[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-the-invincible-female-ghost-is-a-bit-of-a-hopele":3,"chapter-the-invincible-female-ghost-is-a-bit-of-a-hopele-the-invincible-female-ghost-is-a-bit-of-a-hopele-chapter-101":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","The Invincible Female Ghost Is A Bit Of A Hopeless Romantic",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},1706480,2180,"Chapter 101: Aunt Qin, Aunt Qiao’er, Happy New Year~","the-invincible-female-ghost-is-a-bit-of-a-hopele-chapter-101",101,"\u003Cp>Gu Qingwan opened her eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In that instant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The morning light seemed to freeze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was not an awakening.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was as if two sealed crystal worlds, veiled in dust, were suddenly pushed open by an invisible hand, revealing the boundless azure firmament behind them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her left eye was like the dawn of a sunrise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deep within the pupil, a miniature \"Sun\" talisman was slowly rotating.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The light it emitted was not blinding, but a warm, honey-wax-like golden hue that willfully saturated the entire eye, dyeing it a peculiar \"golden-azure\" color.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Azure as the base, golden light flowing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her right eye was like the dusk of a moonset.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The \"Moon\" talisman rotated in reverse, rippling with silver-white brilliance like autumn waters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That white was not cold and clear, but instead carried the unique warmth of jade, dyeing the right eye a \"silver-azure\" color.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was like the solitary moonlight spread over everything on a deep, silent snowy night.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This breathtakingly strange phenomenon lasted only a few breaths.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Gu Qingwan's soul drifted out from her physical body, those two awe-inspiring azure firmaments began to recede inward like a tide.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The flowing lights of gold and silver no longer surged, obediently flowing back, disappearing into the depths of her pupils.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The rotation of the \"Sun\" and \"Moon\" talismans gradually slowed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finally, they stopped and quietly faded away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, Gu Qingwan's eyes were no longer the inhuman scarlet of before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were a pair of eyes containing autumn waters, clear, cold, and lively.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clean.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bright.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clear as the sky after an autumn rain, washed clean of the last speck of dust.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Serene as an ancient well in an old temple, unchanged for a thousand years, with no more ripples.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She looked at Lu Yuan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her gaze did not wander, shift, dodge, or flicker.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just quietly, completely, she held Lu Yuan's figure within her own world.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With the strange colors of the talismans faded, these dark pupils instead possessed an unprecedented vitality.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deep within those eyes, Lu Yuan saw the calm of having survived a calamity, and a trace of softness, almost imperceptible, settled at the very bottom.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His chest felt a bit tight, a thousand words rushed to his lips, finally transforming into a heartfelt sigh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He took a deep breath and, looking into those stunningly beautiful, clear and cold eyes, sincerely praised:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Damn, that's really pretty!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Qingwan: \"?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The afternoon of the first day of the Lunar New Year.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yuan and the old man, master and disciple, were both sleeping like logs on the warm brick beds in their own rooms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The entire Zhenlong Temple was completely quiet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There were very few people coming to offer incense, most had flocked to Fengtian City.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qixia Town at the foot of the mountain was also deserted, with only the occasional sound of firecrackers coming from afar, too distant to disturb the sweet dreams of the master and disciple pair.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The first day of the Lunar New Year was a day full of taboos; everyone wanted good fortune and avoided getting angry easily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When meeting people, you said \"Happy New Year,\" afraid that doing something bad today would affect your luck for the entire year.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, there were always exceptions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Damn it!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This fool! He really pisses me off!!!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Celestial Master He Xun was stomping around furiously in his room, cursing and grumbling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Song Yan stood to the side, not even daring to breathe loudly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Celestial Master He Xun was about to explode with anger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With his usual temper, he would have turned around and left right now, absolutely refusing to suffer this humiliation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But just his luck!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The matter of the Commanding Ghosts Liu Family, the old man had requested the Patriarch's decree!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now Celestial Master He Xun couldn't leave, he could only hold his nose and stay to help that \"fool\"!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And he says he wasn't wrong?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He wasn't wrong, my ass! If he wasn't wrong, why isn't he a Celestial Master now?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why is it that I, who have served four consecutive terms as Celestial Master and am about to start my fifth, am the one here?