Zhuge Suapan’s actions might seem abrupt, but they were actually wise.
His soul was currently weak, no different from ordinary ghosts.
To survive, he must find a master. This was the survival rule for a strategist.
With the destruction of the Yellow Spring Patriarch, if he returned to the underworld in his current state, it wouldn’t be long before a ghost general either destroyed him or forced him to serve as a strategist. For a wise strategist, finding a trustworthy master was particularly important. Now, following Shui Miao was clearly the wise choice.
Zhu-ge Abacus’s actions might seem abrupt, but they were actually quite wise.
His spirit was currently weak, no different from an ordinary ghost.
To survive, he needed to find a master—this was the survival rule for a strategist.
With the Yellow Spring Ancestor destroyed, if he returned with his current level of strength, it wouldn’t be long before some ghost general either eliminated him or forced him into servitude as a strategist. For a wise strategist, finding a trustworthy master was especially important. At this point, following Shui Miao was the most sensible move.
If nothing else, just the Nine Cauldrons Alchemy Furnace and Shui Miao’s strength were more than enough reasons.
Moreover, in the current situation, only Shui Miao could unite the Yellow Spring Sect.
But for Zhu-ge Abacus, the most crucial aspect was that Shui Miao was upright and just, with a clear distinction between gratitude and resentment.
Shui Miao was slightly taken aback but quickly helped Zhu-ge Abacus up. “Senior Zhu-ge, how could I possibly have the capability to be your master? If you don’t mind, let’s be friends. If you truly think highly of me, we could even become brothers.” Compared to before, Shui Miao’s mind was now much more agile. His thinking was simple: if for no other reason, the fact that Zhu-ge Abacus had stood by his side in a moment of crisis made him worth befriending.
“You… you actually think so highly of me?!”
Zhu-ge Abacus was somewhat incredulous. Having spent so long in the underworld, he had seen plenty—the strong always looked down on the weak, never regarding them as equals. It was nearly impossible for someone strong to befriend someone weak without an ulterior motive. Yet here was Shui Miao, speaking so sincerely, which truly left him astounded.
Shui Miao smiled faintly and grasped Zhu-ge Abacus’s hand. “Then it’s settled. From now on, you’ll be my elder brother. Elder brother, please accept this bow from your younger brother!” Having acquired the Yellow Spring Ancestor’s memories, Shui Miao knew that this Zhu-ge Abacus was exceptionally clever and resourceful. With his assistance in the future, many matters could likely be handled with ease. Even his own doubts might be easily resolved by him.
So, bowing to this elder brother was no loss.
Zhu-ge Abacus hurriedly helped Shui Miao up, repeatedly saying he didn’t deserve it.
Old Cai and the others, seeing this, chuckled warmly, for they too could see the tremendous benefits Shui Miao would gain from taking over the Yellow Spring Sect.
“By the way, I have an idea…”
A thought struck Shui Miao, and he summoned Bai Feng from the Sacred Yuan Ring. Addressing everyone present, he said, “It’s rare for us to share such like-minded camaraderie. I propose we all swear brotherhood and become siblings. From now on, let’s treat each other with sincerity, assist one another, and together carve out a place for ourselves in this world. What do you say?”
“Great! I have no objections…”
Old Cai was the first to agree, glancing at Bai Feng.
“Sure, I’m already Shui Miao’s sister anyway,” Bai Feng said with a light smile, then turned to Zhu-ge Abacus. “Hey, you look unhappy. What’s the matter?”
“Uh…” Zhu-ge Abacus quickly waved his hands. “It’s not that I’m unhappy—I just feel too weak…”
“I don’t think you’re weak at all,” Shui Miao said, shaking his head with a smile. “What about you, Old Qin?”
“Huh? There’s… there’s a place for me too?!”
Old Qin had thought Shui Miao wouldn’t include him. Seeing that Shui Miao valued him, he broke into a wide grin.
