Chapter 57: An Unexpected Setback and a Hidden Encounter

She had intended to sneak into the shrine to investigate, but the Great Immortaless stopped her just in time.

“Don’t go in! There’s someone inside you might not be able to defeat right now.”

Bai Mengqi’s heart lurched at the warning. The Great Immortaless’s judgment was always unerring, and her words suggested a formidable enemy undoubtedly lay hidden within the shrine.

Curiosity piqued, she asked, “Is there an S-rank ability user inside?”

At her full strength, she believed she was no less powerful than an A-rank ability user. However, the true might of an S-rank remained an unknown variable to her.

The Great Immortaless shook her head. “It’s difficult to say precisely, but they are certainly much stronger than you are currently. You would need to gather the power of at least three to five more fragments before you could hope to overpower them.”

Hearing this, Bai Mengqi couldn’t help but feel a pang of frustration. She had believed herself formidable, only to encounter successive setbacks here in Japan.

The world, she realized, was vast and full of wonders. This first venture abroad was truly an eye-opener; her previous horizons had been limited to the small confines of Jiangcheng, where she had indeed been practically invincible.

Clenching her fists, she silently resolved that, given the chance, she would collect many more fragments to elevate her power to the very apex of this world.

Left with no other option, she could only return to Zi Yanran’s residence for now.

Along the way, her mind raced with a myriad of thoughts, contemplating her next course of action.

****

Not long after she departed the ghost town, a white-haired Onmyoji inside Jingguo Shrine seemed to sense something profound.

He abruptly opened his eyes, golden light flashing within their depths. The next moment, he appeared as if by instantaneous teleportation at the female ghost’s dwelling.

The female ghost, seeing the Onmyoji’s arrival, immediately showed a look of terror and tried to flee.

Alas, the Onmyoji was wreathed in golden light. With a casual flick of his hand, an invisible force bound the female ghost, pulling her directly before him.

“Speak! Who was here just now?” the white-haired Onmyoji demanded, his voice sharp and cold.

The female ghost trembled uncontrollably, utterly intimidated by his oppressive aura.

Yet, for some inexplicable reason, she did not reveal Bai Mengqi’s identity.

“J-just a passing ability user,” the female ghost stammered. “I-I fought with her, but she couldn’t defeat me, so she ran.”

The female ghost, who had been so formidable moments ago, now appeared as weak as an ant before this white-haired Onmyoji.

The Onmyoji casually tossed the female ghost aside.

“Do not attempt any tricks,” he warned dispassionately. “Otherwise, you and your child will not even be able to remain as ghosts.”

Having delivered his warning, his body once again transformed into a streak of golden light and vanished from the spot.

This individual had not arrived in their physical form; they had used a form of ‘descent art,’ allowing their soul to leave their body and instantly reach its destination.

Such a technique was beyond even Bai Mengqi’s current capabilities.

After he departed, the female ghost’s eyes filled with a look of profound resentment, yet also a hint of cunning deviousness.

‘Abe Haruha, you wait,’ she thought. ‘One day, I will make you repay the torment I’ve suffered a hundredfold, a thousandfold.’

****

The sky gradually darkened as Zi Yanran and her team concluded their negotiations for the day.

However, she still hadn’t met with Matsushita Suguru of the Matsushita Group. They claimed Matsushita Suguru was feeling unwell today and would only be able to meet her tomorrow.

Having navigated the cutthroat world of business for years, Zi Yanran instantly understood their true intentions.

“The old fox is trying to assert dominance, to make me wait?” Zi Yanran grumbled, thoroughly displeased, as soon as she returned to her lodging.

Upon her entry, the ability bureau bodyguards immediately re-inspected every corner of the room. After confirming everything was secure, Captain Liang greeted Zi Yanran.

“Miss Zi, please rest assured,” Captain Liang said. “I will personally stand guard in the living room tonight.”

Zi Yanran nodded, then headed straight for her room.

As soon as she stepped inside, she saw Bai Mengqi lying on the bed, smiling as she looked at her.

