spiritualism

The Ghost-raising Master is terrifying, scaring both humans and spirits alike. This matter requires careful consideration.

After thoughtful consideration, Ye Shu finally retired to bed well into the night, sleeping soundly until noon the next day.

From the adjacent cardboard box emanated delicate breath sounds; it was evident that Ai Qier was still asleep.

Ye Shu, overwhelmed by recent busyness and mental strain, found a rare moment of leisure. With a faint smile, he approached Ai Qier and gently kissed her.

Ai Qier's delicate countenance resembled fine porcelain, captivating one's affection. Ye Shu's mood relaxed as he caressed her head, revitalizing himself before rising from the bed.

Liu Youyou had also awakened. The two swiftly tidied up and set out for the hospital. Green Hair and Baldy, being inconvenient to move during daylight, were left behind.

Upon reaching the hospital, Ye Shu and Liu Youyou once again engaged in a hushed discussion before heading towards Xiao Qing's ward.

In Xiao Qing's room, only she sat by the window in a daze, wearing a forlorn expression.

Startled by their arrival, Xiao Qing shivered and hesitantly inquired, "Have you succeeded?"

Ye Shu shook his head, "Your adoptive father is not easily dealt with. We need your help in this matter."

Xiao Qing pursed her lips and lowered her head, her expression complex, and her eyes filled with inexplicable hesitation.

A thought crossed Ye Shu's mind; it seemed like Xiao Qing did not wish for her adoptive father's demise, at least not entirely.

Ye Shu's expression turned serious, "Xiao Leng has received your apology, but she is still suffering, unable to find relief. She has not forgiven you."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Qing's entire body trembled, tears filling her eyes immediately.

"Have you seen Xiao Leng?"

"Yes, Xiao Leng is at my home, seeking revenge."

Ye Shu utilized Xiao Leng to intimidate Xiao Qing, who, after hearing this, covered her face and cried, "I didn't want this. I don't know what she went through, and I don't know how to handle it."

Distraught, she again broke down, and Liu Youyou interjected, "Xiao Qing, don't cry. We're helping Xiao Leng find liberation. As long as you cooperate with us, she will forgive you. Understand?"

Xiao Qing nodded repeatedly, now swayed by Ye Shu's manipulation.

Liu Youyou added, "We visited your home and discovered a black-robed figure. Do you know who that is?"

Wiping away tears, Xiao Qing nodded, "That's the master my adoptive father hired. He came a few months ago, but I don't know what he does. Almost every day, he accompanies my adoptive father to the basement for a long time."

To the basement for a long time.

Ye Shu found this puzzling. If it were exorcism, there must be more to it than just going to the basement.

"How has your adoptive father been in the past six months? Any unusual behavior?"

Ye Shu inquired, and Xiao Qing thought for a moment before responding, "According to relatives, he has stopped meddling in business affairs and stays at home almost every day. Since I live at the school, I don't know much about him."

Staying at home every day.

Although fear could be a reason, Ye Shu felt there might be more to it; perhaps he was scheming something.

After some more conversation, Ye Shu instructed Xiao Qing to gather information about the identity of the black-robed person. Xiao Qing agreed.

About to leave, Ye Shu turned around, only to find the door opening. A well-dressed middle-aged man entered, accompanied by four fierce-looking bodyguards.

Ye Shu was startled, and Liu Youyou was also taken aback. However, she quickly recovered and greeted with a smile, "Mr. Su, how come you're here? Xiao Qing is doing well."

Indeed, it was Mr. Su. He had bold brows and large eyes, exuding a powerful aura. However, his eyes were bloodshot, revealing a hint of weariness and coldness.

He had come to visit Xiao Qing, but upon discovering an unfamiliar man in the room, his expression turned cold.

"Who is he? Didn't I make it clear that no one should get close to my daughter?"

Mr. Su inquired, and Liu Youyou was momentarily flustered, unsure how to explain. Xiao Qing hastily intervened, "Dad, he's my friend who came to visit me."

This reason was quite lame. How could Mr. Su believe it? Waving his hand, he ordered the bodyguards to capture Ye Shu.

The four bodyguards were formidable, and Ye Shu had no chance against them. Seeing them approaching, he quickly pondered and, with a casual smile, said, "I am neither Xiao Qing's friend nor a hospital staff member. I am just an inconspicuous exorcist from the City God Temple. Your daughter encountered a ghost."

This statement was a gamble. Considering Mr. Su had a Ghost-raising Master at home, he likely had some knowledge of the supernatural and might be more inclined to believe Ye Shu.

Sure enough, upon hearing this, Mr. Su raised an eyebrow and immediately said, "Step back."

The four bodyguards withdrew, and Mr. Su scrutinized Ye Shu, asking, "Are you a exorcist?"

Ye Shu smiled, "Indeed, I am a true disciple of the City God Temple, trained by Master Xian Ban. However, he has left the temple. I discovered last night that your daughter was haunted by a wronged spirit, so I came to investigate."

With a nod from Xiao Qing, Mr. Su accepted the explanation. Xiao Qing quickly added, "Dad, he is indeed an exorcist. I haven't told you, but I can see ghosts. Many ghosts came to me last night. If it weren't for him, I might have..."

Xiao Qing hesitated,

 trying to explain her ability to see ghosts, fearing her father wouldn't believe it.

However, Mr. Su believed her without hesitation, grabbing her hand and scolding, "Why didn't you say earlier? I thought you were suffering from depression."

Xiao Qing was taken aback, suddenly burst into tears, venting all her grievances.

Ye Shu inwardly sighed; this was not good. Why was Mr. Su suddenly so concerned about Xiao Qing? Wasn't he supposed to be indifferent to his adopted daughter?

