{"id":7987,"date":"2026-05-25T08:42:23","date_gmt":"2026-05-25T06:42:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/?p=7987"},"modified":"2026-05-25T08:42:23","modified_gmt":"2026-05-25T06:42:23","slug":"a-love-struck-brain-is-nothing-in-the-face-of-melodrama-chapter-53","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/index.php\/2026\/05\/25\/a-love-struck-brain-is-nothing-in-the-face-of-melodrama-chapter-53\/","title":{"rendered":"A Love-Struck Brain Is Nothing In The Face Of Melodrama &#8211; Chapter 53"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Everyone present froze on the spot because of the Southern Ghost Emperor\u2019s words.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Vice President Ding was no exception. She carefully studied the Ghost Emperor beside Ye Wangxing. Broad-shouldered, narrow-waisted, and strikingly handsome, he indeed had the qualities to live off someone else, but\u2026<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">That statement was truly absurd.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Turning to look at Ye Wangxing, she saw him frozen on the spot, like a small ground squirrel lifted by the scruff of its neck.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">He looked utterly bewildered and lost.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Not only Ye Wangxing, even Xie Jiu froze for a moment, but then he seemed to understand something. He floated forward, put his arm around Ye Wangxing\u2019s shoulder, and asked in return: &#8220;Live off someone else? Are you giving me a reason because we haven\u2019t sparred in a long time?\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Seeing Xie Jiu\u2019s action, the Southern Ghost Emperor became even more agitated, his face dark, his aura overwhelming.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">This made everyone present nervous, and they quietly drew their weapons, even Zhou Tianning, who was lying on the ground, was no exception.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Ye Wangxing instinctively stepped in front of Xie Jiu, as if Xie Jiu were someone who needed protection.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">This caused Xie Jiu, in the brief moments when he gathered yin energy, to twitch the corner of his mouth upward.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>\u2014<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Then he saw Lu Shi standing in front of him, holding a heavy rifle.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Xie Jiu\u2019s mouth immediately drooped.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Everyone was ready, but\u2026<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>\u201c<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">You still want to hit me!\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">The Southern Ghost Emperor complained extremely aggrievedly.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>\u201c<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Look at the living employees behind you, then look at the orderly reincarnation process in your domain. A month ago, your land wasn\u2019t even as well-managed as ours! If you aren\u2019t living off someone else, then what are you?!\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">The Southern Ghost Emperor spoke passionately, leaving Xie Jiu stunned.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>\u201c<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Nowadays, the living world sends millions of ghosts downward every day, not counting insects or plant spirits. All hands have been assigned to maintain the reincarnation pool, and I even had to come personally to recruit people!\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">As he spoke, his thick eyebrows drooped. He looked like the classic general in an ancient painting\u2014broad-shouldered and strong-faced\u2014but in his aggrieved, almost curling-up posture, he looked pitiful.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Tang Fang, having regained her composure, felt some sympathy. Clearly, this was a person driven mad by workload.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Every time she needed to investigate materials or fill forms, Tang Fang\u2019s mood had been similar, though she was curious\u2014did the Ghost Emperor really need to recruit people?<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Ye Wangxing seemed to have thought the same, and then he heard the Ghost Emperor speak: \u201cThis\u2026 recruit people?\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Hearing the question from the nearby fellow Taoist, the Southern Ghost Emperor replied irritably: \u201cYes, recruit people. All the ghosts in the underworld who could work and had no punishments left have already been drawn into service. They\u2019re all at work now. There\u2019s no ghost-hand in the underworld, so I have to come to the human world to find them.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Tang Fang again marveled that even the underworld had labor shortages. Then he wondered if he could\u2026<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">While Tang Fang\u2019s thoughts drifted, Xie Jiu seemed to finally recover. The yin energy he had gathered dispersed.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">He tried hard to maintain a serious expression, but the uncontrollable corner of his mouth betrayed his inner thoughts.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>\u201c<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Ahem, living off someone else? This is mutual affection.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Xie Jiu said stubbornly, but his ghost drifted closer to Ye Wangxing quite sincerely.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Ghost Emperor: &#8220;&#8230;&#8221;You say I\u2019m fat, and now you\u2019re even panting, right?<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Tang Feng looked on speechlessly. Ghost Emperor, at a time like this don\u2019t even pretend\u2014who can\u2019t see your mouth is practically raised to the heavens?<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Seeing Xie Jiu looking so smug, the Southern Ghost Emperor erupted in anger again. The weather in the secret realm darkened as his resentment manifested, lightning flickered through the clouds.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>\u201c<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">However, I\u2019m not such a heartless ghost. For the sake of a colleague, I can let my partner help smooth relationships and even help find a few living people.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Xie Jiu, with a corner of his mouth even harder to suppress than an AK, said a bit proudly to the Ghost Emperor.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Southern Ghost Emperor: \u201c\u2026Are you serious?\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">As Xie Jiu nodded, the clouds in the secret realm vanished, the sun shone perfectly.