Shui Miao shook his head again with a smile, then thought of Fox Demon Seventh Sister, Little Potato, Golden Toad, and Black Snake Demon. “By the way, I have a few other friends. I’ll gather them later to join the oath. For now, let’s head to the Yellow Spring Sect, retrieve the Yellow Spring Ancestor’s treasures, refine some elixirs, and boost everyone’s cultivation.”
“Agreed!”
“Excellent!”
Everyone unanimously agreed. Gaining benefits and enhancing their strength—naturally, they were all in favor.
Thus, Shui Miao and the group returned to the Yellow Spring Sect.
To their surprise, Sima Zongheng was also still alive and had returned.
Sima Zongheng had been waiting with the ghost generals for the Yellow Spring Ancestor’s return but instead encountered Shui Miao and Zhu-ge Abacus.
“Haha, Senior Sima Zongheng, we meet again.”
Shui Miao and the others suddenly appeared in the central hall, startling a large group of ghost generals who quickly surrounded them.
“It seems heaven is fair after all!” Zhu-ge Abacus glanced at Sima Zongheng, then turned to address the ghost generals loudly. “Brothers, I must remind you—that imposter Ye Xian has been destroyed. The Yellow Spring Ancestor, treacherous and deceitful, has also been eliminated by our new ancestor, Brother Shui Miao. As the saying goes, ‘The wise adapt to circumstances.’ If you wish to continue cultivating here, kneel and pay respects to your new ancestor!”
His words caused an uproar. The ghost generals paled and began whispering among themselves.
Sima Zongheng’s eyes darted shrewdly, and he coldly shouted, “Don’t listen to him! The Ancestor has achieved the Thunder Soul Body and must have ascended to the immortal realm. There’s no way he could have been killed by some nobody. Zhu-ge Abacus betrayed the Ancestor before and is now colluding with outsiders to usurp the Ancestor’s position. Everyone, don’t be fooled! Let’s join forces and eliminate them!”
“Kill me?”
Shui Miao stepped slowly toward Sima Zongheng. “Sima Zongheng, I originally admired your talent and intended to let you continue managing the Yellow Spring Sect. Yet you remain unrepentant, even willing to drag so many innocent ghost generals to their doom. What are you thinking? Do you believe we’re here boasting and planning to clean up the Yellow Spring Sect’s mess with mere words?”
As he spoke, Shui Miao summoned a ball of lightning and hurled it at two ghost generals who raised their broadswords to attack. The powerful Supreme Divine Thunder instantly vaporized them.
“…”
Witnessing this, many ghost generals were terrified and dared not act rashly.
It was worth noting that the two ghost generals Shui Miao had just eliminated were among the Yellow Spring Sect’s top commanders.
Sima Zongheng was also stunned. “What was that just now?”
“Supreme Divine Thunder,” Shui Miao replied with a faint smile. “Would you like to experience its power firsthand?”
“…”
Sima Zongheng was speechless, unsure how to respond.
Even if he were at his peak, his strength was not much greater than that of the two ghost generals just vanquished. If struck by that lightning, the outcome would be predictable.
Seeing that Shui Miao seemed reluctant to kill Sima Zongheng, Zhu-ge Abacus frowned and stepped forward. “Brother Sima, take a longer view. Brother Shui Miao is righteous and fair, and he holds you in high regard. Why persist in folly and risk utter annihilation? I believe that if you follow Brother Shui Miao for a while, you’ll understand what human warmth truly means.”
“Human warmth?!”
Sima Zongheng looked at Zhu-ge Abacus in disbelief. “Zhu-ge Abacus, we’ve been rivals for over a century, and this is the first time I’ve heard you speak like this. You actually trust someone so deeply—it’s beyond my expectations. But unfortunately, he won’t spare me. I nearly killed him before!”
“Haha!”
