Chapter 655: Too Many Suspects

"Mr. Xu, your residence is quite spacious."

Xu An smiled sheepishly. "My parents were both cultivators and left behind a considerable fortune during their lives. Unfortunately, my talent is limited, and I've never been able to embark on the path of cultivation. I must seem like a laughingstock to the three of you."

Since he couldn't cultivate, he diligently studied the classics, hoping to gain fame and fortune, and thereby not disgrace his parents' names. It's a pity, however, that he also achieved nothing in the imperial examinations.

Xu An usually didn't discuss these matters with others; Lu Yang and his companions were an exception. He had heard from Brother Zhong Ming that Shi Chan and the two protectors were very likely powerful cultivators, possibly even at the Foundation Establishment or Golden Core stage. Individuals of such high cultivation wouldn't be interested in his meager possessions.

Inside the entrance of the Xu family residence, a yellow talisman was affixed. It had been placed there by a ghost-dispelling cultivator previously. Although it was said to be useless, having it there provided some peace of mind.

As the four entered the Xu residence, they saw a young woman sweeping the courtyard. Her simple attire suggested she was a maidservant. Upon seeing her master enter with three guests, the maid quickly stepped aside to avoid causing any inconvenience.

The maid had a pleasant appearance, catching Meng Jingzhou's eye.

"This is Xiaocui," Xu An said with a smile.

"Last year, when I went to take the imperial examination, I rested for a night in a mountain temple. By chance, I met Xiaocui there. She told me that some villains were chasing her and asked me to help her hide. Sure enough, a few fierce-looking individuals soon burst into the temple. Following Xiaocui's instructions, I helped her hide and saved her. She said she couldn't repay such a great kindness and offered to become my maidservant."

"Greetings, sirs," Xiaocui said timidly, her voice soft and gentle.

Meng Jingzhou nodded. This was a female ghost.

The four passed through the ornate gate and entered the second courtyard. A richly dressed woman emerged from the house. "Husband, you've come just in time. The three-hundred-year-old Reishi mushroom you bought back is already stewed... Who are these three?"

The richly dressed woman was momentarily stunned when she saw Lu Yang and his companions. A monk with two lay disciples?

"Xiangyu, quickly greet the three masters."

"Haven't I been telling you how poorly I've been sleeping lately? It feels as if I'm being haunted by evil spirits, leaving me disoriented all day, and even the cultivators I invited couldn't help. Well, Brother Zhong Ming, who often deals with cultivators, recommended these three masters. They are all highly skilled individuals with true abilities. Allow me to introduce you: this is my humble wife, Liu Xiangyu."

"Ah, so it's Donor Liu."

"Three Masters." Liu Xiangyu performed a respectful curtsey.

"As a mere woman, it pains my heart to watch my husband suffer daily, yet I am powerless to help. I must trouble the three masters."

"Amitabha," Shi Chan replied, "this humble monk will do his best." Shi Chan dared not speak too confidently; he perceived her as a snake demon.

"Please, three masters, come inside," Xu An said, warmly inviting them into the main hall to entertain them.

"There's no need for that just yet. We need to thoroughly examine the donor's residence to make our preparations."

"Very well, very well," Xu An exclaimed, overjoyed. "Indeed, true masters act with swift decisiveness."

"Xiaozhu, come here for a moment."

Xu An called out, and shortly after, another maid put down her work and hurried over.

"Xiaozhu, please give the three masters a tour of the residence."

"Yes, s-sir."

Xiaozhu had a charming appearance, with expressive, captivating eyes. Lu Yang discerned Xiaozhu's true form: she was a fox demon.

Just before the three were led away by Xiaozhu, Liu Xiangyu brought out a bowl of dark soup – the medicinal broth made from the three-hundred-year-old Reishi mushroom. Given Xu An's constitution, it was impossible for him to consume an entire Reishi mushroom at once; only a small portion of it had been used for the soup. Meng Jingzhou sniffed, his brow subtly furrowing. He wondered if it was his imagination, but he detected a faint scent of blood in the dark soup.