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What did the things he did back then change?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Celestial Master He Xun paced back and forth in the room, muttering curses. It seemed like he was talking to Song Yan, but it was actually all a monologue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Changed a damn thing!!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And he still insists he wasn't wrong!!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Thought after all these years, with age, he might have reflected a bit!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Fool!! An utterly hopeless fool!!!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Stubborn mule!!!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Song Yan, standing to the side, buried his head even lower, afraid that Celestial Master He Xun's cursing would eventually land on him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Pack up!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finally, Celestial Master He Xun waved his hand abruptly and declared decisively.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Tomorrow, we return to Fengtian City!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Song Yan felt as if granted amnesty and quickly acknowledged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The first day of the Lunar New Year, nightfall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside the warmly lit side hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yuan and the other two had just finished eating; Celestial Master He Xun hadn't come for this meal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Lu Yuan cleared the table, he looked at the old man who had gone back to writing talismans and couldn't help but say:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How many days' worth are you stockpiling?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How many days are you planning to be gone?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old man didn't even look up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's hard to say exactly how many days, but it's never wrong to prepare more.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Can't very well come back halfway to keep drawing them, right?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this point, the old man suddenly remembered something and turned to look at Lu Yuan, who was clearing the table.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"After you finish with those Nurturing Malevolence Sites, return to the temple.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Before I come back, if there's nothing major, don't go out.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"While you're at the temple normally, don't use these talismans, write them fresh yourself. Only if you absolutely must go out, then write the talismans.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yuan looked at the old man's serious face, then continued clearing the table while lowering his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Other things I don't care about, but you have to wait until after the Celestial Master Grand Ceremony before leaving!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, the old man looked at Lu Yuan with some amusement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You really think you can win me a Celestial Master title?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yuan raised his head with a proud expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Of course!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"All that hard work I did those days, for nothing?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In response to Lu Yuan's words, the old man shook his head helplessly with a smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"As you wish.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"However, I definitely have to wait until after the Celestial Master Grand Ceremony before leaving.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"After all, I need the people from Tianlong Temple to help me find someone. They're attending the Celestial Master Grand Ceremony now, so naturally they don't have time to help me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this from the old man, Lu Yuan couldn't help but purse his lips.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I say, you too, why do you keep provoking Celestial Master He Xun?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You're both this old, fellow disciples from the same master, can't you sit down and talk things out properly?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Especially since you're asking him for a favor.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In response to this, the old man grinned but didn't make a sound, turning back to continue writing talismans.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a while, the only sound in the side hall was the scratching of the brush tip on yellow paper.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After an unknown amount of time, Lu Yuan finished clearing everything from the table and was about to carry it back to the dining hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From behind, the old man's voice drifted over softly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'm just angry at him.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Angry that he had no backbone back then, that for the empty title of Celestial Master, he switched to another temple...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huh?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yuan's steps halted, and he turned back, somewhat bewildered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old man was also looking back at him, a smile tugging at his face, but his eyes were distant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Never mind.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's all old history from so many years ago.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yuan stood still, blinked, and ultimately didn't ask more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Carrying the bowls, dishes, and leftover dumplings, he turned and walked toward the dining hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When he put the things down and came back, he ran right into Song Yan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Come to think of it, this was the first time seeing Song Yan on New Year's Day. Lu Yuan quickly bowed in greeting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Senior Brother, Happy New Year.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Lu Yuan, Song Yan was clearly taken aback for a moment, then also smiled and cupped his hands in return.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Junior Brother, Happy New Year.