In the middle of the park.

Hidden away amongst the trees, was a makeshift camp.

It was the homeless camp.

With a few fireplaces keeping warmth, it was a quiet place.

From its size, the camp could accommodate around thirty or so people. And from afar, the still sleepy homeless people got surprised by some sudden shouting. It was a mix of scare and exhaustion, gasping for breath. Several of them, already about to go out to search for some cans and valuables, turned to look at the source.

It was the hardcore fishing duo, old Li and fatty Qian.

"Y-you guys, wait, you..."

"Calm down, old Li... what happened?"

"Did the police come? Or is it the thugs? Did you guys stir up trouble?"

"No... wait,"

Still gasping for breath, the two could not even speak. Soon, when they were able to, they shouted;

"G-ghost!"

"Right, ghost!"

Turning to look at each other, the homeless people didn't believe them. Did they find some alcohol lying somewhere, and took a good gulp? For them to be like this, those leftovers must be quite strong...

"I know you guys don't believe us, but, we weren't drunk!"

"Old Li, that's what they all say..."

"Listen to us first!"

Sensing their disbelief, the two got into talking. Relating the story since the beginning of fatty Qian catching something big, their story turned out to be quite interesting. Fatty Qian seemed to have developed a sixth sense for danger, while old Li seemed to have become a brave warrior, confirming what 'that thing' was for the sake of public safety. It jumped, trying to eat them all of a sudden, but old Li managed to give it a few beatings before taking flight with fatty Qian.

'That thing' had sharp claws and fangs, as if a vicious Yin-element ghost. It had resided inside the lake for god-know how long. For some reason, it had awoken. Fatty Qian, now being a famed theorist, gave out the theory that the explosion from a few hours ago, might have been orchestrated by the Divine Demon Cult. They seemed to have awakened the thing that had slept there peacefully for a thousand years... To wreak havoc in the middle of the city!

"Thankfully, old Li pulled me over, otherwise, aii..."

"No, no, no... if not for fatty Qian distracting it before, I wouldn't even stand here..."

It was such an interesting story.

The two had delivered the story with much energy and vigor, making it seem like such a believable claim. The two did not cancel each other out. Instead, they tried to praise each other's efforts as they fought for their dear life just then... As if to say, never left a comrade behind!

A little further away from them, was that said Yin-element ghost.

Yun Zhi, behind a tree. Arrived just in time to catch what they were saying, she turned into ice right there. When did she try to eat them? All she did was stand up, and was about to ask them where they were...

Well, she did try to open her mouth...

But the lake's water almost entered, so the sound came out quite gibberish. The one called old Li threw his fishing rod while the fatty one was shrieking out like a little girl...

Sighing, she decided to ignore the ruckus.

Instead, she just walked over... silently.

As the homeless people all gathered together, she could see the whole population. They were either middle-aged or old uncles, and a few old aunties. There were no youngsters around, for obvious reasons. These people must have faced certain difficulties, one which forced them to disconnect from society in a way. Whether it was about debt, or court cases, she could only guess. However, her first impression of them all... was not so bad.

As she approached them, these people were too busy engrossed by the story laced with extreme food appetizers. The two were depicted as heroic, while the Yin-element ghost, was depicted as a direly hungry ghost, crazy for their flesh.

"...What happened to the ghost, then?"

"What, don't interrupt... That's a good question though,"

Old Li was still narrating things when Yun Zhi, standing behind him, actually asked. The rest of the people there, had their eyes wide open. Their stare, from being fixed onto the heroic old Li, rose to see the...

Yin-element ghost.

With hair covering her face, viciousness filled her.

"G-ghost!!!"

The crowd dispersed in chaos, some even stumbled upon their seat. Seeing them reacting so, Yun Zhi sighed. What were they doing?

If such a ghost really exists as per narration, shouldn't you guys flee right away instead?

Why were you all listening like it was none of your business?

Old Li, seeing everyone, fatty Qian included, already disappeared and hidden, got locked into position. He dared not turn around, and could feel the cold breathing coming from behind him. It was... chilly.

"Where... to take, a bath? Clean, water..."

"Err, err... uh,"

"Better, answer, fast... my patience... doesn't, last..."

"W-water fountain, t-that way,"

"Hmm... many, thanks..."

She purposely spoke slowly, adding to the bizarre image of a Yin-element ghost. As she was about to go there, with a chilling voice, she added;

"Don't, really, eat, human, but... Do, eat, liars, and, scammers... for, breakfast,"

Her short burst of words, made it all chilly.

Old Li, all blue from fear, had his eyes turned white, fainting right then and there. Seeing her revenge was settled, she went on her way to the water fountain.

