Chapter 14: Don’t Mind Whether I Live or Die  

Zhang Que was triumphant. Zhang Que grinned maliciously.  

At last, Zhang Que could avenge his humiliation.  

Yu Qingjian and Zou Ji turned pale, and even the frail Director trembled slightly, his lips bloodless with fear.  

Zhang Que savored their terror with satisfaction, sneering as he said, “These three aren’t…”  

Before he could utter “Bureau of Tribulation Transference,” Li Changsheng strode forward and slapped Zhang Que’s shoulder with familiarity, saying cheerfully, “Isn’t this Director Zhang? What a coincidence! Were you also sent by the Sealed Palace Master to investigate the evil spirits in Nanyuan?”  

Zhang Que was smacked so hard he let out a muffled “pfft,” thinking to himself that this delicate beauty had quite the grip.  

Zhang Que forced a smile, about to say, “Don’t think flattery will work—today, this Director will have his revenge!”  

But Li Changsheng’s lips moved slightly, whispering in a voice only the two of them could hear, “The ancestral hall’s array.”  

Zhang Que: “…”  

Zhang Que abruptly changed his tone: “…my colleagues from the Punishment Enforcement Bureau? What a coincidence, ha, haha.”  

Li Changsheng narrowed his eyes, his smile deepening.  

Another gamble won.  

Yu Qingjian: “?”  

How did he do that?  

Once again, he was deeply impressed by the Director’s silver tongue.  

Tantai Cong let out an “ah,” apologetically saying, “To trouble five esteemed officials from the Punishment Enforcement Bureau over a mere evil spirit in my residence is truly shameful.”  

Tantai Cong, the City Lord of Nanyuan, lived up to his name—gentle in appearance and mild in conduct, a well-known good-natured man held in high esteem throughout Nanyuan.  

Years ago, during a severe drought in the city, Tantai Cong had tirelessly sought ways to divert water and held rain-praying ceremonies for three months straight. In the end, he even attempted to immolate himself as a sacrifice to the heavens. Just as he was about to perish in the flames, auspicious rain finally fell.  

It was said that the first handful of rain collected after the drought was enshrined in the Tantai family’s ancestral hall.  

Tantai Cong treasured that pool of water, believing it to be an omen of good fortune, and never allowed outsiders to enter the ancestral hall.  

The Punishment Enforcement Bureau’s secret array had most likely been set up behind Tantai Cong’s back.  

Zhang Que, who had intended to blackmail them but ended up being dragged into the mess instead, glared at Li Changsheng with a venomous grin, nearly grinding his teeth to dust. “Not at all, not at all. These three colleagues of mine are famously kind-hearted souls in the Nether Capital—working tirelessly to exorcise evil spirits without seeking credit or payment, isn’t that right?”  

Yu Qingjian pinched his voice and said, “Oh, Director Zhang, what nonsense are you spouting? We haven’t even found the evil spirit yet, and you’re already talking about payment? Those who know you would say you’re incorruptible, but those who don’t might think you’re hinting for City Lord Tantai to slip you some extra silver!”  

Zhang Que: “???”  

Tantai Cong let out another “ah,” his good-natured self replying, “If Director Zhang succeeds in locating that vengeful ghost, Nanyuan will surely offer generous rewards. I—I’ll go gather the funds right away.”  

Zhang Que: “…”  

Zhang Que felt like fighting them on the spot, his words hissing through clenched teeth. “This is just banter between colleagues, City Lord. Please don’t take it seriously.”  

Tantai Cong, who had been flusteredly preparing to scrape together bribes for Director Zhang, was taken aback, deeply shocked.  

Was the culture of the Nether Capital truly this… bold?  

He must have been too sheltered.  

Noticing the tense atmosphere between the four, Tantai Cong suggested, “Since you’re all officials from the Punishment Enforcement Bureau, why not examine the corpse in the backyard together?”  

Zhang Que sneered, “There’s no need—”  

But Li Changsheng stepped forward, smiling as he accepted the invitation. “Sure, sure!”  

Zhang Que had never seen someone so shameless. Just as he was about to mock them, his gaze landed on the robes Li Changsheng was wearing. It was as if he had been burned—his expression changed instantly.

After a long while, Zhang Que reluctantly said, “Very well then.”

With a tentative agreement reached, the group headed together toward the backyard.

Zhang Que walked side by side with Li Changsheng, his gaze uncontrollably darting toward him repeatedly.

Suppressing his curiosity again and again, Official Zhang finally couldn’t hold back. Maintaining a composed smile in front of Tantai City Lord, he whispered, “Is it true that you really had a past relationship with our Hall Master?”

Li Changsheng smiled, “Shouldn’t Official Zhang ask your Hall Master that question instead?”

How dare Zhang Que bring this up in front of Feng Hui? But his curiosity was killing him: “If you tell me the answer, perhaps I could petition to prevent the Bureau of Tribulation Transference from being abolished during the Ghost Festival.”

Li Changsheng: “……”

Li Changsheng glanced at him: “I heard Official Zhang has been highly favored by Sealed Palace Master for centuries in the Punishment Enforcement Bureau. Has he never mentioned even half a word about it?”

“No one in the Three Realms knew Sealed Palace Master had past relationships,” Zhang Que said, sensing Li Changsheng might be softening. He flexibly moved closer, slinging an arm around Li Changsheng’s shoulders. “If this evil entity is truly the Great Calamity, I’ll gladly hand over… Agh—!”

Before he could finish, Zhang Que’s hand on Li Changsheng’s shoulder suddenly felt as if bitten by an icy snake. He jerked it back, revealing faint black ominous marks resembling bite wounds on his wrist.

The dark patterns on Li Changsheng’s robe seemed to twist into a sinister snake, its vertical pupils glaring menacingly at him while flicking its tongue.

Zhang Que: “……”

Li Changsheng turned back in confusion: “Hand over what?”

Zhang Que obediently retracted his claws, not daring to touch anymore: “…Hand over the credit, how about that?”

Li Changsheng smirked: “Official Zhang shouldn’t jump to conclusions so soon. Three hundred years ago, Du Chongjun sealed the Great Calamity with his body and hasn’t appeared in the Three Realms since. How likely is it we’d encounter it now?”

He was counting on the Bureau of Tribulation Transference being abolished—this couldn’t possibly be such bad luck.

Shortly after, the four examined the recently mutilated corpses in the woodshed of the city lord’s backyard.

With many distinguished guests still awaiting hospitality at Tantai Manor, Tantai Cong apologized repeatedly along the way before finally leaving with a guilty expression, leaving the backyard to the four.

Those from the Nether Capital were accustomed to all manner of gruesome deaths. Yu Qingjian showed no particular reaction as he squatted to examine the horrifically disfigured corpses.

“Hmm, each died from unlucky accidents causing external injuries—normally not fatal.”

Zou Ji crouched nearby watching: “Can we eat what’s on them?”

Yu Qingjian: “No!”

“Oh.”

Zhang Que used a long truncheon to lift the white cloth covering one corpse. A streak of black ominous energy suddenly shot out. He caught it between his fingers, giving it a slight twist. The black energy seemed to scream before dissolving into a drop of water.

Official Zhang raised an eyebrow: “Well now, ominous energy.”

Li Changsheng, somewhat confused, circled the area holding a lantern. Seeing the other three each absorbed in their own observations, he asked: “So this evil entity is…?”

Zhang Que smiled insincerely: “Congratulations.”

Li Changsheng hopefully: “Just an ordinary vengeful ghost?”

Yu Qingjian sprang to his feet, his usually disdainful face now showing rare excitement: “This is almost certainly a high-level Calamitous Spirit! Heaven blesses our Bureau… no! It must be Chong Jun’s spirit watching over us from beyond!”

Li Changsheng: “?”

Still hopeful, Li Changsheng asked: “Similar to the Calamitous Spirit at the Dragon God Temple?”

“Hmph.” Yu Qingjian sneered, putting on airs again. “That thing in the Dragon God Temple can hardly be called a Calamitous Spirit. It died in one hit—not even worth being called a minor ghost. No Karma at all, just a waste of time.”

Li Changsheng: “…”

You didn’t have such a noble face when that “minor ghost” was pinning you down and beating you up.

Li Changsheng had a headache, finding the situation utterly absurd.

A Great Calamity hadn’t appeared in centuries—how did he manage to run into one the moment he arrived?

While Li Changsheng was still reeling, Zhang Que, who had been smirking on the side, was the first to extend an invitation: “Lord Yu, if it’s a Great Calamity causing trouble, Zou Ji alone might not be able to handle it. Why not cooperate with me?”

Yu Qingjian gave a mocking smile. “It seems Director Zhang is afraid of losing Karma while exorcising the Great Calamity and plans to exploit Chong Jun’s Spirit Attachment.”

“Ruining the fun by stating the obvious, aren’t you?” Zhang Que replied with a grin. “Calamitous Spirits love feeding on Karma. With our Director Li’s dazzling Golden Merit standing right there, whether it’s a vengeful ghost or a Great Calamity, they’ll come rushing to us. Though Zou Ji’s cultivation is high, having to protect you two useless fellows while fighting a Great Calamity would be too much for him.”

The two “useless fellows,” Li and Yu: “…”

Yu Qingjian didn’t deny the “useless” label, instead scoffing, “You want to exploit Zou Ji’s Spirit Attachment to transfer the calamity while using our Director as bait. Even Lou Jinyu isn’t as calculating as you.”

Zhang Que merely smiled.

Yu Qingjian suddenly realized something was off. “The Punishment Enforcement Bureau only exorcises vengeful ghosts and resentful spirits. The moment you spot anything related to Calamitous Spirits, you’re usually the first to flee. Why are you so eager to get involved this time?”

Zhang Que sighed. “Do you want the truth or a lie?”

“How about both?”

“Fine. The lie is that this Director is deeply concerned for the safety of the Three Realms, selflessly devoted to duty.” Having worked alongside them for years, Zhang Que knew exactly what kind of people they were and didn’t bother sugarcoating it. “The truth is that Sealed Palace Master issued a strict order—I must exorcise the vengeful ghost and obtain Karma to ensure the Bureau of Tribulation Transference is successfully disbanded by the Ghost Festival.”

Yu Qingjian: “…”

Li Changsheng: “?”

Li Changsheng’s eyebrows nearly shot up his forehead.

Since when was Feng Hui this kind-hearted?

Zou Ji glared at Zhang Que’s gloating expression. “What exactly do you gain from the Bureau of Tribulation Transference being disbanded?”

“Oh, so many things.” Zhang Que grinned, pointing his long mace at Zou Ji, who immediately raised his saber, ready to fight. “Once the Bureau is disbanded, all you convicted criminals will, by rule, be cast into the Yellow Springs to have your souls scattered, never to reincarnate.”

Zou Ji froze.

Li Changsheng was stunned.

What kind of “disbandment” was this? This was outright extermination!

Zhang Que narrowed his eyes with a wicked smirk. “But who could’ve guessed our Sealed Palace Master is so charitable, with a heart of a Bodhisattva? He couldn’t bear to see his colleagues in the Bureau meet such a tragic end, so he plans to propose at the Double Spring Hall assembly…”

Li Changsheng’s eyelids twitched violently—a terrible premonition struck him.

Zhang Que’s grin widened, his voice almost sing-song. “…that the Bureau of Tribulation Transference be merged into the Punishment Enforcement Bureau, under the jurisdiction of the Nether Palace.”

Li Changsheng: “…………”

Yu Qingjian and Zou Ji: “?”

Zou Ji nearly dropped his saber.

Zhang Que was practically beaming, waving his mace close to Yu Qingjian’s face. “From now on, you’ll all be this Director’s subordinates, serving under Sealed Palace Master. You’ll feast on the finest incense and drink the spiciest talisman water—boundless prospects await!”

Yu Qingjian: “…”

Li Changsheng: “…”

Which meant he, as Director, would be demoted to a mere Warden, subordinate to Feng Hui?

Is there even a way out?!

Li Changsheng, shedding his previous bored and lifeless demeanor of waiting to watch the show, solemnly said to Yu Qingjian, “What are we waiting for, Lord Yu? There’s no time to lose. Hurry up and hang me up to use the Golden Merit to attract the Great Calamity.”

Yu Qingjian: “…………”

Author’s Note:

Zhang Que: Just thinking about acquiring the Bureau of Tribulation Transference fills me with uncontrollable joy.

Changsheng: Just thinking about becoming my ex-lover’s subordinate makes me want to die first.