Mister Ghost

After a few breaths, the bunny licked Tian Cai's cheek. "Dada."

Tian Cai shook his head. The bunny must've fallen too hard from the sky or something. Not only was it confusing him as his father but also his mother.

Zhao Qiang asked, "Nephew, how should we proceed?"

"Send out people to identify the narrowest point on the path to Dragon Cliff. Also, immediately start posting flyers that you will be waiting for challengers in two days at Dragon Cliff. Uncle, if this works out, you may be able to make some decent money."

Zhao Qiang roared up to the sky in excitement.

Tian Cai chuckled. Who didn't like to make money?

"Uncle, as soon as you finish the duels, we leave for Shadow Hell Forest. The question is who to take?"

"Young Zhao, you're going to Shadow Hell Forest?" asked Alchemist Gu.

Tian Cai nodded, "Mhm. There is a monastery where the Order of the Soul Divinity resides. This Young Master needs to seek guidance on healing a spiritual backlash."

"Since only Males may go we will take Father and Small Shadow," said Zhao Qiang.

"Young Master, may I go as well? The Order of the Soul Divinity is known to sell specialized herbs," asked Alchemist Gu.

Alchemist Liu eyes jolted. "Senior Gu, this is the first Junior has heard of that Order. What type of herbs do they sell?"

"All know Shadow Hell Forest to be a Demon Beast Forbidden Zone. Few however, know that its the only place in Third Heaven you can obtain Mind Clearing Grass, Dusk Flowers and Night Lotuses."

Alchemist Liu trembled. Weren't those ingredients required for Spirit Tempering Pills, Clarity Dew and various Yin pills.

"Young Master Zhao, this alchemist would like to accompany you as well," inquired Alchemist Liu.

Zhao Qiang interjected, "Alchemist Liu, unfortunately the Order of Soul Divinity doesn't allow females."

Alchemist Gu frowned. When had the Order of Soul Divinity not allowed women to visit?

Tian Cai coughed loudly at Alchemist Gu and motioned with his eyes.

Alchemist Gu nodded with understanding. Apparently, Zhao Qiang was told only men could join the venture.

Alchemist Liu's face blackened.

Tian Cai chuckled, "Alchemist Liu rest assured. This Young Master knows you are Big Brother Zhao Ding's people. As such, be assured, we'll return with several batches of the ingredients you require."

Alchemist Liu's eyes misted over. She was Master Zhao Ding's peoples?

"Young Master, may I suggest we take Fish 2 as well? It's best that him and Fish 1 are monitored continuously."

Tian Cai said, "Then it looks like there'll be six of us."

Zhao Qiang nodded, "Nephew you rest well. Uncle will handle everything else. Alchemists Gu and Liu, continue the good work."

Alchemist Liu said, "This alchemist will continue growing trees and tending the garden."

As she left, Alchemist Gu asked, "Young Zhao, men only?"

Tian Cai sighed, "It's a favor that this Young Master needs to fulfill. Hopefully, this favor is resolved quickly."

"Junjie, when you perform the Silent Killer, you must gather everything inside..."

Hearing the Divine Pig's conversation, Tian Cai consciously blocked her out. Rapidly he headed into his Manor.

"Alchemist Gu, let's talk later...This Young Master has things to do."

About two hours later, Tian Cai was on cloud nine. Not even two breaths earlier, the bunny had left with Ling Fan. Even, Zhu Shensheng and Junjie followed.*1

Was this not bliss?

Unbelievably, the bunny thought Ling Fan was his mother and immediately jumped into her arms. Now he knew what he would do. Fluffing his pillow, Tian Cai was going to enjoy a nap. Within seconds, he was snoring.

In the other room, Gray and Small Shadows looked at each other. Weren't the walls trembling about them? As in answer, a low rumble echoed through the walls. The little boy sure had a nose.

Deep within a dream, Tian Cai walked through the door of a coffee shop. Immediately, he knew it wasn't any place on Earth. It must be that strange world again. Looking about he immediately saw something scurrying beneath a table.

Wasn't that form, that little girl from before?

Although the table was empty, there were still remains of pastries and cold coffee. A small hand, reached out from underneath the table. Surprisingly, the girl's target was not the pastries but the coffee.

Smiling, Tian Cai went over and said, "I didn't know you liked coffee."

Bam!

The girl's head jolted the table.

Ow!

Chuckling, Tian Cai asked, "You okay?" Looking around, he noticed that no one cared about the table jolting.

The girl hissed, "Mr. Ghost, I'm just a just a poor little girl. Why haunt me?"

Tian Cai shook in surprise. Mr. Ghost?

"Reina, right? You can't see me?" asked Tian Cai.

"Che! Who in their right mind can see ghosts? If you're an evil baddie, you can't have my soul."

Tian Cai chuckled. Not long ago, hadn't he asked the same question to three no-good Masters?

"Last time, did I not warn you about those boys chasing you?"

"Ah that, you-you did warn me...then you can't be baddie."

"Yep, I'm a 5 year old boy."

