The atmosphere in the living room was somewhat tense.

“Brother-in-law, the message you sent in the practitioners group chat will definitely spread very quickly. Have you ever considered that Nicholas Conway and those big shots we don’t know about could have two skull fragments? That would mean that the seven skull fragments have already appeared. If I were them, I would target you first, since you have four skull fragments,” Bai Jing voiced her thoughts.

But Jiang Hao had a different view. “This is Beidu. The Black Fire Company would never dare to carry out military activities here, no matter how fearless they are. We’ll join forces to deal with Nicholas Conway if he comes here personally. We could even snatch the elixir prescription from him by then.”

Qing Zhui chimed in, “Yes! I will kill anyone, no matter who they are. If there are two people, I would kill them both!”

Bai Jing glared at Qing Zhui, seemingly displeased that she and Jiang Hao were in agreement.

“I’ll put my two cents too,” Yin Molan spoke, “I think the most important thing is to gather all the spiritual material for the Ancestor-seeking Elixir. As for the rest, we would just have to react accordingly when it happens. What do you say, Brother Ning? Do you agree with me?”

Ning Tao said, “I’ll think about how to get the necessary spiritual material, but it would take some time. Since a fight is inevitable, I will provide you all with weapons to help you become stronger.”

“Weapons?” Yin Molan subconsciously looked down at the Blade of Brotherhood hanging around his waist. That look seemed to be saying, “Isn’t this a weapon?”

Ning Tao said, “Both Hao and Qing Zhui already have the Heavenly Gem Magic Garments, but Senior Yin and Sister Bai don’t. Give me a set of your clothes and I’ll make you each another set according to the same size and design. Once you wear the Heavenly Gem Magic Garments, I can at least guarantee that you’ll be impregnable; not even a bullet would be able to hurt you.”

Yin Molan was instantly excited. “I also have a set of my treasured guard uniform and official hat, I’ll bring them to you now.”

Ning Tao said, “No rush. Let me finish what I have to say. The Heavenly Gem Magic Garment is just one of the items. Aside from that, I will upgrade all of your magic tools to make them even more powerful. Now, hand them over.”

Yin Molan immediately unsheathed the Blade of Brotherhood by his waist and gave it to Ning Tao.

Bai Jing got up and said, “I’m going back to my room to get my magic tool and clothes.”

Jiang Hao retrieved the Heavenly Hossu from her waist and said somewhat listlessly, “This is the magic tool I’m giving you but I really do not like it. I’m not a nun; it’s weird for me to use a hossu after all.”

Ning Tao said, “You can’t use the magic tools I make. If you really don’t like this hossu, I can take it apart. Hai Dongfang left this knife behind; it’s called Sea Soul. I’ll mix the hossu with the Sea Soul, then I’ll give the knife to you.”

“That’s better.” A smile appeared on Jiang Hao’s lips. She was proficient with guns but she couldn’t use the ones crafted by Ning Tao. If she had to choose between a knife and hossu, she would definitely pick the knife.

It was Qing Zhui’s turn but she pouted. “I have no magic tool.”

Ning Tao pondered and thought of a magic tool very quickly. “I have an Unbreakable Fan which is already protected with the Heavenly Gem Magic Garment. The fan is of no use to me and I can’t use it as a magic tool. I’ll refine it further with some spiritual material and then I’ll give it to you.”

Qing Zhui said happily, “An Unbreakable Fan to go with my snake claw. It’s almost like a sword and a shield, I like it!”

The Howling Celestial Dog was sitting by the door; he sauntered back inside with a cell phone in its mouth. He placed the phone on Ning Tao’s lap. “Dad, this is my magic tool. I think topping up my prepaid credit would be the best upgrade. Please, do it quickly for me.”

Ning Tao did not know whether to laugh or cry. “Go look for your Mistress Jiang.”

Jiang Hao said, “I’ll give you a 200 dollar red packet. You can top it up yourself.”

The Howling Celestial Dog wagged its tail at Jiang Hao. “Thank you Mistress Jiang, Thank you Mistress Jiang.”

“I’ll go take a look at Hu Xiaoji.” Ning Tao left the living room. He intended to tell Reverend Miexin’s story to Hu Xiaoji and observe her reaction.

A gust of cold wind blew over; it swept a few leaves with it, painting a touch of melancholy in this winter day.

Before Ning Tao arrived at Hu Xiaoji’s door, the door next to it opened. Bai Jing appeared at the door and waved at him.

“Brother-in-law, come here. I have something to show you,” Bai Jing said.

Ning Tao said, “You can take it out for me instead.”

Bai Jing furrowed her brows. “Are you afraid that I would eat you up? You’re a strong man, I’m just a woman, what are you afraid of? Even if anything happened, am I not the one on the losing end if it came to that?”

Ning Tao smiled wryly and walked over. Based on experience, who knew what terrible things the white snake could continue saying if he didn’t go.

Qing Zhui was a pure snake demon while Bai Jing was a lewd one.

Once Ning Tao stepped into the room, Bai Jing shut the door.

Ning Tao asked with a surprised tone, “Why are you closing the door?”

