This was a strategy of feigning disinterest to lure the opponent in.
Following Zhuge Abacus’s plan, Shui Miao walked north alone.
Jiang Zhihao and others began packing up the tents as Shui Miao had instructed, preparing to set off in half an hour.
The bodyguards and drivers were paid to do as their employer commanded, and no one dared to utter a word of protest.
After walking nearly five or six hundred meters, Shui Miao found a ditch overgrown with weeds and reeds. He transferred the corpse of the Dog-Eyed Taoist from his spatial ring and tossed it into the underbrush. He then left the spatial ring beside the corpse and covered it with some reeds. After finishing this task, he washed his hands by the river and circled back to the car. At Jiang Zhihao’s command, the convoy started moving along the highway once more.
According to Zhuge Abacus’s analysis, the ghost of the recently deceased would be very weak. To grow stronger quickly, the best method would be to absorb the residual yang essence and spiritual power left in the corpse.
The Dog-Eyed Taoist was a cultivator, and his soul was different from that of ordinary people. If he was indeed the one causing trouble, he would definitely not miss such an opportunity.
Therefore, once he appeared, the rest of the plan would be easy to execute.
The convoy sped forward for about a mile when Shui Miao suddenly ordered a stop, and all the cars turned back along the same route.
Everyone was astonished…
Shui Miao was simply following the plan.
Unfortunately, his actions puzzled Captain Lin. Had he been exposed?
Not daring to be careless, Lin quickly drove his car into a roadside restaurant to observe and wait for developments.
As Zhuge Abacus had predicted, no sooner had the convoy left than the Dog-Eyed Taoist eagerly returned to his corpse and immediately began absorbing the residual yang essence within.
“You’re really blind, not even noticing such a big ring!”
Just as the Dog-Eyed Taoist returned, he heard a man’s voice.
Before he could react, Zhuge Abacus emerged from the spatial ring and used a spell to trap the Taoist’s soul within the corpse. Then, he swiftly sealed the body into the ring and entered it himself.
Realizing he could no longer separate from the corpse, the Dog-Eyed Taoist panicked and shouted at Zhuge Abacus, “Who are you? Why are you doing this to me? Let me go! I’m a disciple of the Taming Sect in the Immortal Realm. If you offend me, my master won’t let you off easily.”
As he found himself and his corpse transported to an unfamiliar place with a large cauldron nearby, the Dog-Eyed Taoist grew even more terrified.
In fact, the cauldron was conjured by Zhuge Abacus using the Fire Spirit.
“The Taming Sect!”
This fellow was remarkably foolish. Perhaps he could extract some useful information from him. Zhuge Abacus narrowed his eyes, stroked his beard, and calmly said, “No wonder you could summon so many crows and weasels. You’re a disciple of the Taming Sect! However, I won’t let you go just yet, because I’m the local guardian deity, recently appointed. You came here to cause trouble and challenge my authority, so I will hand you over to the Immortal Realm’s Law Enforcement Division for punishment.” As he spoke, Zhuge Abacus transformed into a short old man in his seventies or eighties, with white hair and a youthful complexion, wielding a cane, clearly dressed as the Earth God.
“Oh! It’s the Earth God!”
Seeing that his opponent was the Earth God, the Dog-Eyed Taoist felt a surge of hope and inwardly sighed in relief. “Thank goodness I met you, Earth God! Please send me to the Taming Sect in the Nine Heavens—they will surely reward you greatly. I am the disciple of Golden Dog Immortal, the deputy sect leader of the Taming Sect.”
“Hahaha…”
No wonder this kid had such great abilities. Zhuge Abacus stroked his beard and suddenly laughed. “Truly, fortune favors me! I’ve been helping my brothers collect secret cultivation techniques from various sects in the Nine Heavens. Catching you today has saved me a lot of trouble! Come, let me throw you into the cauldron and refine you into a Soul Memory Pill. Once I consume it, I can record the Taming Sect’s techniques onto the Wondrous Book.”
As Zhuge Abacus spoke, he dragged the Taoist’s corpse toward the cauldron. The intense heat from the furnace radiated in waves, each hotter than the last.
