Chapter 16: Master Qingyang

The next day.

Chen Fan woke up feeling refreshed. Looking at his two sisters still sound asleep, their faces etched with exhaustion, a satisfied smile crept onto his lips.

Meanwhile, rumors about the Su family's ancestral tomb in Dongyang County were growing increasingly rampant.

“Have you heard? Yesterday, someone from the Fan family went to the Su ancestral tomb and was nearly devoured by the Su ancestors themselves.”

“I was on that mountain yesterday and witnessed the Su ancestors transform into fierce ghosts. It scared me so much I almost wet my pants.”

“If the Su ancestors have truly left, I fear that even if the Fan family forcibly relocates the tomb, they won’t find peace.”

…

All the gossip in Dongyang County was unfavorable toward the Fan family.

Fan Wei heard these rumors early that morning.

He knew that if the gossip continued, it would soon reach Fan Zeng’s ears.

If that happened, not only would his credit for finding a valuable feng shui site for the Fan family be lost, but Fan Zeng might also believe he had been deceived.

Fan Zeng’s wrath was not something a mere steward could withstand.

At that moment, Fan Wei kicked open the door to Qingxu Daoist’s room.

Qingxu Daoist had been working tirelessly all night in Yihong Courtyard and had only returned at dawn; he was now deep in slumber.

Fan Wei pulled the still-sleeping Qingxu Daoist awake.

“When is your master arriving? If he doesn’t come soon, we might both be dead.”

“Today in Dongyang County…”

Fan Wei anxiously recounted the morning’s rumors.

Hearing this, Qingxu Daoist grew anxious as well.

If this matter reached Fan Zeng, not only would Fan Wei be in trouble, but Qingxu Daoist would also be implicated.

“Judging by the distance, my master, Master Qingyang, should be arriving shortly. I’ll send someone to hasten him,” said Qingxu Daoist, preparing to call for his master.

“No need. I have already arrived,” came a deep voice from outside the door.

A man entered, clad in a Taoist robe, his hair entirely white save for a small goatee.

He exuded the aura of a true master.

This was none other than Qingxu Daoist’s master and the heir of Longhu Mountain—Master Qingyang.

Fan Wei felt a surge of reverence upon seeing Master Qingyang, as if encountering a deity.

Previously, Fan Wei had only told Qingxu Daoist about discovering a feng shui site embraced by the White Tiger, but had not mentioned the appearance of a fierce ghost.

Now, seeing his master, Fan Wei was eager to reveal the strange events of the previous night.

“Master, something strange happened at the feng shui site; there was even…”

“I already know,” Master Qingyang interrupted.

“Tell me everything in detail. How could such a feng shui site harbor a fierce ghost?”

Qingyang had heard rumors en route.

Hearing this, Qingxu Daoist dutifully relayed the events of the previous night.

Upon hearing the account, Qingyang’s brows furrowed deeply.

According to the description, the site indeed was a feng shui treasure embraced by the White Tiger.

According to ancient texts, such sites should not harbor fierce ghosts.

“Master, that fierce ghost was terrifying last night. It nearly devoured us,” Qingxu Daoist added, fearing his master might doubt him, and gave a glance to Fan Wei.

Fan Wei immediately spoke up, “That’s right. The ghost was terrifying. If we hadn’t run quickly, it would have eaten us.”

“Hmph.”

“To be frightened by a mere ghost like that? Come with me up the mountain; I will personally deal with it.”

Master Qingyang said confidently.

When he mentioned going up the mountain, Fan Wei hastily waved him off.

“I… I have some matters to attend to. I won’t be able to go with you.”

Fan Wei left hurriedly.

“Master, I also…”

“You will come with me,” Master Qingyang said in a tone that brooked no refusal before Qingxu Daoist could finish.

Qingxu Daoist could only nod reluctantly.

Soon, the master and disciple left the inn and headed toward the Su family ancestral tomb.

Unbeknownst to them, Chen Fan had been quietly following behind.

As they reached the foot of the mountain and prepared to ascend, Qingxu Daoist hesitated.

“Master, there really is a fierce ghost up there, and night is falling soon. The ghost will emerge. Perhaps we should call a few more uncles from the sect for assistance.”

Qingxu Daoist said anxiously.

Seeing his apprentice so frightened, Qingyang’s expression darkened.

“Are you even worthy to be a disciple of Longhu Mountain?”

“A mere ghost scares you so much? Don’t claim to be my disciple when you’re out there; I can’t afford to lose face.”

Qingyang said angrily, then strode up the mountain.

Seeing his master truly angry, Qingxu Daoist swallowed his fear and followed.

“Bang.”

As the two ascended, a youth wearing patched clothes came dashing down the mountain carrying a bundle of firewood.

Unaware of the master and disciple, he collided with them, sending them both sprawling in the dirt.

The youth’s firewood scattered to the side.

“Are you blind?” Qingxu Daoist stood up, furious, pointing at the youth.

His clothes were covered in yellow dirt.

The youth was clearly frightened by the outburst.

“S-sorry. I chop firewood here every day. Few people come up, so I run fast,” the youth said nervously.

Seeing the youth’s tense expression only fueled Qingxu Daoist’s anger.

“Sorry won’t fix this. Do you know how much these clothes cost? Can you pay for them?”

He raised his hand, ready to strike.

“Stop.”

“He didn’t mean it. Let’s continue up the mountain,” Master Qingyang called out, preventing him.

Reluctantly, Qingxu Daoist withdrew his hand and gave the youth a threatening glance before following Master Qingyang up the mountain.

The youth watched the two, their clothes stained with dirt, and a faint smile appeared on his lips.

If Fan Wei had been there, he would have recognized the youth as Chen Fan.