Corpse Retriever.

Chapter 373

The Taoist temple of Li, who retrieves corpses in Nantong, was personally designed by Li Zhuiyuan and built with the financial support of Zhao Yi, who squandered his family fortune.

Although small, the sparrow is complete in every way and has extremely high quality in every detail, making it a true little golden sparrow.

Even so, some commotion still couldn't be concealed.

The purpose of the temple is only to make the specific source obscure and unknowable, but people with keen senses nearby can still immediately determine that something ominous has happened around them.

In the northwest corner of the first floor, three coffins are neatly arranged.

Runsheng's snoring remained steady and loud.

The light inside Tan Wenbin's coffin flickered, with wisps of white smoke occasionally escaping from it.

Next door, Lin Shuyou suddenly sat up from inside the coffin, opened his eyes, and his vertical pupils were about to rise.

Tan Wenbin: "It's okay, go back to sleep."

Lin Shuyou lay back down.

Westinghouse.

Uncle Qin got out of bed and said as he walked towards the door:

"I gonna go see."

Aunt Liu, who had been sleeping on her side in the next bed, turned over and said quietly:
"Use your eyes to see."

Uncle Qin's hand, which was about to open the door, stopped.

Although the exact location is unknown, there is only one person in this vicinity who could and would make such a commotion.

Uncle Qin took a breath and pulled out the latch.

Aunt Liu's voice came again:
"Do you care?"

Uncle Qin gripped the door panel, about to open it, his eyes filled with determination.

Aunt Liu:

"Do I need you to teach me?"

Uncle Qin eventually bolted the door back in and returned to sit on his bedside.

The simple, unsophisticated moral values ​​of the martial arts world are clashing with reality.

Aunt Liu turned to face the wall again, closed her eyes, and before falling asleep again, she said one more thing:
"Think about the Yu family."

Uncle Qin took off his shoes, lay back on the bed, and clenched his fists.

a long time,

Close your eyes and loosen your fists.

Liu Yumei's fingertips were gently tidying up Chen Xiyuan's disheveled hair.

She now feels like her relatives' or friends' children are visiting her.

In the past, she would have been indifferent to these emotions, but now she finds herself quite happy about them.

Suddenly, Chen Xiyuan's domain surged once more, clearly sensing the ominous aura.

Liu Yumei pressed her fingertips against Chen Xiyuan's brow, suppressing the domain on the girl once again.

Throughout the entire process, Liu Yumei's smile never faded.

She doesn't care.

He turned around, walked to the offering table, and placed three incense sticks in the incense burner.

These creatures on the altar are the most selfless and fearless, which is why they did not hesitate or waver when they went out together back then.

But they were also the most selfish of all. They knew what the consequences would be if they left, so they left her behind.

Not only was Qin Laogou hiding things from him, but during that time, even the spirits in the house didn't make any unusual movements. Clearly, they were all keeping things from him.

Ah.

The reason I left myself alone is because everyone in the martial arts world knows I have a bad temper, right?
In some situations, even when pushed to the brink, others will still consider the bigger picture. But if one has no way out, they will truly be willing to sacrifice everything to take the other party down with them.

Only by being like this can I support the crumbling family.

“You chose me to look after the house, but I chose Xiao Yuan.”

This child gave me hope, allowing me to unload my burdens and rediscover the joy of life.

Anyway, I'm not going to carry these things back home.

I will always support him.

No matter what he does.

Deep in the peach grove in front of the bearded man's house.

Still savoring the lingering notes of the zither and flute duet, Qing'an put down the wine jar in her hand and chuckled to herself:

"This child walks faster than you."

……

Li Zhuiyuan walked out of the temple, while A Li stood waiting in the rice paddies outside.

The boy seemed to have discovered a new game and couldn't wait to share it with the girl.

"Ah Li, I've made up my mind. From now on, we can play together."

A smile appeared on the girl's face.

Holding Ah Li's hand, he escorted her back to the door of the east room. The door was not closed, and Ah Li pushed it open and went inside. As the girl turned to close the door, her eyes met the boy's.

Upon entering the bedroom, several chairs were pushed together next to the bed, covered with a quilt and a straw mat.

Chen Xiyuan, drunk, took over the bed.

"Ah Li, you sleep here."

Ah Li shook her head, pulled up a small stool, stepped outside the bedroom, sat down on the stool, put her feet on the threshold, and closed her eyes.

The door frame resembles a scroll painting, like a beautiful picture.

She was already used to this posture.

However, unlike in the past when she would sit in this position almost all day without moving, now her expression is gentle, and falling asleep is no longer torture for her, but a quick way to get to tomorrow.

Liu Yumei was slightly taken aback. Although her granddaughter couldn't speak, she had just felt the love and care she received from her granddaughter.

It wasn't intentional or forced; my granddaughter, who used to need me to coax her to eat, is becoming more and more comfortable with her role in real life.

Liu Yumei opened her hands, the sword box under the bed opened, a sword flew out, and she caught it.