Zi Yanran quickly closed the door, while Bai Mengqi seized the opportunity to use a sound-isolating technique, sealing the room.

“You’re back? Was your outing smooth?” As soon as Zi Yanran saw Bai Mengqi, all her earlier displeasure vanished without a trace.

Bai Mengqi wore a crestfallen expression.

“Not really,” she admitted, spreading her hands helplessly. “I kept hitting walls. I genuinely thought I was invincible, but who knew there were always stronger people out there? I got put in my place.”

Zi Yanran was taken aback.

“Is that so? This tiny nation of Japan has someone who can make you stumble?”

Bai Mengqi puffed out her cheeks and complained, “Don’t underestimate this island nation just because it’s small. This place is far more bizarre than our Xia Kingdom. There are quite a few powerful evil spirits here. The place I just visited had an evil spirit that was integrated with an entire town. While she couldn’t harm me, I couldn’t kill her either.”

At the mention of evil spirits, an unpleasant memory seemed to surface for Zi Yanran.

“Evil spirits? You’re saying there are many here in Japan? That’s odd, why haven’t I seen any?” Zi Yanran wondered aloud.

Zi Yanran could also occasionally perceive such entities, usually when she was feeling unwell or at night. This was due to the unstable fox demon power within her, which she couldn’t control.

“You’ve seen these things?” Bai Mengqi asked, intrigued.

Zi Yanran shivered slightly and nodded.

“Yes, I saw one not long after that incident happened years ago. It was an old Daoist priest glowing with golden light. He always appeared mysteriously beside me. Was that a ghost?”

Bai Mengqi froze upon hearing Zi Yanran’s words, struggling to suppress a laugh.

That old Daoist priest was undoubtedly True Person Zixia of Zixia Temple in Lantian County—Zi Yanran’s own ancestor.

Bai Mengqi suspected that Zi Ye’s ability to build his business from scratch in Lantian County was surely due to the blessings of True Person Zixia. As a deity of Lantian County, benefiting the region would undoubtedly bring good fortune to her descendants.

“After you’ve finished your business, how about we stay in Japan for a few more days to explore before heading back?” Bai Mengqi suddenly suggested.

Zi Yanran’s expression shifted to surprise.

“Really? You want to stay for a few days?”

Bai Mengqi pouted.

“Why not? It’s my first time abroad! This island nation isn’t that big; I could explore it all in a few days.”

Zi Yanran immediately lay down beside Bai Mengqi, observing her with a thoughtful expression.

“You little trickster, you definitely have other things you want to do, don’t you?” Zi Yanran asked, her eyes narrowing.

Bai Mengqi instantly felt awkward, her thoughts seen through by Zi Yanran in a flash.

“Ugh! You really are like a worm in my stomach; nothing gets past you. Oh, by the way, can you see her?” Bai Mengqi asked with a helpless smile, gesturing towards the Great Immortaless sitting by the bed.

Zi Yanran paused, then looked to her side, but in her eyes, there was only empty air.

“See what?” Zi Yanran asked, confused.

Bai Mengqi immediately signaled to the Great Immortaless, who understood instantly. She closed her eyes, and her ethereal body began to emit a soft, phosphorescent glow.

“Look again,” Bai Mengqi prompted.

Zi Yanran turned her head once more, and this time, her gaze met a beautiful, smiling face.

“Hello, little girl.”

After a moment of stunned silence, Zi Yanran’s pupils constricted. She was about to scream, but Bai Mengqi quickly covered her mouth.

Such a sudden appearance of a person would startle anyone.

“Don’t shout. She’s the Great Immortaless I told you about.”

Hearing this, Zi Yanran’s fear significantly subsided.

This was the first time Bai Mengqi had allowed the Great Immortaless to appear in someone else’s sight, demonstrating Bai Mengqi’s immense trust in Zi Yanran. But then again, it made sense: if she couldn’t trust the mother of her child, who else in the world could she trust?