"The ghost doll and the mold spirit energy can actually be separated?" Hao Yun asked in surprise.
"Of course they can. From the situation of the ghost doll, it still maintains the form of a primary unlucky ghost and has not undergone any evolution. This indicates that the mold spirit energy has not merged with it, and it doesn't even intend to. The mold spirit energy is probably just using the ghost doll to create more misfortune and enhance its own strength. In this case, as long as we can find a way to separate them, naturally, we can further reduce the threat posed by both of them and deal with them one by one," explained Dao Lao.
"Moreover, only by doing this can we minimize the impact that capturing mold spirit energy may have on the balance and stability of the Spirit Realm, or even completely avoid it. Only then can we avoid adding too much extra burden to the Circle of Balance and ensure that it can better play its role in balancing and stabilizing the Spirit Realm," Dao Lao continued.
"The Circle of Balance, what is that?" Hao Yun asked.
"The Circle of Balance is an important divine energy ring that maintains the balance and stability of the Spirit Realm. It guards the peace and stability of the entire Spirit Realm and is the cornerstone of the Spirit Realm's ability to maintain balance, order, and orderly development. Once the Circle of Balance loses its effect, the Spirit Realm will become chaotic and disordered, leading to its destruction," Dao Lao introduced, his tone becoming respectful.
"Can I visit the Circle of Balance in the future?" Hao Yun asked curiously.
"Absolutely not," Dao Lao replied firmly. "The Circle of Balance is the core component of the Spirit Realm, the top priority. It is guarded by the most elite divine army of the Spirit Realm. Except for the highest-level leaders of the Spirit Realm, no one can approach that area. If anyone dares to approach, it means death."
Hao Yun shrugged with disappointment, indicating that if that's the case, he'd better not seek trouble. From Dao Lao's attitude, Hao Yun could clearly feel that the Circle of Balance was a serious and taboo topic not to be casually mentioned.
So, he redirected the conversation back to the current task and asked, "So, what's our next step in finding out the motives and weaknesses of the ghost doll and mold spirit energy?"
"Now that we know the code of the ghost doll, I can contact the Past Life Management Center of the Yin Realm and ask them to help determine its specific origins. From the appearance of the ghost doll, it's not difficult to see that it was once a human on Earth in some time and space," said Dao Lao.
"The Past Life Management Center of the Yin Realm?" Hao Yun muttered the name curiously.
"Yes, it is a department dedicated to recording and archiving all events experienced by lower realm beings in each life cycle. As long as I give them the code of the ghost doll, they will be able to quickly find out its past life experiences. Let me contact them," said Dao Lao, then fell into thought. Obviously, he should be contacting the Yin Realm through some special method.
While waiting, Hao Yun also fell into thought and, after Dao Lao resumed action, said with uncertain tone, "Actually, I've been thinking. Perhaps— the nature of that ghost doll might not be too bad."
"Oh? How so?" Dao Lao looked interested in Hao Yun's viewpoint.
Hao Yun organized his thoughts and said, "You see, Xu Fang has been unable to conceive for the past few years, probably because of the ghost doll following her. But if you think about it, apart from preventing Xu Fang from getting pregnant, the ghost doll hasn't caused any harm to Xu Fang and Xiao Yong. This can be seen from the results of the medical examinations they have been undergoing in recent years. And your system has also not detected any abnormalities in their bodies, right?"
Dao Lao nodded, indicating for Hao Yun to continue.
Hao Yun then pointed to the recording of the ghost doll from last night on the screen and said, "Moreover, from the footage on these recordings, I always feel that the ghost doll doesn't intend to harm them. It seems— it looks happy. How should I put it? Suddenly, I feel that the ghost doll seems to have a strong sense of dependence on Xiao Yong and Xu Fang. Therefore, although it is the ghost doll's use of the power of the mold spirit energy that prevents Xu Fang from getting pregnant, I am now inclined to think that the ghost doll's purpose is just that. Maybe the ghost doll wants to be their child."
After listening, Dao Lao gave Hao Yun a approving look. "Hmm, I hadn't thought of that. So, in your opinion, what should we do next?"
"What should we do next?" Hao Yun didn't expect Dao Lao to ask him this, so after thinking for a moment, he boldly said, "How about— we find an opportunity to conduct on-site investigation and try to sound out its intentions?"
"Are you suggesting— we go to Xiao Yong's house for investigation? And try to sound out its intentions? Which 'it'? The ghost doll?" Dao Lao confirmed with Hao Yun.
This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.
Hao Yun nodded and said, "Exactly. If my analysis is correct, the actions taken by the ghost doll towards Xiao Yong and Xu Fang may be related to its past life experiences. If that's the case, then maybe we can find a way to influence it by fulfilling its past life desires. Then, starting from the ghost doll, we can actively force the mold spirit energy out of its body and defeat them one by one? Of course, if we want to do this, we need to be here for a reason. If it really is a fierce ghost, it's very dangerous, and we should be prepared for the worst. If necessary, we need to find a way to get rid of it."
"Of course," Hao Yun added quickly, seeing Dao Lao's furrowed brow. "My idea is based on the information we might find from the Past Life Management Center of the Yin Realm, which confirms that the ghost doll indeed became an evil spirit due to its past life experiences."
After considering for a moment, Dao Lao found that Hao Yun's idea seemed feasible. So, based on Dao Lao's ability to handle the situation, he decided to try Hao Yun's approach, also with the intention of mentoring the young apprentice.
