[{"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-111":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},1706490,2180,"Chapter 111: My Daughter Was Kidnapped by the Yellow-Haired Boy","the-invincible-female-ghost-is-a-bit-of-a-hopele-chapter-111",111,"\u003Cp>\"You two stay home peacefully. When I return this time, I'll take you back to Zhenlong Temple to meet my master.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yuan swung himself onto the horse, flicked his wrist, and the reins made a crisp sound.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Cheng'an and Xu Erxiao were clever lads. They immediately shouted toward the two beautiful aunts, \"See you later, Sisters-in-law!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After shouting, they hurriedly followed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Shulan sat upright on her steed, gave a slight cupped-hand salute toward Aunt Qiao'er and Aunt Qin as a form of greeting, then spurred her horse to follow Lu Yuan without the slightest delay.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the blink of an eye, the figures of the four people and four horses turned into tiny black dots at the end of the long street.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the main gate, only Aunt Qiao'er and Aunt Qin remained.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aunt Qiao'er gazed at the receding figures, couldn't help but lean closer to Aunt Qin, and exhaled a fragrant breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Back then, you insisted we live together. I was really unhappy about it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She giggled softly:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"From now on, us two big mares will have to be tethered together on the kang bed. Even if a hundred more like this come along, we won't have to worry about our sweetie not fancying us anymore~\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon hearing this, Aunt Qin's pretty face flushed red, and she spat in mock disdain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I won't be with you anymore in the future!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Who can squirt on someone's face three times in one night? Whoever stays with you must be sick!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that, Aunt Qin turned and walked back into the residence, yawning and stretching out her entire body in an incredibly graceful, lazy stretch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After that one night, even the marrow in her bones felt like it had been teased to softness!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aunt Qiao'er immediately followed, cooing:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"As if you didn't squirt on my face too!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two of them exchanged words that others couldn't understand. Just as they entered the courtyard, they saw Song Yan emerging from a room with his head bowed and eyes downcast.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He looked exactly like a defeated rooster.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Song Yan looked up and saw the two stunningly beautiful aunts, but he only gave a weak, listless cupped-hand salute before trudging away dejectedly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Right now, he had only one thought in his mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What should he do later!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How is he going to tell his master about this!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Master hears it, won't he fly into a rage again and tear the roof beams off?!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And while he's cursing... please don't let him start cursing at me again...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fengtian City, Beihua Tower, within the small courtyard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside the incense burner, the azure smoke of sandalwood incense rose in a straight line.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He said that?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Celestial Master He Xun, who had been sitting cross-legged in meditation before the patriarch's memorial tablet, slowly opened his eyes after listening to Song Yan's recounting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His eyes held no trace of the anticipated fury, only a profound calm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Song Yan hung his head, his voice even carrying a hint of a sob.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes... word for word. Your disciple didn't dare change a single character. That's exactly what Junior Brother Lu Yuan said at the time.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had prepared himself for his master's thunderous wrath, even shrinking his neck slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, Celestial Master He Xun ultimately just let out a long, deep sigh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stood up, his voice carrying a distant quality.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I see...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Celestial Master He Xun lifted his head, his gaze sweeping over the patriarch's memorial tablet, then the tablet of his own revered master, and finally seeming to pierce through the roof, looking toward an unknown distance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He Yin... didn't just find a disciple.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He found a true successor...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He turned and gently patted the shoulder of Song Yan beside him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Do you know why, among all my disciples, I favor you the most?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You're not the most diligent, not the cleverest, and your talent certainly isn't the best.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Song Yan shook his head in confusion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your disciple does not know...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But after saying this, Song Yan paused, and for the first time, a flash of understanding appeared in his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Now... I think I might understand a little...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Celestial Master He Xun nodded, said no more, and as he walked toward the meditation room behind him, he spoke slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No need to worry about that old thing for now...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We... also have things we must do...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deep within the quiet, secluded area behind Beihua Tower in Fengtian City, sandalwood smoke curled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was one of Wuqing Temple's core storehouses in Fengtian City.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The blue brick and grey tile building appeared plain, but in reality, thirty-six layers of the \"Hidden Dragon Qi-Locking Formation\" were laid both inside and out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ordinary evil spirits couldn't even get close; just looking at it for a few moments would cause their spiritual senses to ache.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, the large door of the storehouse, plastered with \"Six Jia Secret Blessing\" Yellow Talismans, was pushed open from the inside with a loud \"clang.