Chapter 235: Killing a Four-Star Wanted Criminal

The Ghost City is an underground labyrinth, its dark channels intricate and complex. These conduits crisscross like a vast spiderweb, winding in countless directions, making it easy to get lost. Hidden within are remnants of an abandoned ancient city, its broken walls and crumbling ruins exude a desolate air. Dark rivers surge and intertwine, adding to its formidable complexity.

There are numerous ways to enter the Ghost City from the capital. As long as one isn't averse to dirt, any drainage pipe can lead into it. However, the Ghost City is a sprawling network of interconnected passages, and it's rumored to contain dozens of marketplaces.

Madam Song had consistently purchased Cloud Peak Sandalwood Incense from a man named Ghost Hand San in a marketplace called Shenshaddu.

Just as people have their own ways, so do rats.

Though the Ghost City remains hidden from the light, it functions as a massive market. There are always individuals in the Jianghu, or martial arts world, who traverse between the Ghost City and the capital for profit. As the Judicial Commissioner of the Capital Prefecture, Su Ziyou naturally knew how to find such people.

Su Ziyou sought out a small gang led by an old man named Fan. The gang, comprising around twenty members, specialized in ferrying people into the Ghost City. Old Man Fan and his group were familiar with a specific route that led deep into the city, ensuring safe passage without getting lost. Moreover, he had established connections within, guaranteeing no interceptions along the way. While their prices were high, business remained steady.

Upon finding Old Man Fan, the old man dared not show any disrespect. People from gangs like his feared officials like Su Ziyou the most. Though Old Man Fan might appear influential in his daily life, offending an official of Su Ziyou's standing would force him to hide in the Ghost City indefinitely.

Therefore, he personally took the helm.

The boat was small, carrying Gu Mo, Gu Chudong, Su Ziyou, Ye Jinglan, and Old Man Fan himself—a total of five people, making it very crowded.

The small boat first proceeded along a narrow river, entering a dark cave. The cave was gloomy, illuminated only by torches. Inside, passages branched in all directions, with countless forks, making it easy to lose one's way. The deeper they went, the narrower and more oppressive the passages became.

Even more unsettling were the shadowy figures occasionally appearing along the cold, damp, and dark riverbanks, and within the winding pipes, always hidden in the darkness.

Hearing Gu Chudong's surprise, Old Man Fan explained, "Most people in the Ghost City are actually homeless beggars. The city's authorities don't allow beggars; they get expelled, sometimes even arrested. These people have no choice but to hide in the Ghost City, only sneaking out to beg or work when things quiet down."

Gu Chudong looked at Ye Jinglan and Su Ziyou, asking, "Is the capital so prosperous, yet so many people still can't make a living?"

Ye Jinglan sighed, "Sister Chudong, remember this: all appearances of prosperity are built upon the blood of countless impoverished people. The more prosperous, the more brutal!"

Gu Chudong's heart felt heavy, and she fell silent.

Afterward, under Old Man Fan's guidance, they traversed through pipes, a journey ten times more complex than their earlier boat ride.

Only then did Gu Mo and Gu Chudong truly understand why the authorities were so powerless against the Ghost City, and why Song Zichu's ambition to draw a complete map of it was considered a joke.

The path they had taken was less than one ten-thousandth of the Ghost City's intricate network; they hadn't even glimpsed a corner of it. Yet, the complexity of this small segment alone was enough to make it impossible to remember. This short stretch alone would require an immense military force to seal off.

But it also further proved that Song Zichu was truly remarkable, having almost completed the Ghost City map. His endeavor was truly great!

Finally, after about another hour, they arrived at a marketplace.

This marketplace did not follow the orderly urban planning of the surface world. Instead, it was a labyrinthine settlement formed within natural caves and integrated with the ruins of an abandoned ancient city. The main thoroughfare was about two zhang (approximately 6.6 meters) wide, supported by arched blue brick ceilings. Every ten steps or so, a tallow lantern hung, casting a dim, bean-like glow. The side alleys were narrow and cramped, their walls covered in moss and water stains, emitting the scent of decaying wood and淤泥. The area was predominantly filled with entertainment venues like gambling dens, private brothels, and dark harlots' quarters. Other shops were not significantly different from those outside.

It was bustling and prosperous. The only distinction from outside commercial streets was the absence of sunlight; all light here depended on fire.

Gu Mo and the others put on their masks.

Old Man Fan was astute. He stopped just outside the marketplace and said to Su Ziyou, "My lord, I won't go in with you. I'll wait outside."

Su Ziyou waved his hand, and Old Man Fan quickly stepped aside.

Then, Su Ziyou and the others proceeded towards the marketplace.