The streamlined jade extends across the entire scabbard, its exquisite craftsmanship seemingly effortless, depicting the transformation of a python, a dragon, and a creature through wind and rain.

Liu Yumei placed the sword next to Chen Xiyuan's pillow.

My late friend's granddaughter was a terrible sleeper; if you weren't careful, the bed would collapse and the window would break.

With this sword, her domain can be suppressed within her body.

Liu Yumei loosened her cloud-shaped shawl and lay down on the makeshift bed that her granddaughter had given her.

I turned my head to the side, ready to snap my fingers to turn off the light.

Ah Li, sitting by the door, closed her eyes, raised her hand, grabbed the switch rope, and gently pulled it down.

"Clap!"

The lights went out.

……

The villagers get up early.

Especially for Li Sanjiang's family, because they also need to do business, they have to squeeze out time from the morning and evening to work in the fields.

Uncle Qin came out of the west room, first looked up at the sky, and then looked around.

The ominous atmosphere of last night vanished without a trace this morning, as if it were all just a dream.

Aunt Liu followed behind and, seeing Uncle Qin standing there in a daze, deliberately repeated what she had said last night in a teasing tone:
"You think I should look at you, manage you, or teach you?"

Uncle Qin nodded.

Then, he picked up the hoe and carried it on his shoulder.

Runsheng then came out and squatted down by the well to wash up.

Uncle Qin then picked up another hoe and walked down the dam.

After brushing his teeth, Runsheng scooped up water with both hands and slapped his face hard, then got up and chased after Uncle Qin's retreating figure.

Aunt Liu then followed Uncle Qin's earlier action, looking up at the sky.

Clean, very clean.

It was as clean as a family member's habit of going on a long trip along the river.

She didn't know how the child did it, nor did she need to know.

Although she and Ali were raised by the old lady from a young age and had a mother-son or mother-daughter relationship, both of them were actually more comfortable with their status as "domesticated children".

The old lady said that he was shallow and had a ruthless streak in his bones, so the old lady was not comfortable letting him go out and had to keep him "tethered" to her side.

Ali was also criticized by the old lady for being too old-fashioned. Although he was not born into the Qin family at its peak, he had the stubbornness inherited from the ancestors of the Qin family, and his attempt to cross the river also failed.

Neither of them is suited to be in charge on their own; they need a "master" to give them orders.

Now, she and Ali are actually waiting, waiting for that boy to finish walking along the river, waiting for that boy to grow up, so that she can untie her apron, Ali can put down his hoe, and the two of them can completely return to the position that is most suitable for them.

When Aunt Liu lowered her head, she saw Lin Shuyou standing in front of her, also looking up at the sky.

Aunt Liu: "It rained last night, but I didn't expect it to be such a sunny day this morning."

Lin Shuyou: "Yes, the sky is very blue."

Aunt Liu: "How much did you eat for breakfast?"

Lin Shuyou: "A bowl of noodles with a poached egg, hehe."

Aunt Liu reached out and gently patted Ayou on the back of the head.

Lin Shuyou: "Aunt Liu, let me help you."

Aunt Liu: "Don't help me. I haven't had much work to do since the mule plague. If you lend a hand, I'm afraid your Uncle Li will fire me tomorrow."

Lin Shuyou scratched his head, washed up, and then went out with his simple electrician's toolbox.

During dinner yesterday, Grandpa Li asked him to go to Li Weihan's house tomorrow. Panzi and Leizi pooled their subsidies and this month's wages and bought a refrigerator for their grandparents' house.

As soon as it was turned on, it "popped" and burned out the electrical circuit in my grandparents' house.

When you possess a practical skill, you naturally take on the role of a troubleshooter among relatives and friends, and Master Lin is no exception.

As soon as Lin Shuyou left, Tan Wenbin walked out while yawning and picking up his mobile phone.

The caller was Xue Liangliang.

With the start of the new semester approaching, we notified them to take some time to come back to the school for a meeting.

The reason I made the call so early in the morning was because Xue Liangliang was so busy that he worked day and night, and he could only get a short nap after making the call.

"Brother Liang, work is important, but you don't need to push yourself so hard. You should pay more attention to your health and exercise more, like diving or something."

"You boy."

"I'll discuss it with Xiaoyuan. I'll let you know in advance once the return-to-school time is confirmed. I also need to go to the riverbank to take some scenic photos."

"When you come to Nanjing, I'll treat you to a meal."

"Brother Liang, there's no need for us to be so formal. Just bring an apartment."

"Near your partner's school?"

"Yes, she'll be busy with the new semester, so staying in the dorms won't be very convenient for her."

“Then I’ll buy a few sets first, and you can choose a suitable one when you return to school, and we can transfer the ownership at the same time.”

"I'll rent it out under your name."

"Fine, whatever you say."

"Thanks, Brother Liang."

"Just take more pictures of the riverside scenery for me."

After hanging up the phone, Tan Wenbin was about to light a cigarette.

The door to the east room was opened, and Ah Li came out.

