Heh, women

Song Tingfeng bought three ounces of loquat syrup from a street vendor. It was hard and cut into small square pieces, somewhat similar to the throat lozenges Xu Qi'an had in his previous life.

You can't find such hard candy in the capital; it's both soothing to the throat and sweet, a unique specialty of Yunzhou.

"Damn it, even a piece of candy is harder than me." Song Tingfeng muttered, glancing around as he murmured, "It's the same Yunzhou, but Baidi City is just different from other places. Looking at this scene of flourishing flowers, I thought Yunzhou was truly a place of peace and prosperity."

Along the way, they passed through various prefectures and counties, saw vast tracts of abandoned farmland and dilapidated, deserted villages, and clearly realized the desolation of Yunzhou.

People's lives are full of hardships!

"Clearly, we have such fertile land, enough to farm and feed three generations, and it's right next to the open sea, rich in salt fields." The usually taciturn Zhu Guangxiao spoke at length, then said dejectedly:

Why did we end up in such a state?

Song Tingfeng and Xu Qi'an looked on with sighs. The former said in a deep voice, "The purpose of coming to Yunzhou this time is to eliminate the deep-rooted problems. Once the commander who colluded with the mountain bandits is dealt with, the bandit problem in Yunzhou will be much better."

"Ningyan Yan is right. We can't be obsessed with Imperial Academy of Music. A real man should serve his country and its people and make something of himself. Holy crap, what a beauty!"

Xu Qi'an and Zhu Guangxiao looked in that direction, and their eyes suddenly lit up. On the side of the street ahead stood a stunningly beautiful woman.

She wore an exquisite and gorgeous silk dress, styled her hair in the latest fashion, and had a silk ribbon inlaid with blue jade accentuate her slender waist.

Her skin was snow-white and delicate, her eyes were as black as lacquer, her lips were bright red, and her straight nose paired with her delicate face made her incomparably beautiful.

The word "Nice" flashed through Xu Qi'an's mind.

Xu Qi'an had a particular fondness for pretty women with oval faces and big eyes; a touch of foxy charm would be even better. He had seen three women with the most perfect oval faces: Xu Lingyue, Huaiqing, and Number Two.

However, the three of them have distinct personalities: a refined and elegant high school girl, a cool and noble career woman, and a spirited and heroic policewoman.

Only this stunning beauty he encountered by chance had a bewitching, alluring oval face and looked very seductive; she was his ideal goddess.

"Perfect, this is the beauty I've always dreamed of." Xu Qi'an's heart fluttered, feeling that he had finally found love in this lonely world. Of all the beautiful women in the world, he only wanted one. All those other women, like Fuxiang, Huai Qing, Lin'an, and the Imperial Preceptor, were just fleeting clouds.

Um?

He immediately realized something was wrong. No matter how beautiful the woman in the distance was, she couldn't possibly have an overwhelming advantage over those beauty monsters. He keenly noticed this illogical situation, which made Xu Qi'an a little more sober.

Immediately afterwards, his left thumb felt a slight warmth, and a warm current flowed from the jade thumb ring given to him by the Layman Ziyang, nourishing his spirit.

When Xu Qi'an looked at the stunningly beautiful woman again, his pupils contracted. What he saw was not a gorgeous woman, but an exquisitely crafted paper doll.

The paper doll sports a trendy hairstyle and wears a gorgeous dress, her attire exactly matching that of the seductive vixen.

Her delicate face was deathly pale, her eyes vacant and lifeless.

hiss.

Encountering such a bizarre event in broad daylight, Xu Qi'an gasped in shock.

"This is not a person, it's a ghost. Caiwei once said that ghosts can exist in the world for a long time either because they benefit from favorable geographical conditions, like the female ghost at the bottom of the well in my new house, or because a powerful person has fallen and their spirit remains, but there is still a time limit; they cannot exist forever."

Xu Qi'an instantly concluded that the female ghost was being controlled by someone, and that there was someone behind her who kept ghosts.

This female ghost is powerful; she can even bewitch me. If it weren't for the Confucian School Vast Righteous Qi that makes one impervious to evil, I might have been caught off guard this time. Xu Qi'an calmly withdrew his gaze and glanced at his two colleagues beside him.

Only then did they realize that there was something seriously wrong with them; their gazes were somewhat vacant as they stared blankly at the female ghost. Although they had retained some rationality, they were actually deeply influenced by her charm.

Was I just acting like a lecherous lecher too? Xu Qi'an felt a little ashamed.

"Guangxiao, Ningyan, I believe in love again." Completely captivated by her beauty, Song Tingfeng said in a deep voice, "I plan to settle down and start a family. I've even thought of a name for my son."

"That's not love, you're just lusting after her body. She's not even pregnant, "Xu Qi'an said with a sigh.

"You're just a womanizer," Zhu Guangxiao retorted, his face showing a conflicted expression, torn between his childhood sweetheart, the girl next door, and the woman he had fallen for at first sight.

The reason he was so conflicted was that his thoughts were exactly the same as Song Tingfeng's.

