Stay at my place.”

Liu Jinxia’s eyes instantly reddened, and she directly slapped the table at the well-meaning Wang Lian and Granny Hua, pointing at them and saying,

“Sister Lian, with so many people in your house, where are the empty rooms? Granny Hua, do your empty rooms compare to my two-story house?!”

Liu Jinxia forcefully wiped her eyes and, smiling at Liu Yumei, said, “Alright, alright, I’ll head home now and have Xiang Hou prepare bedding. No, no, I’ll have Xiang Hou go to town and buy new ones for me!”

She stopped playing cards, left her chair, and ran straight down the dam.

Her previous shriek was one of pleasant surprise.

Because of her reputation as a husband-killer, she had always socialized little with the villagers. It was perfectly normal for ordinary families to stay at relatives’ houses, but Liu Jinxia, ever since her two-story house was built, had never hosted anyone overnight.

Sister Liu was the person she respected most now. The fact that Sister was willing to bring her granddaughter and sister to stay at her house was an acknowledgment of her, giving her face. Her heart was so overjoyed it felt like it would fly out of her throat.

Liu Jinxia, who had run out of the path, waved her arms while speeding along the village road opposite the rice paddy, and still didn’t forget to wave back towards the dam. While happily smiling, she even spun around twice.

Midway, passing by Aunt Zhang’s small shop, Liu Jinxia shouted loudly to Aunt Zhang:

“Keep a portion of those common foods, sodas, mosquito coils, floral water, ice cream, and these, these, for me! I’ll have my Xiang Hou bicycle them away later!”

Aunt Zhang asked curiously, “Aunt Xiamei, what happened at home?”

“My Sister Liu is coming to stay at my house for a few days, coming to stay at my house for a few days!”

This scene was very much like two years ago, when Cui Cui, who had never had playmates, walked hand-in-hand with Brother Yuan Hou on the village road.

At that time, Cui Cui also wished that nearby villagers would ask her who the boy holding her hand was, and where they were going to play.

Whenever asked, Cui Cui would very loudly and proudly introduce Brother Yuan Hou, saying she was taking him to her house to play.

In Li Sanjiang’s second-floor room.

Li Zhuiyuan put down his pen, massaged his wrist, and closed the “River-Traveling Conduct Code” in front of him.

Behind him, A’li was still diligently processing the spirit tablets.

Li Zhuiyuan took out his mobile phone and first called Lu Yi at the school, asking Lu Yi to call Xue Liangliang in the evening to inform him of their return to school date.

Then, Li Zhuiyuan called Zhao Yi.

At first, no one answered.

Li Zhuiyuan put down his mobile phone and got up to help A’li shave wood shavings.

Fifteen minutes later, the mobile phone rang.

Zhao Yi was deep in the mountains, where the signal was poor. He would place his phone where there was a signal and then use other means to notify himself.

“Hello, Li, are you impatient to see me? A’jing’s injuries here have just been brought under control and will take some more time to…”

“Help me investigate the Ji Guan Zhou family and the He Gu Ding family.”

“Alright, leave it to me. If you need anything else, don’t hesitate, just tell me directly, I will definitely…”

“Yes, I want you to go to both of these families with me.”

“No, is there really a need?”

“Yes, with you there, things will be much simpler.”

“But you have a grudge with those two families, I don’t. This karma…”

“I have no grudge with their families. I just recently received news that these two families have encountered a situation similar to the Yu family’s. I want to take you to save them from distress.”

There was a moment of silence on the other end of the line, then the voice spoke again:

“Little Ancestor, do we have some new breakthrough in our understanding of rules again?”

“Close your eyes, just listen to me, don’t ask unnecessary questions.”

“No problem, who are we to each other? Don’t worry, whatever you want to do, I’ll definitely help you. After all, you helped me destroy Jiujiang Zhao last time.”

“Come to Nantong before the end of the month.”

“That’s enough time. A’jing’s initial recovery won’t take that long. But… what does ‘we’ mean? Besides me, is there someone else?

