I'm Ximen Qing, living in a ghost story!

I don't know how much time has passed.

The meowing sounds from inside the room gradually subsided. Outside the door, a servant wiped the sweat from his brow and said:

"Young Master! Miss Chunmei has just delivered the tree demon's remains to Immortal Zhou Chun as you instructed, and he has accepted them. Also, Immortal Zhou came to ask when we will set off to investigate the demons in the city. Master also just sent someone to ask, saying that Governor Weng has prepared a victory celebration banquet and invited you to attend."

Squeak.

Ximen Qing pushed open the door and stepped out, his face glowing.

Having just broken through to the sixth level of the Acquired Realm, and further strengthened by dual cultivation, he now appears even more spiritually refined.

As for Cui Ji, he'll probably be bedridden for several days.

Although it may be suspected of "publicizing lewdness in broad daylight," spiritual practice always involves bearing various strange looks.

He's doing this to regain his strength!

"Since Governor Weng has invited us, please go on my behalf. Our family is planning to settle down in Qingzhou, and we need to make connections."

"Keep a close eye on Senior Zhou's situation, and report any instructions to me!"

Yan Chixia left the Ximen residence and went to the city to make preparations.

So at this moment, only Zhou Chun, who was writing a letter to Master Miaoyi of Mount Shu, remained in the mansion.

The tree spirit's remains could only be given to him for his examination.

"As for Zhou Qingyun, isn't she with Xiaoqian keeping Hua Xiaomei company? How come she still has the mind to go to the city?"

"It seems Miss Hua has a strong constitution and, after being treated with spiritual medicine, is out of danger. Fairy Zhou must be worried about the people of the city!"

The person looked up, revealing a delicate and youthful face, yet spoke with impeccable eloquence.

"What's your name?"

Ximen Qing nodded slightly and looked at him.

"My name is Bai Gang. I was in trouble when I was rescued by you, sir, and you bought me and brought me back to your household."

"Where's Laiwang?"

"Brother Lai, my father has just passed away and has gone to handle the funeral arrangements. During this time, I will serve you."

Bai Gang said calmly.

"Butler, please..."

Ximen Qing muttered something to himself.

By the time he arrived, the tragedy had already occurred. The fox demon had killed more than half of the elderly members of the Ximen family, which was truly hateful!

Unfortunately, the skill he possessed was only "Inquiry," not "Resurrection."

"When my father comes back, remember to tell him to write down the list of the victims and provide regular pensions for their descendants. If they have no descendants, go to the city one day, gather some children, change their names and surnames, and let them carry on the family line."

Ximen Qing waved his hand.

In this monstrous world where human life is as worthless as grass, such an act can be described as extravagant.

A hint of surprise flashed in Bai Gang's eyes, then he cupped his hands in greeting and said, "Young Master is kind!"

These words, however, caused a hint of embarrassment to flash across Ximen Qing's face.

Although he claimed to protect the entire city of Qingzhou, he couldn't even protect his own servants, which is truly a dark irony.

"Alright, you can go now."

Ximen Qing was no longer in the mood to continue the conversation.

It flew straight onto the roof and looked out over the courtyard.

At this moment, apart from the towering pagoda, there is no trace of the original Lotus Leaf Temple in the Ximen mansion—destruction is always easier than construction.

The fox demon's wanton actions turned half the courtyard into ruins.

Even the wall of the main hall was smashed open by Shi Zhipu.

General Hu Fen was leading a large group of state soldiers and laborers to repair the courtyard, and took this opportunity to restore the temple's scenery.

Of course, all the supplies were provided by the government, which could be seen as a disguised reward for Ximen Qing's protection of Qingzhou.

As the apparent head of the household, Simonda was so busy that he was no longer at home.

Countless wealthy families and officials in the city were eager to cultivate relationships with Ximen Qing, but since they couldn't invite him, they had no choice but to focus their attention on Ximen Da.

In conclusion, after this battle, the Ximen family has firmly established itself in Qingzhou, and everything is starting to recover.

The future is sure to be full of vitality, with all things flourishing.

"What are you looking at from that high up?"

Just as Ximen Qing was feeling triumphant, a faint voice sounded from behind him.

"What a coincidence, I was just looking for you. How is Senior Zhou?"

Ximen Qing didn't even turn his head; he had already guessed who the newcomer was.

Zhou Qingyun jumped to his side and said, "He's studying your wooden stick, his brows are practically twisted into a knot, but he still won't budge and won't let me go to Guobei County with him!"

"Of course! This journey is truly perilous. You should stay in Qingzhou, or head south to Huangshan first. If you can persuade your master, Master Canlu, to come and help, that would be even better!"

Ximen Qing agreed with Zhou Chun's choice and even gave Zhou Qingyun some advice.

Then Zhou Qingyun rolled her eyes in return.

"What are you talking about! Our strengths are about the same, so why should I be relegated to the rear?"

Upon hearing this, Ximen Qing almost burst out laughing, revealing a sly expression as he said:

"Junior Sister! I almost killed that fox demon the night before last. If I had known how powerful the Yin Spirit was and had a way to counter it, your father and Senior Yan wouldn't have needed to lift a finger! I could have dealt with it all by myself."

"Bullshit! The strength of a Xiantian cultivator lies in the fact that their physical body doesn't exist; they can escape with their Yin spirit. You merely shattered that fox demon's physical body, and you're already so arrogant?!"

Zhou Qingyun stubbornly refuted, but she couldn't help but show a hint of admiration on her face as she looked at the three-story stone pagoda standing amidst the rubble in the courtyard.

"However, your stone pagoda is truly a treasure! Even my father said the material is of excellent quality! I really don't know where you got it from."

Ximen Qing followed her gaze and couldn't help but sigh inwardly.

It's good!

But this thing can't be taken back!

Chao Gai's Bluestone Pagoda

The main body is this size, so it's impossible to store it in a waist bag like a gold brick.

He didn't have any mystical items like a dantian that could store magical treasures.

He had also inquired about Zhou Qingyun's gourd; it could only hold light items, and the weight would increase with each use, so it couldn't hold too much.

Even powerful figures like Yan Chixia and Zhou Chun held their flying swords directly in their hands, carrying them in sword cases and scabbards on ordinary days.

He had previously complained to Zhou Qingyun: "I'm cultivating immortality, but I still don't have any storage equipment."

Then Zhou Qingyun treated him like a monster.

The Sumeru Mustard Seed—what incredible power that is! It could probably only be mastered by the legendary White-Browed Immortal who reached the Ascension Realm, or perhaps by some ancient divine artifact.

How could we possibly even dream of such a thing?

Ximen Qing thought about it and realized it made sense. Storage equipment, to be honest, is quite technically advanced; it's not like playing a game where you just have a bunch of equipment slots.

Ahem, I've gone off on a tangent.

Since it can't be stored away, the stone pagoda will have to stay here for now.

After all, this thing is quite heavy to lift. When Ximen Qing drew it from the card, it took a lot of effort to carry it back to Lianye Temple from the middle of the road.

When we return to Guobei County, we'll definitely need to find a car to tow us; we can't really be a "Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King" all the way.