This Miao Nanzi truly possessed skill.
He saw the problem I was facing at a single glance.
He even gave me his guarantee.
If I were to become his disciple and call him Master,
He could not only mend my luck within three days,
Allowing me to finally discard my ghost-cursed money, but he also promised me wealth and prosperity.
To be honest, that temptation was truly significant.
My original intention in seeking a master was simply to survive.
But now, someone else told me:
"If you become my disciple, call me Master, and work with me,
You'll not only gain wealth and prosperity, but perhaps even pursue immortality.
Are you in?"
At that moment, I was genuinely swayed.
However, I, myself, have principles.
Once a master, always a father.
I understood this principle.
Though I had been a disciple for less than two months,
My Master had treated me well.
How could I abandon righteousness for profit and take this heretical demon as my master?
I took a deep breath:
"Your offer is indeed generous, but I, you see!
I'm not interested in that kind of thing.
My Master once said:
Good and evil are irreconcilable.
Once you enter the Way, you defend it for life."
Upon saying this, the Miao Nanzi opposite me burst into laughter:
"An opportunity, I have given it to you.
Since you refuse it,
Then I, can only consume your living soul to nourish my body."
As he spoke, the other party revealed a sinister grin, his killing intent evident.
I knew he was about to make his move.
I had asked what I needed to ask.
I had also roughly understood Miao Nanzi's background.
He was merely a ghost cultivator, seeking immortality and delusionally trying to use the "Undying Millet" – a fringe Southern Jiangxi evil technique – for flesh and blood regeneration.
At this moment, I hesitated no longer.
I quickly retreated, creating distance.
While preparing to unleash the Impermanence Curse at any moment, I began to call out to my ghost sister Qing Dai for help.
To ensure absolute certainty.
While retreating, I also kicked the bald bear.
However, he had already been beaten into unconsciousness by me.
At this moment, with my left hand, I swiftly took out the eye-opening medicine I carried and sprayed it twice onto my eyelids.
Miao Nanzi was a ghost cultivator; without an opened celestial eye, I could easily suffer a hidden disadvantage.
Gripping the jade pendant in my right hand, I directly whispered:
"Qing Dai!"
As I spoke, I channeled streams of Taoist energy into the jade pendant.
This jade pendant should contain some form of inscription or formation that could establish a connection with Qing Dai.
Once I injected my Taoist energy, it could be activated.
Upon hearing my voice, Qing Dai could arrive by my side through the jade pendant.
Instantly, the jade pendant became cold, tinged with a faint blood-red hue.
A gust of chilling wind also began to swirl around.
Miao Nanzi, standing opposite me, immediately sensed the abnormality.
"Hmm! Is this, the Spirit Summoning Curse?"
I, frankly, wasn't thinking much, and continued to call:
"Qing Dai!"
Instinctively, I began to retreat.
Miao Nanzi had narrowed his eyes, even showing a hint of disdain:
"Young friend, your Master and the others, they possess some skill.
I suffered a loss last time.
But for you to try and have them help you in this manner,
You are gravely mistaken!"
Miao Nanzi was very confident. Even though he saw that I was performing some kind of spell to call for backup,
He did not stop me immediately, but instead, began to mock me.
Then, right before my eyes, he formed a hand seal:
"Come forth!"
With that, dark energy emanated from his body.
The next second, I heard incessant mournful wails from all around the rooftop.
Especially from the large water tank on the rooftop, where thick black mist was now surging out.
I looked up and saw ghostly figures in white,
Climbing out of the water tank's opening, one after another.
Each of them had a pale face and dark, hollow eyes.
They wailed "wuwuwu" incessantly.
After climbing out of the water tank, they immediately floated towards me.
Furthermore, along the edges of the rooftop,
White-clothed ghosts were also crawling up.
I swept my gaze across the surroundings; they were dense, at least forty to fifty in number.
Seeing this, my face was filled with astonishment.
The surrounding area had been used by this demonic Taoist Miao Nanzi to raise so many ghosts.
Even with the Impermanence Curse in hand, I might not be able to eliminate so many ghosts...
As these ghosts appeared, they converged upon me.
Each one bore a ferocious expression.
With low "wuwuwu" growls, they bared their fangs and raised their claws, pouncing at me.
Miao Nanzi watched my horrified expression, standing placidly in place, chuckling.
He looked like a cat playing with a mouse.
At this moment, seeing so many ferocious spirits and evil ghosts, I could no longer remain calm.
I could only shout for the third time:
"Qing Dai!"
And as I called out the third time,
Several ghosts had already pounced before me.
With no time to think, I gathered my true qi.
I unleashed a palm strike.
With a "snap," it landed on the chest of one ghost.
That ghost was the most common white-clothed ghost,
Only slightly stronger than ordinary wandering spirits.
It was completely no match for me in my current state.
The ghost let out a miserable cry and was directly repelled.
Simultaneously, from several directions, more ghosts lunged at me.
Although I dodged several attacks consecutively,
Surrounded by dozens of ghosts, and not being in peak condition after having drunk alcohol,
Facing the horde of ghosts, I was still clawed and injured.
A stinging sensation came from my back, burning hot.
"Damn it!"
I couldn't bother to check my injuries because another dozen ghosts were closing in.
Each with a ferocious face, their monstrous mouths agape, they began to bite at me indiscriminately.
Without talismans or artifacts in hand,
I could only wield the fox claws and stab wildly.
However, one cannot fight against many with only two fists.
As the number of malevolent spirits grew, even with my Qi Gathering realm,
I was repeatedly injured, struggling to hold on...