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Shulan, dressed in blue-green robes, her clear, cold face bearing a rare, almost \"looting\" level of focus, stepped out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Behind her, two young acolyte boys were huffing and puffing as they carried a huge camphorwood chest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The lid wasn't even closed properly. The treasure glow and spiritual pressure leaking from the cracks caused a long string of \"Ghost-Startling Bells\" hanging under the corridor to sway without wind, jingling and clanging incessantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under the corridor, a middle-aged man wearing deep purple Taoist robes and a lotus crown stood with his hands clasped behind his back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was none other than the head of Wuqing Temple, the leading figure of Daoism beyond the Great Wall, Shen Jizhou.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He normally had an immortal-like, transcendent demeanor, but right now, the corner of his eye was twitching wildly, his gaze glued to the chest behind his daughter that seemed about to overflow with treasure glow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Shulan.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Jizhou's voice tried hard to maintain the dignity and calm of a temple head, but the tail end still couldn't help but waver.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Are you... planning to empty our family's storehouse?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He almost squeezed out the last three words one by one from between his teeth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Shulan didn't stop walking, her clear, cold voice showing not a ripple of emotion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Father, don't talk nonsense.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Uncle Lu's journey holds unknown dangers. Since I am going along, I naturally must prepare thoroughly.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As she spoke, she had already walked to the neighboring \"Gold and Stone Pavilion\" which stored top-tier Ritual Tools.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Jizhou followed behind with a pounding heart, watching helplessly as his daughter waved her fair hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She even took down one of the \"Eternal Mermaid Pearl Lamps\" used for illumination inside the pavilion and casually stuffed it into her own cloth bag.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a moment, Shen Jizhou felt a sharp pain in his chest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Shulan... that's enough. It's just a few Nurturing Malevolence Sites...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Jizhou felt like he couldn't quite catch his breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Shulan didn't even turn her head. She opened a jade box stored within a rosewood case. Inside lay seven beads the size of longan fruits, with a warm, smooth luster.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Three Powers Malevolence-Settling Beads?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Perfect. One bead for each Nurturing Malevolence Site. It can stabilize the core malevolent energy for three hours, making it convenient for Uncle to set up formations and eradicate it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After saying this, Shen Shulan closed the jade box and directly placed it into her cloth bag.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That was passed down by your great-great master!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Jizhou's voice suddenly rose eight octaves, his Taoist robes puffing out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There are only these seven left! They are unique items that decrease with each use! The refining method has long been lost!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Therefore, they should be used where they are most needed.\" Shen Shulan's logic was clear. \"Clearing Nurturing Malevolence Sites and protecting the people is precisely where they are most needed.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Jizhou clutched his chest, feeling his Dao heart was becoming a bit unstable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He watched as his daughter walked toward the \"Talisman Workshop,\" which stored the high-level talismans accumulated by generations of masters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Shulan's gaze swept over rows of jade cases.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her finger paused for a moment on a jade case sealed with a \"Purple Mansion Thunder Pivot Seal\" strip.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside were ten \"Five Thunder Malevolence-Slaying Talismans,\" which invoked genuine heavenly thunder righteous energy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They had an absolute killing effect on Yin Malevolence entities. Their creation was extremely difficult, requiring the collection of thunder essence on specific thunderstorm days atop high mountain peaks, with an extremely high failure rate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Jizhou's heart rose to his throat, almost about to beg.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, Shen Shulan's finger moved away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Jizhou had just relaxed half a breath when he saw her open a larger jade box beside it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside were neatly stacked no less than a hundred \"Yang Flame Filth-Breaking Talismans.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although their power was slightly inferior to the Five Thunder Talismans, they made up for it in quantity and coverage, with excellent area-of-effect attack capabilities.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"These are practical.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Shulan nodded, then began stuffing them into her seemingly bottomless cloth bag—one stack, another stack, and yet another.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her movements didn't look like she was retrieving precious talismans, but more like stuffing some worthless yellow paper.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Jizhou: \"...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Daughter!!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ancestors!!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Stop moving it!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If you move any more, the house will be empty!!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meanwhile, Lu Yuan and the other two were sitting at a simple roadside tea stall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The tea was the cheapest flower tea at the stall, with a stronger astringency than fragrance. A few withered tea leaves floated up and down in the rough porcelain bowl.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Shulan had said she needed to go home to fetch some Ritual Tools, so Lu Yuan let her go.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She hadn't expected Lu Yuan to leave today, so her preparations were rushed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yuan wasn't in a hurry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The young lady was here to help him. Even if he had to wait half a day, not just half an hour, he would wait.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Erxiao couldn't sit still, frequently glancing toward Beihua Tower across the street and muttering in a low voice:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's been almost half an hour since she went in. Why isn't she out yet?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Brother, could something have happened?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Cheng'an also craned his neck.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yuan picked up the tea bowl, blew away the floating leaves, and took a slow, leisurely sip.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don't rush.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice was steady. His gaze fell on the ornately carved and painted building across the street, his eyes showing not a trace of anxiety.