The girl was wearing a light blue gauze dress today. From a distance, it seemed as if clouds and mist followed her steps, giving her a dignified and elegant air.

Tan Wenbin smiled and nodded at A Li.

As Ah Li passed by Tan Wenbin, she paused briefly in response before going upstairs.

When they arrived at the room on the second floor, Li Zhuiyuan was already awake.

The boy took out some of the "figurines" he had obtained in the previous wave and gave them to A-Li.

Ah Li originally intended to find a piece of cloth to wrap up items like calligraphy brushes for future collection.

Li Zhuiyuan: "If you don't need it, then I won't bring it for you anymore."

Ah Li looked at the boy for a while before placing these things on her drawing table, ready to use them.

Next, Li Zhuiyuan spread out the three damaged sets of talisman armor on the ground, including Feng Lushan's "tendons".

Ah Li first checked the extent of the damage to the talisman armor, then took her carving knife and tried to cut and pull on Feng Lushan's "tendons" with her fingertips.

The girl smiled and nodded at the boy.

Clearly, not only is the repair not a major problem, but the connection of this precious "tendon" can further enhance the load-bearing capacity of the armor, allowing the two generals, Zengshen and Wu, to exert even greater combat power.

Ah Li picked up a broken piece of metal and made a grasping motion with her fingertips.

Li Zhuiyuan: "Blood porcelain is the bone, and now it has sinews. Let's add some monster fur on top?"

Ah Li traced a circle on the metal sheet with her fingertip.

The indication is that it won't be very thick, similar to putting a shell on a deck of cards.

There's no shortage of raw materials. Although some were used up last night in the experiment with evil magic, Zhao Yi gave us a whole sack of monster essence last time.

However, this requires a tedious extraction process followed by meticulous fitting, making it a time-consuming and labor-intensive undertaking.

The increase in power for the two generals is not significant, but it greatly enhances their appearance and demeanor when they descend again.

Li Zhuiyuan: "Don't overwork yourself."

Ah Li shook her head; she enjoyed doing these things.

Li Zhuiyuan: "We also need to make a set for the White Crane Boy statue to wear on his statue."

Ah Li nodded.

Li Zhuiyuan took out the gourd and handed it to A Li.

Ah Li picked up the gourd and examined it carefully.

Then, he pointed diagonally downwards.

"You need to choose the materials you need from the memorial tablet and remake your own tools? Okay, I'll make the tools for you."

Ah Li shook her head and pointed to the boy's desk.

"I am not busy."

The girl looked at the boy.

"Okay, I'll do my thing, you do yours."

The girl smiled.

She first gathered up the figurines that she couldn't use directly, wrapped them in cloth, and then used them as materials for disassembly.

After picking up the cloth bag, Ah Li hugged the gourd to her chest, walked out of the room, and went downstairs.

The girl's inheritance of handicrafts comes partly from the book "The Righteous Path to Subdue Demons" that she read with Li Zhuiyuan, and partly from her own exploration and understanding. Therefore, she has to take these things to each memorial tablet to find the corresponding materials.

Watching the girl's departing figure, Li Zhuiyuan's gaze fell on the drawing table.

Unlike usual, Ah Li didn't start by drawing a picture of herself from the previous wave.

It's probably because... I have too much work to do right now, I'm too busy.

After doing her granddaughter's makeup, Liu Yumei sat down at the dressing table and began to do her own makeup.

Chen Xiyuan was still sleeping soundly on the bed. She had drunk some serious alcohol last night and was severely mentally exhausted. Without external stimulation, she would need to sleep for several more days.

Liu Yumei decided to let her continue sleeping until she naturally woke up. This act of giving and receiving would greatly benefit her, and as an elder, she had to help her protect the Dharma.

Just then, Ah Li walked in.

The girl placed the contents of the package and the gourd on the offering table, then brought over a stool, stepped onto the table, and touched the tablets on the table to select the corresponding offerings.

From Liu Yumei's perspective, A Li seemed to be protected and fawned over by a group of ancestors, surrounded by admirers.

But when Liu Yumei's gaze shifted downwards and fell upon the pile of "good items" on the offering table, including the gourd, her brows furrowed slightly, and her eyes revealed guilt and heartache:

"Sigh, the children are really having a hard time. They treat these worthless scraps as treasures."

Outside, Aunt Liu's voice could be heard:

"Time for breakfast."

Runsheng and Uncle Qin are back. After breakfast, they still have to make a delivery.

Lin Shuyou returned with his toolbox. The electrical problem at Li Weihan's house had been perfectly resolved. His hair stood on end, as if he had applied too much hairspray.

Tan Wenbin said that after he had breakfast, he would go to the train station to pick someone up.

When Tan Wenbin came back yesterday, he told Liu Yumei a "story" and told her about Grandma Yao.

Grandma Yao was able to take on the job of making clothes for A-Li, was given a hairpin that A-Li had worn, and frequently corresponded with Liu Yumei, which clearly shows that she held a significant place in Liu Yumei's heart.

Previously, Liu Yumei had little interest in seeing her old family members, but now her mindset is clearly different.