The three carefully toured the Xu mansion, gaining a general understanding of its layout and occupants. The three-courtyard residence housed five individuals: Xu An, his wife, and three maidservants. Simply put, Xu An was the only human among them. The third maid, Xiaoqiu, was an artifact spirit.

Later, during the evening vegetarian meal, Xu An looked at the three expectantly. "Three masters, have you made any discoveries?"

Shi Chan uttered 'Amitabha'. "We have made some discoveries, but the full situation will only become clear tonight." There were too many suspects, and they were unsure who was responsible. "The three of us humble monks will guard Donor Xu tonight, providing him protection."

"Then I, Xu, thank the three masters in advance!"

The candles were extinguished, and the three masters sat in meditation by Xu An's bed. Xu An, being calm of mind, was already fast asleep. Suddenly, a fragrant breeze swept through, and Lu Yang and his companions felt their consciousness grow light, drifting into a deep slumber. A graceful figure pushed open the door, gazing at the three with a playful smile.

"I wondered what kind of powerful figures my benefactor had invited. Turns out they're just three little Golden Core stage cultivators." Through the graceful figure's spiritual sense, she discerned that all three had Golden Core stage cultivation. "I wonder when I'll be able to reveal my true identity to my benefactor." The graceful figure gazed at Xu An's sleeping face, licked her lips, shed her clothes, and gently leaned in to kiss him. The two did not physically touch; a wisp of Yang energy floated from Xu An's lips and was absorbed by the graceful figure. Then the graceful figure moved her hands over him.

Lu Yang and his companions feigned sleep, but were actually secretly observing the scene and communicating through their spiritual sense. "Xu An certainly has a knack for attracting women; this female ghost's cultivation is quite high."

"No wonder he felt his Yang energy was insufficient; it would be strange if it were otherwise."

"So it turns out the maid Xiaocui has been absorbing Xu An's Yang energy."

"She's quite dedicated to her disguise."

Ghosts cannot physically interact with objects. When sweeping the courtyard during the day, she was actually posing and controlling things with her mind – a fact the three had noticed when they first encountered Xiaocui. It was the same now; Xiaocui was merely absorbing Xu An's Yang energy while intertwining with him in his dreams. This is a common method employed by seductive ghosts. Meng Jingzhou was especially sensitive to ghosts, which is why she had caught his eye earlier.

After a passionate encounter, Xiaocui contentedly left the Xu residence. The three immediately followed her to investigate. It was late at night, and many shops had already closed.

Xiaocui arrived at the entrance of a closed shop. She looked around to confirm no one was present, then lightly knocked on the wooden door. The door opened immediately, as if the person inside knew someone would arrive. Xiaocui confidently walked into the shop.

Lu Yang looked up and read: "Come Again BBQ Shop, Spring River City Branch."

"Welcome, Helmsman, to inspect our establishment!" the BBQ shop attendant said respectfully.

"How many times have I told you?" Xiaocui reprimanded. "Our Nine Nether Sect conducts legitimate business; you should call me the shop owner."

"Yes, yes, Ma'am."

The attendant retrieved the ledger. "Here's today's revenue report."

Xiaocui opened the ledger and meticulously checked each entry. The BBQ shop was the Nine Nether Sect's primary operation, allowing no room for error. Seeing that the helmsman was in a good mood, the attendant suddenly spoke up. "Shop owner, do you truly intend to remain Xu An's maidservant indefinitely? Given your status, why bother with this? If you ask me, you should just reveal your identity, tie him up, and bring him here. He'd comply with anything then."

The attendant was clearly anxious, seeing their helmsman—a dignified Nascent Soul stage cultivator—humble herself by serving in a mortal's home as a maid.

Xiaocui immediately refused. "No, my dear Xu saved my life; how could I possibly treat him like that? As for revealing my identity, that's even more impossible. If he knew who I truly am, he would be charged with harboring a demonic sect disciple. How could he then pursue the imperial examinations?"