Professor Ouyang is like one of those Terrible Example posters that came out mocking motivational posters when they were big. "Don't try this at home, kids. Or anyplace, really."
That is surprisingly accurate!

In the upcoming episode when Ye Zun shows up at Haixing Inspectorate, he confirms he's still in Dixing, so I think he's also a projection here.
Huh! I think he's present here, actually – Zhao Yunlan has no trouble pushing a gun up against his stomach, but Minister Gao's hand went right through projection Ye Zun.

"I just wanted to back a few months! The Hallows suck at telling time, clearly."
LOL!

I am a terrible person for encouraging all of Zhao Yunlan's filthy intentions toward him.
In that case, I shall be a terrible person right with you. Go corrupt that innocent youth! He looks like he wants to be corrupted!