Tan Wenbin then called Yao Nian'en's hotel.

When Li Zhuiyuan extended the invitation, Grandma Yao had her son buy train and bus tickets for the next few days in advance, and wait for further instructions.

If she is too late or misses the deadline, she can ask her son to arrange a car to take her to a city near Nantong, and then she can take public transportation to Nantong.

In short, she did not allow her son or any other family members to set foot in Nantong with her.

It would be impolite not to pay respects to the young lady upon entering, and it would be a sign of insatiable greed to be taken to pay respects to the young lady upon entering.

Fortunately, I was able to catch the train just in time to receive the notification.

Yao Nian'en saw her mother off at the train station, feeling extremely worried, and kept giving her mother instructions.

Finally, Grandma Yao got annoyed, kicked her son, and yelled:

"When your mother was wandering the world, you weren't even born yet!"

Tan Wenbin plans to leave early, expecting to arrive at noon. He intends to go to the riverside along the way to take some photos for Liang Ge.

Li Sanjiang had little appetite for the bowl of porridge in front of him. He put his chopsticks in his mouth, stared at the three children over there, and each of them ate a bowl of noodles with an egg before putting down their empty bowls.

"What a waste! How can your body handle eating so little!"

Next, Runsheng and Uncle Qin pulled the cart to deliver goods, Tan Wenbin drove out to pick up people, and even Lin Shuyou was going to accompany him to the vegetarian restaurant to perform today.

Logically speaking, the mules were eating less but could still do their work, so he should be happy. However, Li Sanjiang's brow remained furrowed.

After breakfast, Li Zhuiyuan first accompanied A Li to carry away the memorial tablet that A Li had chosen from the east room.

Liu Yumei gave Aunt Liu a wink, and Aunt Liu immediately went to restock the shelves.

After checking on Chen Xiyuan's condition, Aunt Liu walked over to Liu Yumei and asked:

"This girl has been blessed with good fortune. She'll probably sleep for another three days. I'm so envious."

Liu Yumei picked up her teacup, took a sip, and said:
"That's just how the Chen family is. They either don't produce any outstanding people, or they do produce exceptional individuals who are blessed by the heavens."

Aunt Liu: "Then..."

Liu Yumei glanced at Aunt Liu with a smile: "Look at you, being petty again."

Aunt Liu: Aren't you worried?

Liu Yumei: "Xiao Yuan brought her back in a tricycle. Do you think Xiao Yuan is confident he can control her?"

Aunt Liu teased, "That's not what I meant. Young ladies like you sneaking into our house on your own, do you really believe it's to pay your respects?"

Liu Yumei: "I don't believe it."

Aunt Liu: "Of course not."

Liu Yumei: "A-Ting, I think you're really bored."

Aunt Liu: "Should I make room for Ali's things in the south room of your house? Or should Ali and I vacate the west room? She's taking up your bed. Aunt Yao is coming today too, so your room isn't spacious enough."

Liu Yumei: "I'm too lazy to make a fuss. I'll just take A-Li and Shan'er and go to another place to sleep for a few days."

Aunt Liu: "Changing your sleeping place? Where are you planning to go..."

"Sister Liu! Sister Liu!"

Liu Jinxia arrived with Granny Hua and Wang Lian.

She went to a vegetarian retreat yesterday and couldn't play cards, so she came extra early today.

Once everyone had arrived, the card table was immediately set up, along with tea and snacks.

Granny Hua spoke first, saying that she went to the city yesterday to participate in a visit to offer condolences, watched a performance, had a meal, and even shook hands and spoke with some leader.

She spoke in great detail, and Liu Jinxia kept asking her specific questions, urging her to elaborate even further.

Even Liu Yumei raised a few questions.

Wang Lian listened attentively from the side, and everyone even slowed down their card-playing.

Often, it was through this method that Granny Hua could feel that her son was still by her side.

After the old woman had talked until her throat was dry, she drank a cup of tea and then changed the subject for Liu Jinxia:

“Yesterday, did anyone in the village see you, Xiahou, riding back to the village in that old Tiantou’s tricycle?”

There's nothing to hide between old sisters. Liu Jinxia told Lao Tiantou that she had taken Xianghou home after she sprained her ankle, but when she got home, she saw Xianghou playing jump rope with her granddaughter and told him about it.

Flower Granny: "Hahahaha!" Wang Lian laughed so hard she could hardly breathe.

Liu Yumei shook her head while laughing.

Liu Jinxia: "I lost my temper with my brat yesterday. I asked her why other people's children are afraid that their parents will find a partner, but she seems to want to push her own mother out!"

What's even more infuriating is that even my little Cuihou was standing next to her mother, saying that Grandpa Tian was a really nice person!
"That old man Tian, ​​I don't know when he bewitched my daughter and granddaughter!"

Wang Lian: "Sister Xiahou, things have come to this, why don't you just give in!"

Liu Jinxia glared at Wang Lian.

Flower Granny: "Oh dear, Lord Xia, if you don't get tempted soon, I'm going to get tempted too."

