“I didn’t see an Exorcist; all I saw was a Con Artist. Your life is almost ruined by him, and yet you still defend him. I really can’t tell if you’re just naive or truly foolish,” I retorted without hesitation. This Boss Wang had been thoroughly brainwashed; he was indeed a fool!
“You woman, are you saying that Xu Master is worse than you? Hurry up and get lost; this isn’t your business,” Boss Wang waved his hand, clearly impatient.
“Hey, Boss Wang, it seems that my friends here are also like-minded individuals and must be eager to exchange ideas. It would be a shame not to let them stay and share their insights. It would also allow me, Xu, to broaden my horizons,” Xu Laonian said with a hint of sarcasm. “It’s just that today’s young people can’t seem to keep their cool; they learn a little bit and think they can show off. I wonder if you friends are also like that.”
“Well, since Xu Master has said so, why don’t you all exchange ideas? You’re just showing off in front of the experts; soon enough, you’ll be the ones embarrassed,” Boss Wang agreed, shifting his stance.
“I think you’ve misunderstood; it’s not us who are showing off in front of the experts but rather your so-called Xu Master. May I ask, what do exorcists fear the most?” Mu Xuanche interjected, his tone cold and commanding.
“What do exorcists fear? Ha! This friend, those fears are merely for avoiding ghosts. We exorcists take money from people; we fear nothing!” Xu Laonian raised his chin proudly.
“Oh? You fear nothing?” Bai Qiling asked with interest before smiling. “Then let’s see if you truly fear nothing.”
Bai Qiling took a deep breath, and behind him appeared a large array of neatly arranged ghost generals, creating an overwhelming sense of pressure in the restaurant.
“You—what are you? Are you some kind of ghost or monster?” Xu Laonian drew a Peach Wood Sword, holding it defensively in front of him. Boss Wang trembled and huddled closer to him.
“As for me, I am naturally an Exorcist,” Bai Qiling replied succinctly. “However, I am not satisfied with your answer just now.”
“Exorcists have always adhered to the rules set by our Ancestors: we must possess a heart of compassion and detachment, taking the peace of others as our responsibility. We must avoid greed and killing. Ghosts are also living beings; we should not kill recklessly. If we can retreat without conflict, we should do so. Exorcists primarily focus on persuasion rather than slaughter,” Mu Xuanche added from the side. “Qiling, if you’re done playing around, then stop before someone gets hurt.”
“Understood.” The ghost generals dispersed, and the chaotic atmosphere returned to calm. Xu Laonian seemed to realize he had encountered someone extraordinary; he quickly stood up with a forced smile, sweat clearly visible on his face. “I am old and blind; I didn’t know you were all great figures. I spoke carelessly; please forgive me.” He stepped back cautiously to give way.
Bai Qiling was unceremonious as he plopped down onto a chair. “It’s not me; even in this line of work, one needs some capital to survive. If your skills are lacking and you tarnish your own name, it might drag others down with you.” Bai Qiling scrutinized his Peach Wood Sword. “When a person dies and becomes a ghost, their spirit separates from their body; each returns to its true form. Ghosts that have somewhere to go will not become malevolent spirits. Those who are enlightened will cycle through life and death and ascend as deities; those who are confused have nowhere to return to and thus fall into becoming Vengeful Spirits. Humans and Demon Gods originally walk different paths and do not interfere with each other. Ghosts that harm people must have some energy drawing them in or an environment that brings them together. All hauntings stem from an imbalance between yin and yang; exorcists must possess righteous energy; otherwise, they become even more terrifying than ghosts.”
“Yes, yes! I’ve learned my lesson,” Xu Laonian hurriedly nodded along, bowing like a servant.
“Moreover, your techniques are quite outdated; that you’ve survived until now is merely luck on your part. Now hurry up and leave,” Bai Qiling said arrogantly as he propped his feet up on the table.
“Well then, I won’t embarrass myself any longer; I’ll take my leave now,” Xu Laonian quickly turned to leave.
“Hey, Xu Lao! What am I supposed to do if you leave?” Boss Wang exclaimed anxiously as he tugged at Xu Laonian's robe.
