As the wind subsided, the hall regained tranquility. The candles burned steadily, their shadows gently swaying, and the thick ambient gloom that had been present began to fade. The team members lacked the Night Wandering Deity's intuitive inspiration but could still sense through instinct that the hall had become safe. Fire Mage observed intently, his tone filled with both astonishment and delight: "Are you the Night Wandering Deity? You're actually the Night Wandering Deity..." Simply commanding the restless spirits away—this alone revealed Wang Tai's profession without a word. "It's rather unusual that you haven’t been noticed yet," Zhang Yuanqing smiled, "since the Golden Water Park has an inherent spiritual essence. Matching with a Night Wandering Deity is quite logical." "Regarding other entertainment activities, I can't guarantee them all—but as for the Ghost House, before we meet the ghost bride, I’ll personally ensure your safety." The four teammates exchanged glances, seeing mutual approval. They hadn’t expected another rare profession among their group. Within a haunted instance where ghosts and spirits prevail, having a Night Wandering Deity serving as guardian proves more reliable than any of the available props. After all, she is professionally aligned with such circumstances. Immediately, the four teammates’ gaze toward Zhang Yuanqing filled with trust and reliance. "We only have one hour," Zhang Yuanqing said, scanning the hall. With his night vision ability, he swiftly pinpointed the offering table behind the chief throne chair. He stepped forward to the table, where a blue-and-white porcelain tray held roasted peanuts and lotus seeds. Beneath it, a red sheet of paper lay pressed flat. Zhang Yuanqing picked up the paper and examined it under candlelight: "Wedding gifts: measuring rod, golden hairpin, medicinal wine, bridal blanket." Others gathered around as well. Xie Lingxi squeezed her jaw and turned her gaze thoughtfully. "These aren't typically considered wedding gifts—yet since they're listed here, we must locate these four items and treat them as our designated gifts." Finding these four items means securing the groom’s presence—the new bride’s choice of partner. "Then what if we fail to find any?" asked Qi Tian Da Sheng. "If we don’t succeed," replied Fire Mage, "then certainly, we would perish. After retrieving the gifts, the ghost bride will select one of us—right?" Zhang Yuanqing raised a brow: "Why choose only one instead of all of us entering the bridal chamber together?" Seeing his teammates’ unimpressed expressions, Zhang Yuanqing shrugged with a smile: "Just joking to keep things lively. You people have absolutely no sense of humor." The team’s expressions grew even more blank. Xi Shi rolled her eyes while Xie Lingxi continued: "The task’s narrative is now clearer—within one hour, the ghost bride will select a groom based on those four gifts. Thus, we must locate these four items within this estate. "But whether the chosen one survives or not remains uncertain." Fire Mage studied the young woman closely. "Do you really have no memory of the guide content?" She was analyzing with such clarity. Xie Lingxi pouted, adopting a look of genuine concern: "Honestly, I don’t know at all." Zhang Yuanqing glanced at the team size and felt a chill ripple through him. Given current clues, two outcomes emerge. First, if all four gifts are found, then everyone meets the requirement—only then will we await the ghost bride’s visit. Second, only those who locate the four gifts will survive; anyone failing to find them will surely perish. The first scenario is manageable—but what about the second? Zhang Yuanqing silently reflected: "If it's the second case, then by this point in the instance, internal conflict among the team will certainly arise. Perhaps fewer than four of us will survive at the end. That explains why the props and skills aren't sealed—this is designed to push us into mutual combat. An S-tier instance truly unfolds with relentless pressure." How many members would remain if such a crisis were reached? As team leader, Zhang Yuanqing has an undisclosed mission: he requires no fewer than three team members to survive. Additionally, the selection mechanism creates psychological influence—people naturally assume that those chosen by the bride are favored, thus creating a sense of privilege and fortune for the fortunate. Yet Zhang Yuanqing is certain that the selected individual will not survive. The reason? First, this has always been the established rule. Second—if only the chosen