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was impatient with Song Yan because what Song Yan said, Lu Yuan felt was useless, pure wasted breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Shen Shulan was naturally different.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He could just quietly drink his tea and wait.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once they left Fengtian City, the remaining seven Nurturing Malevolence Sites were all in remote wilderness. It would be difficult to get a sip of hot tea like this then.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And so, Lu Yuan ordered another pot of the cheapest flower tea.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although he had married Aunt Qiao'er, the wealthiest wife beyond the Great Wall, Lu Yuan was still accustomed to being careful with money.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The money was earned by his wife, not by himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The extravagant ways of a nouveau riche—even if Aunt Qiao'er didn't say anything, Lu Yuan would look down on himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just then, three figures silently stood beside the tea table, their shadows enveloping the tea bowls of Lu Yuan and the other two.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Daoist Master, compassion.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The young Daoist leading them spoke, his voice carrying a hint of condescending scrutiny.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yuan looked up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Three completely unfamiliar faces, the cloud patterns on their Taoist robes also unseen before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He put down the tea bowl, slowly stood up, and gave a Taoist salute:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Boundless blessings, Celestial Master.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The young Daoist, however, did not return the salute. He just asked directly:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You are Daoist Master Lu Yuan of Zhenlong Temple, right?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Previously, at the site of the Luotian Grand Offering altar, the matter between you and Biyu Temple—I was there and saw you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I am of the Xiao generation from Beidou Temple, Shi Xiangyang, Taoist name Xiao Yi.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beidou Temple?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yuan ran through his mind. Among the Daoist knowledge he had been cramming recently, this name truly didn't ring a bell.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Upper Three Gates—Wuqing Temple, Riyue Temple, Tianlong Temple—that went without saying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The remaining four temples where the current Celestial Masters resided were Fuhai Temple, Xianyun Temple, Zilin Temple, and Biyu Temple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This Beidou Temple...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yuan had genuinely never heard of it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yuan was momentarily stunned but still cupped his hands and said:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Fellow Daoist, what brings you to me?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before Lu Yuan's words faded, Shi Xiangyang didn't beat around the bush either and spoke directly:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Junior Brother Lu Yuan is going to eradicate Nurturing Malevolence Sites, right?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yuan blinked. Heh...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This matter spread really fast.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But thinking about it carefully, it seemed normal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the very beginning, the matter of the Nurturing Malevolence Sites hadn't spread.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But later, as Wuqing Temple began large-scale eradication of Nurturing Malevolence Sites outside, and then later when people from Wuqing Temple also arrived in Fengtian City...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Naturally, many people knew that the Nurturing Malevolence Sites for Wuqing Temple were provided by Lu Yuan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, when Lu Yuan gave the Nurturing Malevolence Sites to Shen Shulan, it wasn't done secretly in private.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Shulan had many fellow junior brothers and sisters from Wuqing Temple watching behind her, and they all knew.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, Lu Yuan hadn't requested any confidentiality about this matter, so naturally, it spread quickly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Immediately, Lu Yuan also responded directly:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Is there something?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, Shi Xiangyang from Beidou Temple directly cupped his hands and said:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Junior Brother Lu Yuan, could you share one Nurturing Malevolence Site with our Beidou Temple?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having said that, and without waiting for Lu Yuan to react, Shi Xiangyang leaned slightly closer and said in a low voice before Lu Yuan:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Junior Brother Lu Yuan is Celestial Master He Xun's junior nephew. Presumably, you know...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"My master's master is one of the newly promoted Celestial Masters this year, the head of Beidou Temple, He Cheng.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yuan looked at him, his face expressionless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I didn't know that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before Lu Yuan could say anything, Shi Xiangyang continued:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Now, the matter of the Nurturing Malevolence Sites is entirely handled by Wuqing Temple and Zhenlong Temple.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I wonder if Junior Brother Lu Yuan could bestow one Nurturing Malevolence Site upon our Beidou Temple?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Fellow Daoist, rest assured, our Beidou Temple will definitely offer you satisfactory conditions.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yuan lowered his eyelids, looking at the tea leaf spinning in the bowl.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hmm...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I didn't expect the matter Song Yan mentioned to come upon me so quickly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Right now, those most urgently needing the merit from Nurturing Malevolence Sites are undoubtedly the four newly promoted Celestial Masters, aside from the Upper Three Gates.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, the Nurturing Malevolence Sites matter is now known to everyone. If these four newly ascended Celestial Masters haven't cleared a single site?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That would be really shameful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No, three.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Shulan is destined to squeeze one out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And he, Lu Yuan himself, is also competing for a Celestial Master position.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This merit is his Dao, his path.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How could he give it away?