However, considering that Hao Yun was still inexperienced and his growth value was almost zero, meaning he didn't yet have the qualifications to wield strong powers, Dao Lao had to think of another way to provide necessary protection. After all, the ghost doll still had the mold spirit energy, and if both sides were to engage in combat, there could be unforeseen variables. If something unexpected happened, Hao Yun could be in danger.
After considering these factors, Dao Lao nodded and said, "Your idea seems feasible. If the ghost doll's past life is indeed as you speculate, then we can give it a try. However, even so, we need to prepare for the worst-case scenario. If we can't influence the ghost doll and it turns hostile, you might be in danger. Well, anyway, since you're following me on this mission, I need to ensure that necessary protective measures are in place for you."
"What protective measures? Are you going to equip me with weapons?" Hao Yun's eyes lit up at the thought.
It seemed that Dao Lao was indeed going to arm Hao Yun. Oh my! A priest arming himself? That must mean he'll be equipped with divine weapons never seen before! Hao Yun couldn't help but feel excited at the prospect.
Dao Lao gave a mysterious smile and beckoned Hao Yun to follow him. "Just follow me," he said.
"So, where are we? Why haven't I seen any weapons around?" Hao Yun asked, wide-eyed and shocked.
Just a moment ago, Hao Yun followed Dao Lao into a teleportation array. Then, everything went black, accompanied by a sensation of dizziness, and inexplicably, he appeared on a forest path with Dao Lao. Hao Yun was shocked because the scenery before him resembled scenes from faded old photographs, drained of their original vibrant colors over time, making all the bright and distinct colors appear dim and lifeless. The gloomy gray-black sky, the icy blue ground, the dark brown quiet woods, and the faint gray-white mist pervading the air all seemed devoid of life, creating an intensely oppressive feeling.
"Hey! Respond when spoken to! We've arrived! Hurry up and come over to pick us up!" Dao Lao said impatiently.
To facilitate communication while outdoors, Dao Lao had opened permissions before they set off, connecting their system chat channels together again, allowing Hao Yun to hear Dao Lao's recent remarks in his consciousness. But Hao Yun quickly realized that he could only hear Dao Lao's remarks in the system and couldn't hear the other person speaking to Dao Lao.
"Who are you talking to?" Hao Yun asked curiously.
Dao Lao made a gesture, indicating for Hao Yun to wait a moment before answering. Then, he sat down on a nearby rock and began to complain, "Ah! This old guy! Why did he have to teleport me to such a remote place? Hey? Hey! Why haven't you arrived yet? We've been waiting here for ages! What? Buying cake for your wife? I say, you're a judge of the Yin Realm, why is your family status so low? You're acting like a househusband every day, aren't you afraid of being laughed at?"
"A househusband? A judge of the Yin Realm? Are we waiting here for a judge of the Yin Realm? Is this the Yin Realm? Are we in the Yin Realm now?!" At first, Hao Yun was puzzled by what he heard, but he quickly caught an important piece of information from Dao Lao's words, realizing that they had indeed arrived in the Yin Realm!
Before Dao Lao could answer Hao Yun's question, they were interrupted by the sound of galloping hooves from a distance. Perhaps due to the thick fog around them, the sound seemed to come and go, always elusive. Even though Hao Yun felt that the sound of the galloping hooves was close, he couldn't see any horses.
After the sound of galloping hooves had drifted around Hao Yun and Dao Lao for a while, suddenly, a swaying shadow emerged from the nearby mist. Then, this shadow appeared in front of Hao Yun and Dao Lao at an extremely fast speed. Finally, Hao Yun could clearly see the appearance of this rapidly approaching shadow. It turned out to be a team of heavily armed cavalry. In the middle of this cavalry unit, there was a stylish and imposing classical carriage.
The entire cavalry unit, including the carriage, was all in black, emitting a strong aura of pressure from time to time. The cavalrymen, who were as tall as the Hulk, wore black heavy helmets adorned with spikes, and they stared at Hao Yun and Dao Lao with fiery red eyes without saying a word. Their black horses were equally tall and strong, wearing black spiked armor all over their bodies. Not only did the eyes, nostrils, and mouths of these war horses emit a faint green flame, but even their hooves were enveloped in burning green flames.
Due to the towering stature of these warhorses, reaching heights that almost matched the 1.83-meter tall head of Haoyun, he instinctively took a few steps back. He couldn't shake the feeling that if one of these horses happened to sneeze with a bit too much force, their emerald-green flames might singe all the hair off his head.
At that moment, Haoyun found himself completely overwhelmed by the formidable presence of this cavalry unit. Although they numbered only a dozen or so riders, Haoyun was certain that if he could bring these soldiers back to Earth, their combined might would easily triumph over human modernized armies, even those many times their size.
Observing the imposing cavalry unit, Haoyun couldn't help but feel a mix of nervousness and anticipation. Surely, the occupants of the carriage accompanying such a powerful force were not to be trifled with.
However, to Haoyun's surprise, Dao Lao remained unfazed by the sight of the cavalry. He nonchalantly rose to his feet, brushing off the dust from his posterior, and with a disdainful expression, he approached the carriage with a sarcastic tone. "Well, well, well, if it isn't Old Yan! Fancy seeing you here! Got yourself a new carriage, I see? Looks like you've been raking in some rewards lately, huh?"