Hu Tao really, really wanted Jiang Chen to join Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.
Because this ability of his was just too perfect.
Wuwang Hill was only slightly farther than Guili Plains, yet Jiang Chen had brought them here effortlessly—no sweat, no strain. Getting to Wuwang Hill would be no problem at all.
Xiangling, hearing Hu Tao's words, was utterly speechless.
Good grief, she's actually dismissing Master's Serenitea Pot?!
It was plenty useful too, okay?!
"What are you all standing around for?"
Just then, Guizhong stepped out from inside.
She had heard the commotion outside.
Havria followed closely behind her.
"Auntie Guizhong!"
Xiangling's eyes lit up the moment she saw Guizhong.
This was her master's close friend—practically family.
"Xiangling? What brings you here?"
Guizhong was surprised to see her.
What was Xiangling doing here?
"Hehe, just tagging along for a visit. Also planning to open a shop in Guili Plains."
Xiangling explained her purpose.
She was here to set up a branch of Wanmin Restaurant.
Guizhong's expression cleared in understanding.
"Opening a shop? That's a great idea."
"You know, I still haven't given you a proper greeting gift."
"Turns out I've been allocated a few storefronts here—consider them yours now."
Guizhong walked over and ruffled Xiangling's hair affectionately before casually dropping this bombshell.
She had acquired quite a few properties in the area.
Havria had even more—her devout followers were wealthy and had purchased numerous properties in her name the moment sales began.
Despite having been resurrected only recently, Havria was already a bona fide tycoon.
All thanks to her loyal devotees.
Those fanatics would give her everything.
(The less-devoted ones? Well… they hadn't survived the past millennia.)
From their ancestors onward, those who had betrayed Havria were taken care of by Havria herself.
The current followers were descendants of those she had spared—and they were the most zealous believers of all.
Now that their god had returned, they naturally offered her the very best.
"…Huh?"
Xiangling stared blankly as her aunt shoved property deeds into her hands.
"What's with that look?"
"Cook me something delicious, and these shops are yours."
Guizhong cheerfully pressed the deeds and keys into Xiangling's palms.
Xiangling's mind short-circuited.
"N-no! I can't accept this!!"
She hurriedly tried to return them.
Holy smokes, this is way too much!
Who just gives away property like this?!
"Take them!"
"Silly child, your aunt here has plenty of real estate."
"After all, Guili Plains used to be my domain."
Saying this, Guizhong proudly lifted her chin.
Do you know who originally owned Guili Assembly?
That's right—yours truly.
Technically speaking, the entire Guili Plains was her territory.
That's why she had been allocated so many properties during reconstruction.
It was all Morax's arrangement—ensuring his resurrected friends would never want for money.
Everything had been meticulously planned.
But Guizhong didn't need this many properties.
Become a landlord? Pfft.
Might as well gift them to the younger generation.
Xiangling was Ping's disciple, and Guizhong's bond with Ping went way back—hence the honorary "auntie" title.
Giving Xiangling a few shops? Small change.
Hearing this, Xiangling was at a loss.
Just as she was about to refuse again, Jiang Chen intervened.
"Just accept it."
"It's a gift from your elder. Your aunt here is loaded."
"Once those factories start operating, she'll only get wealthier."
"As one of her few juniors, there's no issue in accepting."
"Pretty sure she'll give Yaoyao some too."
"Maybe even Shenhe."
Jiang Chen glanced at Guizhong.
He knew her temperament well—material possessions meant little to her.
Xiangling looked utterly bewildered.
Guizhong nodded in agreement.
"That's right."
"I plan to give your shijie and shimei their shares too."
"Mortal possessions hold little meaning for me, so you might as well take them."
Guizhong fully endorsed Jiang Chen's words—this was her exact mindset.
At this point, Xiangling had no choice.
Staring at the property deeds and keys in her hands, she fell into deep contemplation.
The others witnessing this scene were equally stunned.
Holy smokes, just casually handing out real estate?
Everyone present came from well-off families, yet Guizhong's actions left them dumbfounded.
This was next-level generosity.
"Is it… too late for me to become Granny Ping's disciple now?"
Hu Tao watched this unfold with sparkling eyes.
She also wanted an aunt like this—one who just threw properties at you!
Thinking this, Hu Tao eagerly turned to Xiangling.
Hearing her question, the group burst into laughter.
Guizhong's gaze shifted to Hu Tao.
Ah, this girl.
The one even Morax found troublesome to handle.
"If she's willing to take you in~"
"I'll have gifts for you too." Guizhong smiled mischievously at Hu Tao.
Hu Tao's motivation skyrocketed.
"Deal!"
"Oh, I'm Hu Tao! 'Hu' as in 'reckless,' 'Tao' as in 'peach'!"
"Nice to meet you, Auntie Guizhong!"
Unsure how to address her, Hu Tao defaulted to the same "auntie" title.
Guizhong, however, didn't mind the informality.
"Hello, little Hu Tao."
"Hmm… actually, you can call me Big Sis Guizhong."
After some thought, Guizhong decided "sister" suited her better.
"Big Sis Guizhong?"
"No problem!"
Hu Tao grinned—this worked perfectly for her.
"Ayaka, you're here too."
"And everyone else—hello, I'm Guizhong."
She greeted the group warmly.
Hearing this, Xingqiu and the others quickly returned polite bows.
Guizhong also introduced them to Havria, allowing everyone to get acquainted.
Once the introductions were done, Chongyun excused himself to find his aunt.
Since he was here, he ought to pay his respects—especially since his aunt's master was also present.
Both Chongyun and Xingqiu were terrified.
This place is crawling with adepti—how horrifying!
They didn't dare linger and decided to leave after meeting Shenhe.
Tonight, they'd stay at Wangshu Inn instead.
After all, one must respect the adepti.
(Even if rumors said an adeptus—the Vigilant Yaksha—resided at Wangshu Inn, that was still better than being surrounded by them here.)
While Xingqiu and Chongyun were nervous, Hu Tao remained completely unfazed.
Pfft, adepti?
She'd grown up around one—that freeloading consultant at her parlor was totally an adeptus!
In her mind, Zhongli had to be one.
So what if there were more here? Meh.