Could it be, Chen?”

“Yes.”

“She’s in Nantong!”

“Yes.”

“Did she secretly follow you there?”

“Yes.”

“Then how badly was she beaten by the one under the peach grove?”

“I dragged her out of the peach grove.”

“What about the old woman? What about the old woman?”

“She’s still unconscious after meeting the old woman.”

Zhao Yi burst into laughter.

The sound was too loud, Li Zhuiyuan had to move the mobile phone away from his ear and hang up.

The young man glanced at the girl who was still focused on her work, took two cans of Jianlibao, opened them, inserted straws, and handed one can to the girl.

The girl took it and held it in her hands.

“A’li, the workload is huge, so there’s no need to rush. We can relax appropriately.”

Since coming home, he hadn’t even had time to play a game of chess with A’li.

The young man took the girl’s hand, left the room, and went downstairs.

On the dam, because Liu Jinxia had left, the card game couldn’t continue. Wang Lian went to the vegetable patch in front to help with tidying up, and Granny Hua went to put away the porcelain jars.

Liu Yumei sat there, watching the young man take her granddaughter’s hand and enter the east room again.

She originally thought they were going to continue restocking.

But upon seeing the young man turn left after entering the room, she realized he was heading to Chen Xiyuan’s bedroom.

Liu Yumei stood up and also entered the room.

She saw the young man standing by Chen Xiyuan’s bed, reaching out to grasp the jade flute in the Chen family girl’s hand.

That flute, even in Liu Yumei’s eyes, was an excellent item.

No matter how drunk that girl was, her hand never let go of the flute.

Aunt Liu entered at this moment, carrying a large box, thinking she needed to restock, only to find the offering table full.

She turned her head and happened to see the young man trying to pull the flute from Chen Xiyuan’s hand.

Aunt Liu said, “Can you pull it out?”

Liu Yumei shook her head, “That’s her lifeblood.”

The next moment, the young man leaned down and whispered a few words into Chen Xiyuan’s ear.

Chen Xiyuan, drunk and unconscious, relaxed her fingers, and the jade flute slipped out, perfectly caught by the young man.

If a person were awake and lent it, that would be weighing pros and cons.

But for a person to let go in a drunken dream meant absolute trust.

Aunt Liu said, “Are you still not worried?”

This time, Liu Yumei said nothing.

Li Zhuiyuan, holding the jade flute in his right hand and A’li’s hand in his left, walked up to Liu Yumei and Aunt Liu.

“I told her I was borrowing it for a bit and would return it to her when I’m done.”

Liu Yumei nodded.

Li Zhuiyuan led A’li out of the east room and headed to the Daochang in the rice paddy behind the house.

The old woman lived in seclusion, but she couldn’t be completely ignorant of the matters in the Jianghu.

Aunt Liu had always been responsible for collecting and transmitting information.

Aunt Liu said, “I heard that the Chen family has a tradition of inviting famous Jianghu figures and talented young individuals to their ancestral home to study the stone tablets.”

Liu Yumei said, “Hmm.”

Aunt Liu said, “I also heard that the Chen family’s old patriarch dotes on this granddaughter the most and has announced that he wants to find a live-in son-in-law for her.”

Liu Yumei said, “Hmm.”

Aunt Liu said, “Are you still not worried?”

Liu Yumei chuckled, “Heh, worrying over nothing.”

“Buzz, buzz, buzz!”

The sword on the bed vibrated slightly.

Aunt Liu quickly glanced, then immediately said, “I need to make lunch,” and ran out of the east room.

Inside the Daochang.

Li Zhuiyuan successively lit incense in front of the “Statue of Fengdu Great Emperor” and “Sun Baishen’s Version of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva Statue.”

Then, the young man placed his purple-gold compass in the raised central area of the Daochang, setting it in motion.

Subsequently, the young man continued to hold the jade flute in his right hand and retook the girl’s hand in his left.

Their hearts were connected, and they simultaneously closed their eyes.

