Realm of the Night God

Chapter 102: Master Zhou

Yang Haoran's mother had a somewhat volatile temper and spoke roughly, but he could feel her indulgence towards him. As for his father, although he always wore a stern expression, he was equally aware that his father's love for him was no less than his mother's. It's just that they expressed it differently.

As for when his mother arranged this blind date, Yang Haoran didn't know. But he knew that if he didn't follow his mother's arrangements, he would definitely get a scolding. Actually, getting scolded was just a minor issue that he didn't mind. However, he cared deeply about his mother's emotions and his father's as well. He didn't want to see disappointment in their eyes, nor did he want to see them, both at such an old age, worrying about him.

So, he would definitely go to the blind date tomorrow, even if Mother Yang didn't urge him. As long as there was such an opportunity, he would choose to go because he was equally anxious about his own marriage.

The issue of Yin Qi could be solved slowly, but he could start dating a girlfriend first. During this time, he could also see if they were compatible. If they weren't, they could part ways early without wasting each other's time. If they got along well, they could get married as soon as the issue of Yin Qi was resolved. In this way, time would be fully utilized.

Of course, this was just a beautiful imagination in Yang Haoran's mind. As for the final result, who knew?

Actually, Yang Haoran had intended to agree just now. It's just that Mother Yang didn't give him a chance to speak. Seeing Mother Yang still seemed ready to continue, he quickly spoke up.

"Mom! Don't worry! I'll definitely go tomorrow! Really!"

With Yang Haoran's assurance, Mother Yang finally put away her temper, snorted, and said, "You know your place, boy. I'm going to help in the kitchen now. You do whatever you need to do. We're having dinner at your Third Uncle's house tonight. Don't wander far, or else I'll have to invite you again when it's time to eat."

Leaving these words behind, Mother Yang hurriedly walked towards the courtyard. Watching his mother's hurried figure, Yang Haoran sighed and shook his head before following her into the yard.

Upon entering the yard, Yang Haoran first glanced at his father, who wore a troubled expression, then at his Third Uncle, who looked sorrowful. Finally, his gaze fell upon a man dressed in a yellow robe.

The man appeared to be around fifty years old. He sat cross-legged in front of a coffin, with a tattered scripture in front of him. He concentrated on reciting the scriptures recorded in the book, occasionally flipping through its pages or pausing.

On both sides of the man, there were several people playing drums and gongs. They operated skillfully, knowing exactly when to strike and when to stop. Especially when the man paused in his recitation, they seemed to receive some signal and struck the drums fiercely, as if they wanted to shatter them.

These drummers and gong players were obviously professionals; only professionals could produce such an atmosphere. However, Yang Haoran didn't pay attention to them. His attention was entirely drawn to the man reciting the scriptures.

This man was the Master Zhou his mother had mentioned earlier.

Yang Haoran had known Master Zhou for a long time, but that was when he was still very young, and Master Zhou was also young. Now, he was around thirty years old, while the man in front of him appeared to be around fifty, showing signs of aging on his face.

It was said that Master Zhou was an orphan who had been adopted by his master since childhood. His master was also in this line of work, so naturally, Master Zhou learned the same trade.

In the vicinity of Yangjia Bay, Master Zhou's master was quite famous during his lifetime. Whenever a family had a funeral, they would invite Master Zhou's master to escort the deceased on their final journey.

Besides, if any strange occurrences happened in a household, such as children being affected by evil spirits or adults encountering ghosts, Master Zhou's master could handle them. His skills were considerable.

It was because Master Zhou's master was so well-known in the area that Yang Haoran's parents sought him out when Yang Haoran was born, asking him to give their son a decent and meaningful name.

After Master Zhou's master passed away, many people thought that Master Zhou would leave and seek his own path. After all, at that time, Master Zhou was still young and full of vigor, the prime of his life.

Moreover, Master Zhou was originally an orphan taken in by his master. While his master was still alive, he might not have had many thoughts about leaving. However, once his master was gone, it was uncertain. After all, he didn't belong here originally, so it wouldn't be surprising if he chose to leave.

However, Master Zhou's choice was unexpected. He didn't choose to leave the area but instead inherited his master's mantle, taking up his master's profession. He became the Yin-Yang Master known to the people in this area.

And he had been doing so until now.

In fact, whether Master Zhou, including his master, had real skills, Yang Haoran had no idea before. Although they handled funerals and strange occurrences in the area, Yang Haoran had never truly witnessed their actions. All he knew was from his mother and the villagers, so he had always been skeptical.