Liu Jinxia: "You want it? Take it!"

Flower Granny: "I do want it, but they don't even look at me. I'm nowhere near as charming as our Lord Xia."

Wang Lian: "Of course! Back when Sister Xiahou was young, she was the most beautiful girl in our village, and she still is."

Flower Granny: "Hey, hey, hey, speak of the devil and he shall appear."

On the path, Old Tiantou's figure appeared, running.

He carried a package, ran up to the dam, deliberately slowed his pace and adjusted his breathing as he approached the card table, before walking up to Liu Jinxia:
"Jinxia, ​​this is a package your godson mailed to you. Open it and take a look."

Liu Jinxia: "Didn't I stop him from sending any more things? He only has so little money, how can he waste it like this?"

Old Tian: "It's only right and proper for him to be filial to his godmother."

Flower Granny: "Eek~~~"

Wang Lian: "Oh my~~~"

The two clearly misunderstood the meaning of his words, thinking that Zhao Yi was trying to please his "grandfather's" girlfriend.

Liu Jinxia blushed upon hearing this.

She didn't know that Zhao Yi was expressing his guilt to her on behalf of the Jiujiang Zhao family. She could only interpret this grandson's excessive attentiveness as being out of respect for Old Tian.

Unbeknownst to the three, when Old Tian said those words, he slightly raised his gaze and glanced at Liu Yumei sitting at the mahjong table.

Liu Jinxia: "Don't let him send it next time. I'll take some money from home tomorrow and you can wire it to him."

Old Tian: "No need, no need."

Liu Jinxia snorted, put down the cards, and opened the package.

There were food, drinks, and silk scarves inside; they didn't look expensive, but they weren't cheap.

Liu Jinxia kept the silk scarf, but she shared the food with Granny Hua and Wang Lian.

Granny Hua only took a little; she lived alone and couldn't eat much, so she gave most of it to Wang Lian to take back for the children.

Among the items Liu Jinxia knew, the most expensive were those few boxes of tea.

"Sister Liu, this is your favorite tea."

Liu Yumei took a deep breath with a smile on her face.

If Zhao Yi himself were here now, she would make him knock another hole in this concrete floor.

Meanwhile, Liu Yumei was already planning to wait for Lin Shuyou to return from his meditation retreat and ask him when his girlfriend would come to visit again.

Seeing Liu Jinxia's smile as she handed her the most valuable item, Liu Yumei could only reach out and accept it.

With a light tap of the fingertips, a delicate aroma of tea wafts out from the packaging box.

Upon smelling this aroma, Liu Yumei relaxed.

She looked at Old Tian and said, "Tell your son Xiao Zhao that I received your kind words."

Old Tian: "I wouldn't dare say that. It's only right to be filial to Grandma."

Liu Jinxia chimed in, "That's right, we're all family, don't be so polite."

Liu Yumei touched the jade thumb ring on her finger and asked, "When will Xiao Zhao come to Nantong again?"

Old Tian said, "He said that Brother Yuan invited him and that he wanted to treat him to a meal on your behalf."

Liu Yumei nodded and said nothing more.

Liu Jinxia: "Tell Xiao Zhao that when he arrives in Nantong, he should come to my house for a meal."

Old Tian: "Yes, yes, I know, I know."

After delivering the goods, Old Tian took his leave.

Granny Hua pouted and asked, "Lord Xia, how exactly do you discipline men?"

Wang Lian: "Yes, Old Tian is so well-behaved around you, he treats you like an empress dowager."

Liu Jinxia: "Pah, pah, pah, don't talk nonsense."

In fact, Liu Jinxia also felt that Lao Tiantou was overly reserved in front of outsiders, and was completely different from when he was alone with her.

Liu Yumei spoke up: "Lord Xia, I have something to discuss with you."

"Hey, Sister Liu, tell me quickly!"

“I’m having a guest at my house today, she’s one of my girlfriends. There’s already someone lying in my room, so I’m not sure where to sleep. I’m planning to bring Ah Li and her girlfriend to stay at your house for a few days.”

"What!"

Liu Jinxia shouted loudly and stood up.

Seeing this, Wang Lian quickly tried to smooth things over, saying, "Why don't you stay at my place?"

Granny Hua immediately came to the rescue: "My house is spacious with many empty rooms, you can sleep at my house."

Liu Jinxia's eyes instantly reddened, and she slammed her hand on the table at Wang Lian and Granny Hua, who had kindly offered their help, pointing at them and saying:
"Lord Lian, with so many people in your family, where did you find an empty house? Granny Hua, your empty house is as many as my multi-story building!"

Liu Jinxia rubbed her eyes hard and smiled at Liu Yumei, "Okay, okay, I'll go home first and ask Xianghou to prepare bedding. No, no, I'll ask Xianghou to go to town and buy me new bedding!"

She stopped playing cards, got up from her chair, and ran straight down to the dam.

Her earlier scream was one of surprise.