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">The Taoist beside him wanted to speak, to say he wasn\u2019t Xie Jiu\u2019s partner, but a hand quickly covered his mouth.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Tang Fang was startled and turned to see Vice President Ding covering Ye Wangxing\u2019s mouth, her eyes shining as she looked at the Ghost Emperor.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Seeing Vice President Ding like that, Tang Fang thought for a moment and immediately realized the enormous benefits\u2014return on investment comparable to a school spending funds on statues.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>\u2026<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">No wonder even Lu Shi, who had already pulled out his portable rocket launcher, was pressed down by one hand from Vice President Ding.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">For the Religious Association, this was all benefit, no harm.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Tang Fang watched Vice President Ding bravely stand before Lu Shi and start speaking with the Southern Ghost Emperor, and couldn\u2019t help thinking\u2026<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">The thoughts he had just had instantly took root and grew in his mind.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>\u2026<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\"><i>Perhaps he could also recommend himself?<\/i><\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">The more Tang Fang thought about it, the more possible it seemed. His position in the entire Association had become rather awkward. After all, he had once climbed to Director Tang\u2019s position, but now he had been kicked back down, returning to being \u201cLittle Tang.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Even relying on his personal skills, he would not fare too badly in the Association. He might even climb back to Director Tang\u2019s position, but that would cost him five to ten wasted years.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Even if Zhou Tianning\u2019s path worked, with his own brain and the fact that Vice President Ding had repeatedly warned him, trying to seize the Tongxin Array would make his future in the Association difficult.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">But\u2026<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Tang Fang looked at the Southern Ghost Emperor, who was clearly eager for talent, and his eyes brightened.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">First, the Ghost Emperor desperately sought talent, and although Tang Fang\u2019s ability could not compete with the bigshots who passed the civil service exams, he had at least gotten in and his management skills had been trained in the Association.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Moreover, if the Ghost Emperor were genuinely willing to let him work there, as a bridge between the Religious Association and the Ghost Emperor, his position in the Association would naturally rise.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Even though he could not hold any important post, after being demoted, there was no way he could hold a key position anyway.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Thinking this, Tang Fang\u2019s eyes brightened further. He looked up and saw that Vice President Ding and the Ghost Emperor had finally finished their discussion and were now bickering about when to send talent to the Ghost Emperor.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Vice President Ding had wanted to wait a few days and assign the positions after returning to the Association, but the Ghost Emperor was already anxious and urgently needed people to work.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>\u201c\u2026<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">But Your Majesty, we truly need time to select talent suitable for you who are also willing to work in the underworld.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Vice President Ding said reluctantly, while the Southern Ghost Emperor raised his eyebrows.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>\u201c<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">I think you\u2019re looking down on me. You and that Xie Jiu are on the same side, wanting me to favor Xie Jiu, right?! I tell you, if you don\u2019t send someone over, I won\u2019t spend a penny on your wedding gift!\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">The last sentence was shouted at Xie Jiu.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Vice President Ding said helplessly: &#8220;Your Majesty, mainly we really don\u2019t have the manpower. Even the remaining people do not have the qualifications to enter this secret realm.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">But the Southern Ghost Emperor ignored this. He knew the living person had already promised to send someone over, if needed, he could send people to transport the staff himself.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">But today, Vice President Ding had to send at least one person.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">The entire underworld was overwhelmed by the doubling of ghost numbers caused by the spiritual energy explosion from the living world. The original reincarnation system in the underworld was still the old method, causing the reincarnation queue to almost reach Anubis domain.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">So administrative reform was necessary this time!<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">While the Ghost Emperor was thinking, Vice President Ding also cursed inwardly.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>\u2018<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\"><i>Sure enough, no Ghost Emperor is easy to deal with. Even this one, who seems like just a reckless brute, isn\u2019t. He calculated that most of our clerical staff have little loyalty to the Association, and the loyal ones wouldn\u2019t be sent to do dangerous work. He wants to cultivate his own people\u2026\u2019<\/i><\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Vice President Ding frowned, lost in thought, when he felt someone approach. <\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">H<\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">e looked up and saw Tang Fang smiling as he walked toward h<\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">im<\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">. He whispered: \u201cPresident, I really want to improve.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Ten minutes later.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>\u201c<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Pleasure doing business with you, pleasure doing business with you.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">The three laughed broadly, showing teeth but not eyes.