Xu Laonian wore an expression that suggested he wanted to explode with anger but dared not do so. He glanced at us and could only manage a forced smile. "Boss Wang, you’ve encountered a benefactor today! With such high-level assistance, I, Xu Laonian, am bound to make some moves." After struggling to free himself, he walked to the door but not before turning back to wave at us. "Excuse me, let’s continue our chat later." He tried to maintain his composure, but the hurried footsteps as he exited betrayed his anxiety.
"How about it, Boss Wang? Are we showing off our skills in front of the experts?" Bai Qiling's voice carried a hint of mockery.
Only then did Boss Wang snap back to reality, half in awe and half nervously flattering us. "You are all young talents; I never expected such depth of knowledge at your age. And your attire... quite modern indeed."
"I thought Boss Wang, being a businessman, would have a broader perspective. To my disappointment, it seems you only recognize clothing and not the person beneath it, valuing age over ability. What a pity," Mu Xuanche added languidly, delivering a sharp jab.
Watching Bai Qiling and Mu Xuanche play off each other like this made Boss Wang's face alternate between shades of green and red. I felt a pang of regret; after spending so much time with them, I hadn’t grasped any of their essence. Their verbal skills were truly remarkable...
"I’m new to your circle and may lack discernment. Please forgive my impudence. I beg for your understanding and assistance in resolving my urgent troubles."
A sycophant is just that—a sycophant. I silently cursed him in my mind but refrained from speaking up. I wouldn’t embarrass myself further.
"Oh? We are rather inexperienced; Boss Wang should prepare himself mentally. What if we disappoint you?" Bai Qiling said slowly, her fingers tapping together as she looked at him with a smile that held no kindness.
"Are you joking? Xu Lao has already conceded; how could I possibly be dissatisfied? With your abilities, capturing that Evil Spirit should be a piece of cake! How could you disappoint me?"
"Mu Xuanche, Yan Xi, shall we take on this job?" Bai Qiling tilted her head toward us for confirmation. Without hesitation, Mu Xuanche and I replied in unison, "It's up to you; we have no objections."
"Hey, I remember it wasn’t me who stepped forward first; now I'm the one taking charge. You two really have put me in quite the position," she teased before turning back to the trembling Boss Wang and adding, "You’re lucky; my team is willing. Now about the payment..."
"Rest assured, it won’t be lacking! I may lack many things, but money is not one of them! When will the masters go? I'll send a car to pick you up."
"No need for that; let’s go right now; we have our own vehicle. Lead the way," Jian Yi interjected sharply, indicating that Bai Qiling didn’t seem to hold him in high regard either.
"Safe travels," the Qipao Woman said with her usual calm smile as all the robots ceased their work and watched us leave. The scene felt eerily surreal; I recalled the lifelike wax figure and reluctantly took a photo before chasing after Mu Xuanche and the others.
"Leave it to you, Mu Xuanche; I'm going to take a nap," Bai Qiling tossed over her shoulder without hesitation as she lay back in the rear seat of the car. She mumbled under her breath, "Lost in money and devoid of morality; this case is bound to be tricky."
"Mu Xuanche..." I looked at his profile as he drove, hesitating to speak up.
"This ghost is not a good one, and neither is Boss Wang. With such ruthless actions, it seems he knows who the Intruder is and feels quite guilty. We need to be cautious on this trip."
He focused intently on driving, his sharp features accentuated in the dim light, and there was a strength in his gaze that made one feel safe. And this man is mine.
"Well, it really is quite lavish," Bai Qiling said, rubbing her eyes as she looked at the opulent villa before her. She was truly seeing something new. "The location is nice too—suburban and quiet."
"Of course, I had someone check it out before; this place is a blessed land, promising wealth and many descendants. If it weren't for that ghost causing trouble, it would surely be an excellent spot," Boss Wang said with some pride. "Please, come in."
"Wait, we need to first understand if you've done anything sorrowful," Mu Xuanche said, stopping at the door.
"What could I possibly have done to cause harm?"
(End of Chapter)
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