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yuan raised his head and slowly shook it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Can't give it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Three words, crisp and clear, without the slightest room for negotiation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The smile on Shi Xiangyang's face instantly froze, his brows knitting together.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Junior Brother Lu, aren't you being a bit too selfish?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice turned cold. The accusation of \"selfish\" made the air around the tea stall tense up a few notches.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yuan raised an eyebrow and retorted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I discovered these Nurturing Malevolence Sites. If I don't give them to you, that makes me selfish?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shi Xiangyang was choked for a moment, then snorted coldly, his tone suddenly rising:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Daoist community is of one heart, working together for a grand cause. How can you monopolize the credit alone?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sharing the Nurturing Malevolence Sites, everyone joining forces, can demonstrate the unity of our Daoist community, the wonderful principle of harmonizing light with dust!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Clutching them tightly in your hands like this—if that's not selfishness, caring only for your own fame and disregarding the camaraderie of fellow Daoists, then what is it?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His words were spoken with righteous indignation, as if Lu Yuan had become the eternal sinner destroying Daoist unity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Lu Yuan couldn't help but laugh for a moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yuan was the kind of person who wasn't afraid of others labeling him or imposing lofty values on him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Coming back to his senses, Lu Yuan immediately looked at Shi Xiangyang and sneered:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What a joke!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, Lu Yuan lifted his head and said loudly to Shi Xiangyang:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Since I entered the gates of Zhenlong Temple, the first lesson my master taught me was that those in the Daoist community bear the word 'Dao' above their heads. They must guard their hearts and their responsibilities!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Guard the heart of aiding the world and saving people! Guard the responsibility of protecting all living beings!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The duty of the Daoist community has never been superficial harmony where everyone is nice to each other, nor is it forming cliques and engaging in social niceties!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yuan took a step forward. Although younger than Shi Xiangyang, his presence completely overwhelmed the other. His eyes even held contempt as he said:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'll tell you what the duty of the Daoist community is! It is to inherit the Daoist lineage from our masters, never forgetting the initial determination and fiery passion of generations of predecessors who blazed trails through wilderness, vanquishing demons and exorcising evil!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It is to protect the common people below, placing their safety and well-being above the honor and disgrace of any individual or even any single temple!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shi Xiangyang's face turned green and white under the impact of these words. He opened his mouth to argue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Lu Yuan gave him no chance. He shifted the topic, his tone even more sarcastic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Moreover, who said I didn't share the Nurturing Malevolence Sites?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I shared the Nurturing Malevolence Sites with Wuqing Temple. Don't you, Beidou Temple, know about this?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What, you don't dare go to Wuqing Temple, one of the Upper Three Gates, to 'share' the credit, but you specifically block me, a minor Daoist from Zhenlong Temple?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If I don't give it to you, you call me selfish?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yuan stared at him, enunciating each word slowly. His voice wasn't loud, but each word struck at the heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Whether I am selfish or not is a matter for another time.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But your Beidou Temple... bullying the weak and fearing the strong... that is absolutely certain!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Father, it's cold. You should go back.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Shulan securely placed the camphorwood chest stuffed full of treasures into the large bags on both sides of the horse's back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She patted her still bulging cloth bag, nimbly swung onto the horse, her posture dashing and heroic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the entrance of the large courtyard, Shen Jizhou stood in the cold wind, looking at his precious daughter. His lips moved, but in the end, he said nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only a sigh remained.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finally, Shen Shulan's figure turned into a black dot before his eyes and galloped away, leaving only dust.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a long while, a movement appeared beside Shen Jizhou.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Senior Brother, are you really letting Shulan take so many treasures to help that Lu Yuan from Zhenlong Temple?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A person had appeared beside Shen Jizhou without him noticing when.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Jizhou withdrew his gaze, clasped his hands behind his back, turned, and walked toward the house.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Forget it, forget it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice carried a sense of desolation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A grown daughter won't stay...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Besides, putting personal feelings aside, that Lu Yuan first did our Wuqing Temple a huge favor regarding the Zhao family matter.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Later, he also shared the intelligence about the Nurturing Malevolence Sites with us.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Both emotionally and logically, we should show some reciprocation.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's just... this child Shulan insists on going herself...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Jizhou paused, as if remembering something.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Speaking of which, that Lu Yuan fellow left some impression on me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I saw him once at last year's Luotian Grand Offering.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The junior brother followed, his tone carrying a bit of curiosity:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He made Senior Brother remember him for so long?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He must be an exceptionally heroic and extraordinary figure, no wonder he could make our Shulan so infatuated.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Jizhou shook his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But I took a few extra looks at him not because of that.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It was because of his master, He Yin.