"You’re referring to Baili Shaoguang, Jin Haorang, and Zeng Jialiang, correct?" The middle-aged man wearing a white flower laughed gleefully, his mirth deepening.
"Those three fools—who knows what warped thoughts they’ve entertained—actually dared to question His Majesty and the State Preceptor’s decisions. And they remain obstinately defiant. Now, their respective family heads have apprehended them. I’d wager tonight’s feast will be their public apology."
"Tsk, tsk, what fools courting death! I bet their families are utterly at their wit’s end over this mess!" someone chuckled mockingly.
Just as the crowd conversed freely, a commotion stirred at the entrance.
The crowd instinctively parted to both sides.
Those gathered, nobles and dignitaries alike, fell silent, lifting their gazes toward the door.
An entourage, walking with precise rhythm, first emerged as the vanguard. Behind them followed eunuchs and maids dressed in lavish ceremonial attire. Only after they had entered the grand hall did an aging, corpulent figure clad in regal robes slowly step into view.
At the sight of this elderly man, everyone in attendance bowed in unison.
"Greetings to Your Majesty! Greetings to the State Preceptor!"
The newcomer was none other than the ruler of Jing Country, Jing Hanhai!
Beside him stood a man cloaked in black robes, his complexion pale as death and his demeanor exuding arrogant disdain.
This was Jing Country’s current Great National Teacher, the most trusted confidant of Jing Hanhai, known as Qing Mo, the one reputed to be able to commune directly with the Holy Realm.
Their arrival instantly electrified the atmosphere within the hall.
Despite Jing Hanhai’s imposing frame, years of indulgence had rendered him frail. After taking just a few steps, he was already visibly panting for breath. Observing Qing Mo, who floated with eerie grace, seemingly defying gravity, Jing Hanhai couldn’t conceal the envy in his gaze.
"Ah, if only I could move about as effortlessly as the State Preceptor—what a life that would be!"
Qing Mo let out a measured chuckle, though his smile carried an unmistakable chill. "Your Majesty flatters me. With your natural gifts, achieving mastery as a Ghost Master is entirely within your reach."
Jing Hanhai’s eyes lit up. "Do you mean it, Preceptor?"
Qing Mo burst into laughter. "Have I ever deceived Your Majesty? Besides..."
Leaning closer, Qing Mo’s voice dropped to a conspiratorial murmur. "At present, Your Majesty is in the prime of your life, and there’s no reason not to revel fully in worldly pleasures. Once your physical vessel has completely worn out, I’ll help you ascend as a perfected spirit."
Jing Hanhai’s face broke into a jubilant smile. "Good! As expected of my State Preceptor. You understand me perfectly!"
As he spoke, Jing Hanhai clapped Qing Mo on the shoulder with uncharacteristic intimacy.
Witnessing this exchange, the gathered nobles felt a tremor within their hearts, and they promptly showered Qing Mo with effusive praise.
Qing Mo responded with nothing but a cold smile, remaining silent. Then, turning to Jing Hanhai, he said, "Your Majesty, since today is a celebration banquet, why not address the matter of the Baili Family, Jin Family, and Zeng Family first?"
At Qing Mo’s suggestion, Jing Hanhai hesitated briefly but nodded in agreement. "You’re right, State Preceptor. Those three have been far too arrogant."
The three family heads standing below all visibly winced, their expressions turning exceptionally grim.
Jing Hanhai turned toward them and spoke sharply. "Didn’t you hear me? Bring forth your rebellious offspring immediately! You’ve truly disappointed me!"
"Yes, Your Majesty!" The family heads dared not oppose him, their faces etched with bitterness as they bowed in compliance.
Soon.
Baili Shaoguang, Jin Haorang, and Zeng Jialiang—bound with heavy ropes—were escorted into the hall.
The three bore visible injuries, their spirits clearly battered. Yet, even in such a state, their expressions betrayed no fear. Their eyes were resolute, and upon being brought to the front, they stood proud, refusing to kneel!
"Judging by your words, am I to assume your accusations are aimed at me?"
"Indeed! It’s you...this monstrous fiend. And your greatest error—your unforgivable transgression—was desecrating Demon-Sealing Town and slaughtering everyone there. Do you comprehend the calamity your actions have invited upon Jing Country?" Baili Shaoguang reprimanded him fiercely.
Her statement provoked stunned silence within the hall, followed by uproarious laughter.
"For what? A group of worthless peasants?" scoffed someone.
"Indeed, I joined the purge of Demon-Sealing Town myself. What fun it was! Those wretches displayed surprising resilience—but the fiercer they resisted, the greater my enjoyment!" The middle-aged man with the white flower broke into a disturbingly maniacal grin.
"Exactly. Just a bunch of lowly peasants. And yet these three speak of some unimaginable catastrophe—what a joke!"
As the crowd debated, Qing Mo initially appeared stunned by the claim. But then he let loose a chilling, rasping laugh.
"Calamity? Ha! Do you know the origin of that command? It came directly from the Holy Realm, issued in person by the Ghost Monarch. It was a decree to eradicate that insignificant town. Tell me, what catastrophe could possibly transcend the will of the Ghost Monarch?"
Qing Mo’s words carried venomous derision.
But Baili Shaoguang and the others remained unmoved.
"It’s futile. You’ll find that before him, not even the Ghost Monarch stands a chance. And as for you... no one will save you now." Baili Shaoguang shook her head solemnly.
Qing Mo’s expression hardened, his voice sharp with menace. "Such insolence! To blaspheme the Ghost Monarch while in his presence. Then I’ll crush you first—consecrate your souls as shadowy ghosts to showcase the Ghost Monarch’s power!"
Yet before Qing Mo could act.
In the banquet hall, all the ornate, gleaming vessels simultaneously shattered with resounding cracks.

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