Feng Yuqiu possesses a considerable cultivation level, a fact that greatly benefits the Taoist Sect. However, she is a ghost. When a ghost confronts a Nightmare Cultivator, even the slightest misstep can precipitate a catastrophe.
Upon observing Little Fatty's approach, An Zongding offered no defense or evasion. He simply summoned a Ghost Servant and dispatched Little Fatty with a single kick, sending him sprawling.
Feng Yuqiu found herself unable to rush to Little Fatty's aid, nor could she permit herself even a fleeting glance in his direction. To unleash her full combat prowess, she had to harden her heart completely.
Concealed within her sleeve was a Sleeve Arrow. With a mere tremor of her fingertip, the projectile streaked towards An Zongding.
A Ghost Servant moved to intercept the Short Arrow on An Zongding's behalf. This arrow packed a considerable punch; the Ghost Servant sustained injuries, collapsing to the ground and rendered immobile.
From her sleeve, Feng Yuqiu produced an Arrow Tube, wielding it as a weapon and plunging it directly into the forehead of another Ghost Servant. Her striking speed was comparable to that of a Sixth Layer Traveling Cultivation practitioner—a testament to the fearsome nature of Cold Cultivation.
That Ghost Servant, too, fell and could not rise.
Only An Zongding remained before her. Yet, as Feng Yuqiu prepared another assault, she suddenly discovered her wrist unresponsive.
The brief effort of the two Ghost Servants had bought An Zongding less than a second, but within that fleeting moment, An Zongding had already seized control of Feng Yuqiu.
This showcased the formidable capabilities of Cloud Yansmoke Cultivation.
"I betrayed you, yet you return seeking me out. Is your desire to serve me so great? How truly cheap can you be?" An Zongding chuckled, advancing towards Feng Yuqiu, who was now utterly immobile.
Qin Xiaopang, having picked himself up from the ground, roared, "An Zongding, you old scoundrel, I'll fight you!"
Bang!
Before the words had fully left his mouth, Qin Xiaopang was once again pinned to the ground by another Ghost Servant.
A mere Ghost Servant under the Cloud Yanxiu's command could effortlessly subdue someone of Qin Xiaopang's caliber.
Glancing down at Qin Xiaopang, An Zongding remarked, "I spared your life at Hai Chi Ridge, yet you neglected to depart, insisting on returning to meet your demise. You are indeed cheap, and the two of you make quite the matching pair of cheapskates!"
The Greenwater Beggar let out a laugh, commenting, "Since they form a pair, why not have you be their adopted father and create a family of three? Wouldn't that be fitting?"
An Zongding's expression remained impassive, but he knew with certainty that Green Flower had indeed detected his presence due to Qin Xiaopang's meddling.
"Green Flower, do you recognize this young man?" An Zongding inquired, gesturing towards Qin Xiaopang.
The Greenwater Beggar shook his head. "I do not. I merely heard he was your godfather, and thus came out of curiosity. I must admit, the resemblance between you two is striking."
"You have trailed me from the teahouse all the way to Yangjiao Garden. What is it you truly desire? Are you yearning for your own life? How cheap can you possibly be?"
An Zongding commanded all his Ghost Servants to form ranks, stating, "Green Flower, your arrogance has spanned many years; your prosperous days are drawing to a close. Do not presume there is no one who dares to oppose you. Today, I have come to claim your life."
This was no idle boast from An Zongding. It was a fact that certain Taoist Sects in this world possessed the means to counteract Disease Cultivation, with Nightmare Cultivation being a prime example.
Under typical circumstances, Nightmare Cultivators eschewed direct confrontation, relying instead on their Ghost Servants for combat.
Did the Greenwater Beggar possess the Technique to inflict illness upon ghosts?
Yes, though his repertoire was limited.
While certain diseases could indeed afflict the Soul, An Zongding had brought a contingent of eighty-six Ghost Servants this time, each endowed with substantial combat prowess. Green Flower could not possibly sicken all of them. His intention was to overwhelm Green Flower with the sheer number of Ghost Servants.
The Greenwater Beggar fingered the Phonograph in his hand and addressed An Zongding, "If you possess the courage, cease relying on that rabble of deceased spirits under your command and face me directly!"
An Zongding burst into laughter. "Green Flower, are you speaking with a befuddled mind? Since when has a Nightmare Cultivator ever engaged in combat without their Ghost Servants?"
"Considering you developed your own unique Technique and have navigated the turbulent landscape of Puluo State for so many years, you have garnered a certain reputation. My advice to you is to depart Greenwater Bay with haste, preserve your life, and seek refuge elsewhere!"
Upon hearing these words, Qin Xiaopang's face drained of color, struck by fear.
Having spent considerable time within the Three Heroes Gang, he possessed some understanding of the local power structure in Greenwater Bay and had heard tales of the caliber of individuals like Green Flower.
And now, Green Flower stood directly before him.
An Zongding addressed him familiarly as Green Flower and even indicated a willingness to engage in direct combat. Judging by his demeanor, An Zongding appeared confident in his ability to defeat Green Flower.
He actually dared to lay an ambush for someone of this stature; was this not sheer folly?"
Realizing the gravity of the situation too late, Qin Xiaopang gazed at Feng Yuqiu, his heart filled with profound regret.
Feng Yuqiu, still struggling against her bonds, met Xiaopang’s eyes for a fleeting moment before tears streamed down her face. She understood the dire straits she was in, but seeing Xiaopang’s expression stirred her emotions, draining the last vestiges of her strength.
An Zongding felt no inclination to concern himself with the pair. Despite the Taoist Sect’s inherent restrictions, An Zongding was not one to underestimate the Greenwater Beggar. He possessed the ability to summon Ghost Servants with a mere command, rendering talismans and Incense Candles unnecessary.
However, An Zongding soon observed that the Greenwater Beggar was in a peculiar condition. He questioned whether the Begging Bowl he held had transformed into a Phonograph. Could this be a Magical Treasure?
“Why are you holding a Phonograph?” An Zongding, ever cunning and astute, refrained from immediate action and instead posed a probing question.
“As I see your end approaches, allow me to play a tune to escort you,” Green Flower declared, giving the Phonograph a shake. A renowned suona melody, “The Grand Funeral Procession,” began to play.
Earlier, when Qin Xiaopang and An Zongding had faced off, “Green Flower” had not appeared instantly. He had, in fact, retreated to the Portable Residence for a brief preparation.
This particular record was no ordinary artifact—it had only just been etched by the Phonograph. The tune itself was even more extraordinary; a staggering seventy percent of the assembled Ghost Servants were lingering souls who had never received a proper funeral. The mournful strains of this melody struck deep sorrow into their hearts, having been denied the chance for a funeral procession.
The remaining thirty percent had at least experienced burial rites. Recalling the day of their internment only amplified their sadness, rendering them even more despondent than the unburied souls.
Every single Ghost Servant froze in place, leaving An Zongding utterly bewildered.