Chapter 61: Mastering Mischief Without a Teacher

The talisman Su Bao had drawn on Fu Lang’s palm wasn’t without its side effects.

It had a certain allure for ghosts, attracting them.

A ghost cultivator’s inner core (neidan) was highly coveted by both vengeful spirits and other ghost cultivators. Consuming one could significantly boost their power.

The black mist at Su Bao’s fingertip earlier had been a manifestation of her inner core, which she used to write the talisman.

The scent of a Ghost Shard’s inner core was irresistible to other ghosts, drawing them closer.

By writing the talisman on Fu Lang’s palm, Su Bao had created an invisible bond between them. If Fu Lang were ever in danger, Su Bao would be able to sense it and appear quickly.

In a way, the talisman did offer him protection.

Sort of.

Fu Lang, of course, had no idea about the talisman’s unintended side effect.

By the time he found out, it would be too late, and he’d be on the verge of a breakdown!

“Xiao Bao, can you check if that female ghost is still watching me? Lately, I’ve been so paranoid I can’t eat or sleep. I keep feeling like it’s lurking nearby!” Fu Lang confessed, his nerves clearly frayed.

He knew he was overthinking, but he couldn’t help it. His imagination was running wild!

“No,” Su Bao replied without hesitation, her stoic face giving nothing away.

She couldn’t tell Fu Lang the truth. She needed to lure the female ghost out, to make it feel unthreatened enough to approach Fu Lang boldly.

If she told Fu Lang the truth…

Well, he was both foolish and cowardly. He’d never walk alone and would cling to her constantly!

And then the ghost would never show itself!

Emmm…

Su Bao thought it over carefully. That wouldn’t be worth it.

She had other clients to take on and more money to earn. She couldn’t afford to spend all her time on just one person!

Meanwhile, Fu Lang was practically sobbing internally.

In Xiao Bao’s heart, he ranked lower than money!

“Don’t be such a coward. I just cast a spell on your palm. That ghost won’t be able to hurt you,” Su Bao lied effortlessly, her conscience completely unbothered.

Hearing that the ghost wasn’t nearby and that Xiao Bao had cast a protective spell on him, Fu Lang’s confidence soared.

He even straightened his back a little!

Da Hei: …

For some reason, it felt both proud and a little bittersweet.

It was proud that its Xiao Bao wasn’t some naive, gullible sweetheart. Even as a newcomer to the human world, she wouldn’t be easily bullied or deceived!

But at the same time, it felt a pang of sadness. Xiao Bao had become so cunning all on her own, leaving Da Hei feeling a bit useless.

It was like watching your child grow up and realizing they didn’t need you anymore.

“Xiao Bao, what about that rock?” Fu Lang suddenly remembered the stone Xiao Bao had been so fascinated with—the one he’d bought for ten yuan. She’d looked like she wanted to bite into it right then and there.

Su Bao instinctively clutched her little bag, her expression clearly saying, *You gave it to me, so you can’t take it back.*

Fu Lang: …

Heartbroken!

Did he really look so untrustworthy?

Why did Xiao Bao always seem so guarded around him?

“Don’t worry, I’m not trying to take it back! It’s just a worthless rock anyway. If you like it, I can get you a whole truckload!” Fu Lang reassured her.

Only then did Su Bao relax.

“You want to know what’s inside that rock, right? After military training this afternoon, how about I take you to Jade Street to have it cut open?” Fu Lang offered.