After mentally steeling himself as he floated in midair, Yao Lao let out a somewhat shrill, deliberately affected cry. His voice drifted erratically, carrying a hollow quality unlike that of the living:
"Oh my-! You... just who are you?! To think... to think you could detect this old man's presence?!"
Xiao Yi chuckled inwardly at the sight, but his face remained solemn. He slowly opened his flame-covered hand and blew gently upon it. The fiercely burning flames obediently died out beneath his breath like a tame pet, leaving only a wisp of blue smoke.
Then he snatched up the Peachwood Sword he had placed on the Ritual Altar earlier. With a flick of his wrist, he swept it through a series of flourishes as flowing as drifting clouds and running water. The blade traced gleaming silver arcs beneath the moonlight, lending him something of an immortal's bearing.
Finishing his sword movements, Xiao Yi pointed the Peachwood Sword forward, its tip aimed squarely at the "White Ghost" still writhing in midair and making strange "woo, woo" cries. He pressed two fingers together against the spine of the blade, his voice booming like a great bell with unquestionable authority:
"Insolent evil spirit! Begone at once! This is the Xiao Clan residence-how dare the likes of you wreak havoc here! I shall spare your life today, but should you dare set so much as half a step through the Xiao Clan's gates again, I shall destroy both your body and soul, denying you rebirth for all eternity!"
The "White Ghost's" eyelids twitched several times. Then, once again using his specially altered voice with its faint echo, he spoke in "terror":
"Great master! Your powers know no bounds! This lowly one... this lowly one had eyes but failed to recognize Mount Tai! I'm leaving,