“No! Don’t refine me into a pill!”
The Dog-Eyed Taoist never imagined he would encounter a deity obsessed with alchemy. Thinking he was safe, he now realized he had fallen into a tiger’s den.
“Haha, don’t be afraid. In the blink of an eye, this life will be over.” Zhuge Abacus lifted the Taoist, preparing to throw him into the cauldron.
“Stop! Stop! I have something to say!”
In the face of imminent death, people often summon boundless potential and wisdom. Thinking quickly, the Dog-Eyed Taoist blurted out, “You just want the Taming Sect’s spells, right? I’ll tell them to you directly. It’s too much trouble to refine me into a pill. If you spare my life, I’ll not only share the techniques, but I’ll also serve you as a slave forever. Just don’t kill me, and I’ll do anything you ask.”
Desperate to survive, the Dog-Eyed Taoist was willing to do anything.
Upon hearing this, Zhuge Abacus blinked and set the Taoist down. “Actually, I do need a servant to pour tea and serve snacks. Alright, I’ll give you a chance. First, tell me the Taming Sect’s techniques. If you lie even once, I’ll throw you into the cauldron and reduce you to ashes.”
“I swear I won’t lie at all…”
Terrified, the Dog-Eyed Taoist hurriedly and thoroughly revealed every spell and technique he knew, leaving out not a single word.
“Is that all?”
Zhuge Abacus had already obtained what he wanted.
“That’s everything, truly! Master Earth God, I would never dare to lie!” The Taoist wished he could kneel and kowtow hundreds of times to show his sincerity.
“Alright, I’ll go out and test it first.”
Zhuge Abacus vanished and reappeared outside.
At this time, Shui Miao had already returned and picked up the ring from the grass.
This is a strategy of playing hard to get.
Following Zhuge Abacus’s plan, Shui Miao walked north alone.
Jiang Zhihao and the others, as per Shui Miao’s instructions, began packing up the tents. Half an hour later, everyone set off.
The bodyguards and drivers were paid to do their jobs, so whatever the boss said went. No one dared to utter a single unnecessary word.
After walking about five or six hundred meters, Shui Miao found a ditch overgrown with weeds and reeds. He transferred Dog-Eye Taoist’s corpse from the spatial ring and tossed it into the thicket, then discarded the ring nearby and covered it with reeds. After finishing this, he washed his hands in the river, took a detour back to the car, and at Jiang Zhihao’s command, the convoy drove onto the highway and continued their journey.
According to Zhuge Abacus, the ghost of someone who had just died was very weak. The best way for it to gain strength was to absorb the residual yang energy and spiritual power from the corpse, allowing it to grow stronger quickly.
Dog-Eye Taoist was a cultivator, so his soul was different from ordinary people’s. If he was truly the one causing trouble, he would never pass up this opportunity.
So, as long as he showed up, the rest would be easy.
The convoy moved quickly, covering about two li when Shui Miao suddenly ordered a stop and for all vehicles to turn back.
Everyone was stunned…
Shui Miao was acting according to plan.
Unfortunately, Shui Miao’s actions deeply confused Captain Lin. Had he been exposed?
Captain Lin didn’t dare take any chances. He quickly drove his car into a roadside restaurant to wait, observe, and see how things unfolded.
Just as Zhuge Abacus had predicted, as soon as the convoy left, Dog-Eye Taoist eagerly returned to his corpse, immediately possessing it to absorb the residual yang energy.
“You’re really that stupid? Can’t you even see such a big ring!?”
As soon as Dog-Eye Taoist returned, he heard a man’s voice.
Before he could react, Zhuge Abacus emerged from the spatial ring, used a spell to seal Dog-Eye Taoist’s soul inside the corpse, swiftly stored the body back into the ring, and slipped inside himself.
Realizing he was trapped in the corpse, Dog-Eye Taoist panicked and shouted at Zhuge Abacus, “Who are you? Why are you targeting me? Let me go! I’m a disciple of the Beast Taming Sect from the immortal realm. If you offend me, my master won’t let you go!”