The next moment, Li Zhuiyuan appeared in A’li’s dream.

A damaged bungalow, collapsed incense and candles, and cracked spirit tablets.

Outside the threshold, however, the weather was fair and sunny, with a clear blue sky.

As Li Zhuiyuan steadily rose through his river-traveling, A’li’s dream no longer contained the initial “multitude of evil presences.”

When he first started river-traveling, Li Zhuiyuan fished for “waves” from A’li’s dream.

The reason for not continuing this was that, apart from those specially powerful malevolent spirits who would occasionally come to check, the malevolent spirits that were permanently stationed there and had left deep marks, their current remaining strength and threat were no longer sufficient to match the strength of the “waves” the young man later needed to confront.

In short, the river wouldn’t keep sending you low-threat entities.

From another perspective, this also meant that the young man’s current team strength made facing entities of the initial Granny Yu, Big Fish, and Old Perverted Woman levels much easier and simpler.

Last night, the first attempt at the evil art was made using Li Hongsheng’s soul. It was successful, but Li Zhuiyuan also discovered areas for improvement.

Li Hongsheng was a “bad person” from his own perspective, but he wasn’t actually that bad; essentially, he could still be considered a righteous person who didn’t live up to his reputation.

Therefore, even if his soul strength was sufficient, using it as raw material for some evil arts would prevent the effects of those arts from reaching their full potential.

Additionally, souls comparable to Li Hongsheng’s were not readily available like common cabbages. Thus, Li Zhuiyuan was now gradually understanding why Wei Zhengdao’s books contained so many cases of malevolent spirits.

Malevolent spirits were terrifying existences in the eyes of ordinary people, but in the young man’s eyes, they were currently extremely cost-effective materials.

The young man now intended to fish out the necessary malevolent spirits from A’li’s dream, just as he did before.

The sky was empty, but as long as you’ve been here, I can find you again!

What Granny Liu couldn’t do, Li Zhuiyuan could.

The young man motioned for A’li to stay in the house, and he walked out into the open field.

In the Daochang, the incense in front of Sun Baishen’s version of the Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva image flickered rapidly.

Li Zhuiyuan pressed his palms together, silently reciting the “Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva Sutra.”

“All causes and effects enter my body, cause and effect are me, I resolve cause and effect. Namo Amitabha!”

A halo appeared beneath the young man’s feet.

The halo was diffuse, but in the ethereal realm, Li Zhuiyuan perceived a power being remotely bestowed, a will from Sun Baishen.

No matter when, if Li Zhuiyuan intended to act under the guise of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, Sun Baishen would definitely lend a hand.

Yet, even so, this halo was still not stable enough.

It seemed the true Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva had already noticed that someone was attempting to defile karma in His name!

But with the descent of another majestic aura, and what sounded like stomping feet in his ears, the halo beneath the young man’s feet instantly stabilized.

Li Zhuiyuan knew that someone was helping him, and that helper was currently dedicated to suppressing Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva.

“Thank you, Great Emperor!”

The young man expressed his sincere gratitude.

No sooner had he finished thanking, than his eyes glowed with black and white hues.

“The Underworld, the cycle of life and death, yin and yang in order, established in Fengdu. Ghost Gate, open!”

Behind the young man, a majestic and eerie gate appeared.

The gate began to tremble, seemingly conveying a hint of anger.

But Li Zhuiyuan’s identity as the Great Emperor’s “closed-door disciple” and the Young Lord of the Underworld had been personally recognized by the Great Emperor.

Therefore, it was more difficult for him to use the Bodhisattva’s identity, but borrowing the Great Emperor’s identity was perfectly legitimate!

Even if the Great Emperor had just helped him suppress the Bodhisattva, he had already given thanks, so next, the mud that needed to be thrown at the Great Emperor still had to be thrown.

Even if he thoroughly understood the rules of the river, the river wouldn’t match him with such weak opponents at this moment.

Therefore, to locate their existence, Li Zhuiyuan had to create karma himself!

