The ghost's body shook violently, and an expression of wild joy surged onto his face, sweeping away the heavy look that had been frozen on his face for who knows how long.

  Barely suppressing his excitement, Gui Lie's voice still trembled slightly as he said, "P-please, senior, teach me!"

  The nine-tailed celestial fox gazed at him intently, and after a moment, suddenly smiled and said: "That woman must be the one you deeply love, right?"

  Gu Li didn't say a word, but the look of eager anticipation on his face grew stronger.

  The nine-tailed celestial fox shook her head and sighed, but her eyes were filled with gentle pity. She said softly, "As you said, the woman's physical body is intact, so it must be that strange power that scattered her soul. Originally, once the three souls and seven spirits are lost, even a god cannot save her. However, as long as one of her souls remains, there is still hope."

  "Although the soul has three souls and seven souls, they are all where a person's spirit is. Among the same person's souls, each other has a mysterious attraction. The cultivators of Zhongtu have rarely studied this, but many years ago, I personally saw a strange person display the 'Soul Retrieval Technique', and retrieved the soul of an unfortunate man who had been captured by an evil demon, one soul and three souls."

  "It can be seen that although the situation is slightly different, as long as your friend's physical body is not destroyed and his soul still has some remnants, he will definitely be saved."

  His face was originally excited, but when he heard the four words "Resurrection Heterodox Art", he suddenly thought of something, frowned and said: "Senior, are you referring to the 'Black Witch Tribe' in the Nanman Ten Million Great Mountain with your Resurrection Heterodox Art?"

  The nine-tailed celestial fox raised an eyebrow, slightly surprised, and nodded: "How come, you also know about the Black Witch tribe? This Black Witch tribe is mysterious and unpredictable, especially the black witch masters who worship gods in the tribe are skilled in this kind of ghostly soul magic. As long as you can find a black witch master, your friend will likely be saved."

  The demon's face was silent for a long time, and then he couldn't hide the disappointment on his face. He said in a low voice, "To be honest with you, I've heard rumors about this black witch tribe being able to cure my friend ten years ago. But over the past decade, I don't know how many times I've come to this southern border, even venturing deep into the treacherous mountains and waters of the Ten Thousand Great Mountains. However, no matter how carefully I inquired, I couldn't find any news about the black witch tribe. Everyone told me that the black witch tribe had been extinct for over a thousand years..."

  "A thousand years ago?" The Nine-Tailed Heavenly Fox had been frowning and listening, but suddenly raised its voice, interrupting Gui Li's words.

  "Not bad, what's up?" Gui Li raised his head and looked at her.

  That gentle woman slightly furrowed her brow, as if thinking about something, her soft and long hair hanging on her shoulders, the night wind blowing by, with a few strands dancing around her face.

  After a while, she raised her head and said: "Being locked up for too long, my brain is no longer bright, I have to think carefully to remember. When I met that black sorcerer, it was before those guys from Fengxiang Valley locked me up 200 years ago, which means that at least 500 years ago, the black sorcerer tribe still existed!"

  The demon stared at her intently, his expression changing drastically. The nine-tailed celestial fox saw the look in his eyes and suddenly smiled, saying: "Alright, alright, I'll help you with this favor since you're my benefactor. Tomorrow, I'll take you to the southern border to search for any traces of the black sorcerer's clan at the place where we met that guy back then."

  The demon took a deep breath, remained silent for a moment, and then slightly bowed his head to her, saying: "Thank you, senior. I'm grateful beyond words. As long as you can save my friend, no matter what task you have in the future, just give me orders."

  The nine-tailed celestial fox looked at the man in front of her, seeing that his face was full of determination, and there was a hint of warmth in his eyes, as if he had thought of someone.

  At this thought, she didn't know why, but her heart suddenly felt a little softer - in this world of men, even if there are those who are unfaithful, there will always be some who are devotedly in love.

  The night was deep and silent all around, with only the distant sound of insects chirping in the depths of the forest, low and mournful, like a lament.

  The wild wind blows by, and the treetops in the forest sway gently, rustling softly.

  The nine-tailed celestial fox gently put Xiaohui on the ground, standing in the forest, dazed. After a while, she closed her eyes, slightly turning her head, as if listening to something, and seemingly using her body and soul to feel the taste of freedom in this world.

  The sound of footsteps behind him suddenly rang out and stopped, and a ghostly voice came over, saying: "It's late at night, why are you still not going to sleep, senior?"

