However, he quickly calmed down. The manual said that "Taiyin Soul-Severing Blade" was the Night Battle God Blade. Because its techniques were numerous and extremely difficult to master, even those with talent would need ten years to reach minor achievement, and a full sixty years to reach mastery. Those without talent would never even get started in their lifetime.

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. He planned to start training that very night.

Before cultivating, he first bowed devoutly in the direction of his family’s ancestral grave. Ancestors, bless me!

Since he had just started his official post, his uniform and saber had not yet been issued. So after bowing, he took David Bennett’s waist saber, drew it, and began practicing according to the manual.

First set of saber techniques: the night is dark and the wind is high, 'swish swish swish'—learned.

Second set of saber techniques: the night is as cool as water, 'slash slash slash'—learned.

Third set of saber techniques: battling in all directions at night, 'clang clang clang'—learned.

……

Final set of saber techniques: ten thousand lights aglow, 'ah ah ah'—finished.

He flipped to the last page of the manual. William Clark stared blankly at the slender waist saber in his hand: was the manual exaggerating, or was his own talent truly astonishing? Or perhaps his ancestors were really that powerful?

Just as he was still in disbelief, the manual suddenly burst into flames, quickly burning to ashes and vanishing into nothingness!

Not long after, David Bennett staggered back drunk. Pushing open the door, he sniffed: “Why does it smell like smoke and fire? Goodness, did you sneak off to eat roast chicken?”

William Clark jumped onto the bed and pulled the covers over himself to sleep.

Early the next morning, Charles Foster had David Bennett go to the county yamen to collect his official uniform, boots, waist saber, and patrol equipment.

From then on, he could be considered someone who ate the government’s rice, completing his family’s leap in social class.

After he changed into his uniform and hung the saber at his waist, Charles Foster said, “Yesterday while I was in the county, I mentioned the matter at the clinic. Edward Stone is well-informed—he said a Qi-Eating Ghost has appeared at the clinic. This Qi-Eating Ghost hasn’t fully formed, only dares to haunt those near death, and is nothing to fear. So today, you two go to the clinic and take care of this Qi-Eating Ghost for me.”

David Bennett’s eyes widened: “The two of us?”

Charles Foster’s expression was not good. He said coolly, “What, are you scared?”

David Bennett burst out laughing: “It should be the Qi-Eating Ghost that’s scared!”

“Then off you go. I’m not feeling well today and need to rest.” As Charles Foster said this, his face twitched a few times, as if he was enduring great pain.

David Bennett asked with concern, “Master Cao, did you get an internal injury yesterday when you killed that vengeful spirit?”

Charles Foster didn’t answer. He looked up at the sky and said, “David Bennett, you’ve been working at the Celestial Observatory for almost a year now. It’s time you handled a case on your own. Xiao Qi has joined us and needs to undergo an entry trial. This Qi-Eating Ghost at the clinic is just right for you two to practice.”

The two nodded. “Understood.”

“And since Xiao Qi just arrived, David Bennett, look after him a bit.” Charles Foster’s face twitched again.

David Bennett patted his broad chest and said, “Don’t worry, Master Cao. With me here, not a single hair on Old Qi’s head will be harmed!”

Charles Foster waved his hand wearily: “Then go to the clinic. Remember, Qi-Eating Ghosts are most active at night. Kill it tonight before you come back.”

David Bennett clasped his fists boldly: “I will not fail you, Master Cao. I won’t return until the ghost is slain!”

Chapter 004: Qi-Eating Ghost

Fulong Township was one of the six major townships in Jixiang County, with eleven villages under its jurisdiction and a population of tens of thousands—a sizable place.

The township’s roads crisscrossed, houses were scattered like stars. Most of the houses along the main street were made of blue bricks and red tiles, while those along the small paths were thatched cottages.

The Zhang Family Clinic was a blue-brick building. Its courtyard wall facing the street was over ten zhang long, the vermilion main gate was one and a half zhang high, and on either side of the entrance crouched a stone lion as tall as half a man. Beside the stone lions grew large willow trees, giving the place an air of grandeur.

David Bennett opened the door.

As the red solid-wood door creaked open, William Clark immediately felt a chilling, eerie aura rush toward him.

The "Taiyin Soul-Severing Blade" was itching to be drawn—he was ready to strike at any moment.

David Bennett pointed at the door. On the lintel was a charred piece of talisman paper.

This was the remnant of the talisman Charles Foster had posted the day before yesterday. The core of the talisman had already burned away, so it was clear that something ghostly had visited.

The clinic was large, with many rooms. It had two courtyards, the inner one for the family’s residence, the outer one laid out like a traditional siheyuan. In the center was a large garden, surrounded by rooms: a consultation hall, bedrooms, a decoction room, and a study.

After glancing at the layout upon entering, David Bennett said solemnly, “The main house is square and stable, the left wing like a green dragon guarding, the right wing like a white tiger lying on a high mound. In the center, myriad flowers compete, and a hundred herbs vie for attention. This house was arranged under the guidance of an expert—just like a dragon’s lair. It’s a lucky house.”

William Clark asked, “You know the art of feng shui and geomancy?”

David Bennett replied, “No, that’s what Master Cao said last time we came.”

The clinic was now quiet and deserted, with only a young man sweeping the floor.

Seeing the two enter, the young man put down his broom and cupped his hands, saying, “David Bennett sir, you’re here. And this gentleman is?”

David Bennett said, “This is my brother William Clark. Master Cao specially requested him from above—he’s a real expert. Young master, just call him Lord Qi.”

The young man politely cupped his hands to him, “So it’s Lord Clark. David Bennett sir, you just mentioned Lord Foster. When will Lord Foster be coming?”