Qing Dai was unaware of the matter concerning the Demon-Ghost Binding Rope.
So I recounted my experiences after returning from the Black Demon Palace to Qing Dai, while setting up a stall in the courtyard.
The Dragon Granny also brought tea.
We chatted and drank.
I had no idea of the time, nor did I care.
After hearing about my encounters since my return, Qing Dai finally understood the origin of the Demon-Ghost Binding Rope.
Beside us, the Dragon Granny also spoke,
"Young Master Qin, you are truly fortunate to have this opportunity!"
I smiled and said,
"This is nothing. I met the Black and White Impermanence before and even obtained their Impermanence Mantra!"
However, as I spoke, I realized the atmosphere had become somewhat awkward.
This was because Qing Dai was a person wanted by the Underworld.
The last time she was severely injured, it was by the Black and White Impermanence.
Qing Dai should know me, and I had already shown her my stance.
She also knew about them being wanted.
I would never betray her information to the Underworld.
But the Dragon Granny did not know this, so her expression faltered for a moment.
Therefore, I quickly said,
"Dragon Granny, you needn't worry.
Qing Dai and I have a karmic connection spanning ten lifetimes.
Even if I have dealings with the Underworld officials, I will not betray Qing Dai and you."
The Dragon Granny waved her hand,
"Young Master worries too much; this old woman was merely surprised."
Afterward, Qing Dai said to the Dragon Granny beside her,
"Dragon Granny, go and fetch the item."
The Dragon Granny replied, "Yes," and then departed.
I was puzzled and asked Qing Dai,
"Qing Dai, what item?"
Qing Dai sighed and said,
"Going to the Southern Border not only failed to find a way to extend your life but also resulted in such severe injuries.
From now on, I may not be able to protect you at all times through the curse seal.
I can only give you one thing..."
"Give me one thing?"
I was very confused.
At the same time, the Dragon Granny returned.
She carried a tray, and on it was a lump of iron.
I couldn't see clearly what it was.
"Princess!"
The Dragon Granny spoke, handing over the tray.
Qing Dai took the lump of iron from the tray and then said to me,
"Qin Ze, this is the tiger tally of my Western Han elite cavalry.
With my tiger tally, you can command three hundred elite cavalrymen."
After saying this, Qing Dai handed the tiger tally in her hand to me.
When I heard what it was, I was completely astonished.
My face was filled with disbelief.
This was no trivial matter.
The combat power of the ghost cavalry Qing Dai brought before the Black Demon Palace was still vivid in my memory.
Each cavalryman was a ghost soldier of a thousand years, with terrifying strength that could not be underestimated.
And now, Qing Dai was giving this item to me.
Asking me to command three hundred elite cavalry to protect my safety?
What a joke. If she gave it to me, what would happen to Qing Dai herself?
This item was too precious; I could not accept it.
After all, the forces Qing Dai faced were far more formidable than mine.
Without a second thought, I immediately refused, saying,
"No, I cannot accept this."
I waved my hand.
"Take it! The three hundred elite cavalry will sacrifice their lives for it.
With this by your side, you can summon them anytime, anywhere.
And they will be in their physical form, not mere spirits."
But I still had no intention of accepting it.
These three hundred elite cavalry were Qing Dai's most important personal guards.
I absolutely could not take them away.
"Qing Dai, I appreciate your kindness.
But these elite cavalry are your guards.
Now that you are seriously injured, what if the remnants of the New Dynasty attack? What then?
No matter what, I will not take it..."
I was more concerned about Qing Dai's safety, so I continued to refuse.
Seeing that I truly would not accept it and spoke with conviction, Qing Dai finally took it back, saying,
"Alright then!
But you have no strong guards by your side.
Even with the Demon-Ghost Binding Rope, I cannot be at ease.
In that case, follow me!"
After saying this, Qing Dai stood up and prepared to lead me out.
"Where are we going?"
I asked.
Qing Dai smiled and said,
"You'll know when you get there!"
After speaking, she led the way.
"Young Master, hurry!"
The Dragon Granny also urged me.
Only then did I stand up and follow, leaving the small courtyard.
We finally arrived in front of the Nine Saints Mansion.
Outside the gate, there were no longer as many ghosts as when we first arrived.
It was empty.
Qing Dai stood at the entrance and suddenly called out to the empty space outside the Nine Saints Mansion,
"The Twelve Zodiacs!"
As Qing Dai spoke, a sudden gust of chilling wind swept through the area outside the Nine Saints Mansion.
Immediately after, the sounds of animal roars erupted from all around.
First came the roar of a tiger.
"Roar..."
Following that were the sounds of a rooster crowing, a snake hissing, a dog barking, a sheep bleating...
The sounds came from all directions.
Then, a dense mist of demonic energy suddenly billowed outside the Nine Saints Mansion.
Twelve figures suddenly flickered into existence.
At a glance, they were twelve animals.
Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, Pig.
All were phantom images of beasts, in the form of souls.
Together, they formed the Twelve Zodiacs.
Some were large, some small, each emanating powerful demonic energy.
I even saw a "flying dragon" coiling in the air.
But with a flash of black light, the twelve animals instantly transformed into human forms, landing before us and standing in a row.
They varied in height and build, some men and some women.
All of them were dressed in black, with golden animal embroidery on their left chests.
Each animal represented their respective identity.
As soon as the twelve demonic souls appeared, they all knelt on the ground in unison.
With their hands clasped in front of them, they addressed Qing Dai in a unified voice,
"Greetings, Princess!"