Heaven Official's Blessing: Tian Guan Ci Fu (Novel) Vol. 2(8)

“There are,” Jun Wu replied. “And very close by. Do you know of Ghost City?”

Xie Lian thought about it and replied, “I’ve heard of it.”

Ghost City was the most prosperous place within the Ghost Realm, situated right at the crossroads of the Mortal and the Ghost Realms. It was where all manner of ghosts gathered in swarms to conduct trade and exchange, and it was complete pandemonium. Some cultivators of a certain skill level would venture there to do business or seek information. Sometimes, there would even be heavenly officials in disguise, touring the city for curiosity’s sake or other unspeakable reasons. Once in a while, there would also be those who’d entered by mistake, and they would either be eaten alive or scared half to death.

Since ancient times—although not as ancient as Xie Lian—there had always been many tales of Ghost City in the Mortal Realm. Xie Lian remembered one of the stories had a man traveling at night, who saw a bustling market before him decked out with large red lanterns and colorful signs. He entered the market in high spirits but found that everyone around him wore a mask, and if they were not cloaked as such, then they were extremely ugly—very curious! He didn’t think deeply on it, and bought a bowl of noodles and sat down to eat. But as he dug into his food and ate, the food didn’t feel right; when he looked closely, the noodles were actually squirming strands of hair!

Xie Lian brought himself back to the present, and Jun Wu continued.

“After that pillar of fire appeared, I immediately sent officials to investigate the area—but there was no evidence of anything, so it is very possible that they moved to Ghost City. However, the Heavenly Realm and the Ghost Realm have always drawn very clear borders, and without enough proof, we cannot intrude on Ghost City. Which is why I need someone to descend in secret this time and investigate.”

“We can’t alert the enemy and have them move again,” Xie Lian said. “Is that why this couldn’t be discussed openly at the great hall with everyone? To prevent information leaks?”

“Correct,” Jun Wu replied.

“Then, My Lord, pray give Xianle your command.”

“You were the first candidate I originally had in mind,” Jun Wu said. “But for this, it may be inconvenient for you to go.”

“How would it be inconvenient?” Xie Lian asked.

“First, the east is guarded by Lang Qianqiu. If you should go, you would have to cooperate with him,” Jun Wu said.

Xie Lian responded, “That would not be a problem, please rest assured.”

“Second,” Jun Wu continued, “do you know in whose territory Ghost City is seated?”

Xie Lian was slightly taken aback. “Is it Hua Cheng?”

Jun Wu nodded slowly, and Xie Lian’s guess was confirmed. But then, something else came to mind.

That distress pillar of fire blazed up seven days ago. Coincidentally, it was seven days ago when Hua Cheng left Puqi Shrine. The timing was too perfect. Could there be a connection between the two events?

“It would seem you have a rather good relationship with him, which is fine,” Jun Wu said. “The only thing I am concerned about is whether he is involved. If this makes it awkward for you, then do not force yourself. If you have any other suggestions or anyone you would nominate, do let me know.”

However, Xie Lian still said, “Let me go. I don’t think Crimson Rain Sought Flower is a disingenuous person.”

Jun Wu looked at him. “Xianle, I know you are very capable and know what you are doing. However, I also know that you always think the best of everyone.”

Xie Lian gave a small smile at his words. “Please don’t say it like I’m a little princess who has never left home. Those words really don’t suit me anymore.”

Jun Wu shook his head. “I should not comment on the friends you make, but I will still say this: be careful of Hua Cheng.”

Hearing this, Xie Lian bowed his head slightly, keeping his eyes down and saying nothing. He should’ve responded with “Yes, My Lord,” as he should have been able to say yes with ease by that point. Yet, for some reason, he really didn’t want to say that particular “yes.”

“Be especially careful of that wicked blade of his,” Jun Wu added.

“What do you mean?” Xie Lian asked.

“The scimitar Eming is a cursed blade, a blade of misfortune. To forge such an evil weapon would require terrifyingly cruel sacrifice and bloody determination. Do not touch it, and do not let it touch you either. If you do, the consequences will be unimaginable,” Jun Wu replied.

Xie Lian couldn’t tell where his sudden surge of confidence came from, but inwardly, he thought: San Lang probably wouldn’t strike at me with a blade.

Still, he responded, “Xianle understands.”

Jun Wu nodded. “I will of course be at ease knowing that you have taken this case. Since this does not make things awkward for you, then it is ideal. Nonetheless, going on this mission alone may be too much. Are there any officials you would like to join you?”

“…It doesn’t matter,” Xie Lian said, after some thought. “But preferably someone easy to get along with. It’d be best if they’re powerful too, so they can lend me some spiritual power sometimes.”

Jun Wu smiled. “You disqualified both Nan Yang and Xuan Zhen with the first condition.”