As they walked, Su Ziyou explained, "This place is called Shenshaddu because dark rivers diverge here, and the riverbed has accumulated centuries of silt and quicksand. One careless step can lead to a dangerous whirlpool, hence the name. The Ghost City is extremely chaotic. Therefore, those who enter are either exceptionally skilled and daring, or they hire guides like Old Man Fan. However, the marketplaces themselves are relatively safe because each one is controlled by one or more gangs that prohibit private fights within their boundaries. But once you step outside the marketplace, even by a single foot, they won't intervene. Conversely, entering the marketplace, even by a single foot, means no private fights are allowed."

Gu Chudong looked around and saw many people gathered in groups at the marketplace entrance. Puzzled, she asked, "What are these people doing?"

Su Ziyou replied, "They're waiting to pick up easy targets. These people specialize in watching the marketplace entrances for 'fat sheep.' There are two types of people they don't bother: first, those escorted by teams like Old Man Fan's, because Old Man Fan's group regularly pays tribute to the major powers in the Ghost City to buy passage rights along this route. They don't mess with such people. Second are the experts they feel they can't afford to provoke; after all, they're here to make money, not to die."

As he spoke, they entered a stone gate, one zhang (approx. 3.3 meters) high and two zhang wide. The space suddenly opened up into a bustling commercial district, filled with people coming and going. Most wore masks.

Su Ziyou led Gu Mo and the others through the crowd to a pawn shop.

The shop wasn't large, but it was crowded and lively. There were over a dozen pawnbrokers. Some were redeeming items, others pawning them. Most of the goods were things that couldn't be openly displayed on the surface.

The Ghost City was the perfect place to fence stolen goods—whether pilfered or robbed, obtained through murder, robbery, or deceit—the pawn shops in the Ghost City would buy and sell them without hesitation.

As the four entered the pawn shop, a young attendant immediately approached, smiling as he asked, "Honored guests, are you here to pawn, redeem, or buy?"

Su Ziyou beckoned.

Ye Jinglan, understanding the gesture, deftly removed the satchel from his back. It landed on the table with a clatter, drawing many curious glances.

Ye Jinglan opened it, revealing large gold ingots. A rough estimate suggested at least four or five hundred taels.

The attendant immediately understood this was a major transaction. His smile widened, and he quickly said, "Honored guests, please come upstairs!"

Instantly, the four ascended the stairs.

The upstairs was quiet. The attendant led the four to a private room.

Su Ziyou sat imperiously in a chair, while Gu Mo and the others stood beside him as guards.

The attendant respectfully poured tea for them, then asked, "Honored guests, what would you like to purchase?"

"Cloud Peak Sandalwood Incense," Su Ziyou stated. "I have six hundred taels of gold here, all for Cloud Peak Sandalwood Incense. You're not qualified to negotiate with me. Bring your boss, Ghost Hand San, here!"

The attendant quickly said, "Sir, I can make decisions..."

"You negotiate with me? Is Ghost Hand San looking down on me?"

Su Ziyou erupted in anger, smashing the teacup in his hand onto the floor. "This Ghost City isn't the only place where Ghost Hand San sells Cloud Peak Sandalwood Incense!"

With that, Su Ziyou rose, ready to leave.

The attendant frantically called out, "Sir, sir... please calm your anger. I'll go inform my boss immediately. Please wait, please wait!"

The attendant rushed out the door.

In a moment, a short, stout middle-aged man in a cloud-brocade tiger-patterned robe descended from the third floor. Three layers of fat folded around his neck, his face was fleshy, and his eyelids were so swollen they were reduced to two narrow slits, yet they emitted a venomous, sinister gaze. His double chin swayed slightly with each step.

Behind him followed seven or eight burly men, all with blades at their waists. A palpable killing aura emanated from them, giving them an imposing presence.

The short, stout man sat opposite Su Ziyou, surveying the four of them. Though they all wore masks, he couldn't discern much, but he could clearly tell Su Ziyou was in charge. He smiled and cupped his hands towards Su Ziyou, saying, "I am Ghost Hand San. May I ask your name, friend?"

Su Ziyou sneered, "What, now one needs to state their identity to buy goods from you, Ghost Hand San?"

Ghost Hand San quickly replied, "Not at all, merely wishing to make a friend. Since you are so straightforward, I won't beat around the bush. For our first transaction, consider it a gesture of friendship. The current market price in Ghost City is forty taels, but I'll give you a ten percent discount!"

Su Ziyou chuckled, "Ghost Hand San indeed lives up to his reputation; he's a forthright man. Since you are so direct, before we proceed with the transaction, I have something I'd like you to identify first!"

Ghost Hand San asked, "What is it?"

Su Ziyou took a paper packet from his怀and slowly opened it, revealing a white powder—Cloud Peak Sandalwood Incense.

Ghost Hand San frowned slightly, puzzled. "Isn't this just Cloud Peak Sandalwood Incense?"

Su Ziyou said, "It is Cloud Peak Sandalwood Incense, but, Ghost Hand San, perhaps you should look more closely. Has something been added to it? Hmm... let me remind you... Wangchuan Mandala Flower Powder!"

