Forget about money; unreasonable demands are also charged by the hour.
Every Sunday, she had Xingxing's mother come over.
Because the copper mirror the Taoist priest gave Xingxing's mother required a ritual enchantment once a week.
Otherwise, Xingxing's mother wouldn't be able to see Xingxing, who was tethered by a soul-binding rope, through the mirror.
In other words, that demonic Taoist had already exploited Xingxing's mother like this many times.
After hearing Xingxing's mother's account, I felt quite indignant.
It wasn't enough to squeeze a poor mother dry of her money; he also preyed on her sexually.
And it wasn't even a one-time thing, requiring continuous "payment." This Taoist priest was truly shameless.
If it weren't for me, Xingxing's mother and child would have met their ultimate fate as follows.
Xingxing's mother would continue to be exploited sexually, and because she was haunted by a ghost, she would eventually die prematurely.
The child, Xingxing, without anyone to guide or deliver her, would become a wandering ghost.
Neither would have a peaceful end, which was truly terrible.
Moreover, if such a person were allowed to continue their wicked ways, who knew how many more ordinary people would be harmed.
Thinking of this, I spoke to Xingxing's mother:
"Sister, where did you find this Taoist priest? This is clearly a menace, a demonic Taoist."
During this time, Xingxing had also noticed the anomalies in her own body.
And Xingxing's mother could also sense the sense of release Xingxing felt when I helped her depart.
Therefore, Xingxing's mother now trusted me implicitly.
Hearing my question, she replied:
"Over at Erqiao Kou, a shop called Baoguang Fengshui Hall."
Baoguang Fengshui Hall?
I tried hard to recall, after all, our circle wasn't that large.
After I inherited my master's shop, I basically knew most of the reputable figures in Qing Shan City's occult trades.
But I didn't seem to have any impression of this "Baoguang Fengshui Hall."
I'd have to inquire with my martial uncle when I got back.
This kind of scoundrel was, to put it bluntly, a wicked cult.
If he weren't dealt with, who knew how many more people he would harm and how many women he would deceive in the future.
I silently noted:
"Sister Xing, I understand the situation generally.
For the next period, you should expose yourself to the sun more.
In some time, your spirit will return.
Live well from now on, and wait for Xingxing to come back."
Since seeing the "Niangmu Ji," Xingxing's mother had regained hope.
Upon hearing my words, she nodded repeatedly:
"Yes, I will.
Xingxing will definitely come back to me.
Even if she's someone else's child, I still want to see her return."
As she spoke, a spark of hope flickered in Xingxing's mother's eyes.
I nodded and decided not to bother Xingxing's mother any further.
I got up to say goodbye.
Chu Yue also stood up with me.
However, as I stood up, I noticed Chu Yue subtly slipping a wad of cash into the gap of the sofa.
It was probably a few thousand yuan, a gesture of her sincerity.
Seeing that I had noticed, Chu Yue gave me a look, signaling me not to reveal it.
Xingxing's mother was practically destitute; after giving birth, her family had abandoned her.
Chu Yue was being kind, so I didn't expose her.
Afterward, Xingxing's mother escorted us downstairs and offered to drive us, but we politely declined.
We only took the items from the car, including the copper mirror,
after she handed them to us, and then she saw us out of the complex before returning.
As we walked on the sidewalk, Chu Yue suddenly asked me:
"Qin Ze, what are your plans?"
Although Chu Yue didn't say it explicitly, she was referring to Baoguang Fengshui Hall.
Taking a deep breath, I replied:
"Someone like that doesn't deserve to wield Taoist arts.
Tomorrow, I'll first consult my martial uncle before deciding how to deal with that fellow.
At the very least, I'll cripple his cultivation."
Chu Yue nodded slightly upon hearing this and said nothing more.
After a short while, a taxi approached.
We hailed it and went to Chu Yue's residential complex, "Yipin Mansion."
We didn't talk much in the taxi.
Perhaps it was too late, and we were both quite tired.
Less than twenty minutes later, we arrived.
Since Chu Yue had bought a lot of things today, there were many bags.
I followed her out of the car, intending to help her take them back to her home before leaving.
Even late at night, the security guards at Yipin Mansion stood at attention.
Seeing Chu Yue return, they even saluted her, demonstrating great professionalism.
Shortly after, I escorted Chu Yue to her doorstep.
I placed the bags at the door and said to Chu Yue:
"Chu Yue, I'll be heading back now."
Unexpectedly, Chu Yue suddenly said to me:
"Why don't you come in for a glass of water?"
I wasn't thirsty at all.
So, I smiled and politely declined Chu Yue's kind offer:
"No need, I'm not thirsty at all.
Thank you for the lightning-struck wood.
Go home and get some rest. I'll be leaving now..."
Upon hearing my words, Chu Yue inexplicably let out a sigh, seemingly annoyed.
She ran her fingers through her flowing hair from front to back.
Then she responded very directly:
"Goodbye!"
With that, she didn't bother with the seven or eight bags placed on the ground.
Clicking in her heels, she walked into the villa...
I watched Chu Yue leave and observed her change in mood, feeling somewhat bewildered.
Was it really necessary to react like this just because I refused to come in for a glass of water?
Just a moment ago, she was gently inviting me in, and the next moment her attitude changed.
"Hey! Aren't you taking your bags?"
"I don't want them!"
Chu Yue's voice was somewhat stern; she was genuinely angry.
I was stunned. It must be her period; her mood changed so abruptly...
The neighborhood had good security, so I wasn't worried about her bags being stolen.
I also turned and left Yipin Mansion, then took a taxi back to my shop.
By the time I got home, it was almost one in the morning.
I checked the backyard; Xiaomei still hadn't returned.
After washing up, I went to bed...
The next day, I went to Wanshou Hall to find my martial uncle.
I recounted the events of yesterday and told him about the place called Baoguang Fengshui Hall.
As soon as my martial uncle heard my story,
his expression instantly turned grim.
He slammed his palm onto the coffee table beside him:
"Damn it, how can this be tolerated?
What's the difference between this and a demonic Taoist?
We must eliminate this kind of demonic Taoist..."