"Is the old man having a birthday party?" Lao Gong's eyeballs twinkled as he said, "You can't just go empty-handed, we have nothing to offer."
The journey during this period has almost consumed all valuable items I had.
My parents came from Dacheng County, one enduring years of house arrest, the other confined directly. My mom doesn't have much left, but my dad might still have some amulets, as well as remains from dissection.
Things like dissection materials might not be useful to the Familiars, and even bringing them could bring other dangers.
After all, its origin is not the Luo family, but Hei Cheng Si!
I looked uncomfortable.
My parents looked at each other, and my mom whispered, "It's not good to go empty-handed. First, it's a birthday party. Second, we have to make some preparations for our first meeting with Xiao Ying. Money is too mundane for a family like the Black City Si. They wouldn't lack money."
Hearing my mom say this, I felt a bit of joy in my heart.
Although they both think that the astrological issue between me and Zhu Ying is serious, her attitude is still clear and supportive of me, so she won't be indifferent to Zhu Ying.
"This time is a bit awkward. The birthday party may have already started, and if we delay, it's about to begin. Whether to go or not is not good. Going empty-handed affects the image of the deity." My dad furrowed his brow.
At this moment, Fan Jie coughed once and then said, "Well, the birthday party hasn't started yet. Hehe, these days, I've been a guest of honor at the Hei family. Master Hei is very old, and he has invited many guests. Some have come to see me as well. I have to wait a little for them."
"I estimate that if we go back just in time, that will be perfect." Fan Jie paused slightly before saying: "Master, you don't know about today's birthday party. It's no wonder. If you go back, it will be the best gift for the Hei family."
Fan Jie's demeanor was still full of satisfaction.
"Fan younger brother is getting better at speaking. Of course, the master is the son-in-law with gold." Lao Gong was equally pleased with Fan Jie's flattery, even when it was directed at me.
"Use this thing as a gift then."
My dad took a deep breath and suddenly pulled out a thin string from his neck. It wore a segment of ivory beads that was about two fingers long. The whole piece was oval-shaped with black rings on both sides, each with three layers. At the center was a small black ring. At first glance, the bead looked like an eye.
"Muye, this..." My mom looked clearly hesitant.
"Haha, this item was left to me by my mother. The monks of Hei Cheng Si and the lamas of Banland call it "Si," we usually call it se pearl, many dignitaries call it heaven's pearl. It has the effect of repelling evil spirits and curing stubborn diseases." My dad showed a very generous attitude.
"Sky Pearl!" Fan Jie hesitated for a moment, then swallowed heavily.
"The old patriarch of the Huo family probably never dreamed that on his birthday, he would receive such a magnificent gift as the Sky Pearl. The master is truly extraordinary." Fan Jie's observation skills are really good. With just a few words, he guessed my parents' identity.
"Alright, you've made up your mind. How about Xiao Ying?" My mom raised another question.
"This object, the prayer wheel, although I don't use it often, still has a strong evil-driving effect." My dad took out another item, which was about the size of a fist at the top with a handle about a dozen centimeters long. It was similar to the prayer wheel used by the turning monk back then, but much smaller.
"That's the best we can do. It's not disrespectful."
My mom's gaze fell on me, and she hesitated for a while before saying, "Shen Sheng, ultimately, whatever happens depends on your attitude and your choice. My parents haven't given you anything these years and can't expect anything from you. However, everything must prioritize safety."
"Um." I nodded heavily.
The emotions surging in my heart are mostly of pride and confidence.
"Alright, let's go, Fan young brother." Lao Gong shouted.
The journey back to the Hei family was cut in half.
The reason is simple. When Fan Jie came, it was during the peak hour, and the roads were congested. By the time we did, they were already much clearer, and we were driving on a highway that went through the city. It would take about an hour, maybe eight thirty, before we reached the outskirts.
I feel that this place, though not as lively as Hei's former territory, has a kind of seclusion that is rare.
After driving for a short while, the car turned into another road, which was winding and twisty. When we finally drove out, what we saw was a small hill, at the foot of which stood a large mansion that appeared very new.
The signboard of Huo family is even more magnificent.
"Quite interesting, Fan young brother." Lao Gong grunted.
"Hehe, Old Gong, you overpraise me, you've taught me well." Fan Jie replied excitedly.
I may not understand the meaning, but I know that there is a reason for the winding roads.
The ghost niche has been watching Hei family. Even after completing Tian Shou Dao Guan, they should not give up, because no one knows yet that Tian Shou Dao Ren died in our hands.
They might be a bit more reserved, but Fan Jie's protection of the Hei family makes sense.
Some cars are parked in front of the door. The open gate allows you to see the bustling scene inside, with bright lights.
"The Hei family has invited many familiar secular families. They will be led in by designated guides and will not cause any trouble."
"The people from the ghost niche have been quite subdued lately. The master's reputation is too loud."
Fan Jie complimented him again.
"Oh?" Lao Gong glanced at him.
"Tian Shou Dao Ren suffered at the hands of Master, though I was turned away at Shigui Mountain for a while, but Master's reputation as the younger master of Shigui Mountain has spread among various powers. The ghost niche organization in Guanyao City was almost annihilated by Master. What great abilities!" Admiration shone in Fan Jie's eyes.
As the words were spoken, our group got out of the car.
There were several guards in front of the Hei family gate.
They all looked over at the same time, and someone called out, "Mr. Fan has returned!"
The voice suddenly stopped, and the remaining few people were shocked to the core.
"Quickly...quickly inform the old man! The nephew-in-law has returned!"
Two of them ran towards the courtyard at full speed.
The other two were hurrying towards us!
I actually didn't want to make such a big commotion, but the quick reaction of the Hei family members made it impossible for me to stop them.
Fan Jie stepped forward a few steps and said a few words. The two guards immediately approached my parents with great respect and bowed to them.
They were all looking at me with great caution, no one dared to speak impulsively, only guiding us forward.
It must be said that Hei family's mansion now is much deeper than before.
We passed through a corridor, with quite a few artificial hills on the sides, and there was a pond below.
When we reached the end of the corridor, we saw an exceptionally grand hall. There were tables and chairs set up in the courtyard in front of the hall, and guests were filling up the room. There was also a large table inside the hall, almost everyone was standing.
Master Hei, Master Chong Zai stood at the entrance of the hall, looking up eagerly. Next to him was Master Hei Qiong.
As soon as she saw me, Master Chong Zai was so excited that she couldn't help but shout, "Shen Sheng!"
As I scanned the figures inside the hall, I saw Xiao Ying first!
She also stood up, staring at me in shock. Her face was both joyful and slightly complicated.
Xiao Ying was standing next to two other people: one was Xiao Qi, and the other was actually Liang Yu.