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yuan straightened up and, seeing the fine sweat on Song Yan's temples and his hurried appearance, couldn't help but ask curiously:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Senior Brother, you're in such a rush...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before he could finish, Song Yan waved his hand helplessly and lowered his voice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don't even mention it. Master is really angry, says we're returning to Fengtian tomorrow. I'm just helping pack things up.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Lu Yuan's eyes shifted, and understanding dawned in his heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just arrived on New Year's Eve, been here barely a full day, and already leaving.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seems like Celestial Master He Xun was really pissed off this time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yuan thought to himself, then asked:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Master Uncle is in his room?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He is.\" Song Yan nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then, Senior Brother, you go ahead with your work. I'll go chat with Master Uncle for a bit.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that, Lu Yuan didn't delay further and headed straight for Celestial Master He Xun's room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For this hot-tempered, sharp-tongued Master Uncle, Lu Yuan actually genuinely liked him deep down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man meant no harm, just had a firecracker temper.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, just this morning, he and his master had put in great effort to help Qingwan break the evil art on her eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This favor, both in sentiment and reason, couldn't be repaid by letting the man leave on New Year's, stewing in anger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Besides, Lu Yuan always felt that despite the fierce arguments between these two fellow disciples, deep down, they still cared about each other.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thinking of this, his steps halted, and he suddenly turned back to the dining hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A moment later, Lu Yuan came out of the dining hall and went straight to Celestial Master He Xun's door.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Standing at the entrance, he first cleared his throat, modulating his voice to carry the respect and obedience befitting a junior, then raised his hand to knock.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Master Uncle, it's me, Lu Yuan.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dead silence from inside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The suppressed anger seeping through the door crack was like mugwort left wilting under a scorching sun all day in the height of summer—pungent and stifling, making it hard to breathe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yuan waited a moment. Getting no response, he simply pushed the door open himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No main lamp was lit inside, only an old, dim kerosene lamp burning on the kang table.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The bean-sized flame swayed left and right from the cold wind sneaking through the window crack, stretching the shadows on the wall long and short.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Celestial Master He Xun sat cross-legged at the head of the kang, facing the dark mountain shadows outside the window, his back straight as an old spear planted in the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Master Uncle.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yuan moved to the edge of the kang, not standing on ceremony, found himself a stool to sit on, and casually placed a bowl of steaming hot dumplings on the kang table.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Just boiled these dumplings for you, still hot.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Knew you didn't eat tonight, specially brought you a bowl.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Celestial Master He Xun's body stiffened slightly, then he slowly turned his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His gaze was hard, first sweeping over the bowl of dumplings emitting white steam on the kang table, then lifting to stare directly at Lu Yuan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn't speak, didn't pick up his chopsticks, just watched, waiting for Lu Yuan to continue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yuan rubbed his somewhat cold hands, a grin spreading across his face—that habitual mix of devil-may-care and utterly sincere energy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Today's New Year's Day, Master Uncle. According to our old customs beyond the Great Wall, you shouldn't hold onto anger on the first day.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If you keep this anger bottled up, it'll clog you for the whole year. Totally not worth it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Celestial Master He Xun snorted from his nose.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Me, holding onto anger?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He suddenly raised his volume, his neck stiffening like a victorious rooster, his roar directed straight toward the side hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'm just disgusted by how shabby and small this place is!!!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Beneath my dignity as a Celestial Master!!!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Who am I?! I am a lofty Celestial Master!!!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Celestial Master He Xun's voice was incredibly loud, as if afraid the old man in the side hall wouldn't hear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing this, Lu Yuan could only keep a smile plastered on his face, nodding repeatedly with enthusiastic agreement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes, yes, yes, yes~\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You are a genuine, proper Celestial Master. Stomp your foot beyond the Great Wall, and all the Taoist sects tremble three times~\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But don't just look at how shabby our Zhenlong Temple is. Shabby has its perks—it's quiet!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No fake New Year's visitors like in Fengtian City, no messy scheming and backstabbing.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You just stay here, lounge on the warm kang, listen to the mountain wind, watch the snowy scenery, steal a few days of leisure from life. How lovely!