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Everyone was happy: the Southern Ghost Emperor got the talent he longed for, Tang Fang got his new offer, with hundreds of subordinates to manage immediately, and Vice President Ding established a connection with the Southern Ghost Emperor, also receiving a gift from him.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">That gift was the Tongxin Array.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>\u201c<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">This thing is useless here. Every time we release information, it\u2019s just to lure Taoists like you to work for us. Better give it to you. Remember to send a few more people to me later.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">The Southern Ghost Emperor said this, now looking more like a smiling Buddha than a general.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">He patted Tang Fang on the back with one hand and stroked his long beard with the other, eyes twinkling.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Vice President Ding naturally did not pass up the opportunity. After receiving the array, he politely spoke with the Southern Ghost Emperor and reminded him to watch out for the black-slime-like creature.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>\u201c\u2026<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">That creature feeds on resentment. Your Majesty, please pay attention. From the information we obtained and its growth rate, its true form should now cover an entire town.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Vice President Ding said seriously, and the Southern Ghost Emperor naturally did not take it as a joke. Even Xie Jiu became very serious when mentioning the creature.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">But when they described the creature\u2019s appearance and true form, the Southern Ghost Emperor suddenly became thoughtful. He furrowed his brow and said: \u201cThis creature\u2026 I think I\u2019ve seen it in the secret realm.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Now both Vice President Ding and Tang Fang, who had just received the new offer, looked serious.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Taoist Ye almost rushed in front of the Southern Ghost Emperor.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">The Southern Ghost Emperor did not withhold anything and directly said: \u201cThree days ago, that creature you mentioned roamed the secret realm. It did not start conflict with me. It only absorbed some resentment and then left.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>\u201c<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">This creature indeed grows a bit after absorbing resentment, as you said, but not as fast as you claimed.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">As the Southern Ghost Emperor spoke, everyone present frowned.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>\u2014<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Because three days ago, they had received no news that the monster was coming this way.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Even before entering the secret realm, the official tracking still showed the monster in City A.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Everyone\u2019s expressions turned unusually grim. Even Zhou Tianning, who had quietly climbed back to the crowd from the ground, looked slightly less unpleasant.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">However, he did not care much about the monster.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">After all, the monster had saved his life, so from that perspective, it might be a good monster.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Moreover, from the previous information, the monster did not devour human lives, it only consumed yin energy and similar things.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Perhaps in the past life some incident had caused the monster to go on a killing spree, but now Zhou Tianning saw it as little threat.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>\u2014<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Although he would still keep his distance if he encountered it.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">So, Zhou Tianning\u2019s grim expression was not because of the monster.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">It was because of Tang Fang.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Tang Fang was going to serve as the Chief Steward under the Southern Ghost Emperor!<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">This news transformed in Zhou Tianning\u2019s mind into bloody, large characters, making him feel short of breath.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>\u2018<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\"><i>Ho***! ****! this! b***h!\u2019<\/i><\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Zhou Tianning screamed in his mind.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">He could not accept that while he was still in decline, Tang Fang had climbed up\u2014and to the Southern Ghost Emperor\u2019s side, no less.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Officially, it was to assist the Ghost Chancellor, nominally temporary, but everyone knew Tang Fang was essentially the Southern Ghost Emperor\u2019s man!<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">The more Zhou Tianning thought, the uglier his expression became, and his eyes reddened. Fortunately, he lowered his head in time and controlled the spiritual energy in his body to prevent anyone from noticing his agitation.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">For a moment, he even thought about volunteering to oust Tang Fang, but that was too crazy, so he did not do it.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Yet\u2026<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Just thinking about it made Zhou Tianning\u2019s blood boil, and even his spiritual pressure wavered.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">He knew Tang Fang had become his mental demon. When he was in control, he could restrain his actions, but now he was close to losing control.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Fortunately, Tang Fang would return to the Religious Association. Perhaps killing him, scattering his soul, would restore Zhou Tianning\u2019s composure.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">As for what to do afterward if Tang Fang were killed?<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>\u2014<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">There were so many people in the Zhou family.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Zhou Tianning silently clenched his fists. He looked at the confident Tang Fang, thought to himself, and followed Vice President Ding out of the secret realm.