What do you mean by saying that the corpses I sew are all ominous creatures?

For the rest of the voyage, we didn't discuss those heavy topics again.

Instead, they chatted casually about local customs and traditions, as well as some strange and unusual stories from within the industry.

Zhang Xuanqing is very knowledgeable, and his occasional insights into spiritual practice have always been very helpful to me.

The two-hour flight passed in the blink of an eye.

As the plane landed smoothly, the view outside the window transformed into the familiar airport runway of Jiangcheng.

Stepping out of the cabin and walking along the jet bridge, the unique, slightly humid air of Jiangcheng hit me.

Although today was a cloudy day turning to light rain, and the sky seemed a bit gloomy, the familiar scent still made me feel at ease.

Neither Zhang Xuanqing nor I checked in any luggage; we simply walked through the VIP passage towards the exit.

As soon as I reached the exit of the arrival hall, I saw a familiar figure in the crowd, tiptoeing and peering inside.

He was a young man in his early twenties, wearing a casual jacket.

Although his face was still a little pale, he looked to be in very good spirits and his eyes were bright.

Upon closer inspection of his face, I realized it was Zhou Ming.

I didn't inform Jin Wanliang and Lu Yan when I came back this time, but I didn't expect that someone would come to pick me up at the airport.

But then I thought about it again, and realized that he must have come specifically to pick up Zhang Xuanqing.

I haven't seen him since I pulled him out of that coffin in Zhoujia Village.

He was tortured to the point of near death and was unconscious the whole time. Later, people from the Jiangcheng branch arrived and sent him to the hospital.

Zhou Ming clearly saw us too. His eyes lit up, and he quickly waved to greet us.

"master!"

Zhou Ming strode up to Zhang Xuanqing and respectfully performed the etiquette of a junior in the Daoist sect, his eyes filled with awe and admiration.

Zhang Xuanqing stopped and looked him up and down.

A hint of relief appeared on his originally serious face, but his tone remained stern: "Hmm, it seems that your blood and qi have recovered fairly well."

You've kept up with your studies while you've been in Wuhan, haven't you?

If I find out you're using your injury as an excuse to slack off, I'll teach you a lesson you won't forget.

Zhou Ming shrank back after being scolded and quickly assured everyone, "How could that be, Master? I meditate and practice Qi cultivation on time every day."

"My senior apprentice also keeps an eye on me, so I absolutely dare not slack off!"

Zhang Xuanqing nodded in satisfaction and said nothing more.

Then, Zhou Ming turned his head and his gaze fell on me.

The awe on his face instantly transformed into an overwhelming sense of excitement and gratitude.

He took a step forward and suddenly bowed deeply to me.

"Brother Chen!"

Zhou Ming's voice trembled slightly with excitement.

"Last time in Zhoujia Village... we really owe you a lot."

If you hadn't single-handedly stormed in, I probably would have lost my life there long ago.

I was unconscious at the time, and it was only after I woke up in the hospital that Tie Ge told me what had happened.

I've been wanting to thank you in person, but you've been so busy lately that I haven't had the chance.

Seeing his serious expression, I smiled helplessly and reached out to help him up.

"Alright, stop with the fluff."

We're all on the same side, how could I stand idly by in that situation?

As long as you're alive and kicking right now, that's all that matters.

Zhou Ming straightened up, looked at me, his eyes full of admiration:

"Brother Chen, I'm not very good with words, but I'll be ready to go through fire and water for you in the future..."

Upon hearing this, I quickly interrupted him: "Stop, stop, we don't do that."

"Alright, there are too many people and too much chatter here. Let's leave the airport first."

"Yes, yes, the car is already waiting outside."

Zhou Ming quickly turned to the side and led the way.

"Master, Brother Chen, this way."

My uncle has an urgent meeting at the bureau today and can't get away, so he specifically asked me to pick you up.

Let's go back to the city first. I've already booked a place to welcome you back.

I nodded and followed them out of the terminal, getting into a spacious minivan.

Looking out the car window at the familiar streets of Jiangcheng, I slowly leaned back in my seat.

About half an hour later, the vehicle slowly came to a stop.

The restaurant arranged by Zhou Ming was a private restaurant on the riverside avenue in Jiangcheng, with a quiet and secluded environment.

The private room's floor-to-ceiling windows offer a view of the misty, rain-drenched river.

We arrived at the private room at around 4 p.m.

Although it wasn't mealtime yet, considering we had been up and about in the air for several hours, Zhou Ming thoughtfully had the kitchen prepare a few exquisite tea snacks to tide us over.

Zhang Xuanqing sat in the main seat, sipping tea while listening to Zhou Ming report on the situation in Jiangcheng during this period.

From the time I spent meditating and practicing breathing exercises every day, to the small field missions I took with the special task force of the Folklore Bureau.

Zhou Ming explained everything in great detail, afraid of missing any detail that might displease his master.

I sat to the side, quietly sipping my tea, watching the interaction between the master and apprentice, a smile playing on my lips.

About twenty minutes later, the door to the private room was pushed open.

Lu Yan, wearing a white shirt and flat leather shoes, walked in quickly.

Her hair was simply tied into a ponytail, and her face showed a hint of fatigue from just finishing a meeting, but her eyes were still sharp and bright.

"Senior brother."

After entering, Lu Yan quickly walked up to Zhang Xuanqing and greeted him respectfully.

Then, turning her head and looking at me, the corners of her previously tense mouth slightly turned up, and a faint smile appeared on her face.

"Chen Yang, welcome back."

I also got a briefing on the situation in western Hunan; well done.

"Director Lu, you're too kind. I'm just doing my job because I'm being paid to do my job."

The General Administration's reward this time is very generous; I'm not at a loss.

I made a joke.

Lu Yan rolled her eyes at me and sat down in the empty seat next to Zhang Xuanqing.

She picked up the hot tea Zhou Ming had just poured and took a sip, then let out a long sigh of relief.

"These past few days, several inspection teams from the provincial bureau have come down. We've been having meetings every day, and all sorts of reports are giving me a headache."

I managed to squeeze out some time today.

Zhang Xuanqing looked at his junior sister, a hint of heartache flashing in his eyes, and his tone softened considerably:

"Jiangcheng Branch has just gone through a bloody battle and is in a time of great need for reconstruction. It is indeed not an easy job for you to be the director."

However, those who cultivate themselves must not let worldly affairs disturb their resolve; they should relinquish authority when necessary.

"I know, senior brother." Lu Yan nodded.

Then, the kitchen began serving the dishes.

The atmosphere at the dinner was very harmonious, and everyone ate while exchanging recent information.

Afterwards, Zhang Xuanqing told Lu Yan about his plan, which he had mentioned to me on the plane, to go to the ancestral graves in Zhoujia Village to investigate clues.

After hearing this, Lu Yan immediately sat up straight: "Senior brother, I'll arrange for a team of action personnel to assist you tomorrow."

"Need not."

Zhang Xuanqing waved his hand, refusing very decisively.

"I just went to try my luck and see if I could find any clues."

Too many people going can easily disrupt the atmosphere of the event; it's more convenient for me to go alone.

You just stay here at the station and keep things under control; don't worry about me.