Ghost Hand San looked up, full of confusion. "Sir, Wangchuan... what was that? What does this substance you speak of have to do with Cloud Peak Sandalwood Incense? I... you motherf***er!"

Suddenly, Ghost Hand San threw a handful of white powder at Su Ziyou. He exploded with a flexibility unsuited to his bulk, shooting backward like a kicked ball, instantly retreating behind his burly men. He roared, "Kill them..."

However, before he could finish his sentence, he felt his body sink. A tremendous pressure came from his shoulder. He turned his head and saw that the man in green robes carrying a blade had appeared behind him at some unknown moment.

This person was Ye Jinglan.

With a thud, Ghost Hand San immediately fell to his knees.

What terrified him even more was that his expert subordinates were all standing motionless, clearly having been acupoint-sealed at some point.

He instantly understood that he had encountered true masters. Immediately, he quickly said, "You... you are from the authorities?"

Su Ziyou walked to Ghost Hand San, his voice cold. "It seems you know what you've done. Confess honestly, and this official might consider your circumstances, perhaps even giving you a chance to live."

"Heh," Ghost Hand San looked up at Su Ziyou, letting out a sneer. He shook his head indifferently. "Honestly, I never thought people from the authorities would be so bold, daring to come after me with just four people. You truly have guts!"

Su Ziyou was surprised. "From what you're saying, you're not afraid at all?"

Ghost Hand San chuckled. "In this Ghost City, if I were afraid, with just the tricks you pulled, how could I have so easily appeared before strangers like you without proper verification? I know what kind of business I run, and I've offended quite a few people in the Jianghu. But this is the Ghost City. Unless someone wants to trade their life for mine, no one dares to do anything to me. I just never expected it to be officials coming for me, and only four of you. Heh heh, you really aren't afraid of death!"

Su Ziyou said strangely, "Your life is in my hands now."

"I know," Ghost Hand San said. "You can kill me, but I guarantee that if you kill me, you won't leave the Ghost City alive. And, since you brought Cloud Peak Sandalwood Incense mixed with Wangchuan Mandala Flower Powder to find me, it must mean you've discovered foul play in Song Zichu's death."

Su Ziyou frowned. "It seems you really do know!"

Ghost Hand San chuckled. "I sold that stuff to Song Zichu, that foolish woman. I'm not afraid to tell you, I was just doing someone else's bidding!"

"Whose?" Su Ziyou asked.

"Judge Cui," Ghost Hand San said with a smile. "As an official, you should be familiar with this person, shouldn't you? He's the biggest supplier of Cloud Peak Sandalwood Incense in the Ghost City. Song Zichu was killed by him, for no other reason than that Song Zichu was courting death. What Song Zichu was doing was trying to uproot the entire Ghost City. If Judge Cui hadn't killed him, someone else would have. No one could protect him. If he hadn't succeeded, it might have been fine, but he actually came close to succeeding. How could those powerful figures in the Ghost City tolerate him?"

Su Ziyou said coldly, "But, didn't no one believe he could succeed?"

Ghost Hand San said, "Originally, no one believed it. But recently, Ye Jinglan from the Ministry of Justice even went to Song Zichu to borrow his map, and the two conversed pleasantly. After that, Song Zichu even boasted that he would help Ye Jinglan catch the Man-Faced Demonic Beast within half a year. That significantly increased his credibility. Although still few believed it, what if? So, it was better to kill him and be done with it!"

Su Ziyou involuntarily looked up at Ye Jinglan.

At this moment, Ye Jinglan's fists were clenched tightly, his knuckles white.

"Can you find Judge Cui?" Su Ziyou asked.

Ghost Hand San was surprised. "No way, my lord, who exactly are you? You're not really planning to capture Judge Cui, are you? He's a truly powerful figure in the Ghost City, a Ghost King of one region! Who in this Ghost City can capture him? He's not a small-fry like me!"

Su Ziyou said coldly, "Stop talking nonsense. If you want to live, take us to Judge Cui!"

Ghost Hand San chuckled, "Alright, alright. Since you gentlemen wish to court death, I, Ghost Hand San, am naturally happy to see you off. However, Judge Cui isn't here in Shenshaddu. He's at Ghost Wind Mouth. Do you gentlemen dare to go?"

At this moment, Ye Jinglan moved, acupoint-sealing Ghost Hand San. He then spoke, "Judge Cui is not like this Ghost Hand San. This person has been entrenched in the Ghost City for many years, his power deeply rooted, with countless experts under his command. The authorities have tried to capture him many times, all ending in failure. Many experts have also come here for bounty missions, and most have fallen in the Ghost City. Our direct trip to his lair is no different from entering a dragon's den or a tiger's den. You two should not come with us; it's best if I go alone."