Dog-Eye Taoist found himself and his corpse transported to an unfamiliar place with a large alchemy furnace, which only heightened his terror.
In reality, this alchemy furnace was an illusion created by Zhuge Abacus using the Fire Saint’s spirit.
“Beast Taming Sect!”
This guy is really foolish. Might as well extract some more information from him! Zhuge Abacus narrowed his eyes, stroked his beard, and said calmly, “No wonder you could summon so many crows and weasels. So you’re a disciple of the Beast Taming Sect. However, I won’t let you go for now because I am the local land god, newly appointed. Since you’ve come here to cause trouble and disrupt my territory, I’ll hand you over to the Immortal Realm’s Law Enforcement Division for punishment.” As he spoke, Zhuge Abacus transformed into a short, elderly man in his seventies or eighties, with white hair and a youthful face—the very image of an immortal. He held a walking stick, clearly impersonating the Land God.
“Ah! It’s the Land God!”
Seeing that it was the Land God, Dog-Eye Taoist felt a wave of relief wash over him. “You scared me to death, Land God! Thankfully, it’s you. Please hand me over to the Beast Taming Sect of the Ninth Heaven. They will surely reward you handsomely. I am a disciple of the Golden Dog Immortal, the deputy leader of the Beast Taming Sect.”
“Haha…”
No wonder this kid has such great skills. Zhuge Abacus stroked his beard and suddenly laughed. “Heaven really is helping me! I’ve been helping my brother collect the immortal techniques and secret manuals of all the major sects in the Ninth Heaven. Catching you today has saved me a lot of trouble! Come, come… let me throw you into the alchemy furnace to refine you into a Memory Soul Pill. Once I take it, I’ll be able to record the Beast Taming Sect’s demonic arts into the Tome of Wonders.”
As he spoke, Zhuge Abacus dragged Dog-Eye Taoist’s corpse to the edge of the alchemy furnace. The blazing fire emitted waves of scorching heat, each wave hotter than the last…
“Ah! No! Don’t refine me into a pill…”
Dog-Eye Taoist never dreamed he would run into a Land God who loved alchemy. He thought he had narrowly escaped danger, only to find himself in a tiger’s den.
“Haha, don’t be afraid. Blink, and your life will be over.” Zhuge Abacus lifted Dog-Eye Taoist, ready to throw him into the furnace.
“Stop, stop, stop! I have something to say…”
In life-threatening moments, people can always unleash infinite potential and extraordinary wisdom. Dog-Eye Taoist quickly mustered his wits and said, “If you want the Beast Taming Sect’s spells and incantations, I can just tell you directly. Refining me into a pill is too much trouble. If you spare me, not only will I tell you the techniques, but I’m also willing to be your slave for life. Just don’t kill me—I’ll do anything.”
To save his life, Dog-Eye Taoist was truly willing to do anything.
Hearing this, Zhuge Abacus blinked and set Dog-Eye Taoist down. “Now that you mention it, I really could use someone to serve tea and water. Fine, I’ll give you a chance. First, tell me the Beast Taming Sect’s techniques. If you speak even half a lie, I’ll immediately throw you into the furnace and turn you into ashes.”
“I wouldn’t dare lie even a single word…”
Dog-Eye Taoist was terrified out of his wits. He quickly and meticulously recounted all the techniques and spells he knew, leaving out not even half a word.
“That’s all?”
Zhuge Abacus had already obtained everything he wanted.
“That’s all, really! Land God, I wouldn’t dare lie!” Dog-Eye Taoist wished he could kneel and kowtow. If possible, he would have kowtowed hundreds of times to show his sincerity.
“Alright, I’ll go out and test it.”
Zhuge Abacus flashed outside.
By then, Shui Miao had already returned and bent down to pick up the ring from the grass.
Zhuge Abacus materialized beside Shui Miao and smiled slightly. “Seventh Brother, without lifting a finger, I’ve uncovered all his secrets. Try this incantation and see if it can break the demonic curse on you…”
He immediately recited the demonic incantation.
