Chapter Sixteen: I Offer You Fairness

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Just as Zhang Xiaorui was about to step out of the room and into the courtyard, an inexplicable cold wind suddenly swept through. Xiao Hua, nestled in the doghouse, seemed to sense something; her eyes snapped open, and the fur on her body stood on end. It was as if something grave was happening. There’s an old saying—those little creatures like cats, dogs, chickens, and ducks possess a certain spiritual sensitivity. They can see things ordinary people cannot.

Zhang Xiaorui approached Xiao Hua, reaching out to pat her head. "Calm down, calm down, what’s the big deal? It’s just a spirit, be calm and low-key, got it? You’ve been at the Taoist temple for so long; how come you’re still so timid? You’re a dog, not a mouse! Honestly, I’m a little disappointed in you."

"Woof, woof, woof."

"Alright, I get it, there’s nothing to worry about. I was the one who called her to come find me. Now go back to your doghouse and get some sleep. Later, when I go down the mountain, I’ll bring you some bones. You’ve had a rough few days; I’ll treat you well," she promised.

"Woof, woof, woof, woof."

"Okay, okay, enough with the fuss. I’ll get you a big bone. Seriously, you’re one picky dog."

After comforting Xiao Hua, Zhang Xiaorui glanced toward the center of the courtyard. A faint shadow appeared at Qingfeng Temple. That figure was none other than Zhao Min, who had come to see Zhang Xiaorui after finishing her business.

At this moment, Zhao Min looked perfectly ordinary, calm and quiet — a complete contrast to the image she projected in her livestreams.

“Master Zhang, hello. I’ve come to see you.”

Zhang Xiaorui smiled and waved. “Beauty, have you settled everything?”

The unspoken question was: “You didn’t kill him, did you?”

Zhao Min smiled wryly. “Everything was done according to your instructions, Master. I didn’t kill that wretched beast. I left him alive.”

Zhang Xiaorui nodded. “Good. Since your revenge is done, I will now open the gates of the underworld and guide you to rebirth.”

“Master Zhang… I… I…”

Zhao Min seemed to want to say something but was at a loss for words, clearly flustered.

Zhang Xiaorui sighed and glanced at her. “You want me to help your child, don’t you?”

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With a thud, Zhao Min knelt before Zhang Xiaorui. “Master Zhang, I beg you, please help my poor child. My child is innocent. Even before being born, that damned creature caused harm, and the child was turned into a ‘Kuman Thong’ spirit.”

Her voice choked with emotion as she spoke of her child. “Your child is no longer with us. There are things I cannot tell you—they are heavenly secrets. I only reveal this much out of pity for your suffering, unwilling to see you remain so obsessed.”

“Zhao Min, you must understand that many things in this world do not bend to our desires. There is the way of humans, and there is the way of Heaven. Do you understand?”

If Zhao Min had heard these words during her lifetime, she might not have understood them. But now, having died, she had unlocked a certain celestial awareness and understood many profound principles—though some remained elusive.

Zhao Min suddenly lost all her spirit. She got up from the ground. “Master Zhang, I’m fine now. Please take me to reincarnation.”

Zhang Xiaorui looked at her and saw that her wish was still unfulfilled. A trace of resentment stirred within her.

She clapped her hands. “Don’t be too sad. Judging by your face, you and your child still share a mother-child bond in your next life. I will send you to reincarnation now, and twenty years later, your wish will come true.”

With another thud, Zhao Min knelt again before Zhang Xiaorui and kowtowed several times.

“Thank you, Master Zhang. I… I… don’t even know how to thank you.”

Zhang Xiaorui waved her hand. “It’s nothing. This is all the blessing you have accumulated. Though this world has treated you unfairly, the way of Heaven has not neglected you. It still grants you justice.”

Zhao Min stared at Zhang Xiaorui without blinking.

“Why are you staring like that? Oh, I know I’m beautiful. But is it really okay for you to look at me like that?” Zhang Xiaorui teased, winking at her.

Zhao Min actually laughed.

“Master Zhang, I’m just a soul now, but my mind is still clear. You said this world treated me unfairly—I admit that. But you also said Heaven compensates me. Master Zhang, forgive me for my ignorance, but what am I to deserve such compensation? There are countless others worse off than me. Why should Heaven show me mercy? So, I guess, if I’m right, all of this was arranged by you, Master Zhang, wasn’t it?”

Damn, Zhao Min really was a bright student, a graduate of a proper university. That intelligence was unparalleled.

Zhang Xiaorui waved her hand. “I am a cultivator. Since I encountered your matter, it means we are destined. So I will definitely cover for you. If the mortal world is unfair to you, then the way of Heaven must repay you with justice. If Heaven is not fair, then I, Zhang Xiaorui, will give you fairness!

“Oh, calm down, calm down. Daoist master… no, no, I mean this humble master will protect you. Don’t cry, dear.”

“There is no fairness in the mortal world, but the way of Heaven must repay you. If it does not, then I will.”

Hearing these words, Zhao Min was moved to tears, sobbing uncontrollably.

“Master Zhang… I… thank you. The happiest thing in this life is meeting such a good master like you. If only I had met you sooner, I might not have died. But there’s no point dwelling on that now. Master, will we meet again?”

“What, you want to see me again? Heh heh.”

Zhao Min’s face flushed red. “I… I… well… um… cough, cough…”

Zhang Xiaorui looked at her, dumbfounded. What was this? Could it be that Zhao Min had fallen for her? Heaven help her.

“Well, sister, I’m a cultivator—I can’t be involved in romantic entanglements. I’m devoted to my path. Besides, we’re both girls. That’s absolutely out of the question.”

Zhao Min burst out laughing. “Master, you really need to loosen up on the gender thing. There’s an old saying: the opposite sex is for reproduction; the same sex is true love. Ha ha ha!”

Zhang Xiaorui sighed helplessly, then waved her right hand forward and shouted, “Open for me!”

Before her voice faded, two grand doors appeared in midair. With a creak, the heavy doors slowly swung open.

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