Chapter 85

“It’s almost the time of the rooster, Young Master. If you don’t go buy the goat jelly and crystal soap, the pastry shop that the young lady likes will be closing soon.”

Inside the second-floor tavern on Tian Shu Street, the sound of chatter was loud. Since the news of the Nine Nether team entering Yujing City had spread, the windows facing the street were crowded with people trying to watch the commotion.

The old servant of the Ji family withdrew her gaze from the bustling crowd and looked at the side profile of the young man before her.

The young man was holding a wine cup. His lean figure was like a bow, perfectly balanced. His eagle-like eyes flickered with a hint of impatience after hearing the old servant’s words.

“Does the Ji family have so many servants that you must insist I go buy them?”

The old servant’s expression remained unchanged. “The young master and the young lady are newlyweds. Even if you don’t go yourself, you shouldn’t stay here for too long—don’t forget how you were expelled from Lingyong Academy by the Fourth Miss of the Zhongli family.”

Yan Wushu’s fingers, gripping the wine cup, turned pale with tension. His gaze followed the crowd and fell upon the procession approaching the end of Tian Shu Street.

How could he forget?

Moreover, the only reason he was able to earn Zhongli Lingzhao’s favor in the past was because he had figured out her intentions and tossed a crumpled paper with the name “Yinshan Liuyu” onto the Monthly Evaluation stage, causing Yinshan Liuyu to be labeled as “The Hero of the People, The Shame of the Aristocracy.”

But then Yue Niang had told him that she secretly kept a portrait of Yinshan Liuyu and had secretly admired the person she despised the most, Zhongli Lingzhao, for years, unable to forget even now.

Who could tolerate that someone close to them secretly admired their sworn enemy?

To Zhongli Lingzhao, Yan Wushu had completely deceived her.

In the eyes of the aristocracy, his years of effort in Xiandu Yujing turned to ashes so easily, just like those portraits.

Yan Yue Niang, also known as Mo Gui.

It was these two who had caused him to fall into such a dire situation, forcing him to abandon the right path and rely on his marriage ties, on the influence of women, just to have a chance of returning to Lingyong.

Yan Wushu despised living under the control of others more than anything.

The thought that now even a servant could monitor him and restrict his movements made his resentment and hatred grow deeper.

In the distance, the crimson soul-summoning banner was getting closer.

A sense of unwillingness and hatred surged within him, transforming into a venomous gaze directed towards the direction of the Gu Huo Bird’s ghost chariot.

How could a demon ghost appear so flamboyantly in the streets of Xian Du Yujing?

And even more so, how could such a creature marry the person he had never even dared to imagine?

“Quick, look! The Twelve Generals of Xian Du are here!”

The young aristocrats in the next street crowded together, their attention on the wide Tian Shu Street, where the twelve generals guarding Yujing lined up like a long snake, blocking the path of the Jiuyou army.

The Twelve Generals of Xian Du were an alliance formed by the twelve noble families of Yujing, each one selected by the families. They acted as a solid wall protecting Yujing.

“Do you think they’ll fight?” someone asked excitedly, “If they do, which side has the better chance of winning?”

“Of course it’s us—”

“Maybe not. It depends on which side Yin Shan Liuyu helps.”

Some people were secretly analyzing.

“Word is that before, during the battle in Bronze City with the Zhongli family, Yin Shan Liuyu broke through to the eighth realm. Her Confucian swordsmanship and determination are so strong, her eighth realm is not ordinary—demon ghost Mo Lin and his twelve Nuo gods are even more formidable.”

The reason so few had seen the demon ghost Mo Lin was simple.

Because after the fire at the colorless city, almost all the people who had witnessed him had died. Unless one of the great hidden masters was called out, the Twelve Generals of Xian Du could never stop their path.

“How could Yin Shan Liuyu possibly help him?”

A young man sneered.

“Mo Lin personally killed Nangong Yao, and he has complicated ties with ‘those two families.’ Yin Shan’s current situation is partly his doing. This couple probably hates each other to the bone, why would they help him?”

