A passerby in a horror movie

"Could those Onmyoji and Taoist priests be real?"

As a Japanese, Hashimoto was also aware of the legend of the Onmyoji.

Moreover, having lived in Taiwan for many years, he had come into contact with many religious figures and naturally knew about Taoist priests.

"Suddenly, his gaze toward Li Haotian became extremely ardent, and a number of ideas began to form in his mind."

"Mr. Li, this is a magical artifact, isn't it? It's truly amazing!"

"I said it with absolute certainty," said Yoshiharu Hashimoto.

He had some knowledge of religion and guessed that the whisk was a ritual implement.

But none of the magical artifacts he had seen before were this powerful.

"Indeed, this is a magical artifact passed down from my sect, capable of capturing and killing ghosts."

Li Haotian nodded, then looked at Hashimoto Yoshiharu.

"Mr. Hashimoto's Mengjie Sponge is also amazing, may I take a look?"

He also wanted to see what this so-called Mengjie Sponge was all about.

"Of course..."

Hashimoto Yoshiharu was very generous. After witnessing Li Haotian's methods, he became very interested in Li Haotian and did not become complacent because of Meng Jie.

He's far more capable than the others; compared to magical artifacts, Meng Jie's sponge is nothing.

Moreover, Li Haotian seemed very honest, so Hashimoto Yoshiharu naturally wouldn't be stingy, since he also wanted to build a good relationship with him so that he could ask Li Haotian for help later.

As he spoke, Yoshiharu Hashimoto took out a small, square box from his pocket. When he opened it, he saw a cube-shaped object floating in the air.

"Something really peculiar."

The moment Li Haotian saw Meng Jie Sponge, he used his magic to sense it.

However, as soon as the magic power came into contact with Mengjie Sponge, a large portion of it was absorbed by Mengjie Sponge.

Clearly, this Mengjie Sponge does possess the characteristics of a magical artifact, but it lacks magical power, making it a very special item.

Li Haotian immediately became interested and held it in his hand, using his magic to try it out for a while. He discovered that Meng Jie's sponge had more uses than just that.

Mengjie Sponge can change its size at will and can also float.

It can also dissolve in water, making it a very good material. If used to make magical artifacts or draw talismans, it might even increase the upper limit of magical artifacts and talismans.

Moreover, Mengjie Sponge is also usable by ordinary people. With a little modification, it can be used for self-defense and showing off.

Seeing Li Haotian exploring Meng Jie's sponge with obvious delight, Hashimoto Yoshiharu smiled.

For Yoshiharu Hashimoto, the large Mengjie sponge was nothing special.

He invented this thing; if he can make one, he can make a second one, it's just a bit troublesome.

But what he wants to do most now is to study ghosts, and then become a ghost to get rid of his human identity, so that he will never have to suffer from his lameness again, and never have to be ridiculed again!

Now we've finally encountered a ghost, and even met a Taoist priest who can catch ghosts.

Hashimoto Yoshiharu suddenly felt that his Meng Jie Sponge was no longer appealing.

Li Haotian and ghosts are the subjects he will study next.

He had been thinking about how to get Li Haotian to join his research group, and now he was finally confident.

“Mr. Li, since you like this Mengjie sponge, I can cut it in half for you.”

Yoshiharu Hashimoto readily agreed with Li Haotian.

Mengjie sponges are usually very small.

The large portion of Mengjie sponge in Hashimoto Yoshiharu's hand is the only one available.

Larger pieces of spore have greater functions and wider applications. They also have adhesiveness and growth potential, allowing them to absorb and fuse smaller pieces of spore, and can also slowly absorb electromagnetic wave energy to grow stronger.

“I can’t accept something for nothing. I can exchange something with Mr. Hashimoto, like this ghost.”

Li Haotian nodded, then pointed to Li Yaoxi, who was tied up.

If Yoshiharu Hashimoto is being so generous, he must need something from him.

Li Haotian didn't want to owe anyone a favor. Anyway, Li Yaoxi's ghost was now in his hands, and he could use it as a bargaining chip to exchange with Hashimoto Yoshiharu. Everyone would be at a disadvantage.

(Li Yaoxi: Are you being polite?)

"No problem, but I have a request. I hope Mr. Li can temporarily join our anti-gravity research group. I want to study ghosts, and I would appreciate your help."

As he spoke, Hashimoto Yoshiharu bowed deeply to Li Haotian in a standard Japanese bow.

"Studying ghosts? Why would you want to study ghosts? That thing is no good; you could easily lose your life if you're not careful."

Li Haotian asked the question knowing the answer already, turning to the other party for clarification.

"Mr. Li, you do indeed know a lot about ghosts. But this isn't the place to talk. Could I treat you to a meal tomorrow so we can continue our discussion?"

Yoshiharu Hashimoto didn't want too many outsiders to know his thoughts. The photographer was still there, so he wanted to talk to Li Haotian alone.

If he could get help from this extraordinary person, Li Haotian, he wouldn't have to conduct his research blindly on his own.

As long as Li Haotian agrees to his demands, Hashimoto Yoshiharu is willing to pay any price.

"Okay."

Li Haotian nodded and agreed.

After all, he still had to complete his mission, which meant he would definitely need to contact Yoshiharu Hashimoto.

Now, it seems that Yoshiharu Hashimoto wants to use him to fulfill his own wish, which is exactly what Li Haotian wants.

"What about this ghost? Are you going to take it back with you?"

Li Haotian pointed at Li Yaoxi and said.

The ghost wouldn't do him any good.

After all, Li Haotian's skills were not strong enough to conduct in-depth research, so it would be better to hand it over to Hashimoto Yoshiharu directly.

However, he also reminded the other party not to make eye contact with the ghost, and not to release the ghost easily.

Hashimoto nodded, handed the cut-up Meng Jie sponge to Li Haotian, and then used his remaining half to trap Li Yaoxi's ghost inside.

Watching Hashimoto's skillful maneuvering, Li Haotian also tried out the Mengjie Sponge in his hand.

He discovered that this thing could be controlled by his will, and could even restrain ghosts without consuming magic power.

However, controlling it with magic power would be more precise, and after absorbing his magic power, Meng Jie's sponge actually grew a little bit, a discovery that made Li Haotian's eyes light up.

After chatting for a while, Yoshiharu Hashimoto handed his business card to Li Haotian, then paid James the hiring fee and left.

Li Haotian also said goodbye to James and returned to his temporary residence.

The next morning, Li Haotian bought some things at a nearby convenience store and asked the owner about the Taoist temples in the area.

The closest place to him is Xingtian Palace, which mainly enshrines Guan Sheng Di Jun (Lord Guan), as well as some other deities.

Without saying a word, Li Haotian took a taxi straight to Xingtian Palace.

Taiwan is not a large island, and we soon arrived at Xingtian Temple.

Li Haotian went straight to the main hall. There weren't many tourists in the morning, so he easily secured a spot to offer incense.

After offering incense, Li Haotian knelt on the prayer mat and bowed to Guan Sheng Di Jun.