Just then, a system notification sounded in Gu Mo's mind:

New target detected.Wanted Target - Judge CuiMission Level - Four StarsMission Reward - Max-level Eight Forms of Famous Swords

The Eight Forms of Famous Swords is the ultimate technique of Famous Sword Villa. Its core lies in deriving eight forms from the unique properties of eight famous swords (Absolute Death Sword, Azure Clarity Sword, Purple Lightning Sword, White Jade Sword, Muye Sword, Glazed Sword, Black Tortoise Sword, Nameless Sword). Each sword corresponds to a combat style. The ultimate form, "Eight Swords Flying in Unison," represents the pinnacle of "controlling swords with qi." Once the practitioner has mastered all eight sword forms, they can transcend the limitations of physical swords, manipulating eight swords to form a sword array solely through internal energy.

Gu Mo was very interested in the Eight Forms of Famous Swords, specifically the final move, "Eight Swords Flying in Unison." He had been contemplating creating a "Sword Control Art," and recently had been trying to combine "Dragon Capturing Skill" and "White Rainbow Palm Power" with "Little Li Flying Dagger," but the results were not satisfactory. The "controlling swords with qi" method of "Eight Swords Flying in Unison" could provide valuable insights and reference for his own Sword Control Art.

For a moment, everyone fell silent.

Gu Mo spoke, "How about this: I'll go with Brother Ye. Chudong, you and Commissioner Su should leave first."

Gu Chudong was not the type to dither. She clearly understood that if even Ye Jinglan was apprehensive about a place, her martial arts skill would only be a hindrance to Gu Mo. She immediately nodded, "Alright. But take your blade with you."

Gu Mo took the Gouchen Demon Blade from Gu Chudong's hand and slung it onto his back. He then said to Su Ziyou, "Commissioner Su, you don't know martial arts. There's no point in you coming along."

"I understand." Su Ziyou was also a sensible man and didn't utter any foolish words about facing danger together.

However, Ye Jinglan frowned, saying to Gu Mo, "Brother Gu, I'm not being difficult, but you might not understand the Ghost City. This place is unlike the outside; all sorts of dark rivers, quicksands, reservoirs, etc., can be weapons for someone like Judge Cui. Moreover, he is deeply entrenched in the Ghost City, with a huge number of subordinates who are extremely familiar with the environment of the Ghost City, and they have countless insidious tricks. I'm not doubting your martial arts, but this place truly is a dragon's den. Even the Night Department dares not enter!"

Gu Mo waved his hand. "No matter. Aren't you going too?"

"Brother Song was my friend; I naturally have to avenge him," Ye Jinglan said.

Gu Mo chuckled, "Unless this is truly the underworld Ghost City, I don't believe that even together, you and I could be trapped here!"

Ye Jinglan started again, "Brother Gu..."

Gu Mo interrupted him. "Alright, stop being so muddled. You can't avenge Song Zichu, and then I have to come back alone later to avenge you, can you?"

Ye Jinglan was slightly stunned. He looked at Gu Mo, his mouth slightly agape, speechless for a moment. His gaze shifted repeatedly, and all the words he was about to say were swallowed back.

Gu Mo walked up to Ghost Hand San. A pill appeared in his hand, and he forcibly shoved it into Ghost Hand San's mouth, saying, "This pill is called the Ten Thousand Ghosts Heart-Rending Pill. It's made from forty-eight exotic poisons, though it's not terribly difficult to counteract. However, you must take an antidote every *joss stick's length* of time, because a different poison will erupt with each *joss stick's length*. As long as you can precisely identify which poison it is and have the corresponding antidote, you can live."

Ghost Hand San was straightforward. "Alright, alright, I understand what you mean, my lord. Don't worry, I won't play any tricks. I absolutely guarantee to take you to Ghost Wind Mouth to see Judge Cui."

"That'll do. I'll give you the complete antidote then."

Soon, Ghost Hand San led Gu Mo and Ye Jinglan away. He didn't alert anyone, departing quietly from Shenshaddu marketplace like an ordinary person with two escorts.

Gu Chudong and Su Ziyou, after leaving Shenshaddu, immediately returned to the surface.

Ghost Hand San was very familiar with the Ghost City, reaching Ghost Wind Mouth in just over an hour.

Ghost Wind Mouth marketplace, like Shenshaddu, was built within a large natural cave and a ruined ancient city. However, unlike Shenshaddu, which was surrounded by quicksand, Ghost Wind Mouth was located where two dark rivers converged.

But even from a distance, Ye Jinglan felt that Ghost Wind Mouth marketplace was not lively, even somewhat desolate.

"Why are there so few people?" Ye Jinglan asked in a deep voice.

"My lord," Ghost Hand San said from the stern of the boat, helplessly, "The marketplaces in the Ghost City are different. Shenshaddu, for instance, is a trading market where all sorts of businesses gather, so naturally there are many people. But Ghost Wind Mouth is different. This is primarily where Judge Cui manufactures Cloud Peak Sandalwood Incense. Aside from businessmen coming to buy goods, few others come here. It's mostly Judge Cui's workers, so naturally, there are fewer people."

