Chapter Seventy-Six: The First Encounter

“So you’ve spent these centuries inside that jade pendant?” Lin Zhengying, having grasped the situation, pointed at the pendant hanging from the man’s waist.

The female ghost nodded.

“That was also given to me by the Daoist back then,” she said.

Upon hearing this, the man treated the pendant as if it were some explosive device, yanking it off and, intending to smash it, paused when he caught Chief Li’s disapproving glare, settling instead for tossing it onto the table.

The female ghost pursed her lips as she watched her “home” treated this way—she felt aggrieved but kept silent.

Lin Zhengying picked up the pendant, running his fingers along its back where he found familiar markings, nearly invisible to the naked eye. He channeled a thread of magical power into it.

In an instant, a Daoist of ethereal bearing projected forth from the pendant.

“Master! They’re bullying me!” The female ghost, as if spotting her guardian, immediately began to complain.

The Daoist did not respond to her, but instead bowed to Lin Zhengying. “Fellow Daoist, I am Zhang Sanfeng. This soul has done my disciple a kindness. If she has committed no grave sin, I ask that you grant her mercy.”

The female ghost’s expression brightened.

“If she has harmed the heavens or the earth, then do not hesitate on my account. Strike her soul apart, let her return to the cycle,” Zhang Sanfeng continued.

The female ghost’s joy faded instantly; she lowered her head, feeling utterly wronged.

“I have already left a mark upon her vessel. Once the rules are restored, the sorcerers of Kamar-Taj will lead her into reincarnation,” Zhang Sanfeng’s image dissipated.

Lin Zhengying offered a disciple’s salute toward the vanishing Daoist.

This message, he reckoned, was left by Zhang Sanfeng when he realized he couldn’t return in time, not only explaining the situation but also providing protection for the female ghost.

However, Lin Zhengying sensed something was amiss. Under normal circumstances, such a message should have triggered the moment his wooden sword left its sheath, not requiring his active intervention.

“Have you recently gone anywhere you shouldn’t have? Or met any sorcerers from Kamar-Taj?” Lin Zhengying asked the female ghost gently.

“Hmm… places I shouldn’t have gone…” She pondered for a long while. “Nothing comes to mind, but I did encounter someone who wanted to recruit me as a subordinate. His name was Mephisto, claimed to be the Lord of Hell.”

Chief Li furiously scribbled notes beside them, his hand leaving blurs on the paper. He dared not omit a single word from these exchanges, even adding details like Lin Zhengying’s expressions.

Lin Zhengying’s face was grim. Mephisto—this fiend dared come to China? In the past, with everyone present, he wouldn’t have dared set foot here. Had he grown bolder?

“As for the Kamar-Taj sorcerers, if you mean those wielding glowing weapons, I believe I’ve seen them. They arrived just as Mephisto appeared, flashed their weapons, and promptly fled.”

Lin Zhengying’s expression darkened further at her description. These Kamar-Taj sorcerers were acting absurdly.

It wasn’t their fault if they couldn’t win, nor if they escaped to save themselves, but failing to report afterward—what was the meaning of that?

“I understand. As for your matter, it depends on the opinion of those involved.” Lin Zhengying turned to the married couple.

They consulted quietly for a few seconds before the husband stepped forward. “She caused no real harm, nor does she harbor ill intent. She was simply shaped by the backward beliefs of her era. Dispersing her soul would be cruel. As for compensation, she’s just a female ghost—there’s nothing to be gained. Let her be sent for reincarnation, Daoist.”

“When all is settled, I will send her on. And you needn’t worry about compensation—I will provide it on her behalf,” Lin Zhengying said.

You? On her behalf?

The man was surprised—was Lin Zhengying being too magnanimous? But since the Daoist had just helped him, he felt awkward about requesting compensation.

“It’s no trouble. My master was acquainted with Zhang Sanfeng, and when I entered the sect, I studied some Wudang techniques. By fate, I am connected to her, so it is only proper that I make restitution,” Lin Zhengying explained as the man hesitated.

Without waiting for further refusal, Lin Zhengying turned to the female ghost, signaling her to return to the pendant.

Having learned of her possible connection to Lin Zhengying, the female ghost suddenly found him much less intimidating, even a bit kindly.

She offered a slight bow and slipped back into the jade pendant.

“My part here is mostly dealt with. When will your people arrive?” Lin Zhengying asked Chief Li, though his gaze was fixed outside the office.

Chief Li, as a district police chief, was not privy to many affairs, so while Lin Zhengying had been managing urgent matters, he was also waiting for someone of sufficient authority.

Knock, knock, knock.

Just as Lin Zhengying finished speaking, the office door was rapped upon and someone entered.

“Greetings, Daoist Lin. I am Guan Zhen, Commander-in-Chief of the China Supernatural Response Force. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Guan Zhen approached and extended his hand.

After shaking hands, Lin Zhengying glanced out the window. “Is that person outside the one who brought you?”

Guan Zhen was unsurprised that Lin Zhengying could sense someone outside. In his mind, if China’s supernatural community, with its organization and decades of development, couldn’t detect a single gifted individual, that would be odd indeed.

“Yes, outside is Zheng Xian, Director of the Divine Spear Bureau. He is currently the only other superhuman besides yourself,” Guan Zhen said, not bothering to conceal this from those present. He hadn’t come alone, and the necessary confidentiality would be handled by others.

His orders were to establish rapport with Lin Zhengying, preferably to gauge his inclinations and even the stance of the entire supernatural community.

“I understand. The higher-ups have just summoned me to Hong Kong. Will you be coming with me?” Lin Zhengying asked Guan Zhen.

Higher-ups? Which higher-ups?

Guan Zhen reflexively glanced at the ceiling, but quickly hid his curiosity. He still had no idea how Lin Zhengying communicated with his “superiors.”

“Of course, Daoist Lin. This office is a bit cramped—shall we step outside to talk?” Guan Zhen suggested.

Lin Zhengying nodded. Outside, only Zheng Xian remained in the courtyard; all unrelated personnel had been cleared away.

Upon seeing Zheng Xian, Lin Zhengying sensed the onset of a newborn storm, lightning crackling above it.

“Director Zheng, greetings,” Lin Zhengying said, the energy emanating from his Daoist robes rising a grade.

He was the first to formally engage with the authorities in centuries since the Celestial Court’s withdrawal. He couldn’t overshadow his hosts, but neither could he appear lacking in stature.