Chapter 104: The Fishborn Abomination

The Death Marsh, at the peak of the colossal tree.

Lu Xueqi, Faxiang, Lin Jingyu, and Zeng Shushu landed slowly on the battered trunk, surrounded by fissures and broken branches. Even after so long, the memory of the fierce battle between the ancient beasts was enough to make their hearts tremble.

But now, their attention was clearly fixed on the group in front of them. Faxiang frowned slightly, lost in thought. These people were all familiar to him from the battles on the East Sea and Azure Ethereal Conclave. They were the master of the Ghost King Sect, the Ghost King, along with his trusted lieutenants, Qinglong and Youji, and the now formidable Ghost Li. It was clear that they far surpassed their own strength.

If only they had stayed together with Xiao Yicai of the Azure Ethereal Vapors, Li Xun of the Fragrant Valley, and Yanhong, they might have had a chance, even if not to defeat them, but at least to put up a decent fight.

However, as these thoughts crossed their minds, the Ghost King Sect seemed in no hurry to act. The Ghost King cast a glance and then asked Ghost Li calmly, “So, what do you suggest we do with these people?”

Ghost Li did not answer immediately but looked at the Ghost King. The latter’s expression was amiable, yet there was a sharp glint in his eyes. After a moment, Ghost Li replied, “Since the Sect Master has come here, all decisions should be made by you.”

Qinglong, standing beside, frowned slightly, and the black veil over Youji’s face seemed to stir as she turned to look at Ghost Li.

The Ghost King’s expression remained unchanged, a faint smile playing on his lips as he spoke, “When you came to this Dead Marsh, I said that all matters would be left to you. Qinglong and I, along with Youji, are here merely to capture this Yellow Bird. These four righteous people are for you to decide. Do as you wish.”

“Spit!”

Suddenly, a scornful snort came from the front.

Everyone turned to see Lin Jingyu, his face cold as frost, sneering, “You demonic scum, if you have the guts, come and fight to the death! Why waste your breath like a chattering woman? Pathetic!”

Upon hearing this, Qinglong’s face darkened, but the Ghost King, who had glanced at Lin Jingyu, did not show anger. Instead, he smiled and turned to Ghost Li, “Is this Lin Jingyu, your childhood friend?”

Ghost Li’s heart jolted. Though Lin Jingyu’s name was not well-known, the Ghost King recognized him instantly. The slight smile on the Ghost King’s face sent a chill through his heart.

The Ghost King looked at him and said, “What do you think we should do?”

Ghost Li met his gaze and replied, “Most of the matters here are settled, and these people are not of great importance. Ignore them. Sect Master, your immediate concern should be securing the Yellow Bird.”

The Ghost King looked at him silently, and a hush fell over the scene.

A flicker of worry passed through Qinglong’s eyes, and Youji, with her face hidden behind the veil, seemed equally uneasy. Her gaze moved between Ghost Li and the Ghost King before she suddenly stiffened. In the distance, Lu Xueqi stood at the back, her face cold, but her eyes were fixed on Ghost Li, revealing a faint, unspoken care.

Youji discreetly nudged Qinglong, who, feeling the weight of her unspoken concern, looked at her. She gestured subtly towards the Ghost King. As a former Holy Envoy of the Ghost King Sect, Qinglong understood her thoughts, but he was hesitant.

After a moment, Qinglong approached the Ghost King and whispered, “Sect Master, Ghost Li makes a good point. The Yellow Bird is already subdued; we should secure it first. Otherwise, with the presence of the Venomous and Blissful factions, there may be unforeseen changes.”

The Ghost King nodded slowly, his eyes flashing, and said, “Well said.” He then turned to Ghost Li, “Very well, leave this to you.”

Ghost Li nodded silently, “You can count on me.”

The Ghost King gave him a final glance, smiled, and walked away. Qinglong followed, smiling back at Ghost Li.

Youji, walking past, exchanged a nod with Ghost Li, her veil rustling slightly, and then continued on.

※　※　※

After the Ghost King and his entourage disappeared, Ghost Li turned to face Faxiang and the others.

Faxiang cleared his throat and stepped forward, “Junior Brother Zhang…”

Ghost Li cut him off coldly, “I am Ghost Li.”

Faxiang faltered, and Lin Jingyu, frowning, said in a low voice, “Xiaofan, why must you be like this? I know you are inherently good, but you were misled by evil men and strayed into the path of darkness…”

Faxiang, finding this difficult to hear, could only offer a wry smile and remain silent.

Lin Jingyu continued, “… If you return, I believe Master Daoxuan will welcome you back to the Azure Ethereal Vapors.”

Ghost Li responded indifferently, “Why should I return?”

Lin Jingyu’s body tensed, and he stared intently at his former friend, who now stood with an icy resolve, saying, “Heaven shows no mercy, making all things its playthings! I am fine on my chosen path, and I do not need your salvation.”

Lu Xueqi, standing at the back, shivered slightly. Zeng Shushu, watching her, frowned but said nothing.

Lin Jingyu, seething with anger, took a step forward, but was stopped by Faxiang.

Faxiang looked at Lin Jingyu and shook his head, whispering, “He is deeply immersed in the dark path. Do not rush; you may achieve the opposite of what you desire.”

