Under Xiao Yu's relentless efforts in learning, he gradually mastered numerous talismans.
Uncle Nine, seeing Xiao Yu's astonishing progress, opened up his personal library for him to study freely.
Xiao Yu was immensely grateful to Uncle Nine, feeling this was the treatment of a direct disciple.
Thus, whenever he had time, Xiao Yu would delve into studying, living up to Uncle Nine's high expectations.
The library contained a variety of books, including those on feng shui, medical texts, accounts of strange events, and introductions to the cultivation world.
There were also notes on experiences and methods for dealing with ghosts and zombies, all of which greatly broadened Xiao Yu's horizons.
Sometimes, he would also discuss and experiment with talisman combinations with Uncle Nine.
Uncle Nine offered many ideas, which were of great help to Xiao Yu.
Meanwhile, Xiao Yu secretly cultivated in his Inner World, as the number of analyzed talismans increased.
This enriched the Inner World with many Dao Rhyme Profundities, and the world's size gradually expanded, more than doubling in space.
The medicinal ingredients planted inside, nourished by spiritual energy, could achieve the potency of decades-old herbs. Over time, as spiritual energy increased, these ingredients might grow into spirit medicines with the potency of a hundred or even a thousand years.
Additionally, Xiao Yu cultivated under the Dao Rhyme of the Soul Laws, making new progress with the talisman combinations he was fixated on.
He also aspired to comprehend the Way of the Soul, hoping to grasp abilities like telepathy, sudden premonitions, and the intuition of a monk sensing the autumn wind before it stirs.
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Unfortunately, Xiao Yu's strength was too low, and he couldn't even grasp the basics.
***
At Uncle Nine's mortuary.
Xiao Yu was crafting a magical artifact, using a carving knife to etch an Evil Warding Talisman onto a jade plaque, which would automatically trigger against Yin Evil, channeling spiritual power through a network of power-storing spiritual lines.
He then proceeded to carve a second Vajra Talisman, which required spiritual power to activate.
After several failures, he finally succeeded in creating a Protective Amulet, now needing to test its effectiveness.
Xiao Yu recalled a room in Uncle Nine's mortuary, filled with jars imprisoning ghosts, which would be an excellent testing ground.
He immediately set off to find Uncle Nine and proposed his idea.
Uncle Nine, intrigued by the understanding and application of such talismans, agreed to Xiao Yu's request, eager to see the amulet's efficacy.
Uncle Nine fetched a jar and led Xiao Yu to a room, sealing the doors and windows and plastering talismans all around to prevent the ghost from escaping.
"I'm releasing it now, Xiao Yu, be ready."
Uncle Nine approached the jar, preparing to release the ghost.
Upon hearing this, Xiao Yu placed the Protective Jade Plaque on his chest and nodded to Uncle Nine, signaling he was ready.
Uncle Nine opened the jar lid, and a dark cloud of ghostly energy rushed toward Xiao Yu.
The Protective Jade Plaque on Xiao Yu's chest, sensing the Yin Evil aura, automatically triggered, activating the spiritual power network. The stored spiritual power surged, channeling to the Vajra Talisman.
The Vajra Talisman instantly activated, forming a spiritual power shield around Xiao Yu.
All of this happened in an instant, blocking the ghost outside, unable to approach.
Seeing the successful experiment, Uncle Nine performed a hand seal to capture the ghost back into the jar.
"Your idea worked, it's a fine defensive magical artifact.
The spiritual power on the jade plaque hasn't been exhausted yet, it can still be used, very good."
Uncle Nine took the jade plaque, examined it, and praised the amulet's functionality.
"I also referenced many of Master Uncle's ideas to finally succeed."
Xiao Yu knew Uncle Nine liked to save face, so he humbly acknowledged Uncle Nine's contribution.
"For dealing with Yin Evil entities, this Protective Jade Plaque is successful. Although a Protective Amulet can also ward off ghosts, the Vajra Talisman within the jade plaque can also resist physical ghosts and zombie attacks.
Now I want to go further and research how to resist normal physical attacks, like knives, arrows, and firearms. Master Uncle, do you have any ideas?"
Xiao Yu proposed a new idea, seeking Uncle Nine's guidance.
"To resist firearm attacks, to have such a function, I'll have to think carefully."
Uncle Nine pondered for a while but had no leads.
"This Protective Jade Plaque is already excellent, you don't need to rush."
Uncle Nine could only advise against being too hasty.
"Master, someone is looking for you."
At this moment, Wencai's voice came from outside the room.
Upon hearing this, Uncle Nine left the room to see what was happening.
Xiao Yu followed him to the living room.
The visitor, seeing Uncle Nine arrive, greeted him politely.
"Uncle Nine, I'm the Ren family's steward. Master Ren invites you to have foreign tea tomorrow."
Uncle Nine understood the purpose of the invitation and chatted with the steward for a few more moments.
Soon after, the steward took his leave.
Seeing this, Xiao Yu thought to himself, inviting Uncle Nine for foreign tea, this is where the plot begins.
***
The next day, Uncle Nine took Xiao Yu and Wencai to the appointment.