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he spoke, Lu Yuan got up, picked up the fire tongs from the foot of the kang, and gently stirred the firewood in the kang's fire pit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sparks crackled, and the room instantly warmed up a bit more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He sat back down on the stool, leaning forward slightly, lowering his voice to a conspiratorial closeness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Besides, if you're angry with my master, just ignore him, that's all!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You're not wrong; he's the one who's wrong!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But if you leave, it'll look like you're the one in the wrong!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As soon as these words were out, the previously furious Celestial Master He Xun's eyes suddenly brightened, and that forced stiffness instantly relaxed by half.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He looked eagerly at Lu Yuan, as if finding a kindred spirit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Right?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Right, right?! That guy's brain is messed up, right?!!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yuan chuckled but didn't take the bait, instead steering the conversation in another direction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Master Uncle, just me thinking that isn't enough!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You need everyone outside to think so too!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Celestial Master He Xun was taken aback, looking strangely at Lu Yuan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then Lu Yuan continued:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Think about it, if you really leave tomorrow, how will people outside gossip?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"They'll definitely say: 'Look, Celestial Master He Xun couldn't even spend a proper New Year at his own junior brother's place, got chased away on New Year's Day!'\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That kind of talk spreading around, sounds good?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Celestial Master He Xun couldn't help but pause, his expression changing slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Uh...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before Celestial Master He Xun could ponder further, Lu Yuan quickly added:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If that nonsense spreads, it's nothing to my master. He's just the head of a small, run-down temple anyway; he doesn't care about face.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But for your prestigious reputation as a Celestial Master, wouldn't it be a bit... you know?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Celestial Master He Xun valued face the most. With Lu Yuan's words, he fell completely silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From the corner of his eye, Lu Yuan saw the muscles in his cheeks tightening and relaxing, that absolute determination to leave already loosening its string.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yuan struck while the iron was hot, piling on twelve parts of sincerity on his face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Master Uncle, just listen to me, stay peacefully until the fifth day.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The fifth day, 'Breaking the Fifth,' is a big day. Beyond the Great Wall, we emphasize 'Breaking the Fifth to send away poverty, welcoming wealth and opening the markets.'\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"By then, we'll stew a fresh river fish, steam a bowl of Eight Treasure Rice, have a good drink, send away all the poverty and bad luck, welcome the God of Wealth, and usher in good fortune.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"After the fifth day passes, you'll be well-rested too, then return to Fengtian in grand style. That's what you call smooth sailing, momentum like a rainbow, right?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this point, Lu Yuan paused, looking at the slightly weary shadow cast by the lamplight on Celestial Master He Xun's profile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice couldn't help but soften, carrying the particular pleading tone of a junior.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Besides... Master Uncle, you came this time, helped Qingwan break that evil art, expended so much effort. I, your junior, remember it all in my heart.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Both in sentiment and reason, as your junior, I absolutely cannot let you leave on New Year's, carrying a bellyful of anger!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We're family. No matter how we argue, we're family.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The room fell completely quiet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only the occasional crackle of the oil lamp's wick and the faint, almost inaudible sporadic firecracker sounds from far outside the window remained.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Celestial Master He Xun's gaze fell on that bowl of dumplings, no longer steaming much, and didn't move away for a long time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps Lu Yuan's point about face had struck a chord.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps the saying that leaving on New Year's Day affected a year's luck made him hesitant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or perhaps, it was simply because of those words, \"We're family.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a long while, he finally reached out and picked up his chopsticks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He picked up a dumpling, stuffed it into his mouth, chewed slowly, and said indistinctly:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The fifth day... then the fifth day it is.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Not staying a single day more!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, the big rock in Lu Yuan's heart finally landed, and he grinned happily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Alright~~~\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Whatever you say goes!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn't forget to add fuel to the fire.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"For the remaining days, just ignore him, don't give him a good face!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"After all, for that matter with the Ten Families, he'll still come running to beg for your help in the end~\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These words actually made Celestial Master He Xun laugh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While eating dumplings, he grinned and chuckled, as if already seeing Li Xiuye coming to beg him humbly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You kid, really are likable!