Because of her reputation for bringing misfortune to her husbands, she rarely interacted with the villagers. It was perfectly normal for ordinary people to stay overnight at the homes of their relatives when visiting them, but Liu Jinxia had never let anyone stay overnight since she built her two-story house.

The elder sister from the Liu family is the person she respects most now. The fact that her sister is willing to bring her granddaughter and sisters to live in her house is a sign of her approval and respect. Her heart is so happy that it feels like it's about to jump out of her throat.

Liu Jinxia, ​​who had run out of the path, swung her arms and ran along the village road opposite the rice paddies, waving towards the dam while laughing happily and turning around twice.

Midway through, as they passed Aunt Zhang's small shop, Liu Jinxia shouted loudly to Aunt Zhang:
"Save me a portion of all those snacks, soda, mosquito coils, floral water, popsicles, and this and this. I'll have my husband Xianghou take them away on his bike later!"

Aunt Zhang asked curiously, "Aunt Xia, what happened at home?"

"My sister Liu is coming to stay at my house for a few days! She's coming to stay at my house for a few days!"

This scene is strikingly similar to the one two years ago when Cuicui, who had never had any playmates, walked hand in hand with her brother Yuanhou on the village road.

At that time, Cui Cui was also eager for the villagers nearby to ask her who the boy holding her hand was and where they were going to play.

Whenever asked, Cuicui would loudly and proudly introduce Yuanhou, saying she would take him to her home to perform.

The room on the second floor of Li Sanjiang's house.

Li Zhuiyuan put down his pen, cracked his wrist, and closed the "Code of Conduct for Walking Along the River" in front of him.

Behind her, Ah Li was still diligently handling the memorial tablets.

Li Zhuiyuan took out his mobile phone and first called Lu Yi at school, asking Lu Yi to call Xue Liangliang that evening to inform him of their return-to-school time.

Afterwards, Li Zhuiyuan called Zhao Yi.

No one answered at first.

Li Zhuiyuan put down his mobile phone and got up to help A Li carve wooden flower rolls.

Fifteen minutes later, the mobile phone rang.

Zhao Yi lives deep in the mountains where the signal is poor. He will place the phone in a location with a signal and then use other means to notify himself.

"Hey, you surnamed Li, can't wait to see me? Ah Jing's injuries have just been brought under control, but it will take some time for further treatment..."

"Help me investigate the Zhou family in the government office and the Ding family in the river valley."

"Sure, I'll take care of it. If you need anything else, don't hesitate to tell me, and I'll definitely..."

"Yes, I need you to come with me to these two places."

"No, is there really a need?"

"Yes, with you guys around, things are much simpler."

"But you have a grudge against those two families, while I don't. This is karma..."

“I have no grudge against their family. I just recently heard that these two families are in a similar situation to the Yu family. I want to take you to save them from this predicament.”

There was a moment of silence on the other end of the phone, then the voice came through again:
"Little ancestor, have we made another breakthrough in our understanding of the rules?"

"Close your eyes and just listen to me. Don't ask any more questions."

"No problem, we're like brothers, don't worry, I'll definitely help you with whatever you need to do, after all, you helped me wipe out Jiujiang Zhao last time."

"Come to Nantong before the end of the month."

"There's enough time. A-Jing's injuries won't take long to recover. But... what does 'we' mean? Is there anyone else besides me?"

Could it be...?
List?"

"Ah."

"She's in Nantong!"

"Ah."

"She secretly followed you to find you?"

"Ah."

"How badly was she beaten by that guy under the peach grove?"

"I dragged her out of the peach orchard."

"Where is the old lady? Where is the old lady?"

"She is still unconscious after seeing the old lady."

Zhao Yi: "Hahahahahaha!"

The sound was too loud, so Li Zhuiyuan had to move the mobile phone away from his ear and hang up.

The boy glanced at the girl who was still focused on her work, took two cans of Jianlibao (a popular Chinese herbal tea brand), opened them, inserted straws, and handed one can to the girl.

The girl took it and held it in her hands.

"Ah Li, the workload is heavy, so there's no need to rush. We can relax a bit."

Since returning home, I haven't even had a chance to play a game of chess with Ah Li.

The boy took the girl's hand, left the room, and went downstairs.

On the dam, the card game could not continue because of Liu Jinxia's departure. Wang Lian went to help tidy up the vegetable garden in front, while Granny Hua went to load the porcelain jars.

Liu Yumei sat there, watching the young man lead her granddaughter into the east room again.

She originally thought it was about continuing to order more goods.

But after seeing the boy enter the house, he turned left and realized that he was going to Chen Xiyuan's bedroom.

Liu Yumei stood up and went into the house.

She saw the boy standing by Chen Xiyuan's bedside, reaching out to grab the jade flute in the hands of the Chen family girl.

Even in Liu Yumei's eyes, that flute was an excellent thing.

No matter how drunk the girl was, she never let go of the flute from beginning to end.

Aunt Liu came in carrying a large box, and I thought she was going to restock, but she found that the altar was fully stocked.

Turning her head, she saw the boy trying to pull the flute out of Chen Xiyuan's hand.