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The junior brother's footsteps halted abruptly, his voice changing tone:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Last year's Luotian Grand Offering... He Yin came?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He came.\" Shen Jizhou nodded, his eyes becoming somewhat complicated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Although he's now old beyond recognition, reeking of alcohol, slovenly and unkempt—it's hard to connect that old drunkard with the high-spirited Li Xiuye of the past.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His brows knitted into a tight knot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But, I could still recognize him.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Jizhou sighed again, but his tone now held an indescribable nuance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He did take on a good disciple.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A nineteen-year-old Celestial Master.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Such talent, such a realm... also... matches our Shulan.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The junior brother nodded slightly, then remembered something else:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But Senior Brother, judging from He Xun's meaning yesterday, it seems Zhenlong Temple also wants to contend for a Celestial Master position this year.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We forcibly changed the list this year, squeezing out Yuxiao Temple's position, which was already somewhat forced.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If Zhenlong Temple also sticks a foot in...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Jizhou clasped his hands behind his back, lowered his head, paced, and didn't make a sound. The thoughts between his brows grew deeper.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two entered the house, one after the other.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Jizhou sank into the soft Western-style sofa, picked up the teacup, but just stared at the leaves floating in the tea, silent for a long time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The junior brother also sat to the side, quietly accompanying him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The air in the room was so quiet that only the ticking of the pendulum clock could be heard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An unknown amount of time passed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The door made a light sound. Someone knocked on the open door and stood at the entrance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two looked up, and then Shen Jizhou said to himself:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Found out the details of this Lu Yuan?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This person shook his head slightly and said:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Found out some, but nothing too useful.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Jizhou held the teacup and nodded slightly:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Anyway, he has no bad habits, his character is upright, right?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This person nodded seriously and said:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes, he doesn't even drink alcohol.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In the past year, when people in Fengtian City mention this Lu Yuan, the common folk all give him a thumbs up.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, a satisfied expression appeared on Shen Jizhou's face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The junior brother beside him also nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Good~ Good~\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Really good~\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then Shen Jizhou nodded with satisfaction and said:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Good, I know. Go investigate further. If there's anything else, come back and tell me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This person nodded and turned to leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, just after turning and taking two steps, this person suddenly turned back and said:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Master, there's one more thing. It's not exactly a proper matter. It just happened yesterday.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Jizhou looked up curiously and asked:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hmm?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Tell me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Immediately, this person paused and said:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yesterday, the Zhao Residence purchased a lot of wedding supplies.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I heard it's for the mistress of the house holding a wedding.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This Lu Yuan returned to Fengtian City yesterday and went directly to the Zhao Residence. It seems...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It seems Lu Yuan married Zhao Qiao'er, the head of the White Deer Chamber of Commerce.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"After the Ningyuan Town incident, these two have always had a good relationship. People in the residence privately said the two were bound to marry sooner or later.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Now it seems, indeed so.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Jizhou: \"?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then this person added:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hmm...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It seems Song Meiqin from the Song family was also married by Lu Yuan yesterday.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Jizhou: \"??\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this point, this person sighed with some admiration:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This kid really has skill.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Those two are not easy to handle. He actually managed to take them both in one go.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next second, Shen Jizhou's furious voice erupted throughout the room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why the hell didn't you say so earlier!!!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Quick!! Quick, call Shulan back! Shulan has been deceived!!! She thought he wasn't married!!!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Quickly chase Shulan back, don't let her get trapped!!!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The person opposite was startled by Shen Jizhou's sudden outburst. For a moment, he stammered:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mas... Master...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Shulan should know...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"She went to the Zhao Residence to see Lu Yuan this morning. She should have met Lu Yuan's two wives.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Jizhou: \"?????\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My... my daughter knows...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And... and still wants to go with Lu Yuan??\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It's... it's over...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This... there's no saving her now!!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She's already trapped!!!\u003C\u002Fp>",4151,"2026-06-06T14:45:54.833Z",1,"novelbin.me","b87d6d40b44488170986eb790609f013c13a47ee65cd42000b453f61b8be2790","the-invincible-female-ghost-is-a-bit-of-a-hopele-chapter-112","the-invincible-female-ghost-is-a-bit-of-a-hopele-chapter-110",241,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-invincible-female-ghost-is-a-bit-of-a-hopele-cover.jpg"]