one survives, then the hidden mission loses its purpose. No matter how hard we try, by now only one person will remain—no matter whether we reduce or maintain staffing numbers. Of course, if the ghost bride is a fickle romantic, that may be different. In such a case, she might eliminate just one person in the Ghost House scenario—but the danger from within the team itself and from other lingering spirits in the house exceeds mere ghost encounters. As leader, this instance truly proves challenging. If the final reward isn’t substantial, then it simply seems unreasonable—thankfully, I possess the Artifact of the Immortal, the Divine Object known as the Magician’s Staff—the very tool that will allow me to confront even the ghost bride directly. With these thoughts in mind, Zhang Yuanqing instinctively glanced over his teammates and observed their growing attentiveness and mutual vigilance. No one is truly unaware. Zhang Yuanqing cleared his throat: "Time is limited—we must find the gifts now. Follow closely behind me. Do not drift apart. Ordinary spirits will find it hard to approach me." In this situation, his words carry the most weight—everyone depends on his profession. Thus, they proceeded past the hall’s screen wall and entered the inner courtyard. The corridors curved gracefully, adorned with red lanterns; deep red candlelight cast shadows of trees, flower beds, and rock formations into relief. In the distance, arch-shaped gates connected to other courtyards were visible, standing in orderly rows under the night sky. What a distinguished young lady the ghost bride truly is… Zhang Yuanqing mused internally. Even with this estate's scale, it must be at least three wings deep. He surveyed the layout of the buildings and then turned to remind his team: "This area feels heavy with negative energy—keep close behind me…" His words cut off abruptly as he found himself alone—the members were completely gone. This is indeed unsettling. Zhang Yuanqing took a deep breath, yet did not pause—he continued forward. He must quickly locate them. These teammates aren’t Night Wandering Deities—though their skills and artifacts remain unsealed—yet they are limited in their means to combat spirits. Should they encounter particularly persistent ones, they could perish at any moment. As he moved through the garden, one house ahead glowed with a faint candlelight, dimly filtering through its latticed window. All other houses remained dark. Zhang Yuanqing approached cautiously and entered the corridor, near the house. He paused to sense the atmosphere—though the room was thick with negative energy, no spirits were present. He gently pushed open the lattice door, and what lay inside became clear to him. This appeared to be a woman’s private chamber: an east-facing bed draped in hangings, a round table at center, and a dressing table by the window. A bronze mirror faced directly toward the entrance. A golden measuring rod rested precisely before the dressing table—a length equal to half his arm, thickened just like a thumb. This is traditionally used to lift the bride’s veil, symbolizing “measuring one's heart with intent.” "Still not difficult—found it right away," Zhang Yuanqing remarked as he stepped over the threshold and closed the door behind him. Just then, a crackling sound emerged from his pocket—the Cat King Speaker began to emit sound: "That day, she arrived at the Golden Water Park…" How inconvenient—this often interrupts precisely when needed. What does it want to say? After all, it too is part of the park, perhaps holding some information… Zhang Yuanqing turned his attention to the Cat King Speaker, eager for it to reveal more. The Cat King Speaker did not disappoint: "The spirits in the Ghost House trembled, bowing low. The great presence did not trouble the lesser spirits. She instructed the bride—to find a young man—whose name is: Yuan Shi Tian Zun!" Zhang Yuanqing’s mind buzzed with thunder—a bolt of lightning striking him—the entire room seemed to stand still. Is this me? Is this me being sought? Who could possibly be seeking me, and why? A wave of surprise and confusion surged through him. Then it dawned on him. The San Dao Mountain Lady! "According to the official announcement from Taiyi Gate, a powerful boss triggered the spiritual realm's transformation. The Golden Water Park’s introduction states that this presence had slept for centuries—surprised by the new wonders appearing around her. These details match perfectly with the San Dao Mountain Lady." "The San Dao Mountain Lady is one I awakened—and she is