As the shadowy figure slowly emerged from the small grove of trees, the air around them noticeably grew colder.
Watching the black figure approach, emitting such chilling energy, my expression turned grave.
However, in the next moment, I heard a clear and familiar female voice issue forth:
"Congratulations, Qin Ze."
The voice was soft, yet melodious, like a trickling stream.
It was Qing Dai's voice.
Although Qing Dai was a female ghost, she had saved me multiple times and protected me throughout my life.
Every time I saw her, I felt an inexplicable emotion.
Hearing her voice again now, I felt immensely pleased:
"Qing Dai!"
With that, I took two steps forward.
Qing Dai also stepped out of the shadowy grove and into the open space before the stone cliff.
Bathed in the moonlight, I could see her clearly.
She was dressed and styled as familiarly as ever.
She was tall and slender, wearing a black printed dress and a black mask.
She appeared mysterious, but her beautiful eyes were captivating.
"I've been watching you practice for a while; I thought you wouldn't succeed tonight!"
As she spoke, Qing Dai walked closer.
I was somewhat surprised that Qing Dai had been observing me secretly for so long.
I, myself, had not noticed at all.
But I still managed a smile:
"Fortunately, after practicing all night, I succeeded just now."
Qing Dai seemed to smile:
"Very good. I observed your qi.
I noticed the technique you're using seems quite profound.
It's borrowing the energy of heaven and earth.
For someone of your cultivation level to be able to borrow the energy of heaven and earth is truly remarkable."
Although Qing Dai did not know what kind of Daoist magic I was practicing, she could discern the key points with just a glance, which spoke volumes of her own cultivation and strength.
I trusted Qing Dai implicitly.
Nodding, I replied:
"Yes! This is the Qian Kun True Method my master recently taught me, borrowing the energy of heaven and earth for my own use.
I'm only just learning it now and haven't yet grasped the essentials."
I said with a hint of a sigh.
Upon hearing this, Qing Dai smiled:
"One cannot rush in matters of cultivation.
I see you've been practicing all night; why don't you come to my residence and rest for a while?"
Hearing this, my heart jolted again.
Practicing all night had indeed been tiring.
My own true qi was almost depleted.
It was not suitable for continued practice.
Now, being invited to Qing Dai's home, I felt a sense of anticipation, even excitement.
"Um, can... can I?"
I was so excited that I even stammered slightly.
Qing Dai nodded and smiled gently:
"Hehehe, of course, you can!
It's just that my house is an Yin dwelling.
It's not suitable for the living to reside in, but just sitting for a while is fine."
With Qing Dai having said so much, I couldn't refuse.
Besides, I genuinely wanted to see it.
After all, I had never experienced a ghost's Yin dwelling before.
"Alright. But I'm coming empty-handed, I didn't bring you anything."
I replied with a smile.
Qing Dai let out a soft laugh:
"You don't need to. I don't lack anything.
Let's go, my residence is behind the mountain."
With that, Qing Dai waved her hand, gesturing for me to follow.
I nodded and cheerfully followed along.
It was already two in the morning.
Despite the late hour and the fatigue from practicing all day, seeing Qing Dai gave me an indescribable surge of energy.
My heart felt strange.
I knew she was a female ghost and I was human.
Although she had saved my life and we had a connection from a past life, humans and ghosts should not have too much contact.
I understood this principle.
Yet, a strange emotion intertwined within me...
Walking through the mountain forest, observing the surrounding darkness, Qing Dai and I chatted and laughed.
Qing Dai mentioned that after I became a disciple at Wan Fu Tang, she settled here.
Her Yin dwelling was located in the valley behind the mountain.
She lived there normally.
I was filled with anticipation.
What did a ghost's house look like?
We followed the mountain path, gradually making our way towards the valley behind Old Huang Mountain.
After a short while, a mist of white fog began to rise in the valley.
The Yin energy around us also intensified.
Qing Dai said we were almost there.
I nodded, following behind her, observing our surroundings.
Before long, I saw a large tree.
I didn't know its name, but Qing Dai pointed to it and said:
"My residence is just behind this tree.
However, ordinary people coming here wouldn't be able to find it.
But if you want to come here to find me, upon seeing this tree, you should walk around it three times.
Then, walk straight ahead."
Qing Dai explained calmly.
I silently took note and asked:
"Do I need to walk around it three times now?"
Qing Dai shook her head:
"No, you just need to follow me!"
Saying this, Qing Dai continued forward.
What was originally a wild mountain gully, after following Qing Dai a few steps forward, I found that a smooth stone path appeared on the ground.
On both sides of the stone path, many small white flowers bloomed, and further in the distance hung two red lanterns.
Within the white mist, they emitted a red glow.
Qing Dai led me for about another hundred meters.
Finally, I saw Qing Dai's residence.
A true Yin dwelling.
A house for ghosts...