The master spoke with shock, not daring to believe.
He knew exactly how powerful Miao Nanzi was.
He and Daoist Tang had only managed to defeat the evil cultivator by joining forces.
Seeing my master’s surprised expression, I nodded heavily.
"Yes, if it weren't for the help of that ghost sister, Qingdai,
you wouldn't be seeing me today."
My master raised his eyebrows, a grave look appearing on his face.
"What exactly happened? Tell me about it."
I took a deep breath and recounted everything, from the dinner gathering last night to everything that followed.
My master didn't comment much on how I dealt with Guangtouxiong.
He just said it was done.
However, upon hearing the details about Miao Nanzi, he became visibly uneasy.
"So that's how it is. No wonder that fellow is unkillable, having three straw bodies.
Could this be the legendary Three Corpses Technique?"
My master muttered to himself, a thought dawning on him.
I didn’t understand.
"Master, what is the Three Corpses Technique?"
My master shook his head slightly.
"This evil method, I only heard your grandmaster mention it before.
It's a top-tier variation of soul possession through a borrowed corpse.
It's something like three corpses merging into one.
But how they merge, and how it's done, I haven't seen it myself.
This Miao Nanzi truly has some skills,
to even know such a bizarre evil technique…"
"Master, look at my injuries.
They were all inflicted by that demon's ghost slaves.
Can you please not deduct my wages?"
Seeing my pathetic appearance, my master rolled his eyes.
"Forget it, that's one thing, this is another.
Who told you not to take leave?
But that girl who protected you, she's truly formidable.
Back then, it took both me and that old scoundrel so much effort to break his spell.
That girl, with just one palm, rendered Miao Nanzi useless. Her strength is truly extraordinary!"
I chuckled awkwardly.
Indeed, she had cultivated for two thousand years.
Even a pig that lived for two thousand years would have become a spirit, wouldn't it?
After discussing my affairs, I looked at my master again.
Although my master had returned, his complexion was clearly not too good.
So I asked him where he had been these past few days.
My master still wouldn't say.
He even retorted, asking why I was so curious!
He also asked if I had been cultivating diligently these past few days.
Hearing this, I grinned.
I directly channeled a breath of vital energy, instantly releasing my cultivation.
My master sensed the Dao energy I was emitting.
His expression changed again.
"You, you brat have broken through again?"
My master exclaimed in a loud, surprised voice.
"I broke through yesterday, but I still feel my strength is too weak.
Last night, facing an attack from dozens of low-level white-robed ghosts, I still couldn't handle it.
Not to mention dealing with demonic cultivators like Miao Nanzi.
Master, is there any way for my cultivation to advance faster?"
I asked earnestly.
But my master looked at me as if I were a monster.
"You brat, you broke through to the Qi Gathering realm in less than two months, and you're still not satisfied?
When I was your age…
No, that old scoundrel opposite took a full year to break through to this realm.
What more do you want?"
From my master's tone, it was clear his pride had been hurt.
That's why he corrected himself to mention Daoist Tang.
This old fellow was very concerned about his reputation, so I just smiled and didn't press further.
Because it was time for a meal.
The shop had good business today, and there was no food in the shop.
So, my master and I went to a nearby stir-fry restaurant to eat.
As it happened, we encountered Mo Ting and his master at the restaurant.
As soon as we entered the shop, Daoist Tang immediately taunted my master.
"Old idiot, not dead yet?"
Hearing this, my master instantly became angry.
"Old scoundrel, are you looking for death?"
The restaurant owner likely knew of the past conflict between my master and Daoist Tang.
He smiled and tried to mediate.
As a result, we each sat at separate tables.
My master and Daoist Tang still couldn't stand looking at each other.
However, they didn't mind Mo Ting and me chatting.
At the same time, I also revealed some details about encountering Miao Nanzi last night to them.
Although Daoist Tang didn't say anything, he was clearly listening intently.
My master didn't stop me.
After the meal, Mo Ting kept pestering me with questions.
He mostly asked about the details of the fierce battle last night and how I escaped from Miao Nanzi.
He asked if I had used talismans like the Wuchang Talisman.
Regarding Qingdai, my master had previously told me to try not to tell any third person.
After all, this was my secret alone.
After all, having a female ghost lingering around was rather unusual.
So, I found an excuse.
I said it was due to the deterrence of the Wuchang Talisman and managed to brush it off.
Besides that, I also mentioned the news I had seen online about the suicide incidents in the Kang Kang factory district.
When Mo Ting heard me mention this, he immediately became interested.
He said he had also seen related reports yesterday, but today, he couldn't find any trace of them.
He even asked if I wanted to go check it out and investigate.
I agreed, but definitely not today.
I hadn't fully recovered from last night's ordeal, and my body was still sore all over.
I said that after a few more days, when my body felt better, we would go.
Mo Ting agreed and said to keep in touch.
Afterward, we each returned to our respective shops.
Upon returning to the shop, I also told my master about the news concerning the Kang Kang factory.
My master didn't seem to take it very seriously after hearing my account.
He just said that if I wanted to investigate, I could.
If I felt I couldn't handle it, I could ask him.
However, he also cautioned me to rest well for a few days.
Without being in good condition, rashly getting involved in these matters.
If I encountered any formidable entities, it would just be sending my life away in vain.
I nodded and said that after resting for a few days, I would go with Mo Ting.
My master agreed.
However, despite his outward indifference,
I secretly saw the old fellow searching for related information online that afternoon…