"I see," Ye Jinglan nodded.

Soon, the boat docked.

After Ghost Hand San tossed some broken silver to the boatman, he led Ye Jinglan and Gu Mo into the marketplace.

It was indeed different from Shenshaddu; there were guards at the entrance checking people. However, Ghost Hand San was immediately let through after revealing his identity.

This marketplace was much smaller than Shenshaddu. Everywhere, workers were diligently boiling sandalwood, not even glancing at passersby. The entire marketplace was permeated with the scent of sandalwood.

They had not walked far into the marketplace when they saw a high platform in the middle of a square. Three people were suspended there, their feet bound, heads down, blood flowing from their seven orifices. Below them, a basin collected the dripping blood, creating a chilling scene. Crucially, the suspended individuals were still alive.

"What are they doing?" Ye Jinglan asked.

"Punishment," Ghost Hand San explained. "Those workers, they like to slack off. To prevent that, Judge Cui set a rule for all of them: they form teams of three to boil Cloud Peak Sandalwood Incense. At the end of the day, their output is tallied, and the team with the least is punished. The punishment is to be hung like this, with a small hole made in their heads, so they slowly bleed out until there's not a drop left."

Ye Jinglan said coldly, "They kill three people every day?"

Ghost Hand San chuckled, "More than that, certainly. Some people always fantasize about escaping, and if caught, they face the same punishment."

Ye Jinglan took a deep breath. "Then, if people are killed like this every day, who would still dare to work for him here?"

Ghost Hand San smiled. "This Ghost City lacks everything but people. If the Ghost City isn't enough, isn't the surface world? The Laughing Buddha isn't doing human trafficking for nothing. As long as you can pay, he has as many as you want, male or female, old or young!"

As he spoke, Ghost Hand San noticed the grim expressions on Ye Jinglan and Gu Mo's faces. He chuckled, "Gentlemen, this is the Ghost City. Ghosts control the rules here, and humans are the lowest of the low. Here, human lives are worthless!"

After walking a short while longer, a seductive woman appeared ahead, holding a silk scarf and accompanied by several bodyguards. She swayed her slender waist as she approached, her voice a little shrill: "Oh, Third Master Ghost, what brings you here? It's not time for delivery yet!"

Ghost Hand San smiled and cupped his hands towards the alluring woman, saying, "Sister Donggua, I didn't want to come; these two officials forced me. Song Zichu's matter has come to light, and these two are here to enforce the law!"

Gu Mo and Ye Jinglan were stunned, full of surprise. They had expected Ghost Hand San to play some subtle trick, but they never imagined that the Ghost Hand San, who had been so cooperative all along, would openly expose them, and without even receiving his antidote.

Gu Mo frowned slightly. "Ghost Hand San, do you not believe my poison can kill you?"

"No," Ghost Hand San said with a chuckle, "I believe it. If I didn't, I would have run away halfway."

"Then why did you still betray us? You're really not afraid of death?" Gu Mo asked, puzzled.

Ghost Hand San smiled. "My lords, it's not that I'm not afraid of death; I'm terrified of it. But I'm even more afraid of being unable to die. If I offend you two, at most I lose my life. But if I offend Judge Cui, that's a fate worse than death. So, what do you say I should choose?"

"It seems you believe Judge Cui has us completely cornered," Ye Jinglan said.

Ghost Hand San chuckled without speaking.

At this moment, the alluring woman, Donggua, smiled and curtsied towards Gu Mo and Ye Jinglan, saying, "My name is Donggua. May I ask the two sirs your names and positions? What case are you handling? If there's anything I can help with, I'll gladly cooperate!"

Ye Jinglan said deeply, "Can you make decisions?"

"Here at Ghost Wind Mouth, I can generally make decisions for ordinary matters," Donggua said with a light laugh. "Since the two sirs came here with just the two of you, you must be here to discuss something. Surely you're not here to arrest someone directly? If you reveal your identities, we can be straightforward. We will offer whatever tribute is due to you two sirs; our master will certainly not fall short!"

Ye Jinglan sneered, "So, after all that talk, you thought we were using Song Zichu's murder case to extort money from you?"

Donggua's expression began to sour, but she still politely said, "Could it be, two sirs, that you truly intend to come here to arrest Judge Cui? Are you sirs from the Night Department?"

"What, only the Night Department can arrest Judge Cui?"

Donggua replied, "Only the Night Department has dared to do so."

"Then my Ministry of Justice will try today," Ye Jinglan declared.

"Hahahahaha..." Donggua laughed as if she'd heard the biggest joke. "Years ago, the Night Department had a fool. Now, the Ministry of Justice has one too?" Donggua bent over with laughter, extending two fingers, and exclaimed, "Just the two of you? Who do you think you are? The Imperial Advisor Zhang Daoyi?"

