Chapter 185 - 184: On the Road

Chapter 185: Chapter 184: On the Road

Gu Qingyin went to the Trial Arena to test two talismans.

One was a Soul Nourishing Talisman. The difference from the original was that ghosts could also use it.

The other was a trapping talisman, for which she hadn’t yet thought of a name. The talisman activated instantly and could trap anyone, human or ghost. The duration of the trap shortened depending on the strength of the person or ghost it ensnared.

After passing the combat trials, Gu Qingyin’s two talismans were registered and cleared for mass production.

This was equivalent to entrusting the talisman creation method to the Mystic Association. They would handle production and sales, and Gu Qingyin just had to wait to collect the money.

It sounded simple, but by the time everything was done, more than three hours had passed.

And it was only this fast because Miao Yan and Liu Ergou had been helping the whole time. Otherwise... for an official organization, it would be normal for the process to drag on for ten days or even half a month.

Back in the conference room, Gu Qingyin sat down and poured herself a cup of tea. After a few sips, she poured cups for Liu Ergou and Miao Yan as well, as a gesture of thanks.

Miao Yan was overwhelmed by the favor, cradling the teacup and taking small, deliberate sips, cherishing it immensely.

Tuoba Yan had already left. Only Elder Miao was still sitting in his original spot. Seeing this, the corner of his eye twitched, and he inwardly cursed Miao Yan for being so pathetic.

Gu Qingyin finished her tea and asked, "Have you found them?"

Elder Miao was taken aback. "It’s not that fast."

Gu Qingyin looked up in shock. "It’s been three hours and you still haven’t found them? Aren’t you supposed to be the professionals?"

Elder Miao was speechless. If getting a breakthrough were really this easy, they wouldn’t have needed three Special-level Heavenly Masters to discuss it in the first place.

Gu Qingyin shook her head with a TSK TSK. "The Mystic Association’s efficiency is terrible. Why don’t I just do it?"

She snapped her fingers lightly. Huo Yunjing appeared in an instant and gave Elder Miao a polite nod. "Please give me the information on the souls of Chen Ling’s husband and child."

Never mind Elder Miao and Miao Yan; even Liu Ergou, who had seen Huo Yunjing before, was startled.

’Is this the same gloomy ghost servant? How is he becoming more and more human-like!’

Elder Miao tensed up, studying Huo Yunjing with a hesitant expression before turning to Gu Qingyin. "This is your... ghost servant?"

Gu Qingyin smiled and nodded. "You have a sharp eye, Elder Miao."

The corner of Elder Miao’s eye twitched again. "He has a way to track ghost souls?"

Gu Qingyin gave a noncommittal response. "There’s no harm in trying."

Elder Miao hesitated for two seconds, then took out his phone and called Tuoba Yan, telling him to bring the father and son’s soul aura over again.

When Tuoba Yan came in and saw Huo Yunjing, he too was stunned. He then gave Gu Qingyin a complicated look.

’This woman really brings them "surprises" at every turn. Her own power is already monstrous, and even the ghost servant she keeps is just like a human, without a trace of ghost energy to be found.’

Gu Qingyin smiled faintly. "Thanks for the trouble."

Tuoba Yan took a deep breath and handed over the small bottle in his hand. "This is all that’s left. Use it sparingly."

Huo Yunjing nodded, took the bottle, and opened it with a POP. The soul aura instantly drifted out.

Tuoba Yan’s eyes widened. He was about to speak urgently, but then he saw the wisp of soul energy, as if it were alive, land obediently on Huo Yunjing’s hand, then playfully circle his slender fingers.

Tuoba Yan was at a loss for words. He then waited silently for him to perform the tracking spell, but after several seconds, Huo Yunjing still hadn’t moved.

He couldn’t help it anymore. "What’s wrong? Do you need to make other preparations?"

Huo Yunjing glanced at him, surprised. "No need. I am looking."

’Huh? Huh? Huh?’ Tuoba Yan forcibly suppressed his astonishment to avoid looking so ignorant.

