Chapter Eighty-Four: Encountering an Old Rival Again

I nodded at Captain Liu, and Yu Wenzhou, his face pale, asked in a trembling voice, "Uncle Tan, what kind of game is this? What are we supposed to do?"

Master gave a faint smile, resting a hand on his shoulder. "Take a look at the four of us," he prompted.

Yu Wenzhou glanced around, dazed. "Four people," he murmured.

Master patted his arm. "Exactly. All right, let’s not waste time. Let’s get started. This isn’t your first time seeing ghosts, so what are you afraid of?"

At the mention of ghosts, Yu Wenzhou looked as if he might burst into tears. Staring into the dark room, he knew he had no choice but to agree. Suddenly, he hugged Master and pleaded, "Uncle Tan, if anything happens, you must save me first. My parents still need me."

Master gave a wry smile and nodded. Then each of us took our positions, facing into the corners. When the game began, I was the first to move. I walked over to Master and patted his shoulder. He then moved to the next corner, where Captain Liu stood. I took Master’s place. We repeated this pattern for three rounds before stopping, each of us facing the corner in silence. Only Yu Wenzhou could be heard muttering nervously. I gave him a quiet warning, and he finally fell silent.

It wasn’t long before I felt a chill drift into the room—an icy wind that seemed to seep right into my bones. I shuddered involuntarily, and a wave of heat rushed through my right arm. Master reacted at the same moment. I knew then that something had entered.

The clicking of high heels echoed behind us, matching the image of the female ghost we’d seen on the surveillance footage—dressed entirely in red, from her gown to her blood-red heels, with only her hair breaking the color. Master, standing beside me in the corner, shot me a look. I nodded slightly in understanding. Yu Wenzhou was on the verge of collapse, struggling not to let out a scream.

I readied myself for battle. Master silently counted down from three. On one, we struck—both of us spinning around. Master unleashed a burst of golden light, while I released the white fish talisman. The female ghost recoiled in surprise, trying to flee through the window, but the white fish was faster, erupting in radiant light and pinning her in place. Master’s golden light followed, and with a shriek, the ghost was thrown back. Regaining her freedom, she vanished in midair. Master rushed to where she’d disappeared, frowning, but I sensed a surge of ghostly energy behind us. Master spun, blocking the ghost’s claws with his hand. I darted behind her, cutting off her escape.

Yu Wenzhou and Captain Liu were paralyzed with fear. Yu Wenzhou’s legs shook uncontrollably as he clung to the edge of the table, while Captain Liu, though more composed due to his experience as a detective, was still visibly shaken—especially after witnessing the golden glow from Master’s hands.

Master and I stood on opposite sides, trapping the ghost between us. To our surprise, she faced us boldly and said, "Filthy priest, how dare you deceive me?"

Master sneered, and with a flick of his wrist, a golden sword appeared in his hand. "Will you surrender peacefully, or must I reduce you to your true form?" he demanded.

The ghost bared her claws, scoffing, "Such arrogance! I’d like to see you try."

With that, she lunged at Master. He just laughed coldly and murmured, "Interesting."

With a sweep of his golden sword, a crescent blade of energy flew toward her. The ghost raised her claws to block, but the energy sent her flying. She steadied herself in midair, looking at Master in disbelief, and tried to vanish again. This time, I didn’t give her the chance—the black and white fish talismans shot from my hands, striking her back with a resounding crack. Caught off guard, she slammed into the wall, panic flickering in her eyes as Master and I approached. Master leveled the golden sword at her. "Still so arrogant?" he challenged.

The ghost tried to escape again, but my white fish flashed with uncanny intelligence, flooding the room with white light. Yu Wenzhou and Captain Liu were dumbstruck, mouths agape as they stared at us.

Bathed in the white light, the ghost emitted waves of sinister energy and screamed in agony. Amid her cries, she shrieked, "Mr. Gu, help me! Save me!"

Both Master and I froze at her words. Suddenly, I sensed a powerful aura surge in through the window, and a shadowy light shattered my white fish. Alarmed, I turned to see a figure flicker into view, coming to stand in front of the weakened ghost, who collapsed at his feet.

