Reclaim the Title

e smell of poison."...Why did you come to seek out the spirit of the giant toad" I whispered in Mu Wanchen's ear.The tiny toad, resembling a small hill, was lying in the water. As soon as I spoke, its...Old Mrs. Shen didn't look too happy. Her attitude towards me was very conflicted; on one hand, I'm her junior and my mother had run away from the Shen family.

On one hand, I am the wife of the revered god worshipped by the Shen family. Under Jiang Qiyun's protection, the Shen family enjoys countless conveniences and holds a special status within the circle.

The vegetarian dishes were served, and as my older brother ate, he asked, "Grandma Shen, do you know about the Tong Xuan Meeting It seems to have just popped up recently."

“We’re also looking into it. The Tong Xuan Hui used to be a low-key organization with no structured activities. However, over the past year, it has grown rapidly, absorbing many wandering Buddhist, Taoist, and lay practitioners. They consider themselves guardians of righteousness and receive bounties for dealing with vengeful spirits, ghosts, demons, and monsters… What does this tell us”

"They must be backed by a big money operator!" My brother replied gruffly.

I listened silently to their conversation.

Old Mrs. Shen said that the Tongxuan Association now has three leaders who take turns in charge, with branches all over the place. It is preliminarily estimated that there are thousands of monks, nuns, and lay practitioners who have joined the association, of course, some practitioners only joined and are not very active.

But there are also quite a few active individuals who are driven by fame and fortune, believing that subduing demons and exorcising ghosts is within the purview of mages. There are many such people.

These three masters are highly respected Buddhist, Taoist, and secular figures of great moral standing. Therefore, the Chan Xuan Hui's atmosphere is very righteous.

"The Tong Xuan Hui is an interwoven organization of mages, with representatives from all schools and sects. They don't usually interact with us, and the jobs taken by the Shen family are generally not contested... but others are more likely to clash with them." Old Mrs. Shen frowned and shook her head.

"Well, still snatching up work" my brother chuckled.

“In this case, the Tongxuan Guild relies on spiritual rituals and demon hunting to advance. The higher the member's level, the higher the reward. Many Taoist priests originally lived in poverty and lacked resources and connections, especially young ones. Therefore, joining the Tongxuan Guild is a good choice for them to hone themselves and earn rewards.” Said Old Mrs. Shen.

"Then who are these rewards given to Some wandering spirits don't even have victims, do they" I asked curiously.

My brother poked my forehead: "You fool, Qiao! This is obviously backed by a big sponsor. This big sponsor is clearly trying to win over idle people within the circle and form a powerful organization. These bounties are definitely provided by the big sponsor!"

So that's how it is... This big shot really is generous, keeping so many idle mages. I wonder if that's a good thing or a bad thing.

"The head of the Taoist faction, as I understand it, is Lingxuzi from Qingyudao Monastery. As for the Buddhist faction, it's led by Master Yuanhui - that is, the master of the young monk Huijing. As for the secular faction...it seems to be headed by an elderly woman from the north. I haven't interacted with them much so I don't know much about them."

Uh, this lineup is about to make some moves

"All in all, the Tongxuan Hui opened up a new model within the circle. This organization is not divided by schools or families; everyone can join it. Those who want rewards subdue demons and exorcise ghosts, in a sense, doing good deeds." Old Mrs. Shen affirmed this point.

I shook my head. "Everything has two sides. Some demons and ghosts remain in the world also because of karmic retribution. If we forcefully cut off the cycle of cause and effect, wouldn't humanity's karma increase even more"

Old Madam Shen looked at me with a complex gaze and sighed: "Some comprehension is truly innate. Many people can't figure it out, but some understand the truth without any guidance. Mu Xia Qiao, Mu Yun Fan, you two have inherited your parents' strengths."

My brother chuckled and said, "We also started to understand this only after half a year this year. Some things require experience, and only then will your mindset change."

I also laughed. According to Old Mrs. Shen, my parents actually had "advantages"

After dinner, sipping tea, Old Madam Shen's conversation shifted to Qingcheng Hospital.

"This definitely needs to be removed. We can't tolerate a huge soul-refining place existing in the world. It's a tumor for both the yin and yang realms. The guide is after all human, and under multiple investigations, we found his area of activity. We can basically confirm that he is the ancestor master of the Corpse Refining Village." Grandma Shen held her teacup lightly, blowing on it, her gaze fixed on me.

"Mu Xiaoqiao, you must be careful. The Corpse Refining village has been destroyed, and he is now prepared to make a desperate gamble."

I remained silent, these potential dangers, I hope to be resolved before the child is born, otherwise it will be even more worrying afterwards.

"The Emperor also means the same thing. He doesn't want these to continue to threaten you. Qingcheng Hospital will have a major operation in the next few days. You people from the Mu family should also prepare yourselves, and it's best to notify them in advance. Even if you don't participate, don't cause trouble." Old Madam Shen said with a stern tone.

"Grandmother, my name seal was snatched by members of the Tong Xuan Hui. Where should I go to find the person in charge and get it back These people's sect clearly can't control them. Does the Tong Xuan Hui have someone in charge" I asked.

Grandmother Shen nodded. “Yes, I know Daoist Lingxu and Master Yuanhui, but they each take charge for three months. Now it's the turn of a lay woman from this faction. This person is very mysterious, we haven't met her before. She came from the north, supposedly a very powerful witch.”

After leaving the Shen residence, we called countless times using the contact information given by Old Mrs. Shen. Finally, we found a disciple of this witch, surnamed Zhao, who sounded like a middle-aged woman over the phone.

She replied, "If you have something to ask my master, please come early tomorrow. I've sent the address to you. My master is getting old and goes to bed as soon as it gets dark."

My brother smirked and said, "Xiao Qiao, I think Mingzhang won't be back. I don't know if those who got Mingzhang are hiding in another Kongming lock, separated from the ghost qi, making Jiang Qiyun unable to sense them."

At night, we gathered together for a little chat. When the topic turned to the witch from the north, Old Mrs. Wu frowned and said, "Could it be Ma Old Lady"

"Ma Old Mrs Is she really good" My brother doesn't know much about the north.

The old woman nodded. "She seems to be over a hundred years old... In this circle, being able to live past a hundred and still come out of seclusion, what do you think You should be extra careful when you go to see her tomorrow."

“Xiao Qiao, come here.” Jiang Qiyun held my wrist and pulled me upstairs.

"What's wrong" I looked at him questioningly. He pulled me to the bay window and sat down, then circled his arms around me from behind. What was he doing

"Let me teach you a few more tricks, so you won't be flustered... And next time, learn to control your emotions and strength. Don't create such a huge divine tiger again." His icy fingers brushed over my fingertips.

My mind was elsewhere, yet his breath brushed lightly against my ear, stirring something within me.

Every fiber of my being, itches with anticipation.

"Qiyun, when I give birth, will you be there" I asked nervously.

"...Hmm, I'm here." He sighed softly against my neck. "It's really tough..."uldn't believe it, I touched the surface beneath me. It was indeed water, but beneath the water seemed to be a mirror. When I reached down, the depth of the water barely covered my wrist.And the under...