Inside No. 7 Mansion on Central Avenue.
Something that shattered the worldview of countless people had just occurred here, and even in terms of individual impact, the mysterious flash event from two days ago paled in comparison, not even one ten-thousandth as significant.
Within the mansion, people were still intensely discussing the recent event, some masters had already started to "explain" everything that had happened to the surrounding guests, with eloquence as if they were immensely familiar with that mysterious expert, claiming to understand every move and technique.
"I told you so, that young man certainly had issues, all that talk about absorbing negative energy, it’s all deceit! With so many of our own kind here, where would any negative energy even come from for him to absorb!"
"I actually knew Half-immortal Pei, but because we were too far apart, I initially didn’t recognize him. It wasn’t until he used that ’Void Sword Control Technique’ that I came to my senses..."
"As for the ’Planting Beans into Soldiers’ technique you mentioned for summoning Heavenly Soldiers, and the ’Heavenly Gang Capturing God Technique’ for vanquishing Evil Ghosts, those are the secret techniques of our Taoist lineage, only those with top-level talents can learn them, their power is astounding... If you’re interested, we could add each other as friends, I have some understanding of these matters. Should you encounter any issues in the future, you can contact me anytime!"
"What a self-inflicted headache..."
Pei Laoliu glanced over at a peer who was passionately boasting not far away, and couldn’t help but mutter quietly to himself.
He pinched a couple of peanuts into his mouth and took a sip of green tea, squinting his eyes in enjoyment, trying to use this method to calm the excitement in his heart.
In that duration just now, there were indeed people who inquired of him, but he had rejected them all, claiming not to recognize them.
He was very clear about the impact today’s events would have, the more critical the moment, the less ostentatious he had to appear.
At least until he understood that brat’s intentions, it was better not to expose too much, so as not to end up playing the role of the drag on their progress.
Looking at those old charlatans who were starting their trickery again, Master Liu couldn’t help but comfortably lean back in his chair, a smile appearing on his face:
"With these self-important fools acting as smokescreens, the government shouldn’t be able to find me so quickly... It seems I can still enjoy peace for a while longer. This damned brat, keeping such a big matter hidden from me, no, when I get back I must give him a few more good knocks with the old gander..."
In a presidential suite on the fourth floor, Zhang Xiaoman was sitting on the sofa under the enthusiastic hospitality of Qin Yan, with no one else in the room at the moment. It was about time to tell this poor guy about his own warning given earlier.
"Knock, knock, knock."
The sound of knocking interrupted Zhang Xiaoman’s actions at this point.
Qin Yan apologized and then called out to the door, "What is it? Didn’t I say not to disturb me?"
An assistant’s voice came from outside the door: "Boss, Mr. Ye has arrived, he would like to meet with you and that master."
Qin Yan was startled and then quickly realized, Mr. Ye’s devotion to Taoism was no secret in their circles, and after having witnessed the mysterious expert’s prowess today, his seeking an audience was no surprise.
"Master, this... Do you think it would be convenient for him to come in?" Qin Yan sought Zhang Xiaoman’s opinion.
Zhang Xiaoman nodded, he was indeed a bit curious about the Sect Leader of Dragon Sleep Mountain, who ranked first. Mainly, it was the incense burner in the other’s hand that he was very eager to understand what exactly it was all about.
It wasn’t long before Mr. Ye and Ye Yunxiu entered the room. When they saw the figure sitting on the sofa, shrouded in darkness, they couldn’t help but tremble slightly, as if travelers on the brink of death in the desert had suddenly stumbled upon an oasis brimming with life.
"I have seen this fellow Taoist. I am Ye Cang of Dragon Sleep Mountain, and this is my grandson Ye Yunxiu," Mr. Ye said with a salute.
Ye Yunxiu at his side also hurriedly made a bow: "I have seen the elder."
Zhang Xiaoman hadn’t expected the two to address him , but he still calmly replied:
"There is no need for such formalities, nor to call me elder. Strictly speaking, I am merely an Awakener, not the kind of Cultivator you understand."
Everyone was momentarily dumbfounded upon hearing this. In their view, this senior expert who had appeared in such a place and had just shown off a Sword Control Technique akin to that of immortals, was clearly a Great Cultivator with genuine mana. How could he now say that he was not a person of Cultivation?
Zhang Xiaoman did not plan to explain further for the moment, he simply waved his hand and said:
"These things, I can’t explain to you clearly in a moment or two, and there’s no time to waste now. Mr. Ye, I know your purpose for coming here, but the words I am about to say may have a huge impact on you and your family. After coming into contact with the Extraordinary Domain, you will also enter these strange sights, and at that time, you might encounter a situation more serious than what Mr. Qin is facing now..."
"So, you need to think clearly whether or not you want to hear the following matters."
Zhang Xiaoman had said a lot in one breath, going straight to the heart of the matter, revealing the consequences that could come with that identification, hoping the other party could make their own decision.
Mr. Ye and his grandson were confounded by his speech, but after finally digesting the information, they just exchanged glances and had an answer ready.
"With all due respect, calling you a young friend... Regarding what the young friend just said, we are already aware. Having sought the Tao for decades without seeing the path ahead, now that we have the opportunity, we dare not miss it. We hope for your fulfillment," Mr. Ye said.
"Mr. Ye is being too polite. Since you have already made a decision. Then I can tell you the things, it is not impossible..."
Zhang Xiaoman spoke calmly, showing considerable respect for this elder in his 90s. But while he respected him, he still brought up some matters of interest first.
"However, I am also very interested in that incense burner in Mr. Ye’s hands, and as an exchange, I hope Mr. Ye can also tell me about it."
Upon hearing this, Ye Cang did not hesitate and readily agreed.
Zhang Xiaoman nodded and didn’t say anything further. He looked at Qin Yan beside him and shared all the information about the Resident Spirit.
The trio was shocked when they heard about this mysterious monster. They hadn’t expected that what they thought was merely a ghost or evil spirit turned out to be completely different from what they had imagined.
"So, you’re saying that after these monsters absorb the Life Force of a human body, they will completely occupy that person’s body and then go on to harm other people around them?" Qin Yan’s face showed a trace of cold sweat.
Zhang Xiaoman shook his head and said, "No, it’s not the type of occupation you’re thinking of, but a thorough devouring, a true metamorphosis from chrysalis to butterfly."