Chapter 81: The Union of Man and Ghost

Just as I was feeling sorrow for Meng Yao, a miracle occurred.

Was this a movie scene? Of course not.

But the spectacle was more thrilling than any film, surpassing even the most dazzling special effects. Meng Yao wasn’t worried in the slightest. She merely tapped the ground with the tip of her foot; before I could see what happened, her figure blurred, and she vaulted into the air. Two bullets whizzed past her body, one before and one after, barely grazing her.

Watching this, I understood everything. It wasn’t that Meng Yao was rebellious or exceptionally skilled—it was because she was possessed. Shangguan Wan’er resided within me; surely, Meng Yao was overtaken by Xuan Li or Qing Ting. No human could perform such feats over such a short distance. In films, these are special effects, but in reality, perhaps only spirits could accomplish them.

After missing two shots, Old Li completely broke down. Was the frail woman before him even human anymore? He guessed right—Meng Yao was no longer fully human, at least not now. She was a fusion of human and ghost, entirely under the spirit’s control.

Meng Yao swooped gracefully to the ground, spun, and delivered a side kick, knocking Old Li’s pistol aside. Then, bending down, she lifted him effortlessly: “Director Li, pointing a gun at innocent citizens—is this something you can really bring yourself to do?” With that, she slapped him hard several times, heedless of his state, then strode out the door.

Inside the room, Old Li and Old Yu were left writhing in agony on the floor. I enjoyed the spectacle; crouching beside these parasites, I gave their faces a pat, then walked out confidently. At this point, the evidence was more than sufficient.

“Boss, we’re just leaving like this? Did I do alright?” As soon as I stepped out, Xuan Li’s voice rang in my ear. It seemed he had borrowed Meng Yao to deliver that lesson.

“Excellent, well done! Is everyone here?” I whispered to Xuan Li.

“All present,” Xuan Li, Qing Ting, and Shangguan Wan’er replied in unison.

“Let’s go home,” I said.

No sooner had I finished speaking than I felt myself lifted into the air—I knew Xuan Li was carrying me again. Old Li’s subordinates were gathered at the doorway, and when they saw me suddenly soar upward, they began chattering noisily. I waved at them: “Go check on your leaders inside.”

Finding a secluded spot, I asked Xuan Li to set me down. It was better to take a taxi; floating above the city wasn’t wise—if we hit a high-voltage wire, it would be the end. More importantly, Xuan Li was my friend, not my servant. I couldn’t keep letting him carry me.

When I reached home, I made sure to feed the three little ghosts properly, each drinking enough blood, then sealed them in their soul urns before heading upstairs.

Wang Ying hadn’t gone to bed; she was waiting for me in the living room. When she saw me return, she rushed over and hugged me.

“Darling, you’re finally back. Are you alright?” Wang Ying held me close, searching my face with her eyes.

“I’m fine, with Wan’er and Xuan Li around. Tonight, I finally vented my anger. Look at this.” I pulled Wang Ying into the bedroom and opened the video. The opening scene of Old Yu with Meng Yao made Wang Ying blush deeply.

“Naughty, so this is what you went to get?” Wang Ying tossed the phone at me.

I laughed and said, “Wasn’t I gathering evidence? With this, I’ll send the video to the disciplinary department and Old Yu won’t escape punishment.”

Wang Ying pouted, her brows furrowed. “This only proves his improper conduct—it won’t change anything. Oh well, I’ve really put you in a tough spot. Thank you for doing so much for me. Go rest, I’ll give you a back massage.”

“Don’t rush, honey. Keep watching.” I handed her the phone again. This mischievous girl watched intently. When she finished, she giggled and hugged my neck, kissing me: “With this video, my dad can overturn his case. Tomorrow, copy it and send it straight to the disciplinary committee.”

“That’s right, your husband strategizes and wins from afar. How will you thank me?” I teased, stroking her delicate hand.

“How do you want to be thanked?”

“I’d like you to be like the woman in the video…” I chuckled, feeling a bit shameless.

“Not a chance! Slap you and then kick you? I couldn’t bear it.” Wang Ying flashed a devilish smile; she knew I wasn’t referring to that.

“You know that’s not what I meant—I mean this.” I replayed the video of Old Yu and Meng Yao, as if watching an adult film.

“You can have it, but… I won’t use my mouth.” Wang Ying grinned, beginning to undress. Her figure was stunning under the lights, making my heart race. “If you’ve never used it, it’s no loss.”

Wang Ying wore only a skimpy set of lingerie, tossing her hair lightly: “What if I want to try?” She gave a wild little smile, pushing me down.

Men and women alike seek novelty, crave excitement. Wang Ying and I hadn’t been together many times, but she always gave me a fresh feeling—as if she became a new person each time.

The more she was like this, the more I couldn’t bear to lose her. Even in the moment when we became one, I was anxious, sorrowful, and painfully aware of how precious it was.

Today was the fifth day. After tomorrow, Wang Ying would have to leave—the seven-day limit was up.

Afterwards, Wang Ying lay in my arms, crying. I stroked her hair, comforting her, promising I would find the recipe for Blood Linglong. I vowed to bring her back to life.

Wang Ying shook her head, saying that resurrection was against the natural order and nearly impossible. She wasn’t afraid of death—she just couldn’t bear to leave me. I felt the same; life and death didn’t matter. What mattered was being with the one you love.

Our conversation grew more melancholic, and I was close to tears. Wang Ying, on the other hand, kissed my cheek and said, “Darling, I don’t think we have much to be sad about. Even if I can’t live again, my soul and body are with you—doesn’t that count? Compared to Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai, or the Cowherd and Weaver Girl, we’re much better off.”

Her words comforted me. Seeing me happier, Wang Ying climbed onto me again, declaring she would love me as much as she could while she still could.

I was up to the task, staying strong and satisfying Wang Ying completely.

The next day, I copied the video and sent it to the city disciplinary committee. Afterwards, I felt a bit guilty—such a video would easily bring them down. They had worked hard for years to reach their positions; it seemed a pity. But thinking it over, there was nothing to regret. A public official should benefit the people; once they become parasites, they must be dealt with. They had done too much harm.

We forced the fifty-thousand yuan bank card on my grandparents, then left our hometown, heading straight for Ju County. Wang Ying had wanted to stay a few days, but there was no time left.

Upon returning home, Wei Qi was the first to find me, saying something big had happened. I asked what, and he told me two more soul-walkers had died, horribly, their hearts cut out.

I asked what we should do. In a day or two, Wang Ying would leave; I didn’t want to do anything except stay with her. Couldn’t we wait until she was gone before dealing with it?

Wei Qi agreed, saying he’d come back after Wang Ying left.

I bought some groceries, closed the door, and did nothing but spend time with Wang Ying. I was determined that after she left, I would find Blood Linglong no matter what. I wanted her alive, flesh and blood.

“Darling, come look!” While I was resting, Wang Ying, fiddling with the Chicken Blood Stone Sky Roar, suddenly cried out.

“What is it, honey? Why so startled?” I moved closer, gazing at the stone in her hand, astonished.

Once a cold, lifeless stone, it now radiated warmth. Moreover, white mist slowly rose from the red surface.

How could this be? Could it truly have gained a spirit, as others claimed? If so, might it transform into a monstrous being at any moment? If it became a giant red beast like the one in the cave, would it attack me again?