----------------------------------------

Brrr---

Chilly!

But, refreshing!

Yun Zhi, all alone, washing her whole being.

The prime disciple of Jade Qilin Sect, taking a bath in the middle of the park, using the water fountain? If those from the sect knew this, what would they say? Well, considering her already tarnished reputation, it didn't matter much. Maybe... shameless?

Not like she cared anyway. The fountain's water was more clean and comfortable compared to the lake water. Being able to wash away all the terrible slime from the lake, was like having her very own holy cleansing. Doing it out in the open, in the middle of the park too, was seriously stimulating. Hohoho... The feeling of breaking rules that were not criminal in nature, gave a certain kind of satisfaction.

Fortunately, there was still no one else around.

There should still be an hour before sunrise, but Yun Zhi decided it was enough. Thinking about her next move, she turned a bit sleepy.

After having her spirit world cleansed and the devil's curse removed by Lady Xue Bai, she felt her mind clearer. She was not so sleepy and so lazy anymore. However, it was still dark, and she didn't really take a good sleep. Having herself being yeet into this world also took a toll on her, so...

She decided, to do the most important thing first...

To sleep, and rest!

Without sleep and rest, no clear thinking.

No clear thinking, no action could be taken, um!

----------------------------------------

Yun Zhi decided to return to the camp, for now.

It was better to gain an understanding of the world first. If she came out like that, she might get caught by the police and sent to the 'happy hospital'... Not quite favorable.

Well, actually...

She might even like that. Being able to just sleep, eat, play... Ahh, wonderful...!

But, remembering big sis Xue, she dared not do something that shameful. So returning to the camp, where only homeless people lived, was her choice. These people wouldn't report her unless she threatened their safety. Dealing with the police, no matter what era, was a pain in the butt.

Though they first thought she was a ghost, as morning came and the sun was out, such thought should diminish. After all, Yin ghosts could not live under the sun. Even they knew this.

As she returned to her previous path, she felt her empty dantian. Without Qi, she had to mind her current limit. She couldn't even jump onto a tall tree in one go. Checking her jumping ability, she was barely able to jump to about six meters. Of course, if she used a stick, she could jump higher. Thanks to her good body from almost reaching Foundation Establishment, she was way stronger than a civilian. However, the current her can't compare to her peak. Having no Qi layer was no joke.

"There they are..."

When she returned to the camp, she decided to observe them first, from above the trees. Seeing them organizing together and discussing her, it seemed these people were not stupid. Rather than abandoning their residence, they decided to hide and observe, with sticks and stones while staying close together.

While they were considered the failure of society, they still had a working brain. For whatever reason, they had to stay here. Meaning, she should be able to gain information from them. The norm of society, the rules, the taboo, and the essentials... for example, education and documentation.

Since this was a modern society, all those must exist. With her previous life on earth, though the memory was blurry, she still remembered important details. Not having such information could land her a problem with the authorities, so she should take care of it first.

Soon, the sun came out.

It was time for her to introduce herself...

Well, after she woke up from the tree anyway.

----------------------------------------

She really fell asleep.

Fortunately, her dress was all wet, so it was not comfortable. Otherwise, she might even sleep till evening. Waking up when the sun was out, these homeless elders below her no longer kept their guard up.

Going down from the tree, she greeted them all properly. At first, they were startled;

"W-what, who?!"

"Ah, who are you, young miss?"

"Where did you appear from?"

Since they couldn't recognize her from before, they wondered who this young lady was, coming here into the forest in the morning with her clothing all wet. Aren't she afraid of being assaulted?

Ah, maybe, she already did? Poor little thing...

Thinking about it, her clothing was a bit odd. This was like an ancient traditional Taoist robe. It looked simple, yet it had several layers. Underneath her robe, she was wearing a pair of trousers, making it easy for moving.

When they asked who she was, Yun Zhi wondered if she should be truthful about it, and decided to just do that;

"Well... I'm the Yin ghost from before... but I'm human, see?"

"Wha... What!"

When she introduced herself as being the ghost from before, they couldn't believe their ears. Some of them jumped, especially fatty Qian. His lumpy fats seemed to make waves.

Fortunately, seeing her having her legs linked to earth, they weaved a sigh of relief.

"You, you're really?"

"For you to be this pretty..."

"Oh my, such a cute young lady..."

Among the many old uncles, there were also old aunties. Several of them surrounded Yun Zhi, as if happy seeing their own granddaughter visiting them.

"Can't believe we mistook you for a ghost,"

"Why are you all wet? Ah, from the fountain?"

"What happened, actually? For you to be in the lake at that hour..."

