Chapter 74: The Devious Plans of Evil Cultivators, A Heaven-Bound Web

Chapter 74 - The Devious Plans of Evil Cultivators, A Heaven-Bound Web Note: Don't Forget to join my Pãtreon/flokixy to get access to +80 Advance Chapters or unlock the full story from the shop support so I can bring more Chapters for you The atmosphere in the Gu family's main hall shifted dramatically as Chen Hui's trembling voice echoed through the room. The news of Gu Xuesong's disappearance sent a ripple of tension through everyone present. "What exactly happened? Calm down and explain clearly." Madam Gu, having weathered many storms in her life, maintained her composure despite her daughter-in-law's obvious distress. With her precious granddaughter by her side, she believed that no matter how dire the situation, it could be resolved. Perhaps influenced by Madam Gu's steady demeanor, Chen Hui took a deep breath and recounted the events in detail. That afternoon, Gu Xuesong had gone to inspect a newly acquired plot of land—a trip that should have taken only an hour. However, hours had passed, and he still hadn't returned. His assistant had been unable to reach him despite numerous attempts. With critical company meetings awaiting his decisions, the assistant was frantic. Hoping against hope, they called the Gu residence, only to learn that Gu Xuesong hadn't come home at all. This revelation confirmed that something was gravely wrong. Chen Hui tried calling her husband's private line—a number he always kept on for family—but the call wouldn't go through. If even this direct line was unreachable, trouble was almost certain. "Do you know the exact location of the construction site Xuesong visited?" Madam Gu asked, cutting straight to the heart of the matter. Since phone calls were futile, the only option was to investigate the scene in person. "Yes, I have the address here." Chen Hui quickly pulled out her phone and retrieved the location sent by the assistant. Despite her anxiety, she hadn't forgotten this crucial detail, which brought some relief to Madam Gu. "Xiaoyu, take your sister and go." Turning to her grandchildren, Madam Gu knew that while Yao Yao was capable, she was still young and needed adult supervision. "Don't worry, I'll keep my sister safe," Gu Yu assured without hesitation. Yao Yao, already eager to act, swiftly grabbed her small bag and prepared to leave. Before stepping out, she turned to her visibly worried grandmother and mother, offering gentle reassurance. "I'll bring Dad back safely." Her words brought tears to their eyes. Though just a child, Yao Yao exuded a sense of security that comforted those around her. With her brother in tow, Yao Yao moved with practiced efficiency. Using a Shrinking Earth Talisman, they traveled at speeds incomprehensible to ordinary people. In the time it took to drink half a cup of tea, they arrived at the outskirts of an abandoned construction site. "How do we find him?" Gu Yu finally voiced the dilemma once they reached the location. The unfinished complex sprawled over a vast area; searching it thoroughly could take an entire day. At this moment, Gu Yu felt utterly helpless and could only rely on his younger sister. "I'll handle it!" Yao Yao declared confidently. By now, she had already drawn a yellow talisman. As soon as she stepped into the abandoned zone, she detected the dense aura of yin energy lingering in the air. This level of yin energy was potent enough to affect the environment—a feat beyond ordinary ghosts. It suggested the presence of a peak-level spirit, though not necessarily a ghost general. Such entities rarely remained in the mortal realm without drawing retribution from heaven and earth unless they were nearing completion and ready to ascend to ghost king status. Assured that it wasn't a ghost general, Yao Yao felt confident in handling the situation. The talisman in her hand was specifically designed for locating individuals, and since the target was someone familiar, tracking them would be relatively straightforward—no need for complex methods like peering into the Sea of Fate. Clasping her hands together in a mystical gesture, Yao Yao activated the talisman. Without any external flame, it ignited itself, emitting a flickering glow that defied natural laws as it hovered in midair. After swaying briefly, it darted forward with purpose. "We've found him!" "Seventh Brother, follow me!" Yao Yao called out as the glowing talisman sped ahead. Gu Yu nodded and hurried after her, marveling once again at his sister's seemingly limitless abilities. Her versatility made him long to learn cultivation himself, but alas, lacking the aptitude, he couldn't progress. For now, rescuing their father was paramount, so he pushed aside his regrets. Guided by the talisman, the siblings navigated the labyrinthine ruins without slowing. Moments later, the talisman stopped before a building and exploded into a burst of radiant sparks—a clear sign they'd reached their destination. "Seventh Brother, stick these talismans on yourself." "And take this small wooden fish too—it's a magical artifact I refined. If any spirits attack you, strike them back by tapping it." Yao Yao remained cautious, knowing her brother lacked cultivation. Even if she could easily handle the red ghost, there was no guarantee it wouldn't resort to underhanded tactics. With these talismans and artifacts, Gu Yu could hold his own temporarily if anything unexpected occurred, giving her time to intervene. "All right, I'll cover you from behind." Gu Yu's eyes lit up at the array of treasures handed to him. Though he lacked cultivation, he had resources! With these tools, he could fight like a master without needing years of training. Compared to the arduous path of steady cultivation, this approach suited him better. Satisfied, he shook off his earlier regret. "Let's go save Dad!" Decked out with protective charms and the enchanted wooden fish, Gu Yu gestured enthusiastically. Yao Yao nodded and led the way into the building. Inside, the oppressive yin energy was even thicker, dropping the temperature by several degrees. Gu Yu shivered involuntarily as they entered. "He's on the seventh floor," Yao Yao announced after closing her eyes to sense the surroundings. The concentration of yin energy pinpointed the location, where three faint traces of living beings—including one very familiar presence—remained. Navigating the decrepit staircases, which were missing steps and crumbling, posed no challenge for Yao Yao. With a Lightness Charm applied, her small frame flitted upward effortlessly like a butterfly. Reaching the seventh floor, she immediately spotted her father, bound tightly alongside two other men in similar conditions. At this sight, Yao Yao's expression hardened. She realized this wasn't merely the work of malicious spirits—it was also a human conspiracy. "Yao Yao?" The silence within the large hall amplified every sound. Hearing movement, Gu Xuesong looked up and saw his daughter. Initially startled, he quickly realized the danger and shouted urgently, "Run! It's a trap!" But Yao Yao didn't budge. Given the elaborate setup and effort invested to lure her here, escaping wouldn't be so simple. Besides, what about her father? Clenching her fists tightly, anger flared in her eyes. While she respected fair challenges, threatening her loved ones crossed a line she wouldn't forgive. "You truly share a deep bond, father and daughter!" "It seems capturing the Gu patriarch to bait you was a wise move." At that moment, a sinister figure descended the staircase. Clad in a black robe, the middle-aged man sported a crew cut and bore a jagged scar across half his face, accentuating his cruel features. His sharp, malevolent eyes radiated wickedness, and behind him trailed a malevolent pair—a man and woman, both emanating the formidable aura of red ghosts. Such blatant control over evil spirits marked him unmistakably as an evil cultivator.