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">However, once outside, Zhou Tianning nearly lost control when Tang Fang approached him, wearing a brazen expression and speaking politely.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">He even mentioned keeping in touch in the future.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Even though Zhou Tianning restrained his murderous intent, the enemy was right in front of him, chirping like a little bird.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">No matter how much he tried, a trace of killing intent slipped out.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Fortunately, he retracted it the next second, though he still felt uneasy. After all, Vice President Ding had reached his position because of his perception abilities.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>\u2026<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">He could keenly sense someone else\u2019s killing intent.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">And Vice President Ding\u2026 should have sensed it.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Yet when Zhou Tianning held his breath and looked at her, she was speaking on the phone in disbelief, as if he had not noticed his fleeting killing intent at all.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Then he heard hus exclaiming into the phone with wide eyes:<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>\u201c<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Yu Yi\u2019s spending record disappeared from City A three days ago!?\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Before Zhou Tianning could wonder when Vice President Ding had noticed Yu Yi, he spoke rapidly like a machine gun: \u201cNo record of him on the highway at any checkpoint? The bus? Plane or high-speed train? Nothing? Even public transport shows no spending record? He drove himself or took a ride\u2014are you saying three days ago our car was the only one exiting the City A to the Ancient Town highway?\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Everyone saw Vice President Ding\u2019s shock.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Zhou Tianning noticed Ye Wangxing seemed to have realized something, his eyes wide, body slightly unsteady.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">The Ghost Emperor Xie Jiu and Lu Shi also looked solemn.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Finally, Vice President Ding ended the call. He looked seriously at everyone behind him and said: \u201cEveryone, the situation has changed. If my guess is correct, we have little time left. Everyone return to the hotel immediately. You have ten minutes to pack important items, the car is waiting downstairs. We must leave immediately!\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">His serious expression made everyone nod instantly. No one asked what had happened, they knew he would not harm them. They only needed to obey.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Normal people rarely delayed in urgent moments asking questions.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Besides, they already suspected it was related to the young boy that Master Ye had rescued earlier.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>\u2018<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\"><i>Could that boy be a spy? Or sent by another organization?\u2019<\/i><\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">They thought, hurrying from the secret realm entrance with rapid steps. Some masters even stuck Wind Riding Talismans to their legs, including Vice President Ding.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Unfortunately, when they arrived at the hotel, it was too late.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>\u2014<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Not only because it was late at night, but because the Yu Yi Vice President Ding had mentioned\u2014the seemingly weak, helpless boy\u2014stood at the hotel entrance.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">He smiled like a little white flower upon seeing them return.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">But after a glance, his smile instantly vanished.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>\u201c\u2026<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Brother Ye, where are you going?\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">He asked softly.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Yu Yi held some snacks, apparently to deliver them, and the attention of everyone present focused on Master Ye.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">At this moment, Master Ye looked very serious, his hand never leaving the peach wood sword at his waist.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">He instinctively positioned himself in front of everyone, even blocking Vice President Ding.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Vice President Ding still tried to manage the situation. He hoped to take the clerical and weaker staff away.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>\u2014<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Besides, there were still many ordinary people present.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">He forced a smile, looking like an ordinary elder: \u201cAre you here to play with Junior Ye? Oh, what a coincidence, our business is done, we plan to leave.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">He gestured for others to move back from Yu Yi, but\u2026<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Vice President Ding noticed the familiar black mud\u2014appearing in reality for the first time\u2014blocking those trying to run back to the hotel.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">He forced them back to Yu Yi\u2019s side.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">His expression stiffened, he clearly realized one thing.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>\u2014<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">This one really did not plan to pretend.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">The scene became tense.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Yu Yi quietly watched Ye Wangxing standing in front of everyone, while the black mud, which had just pushed the few back, thrashed violently.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">It seemed to reflect Yu Yi\u2019s restless inner state.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Zhou Tianning clenched the jade gourd around his neck. Seeing Ye Wangxing\u2019s expression as if facing an enemy and the fearful looks around him, he realized it was a perfect opportunity.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Only he knew the black mud monster was not entirely evil, it had saved him.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">If he stepped forward to express thanks, adjusting his attitude toward the monster according to the reactions around him, maybe he could earn recognition.