Gaining sympathy from these old-timers, Yun Zhi felt relieved. Though they had no status nor wealth, having their goodwill was good enough. Knowing that she was thrown into the lake, these old-timers were angered, demanding the full story. Some stop short from reporting it to the police. Seeing their concern, Yun Zhi was glad. But, first things first...

"I'll share my story soon. I need to dry my clothes first... Can I borrow any extra?"

Having heard her requests, they turned at each other, wondering if any of them had dresses suitable for such a cute, young lady. Some of the men offered their shirts and pants, only to invite the ire of the aunties. They were about to take their old clothes until fatty Qian stepped in;

"Ah... I remember. Please wait,"

He went back to his tent, rummaging through his belongings. Soon, he found it. A box well protected. He opened it, revealing a pink shirt and a pair of black trousers. The box also contained a black singlet and short, pink pants for her underclothes. Seeing their small size, they barely fit her. But, seeing that fatty Qian had clothing set fit for a thirteen-something girl, they all had a gloomy look. All these time, could they be harboring someone who was... the scum of society?

Fatty Qian, realizing the matter, quickly defended himself;

"W-what's wrong with me keeping my daughter's clothes intact? This is the only one I could salvage! That unfilial wife took her and everything from me, the least I can do to remember... wuwu, you guys..."

"Ah, fatty Qian! We... we actually forgot you had a daughter..."

They all persuade him not to take it to heart. With a snort, he handed the box to Yun Zhi. Seeing him handing her his daughter's precious clothes, Yun Zhi felt conflicted. Is this really okay... However, that didn't last long. Fatty Qian insisted;

"The clothes... I tucked them away for a long time. Maybe it's time for them to be used... I just hope you won't find me disgusting when I saw my daughter in you... ah, here's her picture."

Fatty Qian showed his daughter's picture, a chubby child barely in her teenage years, happily being carried on his fat arm. Seeing the picture, Yun Zhi turned to everyone, wondering about a certain concern;

"Uncles and aunties, how old do you think I am?"

"Eh, fifteen?"

"Right, fifteen?"

"No doubt about it,"

"Errr, fourteen?"

Hearing the last answer, her eyes turned dark. She took an empty can, throwing it right onto his forehead! She knew that four-eyes uncle actually tried too hard to impress!

Tears in her eyes, she had to right this injustice;

"I'm seventeen!"

"Ah? How could this be?"

"P-poor child..."

"You must be starving all this time..."

"Ah, I still have some leftover eggs..."

Her answer just invoked a different kind of sympathy. Now they thought she was growing up malnourished! They thought, hmph, it must be that evil uncle of hers!

Yun Zhi closed her face with both hands, wailing silently within. No wonder they kept calling her cute before... She thought, they had all been charmed by her cuteness... Yet they actually thought, well, forget it!

I'm still cute!

What malnourished? I'm still growing!

Not much to show for? So what!

Medium is premium!

It's not vanity!

Hmph, we'll see!

Since her Taoist robe was wet, she went into an auntie's tent, and changed into the clothes she got just now. While it was a bit tight, she had no problem moving. With the soft short pants and singlet as her underclothes, it was at least more comfortable than wearing the alternative; an auntie's baggie clothing. When she wore the pink shirt, she noticed the words "I am Queen!" written in huge letters.

"...What a shirt,"

She sighed. The written declaration was a bit snobbish.

Well, it's still cute though.

Soon, they all gathered together for a meal.

While they did not have much, they still prepared old tea and made simple rice porridge with some red beans for the special occasion. Everyone chipped in a bit, to treat or maybe celebrate this little guest of theirs. As they did not have any 'real' job, such an occasion was a welcome surprise. At least, it was an entertainment of sorts.

With a small hidden campfire, hot tea with steaming rice porridge, and Yun Zhi's white Taoist robe on the side drying up, they gathered together to listen more to their special guest's story. By their side, that old Li was still out cold on the ground, but they could care less. What hero? Who told him to lie so much?

This cute girl actually became such a terrible ghost monster in his story. While fatty Qian also did it, he redeemed himself with his daughter's clothes. Plus, it was old Li who initiated it, so... When fatty Qian woke him up due to pity, he turned confused by his explanation. He also had a hard time believing that such a cute, young lady was the ghost he fainted from.

"Y-young lady... forgive this old uncle. I might've exaggerated a bit, hehe,"

"A bit? Hmph!"

Seeing her up close, pouting so adorably, he turned embarrassed. He did turn up the heat a bit with that heroic story... There wasn't much entertainment to go around, anyway.

When Yun Zhi and everyone got comfortable, it was time for her to share her story...

=== Chapter 10 Ends ===