Borrowing the Bodhisattva’s fruit status and the Great Emperor’s position to have them help him absorb karma was only the first step.

The young man lowered his head, looking at his right hand, where the phantom of the jade flute lay.

He discovered that the Chen family spirits seemed to be exceptionally effective, and their protection of Chen Xiyuan was extremely sensitive.

This, of course, couldn’t exclude the reason that the three Chen family Dragon Kings were all historical prodigies, but essentially, it should be that the Chen family received special care from the Heavenly Dao.

On this flute, the Chen family’s incense and karma were condensed. This time, Li Zhuiyuan intended to borrow the blessing of the Chen family Dragon King spirits.

“Today, this junior dares to humbly use the Chen family’s esteemed artifact to slay demons and eliminate evil.

May the Chen family’s ancestors bless this young one with success.

If the deed is done, this junior will owe the Qiongya Chen family a debt of karma!”

In fact, Li Zhuiyuan could have summoned the offering tables of the Qin and Liu families, which had no spirits, to morally coerce the Chen family Dragon King spirits.

Because the young man had discovered that the Dragon King spirits had exceptionally broad minds.

But Li Zhuiyuan was unwilling to do so.

He had no psychological pressure in utilizing the Bodhisattva and the Great Emperor, but he was unwilling to use such tactics on the spirits of the successive Dragon Kings. He preferred an exchange of equal terms.

For example, to do his best to try to help the Chen family change the disadvantages of their stone tablet inheritance.

The jade flute in his hand glowed, and at the same time, melodious flute music emanated.

This meant that the Chen family Dragon King spirits had agreed to the young man’s request.

Li Zhuiyuan opened his left hand, and the phantom of the purple-gold compass appeared. Then, the spirit of a Jiao-dragon, already the size of a small snake, flew out from within the young man, coiling on the compass, and began to aid in the deduction.

The Bodhisattva and the Great Emperor served as his support;

The purple-gold compass served to delineate the scope; the malevolent spirits he sought had to be near Nantong, not thousands of miles away.

The jade flute was like the fishing rod he once used.

Next, the young man was going to create a small wave himself!

Li Zhuiyuan turned back, glanced at A’li, smiled slightly at the girl, then looked up at the sky.

In the cloudless sky, sudden folds of light and shadow appeared. These were the traces left by the malevolent spirits that had once come here to intimidate and curse A’li.

“I said, I won’t let any of those who came here off the hook in the future. Today, I’ll collect some interest first!”

The young man raised the jade flute in his hand, preparing to cast it like a fishing rod. As this movement began, a warning flashed in the young man’s heart.

This act was akin to stealing heavenly secrets, far exceeding self-fortune-telling, and was a taboo.

But with last night’s experience, Li Zhuiyuan remained unconcerned, still firmly casting the jade flute.

I still have plenty of merit; deduct it, deduct it, deduct it!

If this merit truly came into my hands, I wouldn’t be able to spend it like this. Now, with everything deducted by you and calculated by you, things that were impossible can now be done!

Li Zhuiyuan finally successfully cast the jade flute. Three emerald green rays of light emanated from the flute, like a fishing rod casting three lines.

“Crack!”

In the sky, three dark shadows appeared. Entangled by the fishing lines, they plummeted downwards, crashing directly in front of the young man.

At first, they were just three blurry shadows.

But their true forms must have perceived something at that moment.

They, who had long dared not come here, now descended once again.

The three blurry dark shadows gradually began to take on color, becoming clear, and slowly evolving into concrete forms.

Once, when they came here, they could be utterly malicious, wantonly humiliating a little girl.

Now, these three dark shadows looked at the young man standing before them, all showing fear, as if seeing a living Yama King.

Li Zhuiyuan raised the back of his hand and wiped away a nosebleed.

His physical self in reality must also be bleeding right now.

The young man carelessly shook his hand, took a few steps forward, closing in on the three malevolent spirits, and said calmly:

“Wait patiently, I’ll come for you soon.”