The Great Sage’s Scheme

“That’s why I told you, when dealing with ghosts, you must strike hard at their vital point. A single blow will shatter their soul.”

Chu Annian had originally intended to investigate the source of that jarring clang, but the moment she stepped into the stairwell, the familiar sound of Bai Wanwan’s voice reached her ears.

Overjoyed, Chu Annian realized the voice originated from the floor below. A surge of excitement prompted her to rush down and ascertain the situation.

Yet, her foot, encased in a slender high heel, had barely begun to lift before she instinctively drew it back.

A sudden thought struck her: the Ghost Realm, in its bid to lure people astray, frequently employed numerous deceptive tactics.

Most often, it would mimic the voice of someone deeply cherished, drawing unsuspecting victims closer.

This was the very reason behind the old folk tales, warning against turning around when someone called your name during a night stroll, especially in desolate, unfrequented areas.

Chu Annian wondered if hearing Bai Wanwan’s voice now was merely another ploy by the Ghost Realm, attempting to draw her in.

Furthermore, as Chu Annian listened, something about Bai Wanwan’s voice felt distinctly off. It wasn’t quite the Bai Wanwan she knew.

There was a certain sharpness to it, a playful, almost mocking cadence that inexplicably reminded Chu Annian of… *Journey to the West*?

“I’ve taught you so much, and it’s rare to learn and practice simultaneously. Once you’ve mastered it, you must protect this girl well, understand?”

“I understand, Great Sage.”

As Chu Annian wavered, Bai Wanwan’s voice echoed from the stairwell once more, this time accompanied by Liu Hanzhi’s.

“Excellent, excellent. Tell that girl there’s no need for formalities; Old Sun here lacks nothing.”

“Should she encounter trouble again, she needn’t draw talismans. Simply clench this hair in her hand, form a tight fist, and shout ‘Great Sage Equal to Heaven!’ I shall appear to lend her a hand.”

“This young lass will need much of your care in the days to come. I shall take my leave now, farewell!”

“Farewell, Great Sage.”

Liu Hanzhi wiped the cold sweat from her brow. By the time she finished speaking, Bai Wanwan had already slumped weakly into her embrace.

Compared to the visibly tense Liu Hanzhi, Bai Wanwan’s condition was considerably worse. Her delicate face was stark white, stirring an inexplicable pang of pity in anyone who saw it.

Fortunately, the unmistakable deathly pallor that had marred her face was now gone.

Indeed, with *that* particular figure having made an appearance, even the most dire omens of death could surely be averted.

As Liu Hanzhi gazed at Bai Wanwan nestled in her arms, a myriad of complex emotions swirled within her.

Her surprise wasn’t simply at Bai Wanwan’s ability to summon the Great Sage; it was the Great Sage’s *attitude* that truly astonished her.

This figure, renowned for his wild and unrestrained nature in the eyes of others, displayed an inexplicable tenderness towards Bai Wanwan, bordering on outright favoritism.

It was akin to an elder gazing upon their most cherished junior, eager to offer their very heart to her.

Moreover, observing the golden strand of hair that had materialized out of thin air in Bai Wanwan’s hand, Liu Hanzhi discerned the Great Sage’s true intentions.

General Sun had previously mentioned, when Bai Wanwan was summoning spirits, that he wasn’t the only deity vying for her invitation; he had battled fiercely just to secure his turn.

If that was the case, then had the Great Sage also fought tooth and nail to seize this very opportunity?

As for instructing Bai Wanwan to use the hair instead of drawing talismans, the intent became glaringly obvious.

Talismans could be received by any deity, leading to a frantic scramble to assist Bai Wanwan—the competitive pressure was simply too immense.

The golden hair, however, was different. It served as a direct, one-way conduit to the Great Sage, eliminating any competition from other deities.

It appeared even the Great Sage harbored his own subtle machinations.

“Bai Wanwan? Liu Hanzhi? You’re alive?”

Chu Annian had braced herself for the worst, ultimately resolving that, whether it was a dragon’s den or a tiger’s lair, she would brave it for Bai Wanwan.

Yet, before she could descend, she discovered Bai Wanwan lying weakly in Liu Hanzhi’s arms within the stairwell between the ninth and tenth floors. Though her appearance was pitiable, at least her life was not in danger.

Scattered beside Bai Wanwan were a bulging burlap sack, a steel pipe snapped cleanly in two, and a set of needles and thread radiating a faint, ethereal glow.

Chu Annian’s eyes widened instantly as she stared at the needlework.

“The cursed artifact from the Lip-Stitching Hospital, the Ghost Hand Golden Needles!?”