“That’s not what I said—” the person next to him nudged the young man, raising an eyebrow and asking, “Xing Lan, didn’t you say that Mo Lin is actually quite handsome, and that Yin Shan Liuyu is very protective of him?”

Xing Lan was none other than the Nine Fang Xing Lan, who had his arm severed by the Jade-faced Spider during the Ghost Play Immortal Feast.

The young man concealed steel bones made for him by the Zhongli family under his sleeve. Though it did not interfere with daily life, Xing Lan could still feel fear in his heart as he saw the demon ghosts on the street.

He still remembered the strange spirits roaming at night, and the demon ghost leader, whose beauty carried a chilling aura.

“If you don’t believe it… then forget it.”

It wasn’t that people didn’t believe.

Looking around, the twelve Nuo gods and ghost attendants appearing in Yujing City today were striking in their vibrant colors, with a mysterious, exotic charm completely different from the elegant atmosphere of Xian Du Yujing, instantly captivating everyone’s attention.

But who was Yin Shan Liuyu’s childhood sweetheart?

The eldest son of the Jiufang family, elegant as a crane, both in appearance and demeanor, no one in Xian Du Yujing could compare to him.

Even though the demon ghost leader sitting in the ghost chariot with Yin Shan Liuyu wasn’t exactly ugly, after seeing Jiufang Zhanghua, an aristocrat of incomparable nobility, how could any demon ghost stand out?

While no one wanted to speak ill openly and ruin their image, who hadn’t secretly thought—

It’s better if they’re ugly.

It would be good to grind away that young lady’s arrogance, so if they ever divorce, she won’t be so high and mighty when she remarries.

“—Does the Middle General mean that without the approval of the twelve noble families, we cannot enter Yujing, and not even one family can permit it?”

The Middle General of the Xiahou family looked awkward, bowing and saying:

“That’s right, Miss Liuyu.”

“But I sent letters to all the families nine days ago, explaining the situation of my return on New Year’s Eve. Which family is refusing? Tell me their surname.”

Hearing the voice behind the curtain, the Middle General’s back suddenly broke out in cold sweat.

Which family is refusing?

None of them want to approve!

While they spoke of returning, who knew if Mo Lin was coercing Yin Shan Liuyu, using the excuse of returning to enter the heart of Yujing?

But strangely, Mo Lin had come to Yujing this time and had made sure to observe proper etiquette, only bringing about five hundred men into the city.

The noble families feared that being too firm would anger Mo Lin, making them the scapegoats if war broke out.

But being too weak was also unacceptable. News of it would mock the nation’s integrity.

So the command given to the Twelve Generals of Xian Du was—when the Jiuyou army enters the city, block them, but don’t actually stop them, and most importantly, do not allow a fight.

The Twelve Generals, who had received this order, could only smile bitterly.

“Miss Liuyu…”

Before they could finish, the Twelve Generals of Xian Du suddenly changed expression and quickly adopted a defensive posture.

At the center of the ghost chariot, the demon ghost leader released his own determined aura.

In an instant, the ghostly and demonic energy surged above Yujing, as if the entire sky were being scorched by ghost fire, giving off a faint, eerie green glow.

The common people in the area didn’t feel much effect, but the young aristocrats and cultivators surrounding Tian Shu Street could clearly feel the overwhelming pressure from the peak of the ninth realm.

The speed of their energy circulation slowed.

The air grew thin.

It felt as though some invisible force was pressing down, heavy upon the heads of all the cultivators, making it hard to breathe.

“Guests follow the host’s lead. Since we need the approval of the twelve noble families to enter, we will wait here.”

A deep, cold voice echoed through the suffocating atmosphere.

“Please inform the Middle General that during this time, the Jiuyou demons will not disturb the citizens of Yujing. Rest assured.”

…Rest assured?