As I got a good look at him, I was stunned. Wasn’t this the heretic priest Gu Chenguang, who three years ago tried to steal the soul of the Zhong family’s daughter at the Intercontinental Hotel? Speechless, I couldn’t believe he was here. Not just because he’d broken my white fish, but because his appearance was so utterly unexpected.

Gu Chenguang stood with his hands behind his back, staring at us in silence. I clenched my fists and whispered to Master, "Master, he’s a heretic from Laoshan."

Master nodded, regarding Gu Chenguang intently. Finally, Gu Chenguang spoke. "Lin Xuan, three years have passed and you’ve improved. Do you intend to stand in my way again?"

I frowned. "Gu Chenguang, I never thought you’d show up here. I assumed you were dead."

He snorted. "Even if I die, I’ll take you down with me. Three years ago, you ruined my plans. Are you here to interfere again? Do you think I’m someone you can trifle with?"

"Perhaps you are," I replied. "What, do you want to fight?"

Before Gu Chenguang could reply, Master interrupted, eyeing Gu Chenguang with disdain. Gu Chenguang turned to look at him, sneering, "Well, Lin Xuan, when did you start bringing helpers? Do you think this second-rate priest can stop me?"

Gu Chenguang’s words were as unpleasant as ever. What puzzled me was that he didn’t recognize Master—and even insulted him. I knew Master wouldn’t let that slide, but I had my own thoughts.

Master shook his head, hands behind his back. "Second-rate? Look again before you speak."

With a sweep of his arm, the room was suddenly illuminated by golden light, revealing our faces. Gu Chenguang stared at Master. When the light shone, his expression changed and he involuntarily took a step back. "You... why do you look so much like him? Impossible! It can’t be... you just look similar, that’s all."

Master chuckled. "Who do I look like? Perhaps like this?"

He raised his hand, and a blue lotus appeared above our heads. At the sight of it, Gu Chenguang was even more shocked. Instinctively, he muttered, "Nine-Lotus Lion’s Roar Seal, the Northern Profound Gate’s Three Purities? You’re really Tan Boqing? How can you be here? Weren’t you in seclusion on the Cold Mountain of the North? Is the rumor false?"

Master smiled coldly. "True or false, it matters not. What matters is—"

Before Master could finish, he suddenly flashed forward, sending Gu Chenguang flying with a palm strike and thrusting his golden sword at him. Gu Chenguang, caught off guard, was stunned, but with a metallic clang, he stood unharmed before Master. Master frowned and glanced at his sword’s tip.

There, a spear crackling with silver lightning blocked the blow. Master quickly realized what had happened and turned, shouting at me, "What are you doing?"

I said nothing, stepping up to his side and recalling the Heavenly Chant Breaker into my hand. Looking at Gu Chenguang, who was clutching his chest and bleeding from the corner of his mouth, I told Master, "Master, let me handle this fight. Our grudge began three years ago—now it’s time for me to settle it myself."

Master saw the determination in my eyes and knew he couldn’t dissuade me. With a sigh, he nodded, "Be careful."

I smiled and nodded, while Master stepped back. I faced Gu Chenguang. "Gu Chenguang, let’s settle this one-on-one. Our three-year feud ends tonight—and you will be the one to die."

Gu Chenguang straightened, still holding his chest. He glanced at Master and then snorted, "Boy, don’t get ahead of yourself. Let’s see what you’ve got."

He kept his eyes on Master, wary. I shook my head and pointed the Heavenly Chant Breaker at him. "I said, this is between you and me. No one will interfere, not even my master."

At my words, Gu Chenguang’s attention shifted back to me. "You’re looking for death, boy."

I smiled faintly. "We’ll see about that. Enough talk. Do you people always have to blabber before a fight?"

His face darkened at my retort. "Fine, fine. As long as Tan Boqing doesn’t interfere, let’s see how I destroy you."

Without another word, I charged at Gu Chenguang.