Shui Miao nodded, memorized the incantation, and silently recited it once. Instantly, his mind felt clear, and all the pressure vanished in the blink of an eye. “It works! How amazing! I never thought this demonic curse could be so powerful!?”
“Haha! Glad it works!” Zhuge Abacus nodded. “Seventh Brother, for safety’s sake, you should use your Soul Devouring power to refine him and absorb his memories. They might be of great use to you when you ascend to the immortal realm in the future.”
“Good! Thank you, Fifth Brother.”
Shui Miao couldn’t wait to obtain Dog-Eye Taoist’s memories and find out how Fifth Brother Zhuge Abacus had dealt with him.
Without another word, Zhuge Abacus returned to the Saint Yuan Bracelet.
Shui Miao immediately channeled his immortal power, activated his Soul Devouring ability, entered the ring, and devoured and refined Dog-Eye Taoist’s soul…
By the time Shui Miao returned to the car, Dog-Eye Taoist had been completely refined.
Shui Miao obtained all of Dog-Eye Taoist’s memories and was astonished to discover that Dog-Eye Taoist was also a man of extraordinary encounters and constant great fortune! Unfortunately, he was too attached to the mortal world, especially to women and power. If he had focused solely on cultivation, Shui Miao would never have been a match for him today.
Just the strength of his soul after death was something Shui Miao couldn’t compare to.
What’s more, Dog-Eye Taoist’s memories contained a complete set of the Beast Taming Sect’s immortal techniques, which were profound and marvelous beyond words.
Shui Miao couldn’t help but be fascinated by the Beast Taming Sect’s techniques.
But for now, what Shui Miao admired most was Zhuge Abacus—his wit and strategic mind were almost divine.
“Let’s go. No need to stop now.”
After getting into the car, Shui Miao breathed a sigh of relief and immediately channeled his immortal power, spreading his divine sense…
Everything was calm until he suddenly sensed something unusual. The moment he became aware, he immediately noticed a mysterious female ghost standing on the branch of a withered tree. She was staring coldly in his direction from a distance. Her face was as sharp as a blade, her eyes icy and indifferent, yet her crimson lips radiated a uniquely alluring charm. Her figure… was so exquisite that even a celestial being would envy it!
“Whoosh!”
Suddenly, the female ghost vanished!
Shui Miao was startled and quickly focused his senses, but to his surprise, she had completely disappeared!
So powerful!
To vanish in an instant!!
Shui Miao’s divine sense had an extensive range, yet he couldn’t detect any trace of the female ghost, which showed just how terrifyingly powerful she was.
In the blink of an eye, Old Cai and Old Qin arrived with a large group of ghost enforcers.
Shui Miao called for the convoy to stop, got out of the car, and exchanged a few words with Old Cai and the others. They were relieved to hear Shui Miao was fine. Shui Miao then recalled Jin Chanzi into the Saint Yuan Bracelet, bid farewell to Old Cai and Old Qin, and asked them to send someone to the Yellow Springs Sect to inform Sima Zongheng that he no longer needed to come help.
After this was settled, the convoy continued on its way.
※※※
At dusk, Old Qin rushed to the Yellow Springs Sect to inform Sima Zongheng that his help was no longer needed.
Little Black returned to the mortal world with Old Qin. After they parted ways, Little Black repeatedly used his escape technique to catch up with the convoy.
Halfway there, Little Black was stopped by a female ghost in black robes—the same one Shui Miao had sensed earlier.
“Why the hurry? You won’t get a reward for returning…” The female ghost turned around and coldly stared at Little Black. “Shui Miao is just an ordinary mortal. With your exceptional talent, why are you willing to be his slave?”
“Haha! Beauty, why are you blocking my path?” Little Black, being smooth-tongued, mimicked the female ghost’s tone and retorted, “You’re so beautiful and have such a great figure, yet you stop a member of the opposite sex at dusk. Why is that?”
“Glib tongue… Take this!”
The corners of the female ghost’s lips twitched slightly. She suddenly flashed beside Little Black and thrust her sword straight at his vital spot…
Instantly, Zhuge Abacus recited the curse.