seeking me precisely because half of her yang essence resides within my Magician’s Staff… Goodness! That old Lao Bang Zi never leaves me alone—can’t she simply let go? Even now, I’m still just a child!" Zhang Yuanqing had anticipated eventually needing to face the San Dao Mountain Lady—surely after attaining higher status as a Realm Walker and negotiating with her using the yang essence in his staff. Yet he hadn't expected that this older Lao Bang Zi could exert such influence even over junior-level Realm Walkers. "Damn—it was always going to be this complicated! Now I see: retrieving the Magician’s Staff might actually expose my identity?" The Lady seeks him—precisely for the Magician’s Staff. "What if, upon extracting the staff, the San Dao Mountain Lady arrives suddenly? Then what will become of me—the fate of the realm's boss remains uncertain—could she even simply end me like a mere ant?" After careful consideration, Zhang Yuanqing decided to conceal his identity and proceed with the mission without using the Magician’s Staff. The consequence of revealing himself could be facing off directly against this formidable San Dao Mountain Lady—the number of uncertainties is overwhelming. Continuing the mission—provided that they reach the Ghost House successfully—would mean no immediate risk. Should the crisis unfold, he would then extract the staff at a later stage. With these advantages and disadvantages clearly weighed, Zhang Yuanqing felt calm and steady. As he turned to leave, he suddenly noticed the mirror—its reflection revealed the door had been pushed open. He gasped in surprise and quickly turned around—but found the doorway firmly closed. What was going on? Zhang Yuanqing turned back, his gaze returning to the mirror—his eyes widened slightly. In the mirror image, a woman wearing a white dress with hair flowing freely stepped across the threshold, entering the room in an odd, unusual posture. The room visible through the mirror seemed subtly different from what he saw. The white-dressed woman settled at the dressing mirror and sat down. Now Zhang Yuanqing finally understood why her gait appeared peculiar—she was walking backwards. What followed would be enough to terrify any ordinary person—the woman in the mirror lifted one hand, then gently removed her head with great care, cradling it in her arms. Her hands were dark gray and black, with long, sharp nails. Her hair spilled out, revealing a woman’s face—her complexion pale, her lips darkened to near-black, her eyes unnervingly white, fixed tightly on the mirror as if gazing into another world. This spirit lacks charm… Zhang Yuanqing stepped back, preparing to retreat from the room. Yet the flowing hair in the mirror appeared alive—the strands rose like hands, surged sharply, and plunged directly through the mirror surface, ensnaring his wrists and body with increasing strength—seeming determined to pull him into her world. "Hmph!" A thick stream of dark light surged within Zhang Yuanqing’s eyes. He opened his mouth and drew a deep breath—exerting his ability to consume spirits. Yet this skill only slowed the speed of the entanglement—it could not fully absorb or subdue the spirit within the mirror. This spirit is strong—not an ordinary wandering spirit. Zhang Yuanqing slowly moved forward, inch by inch, drawing closer to the mirror. He considered all available tools: the Magician’s Staff—currently unused; the Blood-Drinking Blade—a physical damage tool, ineffective against spirits; the Red Dance Shoes—also physical in nature, their foot-stomping attacks failing on spectral entities. Then it struck him—the perfect choice—you! Little Lao Bang Zi! Zhang Yuanqing summoned a stream of dark breath, calling forth his person named Xiao Doushi. "Ah-ah…" The tender, round infant spirit landed gracefully upon the dressing table, lazily stretching before turning to gaze at the ghost in the mirror. Instantly—like a startled kitten—the infant sprang into action. With an unnatural burst of energy for its age, it rolled across the dressing table and tucked itself behind Zhang Yuanqing, crying out with alarm. "Useless! Give me your strength!" Zhang Yuanqing exclaimed. He transmitted instructions to direct the spirit’s attack. "Ah-ah!" By nature, a Spirit Servant obeys commands. The infant raised its eyebrows in fierce determination, grasped Zhang Yuanqing's trousers, climbed upward until it reached his shoulders, then launched itself with full force. Its rounded and plump body pierced through the mirror, merging seamlessly into the face of the ghost woman. Zhang