Chapter 18: An Invitation from Mount Qin

“What? Master Qin Shan wants to accept that boy as his disciple? Did I hear that right?” As soon as Qin Shan spoke, all the disciples of Mount Mao were left in shock, as if they had misheard.

After all, Qin Shan was the current head of Dragon Tiger Mountain; how could he possibly take someone from the Ghost Realm as his disciple? Wouldn’t that be tantamount to colluding with the Ghost Realm, even joining forces with them?

But the thoughts of a cunning old fox like Qin Shan were far beyond what these young disciples could comprehend.

At that moment, Jiang Xiaofei was also surprised by Qin Shan’s words. But apprenticing himself to another master when he already had Lady Ghost Immortal as his teacher? Impossible. Besides, he had already seen through Qin Shan’s intentions—he was interested only because Jiang Xiaofei had reached the Dao Realm at such a young age and possessed a thousand years of ghostly energy.

Jiang Xiaofei then glanced coldly at Qin Shan and said, “Old man, you’re not qualified to be my master. I advise you to give up that idea, or I’ll knock your teeth out.”

“You dare call me old man and say I’m unqualified?” Qin Shan’s face darkened with anger. As the grand master of Dragon Tiger Mountain, he was respected wherever he went. His cultivation had reached the pinnacle of the Transformation Realm. If he ever wished to accept a disciple, a single word from him would have candidates fighting to the death for the honor. Yet Jiang Xiaofei not only showed no gratitude but even scorned him. Even someone as composed as Qin Shan found this hard to swallow.

Still, he knew Jiang Xiaofei was not like the others. Smiling, he said, “Young man, don’t rush to refuse. Think it over, and make your decision when you’re ready.”

Han Yang, unable to watch further, shouted at Qin Shan, “Master Qin, why waste your breath on this boy? If he refuses, just kill him! In this vast world, there’s no shortage of worthy disciples. In fact, after you kill him, why not take me as your disciple? I guarantee I’ll be a thousand times better than him!”

Qin Shan frowned, irritation flaring. Now, with his anger looking for an outlet, he snapped, “And who do you think you are? Daring to show off in front of me? You’re not even worth one of his fingers.”

“You—” Han Yang was livid, but knowing the gap between himself and Qin Shan, he dared not speak further.

With a cold snort, Qin Shan ignored Han Yang. He fixed his gaze on Jiang Xiaofei, smiling. “Well, boy? Have you considered my offer?”

Jiang Xiaofei sneered. “There’s nothing to consider. I would never join the ranks of your corrupt sects.”

“Damn it! He just called us a corrupt sect!” Jiang Xiaofei’s words enraged every disciple of Mount Mao. If they were corrupt, what did that make the Ghost Realm? In their eyes, the Ghost Realm was beneath beasts.

Finally, a young disciple could no longer contain himself and shouted at Jiang Xiaofei, “You people from the Ghost Realm are the real villains—everyone should eradicate you!”

His outburst immediately provoked the wrath of the Ghost Realm crowd. They sneered, “We harm no one and commit no evil. Yet you, claiming to rid the world of evil, travel far and wide swindling money in the name of justice.”

“Are wandering ghosts and lost souls not people too? If the Ghost King hadn’t taken me in, you so-called righteous Taoists would have destroyed my soul long ago!” a woman in black robes exclaimed, her anger righteous. To insult the Ghost Realm was, in her eyes, to insult her family.

Watching the quarrel, Jiang Xiaofei shook his head and sighed. At first, he had opposed the Ghost King’s attack on Mount Mao, but his position was difficult—he was, after all, the Ghost King’s brother-in-law. If he stood aside, how could he call himself human? If the Ghost King were to fall at Mount Mao, it would haunt him with regret.

He could see both sides had their reasons. If Mount Mao hadn’t imprisoned Mo Yi and provoked trouble, the Ghost Realm would never have attacked. If the Ghost Realm hadn’t started the war, so many disciples of Mount Mao wouldn’t have died.

These were things he could not stop, but he would do his best to spare the disciples of Mount Mao, for they were all passionate young men whose deaths would be a waste.

As for the people of the Ghost Realm, he would try to prevent their deaths as well. They had already suffered enough in life, and now, having chosen to abandon hatred and live peacefully, it would be pitiful if they were to be scattered as souls.

Though still angry at Jiang Xiaofei’s earlier rejection, Qin Shan noticed the change in the boy’s expression and couldn’t help but smile and think, “This boy has a remarkable temperament and extraordinary talent! If I could take him as my disciple, even those old fellows would be green with envy.”

With this in mind, Qin Shan looked at Jiang Xiaofei and said earnestly, “Boy, I know I’m asking a lot, but I truly hope you’ll join Dragon Tiger Mountain as my disciple. If you come, I promise you’ll be surrounded by beautiful junior sisters, and your daily life will be utterly free. Such a life of freedom is yours alone to enjoy.”

“Even if you associate with the Ghost Realm, I won’t interfere. As long as you hold Dragon Tiger Mountain in your heart, that’s enough. When I retire, the position of master will be yours.”

“Master Qin is truly set on accepting that boy as his disciple!” The disciples of Mount Mao were stunned. They had thought Master Qin was only joking, but now it was clear he intended to make Jiang Xiaofei his successor.

One disciple couldn’t help but say, “What’s so special about that boy that Master Qin has chosen him?”

Others were unconvinced. “I bet nothing will come of this. Even if he agrees, the Ghost King won’t. Master Qin’s hopes will be dashed.”

At that moment, Jiang Xiaofei looked at Qin Shan and said, “I’ll consider your offer.”

“Good.” Qin Shan nodded in satisfaction. “I’ll give you some time. When you’ve made up your mind, come find me at Dragon Tiger Mountain. The gates are always open to you.”

With those words, Qin Shan glanced at Jiang Xiaofei once more, then took off, flying down the mountain under the watchful eyes of all.

That scene filled Ye Yijian with disappointment. He had hoped that with Qin Shan’s intervention, the Ghost Realm would be eradicated and they could join forces against the Ghost King. Now he saw that was impossible.

The Ghost King, seeing the disappointment on Ye Yijian’s face, let out a booming laugh. “Ye Yijian, now that Qin Shan is gone, your last hope has vanished. You may as well give up and surrender! If you do, I’ll grant you a swift end. Otherwise, you will suffer a fate worse than death.”

“In your dreams! I will never let you succeed.” Ye Yijian’s face was resolute as he mustered the last of his power to resist the Soul-Devouring Hand. Even in death, he would die with dignity.

“Such futile heroics. Do you really think you can stand against me? Since you wish to experience soul-devouring agony, I will oblige you.” The Ghost King’s eyes gleamed with icy malice.

“Soul Devour!”

As the Ghost King spoke, countless tiny ghostly faces emerged from the Soul-Devouring Hand, passing through the protective barrier and burrowing into the bodies of Ye Yijian and his companions.

In an instant, the barrier shattered. Surrounded by ghostly energy, Ye Yijian and the others twisted in agony, as if enduring unbearable torment.