  The nine-tailed celestial fox didn't open its eyes, nor did it turn around, it just slowly said: "And you! Why aren't you sleeping?"

  The ghost was silent for a moment, then said: "I couldn't sleep."

  The nine-tailed celestial fox turned around and looked at him, smiling: "Are you a bit tense?"

  Gui Li did not speak, but this idea that had almost reached despair suddenly burst forth with new hope, making him unable to calm down and sleep.

  The nine-tailed celestial fox smiled softly, her charming demeanor radiating outward, as if even the night around her had grown gentle. All that could be heard was her soft voice saying, "There's something I'd like to tell you."

  "Senior, please speak," said Gui Li hastily.

  The nine-tailed celestial fox glared at him and said, "Can't you just stop calling me 'senior' already? You're fine in other aspects, but why do you insist on addressing a woman as 'senior' repeatedly? It's going to make people feel old, isn't that impolite?"

  The ghost was stern and severe.

  Originally, no matter if it's eighteen years old, twenty-eight years old or two thousand eight hundred years old, as long as it's a woman, she will definitely be afraid of getting old.

  "What should I call you then?" Gui Li asked cautiously.

  The woman listened, and was taken aback for a moment. A hint of helplessness then appeared on her face, and after a while, she said faintly: "Yes! What should I be called? My original name, I've long forgotten. It's fine, since you've seen my true form as the white fox, just call me Xiao Bai."

  "Xiao Bai..." Gui Li called out somewhat awkwardly, his face twisted in a strange expression.

  The nine-tailed celestial fox seemed to be completely unbothered, but instead turned its gaze and saw the monkey Xiaohui squatting on the ground looking around. Suddenly thinking of something, it asked Gui Li: "By the way, what's this monkey's name? You wouldn't directly call him Three-eyed Spirit Monkey, would you?"

  Guili Dao said: "This monkey was raised by me when I was a child, I called it Xiao Hui."

  The nine-tailed celestial fox, now known as the gentle and charming young woman, was taken aback for a moment before bursting into laughter. She bent down to pick up Xiao Hui, examining him from head to toe with eyes full of amusement, saying: "Hehe, it seems we're indeed fated to meet! You're called Little Gray, and I'm Little White!"

  Xiao Hui was nestled in her arms, pouting and giggling, with his monkey paws on her shoulders, being very affectionate.

  The ghost stood on one side, looking at the situation on the other side, unable to speak for a moment. After a while, he shook his head secretly and walked away silently.

  The next day.

  The sky gradually brightened up, but the sun in southern Xinjiang was nowhere to be seen. The sky was gloomy and overcast with dark clouds, a cloudy day.

  The light is bright and there's no feeling of stuffiness, occasionally a gentle breeze blows by, brushing against the skin, and the heat from last night has dissipated, involuntarily lifting one's spirits.

  A cool sensation flowed through his body, while a warm and gentle feeling emanated from the Xuanhuo furnace in his chest. Two distinct auras coexisted within him, yet at this moment, they seemed to be in harmony, neither encroaching upon the other.

  The ghost slowly opened his eyes and quietly smiled bitterly for a moment, unknown to others.

  In fact, no one knows his physical condition better than himself. Last night, Xiao Bai, also known as the Nine-Tailed Heavenly Fox, said a few words about his body that were confirmed by his sudden collapse in that battle with the Crimson Flame Beast.

  Even he himself didn't know how much longer his body could hold on.

  He lowered his head and looked at the quiet black fire stick lying in his hand. For many years, it had been quietly accompanying him.

  He suddenly smiled and grasped the fire poker tightly, as if they were connected by blood!

  As long as Bi Yao is saved, what else matters?

  Suddenly, a gust of wind came from the sky above this small hill, and from far to near, there was a figure flying down in mid-air.

  The ghost's eyebrows furrowed, he stood up, his gaze looked upwards, and his eyes were filled with coldness.

  After a moment, the figure fell down, the light flashed and gradually dissipated, revealing a yellow figure.

  Jin Bao Er!

  The ghost's gaze condensed, and his heart suddenly shook. He was not in a conspicuous position on this small hill, but Jinping had actually found him here, which was really surprising. Had she been secretly following him without him noticing?

  Jin Bier still wore her familiar smile, casting a sideways glance at Gui Li, seemingly aware of his presence all along, without any hint of surprise. She smiled and said: "Young Master, you've found quite a good place to hide, haven't you?"