But at this moment, his attitude changed.

As for whether Master Zhou's master had any real skills, he couldn't verify it. After all, the person was already dead, and nobody knew if their soul had reincarnated. Therefore, he couldn't confirm it.

But the Master Zhou in front of him indeed had abilities. Because at this moment, Yang Haoran could sense subtle fluctuations of power emanating from Master Zhou.

Although this power fluctuation was different from the Yin spirit power within him, it definitely wasn't something an ordinary person could possess. Having such power fluctuations indicated that Master Zhou must have abilities beyond those of an ordinary person.

However, this power fluctuation was very weak. If this faint power fluctuation was all of Master Zhou's strength, then it seemed that his mother and the villagers had exaggerated his abilities. He might not be as powerful as they claimed.

Of course, it couldn't be ruled out that Master Zhou intentionally concealed his strength, which made the power fluctuation emanating from him seem weak. Therefore, Yang Haoran didn't underestimate him just because the power fluctuation emitted by him at the moment was weak.

While Yang Haoran was observing Master Zhou, it seemed that Master Zhou also sensed something. He finished reciting the last passage of scripture, closed his mouth, and turned to look at Yang Haoran.

Seeing Yang Haoran, a smile appeared on Master Zhou's face as he said, "So it's Haoran. When did you come back?"

Master Zhou almost knew everyone in Yangjia Bay, and Yang Haoran was no exception. Because Yang Haoran's name was given by his master, Master Zhou had a relatively deep impression of him.

Yang Haoran forced a smile, glanced at the coffin, then refocused his gaze on Master Zhou, and replied, "Just arrived. I didn't expect something like this to happen at home."

"Sigh, life and death are destined. Since the deceased has passed away, the living shouldn't dwell on it too much. We should be more open-minded," Master Zhou sighed and said.

Yang Haoran remained silent, nodded, and Master Zhou stood up, seemingly preparing to rest.

Seeing this, Yang Haoran quickly took out a cigarette and handed one to Master Zhou. He then distributed cigarettes to the drummers and gong players, as well as to the busy elders or peers nearby. After going around, there were only a few cigarettes left in the pack.

"Uncle, are you playing house here? You're blabbering in front of the coffin like a singer, and these people, accompanying you with drums and gongs, are like your band. You guys cooperate so well, hehe!"

A mischievous child played with mud in his hands, grinned with a missing tooth, and said to Master Zhou. In the end, he even pointed at the drummers and gong players.

When these words came out, not only did Master Zhou freeze, but even Yang Haoran was stunned. They didn't expect this little rascal, who usually played with mud, to come over and say such words to Master Zhou.

"You brat! What nonsense are you talking about? I'll beat you to death, you little bastard!"

A man smoking beside him heard the child's words and immediately turned black with anger. He wanted to throw away the cigarette in his hand, but seemed to hesitate, so he bit down hard on the cigarette butt with his teeth. Then, he casually grabbed a stick from the side and was about to hit the child.

The child, obviously used to being mischievous, wasn't afraid of the man's fierce appearance at all. Instead, he made a face at the man and ran away while laughing crisply as he ran.

Seeing the child run far away and having no intention of chasing after him, the man held the stick in one hand and removed the cigarette from his mouth with the other. Then, with an embarrassed look on his face, he apologized to Master Zhou.

"Master Zhou, I'm really sorry. The child doesn't know any better. Please don't take it to heart. It's all my fault for not teaching him well. When we get back later, I'll have to beat some sense into him and make him remember properly."

Master Zhou waved his hand with a smile, seeming not to take it to heart.

"The words of children are forgivable. How can we adults argue with them? Don't take it too seriously. Boys should be a little naughty. Being a little naughty is good, it's good for being a boy!"

Master Zhou wanted to laugh heartily, but realizing that it wasn't appropriate, he stopped himself.

"Everyone, take a break and smoke a cigarette. We'll continue later."

Master Zhou greeted the drummers and gong players, then turned his gaze back to Yang Haoran. He took a puff of the cigarette, then smiled lightly and said, "Haoran, I heard from your mom that you're doing well in the city, already your own boss. Very good, very..."

His words suddenly stopped, and Master Zhou's gaze toward Yang Haoran suddenly changed, but he quickly concealed it.

"Hehe, come, let's go outside for some fresh air and talk about life in the big city. I've been looking forward to it!"