Chu Feng had lazed about for over a week when a phone call from James finally cut his vacation short.
"Hi, BOSS! How have you been?"
Chu Feng struggled to open his eyes. Glancing at the time on his phone, the corner of his mouth twitched as he bit out, word by word, into the phone, "James, can you tell me why you always call me so early?"
"Well... um... dear BOSS, I just landed a big client. I was wondering if you might be interested?"
Sensing the anger in Chu Feng's tone, James quickly changed the subject.
Hearing about a client, Chu Feng suppressed his inner rage. "Spit it out! What's the situation?"
"The client's name is Melinda Litt. She's a high-level bank executive and a single mother. According to her, about two weeks ago, her two children suddenly heard a woman crying and then saw an Evil Spirit in a white wedding dress. It's just like in that... what was it? I can't remember! Anyway, it's very similar to an Evil Spirit from some old movie."
Hearing James's description, Chu Feng frowned deeply. An Evil Spirit like one from the movies? I don't remember anything like this from my past life. Could I have been reborn in the wrong place?
"Wait a minute," Chu Feng interrupted. "What do you mean 'two weeks ago'? The kids are still alive after all that time?"
"They are indeed alive, but several Exorcists have died! Otherwise, Ms. Litt wouldn't have approached us, especially since our prices are so much higher than other Exorcists!" James sounded somewhat sheepish.
Hearing this, Chu Feng felt a mysterious Strength take control of his mouth, and he rapidly blurted out, "How are our prices too high? They've been the same for ages! Don't just spout nonsense; being an Exorcist is tough..." The tirade left James on the other end of the line with a look of utter confusion.
"James, forget what I just said! Let's get back to the client."
"Uh... well, after the two children told Ms. Litt about the Evil Spirit in the white wedding dress, she immediately hired several Exorcists. But unexpectedly, this Evil Spirit proved to be quite powerful, and several Exorcists died attempting the exorcism."
After listening to James's account, Chu Feng had a general understanding of the situation.
"Okay, I pretty much get it. We can take this client. You can come over now!"
After hanging up, Chu Feng performed a kip-up out of bed and immediately started to wash up and eat breakfast.
「Half an hour later」
Chu Feng's Wrangler drove out from the villa.
When Chu Feng learned their destination was a small villa in Manhattan, he sat in the backseat, stroking his chin for a moment. "Looks like this client is a wealthy woman too!" he mused aloud.
"That's right, BOSS. Ms. Litt is known as the 'Golden Rose of New York.' Many are vying for her affection!"
Hearing this, Chu Feng's lips curled into a smile. He muttered to himself, "Well, that's reassuring!"
「About an hour later」
Chu Feng's car finally stopped outside a modest-sized villa.
Stepping out of the car, Chu Feng noticed several other vehicles parked by the road. Looks like Ms. Litt has hired quite a few Exorcists, he thought. I wonder how many are left.
After a quick glance around, Chu Feng led James straight towards the villa.
The short path to the villa's door was lined with various exorcism tools, such as crucifixes and Crystal Balls, as well as some strange symbols whose purpose was indecipherable.
Seeing this collection of items, a question formed in Chu Feng's mind: Just how powerful is this Evil Spirit if so many Exorcists haven't been able to deal with it?
DING-DONG. DING-DONG.
After the doorbell rang a few times, a shadow appeared at the peephole. The figure observed for a moment, then, recognizing Chu Feng and James, finally opened the villa door.
"Hi, James, you finally made it! Is this the famous Eastern Exorcist, Master Chu?"
"Yes, Ms. Litt. This is my BOSS."
The woman who opened the door was indeed Melinda Litt, the 'Golden Rose of New York' James had mentioned. Now, however, this rose seemed significantly withered. Her figure was slender and graceful, but her fair, oval face was now etched with exhaustion.
The two followed her into the villa.
"Ms. Litt, how are the children now?" Chu Feng asked.
Hearing Chu Feng ask directly about the children, a flicker of gratitude crossed Ms. Litt's eyes. "Mr. Chu, the children are currently protected by a few Exorcists and are safe for now."
"That's good to hear!" Chu Feng nodded, then extended his left hand to look at the Spirit-Seeking Compass on his wrist. Strangely, the Spirit-Seeking Compass showed no reaction at all!
"Ms. Litt, how long has it been since the Evil Spirit last appeared?" Chu Feng asked, looking at her with doubt in his heart.
"These past few days, that damned woman only appears at night," Ms. Litt said, her voice trembling. "Those Exorcists said her strength is much greater at night. If you hadn't come, they probably wouldn't have lasted much longer!"
Ms. Litt, having led them to sit in the living room, was visibly on the verge of a breakdown, covering her face as she stifled sobs.
"Don't worry, Ms. Litt," Chu Feng said, handing her a tissue and patting her shoulder. "With me here, the Evil Spirit won't be able to harm you or your family anymore."
Knowing that the Evil Spirit would only come out at night, Chu Feng didn't just sit there waiting. After sending away James, who wouldn't be much help, Chu Feng tossed the Four Symbols Spirit Trapping Formation into the air above the villa. He just had to wait for the Evil Spirit to appear. Then, with a single thought from Chu Feng, the Four Symbols Spirit Trapping Formation would instantly descend and trap the Evil Spirit within it.
Then, Chu Feng turned and went upstairs. It was a good time to check on the two children targeted by the Evil Spirit.
As Chu Feng entered a bedroom on the villa's second floor, the few people inside stood up simultaneously.
"Oh my god, you're Chu!" exclaimed a Black man adorned with peculiar trinkets, his face an exaggerated mask of surprise as he flashed a mouthful of white teeth. "I can't believe Ms. Litt actually managed to get you here!"
Just as Chu Feng was wondering how to greet the man, a woman standing beside him, who had short, chestnut-brown hair and an androgynous appearance, stepped forward. "Hello, Chu! I'm Taran," she said, gesturing to the man. "And he's Bit. We appreciate you leaving us Exorcists enough room to make a living."
"No need to thank me!" Chu Feng replied. "After all, the Exorcist community needs to coexist harmoniously!"
Of course, Chu Feng wouldn't tell Taran that his high prices were purely based on the "one deal feeds you for three years" mentality.
Chu Feng glanced at the two they were protecting. He was surprised to see two incredibly cute, fair-skinned, blonde young girls, who had perfectly inherited their mother's beauty.
This Evil Spirit must die! Chu Feng declared fiercely in his heart. I decree it!
Chu Feng then began his preparations.