"Impossible, you sound really old."

"I do?"

"Yes."

Eyes widening in disbelief, Tian Cai looked about. Almost instantly, he found a mirror and he gasped. Before him, was his 40 year old self. In fact, it was his fatty self from Earth. Sporting a shiny bald head, Tian Cai didn't remember his ass being so-so humongous.

"Impossible!" he yelped in disbelief.

"Mister, what is it?"

"I don't appear like I'm supposed to be."

"Mister, you have to be a ghost. I can't see you," said Reina.

Clearing his throat Tian Cai said, "Hmm, I'm a handsome 40 year old man. In fact, in my family, I'm considered the most handsome."

"Ah that's good. That means you're not an ugly big Fatty. Those people are the worst?"

"You hate fattys? What did fattys do to you?"

"They're greedy with their food...not only do they hoard, but they never share."

Tian Cai trembled. Hadn't he been just like that in his past life?

"How come you're drinking the coffee and not eating the pastries."

"I save the breads for later and eat them slowly. The kaffe, makes me feel less hungry," replied Reina.

Tian Cai looked down at his stomach in the mirror. How come this hadn't been the case with him?

"You!! Brat, you're here stealing again!" yelled a waiter.

Reina bolted with a yelp.

The girl was fast. Tian Cai chased after her. Not even a breath later, he followed as she shot out of the rear entrance. Not even two breaths later, they barreled around a corner and continued running for about three minutes.

Looking back Tian Cai noticed nobody was following.

"Reina, nobody's chasing you."

However, she didn't stop.

"You didn't hear me?"

"Mister, since that day...I learned to not stop until I'm in a place I know is safe."

"Cai! My name's Cai."

Reina, giggled while running. "That's your name? Mister, that name doesn't match a 40 year old cutie."

Tian Cai's face blackened.

Finally, they reached a tunnel in a park.

Reina's chest heaved uncontrollably as she gulped for air. Unlike last time, she was about an inch taller.

Looking at her face Tian Cai couldn't ever recall seeing her face in any of his lifetimes. But now, it appeared really familiar. Most especially was the light in her eyes.

"Mister, you still there?"

"Yes."

"Who the hell are you? Why are you haunting me? Do you need me to search for your killer or something?"

"It's nothing like that. I'm not haunting you. To me, you are just appearing in my dream...a really powerful and bizarre reoccurring dream."

"Impossible!"

"Right."

"Are you alive? If so, tell me what city in Bright Star World you're from...I'll find you."

"Bright Star World? This place is called Bright Star World?" asked Tian Cai.

"Yep. Now you?"

"Earth, I'm from planet Earth."

Chuckling, Reina said, "That name sounds Wussy."

Suddenly, Tian Cai woke up.

Earth's a wussy name!? Wait, am I still a fatty?

Frantically, Tian Cai patted down his body. Sighing with great relief, he still had his 5 year old body and superman powers.

Wasn't that dream halfway to being a nightmare? Why did he keep on dreaming about that little girl?

Suddenly, a body jumped through Tian Cai's window. With a roar, he was about to jump and open a six pack of whoop ass when he noticed it was his grandfather.

Groaning, Zhao Chen said, "Cai'er, water! Grandfather needs water."

In the distance, Zhao Jia's voice echoed throughout the clan manor. "Chen'er don't think Mother won't find you!"

Tian Cai's instinct was to kick the poor man out. However, his grandfather looked like a disheveled bloody mess. All sorts of bruises dotted his face. It also didn't help that a thick bush of hair was growing out of his right ear.

"Grandfather, there's a place were Granny absolutely won't look for you."

"Cai'er food...you have anything to eat?"

Tian Cai's heart wrenched. Sighing, he got up and pulled Zhao Chen to his feet.

"Grandfather, let me show you the place first. Then, grandson will personally scrounge up food and a jar of wine."

"Cai'er you truly are a filial grandson. You activating the defensive formations earlier, Grandfather will forgive you."

"Grandson apologizes. If Uncle hasn't said anything, we'll be heading to Shadow Hell Forest in a few days. You hide until then and together we'll escape the city."

Zhao Chen hissed, "Isn't that the Demon Beast Forbidden Zone?"

"Ah that, we're actually going just outside to the monastery belonging to the Order of the Soul Divinity."

Zhao Chen's eyes brightened. "This! If you're talking about monks, surely they have stashes of good wine!"

Tian Cai sighed as the Old Man smiled like the sun had broken through the clouds.

Finally, they reached their destination.

Zhao Chen stiffened. "Cai'er this-this is the latrine."

"Mhm, isn't the last place Granny would search the latrine?"

Tian Cai opened the door and an all too familiar smell inundated Zhao Chen's eyes and nostrils.

"Cai'er there has to be another place. Grandfather can't stay here."

"Child, your Granny has come visit. If you're Grandfather is in there, bring him out! If I personally find him while searching....Humph! You're buns will become intimate with the Heavenly Punishing Paddle!"

Frantically, Zhao Chen said, "Quick, close the door!!"