"Nanyun?"
Hu Bayi and Fatty immediately perked up.
"Boss, did they find anything in Nanyun?" Fatty asked.
"According to my investigation, Nanyun is very likely where we can find the key to breaking the ghost eye curse on us," Zhang Tian said, looking at the two of them.
"Then it seems we have to go," Hu Bayi said. "When do we set off? Next year?"
Zhang Tian nodded slightly and laid out his plan. "I plan to have everyone rest and cultivate in Beili for a year, as we're all quite tired this year. Next spring, we'll head to Nanyun. Also, I want to sort out our group this year," Zhang Tian said softly.
Since cultivating and grave robbing, Zhang Tian found that he had very little time for cultivation. The tombs were endless, so Zhang Tian decided to improve his overall strength first.
"Alright! That suits Fatty just fine! A year of blissful relaxation. Boss, Fatty loves you." Fatty blew a kiss at Zhang Tian.
Zhang Tian rolled his eyes at him. "You train hard, don't be lazy."
"Got it, boss, I'll definitely be more diligent," Fatty quickly promised.
At this moment, Daoist Dan He walked out from a small room nearby. "Xiao Tian, when will you take me to see my junior brother? It's been a long time, and I miss him." Daoist Dan He walked out, his skull-like face showing no expression.
Zhang Tian looked towards the kitchen. "Let's eat first. It's past eight, I wonder if master has slept yet." Zhang Tian said softly, placing the pickled radish on the table.
"Did Auntie make this?" Hu Bayi asked, looking at the pickled radish.
"Yes, my mom made it for us. Everyone eat up, it's good for the appetite," Zhang Tian nodded. At the same time, Wang Fei came out with dishes. It had been a while since Zhang Tian had seen Wang Fei, and she seemed to have more energy and her strength had also increased significantly.
"Young Master, everyone." Wang Fei bowed to Zhang Tian and the others, a gesture from her era. In that period, women's status was generally low, and after marriage, most were confined to their homes. They still had to bow when meeting people.
"Sit down, I'll go call Qilin." Zhang Tian gestured for Wang Fei to sit down and then walked towards Zhang Qilin's room. The room was filled with the aroma of medicinal herbs, but there was much less smoke. It was clear that Zhang Qilin had finished his work. Before Zhang Tian could open the door, Zhang Qilin's wooden door creaked open. Zhang Qilin's face appeared in Zhang Tian's sight.
"It's time to eat," Zhang Tian said. Zhang Qilin nodded, holding a few pills in his hand. "These are freshly made," he said, handing one to Zhang Tian. Zhang Tian looked at it – it was a top-grade Spirit Gathering Pill. Although not the best, it was still very rare. Zhang Tian hadn't expected Zhang Qilin to be so fast, but it made sense, as he had been refining pills since he returned.
At the dining table, Tuan Tuan held her porcelain bowl with her small hands, her little mouth gulping down soup. Zhang Tian and the others were chatting about everyday matters.
"What are the recent plans for our Beili enterprises?" Hu Bayi asked Zhang Tian.
"We can't solely rely on master's ghost exorcism business, so I plan to have the other families propose a few projects each. At the same time, I have the most faith in our Nine Gates Construction. I hope that through our efforts, we can develop the construction industry in Xia Kingdom." Zhang Tian said softly. After seeing the development in Fuji country, Zhang Tian felt a surge of ambition. Although he knew that if he didn't do it, someone else would, no one had stepped forward at present, so Zhang Tian decided to be the leader.
"Boss, I support you. After seeing their construction and then ours, it's like comparing heaven and earth," Fatty agreed directly.
"Then, construction will definitely take a lot of time. Is that alright?" Hu Bayi worried that Zhang Tian might neglect his own matters because of this.
"Haha, I've already planned for this. It will all depend on Senior Uncle's help," Zhang Tian said with a carefree smile. Daoist Dan He looked at himself with confusion. "Me?" He didn't know anything about construction, so how could he help?
"Yes, Senior Uncle. I believe you don't want to see our Xia Kingdom fall behind, do you? You're a patriotic and excellent skeleton, right?" Zhang Tian nodded and looked earnestly at Daoist Dan He.
"Bang!" "What are you saying! My patriotism is second to none! Anyone who contributes to Xia Kingdom, our Taoist sect will be at the forefront." Daoist Dan He slammed the table, as if wanting to show his heart.
"That's good. I would like to ask Senior Uncle to oversee our Xia Kingdom's construction. Only when Xia Kingdom is well-developed can we live better lives," Zhang Tian said. Daoist Dan He looked at Zhang Tian, confused. "Oversee how?"
"Don't worry, Senior Uncle, I'll tell you later. Let's eat first, and then I'll take you to see master." Zhang Tian waved his hand, deciding not to tell Daoist Dan He for now. Daoist Dan He didn't say much, just watched them eat. He couldn't eat, of course, as how could a dead person eat?
Soon, after the meal, Zhang Tian took Daoist Dan He towards Longteng Mountain. Within seven hours of Zhang Tian's return to Beili City, news of his arrival had spread throughout all the major families. The Huo family, Wu family, Wang family, Xie family, and other prominent families received the news immediately.
In the Wu family, Old Master Wu was sitting in his old armchair, his cloudy eyes looking forward. "That kid from the Zhang family is back. I didn't expect it to be so soon. Has Tian Zhen returned?" Old Master Wu's voice was hoarse as he looked into the distance.
"Tian Zhen hasn't returned yet, but we received news that Tian Zhen is venturing abroad. He might return in a few months. I've already sent people to protect him secretly." After the middle-aged man's report, Old Master Wu nodded slightly. "It seems the recently peaceful sky of Beili is about to change," Old Master Wu murmured. Although they had been integrated into the Nine Gates, Zhang Tian's return as the gate master would surely lead to some activities, and they could no longer remain hidden as before.
At this time, in the Xie family, Xie Lianhuan waved his hand at a subordinate. "I didn't expect him to return so quickly. Yu Chen, you will personally go and express our gratitude for the rescue last time tomorrow." Xie Lianhuan said to Xie Yu Chen.
"Mhm." Xie Yu Chen nodded, his heart eager to see an old acquaintance. He and Zhang Tian shared a bond forged through life and death. If possible, he would have gone right away, but considering the time constraints, he decided to visit tomorrow. As the news of Zhang Tian's return reached the various prominent families, it was likely that very few people would be able to sleep soundly tonight.
The off-road vehicle stopped at the foot of Longteng Mountain. From a distance, Zhang Tian could see a towering group skyscraper at the foot of Longteng Mountain. And on the mountain, Zhang Tian could vaguely see some lights.
"I can sense it, it's my junior brother's aura." "I didn't expect he would die too. Alas, fate is unavoidable." Daoist Dan He sighed and then disappeared from his spot in a flash.
"Hey! Senior Uncle, there's no need to be in such a hurry!" Zhang Tian's forehead was covered in black lines as he watched Daoist Dan He rush away. This guy was too impatient.