That ancient voice was Dragon Grandma’s.
When her voice rang out, it meant Qing Dai was willing to see Master and them.
Master and Uncle Tang Lin also appeared quite pleased.
They each planted the incense sticks they held before the large tree.
Then, led by me, the three of them were guided in a circuit around the tree three times.
After three circuits, we began walking into the valley.
Within a few meters, white mist began to appear all around.
This was condensed yin energy.
Therefore, the entire valley was extremely cold and gloomy.
The mist was thin, and with the moonlight, the path could still be faintly seen.
After walking for a while, a white flagstone path appeared.
Seeing the flagstone path, I knew we were not far from Qing Dai’s residence.
Master and Uncle did not show much change in expression, calmly following me.
Only Mo Ting appeared very nervous, looking around everywhere.
Seeing many flowers blooming around, he couldn’t help but say:
“The flowers here are so beautiful.”
After speaking, he reached out to pick a fist-sized, enchanting red flower.
He was stopped by Uncle Tang:
“Little Mo, don’t get too eager.
These flowers are all alive.
Only dead people can touch them.
Once they come into contact with human energy, they can devour your soul.”
Upon hearing this, Mo Ting’s outstretched hand froze abruptly.
Then, a bizarre scene unfolded.
The fist-sized red flower actually swayed a few times.
A slit opened within the stamen.
A small green tongue extended from the stamen.
It swayed, making a “sizzling” sound.
This sight sent a jolt through Old Mo, who quickly retracted his hand.
He looked at the red flower with a face full of terror.
Even I was filled with shock.
I hadn't expected that even the roadside flowers were not ordinary, but rather “ghostly entities” and “异种” (strange species).
Old Mo swallowed hard, looking nervously at the red flower:
“You scared me to death! This flower can grow a tongue…”
I took a deep breath beside him.
I glanced a few times at the red flower swaying its tongue.
Finally, I patted Old Mo’s shoulder:
“Stop looking, let’s go!”
“Mm, mm, okay!”
Old Mo cast a few more fearful glances at the strange flower.
And such strange flowers were all around this flagstone path.
On the surface, they were all rare and beautiful flowers, emitting fragrance.
But in reality, these were “Flowers of the Departed.”
They were not for living people to admire or touch.
Next, we continued forward.
Before long, we saw red lanterns and a tall gateway.
“Master, Uncle, that’s it,”
I said, pointing in the direction of the lanterns.
Master and Uncle both nodded.
Signaling me to continue leading the way.
I quickened my pace, soon passing through waves of white mist.
And arrived before Qing Dai’s spectral mansion.
Here, with a grand gate and spacious courtyards.
Black tiles and white walls, backed by the moon, it sat conspicuously in the mountain ravine.
Above the main gate hung the words “Nine Saints’ Manor” written in red ink.
“Is this a spectral mansion? It looks no different from a real one.”
Old Mo’s eyes widened, stopping in amazement before the manor.
His expression was similar to mine last night.
I smiled:
“It’s fake. There’s actually nothing here.
It only appears at night.”
Old Mo grunted and stood still.
Master and Uncle remained silent, simply standing at the entrance.
But soon, the main gate began to open.
The gate opened without any sound.
However, a gust of spectral wind surged out from within.
The chilling wind made one feel uneasy all over.
Besides that, a line of servants with vacant expressions and fair complexions walked out from the mansion, arranged in two rows.
These servants, though their appearances were similar to humans.
They had facial features and shadows.
But they lacked any human warmth.
Instead, they were all paper figures used for offerings to the deceased.
I had seen them last night and showed no significant change in expression.
Master and Uncle were also experienced Taoist priests who had weathered many storms.
Seeing a group of paper figures emerge from the spectral mansion at this moment, they also appeared very calm.
Only Old Mo looked terrified, but there was a hint of excitement in his eyes.
At this moment, he was far from calm:
“Whoa, this is too exciting, I really want to start a livestream…”
Before he could finish, he was glared at by Uncle.
Startled, Old Mo immediately shut his mouth.
He swallowed all his unfinished words.
The paper figures’ footsteps were light, giving the impression of walking silently.
Soon, they stood in two neat rows.
Motionless and vacant, their eyes empty, staring in our direction.
However, as these paper figures took their positions, a black mist billowed from the gate.
The black mist spread, coalescing into a mass.
From within, it directly floated out.
Finally, about five meters in front of us, it condensed, forming the appearance of a yellow-faced old woman.
This was Dragon Grandma, considered Qing Dai’s head housekeeper.
As soon as Dragon Grandma appeared, Master, Uncle, and Old Mo all turned to look at me.
Though they didn’t speak, their eyes clearly asked me.
Was the protective spirit I had, her?
Understanding their intention, I quickly said:
“Master, Uncle, Old Mo, this is Dragon Grandma, the housekeeper here.”
Upon hearing this, Master and the others cupped their fists towards Dragon Grandma.
Expressing their goodwill.
Dragon Grandma forced a smile, chuckling, and said hoarsely:
“This old woman pays her respects.
The young lady invites you, please follow me!”