"The Way is thus, the Way is simple; all water may return to the infinite..."
I heard the Taoist Elder chanting, and in an instant, the Water Bagua surged toward me. I quickly retreated several steps. Right now, the ghostly power within me was left in the hotel above—I was just an ordinary person.
The Water Bagua spun as it approached, and without hesitation, I swung my fist at it. Water splashed everywhere, and in that instant, the scattered droplets and the Water Bagua itself transformed into a flowing stream, like a rope, coiling tightly around me.
My heart skipped a beat. Ever since I left the Dream Realm, the Vermilion Spirit that once dwelled within me had vanished—as if Uncle Mo had taken it away. Now, facing this Taoist Elder, I was utterly powerless.
"What exactly do you want?"
I shouted, but the Taoist Elder raised his horsetail whisk, and the water stream binding me lifted me into the air. I had no idea what was happening.
Though I was restrained, I could still summon the ghost part of myself back into my body at any moment. I could sense everything in Rachel's room, but I chose not to act—better to play weak for now.
"Where is your ghost half, Ethan Zhang?"
I stared in astonishment at the Taoist Elder before me. His eyes were piercing, and there was not a trace of ghostly aura about him—only a pure, formidable power.
"Who are you, really? What do you want?"
Such a resilient Ghost Soul—impressive, Ethan Zhang. I never expected, after hundreds of years, to encounter someone like you. Truly, you’ve opened my eyes, Taoist Elder that I am. Rise...
Suddenly, I saw streams of water surging up, like slender water pipes—seven in total.
Seven-Star Dipper, the Way never falters; sword light of seven stars can vanquish demons, gods and ghosts alike perish...
A sizzling sound rang out. I felt uneasy. High above, I saw the seven streams of water, arranged like the Big Dipper, each shining white, resembling sword-like currents. Softly, they flew from the water and chased after me, aiming straight for my Ghost Soul.
Instantly, I gathered myself, drew two Deathbane Aura Blades, and black wings unfurled on my back. With a clanging sound, the flying white swords attacked from all directions. Relying on the foresight of the Ghost Network, I blocked with both blades.
But I soon realized those shining swords were moving faster and faster. The Taoist Elder stood on the water, right hand extended, two fingers dancing swiftly, as if performing a sword dance. His whisk hovered in the air behind him.
I had to defeat the Taoist Elder. After blocking several attacks, I seized an opportunity and transformed into mist. But just then, the white swords pierced my Ghost Soul with a hiss. I felt my soul damaged, gritted my teeth, and using the Ghost Network, appeared above the Taoist Elder, both hands gripping my Deathbane Aura Blade.
All water may become clouds, defending against enemies; no external matter—drink!
The Taoist Elder suddenly shouted, pointing at me. With a whoosh, a thick white mist sprayed from his fingertips like a dry powder fire extinguisher. I struck down with all my might.
The Taoist Elder vanished. My attack hit nothing.
Nine stars aligned, fire upon fire, thunder lends its aid...
A sizzling sound rang out behind me. In an instant, my Ghost Network was severed, numbness swept over me, and the booming sound echoed. Suddenly, nine burning flames blocked my escape, their heat overwhelming.
I immediately released a surge of Deathbane Aura outside my body, and in a flash, arrows of killing aura formed above me. Instantly, a rain of arrows descended from the sky.
I couldn’t worry about much else—those nine flames surrounding me were extremely dangerous. I had to break through. Without hesitation, I beat my wings and charged forward, Deathbane Aura Blade raised toward the flames.
To my surprise, after the rain of black arrows, the Taoist Elder reappeared. He bent his right arm overhead, stepped forward with his left foot, braced his right, and held a small golden sword in his left hand.
With a whooshing sound, the nine flames formed the character for nine behind the Taoist Elder.
Spirit soldiers arrayed in front, Nine-Character Mantra, Demon-Subduing True Sword, thunder and fire unsheathed, seal...
With a whoosh, the golden sword pierced my chest before I could dodge. I screamed in agony as black smoke billowed from my body.
At that moment, a mysterious force flung me backward. With a crash, I landed on the ground, the black aura dissipating. I had become an ordinary person again. The golden sword was lodged in my chest, as if it had always been part of me—no blood, no pain, only exhaustion and utter weakness.
With a whoosh, the nine flames behind the Taoist Elder continued to drift. I smiled faintly as he approached, whisk in hand.
I gripped the hilt of the golden sword tightly, trying to pull it out, but it was impossible—it felt like part of my body.
Ethan Zhang, you know nothing of the Five Elements, Heavenly Stems, or Earthly Branches. No wonder you’re so weak. To have such power, yet remain like an infant—how lamentable.
What do you really want?
I glared at the Taoist Elder, waiting for a chance. Though I was restrained, he hadn’t noticed I was missing my shadow. Just a moment ago, my shadow sensed something was wrong and slipped out ahead of time.
I know your past, but not your origins; I know your future, but cannot foresee your path.
Suddenly, I roared.
Attack.
With a whoosh, my shadow—the one with golden eyes—leapt from behind the Taoist Elder, black aura swirling around it. Black ghostly threads reached out to connect to me.
In an instant, my shadow sprouted six arms and gripped the Taoist Elder tightly. I felt the ghostly power within me begin to recover.
Instinct, coexistence, resonance...
With a screech, the golden sword flew from my chest. Instantly, my body returned to normal, and Deathbane Aura spun wildly in my right hand.
Let me give you something big.
Guided by the Ghost Network and my shadow, I instantly appeared before the Taoist Elder, right hand raised. He looked at me in terror as I punched him in the chest.
Primordial body... Vajra form... Indestructible yet perishable, born of the heart...
Suddenly, a dazzling golden light flared from the Taoist Elder’s body. I was flung back by a tremendous force, as was my shadow.
As the golden light faded, I transformed into black mist, floating in the air. I sensed a trace of ghostly aura from the Taoist Elder—not a ghost, but incredibly powerful. The protective golden light had scattered my Deathbane Aura.
I had to use even greater power to fight him—and quickly, since I was growing weaker. After the recent battle, I was reluctant to take mist form, as it consumed much Deathbane Aura.
I crouched in midair, eyes closed. The Ghost Network extended into the ground, and sure enough, I sensed the earth’s energy.
Stop, Ethan Zhang. I was only testing you—don’t blame me.
I stopped at once, refraining from absorbing the earth’s energy. I opened my eyes and slowly descended.
My Taoist name is Jizheng—just call me Zhang Jizheng.
I nodded. The Taoist named Zhang Jizheng had shed his hostility.