The young general looked in panic at the street full of young aristocrats. Looking around, all he saw were the future pillars of the twelve great families of Yujing. How could any family feel at ease with all these future leaders now overshadowed by the Demon Ghost Lord’s power?

The aristocrats who had come to watch the spectacle didn’t expect that they wouldn’t even get to see the joke, but would instead end up as hostages themselves.

If this demon ghost, Mo Lin, was truly a madman bent on taking revenge on the aristocratic families without regard for the consequences, then they would indeed become the first unlucky victims, delivered right to his door.

“Yujing! How dare you, a demon ghost, act so recklessly!”

The twelve generals of the Immortal Capital were ordered to stay calm and not act impulsively, but there were too many onlookers along Tian Shu Avenue, and among them were a few passionate young men who couldn’t hold back. In a fit of anger, they drew their swords and charged toward the ghostly carriage.

The Gu Huo bird let out a furious cry, flapping its wings heavily against the ground to intimidate them.

The wind from the sword blew open the carriage’s curtain, and Liuyu looked toward the incoming, bloodthirsty men.

Courageous, indeed.

In the next moment—

Under the orange-red sunset, countless pairs of eyes gleamed with a ghostly fire.

Along with the ghostly fire that surged brightly, there was also the silhouette of sharp, handsome features, glowing under the setting sun.

A robe of deep black embroidered with green jade and black obsidian fluttered in the wind, its movement reflected in the fiery phosphorescence, creating a flowing light like the stars in the dark night sky.

But his hands and feet were not restricted by the voluminous sleeves of his robe.

The copper bell at the eaves tinkled in the snow, and the young man who had leapt out fixed his gaze on his targets. His cold and somber eyes did not waver even a little, and before anyone could react, his long, pale fingers had already pressed down on the faces of the two men, slamming them forcefully into the ground.

A swift and decisive kill.

For a long time, the crowd, stunned by the overwhelming ghostly fire they recognized all too well, remained silent.

It was as if they had just remembered that the name of the demon ghost, Mo Lin, was never associated with beauty or ugliness.

For a long period, this name had been tied to the great fire that nearly burned down half of Immortal Capital Yujing.

They had fought their way out of the blazing inferno, eliminating all those who stood in their way. Countless masters of the five major aristocratic families of the Great Dynasty perished under his limitless ghost fire and his ghost-exorcising technique.

It was also on that day that their cries first spread throughout Yujing—

“The way of Heaven has died, and the way of ghosts shall rise.”

“All immortals are extinguished, and all gods bow before me.”

Wild, absurd, yet arrogant and contemptuous.

The soul-scorching bird flew over the street, its shrill cry breaking the silence.

A ghost servant holding a soul-hunting banner suddenly struck the ground with a wooden staff, causing a series of sharp sounds. The crowd turned toward the noise, but before they could identify the source, the sound of the staff grew louder and more frequent.

One was not terrifying.

But when hundreds of soul-hunting banners rang out in unison along the long street, the overwhelming wave of sound was enough to shake the heart.

This was intimidation.

Intimidation aimed at those who dared to act first in Immortal Capital Yujing.

The twelve generals of Immortal Capital were shaken by the silent pressure, their hearts numbed. The young general spoke with difficulty:

“Lord, forgive us, this person was not arranged by us. It was an individual act. If you kill him, it would be justified…”

“Don’t worry, he won’t die.”

The Demon Ghost Lord in the dark robe crouched between the two men, his ink-black hair hanging down, his face cold and eerily beautiful. The only bright color was the red tassel on his earrings, swaying in the wind.

The hand that had gripped their heads loosened, and the two men realized they hadn’t been killed.

However—

The burning pain on their faces suddenly registered.

The stench of their scorched flesh filled the air.

“It hurts! It’s so hot! My face!”

“What is this on my face? Get a mirror! What is this burn on my face?!”

The two men, horrified, stared at each other, each noticing a charred handprint on their face, as if branded.

When Jiufang Zhanghua and his brother arrived at Tian Shu Avenue, this was the chilling scene they saw.