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Celestial Master He Xun tapped the edge of the bowl with his chopsticks, saying in a muffled voice:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Bring another plate! Just this one bowl, who can it feed?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Got it!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yuan immediately stood up, his face all smiles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'll go boil you a fresh bamboo tray right now!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that, he turned and walked out of the room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thank goodness, talked him down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old grievances between these two old kids, he didn't know about them, couldn't mediate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, even if he knew, with both of them angry now, both thinking they're right, he couldn't mediate, shouldn't mediate either.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But at the very least, he couldn't let someone who came to help on New Year's leave stewing in anger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Look to the future, try to ease things if possible; if not, then just do as Lu Yuan said—have them ignore each other.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Again, they were family after all. These two fellow disciples hadn't reached the point of wrestling each other on sight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just let Celestial Master He Xun have a proper New Year, then leave on the fifth day.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sigh...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Being a disciple really isn't easy~\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as Lu Yuan reached the doorway, he saw Song Yan running back, panting, wiping sweat from his forehead, grinning widely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"All done, Master!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Those several boxes of things, I've loaded them all onto the carriage. Exhausted me!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside the room, Celestial Master He Xun, eating dumplings, didn't look up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Got it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Unload them, move them back.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We leave on the fifth day.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Song Yan: \"????\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yuan passed by the completely petrified Song Yan, sympathetically patted his shoulder, and couldn't help but sigh inwardly again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sigh~~~\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Being a disciple really, really isn't easy~\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next few days, Zhenlong Temple was unusually quiet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yuan quietly recuperated, and by now was mostly recovered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The relationship between the old man and Celestial Master He Xun also visibly improved quite a bit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although the two still didn't talk much, at the very least, they could sit at the same table to eat again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These quiet, peaceful days passed in a flash, and it was already the sixth day of the Lunar New Year.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was time to set off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The remaining Nurturing Malevolence Sites had to be cleaned up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After finishing, return to Fengtian City to prepare for the upcoming Celestial Master Grand Ceremony.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Logically, Lu Yuan should have headed straight for those Nurturing Malevolence Sites.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, not going to pay New Year's respects to the two aunties in the city during the New Year just didn't seem right.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So, when passing by Fengtian City, he still had to go into the city and stay for a day.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Set off again the next day.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sixth day, early morning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside the side hall, the first light of dawn was faint.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yuan carefully placed a large handful of newly bought candied hawthorn sticks on the tray in front of the coffin. The bright red berries were particularly striking under the cold light.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'm going back to Fengtian with Master Uncle He Xun today.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Next time I'll be back, probably in about a month, when the Celestial Master Grand Ceremony ends.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He paused, his voice growing even softer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The evil art on your tongue isn't urgent. Let the faith power slowly wear down its foundation first. When the time comes to act, we'll have a better chance.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I also need to find good material for you, for reattaching your tongue later. This matter needs to be taken slowly.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You stay here peacefully, wait for me to return.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If I really encounter trouble I can't handle, I'll call you. Don't worry.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After speaking, Lu Yuan looked up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Qingwan floated above that huge coffin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dressed in jade-white clothes, her long hair tied up with a ribbon of the same color, making her stunningly beautiful, clear and cold face seem even more detached from the mortal world.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yuan's gaze lingered on her for a moment, and he praised sincerely:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This outfit looks really beautiful on you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Next time I come back, I'll buy you the most fashionable clothes in Fengtian City.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Qingwan quietly gazed at him. Those eyes, restored to clarity, like autumn waters, like cold stars, reflected Lu Yuan's figure, clear and complete.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a long time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She nodded, extremely lightly, extremely slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An almost inaudible yet incredibly clear syllable escaped her lips.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Okay.