Aunt Liu: "Can it be pulled out?"

Liu Yumei shook her head: "That's her destiny."

The next moment, the boy leaned down and whispered a few words in Chen Xiyuan's ear.

Chen Xiyuan, drunk and unconscious, loosened her grip, and the jade flute slipped from her hand, only to be caught by the boy.

If someone is sober and lends money out, that's called weighing the pros and cons.

Even in a drunken dream, the ability to let go signifies absolute trust.

Aunt Liu: Aren't you worried?

This time, Liu Yumei remained silent.

Li Zhuiyuan, holding the jade flute in his right hand and A Li's hand in his left, walked up to Liu Yumei and Aunt Liu.

I told her I'd borrow it for a bit and would return it when I was done.

Liu Yumei nodded.

Li Zhuiyuan led A Li away from the east room and headed to the Taoist temple in the rice paddy behind the house.

The old lady has gone into seclusion, but she can't be completely ignorant of the affairs of the martial arts world.

Aunt Liu has always been in charge of collecting and transmitting information.

Aunt Liu: "I heard that the Chen family has a long tradition of inviting renowned figures from the martial arts world and talented young people to their ancestral home to study the stone tablets."

Liu Yumei: "Mm."

Aunt Liu: "I also heard that the old man of the Chen family dotes on his granddaughter the most, and has said that he wants to find a son-in-law for her."

Liu Yumei: "Mm."

Aunt Liu: Aren't you worried?

Liu Yumei chuckled lightly: "Ha, worrying about nothing."

"Buzz buzz!"

The sword on the bed trembled slightly.

Aunt Liu glanced at it discreetly, then immediately said, "I'm going to make lunch," and ran out of the east room.

In the dojo.

Li Zhuiyuan lit incense burners for the "Fengdu Emperor Statue" and the "Sun Baishen Version of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva Statue".

Immediately afterwards, the boy placed his purple-gold compass on the raised part in the center of the dojo and made it start to rotate.

Then, the boy continued to hold the jade flute with his right hand, and took the girl's hand again with his left.

The two understood each other perfectly and closed their eyes at the same time.

next moment,
Li Zhuiyuan appeared in A Li's dream.

A dilapidated bungalow, collapsed incense sticks and candles, and a cracked memorial tablet.

Outside the threshold, the weather was fine and the sky was clear.

As Li Zhuiyuan rose to power step by step, A Li's dream was no longer filled with the "evil forces filling the court" of the past.

When Li Zhuiyuan first started traveling along the river, he fished for waves in A Li's dream.

The reason for not continuing to do so is that, apart from those particularly powerful evil spirits that would occasionally come here to take a look, the evil spirits that have been living here for a long time and have left a deep mark no longer have the strength and threat they pose that the young man will need to match later.

In short, the river can't keep pushing out threats that are minor.

From another perspective, it also means that with the current strength of the boy's team, facing figures like Granny Yu, Big Fish, and Old Woman Bian from the beginning will be much easier and simpler.

Last night, Li Zhuiyuan used Li Hongsheng's soul to complete the first attempt at evil magic. It was a success, but Li Zhuiyuan also discovered areas for improvement.

Li Hongsheng is a "bad guy" from his own perspective, but he is not actually that bad. In essence, he can still be considered a righteous person who is not as good as he seems.

Therefore, even if his soul strength is sufficient, using it as raw material for some evil spells would prevent the spells from reaching their full potential.

Furthermore, a soul comparable to Li Hongsheng's is not something easily obtained, like cabbage from the roadside. Therefore, Li Zhuiyuan is now gradually understanding why Wei Zhengdao's book contains so many cases of evil spirits.

Evil spirits are extremely terrifying in the eyes of ordinary people, but in the eyes of a teenager, they are a very cost-effective material at present.

The boy now intends to fish out the evil spirits he needs from Ah Li's dream, just like he did before.

The sky is empty, but as long as you have been here, I will be able to find you again!
What Grandma Liu couldn't do, Li Zhuiyuan could.

The boy gestured for Ah Li to stay inside, and then walked to the open field outside.

Inside the temple, the incense in front of the Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva image, created by Sun Boshen, flickered rapidly.

Li Zhuiyuan put his hands together and silently recited the Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva Sutra.

"All causes and effects enter into my body; cause and effect are me; I understand cause and effect. Namo Amitabha Buddha!"

A halo appeared beneath the boy's feet.

The light was diffused, but Li Zhuiyuan sensed a powerful force supporting him from afar—the will of Sun Baishen.

Whenever Li Zhuiyuan tries to cause trouble by using the identity of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, Sun Baishen will always step in to help.

Even so, the aperture is still not stable enough.

It is likely that the true Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva has already realized that someone is trying to use His name to smear the law of cause and effect!
But as another majestic aura descended, and the sound of stomping feet seemed to be heard, the aura beneath the boy's feet instantly stabilized.

Li Zhuiyuan knew that someone was helping him, and that person was currently focused on suppressing Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva.

"Thank you, Emperor!"