Just then, the stunningly beautiful woman swayed her slender waist and walked over gracefully.

"Are the three gentlemen also out for a stroll?"

As she approached, she stopped in her tracks, her skirt swaying before coming to a complete stop, and she gracefully curtsied.

"It's quite boring for a woman to be all alone. I wonder if she could accompany the three gentlemen?"

She was wary of Xu Qi'an, who had come specifically for us. Feigning a longing look, he frowned and hesitated, saying, "We're on our way to the Imperial Academy of Music, isn't this inappropriate?"

"Who wants to go to the Imperial Academy of Music? Go if you want, I'm not that kind of person."

"Ningyan. Ugh, that's too vulgar."

Song Tingfeng and Zhu Guangxiao silently stepped back a few paces, distancing themselves from him.

"Hmph, this man really is a lecher. He speaks so openly about his debauchery in broad daylight." Mei spat inwardly, but her smile grew even brighter.

Good for dealing with perverts; I'm an expert at handling perverts.

I have the jade thumb ring of the Layman Ziyang protecting me, so I'm not afraid of evil spirits. If she makes any improper moves, I'll immediately launch a sneak attack. Being caught off guard, my chances of winning are extremely high, but it would be best to leave her alive for interrogation tonight. Xu Qi'an's eyes flashed, and he said helplessly:

"In that case, let's travel together."

He planned to wait and see. If he remembered correctly, the magic book given to him by the great Confucian scholars contained Daoist School Law Technique for dealing with ghosts and monsters.

It seems like you're fishing for me, but actually I'm fishing for you.

Teahouse, by the window.

Li Miaozhen turned slightly to the side, using the cloth by the window for cover, and looked down at the three people in the distance. Seeing that Mei had infiltrated the enemy so easily, she nodded in satisfaction.

Of all the methods, beauty is always the most effective weapon against men.

"Jiang Luzhong accompanied Governor Zhang on his inspection tour of the people's conditions, along with three white-clad Bureau of Astronomy from the Imperial Observatory. They won't be returning today. Without Jiang Luzhong overseeing the post station and without the Warlock's Qi-Watching Technique, the demon will not be detected."

"Although Mei is skilled in seduction and illusion, she ultimately has no physical form and cannot actually have sex with a man. If I want to maintain a long-term relationship with Xu Qi'an without being discovered, I will have to go to the Imperial Academy of Music to hire a woman."

"After this is all over, I'll give him a few bottles of aphrodisiac and blood-nourishing pills. He's so young and already so weak; he really needs some nourishment. Ha."

The four of them wandered around Baidi City, enjoying the local customs and culture, and savoring all kinds of delicious food.

The woman called herself Su Su. She came from a merchant family; her father was a silk merchant, which was why she could afford such bright and beautiful clothes.

Seeing that the three young men were all handsome and distinguished, she felt admiration for them and couldn't help but want to befriend them.

"Is it a friendship or something else?" Xu Qi'an thought to himself, trying to clarify. The crucial point was that Song Tingfeng and Zhu Guangxiao actually believed such a clumsy explanation.

Well, you can't blame them; they've been mentally retarded.

In a private room of a teahouse, Song Tingfeng pushed pastries in front of Su Su and asked solicitously, "Why aren't you eating, Miss Su Su?"

"I'm not hungry."

Why isn't Miss Su drinking tea?

"I am not thirsty."

"I'm afraid the water will spill out." Xu Qi'an picked up his teacup and laughed, "Miss Su, if you come into a teahouse and don't drink tea, are you looking down on the three of us brothers?"

Su Su immediately feigned a wronged expression. "Young Master, why do you say such a thing?"

"Ningyan, Miss Su doesn't want to drink, don't force her." Zhu Guangxiao and Song Tingfeng immediately reprimanded their colleague, standing up for their beloved.

Damn it, neither of you knows your own surname anymore. The lower head has replaced the upper head. Xu Qi'an immediately abandoned the idea of wetting the paper figure with water.

Su Su pursed her lips and casually asked, "Judging from your accents, you gentlemen aren't from Yunzhou."

Song Tingfeng raised his chin, his tone arrogant. "We are from the capital."

Su Su exclaimed "Ah!" and covered her mouth, her surprise mixed with admiration. "You gentlemen are actually from the capital! I've long heard that the capital is the most virtuous city in the world, a place of outstanding people and beautiful scenery, and I've long admired it."

Xu Qi'an had to admit that when it came to seducing men's hearts, this mysterious female ghost was the most powerful he had ever seen, even surpassing Fuxiang.

She always knows how to touch a man's heart.

This is true seduction. Vulgar seduction uses the body as bait, but the essence of seduction lies in achieving a mental orgasm.

Zhu Guangxiao added, not without a hint of pride, "We are Nightwatchers. Has Miss Su Su ever heard of Nightwatchers?"

Su Su obediently shook her head, blinking her clear, innocent eyes.

Song Tingfeng seized the opportunity to Nightwatchers's office. After receiving an admiring glance from Miss Su Su, he felt a little lightheaded and unsteady on his feet.