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Zhou Tianning did not plan to act saintly, saying the monster was good. He wanted to claim his due status in front of everyone, but he was not foolish.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">He clenched the jade gourd, ready to flee with Pei Si if things went wrong.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Yet outwardly, he appeared shocked and stepped forward: \u201cY-You\u2026 were the one who saved me at the old execution ground! But how did you appear here, and\u2014\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">In a single sentence, Zhou Tianning\u2019s expression shifted from shock to confusion, and he was about to shift to grief when suddenly everything went black.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Physically black.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">The black mud rushed at him. He had no time to react and was engulfed.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">The next second, his eyes reappeared, but his body was wrapped tightly, even silencing his mouth.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">He had to be thankful the black mud left his nose free to breathe.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Still, he struggled to breathe.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>\u2014<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">He had a slight pollen allergy, and now only one nostril was clear.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Zhou Tianning\u2019s struggle broke the stalemate.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Yu Yi spoke first, looking at Ye Wangxing expressionlessly. His delicate face seemed slightly strange: \u201cBrother Ye, you know now\u2026 will you kill me?\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">His voice was still weak and pitiful, but everyone felt a chill.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">No one dared speak, all eyes turned to Ye Wangxing.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">After a long silence, Ye Wangxing finally asked: \u201cDo you feed on resentment?\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>\u201c<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Have you killed anyone?\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>\u201c<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Have you ever harmed anyone?\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">The question stunned everyone, at such a moment, Ye Wangxing was still asking for information?<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Unexpectedly, Yu Yi answered.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>\u201c<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Yes, no, no.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">His obedient appearance even shocked Vice President Ding. Wasn\u2019t thus monster too compliant?<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">He gradually regained his composure, relieved Ye Wangxing was reliable.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Even if everyone died here, at least they could transmit information back.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>\u2018<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\"><i>Worth it.\u2019<\/i><\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Just as he thought this, he heard Ye Wangxing speak: \u201c\u2026Finally, about last night.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Vice President Ding focused immediately, and Zhou Tianning held his breath. Everyone\u2019s attention turned to Ye Wangxing.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>\u201c\u2014<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">The person who came to my room last night, treating me like a mango pit\u2014was that you?\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Vice President Ding, stunned and blushing, glanced at the furious Ye Wangxing and then looked at the boy across, noticing the monster\u2019s wavering gaze.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>\u2026<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\"><i>No, now it felt guilty?<\/i><\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>Support translation:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.patreon.com\/bePatron?u=25191841\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"217\" height=\"51\" class=\"wp-image-338 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ontimestory.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/become_a_patron_button.png?resize=217%2C51\" alt=\"\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 217px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 217\/51;\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/ko-fi.com\/lajnaa\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ontimestory.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/kofi3-3.png?resize=185%2C47\" alt=\"This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is kofi3-3.png\" width=\"185\" height=\"47\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 185px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 185\/47;\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\r\n\r\n<p><!--EndFragment--><\/p>\r\n<p><!--EndFragment--><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Everyone present froze on the spot because of the Southern Ghost Emperor\u2019s words. Vice President Ding was no exception. She carefully studied the Ghost Emperor beside Ye Wangxing. Broad-shouldered, narrow-waisted, and strikingly handsome, he indeed had the qualities to live off someone else, but\u2026 That statement was truly absurd. Turning to look at Ye Wangxing, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":7815,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"advanced_seo_description":"","jetpack_seo_html_title":"","jetpack_seo_noindex":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[118],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7987","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-a-love-struck-brain-is-nothing","entry","has-media"],"acf":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ontimestory.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20250409131120_300_420.jpeg?fit=300%2C420&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack_sharing_enabled":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7987","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7987"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7987\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7988,"href":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7987\/revisions\/7988"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7815"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7987"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7987"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7987"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}