With that, Donggua subtly waved her hand.

At that instant, from the alleys and rooftops in all directions, came the rustling sound of clothes. Cold, gleaming arrowheads suddenly appeared from the shadows under the eaves, and the hidden crossbows at the alley entrances hummed with the grinding of gears. Over two hundred killing intents coalesced into an invisible net, firmly enveloping the two men before her.

Donggua's face turned cold as she rubbed it, and she said in a deep voice, "Two sirs, this is your last chance. If you don't reveal your identities, and are accidentally killed, there will truly be no one to hear your grievances!"

Ye Jinglan calmly said, "You are not qualified to talk to me. Have Judge Cui come speak to me personally."

"It seems you truly are a fool!"

Donggua took a step back. Immediately, the bodyguards behind her moved forward in unison to shield her.

With a faint smile, Donggua turned and walked away.

At that very moment, a sharp tearing sound ripped through the silence. The first arrow, like a poisoned black snake, shot straight for Ye Jinglan's face. Immediately after, thousands of arrows, accompanied by whistling wind, poured down from the sky, transforming the dim light into a chilling torrent.

Ye Jinglan prepared to draw his blade, but Gu Mo held him back.

In a flash, a silver light emanated from around Gu Mo, instantly condensing into a protective True Qi shield a zhang (about 3.3 meters) in radius around him. The True Qi coiled and danced like a dragon.

The instant the arrow rain struck the light shield, a roar like exploding firecrackers erupted, and the entire space seemed to be churned by an invisible hand. The originally fierce arrow rain strangely changed its trajectory. Silver arrowheads scratched tiny sparks on the surface of the light shield, and as if pulled by a magnet, they reversed direction, flying back with a force like thunder.

"Ah!"

The first scream tore through the air. An archer on the left rooftop was pierced through the chest by three heavy arrows, falling to the ground like a broken kite, scarlet blood splattering the gray tiles.

Following that, screams rose one after another.

"Pfft, pfft, pfft, pfft" sounds of arrowheads piercing flesh echoed everywhere. Wails filled the air, and archers fell one by one.

A mist of blood permeated the air, its metallic tang mixing with the stench of rust, assaulting their nostrils. Arrows lay scattered like thorns across the ground; some were stuck diagonally in brick crevices, still trembling, while others were deeply embedded in walls, with only their fletching visible. The two hundred or so archers, who moments ago had been formidable, now lay sprawled in pools of blood, severed limbs scattered about, their groans and whimpers intertwining.

Donggua and Ghost Hand San, who had only taken two or three steps, jolted. They quickly turned back and saw the terrifying scene, their faces instantly turning deathly pale.

Watching Gu Mo and Ye Jinglan approach, Donggua's pupils constricted, her expression extremely grim. There was a trace of blood on her face; she had also been grazed by an arrow. Had she not dodged quickly, that arrow would have directly pierced the back of her head.

Ghost Hand San took a deep breath, cupped his hands, and said, "Two sirs from the Ministry of Justice, with such abilities, and related to Song Zichu... may I ask which one is Lord Ye Jinglan? I have long admired..."

*Slap!*

Ye Jinglan backhanded him, and Ghost Hand San's neck spun a full circle, then snapped back, his face now facing his back. His eyes bulged as he stared at Donggua, then he fell to the ground with a thud.

"Under the Emperor's nose, with bows and crossbows, are you trying to rebel?" Ye Jinglan walked over and grabbed Donggua by the neck. "Donggua, is it? I heard Judge Cui has four 'melons' under him: Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter. I suppose you don't want your head to turn into a watermelon, do you?"

Donggua's face turned beet red, and she stammered, "I... I can take you to see Judge Cui..."

"Lead the way!" Ye Jinglan drew his blade and held it to Donggua's neck.

Donggua then led Ye Jinglan and Gu Mo into a large building. She lightly tapped a pillar a few times, and immediately, the floor tiles separated, revealing a passage.

Donggua said, "Judge Cui has many enemies, and the authorities have always been pursuing him. He usually hides in this underground palace. He gives orders to us, the four 'melons,' to do things. He's inside now. Believe it or not!"

"Keep leading the way," Ye Jinglan said.

Donggua was decisive, going down first, followed closely by Ye Jinglan, with Gu Mo at the very end.

The passage was quite long, about ten zhang (approximately 33 meters). They arrived at a spacious hall with various passages leading off in all directions. In the very center was a large bed, where a bald, burly man was frolicking with several beautiful women.

"Boss," Donggua called out.

The bald man looked up at Donggua, then at Ye Jinglan and Gu Mo, and said, "Lord Ye, name your price..."

*Whoosh!*

At that instant, a flying dagger shot from Gu Mo's hand, instantly embedding itself in the bald man's forehead, killing him instantly.

"Fake," Gu Mo asserted decisively.