  The ghost let out a cold hum and suddenly said: "Jin Niang, you're the one with the good skills, so fierce."

  Jin Bier seemed not to understand the sarcasm in Gui Li's words and laughed, "How can I compare to you, Young Master? Last night, you only slightly tested your skills, but you turned the entire Fengxiang Valley upside down, it was as if the heavens and earth had changed color! This humble woman is deeply impressed!"

  The demon king turned over thousands of thoughts in his mind, but he couldn't think of how this woman from the Harmony Sect had found him. He didn't reveal anything on his face and said calmly: "Last night's volcanic eruption was a natural phenomenon between heaven and earth, it has nothing to do with me. I wonder if you heard any news last night?"

  Jin Bier's eyes fluttered, just about to speak, when suddenly her eyebrows furrowed slightly. It was because she saw something behind Gui Li. With a whooshing sound, the gray-haired monkey that had been following Gui Li ran out first, followed by a woman emerging slowly from the forest. Her skin was as white as snow, her features were as delicate as a painting, and she possessed countless charms and infinite gentleness, all embodied in her slender figure. She was an absolute beauty beyond this world.

  But most importantly, Jin Bao'er took one glance and saw that the woman was only wearing an outer garment, with nothing underneath, and as she moved, her white skin was faintly visible, making her even more alluring.

  That piece of clothing was obviously a man's garment. Last night, she saw Gui Lai wearing it, but now Gui Lai no longer had an outer garment on him.

  Jin Bier's eyes sparkled and she suddenly smiled, saying: "This sister is so beautiful, how come I haven't seen her in these days?"

  As she spoke, she gazed at Gui Lian with a hint of a smile and said: "In the past, I've often heard that you, sir, and Miss Bi Yao were deeply in love. Miss Bi Yao sacrificed herself to block the 'Heavenly Sword' for your sake, and you, in turn, betrayed Qing Yun and joined the Holy Sect to help the Ghost King conquer the four directions, killing countless people. Moreover, over the past decade, you risked life and limb to venture deep into the 100,000 Mountains of Nanman to find a cure for Miss Bi Yao's condition. How could such devotion not move the hearts of women everywhere?"

  Her voice became even softer and more gentle, her facial expression also warmer, but the words from her mouth suddenly changed: "Time is heartless, years are clear, past events have passed, young master has regained a good match, this is something to congratulate you on. Hehe, one day I'll personally go to Fox Qi Mountain to offer congratulations to the Ghost King Sect Master."

  His face was stern and cold, and when he heard the sound behind him, his expression became even more austere. However, he merely let out a cold hum and didn't say anything.

  It was the Nine-Tailed Heavenly Fox, Xiaobai, who looked at Gui Li and then at Jinping'er standing opposite her. She suddenly smiled and said: "Miss, you've misunderstood. Actually, I was robbed by bandits last night and almost got kidnapped and humiliated. Luckily, Mr. Gui Li happened to pass by and lent a hand, so I managed to escape. As for these clothes on my body, they were temporarily lent to me by the young master to cover my shame."

  Jin Bier looked at Xiaobai with her experienced eyes, how could she believe such nonsense? But looking at Xiaobai's smiling face, it seemed like she had just been threatened by a strong man last night. From Jin Bier's perspective, if there were any foolish robbers who encountered this woman in front of her, they would probably...

  Jin Ping'er slightly shook her head, too lazy to think more about this matter, but couldn't help glancing at Xiao Bai a few more times due to his stunning appearance. She then turned to Gui Li and asked, "Young Master, did you find anything last night in Fengxiang Valley?"

  The demon's voice was faint as he said, "Nothing was found. After entering last night, I soon encountered the sudden eruption of the volcano and retreated." He paused for a moment before turning to Jinping'er and asking, "You went to the noisy place at the entrance of the valley last night, did you find anything? What's the relationship between the fish-like monster tribe and the Burning Fragrance Valley? Did you discover anything?"

  Jin Ping'er smiled slightly, her expression calm and collected. She shook her head and sighed, "It's really unfortunate, I didn't find anything either. The commotion at the entrance of Huixiang Valley last night was just a few of their disciples quarreling. As for those fish people, it's truly unclear!"

  The ghost frowned and fell silent for a moment.

  Jin Ping'er hesitated for a moment, then turned her head to glance at Xiao Bai several times. A smile appeared on her face as she said to Gui Li, "Since the young master has a beautiful companion, I shouldn't be an eyesore here either. Let's part ways for now. Perhaps in the not-too-distant future, I'll have the chance to meet the young master again in this southern border region."

  Having said that, she smiled at Xiaobai and with a flick of her sleeve, a ray of light flashed and transformed into a yellow glow, flying up into the air.

  The demon's gaze followed the figure that was getting smaller and smaller towards the sky, his eyebrows furrowed. Xiao Bai walked to his side, and Xiao Hui jumped up with a few quick movements, although it had only been one night, Xiao Hui seemed to be already very familiar with this woman Xiao Bai.

  Xiaobai gently held Xiaohui in her arms, hesitated for a moment, and asked Gui Li: "Did you ever tell her that we would be here?"

  The ghost shook his head silently, and after a while said: "This is where I couldn't figure it out. How could this woman be so fierce and know our whereabouts? But I just searched all over my body and couldn't find any place that had been tampered with."

  Xiao Bai's gaze swept across Gui Li's body, then suddenly shifted back to Xiao Hui's face. A faint smile appeared on his lips as he said, "With your cultivation level, even if that woman wanted to leave a subtle mark on you, it would be difficult for her to succeed. The problem doesn't lie with you."

  The ghost turned around and looked at her, hesitated for a moment, and said: "What's that? Listening to Senior... Little White Girl, you seem to know something?"

  Xiaobai's eyes sparkled as she gently stroked Xiaohui's head with her hand, smiling: "Xiaohui probably never takes a bath, so the problem must be on Xiaohui's body..."

  ……

  At the foot of a small hill, Gui Li and Xiao Bai found a clear stream to give Xiao Hui a bath.

  Xiao Hui had never taken a bath since birth, so he was extremely unwilling and struggled desperately, making loud squeaking noises.

  In the end, Xiao Bai came up with a solution and picked some wild fruits from somewhere, threw them into Xiaohui's hands, and softly comforted her while personally washing her body with water.

  Guilian frowned and pondered for a long time before saying, "Strange, how come I didn't notice this flavor?"

  Xiaobai smiled lightly and said, "You're a man and didn't pay attention, so you wouldn't have noticed. I only realized it last night because I liked Xiaohui and held him in my arms, from then on I smelled a faint, almost imperceptible fragrance. At the time, I thought it was strange that Xiaohui, being a monkey, shouldn't have had such a scent. But the smell was very faint, so I didn't pay attention to it. It wasn't until this morning when I met that girl that I realized what it was."

  She smiled and said: "That girl is thoughtful and careful, with a good method, very fierce."

  The ghost let out a cold hum.

  The sky is still overcast, the brook babbles, and the small gray fish frolic in the water from time to time, as if they don't want to stop for a moment. From time to time, they splash some water flowers around.

  The little white face that was washing its body on one side was splashed with a lot of water by this mischievous monkey.

  The ghost stood by and looked over there.

  Only by the creek, on the water, Xiao Bai rolled up her sleeves, with a faint smile on her face, her eyes like water, and she gently coaxed Xiao Hui to behave itself, helping it wash its body.

  Carefully looking, there are a few drops of water on her face, like crystal clear pearls, either lightly hanging from her eyebrows or quietly sliding down her cheeks, sweeping across the almost transparent white skin, yet still reluctant to fall.

  A gentle breeze from the vast wilderness of southern Xinjiang blows softly from afar, rustling her long hair, and sparkling water droplets seem to be trembling lightly as well...

  The ghost suddenly turned his head and stopped looking in that direction. Just a moment later, a sudden cry of surprise came from behind him, from Xiao Bai.

  The ghost was startled, turned its head around, but only saw that Xiao Hui had already finished washing up and jumped onto the shore. Before Xiao Bai could even stop it, it immediately shook its whole body, instantly splashing out the water droplets from its fur in all directions.

  The little white figure dodged and weaved, laughing and scolding in its mouth, but its body had already been splashed with many water droplets by the small rain that fell from the sky.

  In a flash of an eye, Xiaobai saw Gui Li looking over here, was taken aback for a moment, then smiled.

  The ghost's mouth twitched slightly and he unconsciously smiled, then turned his head around, with the sound of Xiaobai laughing and scolding Xiaohui still coming from behind him.

  In this gloomy weather, a warmth that has been absent for some time suddenly appears, quietly lingering.