I waited quietly outside the courtyard, my heart filled with happiness. I knew this feeling well—it was just like the joy I felt the first time I met Rachel Lan, brimming with delight.
Finding Grace Hu is truly a blessing. The longer I stay in this world, the more I realize how difficult it is to find someone.
The courtyard became lively. I smiled with relief as the children and elders gathered around, watching Grace Hu and Cao Wanzhi, pointing and chatting. Most of what they said were words of blessing.
Amid the idle chatter, I finally understood: after Grace Hu died and awoke in this world, she continued to care for others as always. She worked in the mornings, and at noon and night she looked after orphans and elders. Many people in this area are deeply grateful for everything she does.
"Old Cao, I won't stay here. When you're ready to come over, just let me know through Ghostlink."
"Wanzhi, who is this?"
Grace Hu ran out happily, looking at me. I smiled at her and nodded, and in an instant, I moved to Rachel Lan's house.
"Qingyuan, you..."
I swallowed. Lily Wu was lounging on the sofa, wearing nothing but a white bathrobe—somewhat see-through, her whole body still wet.
After briefly talking with Lily Wu again, I sat down. She looked very happy.
If you count comprehensively, there are many types of ghost soul materialization. But in combat, there are only four types.
The first type is splitting—creating copies of yourself with equal power, but your own strength is halved. The more you split, the weaker you become.
The second type is Ghost Martial. You can directly use your most powerful weapon to fight. The weapon acts as a medium to bring out the traits of your ghost soul. A good Ghost Martial can even amplify your abilities.
Qingyuan, there are two ways Ghost Martial is born. One is by using your internal ghost energy and soul to reach a certain level and break through your limits. The other is by using external objects, like Yin Iron, to craft a weapon, then gradually infusing it with ghost energy until it becomes one with you.
I've seen both types, Old Book Sage—what about yours?
I said half-jokingly. Old Book Sage smiled.
Both, actually. My Ghost Martial is singular. Some Qing Ghosts have dual Ghost Martial—this is rare, and in all of Blackfang, only Yvette has dual Ghost Martial.
I stared in surprise.
Is it really okay for you to tell me about Miss Yvette like this?
Old Book Sage smiled helplessly.
The third method of materialization is the Spirit Domain. According to Old Book Sage, the timing of its birth varies for each person. Some Qing Ghosts develop their Spirit Domain right after becoming one.
Thinking about this, I remembered that when I was in that horror story, I saw a Qing Ghost named Wu Ping. He developed his Spirit Domain immediately after becoming one.
Oh, Qingyuan, looks like you've met this type of Qing Ghost before.
I nodded and spent half an hour telling Old Book Sage about the events in that horror story. He fell into deep thought for a few seconds, then shook his head and sighed.
So, the birth of a Spirit Domain isn’t really related to strength—it's more about everything you've experienced in life. In your case, Qingyuan, you're a latecomer; you've only been a ghost for two or three years, so there's no need to rush.
I responded. Even Old Book Sage couldn't explain it fully.
Your uniqueness is also an issue, Qingyuan. You've already achieved the fourth stage of ghost soul materialization.
I remember seeing Elder Wei’s ghost soul materialization—his ghost energy formed a giant. Ghost Rakshasa too; I’ve seen his materialization.
My ghost soul materializes instinctively—a demon appears on my back, my shadow can materialize to help me fight.
About the Ghost Martial, Old Book Sage, can you explain more? I want to build my own Ghost Martial as soon as possible.
Old Book Sage looked at me thoughtfully and asked.
What was the thing you were most familiar with for fighting in your previous life?
Hearing this, I was a bit surprised. Thinking carefully, I’d hardly ever fought or even argued with people growing up—let alone gotten into a fight.
That's for you to figure out, Qingyuan. I can't help you with that. The Spirit Domain too—in short, it's about turning the most unforgettable thing you've seen in your life into your Spirit Domain. It can be seen as your home.
Suddenly, I thought of the apartment building, and immediately started telling Old Book Sage about it.
Alright, when we get back, I'll go with you and take a look. You're pretty special, Qingyuan. Most Qing Ghosts I've seen are more conventional.
By the way, Old Book Sage, can I see your Spirit Domain?
I asked, and Old Book Sage laughed, then stood up and nodded.
Spirit Domains come in many forms—abstract, realistic, controllable, or accumulative.
Only four types in total?
Not exactly. Spirit Domains are diverse. What I mentioned are just general traits. If you must categorize them, they’re either defensive or offensive types.
I responded. Old Book Sage floated above me, raising one hand.
When I first came here, opening my Spirit Domain was just a dream. But now, it's no problem.
Art for a thousand autumns... open...