Although Ye Jinglan didn't know why Gu Mo was so certain, he didn't doubt him for a moment and immediately prepared to act against Donggua. However, at that very instant, the ground suddenly softened, turning directly into quicksand, and Donggua herself instantly sank, disappearing beneath the quicksand.

Ye Jinglan and Gu Mo dared not sink into the quicksand like Donggua, as they couldn't be sure if it was real quicksand or a trick. Immediately, they circulated their internal energy, breaking free from the quicksand and rising into the air. But before they could catch their breath, they discovered that all the floor tiles in the entire hall had shattered at that moment, revealing quicksand below.

"Go!" Ye Jinglan shouted. The two immediately returned to the passage entrance, only to find that the passage they had come through had collapsed. As they prepared to run to other passages, they heard a "rumble, rumble" sound. Rolling quicksand surged from those passages, grand and mighty, filling the entire hall in an instant.

Above Ghost Wind Mouth marketplace, a muffled thunderclap suddenly erupted. The drab building in the center emitted a teeth-grinding "crack!" and then loudly collapsed. Cracks spread like a spiderweb, and the building rapidly sank. The surrounding bluestone paving tiles cracked, revealing constantly churning quicksand below.

About twenty zhang (approximately 66 meters) outside the quicksand pit, a woman slowly crawled out of a ditch. It was Donggua.

She was covered in wet mud and sand, her hair disheveled. Lying on the ground, she looked up at the sinking building with a sneer, then got up and walked into a small factory in the marketplace. There, a bald, burly man was stirring a large iron pot of Cloud Peak Sandalwood Incense with a spatula. This bald, burly man resembled the one killed by Gu Mo's flying dagger in the underground hall, but his demeanor was distinctly different. The previous bald man exuded fierceness, while this one was very gentle, even carrying a hint of scholarly elegance in his every movement.

"Boss!"

Donggua entered the small factory and cupped her hands towards the bald man. "Those two just now, one of them was Ye Jinglan."

Clearly, this man was the true Judge Cui.

Judge Cui unhurriedly stirred the thick white liquid in the pot, calmly stating, "The other one has an even greater background."

Donggua was slightly surprised. "Who is it?"

Judge Cui chuckled. "Currently, the capital is abuzz. Ye Jinglan invited a helper to assist in capturing the Man-Faced Demonic Beast. That helper is Gu Mo, the fifth strongest expert in the Qian Kingdom, the Great Hero of Yunzhou."

Donggua was slightly startled. "The one wearing the monkey mask was Gu Mo?"

"It could only be him," Judge Cui said. "I've heard that when Gu Mo first started his career, he displayed a technique of 'returning the favor in kind.' Wasn't that the method he used to kill the archers just now?"

Donggua pondered for a moment, then burst into laughter. "Boss, whether it's Ye Jinglan or Gu Mo, what does it matter if he's the fifth strongest in the Qian Kingdom? Didn't he still die in your hands, Boss!"

Judge Cui nodded slightly. "That's enough. Arrange for someone to repair that muddy river..."

Judge Cui's words stopped abruptly. His face suddenly froze, staring directly at the doorway.

Donggua, seeing this, was puzzled. She turned to look and was instantly terrified.

Because she saw Gu Mo and Ye Jinglan, whom she had already pronounced dead in her mind.

"You... you... weren't... caught in the quicksand river..."

Ye Jinglan slowly advanced, walking up to the trembling Donggua. He reached out and lifted Donggua's chin. Although there was mud and sand in her hair, it didn't detract from her still exquisite face.

"Just playing a trick on you," Ye Jinglan gently wiped the mud from Donggua's cheek. "Otherwise, how would you have willingly led us to find the real Judge Cui?"

Donggua said in a deep voice, "You... you were plotting against me from the start? How were you so sure you'd find me? Even if you put some tracking powder on me, it would have been washed away in the quicksand."

Gu Mo raised a finger and pointed to the scratch on Donggua's cheek, softly saying, "You can clean off the powder on your body, but you can't change your blood, can you?"

Donggua trembled all over. She finally understood. The scratch on her face from the arrow wasn't an accident at all; it was part of Gu Mo's plan.

In fact, it was indeed a plan Gu Mo had made at that moment. Because Ghost Hand San's willingness to die rather than betray Judge Cui had given him a warning. He wasn't sure he could coerce Donggua into betraying Judge Cui. So, instead of forcing her to lead them, it was better to let her actively lead them. Thus, when he used his Innate True Qi to deflect the arrows, he deliberately aimed some at Donggua, and during that process, he delivered his specially formulated tracking powder into her wound in the form of ice fragments.

Hearing Gu Mo's words, Donggua was trembling all over. She knew she had botched this task. The thought of Judge Cui's methods of punishment filled her with dread.