Bai Jing walked towards the bedside and said, “I’m being considerate for you. That shrew will think I’m seducing you if she saw us.”

Ning Tao was left speechless in an instant. Was she not intentionally creating misunderstandings by dealing with a simple matter in such a way?

A set of lady’s office wear consisting of a suit and pants was laid on Bai Jing’s bed. There was also a lantern.

Ning Tao had seen that lantern before. Bai Jing wanted to use it to create an illusion of a secluded grand mansion. But she was never seen using it ever since, and it was unknown whether it had any other powers apart from creating illusions.

“I want this set of clothes. I attend social events frequently, so this would appear more formal. It shouldn’t be a problem, right?” Bai Jing stared at Ning Tao with an extreme intent.

Ning Tao said, “Of course. But are you sure you want to upgrade this lantern? What is its origin?”

Bai Jing smiled saying, “It’s called Bright Light of the Sea of Misery. Shall I demonstrate it for you?”

“Bright Light of the Sea of Misery?” It was the first time Ning Tao had heard of this lantern’s name, so he was a little worried. “You’re testing the magic tool here?”

Bai Jing’s hand reached out and the Bright Light of the Sea of Misery was suddenly suspended in the air, and then it flew toward her hand. The lantern was initially extinguished, but it had suddenly lit up in her hands.

Shoosh shoosh shoosh…

The sound of spring silkworms munching on mulberry leaves came from the Bright Light of the Sea of Misery.

Ning Tao’s vision flickered. Everything before him changed. It was no longer an ordinary bedroom but a magnificent and massive palace. Young ladies walked towards him. There were female Vikings holding shields and axes, English princesses in extravagant dresses, female Nazis in slick military uniform, swordswomen wearing bamboo hats and wielding their weapons, cool modern female executives, demure bespectacled female teachers, sexy female dancers in leopard print, and also black girls with plump lips and curvy bums…

Countless women from olden ages and modern ages, of various identities and ethnicities. In the blink of an eye, all the hottest and most beautiful women in the world had gathered before him.

Ning Tao was giddy; his heart was in a state of disarray.

Suddenly, the group of women parted in the middle.

A lady in a magnificent phoenix gown walked towards Ning Tao. She was wearing a crown, carrying with her an aura stronger than any. Only one woman in history had possessed such an aura: she was Wu Zetian.

No matter who played her part, it did not compare to the queen before him. They all paled in comparison. Her beauty and her aura were unique and unparalleled.

The queen approached Ning Tao’s side and grabbed his hand. “As long as you become mine, the world is yours. These women will also be yours to enjoy.”

Ning Tao was bewildered, unable to differentiate what was real or imaginary.

The queen hugged Ning Tao’s waist, whispering into his ear, “Be mine.”

I rest within the womb, listening to the sound of the Way.

Dong!

The holy bell chimed and all the women before him disappeared into thin air. Ning Tao’s sight returned to normal. The woman in his arms was not Wu Zetian, but Bai Jing.

Ning Tao stepped back. “I’ll take the things and return them to you later.”

Bai Jing looked at Ning Tao in shock. “Brother-in-law, how did you break the demon magic of my Bright Light of the Sea of Misery?”

Ning Tao picked up the ladies’ office wear from the bed and took the lantern from Bai Jing’s hand. Without a word, he left Bai Jing’s room as if he were fleeing the place.

The Bright Light of the Sea of Misery was extinguished once it was in his hands. It appeared like an ordinary lantern, but he would never see it as a useless magic tool ever again. Bai Jing had many chances to do something to him while he was immersed in that beautiful mirage.

Of course, if it were a real showdown, he would have never given Bai Jing the chance to delude him. This time, he had realized how powerful Bai Jing’s magic tool was. After upgrading, she would be able to use this later to create a large illusory state during battle, deluding enemies and creating a situation that was favorable to themselves. They would always have the upper hand with this tool, anywhere!

Ning Tao pushed open Hu Xiaoji’s door and entered.

Hu Xiaoji’s eyes opened and looked at Ning Tao, calling, “Papa.”

Ning Tao sat by the bedside, patting Hu Xiaoji’s head. “Papa will tell you a bedtime story, do you like the idea?”

“Okay, okay! I like it.” Hu Xiaoji appeared to be elated.

Ning Tao cleared his throat and said, “In the year 1637, there lived a woman named Hu Ji, who was a fox spirit…”

Hu Xiaoji blinked, and following Ning Tao’s narration, her big and dark eyes slowly shut; finally, there was a slow and steady breathing.

Hu Xiaoji had fallen asleep.

That was her reaction.

Ning Tao sighed and covered Hu Xiaoji with her blanket; then he left her room.

Hu Xiaoji still had the mental age of a child. Her memories of the past were still in a sealed state and it was unknown when they would be awakened. Such a matter could not be rushed after all.

Ning Tao walked out of the courtyard house, stepping out to look at the door opposite the alley. That was the door of Huang Donglin and Fang Min’s place, which was shut tight at the moment. A faint sound came from the house; it seemed to be a soccer match.

Ning Tao shook his head and headed toward the Sky Clinic.

He would be busy for some time.