On the street, Wencai and Uncle Nine had an extreme tug-of-war, just like in the plot.
Soon, the three arrived at the entrance of the café.
"Welcome, please come in. May I ask if the three gentlemen have a reservation?"
The waiter greeted them promptly.
"We're here at Master Ren's invitation."
Not wanting Wencai to cause any trouble, Xiao Yu spoke up first.
"Oh, you're guests of Master Ren. Please, this way."
Upon hearing they were guests of Master Ren, the waiter courteously led them to Ren Fa.
"Uncle Nine, you've arrived, please have a seat."
Ren Fa stood up to greet Uncle Nine.
"Master Ren."
Uncle Nine greeted him, then said to Wencai and Xiao Yu, "This is Master Ren, aren't you going to greet him?"
"Hello, Master Ren."
"Hello, Master Ren."
Xiao Yu and Wencai politely greeted Ren Fa.
"It's Wencai, yes, good, no need to be formal, please sit."
"This young man looks unfamiliar, Uncle Nine, is he your new disciple?"
After responding to Wencai, Ren Fa looked at Xiao Yu and inquired.
"This is my nephew, here to visit me. I've asked him to stay with me for a while."
Uncle Nine smiled naturally as he replied.
Hearing this, Xiao Yu thought to himself, Uncle Nine, you really know how to save face, you're quite the dignified person.
"I see, it's commendable to visit elders."
Ren Fa followed Uncle Nine's words, offering praise.
Uncle Nine felt pleased, and they began exchanging pleasantries. "I heard your daughter has returned from studying in the provincial city."
"Yes, she's back, and she learned makeup there. As soon as she returned, she's been teaching everyone how to do it. I've called her over, she'll be here soon."
Speaking of his beloved daughter, Ren Fa beamed with joy.
Wencai muttered quietly to himself, "You look like a bun, I wonder what your daughter looks like."
Fortunately, no one heard him.
Ren Fa and Uncle Nine continued their casual conversation.
"Dad."
At this moment, a youthful and beautiful girl in a lovely foreign dress gracefully approached from a distance.
"Ah, my daughter is here."
Hearing the voice, Ren Fa waved to the girl.
After she sat down, Ren Fa introduced her.
"This is my daughter, Tingting.
Tingting, this is Uncle Nine, greet him."
"Hello, Uncle Nine."
Ren Tingting greeted Uncle Nine politely.
Ren Fa continued, "This is Uncle Nine's disciple, Wencai, and this is Uncle Nine's nephew."
Ren Tingting nodded in acknowledgment to Wencai and Xiao Yu.
"Tingting has grown so much."
Uncle Nine marveled at how quickly time had passed.
Since Ren Tingting arrived, Wencai's eyes hadn't left her, fixated on her ample bosom and fair chest.
Upon hearing Uncle Nine's words, he couldn't help but blurt out what he was thinking, "Yes, she's so..."
Seeing this, Xiao Yu, to avoid embarrassment, kicked Wencai, making him swallow his words.
With everyone present, Ren Fa called a waiter to order, and he and his daughter ordered coffee.
Then he handed the menu to Uncle Nine, who found it all in foreign languages, unable to make sense of it.
Xiao Yu stepped in, "Master Uncle, let's have coffee too."
Uncle Nine had no objections and nodded to the waiter to confirm.
At this moment, a waiter conveyed a message to Ren Fa, "Master Ren, Master Huang has arrived."
"Uncle Nine, please excuse me, I need to go greet him."
Ren Fa apologized to Uncle Nine, needing to attend to some business matters.
"No problem, Master Ren, please go ahead."
Uncle Nine nodded, not minding, as there was plenty of time today to enjoy the foreign tea.
"Tingting, please entertain Uncle Nine and the others."
Ren Fa instructed his daughter before leaving.
Shortly after, the waiter brought coffee and egg tarts.
"Master, which one should we drink first?"
Wencai looked at the black and white drinks before him, unsure of how to proceed.
Uncle Nine didn't know either, so he hadn't started.
Ren Tingting, recalling how Wencai had been leering at her earlier, felt a bit annoyed with him.
These people seemed to be drinking coffee for the first time, and they were all watching her, wanting to see how she drank it.
Ren Tingting decided to play a little trick on Wencai.
Glancing at the three, Ren Tingting took a sip of pure coffee, then a sip of milk, followed by a spoonful of sugar, shaking her head before finally drinking the coffee.
Watching movies, Xiao Yu had always found this amusing, so he waited for Ren Tingting's actions.
Now, witnessing it live, he struggled to suppress his laughter.
Wencai, seeing this, mimicked her actions.
Having watched the show, Xiao Yu began preparing his coffee, adding milk and sugar.
Once ready, he handed the coffee to Uncle Nine to taste.
"Master Uncle, please, if it tastes bitter, add more sugar."
Uncle Nine took a sip, finding the taste not particularly appealing, but considered it a novelty.
Seeing this, Ren Tingting blushed, realizing they knew how to drink coffee. Her earlier antics might have made her look foolish, prompting her to glare at Xiao Yu.
At this moment, Master Ren returned, sat down, took a sip of coffee, and began discussing business.
"Uncle Nine, about the grave relocation..."
"Master Ren, such matters are best left undisturbed. Please reconsider."
Uncle Nine advised caution, urging Ren Fa to think carefully.
"The feng shui master said so back then, and I've made up my mind."
Master Ren was determined, insisting on the relocation.
Wencai interjected, "What the feng shui master says isn't always reliable..."
Ren Tingting, displeased with Wencai, immediately retorted, "And you think your words are?"
Wencai wanted to respond, but Uncle Nine's stern glare silenced him, making him lower his head and sip his coffee quietly.
Seeing Ren Fa's resolve, Uncle Nine could only agree to the matter.
"Three days from now, the date is suitable."
"What do I need to prepare on my end?"
Master Ren sought Uncle Nine's guidance.
"Of course, prepare money."
Wencai chimed in, getting straight to the point.
"How much do you need?" Uncle Nine's face darkened, glaring at Wencai.
"Need..."
Wencai started to gesture numbers but suddenly realized it was his master's voice.
Looking over, he saw his master glaring at him, and he immediately fell silent.
"Uncle Nine, don't worry about the money."
Master Ren didn't mind these matters.
"Master Ren, prepare the manpower and tools. I'll handle the rest."
Uncle Nine clarified the preparations needed.
"Alright then."
Master Ren confirmed the arrangements, inviting them to continue enjoying their coffee and snacks.
"Dad, I'm going out to buy some things."
Ren Tingting whispered to her father.
"Alright, go ahead."
Master Ren nodded.
"Let's go for a walk together."
Ren Tingting suddenly invited Xiao Yu.
Xiao Yu was a bit surprised, a hint of vanity arising within him, wondering if Ren Tingting was attracted to his handsome appearance.
"Go ahead, you young people should have common topics."
Uncle Nine smiled.
"Yes, Tingting just returned from studying in the provincial city and doesn't have many friends her age. If you have common topics, that would be great."
Master Ren nodded, noting that his daughter, having received higher education in the provincial city, found herself out of sync with her childhood friends upon returning to Ren Family Town, lacking common topics and feeling a bit lonely.
"Miss Ren, please."
Since both Uncle Nine and Master Ren had spoken, Xiao Yu stood up and politely invited Ren Tingting to lead the way.
"Alright, let's go."
Ren Tingting smiled brightly as she walked out of the café.
"Wait for me, I'm coming too."
Wencai followed them out, catching up with Xiao Yu and Ren Tingting.
The three walked along the bustling street, filled with the sounds of shouting and selling, lively and bustling.
"There's a juggling performance over there, let's take a look."
Wencai pointed to a spot not far away where a crowd had gathered to watch.
Ren Tingting had no objections, and the three approached to watch the performance.
After watching for a while, Xiao Yu and Wencai noticed Ren Tingting's lack of interest, so they decided to leave.
"Miss Ren, what do you want to buy?"
"I want to look at some cosmetics."
"Coincidentally, my senior brother's aunt runs a shop selling cosmetics. How about we take a look?"
Xiao Yu suggested a visit to Qiusheng's shop.
"Yes, Qiusheng's place sells cosmetics."
Wencai chimed in.
"Let's go take a look then."
Ren Tingting agreed.
"Miss Ren, follow me. I'm very familiar with Qiusheng's place."
Wencai eagerly led the way.
As they walked through the streets, Ren Tingting struck up a conversation with Xiao Yu.
"You're Uncle Nine's nephew, where's your master?"
"My master is away on business, so I'm staying with my uncle for a while."
"I assume you've been to many places?"
Ren Tingting inquired about Xiao Yu's background.
"I've traveled to many places with my master."
Xiao Yu responded smoothly.
At this point, they arrived at the shop, and the three entered.
"Qiusheng, you have customers."
Wencai called out loudly.
Qiusheng, who had been napping on the counter, looked up and saw the three entering, quickly coming over to greet them.
"This is Miss Ren, Master Ren's daughter. She's here to buy some cosmetics."
Xiao Yu introduced Ren Tingting to Qiusheng.
"Hello, Miss Ren, please come in."
Qiusheng greeted her politely, immediately switching to business mode to introduce the products to Ren Tingting.
After some selection, Ren Tingting picked out her cosmetics, paid, and prepared to leave.
Xiao Yu and Wencai informed Qiusheng before leaving the shop with Ren Tingting.
Walking behind, Xiao Yu was suddenly pulled aside by Qiusheng, who whispered, "What a stunning girl, how did you meet her?"
"Today, we were invited by Master Ren to have foreign tea at the café..."
Xiao Yu recounted the day's events to Qiusheng.
"Why didn't you call me for the foreign tea? I've never had it before."
Qiusheng lamented, feeling like he missed out on a fortune.
"Call you? Could you have left your post?"
Xiao Yu teased with a smile before heading out.
Xiao Yu and Wencai accompanied Ren Tingting on a stroll, eventually escorting her home.
As night fell, Wencai and Xiao Yu returned to the mortuary.
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