After explaining Xu Qian's situation, Ye Feng handed over three talismans: one for soul calming, one for ghost repelling, and another for concentration. He instructed them to keep these close to Xu Qian to prevent any wandering spirits from seizing the opportunity to take over her body in her vulnerable state. Naturally, these talismans came at a price; Xu Youxiang had to part with a check worth a hundred thousand.
"Mr. Ye, please, you must bring my daughter's soul back. I beg you," Xu Youxiang said solemnly as they were about to leave, gripping Ye Feng's hand tightly.
Ye Feng smiled and nodded. "Rest assured, Mr. Xu. As long as your daughter's soul still exists, I will do everything in my power to retrieve it. According to your account, her soul was lost during your spring outing back to your hometown. To find her, we must return to that very spot. I will update you tomorrow if I have any news."
After handing Xu Youxiang his business card and sending them off, Ye Feng let out a soft sigh. "I wonder if Xu Qian's soul fled out of fright or was taken by someone. Interesting; this is the first time I've encountered a case of soul loss. It seems the next few days won't be dull."
Xu Youxiang's hometown was Longmen Ancient Town, just outside Shanghai—a place known for its charm, bustling with tourists even in the 21st century. Though it was still the 1990s, the town retained a beauty that had been largely lost in the modern era, with its historic architecture and natural scenery intact.
Ye Feng was particularly intrigued by the famous local delicacy—Divine Chicken. It was said that consuming this dish could rejuvenate one's vitality and provide numerous health benefits. The thought of it made his mouth water. "Divine Chicken, eh? What a perfect opportunity to treat myself!"
In this world, Ye Feng lacked nothing except for his insatiable appetite for culinary delights. No matter where he traveled, the first thing on his mind was the unique local cuisine. He could sniff out a delicious dish from miles away.
Without delay, he packed his travel bag with various talismans and simple Taoist tools, tossed it into the back seat of his car, and sped away from the villa.
As he pushed the car's power to its limits, the two-hour journey was cut down to just over an hour. Once he parked in a safe spot, he slung the bag over his shoulder, casually tucked his hands in his pockets, and smiled at the sight around him. Ancient buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties surrounded him, offering a visual feast starkly different from the modern world.
Behind the town loomed the majestic Longmen Mountain, a sight that promised adventure. Ye Feng's eyes sparkled with admiration. "Truly a wonderful place, shrouded in mist and rich in spiritual energy. This is definitely a haven for the hidden and the mystical."
Not one to let curiosity go unpursued, he asked around for directions and made his way to the most renowned hotel in the area, famous for its Divine Chicken.
Upon arriving at the hotel, he chuckled at the name: Longmen Inn. "The owner really knows how to attract customers—Longmen Inn, what a clever name." The establishment retained an old-world charm, and as he stepped inside, a waitress dressed in a qipao approached him.
"Sir, are you here to dine or stay?" she asked.
"Both, please. I'll need a single room and a selection of your signature dishes. And make sure the Divine Chicken is included!" Ye Feng replied with a grin.
"Of course! We'll have everything ready for you. Please follow me to your room," the waitress said, expertly leading him upstairs before returning him to the dining area on the ground floor.
As Ye Feng settled down for his meal, he was delighted to discover that the Divine Chicken lived up to its reputation—crisp, succulent, and uniquely flavored. Even he, a seasoned gourmet, couldn't resist giving it a solid nine out of ten. As he savored each bite, he thought, "Thank goodness I came here; I would've missed out on a true delicacy. I must take some back home—maybe five or ten! With a fridge, they won't spoil."
Suddenly, his attention was drawn to the entrance as two stunning women walked in, one tall and elegant, the other petite and vibrant. The taller one exuded an icy grace, her white attire accentuating her delicate curves, while the younger girl, dressed in red, radiated youthful exuberance. They were striking opposites, one embodying tranquility, the other, fire.
However, it was their small, ornate makeup boxes that truly caught Ye Feng's eye. Recognizing them as tools commonly used by female exorcists, his curiosity piqued. They must be on a mission, he thought, a tourist jaunt wouldn't bring them here.
As fate would have it, they took a seat at a table not far from his. The younger girl spoke eagerly, "Qing, the old town chief invited us because someone spotted a zombie in the back mountain graveyard. I've never seen one before!"
"Zombies are not to be trifled with, Xiaoyue," the older girl replied, her voice laced with warning. "They are beings born from resentment, not something to play around with."
The conversation continued, filled with hints of intrigue and foreboding. Ye Feng listened intently, deciding that this was just the sort of excitement he had been hoping for. Tonight, he would follow them and see for himself what lay in wait among the graves.
With a plan forming in his mind, he finished his meal and left the inn, ready to uncover the mysteries of Longmen Ancient Town.