Yuanqing immediately stabilized himself mentally—transferring his awareness to the infant spirit, thereby transferring the ghost’s perception. The once-stoic, pale countenance now grew still—as if suddenly losing all thought. The steel-like hair, suddenly losing the strength to hold its form, drooped helplessly. Perfect! Zhang Yuanqing immediately summoned Person_Name and had him lie flat on his own head, then turned and ran. The infant spirit’s ability lasted only three seconds—enough for him to escape the room. As he pushed open the door and stepped beyond the threshold, Zhang Yuanqing had just reached the garden when he heard a sharp “thud” of the door closing behind him. Turning around, he saw that the room was now dark—its candles extinguished, plunged into complete blackness. The inner courtyard swirled with cold wind, and many restless spirits hovered at a distance. They longed for the presence of the Night Wandering Deity yet were intimidated by its aura, refusing to come any closer. “Gotta find them quickly—don’t want them all to perish…” Zhang Yuanqing swiftly moved out of the garden through the archway and entered the adjacent courtyard. There, he soon spotted Xie Lingxi. The young girl stood before a water tank in the corner of the yard, having leaned her upper body into it. Her hands clutched the rim of the tank as she struggled fiercely—something inside the tank seemed to be pulling at her. No matter how hard she fought, she couldn’t pull herself free from the tank. Gradually, her strength waned, grew weaker… weaker… Zhang Yuanqing approached slowly and smelled a distinct scent of wine. Peering down, he saw deep-colored liquid swirling beneath, with an infant spirit drifting gently—its umbilical cord wrapped tightly around Xie Lingxi’s neck, dragging her firmly underwater. Zhang Yuanqing lifted Person_Name in his hands, disregarding his struggles, and tossed him into the tank. The umbilical cord spirit, seeing a fellow spirit enter, immediately released its hold and bared teeth at Person_Name. Zhang Yuanqing then grabbed Xie Lingxi’s shoulders and pulled her out with strength. “Ah-ah-ah…” She coughed violently, her face turning red, her bangs and side hair damp and pressed against her forehead and cheeks. After about ten seconds, she began to steady her breathing, calmed enough to finally look up at Zhang Yuanqing—her eyes filled with tears: “Bro Wang Tai, you’ve come to save me! Oh, oh, I never want to enter any Spirit Realm linked to the Night Wandering Deity again—it’s so terrifying…” This was her very first time stepping into such a realm infused with supernatural elements. “What brings you here?” Zhang Yuanqing asked, his gaze fixed on the tank. Two infant spirits now battled in the wine-filled liquid—bumping, biting at each other, stirring ripples across the surface. Xie Lingxi lifted her toes and glanced inside, recalling how she had drunk quite a bit—now she felt queasy: “It’s so gross… so gross…” Only after expressing her disgust did she answer Zhang Yuanqing: “Bro Wang Tai, I followed you out of the main hall. A mist surged forth, and then I couldn’t see either of you—I started searching for you, and before I knew it, I’d wandered all the way here. Then, I caught a scent of wine and followed that smell to this tank. I thought maybe this was one of the gifts being offered—so when I lifted the wooden cover, suddenly a rope extended from inside and pulled me underwater.” She stared at the umbilical cord spirit, thinking back on how much liquid had entered her lungs—the color drained from her face: “It’s so gross… so gross…” Zhang Yuanqing silently calculated the time elapsed, observing the young woman. “You’ve been holding your breath quite a while.” Xie Lingxi shook her head gently, her voice soft and proud: “I have a Prop that revives vitality—without it, I’d have been drowning in this tank long ago.” She raised her snowy wrist, where a jade bracelet glowed with a deep green hue. A vitality-restoring bracelet… so is she a Wood Demon? Her aura doesn’t seem quite right… Zhang Yuanqing nodded slightly, not focusing much on the bracelet, and said: “Come with me—we’ll find them. I hope we still have time.” Xie Lingxi collected some of the liquid from the tank, while Zhang Yuanqing summoned Person_Name—their first-ever encounter in a fight at someone’s same age—back to his side. Together they walked along the stone path toward the deeper parts of the estate. “P.S. Can you give me that card?” “What card?” “The one you carried from the parking lot—I saw it tucked into your hip pocket.” “…”