Shui Miao laughed heartily. “As they say, ‘No discord, no concord.’ If I were narrow-minded and vindictive, it wouldn’t have been the ghost generals who died just now—it would have been you, Sima Zongheng. Now, on behalf of the countless ghost soldiers and generals of the Yellow Spring Sect, I sincerely ask you to stay and help manage the sect. Will you?”
“Brother Sima, don’t be foolish any longer!” Zhu-ge Abacus urged excitedly. “Brother Shui Miao has no interest in this place. He’s only doing this to help the Yellow Spring Sect clean up the mess!”
Sima Zongheng paused, lowered his head in thought, then suddenly exhaled deeply. “Enough talk. This subordinate pays respects to the Ancestor!”
“Boom!”
Sima Zongheng knelt before Shui Miao.
Seeing this, countless ghost generals followed suit, dropping to their knees in unison…
Moreover, under current circumstances, only Shui Miao could unify the Yellow Spring Sect.
But for Zhuge Suapan, the most important aspect was that Shui Miao was loyal and righteous, clearly distinguishing between gratitude and grievances.
Shui Miao was slightly taken aback, then hurriedly helped Zhuge Suapan up. “Senior Zhuge, how could I possibly be capable of being your master! If you don’t mind, let’s just be friends. If you really do respect me, then we can even be brothers.” Compared to before, Shui Miao had become much more adaptable in his thinking. His reasoning was simple: just because Zhuge Suapan had stood by him in a moment of crisis, this friend was worth making.
“You… you actually regard me so highly?!”
Zhuge Suapan found it hard to believe. In the underworld, he had seen too much of the strong looking down upon the weak, never giving the weak a second glance. It was almost impossible for a powerful individual to genuinely befriend a weaker one without ulterior motives. Now, Shui Miao had spoken so sincerely, which made it all the more unbelievable.
Shui Miao smiled slightly and took Zhuge Suapan’s hand. “Then it’s settled. From now on, you’re my elder brother. Elder brother, please accept this bow from your younger brother!” Having absorbed the memories of the Yellow Spring Patriarch, Shui Miao knew how brilliant Zhuge Suapan was—truly wise and resourceful. With his assistance in the future, many matters would be easily resolved, and even his own doubts might be effortlessly clarified.
Therefore, bowing to this elder brother was not a loss.
Zhuge Suapan hurriedly helped Shui Miao up, repeatedly saying he dared not accept such respect.
Seeing this, Old Cai and the others smiled happily, as they had all witnessed the great benefits of Shui Miao taking over the Yellow Spring Sect.
“By the way, I have an idea…”
A thought suddenly occurred to Shui Miao, so he summoned Bai Feng from the Holy Yuan Ring. In front of everyone, he said, “We’re all gathered here in great spirits today. I propose we swear a brotherhood and sisterhood together. From now on, we’ll treat each other sincerely, assist one another, and create our own world together under the heavens. How does that sound?”
“Great! I have no objections…”
Old Cai was the first to agree, glancing at Bai Feng.
“Sure, after all, I’m already Shui Miao’s elder sister.” Bai Feng smiled slightly and looked at Zhuge Suapan. “Hey, you look reluctant. What’s wrong?”
“Uh…” Zhuge Suapan quickly waved his hands. “It’s not that I’m reluctant; I just feel I’m too weak…”
“I don’t think you’re weak at all,” Shui Miao shook his head and smiled. “What about you, Old Qin?”
“Huh? Me too? You’re including me!?”
Old Qin thought Shui Miao wouldn’t include him. Upon realizing Shui Miao respected him, he immediately grinned.
Zhu-ge Abacus’s actions might seem abrupt, but they were actually quite wise.
His spirit was currently weak, no different from an ordinary ghost.
To survive, he needed to find a master—this was the survival rule for a strategist.
With the Yellow Spring Ancestor destroyed, if he returned with his current level of power, it wouldn’t be long before some ghost general either eliminated him or forced him into servitude as a strategist. For a wise strategist, finding a trustworthy master was especially important. At this point, following Shui Miao was the smartest move.