Su Su subtly steered the conversation, "What brings those young masters—no, sirs—to Yunzhou with the governor?"

"Of course, it's about investigating the case."

What case are you investigating?

Just as Song Tingfeng was about to speak, Xu Qi'an kicked him under the table, instantly sobering him up. He said with difficulty, "Miss Su, this matter involves court secrets and cannot be circulated."

Su Su smiled and said, "It was I who was being ungrateful."

He admitted his mistake very readily and without any affectation, which made Song Tingfeng and Zhu Guangxiao like him even more.

These three are quite determined. I need to step up my efforts. If I don't bring back any useful information today, Master will be angry, and if Master is angry, he won't give me any men. This one named Xu Qi'an is the most determined. Although he often peeks at my body, he's the most clear-headed. Hmm, Master ordered me to seduce him. The other two can be ignored.

This female ghost is starting to reveal her true colors. No, Tingfeng and Guangxiao are about to collapse. I have to act quickly.

Xu Qi'an and Su Su, each with their own ulterior motives, exchanged a smile. Xu Qi'an spoke first, "I need to use the restroom. Tingfeng and Guangxiao, you two stay with Miss Su."

The door to the private room creaked and then slammed open, before closing again.

Only three people remained in the room. Song Tingfeng said, "Miss Su Su."

Across from her, Su Su parted her red lips slightly, exhaling a phantom, unreal, yin Yin Qi that scattered across their faces.

Their eyes glazed over instantly, like puppets.

In a daze, Song Tingfeng saw that Zhu Guangxiao had also left, leaving only him and Susu in the private room. At this moment, Susu gracefully stood up and took off her skirt.

The skirts and undergarments were removed one by one.

"Su, Miss Su, please don't say that. I'm not that kind of person."

"Miss Su, let's go to the pillar."

The same illusion also occurred to Zhu Guangxiao. Unlike Song Tingfeng, he wasn't hypocritical. As a hard-working person, he led Miss Susu to sit at the table.

"Laugh!"

The Qi ignited the paper, and Xu Qi'an threw the ashes into the wine pot. After a moment, the paper burned out, and blue smoke rose from the mouth of the pot. Complex incantations appeared on the surface of the crudely made ceramic wine pot.

This is a Daoist School spirit-sealing talisman, specifically used for catching ghosts.

To cast this talisman, you need to find something to act as a vessel; a cup, bottle, bag, pot, or jar will all work. Point the bottle's opening at the evil spirit, and the talisman will take effect.

He hid the bottle in his pocket, held the jade thumb ring in his palm, and strode back to the private room.

As soon as he reached the door, he heard two heavy breathing sounds, men's breathing, which made Xu Qi'an's heart sink and gave rise to bad thoughts.

I underestimated this female ghost.

Su Su, who was in the private room, seemed to hear footsteps and said loudly, "Is that Young Master Xu? The two gentlemen seem to have suddenly become delirious for some reason. Please come quickly."

While remaining vigilant, Xu Qi'an "hurriedly" pushed open the door to cooperate.

Inside the private room, Song Tingfeng was clinging to a pillar, ramming into it wildly; Zhu Guangxiao was gripping the edge of the table with both hands, showing off his waist strength.

Xu Qi'an was stunned.

Just then, Su Su, who was lying in ambush by the door, seized the opportunity and spewed Yin Qi at him.

Xu Qi'an's consciousness went haywire for a moment, but he quickly regained his senses, the jade ring in his palm continuing to radiate a warm power.

He cooperated by making his pupils appear unfocused, pretending that he was under an illusion.

The door closed softly with a "bang," and a soft laugh reached my ears.

The young woman, Su Su, gracefully circled the private room, giggling, "Ha, men!"

She sat on the long bench, Erlang crossed, transforming from a charming and delicate woman into a cold and aloof queen.

Ignoring the two men engrossed in their lovemaking, she looked at Xu Qi'an, raising an eyebrow slightly. "This old lady has something to ask you, answer honestly."

Xu Qi'an nodded with a vacant look in his eyes, like an obedient doll that could be manipulated at will.

Su Su hesitated for a moment, then asked, "Is Zhou Min Nightwatchers?"

"Yes."

This matches what the master said! Su Su nodded slightly, no longer having any doubts, and said briefly, "Tell me all the information you have."

The man with the gong opposite him, staring blankly, said, "You're dreaming!"

Um?

Su Su was stunned for a moment, then she saw the man named Xu Qi'an calmly take out a wine pot from his pocket, lift the lid, and point the spout at her:

"Receive!"

Throughout the process, he remained in a dazed, blank stare, so much so that Su Su only belatedly realized something was wrong when he pulled out the wine flask.

The next moment, a powerful suction force enveloped her, pulled her spirit body out, and threw her into the pot.

"Ha, women!"

Xu Qi'an's eyes flickered slightly, then he regained his composure and smiled as he put the lid on the teapot.

PS: This chapter is a bit longer, so the update is late. Please vote for this long chapter!