He feared this emotional connection might shake Xiao Qing's resolve.

Ye Shu hurriedly interrupted their emotional exchange, "Mr. Su, from my observations, it's not just your daughter who encountered ghosts. I believe you..."

Before Ye Shu could finish, Mr. Su's expression changed. Though not showing fear, he paid close attention to Ye Shu's words.

"Do you truly possess the ability to exorcise ghosts?"

Mr. Su questioned, his tone stern. Ye Shu dared not deceive him; now was not the time for empty boasts.

"Certainly, as witnessed by your daughter."

Ye Shu responded confidently, and Xiao Qing nodded, "Dad, he really can exorcise ghosts."

Mr. Su scrutinized him for a while, squinting his eyes, "Good, I'll believe you this time. If you can indeed exorcise ghosts, and if you can help my daughter, I won't treat you unfairly. Come to my house. I'll make you my honored guest, and money is not an issue, as long as you can exorcise ghosts."

Hmm, what is this guy up to?

Ye Shu felt a sense of unease. It seemed Mr. Su had taken an interest in him, offering him a position as a honored guest.

After some consideration, he realized it was a good opportunity to get closer to Mr. Su. Although risky, being an honored guest would provide him with more access.

After careful thought, he nodded, "We, exorcists from the folk, do not reject wealth. Since you are favoring me, I naturally cannot refuse."

Mr. Su's face improved slightly upon hearing this, and he became more enthusiastic towards Ye Shu. He seemed to believe that if Ye Shu had the courage, he must have some real ability.

Liu Youyou, watching the scene, was bewildered, unable to comprehend the situation.

Ye Shu, feeling a bit anxious, realized he might have unwittingly boarded a troublesome ship. If anything went wrong, it could be problematic.

Soon, Mr. Su finished his visit and prepared to leave. He intended to take Ye Shu to his house urgently, suggesting some pressing matter required Ye Shu's assistance.

Reluctantly, Ye Shu followed him.

Liu Youyou, helpless, could only stare wide-eyed as a luxurious extended car carried Mr. Su, Ye Shu, and the four bodyguards towards Eden Garden. The mansion, sprawling over thousands of square meters, was a symbol of opulence, equipped with villas, swimming pools, and all kinds of amenities—a wealthy man's abode.

Ye Shu, who had struggled to find a way in the previous night, now found himself visiting as an unexpected guest. It felt like a dream.

Anxiety crept over him as he wondered about Mr. Su's intentions.

Mr. Su, a man of few words, was visibly impatient. Upon reaching the mansion, he personally led Ye Shu towards a large villa.

As they approached, Ye Shu noticed an absence of spiritual shadows near the villa, and its interior was dimly lit. Curtains covered all windows, and the main door was tightly closed.

"You come with me. I won't bother with pleasantries. If you have real ability, I won't mistreat you."

The two entered the villa. It had undergone significant renovations, featuring an unusual layout. Rather than rooms, it felt like an empty space filled with numerous talismans plastered on all walls, giving it an eerie appearance.

Mr. Su led Ye Shu into a side room, even more desolate, revealing an entrance to the basement in the center.

Entering the basement through an iron staircase, they found themselves in a dimly lit space.

The basement was spacious, at least two hundred square meters, devoid of any furnishings. It was a barren underground room, except for countless red candles burning throughout the space.

Ye Shu's heart raced at the sight. Mr. Su then called out, "Master Yang, where are you?"

As the words fell, a black figure in the corner moved, standing up.

Examining him in the candlelight, Ye Shu observed a short figure clad in a dirty black robe, adorned with bells and numerous talismans.

Observing his flat and peculiar face, bathed in the dim candlelight, Ye Shu noted a strangely shaped nose. The figure moved noiselessly, akin to a ghost, and approached Mr. Su, nodding in acknowledgment.

Mr. Su showed great respect for this Master Yang, warmly introducing, "I have brought an exorcist. He is a true disciple of the City God Temple and can help expel ghosts."

Master Yang glanced briefly at Ye Shu, then nodded, signaling his approval.

Mr. Su wasted no time and left, leaving Ye Shu standing there. Bewildered, he watched Master Yang return to the corner and lie back down on a black blanket.

The basement air was thick and stifling, with only ventilation holes in the walls preventing oxygen depletion.

Ye Shu, struggling to breathe, asked, "Master Yang, what should I do?"

Finally breaking his silence, Master Yang's voice was frosty, "I advise you to leave as soon as possible. Money is not easily earned, and you are not qualified yet."

What?

Ye Shu furrowed his brows, looking at him. Master Yang sneered, "I summon spirits. You are an exorcist. Do you know why Mr. Su hired you? Because I might attract vengeful spirits, and he needs you to drive them away. But let me tell you, if even I cannot dispel a vengeful spirit, you won't be able to either."

This old man kept talking, disdain evident in his tone. Ye Shu felt displeased but decided to engage in a light conversation since he couldn't leave.

"After over a decade of exorcising ghosts, I have never failed. Ghost kings, self-harming spirits, evil spirits, wandering ghosts—encounter one, expel one. I am quite proficient, perhaps even more than Master Yang."

Ye Shu wasn't trying to provoke, merely exchanging words. Master Yang, after hearing this, displayed surprise, "You actually know about self-harming and evil spirits; interesting."

He continued, scrutinizing Ye Shu for a while before changing his tone, "If you are truly powerful, we can cooperate. I won't fear evil spirits, and I can freely summon spirits. Let's work together to bring back Miss Su's soul. I'll share a million out of the ten million we'll get."