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Outside the mountain gate of Zhenlong Temple, the snow hadn't melted, and the cold wind was biting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yuan ducked and got into Celestial Master He Xun's carriage, which could only be described as luxurious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He lifted the carriage curtain and waved at the old man outside wearing a tattered Taoist robe, his figure somewhat hunched.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Go back. Don't worry about the remaining Nurturing Malevolence Sites. Rest well.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Nothing major will happen. Even if something does happen, there's still the Patriarch and, well, that person. Don't worry.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this from outside the carriage window, the old man's mouth habitually twitched.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wow!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In his disciple's heart, that little lady's status was already on par with their own Patriarch!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old man couldn't be bothered with Lu Yuan. Instead, his gaze went past Lu Yuan, landing on the figure sitting upright deep inside the carriage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If nothing unexpected happened...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the Luotian Grand Offering ended, after the Celestial Master Grand Ceremony ended, perhaps this senior brother of his would return directly to Tianlong Temple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, this time, things really had gotten a bit ugly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next time the two met again, who knew when it would be.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Maybe the next Celestial Master Grand Ceremony in five years?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the Celestial Master Grand Ceremony five years from now wouldn't be in Fengtian City either.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Come to think of it, the old man was sixty-four this year, Celestial Master He Xun was sixty-seven...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next time they met, it really might not be for a long time, maybe even...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Countless thoughts churned in his heart, finally turning into the mountain wind, making the corners of the old man's eyes feel a bit sore.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old man slowly, solemnly bowed toward Celestial Master He Xun inside the carriage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His hoarse voice carried a barely perceptible tremor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Senior Brother...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Take care.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside the carriage, Celestial Master He Xun's figure stiffened imperceptibly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He remained silent, not responding immediately. The air inside the carriage seemed to grow somewhat heavier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finally, he turned and likewise looked out the window at that junior brother who had been stubborn his whole life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Time had carved deep marks on both their faces.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The matter you asked about, after the Celestial Master Grand Ceremony ends, I'll send people to investigate immediately.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If there's news, I'll notify you right away. Don't be anxious.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Celestial Master He Xun's voice was low and steady, as if suppressing all emotion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He paused for a moment, then finally sighed softly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Junior Brother...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You take care too.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The carriage started, its wheels crunching over the snow, making a creaking sound as it slowly drove away from Zhenlong Temple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old man just stood there at the mountain gate, like a stone stele eroded by wind and snow for a thousand years, motionless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His gaze followed the gradually receding carriage train until it completely disappeared at the end of the mountain path, becoming a blurry black dot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A long, long time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A sigh, too light to be heard, dissipated in the cold air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The seventh day, early morning, Fengtian City.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Family Estate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yuan, leading Wang Cheng'an and Xu Erxiao, stood in the front courtyard, at the entrance to the main hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wearing an appropriately polite smile, he bowed slightly toward the two mature, beautiful, and charming aunties inside the hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Aunt Qin, Aunt Qiao'er, Happy New Year~\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the main hall's dais, Aunt Qin and Aunt Qiao'er had been waiting for a long time. Both were dressed in splendid attire, their mature, beautiful, and charming presence almost filling the hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially the love shining in those beautiful eyes as they looked at Lu Yuan—it was like spring water, practically overflowing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Good, good, good~ Happy New Year to you too~\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two smiled as they stood up, handing out the prepared red envelopes one each to the three, without favoritism.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, when it was Lu Yuan's turn, the atmosphere suddenly changed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aunt Qin extended a slender, jade-like finger and lightly tapped Lu Yuan's forehead, her voice charming and reproachful:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You little rascal~\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aunt Qiao'er beside her was even more direct. Her beautiful eyes cast a sidelong glance, and she complained softly:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why did you only come now~~~\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I've missed you to death, Auntie.\"\u003C\u002Fp>",4439,"2026-06-06T14:45:54.833Z",1,"novelbin.me","fd4748ce9c81edb0691ad4b04d75bbf1f44992c0d6c0f3d700b12fc49286f8c4","the-invincible-female-ghost-is-a-bit-of-a-hopele-chapter-102","the-invincible-female-ghost-is-a-bit-of-a-hopele-chapter-100",241,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-invincible-female-ghost-is-a-bit-of-a-hopele-cover.jpg"]