Chapter 926: Sister in Blood or Sister in Love?

“Celestial Master Ye, my subordinates said you came to the Treasure Pavilion yourself. May we help you with anything?”

Ye Wenxin had been waiting for Sister Hong to say those words. She went ahead and explained her reason for coming.

“Well, I wanted to make a bell for my younger sister. I heard the Treasure Pavilion offers custom-made jewelry, so I thought I’d try asking.”

Sister Hong didn’t look surprised. She glanced at Liuli and noticed this “younger sister” also carried herself with a notable air. She studied both their faces but could find no resemblance.

“We’re blood-related,” Ye Wenxin added shamelessly. Liuli wasn’t thrilled about this supposed relationship but took it much better than Ghost Mother ever would.

“Sorry. It’s rare to see someone go out of their way to make custom jewelry for their younger sibling,” Sister Hong quickly explained, realizing Ye Wenxin had misunderstood her glance.

Ye Wenxin picked up on the implication. Sister Hong had subtly asked whether Liuli was her younger sister in a romantic sense.

Compared to other regions, the Golden Age Dynasty valued gender equality and was very receptive to same-sex relationships. It was rare to find anyone in the dynasty who objected to such things. Ye Wenxin knew that was thanks to Long Qingyue’s thorough indoctrination, but something about it still felt off.

Ye Wenxin chuckled. “My sister and I are very close. Would you be willing to do us a small favor, Miss Hong?”

“Call me Sister Hong if you don’t mind, Celestial Master Ye,” she said, her eyes sparkling. Ye Wenxin’s small display of skill earlier had made her feel more at ease. Sister Hong would be more than happy to oblige if she chose to stay.

“Since you’ve come with such sincere intentions, I’ll make an exception and let you use a private room,” Sister Hong presented a win-win situation for both sides.

“Of course, I won’t ask you to help. But I hope you can hold the line if those things show up, at least for a while. We’ve already sent someone to summon a senior from the One Short Sect, so you don’t have to worry too much.”

With that, she had cut off all of Ye Wenxin’s escape routes. She was a smooth-talker, and her words were not unpleasant.

Ye Wenxin had a favorable first impression of this young woman and slightly regretted writing “scram” across her forehead. Fortunately, no one could spot the flaw except for transmigrators.

“Alright, it’s settled then.” Ye Wenxin didn’t argue. Sister Hong beamed at her and led the way.

The private room was on the third floor, but the number of guards following behind them seemed excessive.

Cultivators might be as common as cabbages, but those who had made a name for themselves or could deal with the supernatural were exceedingly rare. The five elements operate by mutual generation and restraint, yet evil spirits exist outside that system and require specialized cultivation methods to exterminate.

Most techniques and methods were for fighting people, so the One Short Sect became the most orthodox exorcism sect. The Southern Dipper Temple also qualified but was too far away. Had they requested aid from there, everyone in the Treasure Pavilion would likely have died before help arrived.

Furthermore, One Short Sect disciples were few and far between. Ye Wenxin seemed young and accomplished, so Sister Hong started making small talk, interested in getting to know her.

“Celestial Master Ye, how long have you been a One Short Sect disciple?”

Ye Wenxin looked awkward. She had no affiliation with the sect, but convincing Sister Hong required a little bluffing. She casually threw out a number.

“Three years.”

“Then… can you see ghosts and the like?”

Three years was short for a newcomer, but Sister Hong was tactful, always finding something positive to say. So, she smoothly steered the conversation away.

“I can,” Ye Wenxin said. She halted mid-step, pointing to one of the guards behind them. “The mustached man over there has a one-armed ghost woman clinging to him.”

The guard froze, then immediately turned pale and dropped to his knees, begging Ye Wenxin for a way to get rid of the ghost.

“Debts must be repaid—money with money, a life with a life. You murdered the woman’s daughter and then her. Did you think a few kowtows would be enough to settle that karma?” Ye Wenxin had learned the cause of death from the ghost herself.

Everyone’s expression turned strange.

“But Master, I don’t want to die!” the guard cried. “Please, I’ll do anything!”

Invisible to everyone but Ye Wenxin and Liuli, a younger ghost woman with half her body missing hovered behind him.

“No!” the ghost woman wailed, blood-red tears streaming from her eyes. “Someone like him deserves divine punishment, divine punishment!”

Liuli stepped forward to destroy the ghost who had just spoken rudely to Ye Wenxin. But that would be deeply unfair to the ghost.

“Dig up the two women’s remains and give them a proper burial,” Ye Wenxin said. “Then go turn yourself in.”

With that, she left the rest for the Treasure Pavilion to handle.

Sister Hong gave a few quick instructions and soon caught up with the two. They walked a bit farther before she opened a door, revealing the room’s interior.

Various smelting and carving tools filled the room from wall to wall, leaving barely any open space. An elderly man sat within, his eyes closed as if at rest. He looked surprised at the group, clearly unused to being disturbed.

“This is Celestial Master Ye,” Sister Hong briefly introduced the two guests.

The old man gave a noncommittal grunt, showing little interest. His attitude was the opposite of Sister Hong’s, and he didn’t seem impressed with Ye Wenxin.

However, Ye Wenxin found it intriguing that the minor spirits nearby seemed unusually afraid of him. He must have a protective charm on him. No one in their right mind would be napping in a haunted building otherwise.

Sister Hong continued the introductions. Ye Wenxin learned that the old man was a highly reputed item appraiser in the Golden Age Dynasty. Unfortunately, his eccentric temper had earned him a semi-retirement post in one of the Treasure Pavilion’s private rooms.

“Celestial Master Ye wishes to craft a bell. Would you be willing to offer her some guidance,” Sister Hong asked politely.

“…Alright,” the elder replied reluctantly. He seemed to hold some apprehension toward Sister Hong. Slowly, he rose to his feet and turned to Ye Wenxin.

“What kind of bell does the Master want to make? And who will be wearing it?” He looked at Ye Wenxin, ignoring Liuli. Beauty and stunning individuals naturally drew in most people. The fact that the old man didn’t even glance at Liuli told Ye Wenxin there might be more to him than met the eye.