[{"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-65":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},1706444,2180,"Chapter 65: Celestial Master Sword","the-invincible-female-ghost-is-a-bit-of-a-hopele-chapter-65",65,"\u003Cp>\"Troubling Senior Brother with your concern.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old man cupped his hands in salute, the arc of his waist bowing carrying a flavor of lukewarm, indifferent distance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He turned sideways, making a gesture of invitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Senior Brother has traveled far and must be weary. Please enter the temple for some tea.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"As the hour grows late, and if you do not disdain the humble accommodations of this humble temple, you may rest here tonight.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only then did Celestial Master He Xun shift his scrutinizing gaze away from the temple, which looked completely renewed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His gaze fell back onto the old man's somewhat listless face, a faint, seemingly amused smile curling at the corner of his mouth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Very well, a guest follows the host's arrangements.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, since we are entering a Daoist temple, the rites cannot be neglected.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We must first pay our respects to the Three Purities.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That is only natural.\" The old man said expressionlessly, gesturing with his hand. \"Senior Brother, please.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Celestial Master He Xun said no more, leading the way towards the Sanqing Hall, his steps steady, his entire person exuding an aura of profound and immovable dignity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The accompanying Taoist priests behind him immediately adopted solemn expressions, bowing their heads, forming two orderly lines on either side, their movements uniform and clearly well-drilled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old man secretly curled his lip, but had no choice but to lead his own temple's disciples, dressed in half-worn Taoist robes and craning their necks curiously, to follow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This vermilion lacquer...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as they reached the front of the Sanqing Hall, Celestial Master He Xun halted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He reached out a finger and tapped, not too lightly nor too heavily, on a pillar of the corridor, producing a dull *thump-thump* sound.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The color is quite bright, but unfortunately, the lacquerwork is hasty, the texture coarse.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He shook his head, his gaze sweeping past the pillar into the hall, his voice full of regret.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Passable from a distance, but up close... tsk tsk, it was indeed done in a rush after all.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old man's face remained impassive, only emitting a soft snort from his nose.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Senior Brother speaks true.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Xun, however, acted as if he hadn't heard, leisurely walking into the hall, his eyes sweeping over every detail as if inspecting his own territory.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The floor tiles are laid quite evenly, but this grouting... ah, not fine enough.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stopped before the threshold, his horsetail whisk gesturing vaguely at the brand new threshold stone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Even the threshold stone has been replaced. It's imposing, yes, but it lacks the sedimented aura of years that an ancient temple should have.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In the end... it's too new, too superficial.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old man following behind let out a huge yawn, looking utterly uninterested in engaging.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Xun stepped inside the hall, his gaze immediately locking onto the incense table.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the brand new bronze censer, only a few slender incense sticks were inserted, their smoke so thin it was almost invisible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The incense offerings...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Xun deliberately drew out his tone, the corner of his eye glancing at the old man.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Seem... not particularly abundant.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He clasped his hands behind his back, his tone flat, yet every word drawing a comparison.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In my Tianlong Temple, the first batch of 'evening lesson incense' at this hour would likely already be full, the smoke able to rise straight to the hall's beams.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But then, a new temple has just been established. Devotees still need time to gather. One cannot be hasty.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old man's face still showed no expression, giving an extremely perfunctory cupped-hand salute.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It cannot compare to Senior Brother's Tianlong Temple, with its deep foundations and throngs of worshippers.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even as he said this, the old man was cursing internally.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>*Idiot!*\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>*Isn't it precisely because we knew you were coming that the temple isn't accepting worshippers today!*\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ai,\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Xun seemed not to notice the barb in the old man's words, instead waving a hand, his tone becoming particularly \"sincere.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Junior Brother, do not belittle yourself. To have achieved such a state is already no small feat.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"However...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His tone abruptly shifted, his whisk pointing towards the newly sculpted statues of the Three Purities on either side of the hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"These divine statues... from which artisan were they commissioned?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Look at the brows and eyes of the Supreme Dao Ancestor. Too benevolent, lacking the stern majesty of the Dao of Heaven's impartiality.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And this gesture of the Numinous Treasure Celestial Master... hmm, also seems a bit contrived.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In the end, young artisans have a shallow understanding of Dao resonance.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He shook his head repeatedly, his expression as if pained by the flaws on a piece of fine art.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Last year, when my Tianlong Temple had its statues remade, we invited the third-generation successor of the 'Divine Crafts Workshop' from within the Pass. It took a full year.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"During the consecration ceremony, the hall was filled with auspicious light. That was truly...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stopped at just the right moment, leaving an infinite space for imagination and comparison.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old man behind him had already let his mind wander, his face broadcasting utter indifference, internally planning what to eat for dinner later.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Xun seemed to finally remember the \"main business,\" turning around, that look of condescending concern returning to his face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He Yin, when I, your senior brother, say these things, I mean no other implication.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We are fellow disciples after all. Seeing your temple newly completed, I inevitably look a bit more closely, say a few more words.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's all for your good, hoping your Zhenlong Temple can reach greater heights. Don't let some minor details diminish its stature and become a laughingstock.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he spoke, he shook his head again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"After all, with this Luotian Grand Offering being moved up and set in Fengtian, all the temples are watching.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your temple's renovation is well-timed, but if the details can't withstand scrutiny, it might become a point of criticism. Wouldn't that waste all your effort?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"These surface-level matters truly require care. If Junior Brother needs it, I, your senior brother, can dispatch a couple of skilled artisans to offer some guidance.