He furrowed his brows, and Jiufang’s guards pushed through the crowd. Jiufang Zhanghua quickly approached and ordered the two to seek medical help, hoping their faces might still be saved. He then turned to the figure standing beside a roadside stall and said:

“A gentleman may be killed, but not humiliated. Surely, you understand this—”

The young man in the dark robe slightly bent forward, and in the uncertain gaze of the vendor, blew out the ghostly fire that had accidentally touched a corner of the stall.

Then, he slowly turned his head and looked at Jiufang Zhanghua, the renowned eldest son of the Jiufang family, meeting the scrutiny of Immortal Capital Yujing toward this uninvited guest.

“Isn’t it said that one cannot kill?”

A ghostly yet graceful face reflected in Jiufang Zhanghua’s eyes, causing him to freeze in shock for a moment.

“You needn’t worry. When I can kill, I certainly won’t humiliate.”

It was then that Jiufang Zhanghua realized who this was.

The Demon Ghost Mo Lin.

This was the person that Shao Geng had mentioned earlier on the way, the one he had referred to as “not bad-looking”… Demon Ghost Mo Lin.

At this moment, the entire Tian Shu Avenue fell into a strange silence.

This was the infamous Demon Ghost Lord who killed without hesitation?!

Where were his sixteen tentacle limbs?

The black scales, the strange dragon horns, and the terrifying demonic patterns—where had they gone?

He must have hidden them. These demon ghosts concealed their demonic form, blending in with the human race, making it almost… almost too cunning… and truly despicable!

But without these features…

If one didn’t think of his rumored monstrous form…

The young man in the dark robe standing on Tian Shu Avenue, even in front of the eldest son of the Jiufang family, showed no sign of inferiority.

His pale, somber face had deep contours, a high nose bridge, and heavy brows, exuding a cold and elegant beauty completely different from the aristocratic youths of Immortal Capital—but it was still a kind of beauty.

And a dangerously beautiful one.

Like a seductive ghost wandering at dusk, dwelling in the shadowy borders of life and death. Just one glance would draw you in, step by step, toward another world not meant for humans.

“Lord of the Demon Ghosts… Mo Lin?”

Zhong Li Ling Zhao whispered in disbelief inside the pavilion.

“How is this possible?”

Although she knew that if Mo Lin, the demon ghost, were really a hideous monster with a fat head and big ears, Yin Shan Liu Yu would never have married him, she was still stunned to encounter such a handsome figure in front of her now.

Women love beauty.

They choose the most beautiful clothes and accessories, and there’s no reason not to like a handsome man.

The demon ghost Mo Lin in front of her, contrary to all expectations, was like the most beautiful and eye-catching ornament, glowing in the candlelight.

But he didn’t belong to her.

He belonged to the person she hated most.

With that thought, she immediately suppressed her emotions, and her face became as cold as ice.

As her gaze flickered uncertainly, Zhong Li Ling Zhao caught a glimpse of a beautiful face peeking out from the half-raised curtain of the ghost carriage.

The young girl resting her cheek on her hand gave a subtle smile toward her.

It was said that after the New Year’s Eve, Zhong Li Ling Zhao would marry the Young Emperor and take over the Shen Gao Palace, which should have been the most talked-about event in Yu Jing for a long time.

But now, that was no longer the case.

Liu Yu didn’t care whether others envied her or mocked her.

She only knew that Zhong Li Ling Zhao was the one who loved to be in the spotlight. The fact that, whether people liked or hated her, the topic of conversation always revolved around Yin Shan Liu Yu, was the most infuriating thing for Zhong Li Ling Zhao.

Tan Ning, who was on horseback, looked around and saw the aristocratic youths waiting to see the spectacle. They were just as stunned and foolish-looking as she had been last night, which pleased her greatly.

But what didn’t please her was—

The one flaw she could find to feel superior to Liu Yu was now gone!

No matter how she married the demon ghost, she had ended up with the most handsome one among them!