Lin Jingyu, though initially angry, understood Faxiang’s words. Glancing at Ghost Li, he felt a pang of softness, recalling their childhood days, and finally stepped back, biting his lip.

Faxiang, after a moment’s thought, addressed Ghost Li, “Mortal Ghost Li, whether you acknowledge it or not, our fates are intertwined. Now that the Celestial Emperor’s Vault is destroyed, and there are no more treasures, let us part ways.”

Ghost Li snorted, glancing at him, and then at the others—Lin Jingyu, Zeng Shushu, and finally Lu Xueqi.

Lu Xueqi, standing last, her face like ice, her eyes like deep water, held secrets within. What was truly in her heart?

Ghost Li withdrew his gaze, turning to leave without another word.

As he walked, he heard footsteps behind him. Turning, he saw Zeng Shushu, with Faxiang and the others looking somewhat surprised.

Zeng Shushu, reaching Ghost Li, smiled, “You wouldn’t kill me, would you?”

Ghost Li met his gaze, seeing the same cheerful smile as before on Mount Tungtian. His expression softened, but his voice remained calm, “What do you want?”

Zeng Shushu chuckled, “I still consider you a friend, no matter how you feel. Can I hug this three-eyed monkey, Xiao Hui?”

Ghost Li, recalling Zeng Shushu’s past persistence, felt a warmth in his heart. He had grown up on the Great Bamboo Peak of Azure Ethereal Vapors, and the bonds with every plant and Zeng Shushu, one of his few friends, were deep.

Seeing Ghost Li’s silence, Zeng Shushu felt hopeful. Knowing Xiaofan’s strong-willed nature, he had devised many ways to bring him back from the dark path, but realized patience was key.

“Xiao Hui, it’s me. Do you remember?” Zeng Shushu called out, his eyes gleaming.

Xiao Hui, lazy and red-faced, barely opened his eyes, groaned, and closed them again.

Zeng Shushu, unfazed, looked lovingly at the monkey, almost drooling. Ghost Li, seeing this, sighed, “Let it be. He’s tired. We’ll meet again if fate allows.”

Zeng Shushu, reluctant, nodded and shifted his gaze to Ghost Li.

Ghost Li, with a distant look, said, “If we meet as enemies, do not hesitate. But in my heart, I still consider you a friend.”

Zeng Shushu, delighted, nodded vigorously. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out an old, blue-covered book and handed it to Ghost Li, “A small gift, for old times’ sake.”

Ghost Li, recognizing the book, flipped it open and gasped, seeing explicit drawings and text—the same erotic book Zeng Shushu had once tried to trade for Xiao Hui.

“You…” Ghost Li, speechless.

Zeng Shushu, grinning, warned, “Keep quiet, or we’ll both lose face.”

Ghost Li, bemused, felt a sudden closeness. Zeng Shushu, satisfied, turned to go. This reckless act was a clever move, aiming to strengthen their bond.

As Zeng Shushu rejoined the others, Faxiang, curious, asked, “What’s so amusing?”

Zeng Shushu, mischievously, “Cannot say, cannot say!”

Faxiang, smiling, looked at the distant Ghost Li, holding the book, and said, “Let’s go. We’ll talk later.”

They transformed into colorful lights, soaring into the sky, leaving the place.

Ghost Li, feeling a sense of loss, gazed at the book, hesitated, and then tucked it into his robe. Taking a deep breath, he said, “Xiao Hui, let’s go.”

Xiao Hui, groaning, and they set off, a flash of azure light.

※　※　※

Flying through the mists, Ghost Li headed towards the Ghost King Sect’s encampment. The journey was swift, but the marsh was vast, and it took some time to reach the destination.

Approaching, Ghost Li detected a familiar, bloody scent in the air. Concerned, he sped down, landing amidst the gathered disciples.

The stench of blood was overwhelming. A young man, Yanhui, stepped forward, “Vice Sect Master, you’re back.”

“What happened here?” Ghost Li asked.

Yanhui, hesitating, motioned for Ghost Li to follow. They walked to a secluded area, where the grass was thick and the smell of blood intense.

Yanhui, pale, said, “See for yourself.”

Ghost Li, stepping forward, saw a gruesome sight: bodies brutally mutilated, thirteen in total. The blood-soaked grass and the horrifying remains left a deep impression.

Yanhui, following, explained, “These disciples were on guard duty. They were killed silently last night. There’s also a cryptic message left by Xu Chonghai, who was also killed.”

Yanhui showed Ghost Li the message: “Fish, monster.”

“Fish monster?” Ghost Li, puzzled.

Yanhui nodded, “We found no traces of such creatures. And Kaiseng, after seeing this, left to investigate, heading south.”

Ghost Li, deep in thought, asked, “Did the Sect Master come here?”

Yanhui, surprised, confirmed, “Yes, with Qinglong and Zhuque. He was displeased but left everything to you.”

Ghost Li, emotionless, instructed, “Leave this place. I’ll follow up on the fish monsters.”

Yanhui, obedient, “Understood.”

As the others departed, Ghost Li, gazing at the horizon, recalled the mysterious fish-headed creature that had attacked Xiao Huan.