If nothing else, just the Nine Cauldrons Alchemy Furnace and Shui Miao’s strength were more than enough reasons.
Moreover, in the current situation, only Shui Miao could unite the Yellow Spring Sect.
But for Zhu-ge Abacus, the most important thing was that Shui Miao was righteous and fair, with a clear sense of gratitude and grudges.
Shui Miao was slightly taken aback but quickly helped Zhu-ge Abacus up. “Senior Zhu-ge, how could I possibly be worthy of being your master? If you don’t mind, let’s be friends. If you truly think highly of me, we could even become brothers.” Compared to before, Shui Miao’s mind was now much more agile. His thoughts were simple: if for no other reason, the fact that Zhu-ge Abacus had stood by his side in a moment of crisis made him worth befriending.
“You… you actually think so highly of me?!”
Zhu-ge Abacus was somewhat incredulous. Having spent so much time in the underworld, he had seen plenty—the strong always looked down on the weak, never regarding them as equals. It was nearly impossible for a strong individual to befriend a weaker one without ulterior motives. Yet here was Shui Miao, speaking so sincerely—it was truly hard for him to believe.
Shui Miao smiled faintly, grasping Zhu-ge Abacus’s hand. “Then it’s settled. From now on, you’ll be my elder brother. Elder brother, please accept this bow from your younger brother!” Having acquired the Yellow Spring Ancestor’s memories, Shui Miao knew that this Zhu-ge Abacus was exceptionally clever, a master strategist. With his help in the future, many matters could likely be handled with ease. Even his own doubts might be easily resolved by him.
So, bowing to this elder brother was no loss.
Zhu-ge Abacus hurriedly helped Shui Miao up, repeatedly saying he didn’t deserve it.
Old Cai and the others, seeing this, chuckled warmly, for they too could see the tremendous benefits Shui Miao would gain from taking over the Yellow Spring Sect.
“By the way, I have an idea…”
A thought occurred to Shui Miao, and he summoned Bai Feng from the Sacred Yuan Ring. Addressing everyone present, he said, “Since we all share such a strong rapport, I propose we all become sworn siblings. From now on, let’s treat each other with sincerity, assist one another, and together carve out a place for ourselves in this world. How does that sound?”
“Great! I have no objections…”
Old Cai was the first to agree, glancing at Bai Feng.
“Sure, I’m already Shui Miao’s sister anyway,” Bai Feng said with a light smile, then turned to Zhu-ge Abacus. “Hey, you look unhappy. What’s the matter?”
“Uh…” Zhu-ge Abacus quickly waved his hands. “It’s not that I’m unhappy—I just feel too weak…”
“I don’t think you’re weak at all,” Shui Miao said, shaking his head with a smile. “What about you, Old Qin?”
“Ah? There’s… there’s a share for me too?!”
Old Qin had thought Shui Miao wouldn’t include him. Seeing that Shui Miao valued him, he broke into a wide grin.
Shui Miao shook his head again with a laugh, then thought of Fox Demon Seventh Sister, Little Potato, Golden Toad, and Black Snake Demon. “By the way, I have a few other friends. I’ll gather them later to join the oath. For now, let’s head to the Yellow Spring Sect, retrieve the Yellow Spring Ancestor’s treasures, refine some elixirs, and boost everyone’s cultivation.”
“Agreed!”
“Great!”
Everyone unanimously agreed. Gaining benefits and boosting their cultivation—naturally, they were all in favor.
So, Shui Miao and the group returned to the Yellow Spring Sect.
To their surprise, Sima Zongheng was also still alive and had returned.
Sima Zongheng had been waiting with the ghost generals for the Yellow Spring Ancestor’s return but instead encountered Shui Miao and Zhu-ge Abacus.
“Haha, Senior Sima Zongheng, we meet again.”
Shui Miao and the others suddenly appeared in the central hall, startling the crowd of ghost generals who quickly surrounded them.