Tan Ning looked at the jade slip in her hand, filled with messages from her eager friends, asking whether the young man in dark robes with black hair on Tian Shu Street was really Mo Lin, the demon ghost.

And if not, could they borrow him to see next time they went out?

Tan Ning, afraid she’d get angrier if she read more, took a deep breath and decisively closed the jade slip.

Jiu Fang Zhang Hua stared at the young man in dark robes, his gaze fluctuating like waves, but eventually, it became as calm as a still lake.

No wonder his father had said that he should give up hope after seeing him.

Liu Yu liked beautiful things; he knew that very well. Every time he had appeared in front of her in the past, he had always carefully prepared his appearance.

But this demon ghost lord, who had the most despicable body, somehow… had such a beautiful face.

If he hadn’t killed Nan Gong Yao, hadn’t harmed the Yin Shan clan, even he couldn’t think of a reason why Liu Yu wouldn’t like him.

“I’ve long heard of your esteemed name, and seeing you today, I never expected you to have such extraordinary presence.”

Mo Lin’s tightly pursed lips moved slightly.

Before entering the city, the Twelve Nuo Gods had warned him not to give these people in Yu Jing any excuse to disrespect them for their ignorance and vulgarity.

Mo Lin had originally intended to act that way, but upon seeing Jiu Fang Zhang Hua’s pretentious greeting, the polite words he had prepared were stuck in his throat.

All he wanted to do was slap him.

Fortunately, Jiu Fang Zhang Hua had been in social circles for a long time, and wasn’t angered by the cold, murderous gaze Mo Lin gave him. After exchanging pleasantries, he turned his attention to Liu Yu in the ghost carriage.

The young man in moon-white robes showed a slight, warm smile:

“The old baker of the Lion Barbarian Cake, who hadn’t made any for years, was specially invited to make it again. Liu Yu, would you like to try if it still tastes like it did in the past?”

The carriage curtain remained still for a long time.

Liu Yu tugged at the corner of her lips. She wasn’t surprised that Jiu Fang Zhang Hua would be here today, and had even expected his act of pretending to be close to her.

But she knew that this wasn’t about making Mo Lin jealous.

It was the Jiu Fang family trying to probe the current state of her relationship with Mo Lin.

They probably even had some inkling of the connection between Ji Mo Gui and Yin Shan Liu Yu.

Zhong Li Ling Zhao, from upstairs, suddenly spoke:

“Though you were childhood sweethearts, you are already married. Master Zhang Hua, don’t you think it might upset the Demon Ghost Lord if you act so openly?”

Zhong Li Ling Zhao’s mind worked quickly, and she instantly grasped the point.

Jiu Fang Zhang Hua was not someone who lacked discretion.

Why send a cake in front of everyone? What was he suspecting? What was he testing?

The people in Tian Shu Street, not thinking as deeply, eagerly watched this drama of old loves and new passions, waiting to see the demon ghost lord’s reaction.

Jiu Fang Shao Geng narrowed his eyes, observing Mo Lin.

Would he stop them?

Even though the Demon Ghosts of the Nine Underworlds and the Yin Shan clan were enemies, Yin Shan Liu Yu was so beautiful. How could a man not be moved?

After a long pause, Mo Lin raised his hand, and the voices of the ghost attendants holding the soul-calling banners gradually ceased.

Under the gaze of the crowd, his cold eyes fixed tightly on the cake in Zhang Hua’s hands. He slowly inhaled:

“…Childhood sweethearts, who is in a position to interfere? But the street is too noisy. It would be better to talk after returning home, in private, where you can enjoy yourselves more.”

The Twelve Nuo Gods’ gaze silently shifted toward their lord’s back.

Jiu Fang Zhang Hua seemed slightly surprised and smiled faintly:

“Lord Mo doesn’t mind?”

The demon ghost lord with dark green eyes spoke slowly, each word deliberate and cold, as though nails were scraping his tongue:

“Not… at… all.”