The boy expressed his sincere gratitude.

As soon as he finished expressing his gratitude, the boy's eyes shone with a black and white luster.

"The underworld, a place where life and death alternate, where yin and yang are in perfect order, stands in Fengdu. Gates of Hell, open!"

Behind the boy, a majestic and sinister gate appeared.

The door began to tremble, as if conveying a hint of anger.

However, the Emperor himself recognized Li Zhuiyuan's status as the "closed-door disciple" and the young ruler of the underworld.

Therefore, it would be difficult for him to use his status as a Bodhisattva, but it would be perfectly legitimate for him to use the status of a Great Emperor!
Even though the Emperor had just helped suppress the Bodhisattva, and he had already expressed his gratitude, he still had to continue to smear the Emperor with mud.

Even if he had a thorough understanding of the rules of the river, it was impossible for the river to match him with such a weak opponent at this moment.

Therefore, to pinpoint their location, Li Zhuiyuan himself had to create the cause and effect!
Borrowing the status of a Bodhisattva or an Emperor to help absorb karma is only the first step.

The boy looked down at his right hand, where the illusory image of the emerald flute was now in his grasp.

He discovered that the Chen family's spirit seemed exceptionally useful, and was very sensitive in protecting Chen Xiyuan.

Of course, we cannot rule out the possibility that the three Chen family dragon kings were all historical geniuses, but in essence, it should be that the Chen family received special favor from the Heavenly Dao.

This flute embodies the karma and blessings of the Chen family's incense offerings. Li Zhuiyuan intends to borrow the protection of the Chen family's Dragon King spirit this time.

"Today, I, a junior, dare to request to use the Chen family's precious artifact, in order to slay demons and eliminate evil."

May the ancestors of the Chen family bless my son with success.

If this succeeds, then I will owe the Chen family of Qiongya a debt of gratitude!

In fact, Li Zhuiyuan could have summoned the altars of the Qin and Liu families that did not have spirits, thereby creating a moral blackmail against the spirit of the Dragon King of the Chen family.

Because the boy discovered that the Dragon King's spirit had an exceptionally broad mind.

But Li Zhuiyuan was unwilling to do so.

He felt no psychological pressure in using Bodhisattvas and Great Emperors, but he was unwilling to use such methods against the spirits of the Dragon Kings of past generations; he preferred to make equal exchanges.

For example, he did his best to try to help the Chen family change the drawbacks of the stone tablet inheritance.

The jade flute in her hand shimmered with light, and at the same time, melodious flute music emanated from it.

This means that the spirit of the Dragon King of the Chen family has granted the boy's request.

Li Zhuiyuan opened his left hand, and the phantom of the Purple Gold Compass appeared. Then, a dragon spirit the size of a small snake flew out from the boy's body, coiled on the compass, and began to enhance the calculation.

The role of Bodhisattvas and Great Emperors is to provide support for themselves;

The purpose of the Purple Gold Compass is to define a specific area for oneself. The evil spirit one seeks must be located near Nantong, not thousands of miles away.

The purpose of the jade flute is the same as the fishing rod I used to use.

Next, the boy will create a small wave himself!

Li Zhuiyuan turned around, glanced at A Li, smiled slightly at the girl, and then looked up at the sky.

Suddenly, streaks of light and shadow appeared in the cloudless sky. These were the traces left by the evil spirits who had appeared here to frighten and curse Ah Li.

"I've said it before, I won't let any of those who have come here get away with it. Today, I'm here to collect some interest!"

The boy raised the jade flute in his hand, preparing to cast it like a fishing rod. As soon as he started the action, a sense of alarm rose in his heart.

This act is tantamount to stealing divine secrets, far exceeding the act of fortune-telling for oneself, and is a taboo.

But having learned from last night's experience, Li Zhuiyuan didn't care and still resolutely threw out the green bamboo.

I still have plenty of merit to accumulate, so keep taking it all!
If you were to actually give me these merits, I wouldn't be able to spend them like this. Now, you deduct everything and calculate it yourself. Things that were originally impossible can now be done!

Li Zhuiyuan finally managed to throw out the jade flute, which released three beams of emerald light, like casting three fishing lines from a rod.

"Crack!"

Three dark figures appeared in the sky, entangled in fishing line, and fell downwards, crashing directly in front of the boy.

At first, they were just three blurry shadows.

But their physical bodies must have developed some kind of perception at this moment.

They, who had long dared not come here before, have now returned to this place.

The three blurry black shadows gradually began to show color, became clearer, and gradually evolved into concrete images.

Once, when they came here, they could be extremely vicious and wantonly humiliate a little girl.

Now, the three dark figures looked at the boy standing in front of them with fear on their faces, as if they were seeing a living Yama.

Li Zhuiyuan raised the back of his hand and wiped away the blood flowing from his nose.

In real life, I'm probably bleeding right now too.

The boy nonchalantly waved his hand, took a few steps forward, and approached the three evil spirits.
Calmly said:
"Wait patiently, I'll be right there for you."

(End of this chapter)