Elder Miao wasn’t as concerned with appearances. He asked directly, "What kind of method is this?"

Huo Yunjing smiled politely. "A method you can’t learn."

Elder Miao paused, realizing he had been rash. He quickly tried to save face. "I was just thinking, if such a useful method could be widely adopted, it would surely increase the efficiency of ghost-catching immensely."

’Oh boy, here comes the guilt trip.’

Gu Qingyin shook her head and explained regretfully, "This method can only be used by Ghost Cultivators. Even if we told you, you wouldn’t be able to use it."

Elder Miao sighed.

Tuoba Yan’s budding hope died.

Miao Yan, on the other hand, was both curious and envious. ’Where did Gu Qingyin find a Ghost Cultivator to be her ghost servant? I want one too!’

"Found them." The soul energy in Huo Yunjing’s hand suddenly formed an arrow pointing toward the door. "Let’s go together."

Tuoba Yan shook his head. "Elder Miao can represent the Mystic Association. I have other matters to attend to."

After leaving the Mystic Association, Gu Qingyin asked, "Is it far? Should we take a car?"

Huo Yunjing sensed for a moment, then nodded. "It’s a little ways off. Somewhere on the outskirts of the city."

Miao Yan volunteered, "I’ll get the car."

By the time he returned with the car, Huo Yunjing had already returned to the pendant.

Elder Miao sat in the front passenger seat, while Gu Qingyin and Liu Ergou sat in the back, carefully leaving a gap between them to prevent a certain someone from getting unreasonably jealous.

Gu Qingyin said, "Drive straight west. Head out of the city first."

Miao Yan agreed and drove out, following the flow of traffic. The sky gradually darkened, and the number of cars on the road began to dwindle.

Gu Qingyin patted her stomach, took a food container out of her shoulder bag, and opened it to reveal rice balls. "Are you guys hungry? I brought rice balls."

Liu Ergou’s stomach let out a loud GRUMBLE. "I’ll take one."

Miao Yan eagerly chimed in, "Idol, save one for me! I’ll eat it after we get out of the car!"

Elder Miao, who had intended to refuse, turned around with a smile and accepted the rice ball, not wanting to seem unsociable.

The rice balls were oval-shaped and packed with high-quality ingredients. Both the texture and flavor were top-notch.

Cultivators rarely cared much for gourmet food. They could usually make do with coarse grains and dried vegetables for a meal. When had they ever eaten something so exquisite?

After one bite, both Liu Ergou and Elder Miao froze, their eyes lighting up with surprise.

This was especially true for Elder Miao. He was filled with a mix of sorrow and joy, feeling as though he had wasted the better part of his life.

Liu Ergou was more composed. Since Gu Qingyin’s return, he’d eaten out at fine restaurants quite a bit. After the initial amazement, he just sighed in admiration, "As expected of a state banquet-level chef. The food they make is just on another level."

"Even the state banquets aren’t this good," Elder Miao mumbled after another bite. "I’ve been to one. Too many people, not enough food, and it’s cold by the time it gets to you."

Miao Yan was getting anxious. "Grandpa, leave me a bite to try..."

"You can’t even wait a little while? Why are you so greedy!" After scolding his grandson, Elder Miao stuffed the remaining half of the rice ball into his mouth, as if afraid it would be snatched away.

Miao Yan: ... ’So much for being his actual grandfather.’

Gu Qingyin blinked. ’Is he being a little dramatic?’ she thought. ’I hope he doesn’t choke.’ After hesitating for two seconds, she asked, "I also brought juice. Want some?"

"Yes!"

The other three in the car answered in unison.

Gu Qingyin was a bit speechless, but she distributed the juice anyway. Then, following Huo Yunjing’s instructions, she said, "Turn left at the next intersection."

Miao Yan obediently made the turn, and Elder Miao, in the passenger seat, let out a soft sound of surprise. "This road seems to lead to the cemetery. But that place has been abandoned for many years. Now there are only a few untended, solitary graves."