Chapter 311: The Ghost King

"Perfect!"

Wan Renwang led Gu Qing toward the exit, inviting him to subdue the demon, while asking for his name.

"I'm the most unworthy disciple of Qingyun Sect."

Gu Qing's face bore shame as he said: "I've cultivated on the mountain for decades, and only now am I beginning to make progress…" Through these words, Gu Qing crafted an image of self-pity and low self-worth, yearning for fame, then added: "My name is Ye Fan."

Wan Renwang was a good actor, but Gu Qing was an even better one—a veteran actor of decades. When the emotion rose, tears welled in his eyes, as if he had suffered greatly under Qingyun Sect's oppressive training.

"A true man will rise to prominence in time."

Wan Renwang comforted him.

"That's right!"

Gu Qing gripped his sword hilt tightly and shouted: "Don't look down on the poor youth!"

Wan Renwang was momentarily speechless. As the Ghost King, he understood human hearts intimately—he had seen countless people like Gu Qing. As for "don't look down on the poor youth"… just moments ago, Gu Qing had claimed he'd cultivated for decades on Qingyun Mountain. This was more like "don't look down on the old man near death"—the dying deserve respect.

Still, Wan Renwang kept studying Gu Qing, noting his striking appearance, and guessed his grievances might stem from his outstanding looks.

"By the way."

At this moment, Gu Qing finally asked curiously: "How can you be certain I'm from Qingyun Sect?"

You're flying through the sky with swordlight in broad daylight—didn't you already reveal your identity?

Wan Renwang, master of reading subtle signs, chose not to reveal his deduction. He merely said: "I'm just guessing. Someone with your bearing must be from Qingyun Sect."

"I see."

Gu Qing let it pass, feigning no suspicion, and followed Wan Renwang obediently, asking about the mountain demon.

"That demon dwells in the mountains; the people dare not enter, so we know nothing for certain."

Wan Renwang led Gu Qing onto a riverside boat and said: "But recently, the demon has been attacking here frequently. Sword Immortal, you can wait here for it to show itself."

Gu Qing looked around. Outside Zhushan City, many luxury boats floated on the water, most housing entire families. His gaze fell upon one boat where the windows were spotless, and inside sat beautiful women, gazing out repeatedly. When they saw Gu Qing, each blushed shyly, clearly inviting attention.

Wan Renwang, seeing Gu Qing's curiosity, whispered: "Master Ye, these are our flower boats. Families with daughters host guests here. Those peering out? That's how they operate."

Gu Qing nodded. His own martial world experience was richer—he'd never boarded these boats, but he knew they were "immortal traps."

There's an old saying: "Carriages, boats, inns, porters, brokers—all deserve death even if innocent." Boats especially: once you board, and the boat drifts to the river's center, you're trapped—neither life nor death is yours. Kidnapping and extortion are the least of it. These luxury boats, the lovely women—they all exist to lure men aboard.

"Let's board this one."

Wan Renwang guided Gu Qing onto a luxury boat, where a woman of breathtaking beauty greeted them and led Gu Qing into the cabin.

"I'm Shen Xiaoyu, honored to meet Master Ye."

The stunning woman bowed slowly to Gu Qing—utterly captivating.

Gu Qing was instantly flustered, unsure what to do. Seeing this, Wan Renwang urged him to relax, ordering wine and meat to be served, with Shen Xiaoyu as companion, urging Gu Qing to drink first.

"I can't drink!"

Gu Qing quickly raised his hand to stop them. "Qingyun Sect forbids drinking alcohol before using swordlight—I must slay demons."

Wan Renwang smiled, had Shen Xiaoyu play music, and chatted casually with Gu Qing. Gu Qing knew the Ghost King's mind was deepest—he made no probes, merely played his role, responding to everything with stillness.

Suddenly, golden light shimmered in the sky. Wan Renwang looked up.

"Why are the monks of Tianyin Temple here?"

Gu Qing feigned curiosity, but inwardly he knew: on Longshou Peak, he'd heard Tianyin Temple monks had arrived near Qingyun—this was why he'd parted from Cangsong and come out to retrieve the Book of Heaven.

This golden light now? Likely caused by him.

"With Tianyin Temple elders here, matters will be easier!"

Gu Qing patted his chest and told Wan Renwang: "Even if I fail, the divine monks of Tianyin Temple will surely lend aid."

"Indeed."

Wan Renwang smiled faintly—his smile didn't reach his eyes.

At that moment, Gu Qing understood: Wan Renwang had sought him out not for the demon, but to target the Tianyin Temple monks—perhaps he already knew their identities.

The Ghost King Sect and Tianyin Temple were bitter enemies. Biyao's mother, Xiao Chi, had died at the hands of Tianyin's Monk Pufang. For days, Biyao and her mother were trapped under rubble, with no food or water. Xiao Chi sacrificed her own flesh to keep Biyao alive. This cruelty had forged a rift between Biyao and the Ghost King—and Pufang was hated with every fiber of their being.

Understanding the Ghost King's intent, Gu Qing relaxed. His gaze turned to Shen Xiaoyu, observing her every movement—each gesture seemed to bewitch the soul. She was likely from the Hehuan Sect.

"Xiaoyu, serve the master wine."

Wan Renwang immediately ordered.

Shen Xiaoyu set down her zither, glided forward, leaned close to Gu Qing, lifted the wine cup, and offered it with careful hands.

"Just this one cup. No more."

Gu Qing, as if enchanted, took the wine. Relying on his Good Deeds System, he drank it—further lowering the Ghost King's guard.

Wan Renwang's smile deepened. "We've chatted across heaven and earth, but the food's gone cold. Bring it back warm…" After giving the order, he spoke of his own status—how all boats in this area paid him tribute—and promised rich rewards once Gu Qing slew the demon.

As they spoke, the food was reheated. Shen Xiaoyu served Gu Qing rice and dishes. He ate quietly, his Good Deeds System confirming no poison in the food or drink.

"You should eat too!"

Gu Qing said to Wan Renwang and Shen Xiaoyu.

"Master Ye…"

Shen Xiaoyu whispered plaintively: "I want you to feed me." Her eyes were pleading.

She truly knew how to bewitch.

Gu Qing picked up a dish, about to feed her—when suddenly, a chill ran through him. He turned his head and saw Lu Xueqi riding her sword, face icy, speeding toward them.

Gu Qing grabbed Shen Xiaoyu's head and pressed it into the dish. "Is this how you want to be fed? Can you eat properly now?"

I can't let Xueqi misunderstand!

(End of Chapter)