Chapter 102: The Strange Favor She Borrowed from the East Wind

Gong Zigui and Tian Xiaohe looked up for a moment before immediately lowering their heads again. "Celestial Master, we believe you now. It is our greatest honor to follow the Great Celestial Master!"

"Rise and speak," Zhang Tianci said once more.

Only then did Gong Zigui and Tian Xiaohe tremble as they scrambled to their feet. They exchanged a glance, their eyes brimming with unconcealable joy. As ghost attendants to the Great Celestial Master, they could truly throw their weight around from now on. This status was almost equivalent to that of the Black and White Impermanence of the Underworld. Since the Great Celestial Master stood on equal footing with the Ten Kings of Hell, it followed that his ghost attendants were peers to the agents of the afterlife.

Zhang Tianci sat on the sofa and said, "For now, only we know my true identity. Do not leak it! Of course, I am only hiding it temporarily; I will naturally announce it when the time is right. Letting you know the truth today is meant to give you some confidence so you stop guessing all day long."

"Yes, yes, we understand. We won't speculate anymore, Great Celestial Master, please rest assured," Gong Zigui replied.

"Silence! Until I officially announce my identity to the Taoist world, you must still call me 'Master' to prevent any slips of the tongue," Zhang Tianci commanded.

Gong Zigui and Tian Xiaohe agreed in unison, "Understood, Master!"

Zhang Tianci nodded with satisfaction and waved his hand. "Go now. Since it is late and there is no one around, you may roam freely. Keep an eye on all supernatural occurrences in the Jiangcheng area and report to me immediately if you find anything."

Gong Zigui and Tian Xiaohe acknowledged the order and departed together, beaming with delight.

Jin Siyu watched the direction in which the two ghost attendants had vanished, frowning. "It’s strange. Tian Xiaohe used to ramble about her dead boyfriend all the time. Why hasn't she mentioned him lately?"

"That’s because she has become my ghost attendant and developed feelings for the old ghost, Gong Zigui. Isn't it normal for a woman to forget her old love once she has found a new one?" Zhang Tianci said with a smile.

"You’re playing matchmaker in such a chaotic way. She’s like a granddaughter to him; how could you pair them together?" Jin Siyu was caught between laughter and tears.

"A young bride of eighteen, a groom of eighty; white hair against a blushing face. A pair for the night beneath the Mandarin Duck quilt; a pear tree blossom pressing down on the crabapple!" Zhang Tianci laughed heartily, waving his hand as he headed toward the bathroom. "Don't worry about them, sister. Let's wash up and get some sleep."

"We haven't gotten our marriage license yet, so we sleep in separate rooms," Jin Siyu said, arching an eyebrow.

The night passed without incident.

***

The next day was Thursday. Zhang Tianci tidied up and headed to school for his classes. After his morning compulsory course concluded, he left the school, intending to return to the Jiangbin Residences. However, right in front of the school gate, his path was blocked by several tall male students.

The ringleader was a student from the Physical Education department, a notorious playboy known as Jia Sidao. The only purpose of this guy's existence was to squander his father’s money, chase girls, and pursue shallow pleasures and vanity.

Jia Sidao blocked Zhang Tianci's path and sneered, "You must be that Zhang Tianci, right?"

"I am," Zhang Tianci said languidly.

"I heard you're a charlatan who claims to catch ghosts and exorcise spirits?" Jia Sidao asked, eyeing Zhang Tianci askance.

"That's right. Did someone in your family run into a ghost? I can give you a twenty percent discount—a special rate for a fellow student," Zhang Tianci replied.

Jia Sidao was incensed. He glared and snapped, "Bullshit! It’s your family that’s run into a ghost!"

"Keep your mouth clean and stop letting out hot air," Zhang Tianci stared back at Jia Sidao, his voice cold. "I live alone, and as a ghost-catching master, I run into ghosts every single day. Meeting you now, I’ve just run into another one."

"You little brat, I think you need a lesson!" Jia Sidao erupted in anger, swinging a heavy fist toward Zhang Tianci’s chest.

Zhang Tianci dodged to the side, pointed at Jia Sidao, and barked, "Hold it. If we’re going to fight, let’s be clear: are you all coming at me together, or is it a one-on-one? Also, a good dog doesn't block the road—why are you provoking me?"

It was frustrating enough to be cornered by this pampered young master without any provocation; Zhang Tianci’s own temper flared, and his tone grew sharp.

Jia Sidao tried to lunge forward, but was held back by another student. That fellow said, "Don't move yet. Let’s get this straight so this little charlatan can die with a clear understanding!"

*Damn, so they intend to kill me?*

Zhang Tianci laughed. "Fine, fine, please do let me die with a clear understanding. Tell me first: how exactly have I offended you?"

Jia Sidao gave a heavy snort, pointing a finger at Zhang Tianci. "Kid, I’m asking you—I heard your roommates all call you 'Boss'!"

"That's correct," Zhang Tianci nodded.

"And you, a brat like you, dare to pose as a boss?" Jia Sidao sneered. He stuck his thumb toward his own nose and declared, "At Jiangcheng University, if I, Jia Sidao, am the second-in-command, then no one else dares call themselves the boss!"

"Pfft... So you're the 'Number Two' of Jiangcheng University? No wonder you have such a 'second-rate' look on your face!" Zhang Tianci nearly choked with laughter.

By now, over a hundred students had gathered at the school gate, craning their necks to watch the spectacle. When Zhang Tianci’s words rang out, they ignited a roar of laughter.

"You little punk, are you looking for death?" Jia Sidao’s face flushed red as he charged at Zhang Tianci again.

Zhang Tianci dodged once more and pointed at him. "So, just because of my title as 'Boss,' you’re looking for trouble with me, is that it?"

"No!" Jia Sidao roared, puffed up with self-righteous indignation. "You little charlatan! You swindle money and women, bully the weak, and have collected photos of countless beautiful upperclassmen! You even stole someone’s lover, bullied Hao Jiyou, and snatched Mi Jingxi—you are utterly wicked! Today, I represent justice to teach you a lesson!"

*Representing justice to teach me a lesson? Why don't you say you're representing the moon to destroy me?*

Zhang Tianci sneered, remaining perfectly calm. "Listen here, Jia Sidao. I admit to what you just said. But my affairs are none of your concern. Since you’ve come to represent justice, I suppose I should make a gesture of my own!"

"What kind of gesture? You little charlatan, speak up in front of the whole school—what are you going to do?" Jia Sidao glared.

Zhang Tianci nodded. "In front of the entire student body, I solemnly state two things. First, in three days' time, you, Jia Sidao, will address me as 'Boss'! Second, I intend to steal your lover. By the way, what was your girlfriend's name again? Is she at this school? Is she pretty?"

The crowd erupted into hysterical laughter. Jia Sidao was usually overbearing on campus, and everyone disliked him; getting to mock him in Zhang Tianci’s wake was a cathartic experience. Yet, while the onlookers admired Zhang Tianci, they couldn't help but break into a cold sweat for him. After all, Jia Sidao was backed by four or five burly athletes from the PE department. Could Zhang Tianci’s slight frame withstand a real fight?