"Don't be afraid, I'm here." Although Ye Jinglan's voice conveyed little emotion, it inexplicably gave Donggua a sense of security. She looked up at Ye Jinglan, and a strange feeling unexpectedly welled up in her heart.

Then, she saw Ye Jinglan raise his large palm and bring it down towards her.

With a "bang," Donggua's head was directly smashed by Ye Jinglan, her brain and blood splattering.

He pursed his lips and said, "I told you before, if you played tricks, I'd turn your head into a watermelon. So don't be afraid, you won't have to wait for Judge Cui to punish you!"

"Alright, alright," Just then, Judge Cui remained expressionless, unhurriedly stirring the white liquid in the pot. He said, "Ye Jinglan truly lives up to his reputation as the Blade Emperor. Although he joined the court and relinquished the title to avoid controversy, you still can't shake your Jianghu nature!"

Ye Jinglan curiously examined Judge Cui. "You seem to be quite confident. May I ask why?"

Judge Cui chuckled, "Because you wouldn't dare truly kill me, so naturally, I'm not afraid."

"Why do you think I wouldn't dare kill you?" Ye Jinglan asked.

Judge Cui replied, "Two reasons. First, if you kill me, you will absolutely not leave the Ghost City alive. Half of the Ghost City will hunt you down. Even if you manage to escape today, you will face endless pursuit. Second, Ye Jinglan, do you truly not suspect that I have powerful backing? Since you're in officialdom, you should understand the value of this Cloud Peak Sandalwood Incense, the value of my supply line. If there were no one behind me, do you think I could have established it? If you kill me, you will have no place to hide in either the underworld or the legitimate world! So, Ye Jinglan, you've killed enough people today, and you've vented your anger sufficiently. Let's stop here. I will discuss it with the big boss and arrange for the two of you to receive a share of the monthly dividends from now on!"

Ye Jinglan's pupils constricted slightly. He slowly asked, "Then can you tell me who the big boss is?"

"No, you just need to take the money."

Ye Jinglan asked, "If I were to torture you now, would you reveal the big boss's identity?"

Judge Cui glanced at Ye Jinglan and said, "No."

"Oh, I see." Ye Jinglan nodded, then suddenly said, "Then what value do you still have alive?"

And then he fiercely drew his blade and struck.

Judge Cui's body instantly split in two. His previously tall body transformed into two dwarfs, each fleeing in a different direction with incredible speed.

However, at the same moment, the flying dagger that Gu Mo had already prepared in his hand shot out, then split into two. The two daggers flew in two directions, and two black points pierced into the back of each dwarf's head, spattering two light blossoms of blood.

At that instant, a system notification sounded in Gu Mo's mind:

Killed 4-star wanted criminal 2/2Obtained 4-star reward - Max-level Eight Forms of Famous SwordsClaim reward?

In that fleeting moment, Gu Mo obtained the max-level Eight Forms of Famous Swords.

What surprised him was that the Eight Forms of Famous Swords held an unexpected bonus.

The Eight Forms of Famous Swords revolved around eight swords, each embodying a martial art, to be comprehended by the practitioner.

The first seven forms were as Gu Mo had anticipated, some focusing on offense, some on defense, and some on speed. However, the eighth form, "Eight Swords Flying in Unison" of the Nameless Sword, integrated the sword intents of the first seven forms, summoning the sword souls of eight swords to create a sword array, attacking the enemy with irresistible force.

Gu Mo's pleasant surprise lay in the "controlling swords with qi" aspect of the Eight Forms of Famous Swords; he had originally thought it was purely a technique of controlling swords with internal energy.

However, the moment he mastered the Eight Forms of Famous Swords, he understood that the Eight Forms of Famous Swords emphasized "sword heart unity." The eighth form, "Eight Swords Flying in Unison," was not fixed; rather, it was comprehended based on the practitioner's own will and their pursuit of the Way of the Sword.

For example, Yi Tianxing's comprehension was the "Obsessed Sword," controlling swords with emotion, breaking boundaries and being reborn. Yi Jifeng's comprehension was the "Sword Array," separating his mind and spirit, with the swords as the primary focus.

The eighth form represented a realm of freedom, meaning it was self-comprehended and had no fixed moves. Yi Tianxing's sword intent incorporated his deep affection for his beloved and a sense of detachment from Famous Sword Villa, forming a unique blend of decisiveness and compassion, leading him to comprehend the "Obsessed Sword." Yi Jifeng, however, was caught in the shackles of "being constrained by the sword"; he was fixated on the perfection of moves and the glory of his family, thus comprehending the "Sword Array."

Gu Mo's mind was broad and unconstrained, and his martial arts realm encompassed various profound states and artistic conceptions such as "Limitless Asura, Tendon-Cleansing Nirvana, Carefree Dream," "Martial Saint," and "Dao Follows Nature, Act As One Pleases." Therefore, the eighth form he comprehended was naturally what he desired: "Sword Control" – controlling swords with intent and qi.