Chapter 58: Paying for Services

"This black mist is tainted with malevolence and has a faint foul smell," Ming Qi said, his expression unusually serious as he stared at the glass bottle sealed with three talismans. "Jie Zhi, can you identify this?"

Jie Zhi glanced at the bottle, his casual demeanor vanishing. He took the bottle from Ming Qi and opened it. The dormant black mist inside surged upward as if seeking escape, but Jie Zhi swiftly slapped it back down with a loud snap.

Director Lin's eyebrows twitched.

Though the black mist appeared weightless, Jie Zhi's casual slap seemed to have a significant impact, as if water had encountered fire. The mist shrank visibly.

"This is demonic energy," Jie Zhi said in a clear voice, sealing the bottle again but not returning it to Lin. "This stuff can affect one's mind, even through a seal. Better leave it with me."

Ming Qi nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. "Demonic energy is derived from demons, who are inherently malevolent and murderous. The stronger the demon, the more potent their energy's negative influence."

"At best, it can disrupt one's mind. At worst, it can turn you into a demon," Jie Zhi added. "Until we determine which demon this energy came from, avoid touching it."

"What about you, Jie Zhi?" Lin asked, concerned yet curious.

"Don't worry about him," Ming Qi reassured. "Jie Zhi is an ancient divine beast, naturally opposed to demonic entities. Plus, he has accrued merit, making him a nemesis to demonic energy."

Seeing how the energy had shrunk upon contact with Jie Zhi, Lin was convinced.

"Where did you get this demonic energy?" Ming Qi asked, recalling his recent research. "Could it be from..."

"Yes, it's from the demon core Ming Ying brought back," Lin confirmed. "I suspect it was a crucial catalyst for its enhanced power."

"That's possible," Jie Zhi said, having dealt with demons before. "Some demons grow stronger by consuming other creatures or energies. But no demon has appeared in over a century."

"Could be someone practicing dark arts," Ming Qi suggested. "Decades ago, during the Japanese invasion, some practitioners used blood and resentment to cultivate dark arts, causing a lot of trouble."

"Weren't they all wiped out by the Special Management Bureau?" Jie Zhi recalled. "Led by Kong Jing, right?"

"Yes," Ming Qi nodded. "Eliminating demons and aiding sentient beings is a Buddhist practice."

Ming Qi shot a pointed look at Jie Zhi, who often ignored such duties unless directly involved.

"Speaking of Kong Jing, he just returned and is investigating missing souls. Now you want to burden him further?" Ming Qi teased.

Jie Zhi smiled innocently. "The capable should do more."

"Or is it because he pushed three troublesome spirits onto Zhulong?" Ming Qi retorted.

"Am I that petty?" Jie Zhi protested.

"Yes."

Jie Zhi gritted his teeth. "Ling Ji hasn't encountered demons before. It takes experience to deal with them."

Ming Qi dragged out his response, "Oh, your injuries don't hurt anymore?"

Jie Zhi blushed at the reminder of his defeat. "By rank, age, and power, you should call her senior."

Ming Qi was speechless. "Fine, you win."

...

Meanwhile, Zhao Jiong had been in Deputy Director Zhou Cen's office for nearly an hour, waiting for instructions.

"Take Gu Xiaowu to T City," Zhou Cen finally said after long contemplation. "I'll apply for support from the local police to capture He Guang."

Given the unusual nature of the case, Zhou Cen added, "Visit the zoo in T City first. Prepare some nice gifts and ask the senior there for help in tracking He Guang."

Zhao Jiong, wincing at the thought of the senior's preferences, nodded. "I'll start preparing."

"Wait," Zhou Cen stopped him. "Ask Ling Ji if she wants to visit T City."

"Deputy, I don't have money," Zhao Jiong admitted.

"You don't need to pay. The Bureau will cover travel and expenses," Zhou Cen assured, waving dismissively. "And include Xing Miao and the little fish spirit too."

Zhao Jiong explained, "It's not about money. Without a proper reward, Ling Ji won't help us."

"Her services aren't cheap," he added.

Zhou Cen slumped into his chair, clutching his chest. "Fine, go prepare."

...

At Yulan Residence, Ling Ji exhaled, rubbing her temples. "Finally done."

She tossed aside a jade slip and grabbed an apple, sensing a burning gaze on it.

Following the gaze, she saw a pair of wide, bright eyes fixed on the apple, reminiscent of the grapes outside.

"Xing Miao, when will the grapes ripen?"

Xing Miao looked outside. "In four or five days."

The grapes were from a vine she obtained during her travels with her master. After moving to the villa, she planted it along with green creepers, creating a beautiful arbor.

"Drip, drip," Jin Hong, the little fish spirit, tapped the aquarium glass, her eyes pleading. "Can I come out now that I've advanced a level?"

Ling Ji checked her cultivation, finding it stable and her demonic energy condensed. "Yes, you can come out."

With a wave of her hand, the barrier lifted, and Jin Hong leapt out, transforming into a petite, beautiful girl mid-air.

"Master," Jin Hong called, rushing to hug Ling Ji but stopping half a meter away, held back by a slender finger.

The doorbell rang as Ling Ji was about to speak. Xing Miao opened the door to Yu Zhiyan and Ying Ning, who looked grave.

"Ling Ji, Lu Shu is in trouble."

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