“It seems heaven is fair after all!” Zhu-ge Abacus glanced at Sima Zongheng, then turned to the ghost generals and announced loudly, “Brothers, I must remind you—that imposter Ye Xian has been destroyed. The Yellow Spring Ancestor, treacherous and deceitful, has also been eliminated by our new ancestor, Brother Shui Miao. As the saying goes, ‘The wise adapt to circumstances.’ If you wish to continue cultivating here, kneel and pay respects to your new ancestor!”
His words caused an uproar. The ghost generals paled and began whispering among themselves.
Sima Zongheng’s eyes darted around, and he coldly shouted, “Don’t listen to him! The Ancestor has achieved the Thunder Soul Body and must have ascended to the immortal realm. There’s no way he could have been killed by some nobody. Zhu-ge Abacus betrayed the Ancestor before and is now colluding with outsiders to usurp the Ancestor’s position. Don’t be fooled! Let’s join forces and eliminate them!”
“Kill me?”
Shui Miao stepped toward Sima Zongheng. “Sima Zongheng, I initially admired your talent and wanted you to continue managing the Yellow Spring Sect. I never expected you to remain unrepentant, willing to drag so many innocent ghost generals to their doom. What are you thinking? Do you think we’re just boasting and plan to clean up the Yellow Spring Sect’s mess with mere words?”
As he spoke, Shui Miao summoned a ball of lightning and hurled it at two ghost generals who raised their blades to attack. The powerful Supreme Divine Thunder instantly vaporized them.
“…”
Witnessing this, many ghost generals were terrified and hesitated to act.
It was worth noting that the two ghost generals Shui Miao had just eliminated were among the top commanders of the Yellow Spring Sect.
Sima Zongheng was also stunned. “What was that just now?”
“Supreme Divine Thunder,” Shui Miao replied with a faint smile. “Would you like to experience its power firsthand?”
“…”
Sima Zongheng was speechless, unsure how to respond.
Even if he were at his peak, his strength was not much greater than that of the two ghost generals. If struck by that lightning, the outcome would be predictable.
Seeing that Shui Miao seemed reluctant to kill Sima Zongheng, Zhu-ge Abacus frowned and stepped forward. “Brother Sima, think long-term. Brother Shui Miao is righteous and fair, and he values you highly. Why persist in your stubbornness and risk complete annihilation? I believe that if you follow Brother Shui Miao for a while, you’ll understand what true humanity feels like.”
“Humanity?!”
Sima Zongheng looked at Zhu-ge Abacus in disbelief. “Zhu-ge Abacus, we’ve been rivals for over a century, and this is the first time I’ve heard you speak like this. You actually trust someone so much—it’s truly beyond my expectations. But unfortunately, he won’t spare me. I nearly killed him before!”
“Haha!”
Shui Miao laughed heartily. “As they say, ‘No discord, no concord.’ If I were a petty, vindictive person, you would have been the one to die just now, not those ghost generals. Now, on behalf of the countless ghost soldiers and generals of the Yellow Spring Sect, I sincerely ask you to stay and help manage the sect. Will you?”
“Brother Sima, don’t be foolish any longer!” Zhu-ge Abacus urged excitedly. “Brother Shui Miao doesn’t even care about this place. He’s only doing this to help the Yellow Spring Sect clean up this mess!”
Sima Zongheng paused, lowered his head in thought, then suddenly exhaled deeply. “Enough talk. This subordinate pays respects to the Ancestor!”
“Boom!”
Sima Zongheng knelt before Shui Miao.
Seeing this, the multitude of ghost generals followed suit, dropping to their knees in unison…
“Great!”
“Sounds good!”
Everyone actually said yes simultaneously. Naturally, everyone was happy to accept benefits and improve their cultivation.
Thus, Shui Miao returned to the Yellow Spring Sect with everyone.
To everyone’s surprise, Sima Zongheng was also alive and had returned.