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After this seemingly well-intentioned speech, the old man merely gave a casual cupped-hand salute.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That won't be necessary.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This renovation of Zhenlong Temple was done entirely according to my disciple's preferences.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"As long as he likes it, what others think of it is rather unimportant.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon hearing this, Celestial Master He Xun was visibly taken aback, followed by a strong curiosity surfacing on his face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Speaking of which, since arriving in Fengtian City, I've often heard the name of that good disciple of yours.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Something like... 'Little Taoist in White Robes,' was it?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When He Xun talked about other things, the old man couldn't even be bothered to lift his eyelids.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the moment Lu Yuan was mentioned, the old man's drooping eyelids instantly snapped open.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was as if his entire being had been injected with vigor and spirit, his chin lifting a few degrees.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Correct!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Just taken in a year ago. Exceptionally clever, exceptionally capable...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as the newly energized old man was about to open his floodgates of praise, Celestial Master He Xun raised an eyebrow and directly cut him off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"To have such a reputation at such a young age, and to be so clever and capable, I, your senior brother, am truly curious.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why not call him out to spar with the new disciple I've taken?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Song Yan, step forward!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As soon as He Xun finished speaking, a young man in his early twenties, wearing an ornate Taoist robe, stepped out from the group of priests behind him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The young man stepped forward and gave the old man a standard, respectful cupped-hand salute.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This junior, Song Yan, Ling-generation disciple of Tianlong Temple, pays respects to Martial Uncle.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old man, who had just perked up and was ready to boast about his disciple, seeing his senior brother had no interest in listening and immediately wanted a contest, instantly deflated again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He reverted to his previous lifeless appearance, replying with extreme casualness and perfunctoryness:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He's not at the temple. He's in Fengtian City. We can talk about it another time when there's time.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Celestial Master He Xun, while leisurely offering incense to the Three Purities statues, casually tossed out a remark.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don't tell me it's some imposter. Junior Brother, you still need to be careful to distinguish...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before he could finish.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old man's eyes snapped wide open, his accumulated anger erupting like a volcano. He pointed at He Xun's nose and cursed:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Stop spewing your bullshit here!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The entire hall instantly fell deathly silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one had expected the old man, who had just been nodding and agreeing to whatever He Xun said, to suddenly explode like a cat with its tail stepped on.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not giving the slightest bit of face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Xun's face instantly flushed, then paled, a spectacular display of colors.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He clearly hadn't anticipated at all that a casual remark of doubt could set the old fellow off like this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rage churned in his heart, but in front of everyone, he couldn't lose his temper. He Xun could only force out a thin, insincere smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Junior Brother, look at you. After all these years, that temper of yours hasn't improved one bit.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Forget it, forget it. I won't say any more.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Night, a side hall of Zhenlong Temple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Master, that Martial Uncle He Yin was too disrespectful today. In front of so many people, he didn't give you any face at all.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a long moment, a cold snort came from within the hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He's just a fool who thinks too highly of himself.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If it weren't for that, how would he have ended up in his current state?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don't mind him. A hopeless case for life!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Past one in the morning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All was silent, the entire Zhenlong Temple immersed in slumber.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old man, however, was wandering around the temple grounds, a gourd of wine in hand, thoroughly drunk, humming some bawdy tune he'd picked up from who-knows-where.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he staggered past the Sanqing Hall, his steps suddenly halted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He turned his head slightly, gazing into the brightly lit hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beneath the massive statues of the Three Purities, upon the ritual altar, lay a long sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sword was two feet eight inches long. Its blade was not the dazzling shine of gold or silver, but a muted, dull gold that seemed to have settled over time, neither quite bronze nor wood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon closer inspection, its material seemed to contain extremely fine, natural textures, like the growth rings of an ancient tree or the veins of mountains and rivers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Celestial Master Sword!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That perpetually sloppy, bleary-eyed old man suddenly wore an expression of profound confusion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even... longing!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was an intense, almost overflowing longing that seemed ready to spill from his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old man seemed to have had his spirit seized by a ghost. Step by step, uncontrollably, he walked towards the hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His murky eyes were fixed dead on the Celestial Master Sword upon the altar, his expression indescribably complex.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I walk down the long street~\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Listening to the opera singer chant of the capital~\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A clear, melodious singing voice, utterly out of place with this world, abruptly sounded behind him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The entranced, dazed old man shuddered violently, as if waking from a deep dream. He jolted and spun around.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Fuck me!!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You scared the hell out of me!!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unbeknownst to him, Lu Yuan was leaning casually against the main gate of Zhenlong Temple, several bottles of fine liquor dangling from his hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yuan raised an eyebrow slightly, tilting his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You want the Celestial Master Sword that much?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yuan said this while letting his gaze fall upon the sword inside the hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You should've said so earlier!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yuan paused, then spoke clearly, word by word:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How about... I try to think of a way this time, to let you become a Celestial Master?\"\u003C\u002Fp>",2011,"2026-06-06T14:45:54.833Z",1,"novelbin.me","3e18eedbcf4d298c3e14a4dfb157c4093a9bec120d6a910b276fa61a4670242e","the-invincible-female-ghost-is-a-bit-of-a-hopele-chapter-66","the-invincible-female-ghost-is-a-bit-of-a-hopele-chapter-64",241,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-invincible-female-ghost-is-a-bit-of-a-hopele-cover.jpg"]