Shui Miao nodded, memorizing it carefully. He silently recited it once and immediately felt his mind become clear, all the oppressive feelings dissipating in a single breath. “It works! Amazing! I never imagined this curse could be so powerful!”
“Haha! Good!” Zhuge Abacus nodded. “Seventh Brother, for safety, you should still use your spirit-devouring power to refine him and obtain his memories. These memories might greatly benefit your ascension to the Immortal Realm in the future.”
“Great! Thank you, Fifth Brother.”
Eager to obtain the Dog-Eyed Taoist’s memories and learn how Zhuge Abacus had dealt with him, Shui Miao couldn’t wait.
Zhuge Abacus wasted no words, immediately returning to the Shengyuan Bracelet.
Shui Miao then activated his immortal energy, channeling his spirit-devouring power into the ring to consume and refine the Dog-Eyed Taoist’s soul.
By the time Shui Miao returned to the car, the Dog-Eyed Taoist had been completely refined.
Shui Miao gained all the Taoist’s memories and was amazed to discover that the Dog-Eyed Taoist had experienced extraordinary encounters and continuous good fortune. Unfortunately, he was too attached to the mortal world, especially to lust and power. Had he focused solely on cultivation, Shui Miao would never have defeated him today.
For instance, in terms of soul strength after death, Shui Miao was far inferior.
Moreover, the Dog-Eyed Taoist’s memories contained a complete set of the Taming Sect’s immortal techniques—profound, intricate, and wondrous.
Shui Miao was deeply fascinated by the Taming Sect’s techniques.
However, what impressed Shui Miao most was Zhuge Abacus—his wisdom and strategy were nothing short of divine.
“Alright, we can continue now without stopping.”
After getting into the car, Shui Miao exhaled in relief and immediately activated his immortal energy, expanding his spiritual senses…
He didn’t intend to sense anything, but upon doing so, he immediately detected a mysterious female ghost standing on a withered tree branch, gazing coldly in his direction. Her face was as sharp and cold as a blade, her eyes icy and chilling, her crimson lips exuding an unusual sensual beauty, and her figure was so exquisite even fairies would envy her.
“Whoosh!”
Suddenly, the female ghost vanished in a flash!
Shui Miao was startled and quickly focused his senses, but to his shock, she had completely disappeared!
So powerful!
She could vanish in an instant!
Shui Miao’s spiritual range was vast, yet he could not detect the ghost’s trace, a testament to her terrifying level of strength.
In no time, Lao Cai and Lao Qin arrived with a group of ghostly soldiers.
Shui Miao called for the car to stop and exchanged a few words with Lao Cai and the others. Knowing Shui Miao was safe, they all relaxed. Shui Miao then recalled Golden Toad into the Shengyuan Bracelet, bid farewell to Lao Cai and Lao Qin, and asked them to send a message to Sima Zongheng at the Yellow Spring Sect, advising him not to come to his aid.
Only after this was settled did the convoy continue forward.
※※※
At dusk,
Lao Qin reached the Yellow Spring Sect and informed Sima Zongheng that there was no longer a need to assist.
Xiao Hei returned to the human world with Lao Qin. After parting ways, Xiao Hei hurriedly used his teleportation technique to catch up with the convoy.
Midway, Xiao Hei was intercepted by a black-robed female ghost—the very same ghost Shui Miao had sensed earlier.
“Why the rush? You won’t be rewarded for returning…” The ghost turned, coldly eyeing Xiao Hei. “Shui Miao is just an ordinary mortal. You have great potential—why would you willingly become his servant?”
“Haha! Beautiful lady, why are you blocking my path?” The Black Snake Demon, eloquent and sharp-tongued, mimicked her tone and countered, “You’re so beautiful, with such a great figure, yet you stop a member of the opposite sex at sunset—why is that?”
“Flippant… Prepare yourself!”
The black-robed female ghost’s lips curled slightly. Suddenly, she flashed to Xiao Hei’s side and thrust her sword directly at his vital spot…
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