Sima Zongheng had been waiting with the ghost generals for the Yellow Spring Patriarch’s return, but instead met Shui Miao and Zhuge Suapan.
“Ha ha, Senior Sima Zongheng, we meet again.”
Shui Miao and the others suddenly appeared in the central hall, startling the group of ghost generals who immediately surrounded them.
“Looks like heaven is indeed fair!” Zhuge Suapan glanced at Sima Zongheng and then turned to the ghost generals, shouting loudly, “Brothers, I must remind you all that the impostor Ye Xian, who pretended to be the Patriarch, has already been destroyed. The Yellow Spring Patriarch was treacherous and deceitful and has now been eliminated by our new Patriarch, my younger brother Shui Miao. As the saying goes, those who understand the times are heroes. If you all wish to continue cultivating here, kneel and pay homage to your new Patriarch!”
This announcement stirred a great uproar. Upon hearing this, the ghost generals’ expressions changed, and they began whispering among themselves.
Sima Zongheng’s eyes flickered, then he coldly shouted, “Don’t listen to him! The Patriarch has already perfected the Thunder Soul Body and must have ascended to the Immortal Realm. There’s no way he could have been killed by such an unknown nobody. Zhuge Suapan previously betrayed the Patriarch, and now he colludes with outsiders to usurp the Patriarch’s position. Don’t be deceived. Let’s unite and kill them!”
“Kill me?”
Shui Miao stepped slowly toward Sima Zongheng. “Sima Zongheng, I originally admired your talent and wanted you to stay and maintain the Yellow Spring Sect. I never expected you to remain corrupt, dragging so many innocent ghost generals to their deaths. What were you thinking? Do you think we’re just here to talk and fix the mess of the Yellow Spring Sect with words?”
As he spoke, Shui Miao simultaneously conjured a ball of lightning and hurled it at two ghost generals who had raised their swords to attack. The powerful Supreme Divine Thunder instantly reduced the two to nothingness.
…
This scene startled many ghost generals, who now dared not act rashly.
After all, the two ghost generals just destroyed by Shui Miao were top-tier warriors of the Yellow Spring Sect.
Sima Zongheng was also stunned. “What was that just now?”
“The Supreme Divine Thunder.”
Shui Miao smirked slightly. “Would you like to personally experience its power?”
…
Sima Zongheng froze, not knowing how to respond.
Seeing that Shui Miao seemed reluctant to kill Sima Zongheng, Zhuge Suapan furrowed his brows and stepped forward. “Brother Sima, think long-term. My younger brother Shui Miao is loyal and righteous, clearly distinguishing between gratitude and grievances, and he values you highly. Why stubbornly insist on a path leading to your own destruction? I believe that if you follow my younger brother for a while, you’ll understand what true camaraderie means.”
“True camaraderie!?”
Sima Zongheng looked at Zhuge Suapan in disbelief. “Zhuge Suapan, you and I have been competing for over a century. This is the first time I’ve heard you speak like this. You actually trust someone so much, which is truly unexpected. But unfortunately, he won’t spare me. I nearly killed him before!”
“Haha!”
Shui Miao laughed heartily. “As the saying goes, a fight can lead to friendship. If I were a petty person who held grudges and sought revenge for every slight, the one dead now wouldn’t be the ghost general but you, Sima Zongheng. Now, I, Shui Miao, humbly ask you on behalf of countless ghost soldiers and generals of the Yellow Spring Sect—please stay and help manage the sect!”
“Brother Sima, don’t be foolish anymore!”
Zhuge Suapan urged passionately, “My younger brother Shui Miao doesn’t even care about this place. He’s only doing this to help the Yellow Spring Sect recover!”
Sima Zongheng paused, lowered his head in thought, then suddenly exhaled and said, “Enough talk. Your servant pays homage to the Patriarch!”
“Boom!”
Sima Zongheng knelt before Shui Miao.
Seeing this, many ghost generals followed suit, kneeling one after another…
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage