“Are there any officials whose whereabouts are currently unknown?” Xie Lian asked.
“The Banyue Pass case was not the only reason all officials were summoned back to court. The main purpose was to use this chance to investigate everyone’s whereabouts. Aside from those who usually do not show like the Rain Master and the Earth Master, even those who couldn’t make it back reported in.”
Xie Lian contemplated for a moment, then speculated: “Maybe it wasn’t any of the officials from this term? Maybe it’s one of the retired officials?”
“If that is the case, then I’m afraid our search parameters will need to expand. Many retired officials lost contact with the heavens long ago. It would be impossible to deduce who could be the one in peril,” Jun Wu said.
So, this was probably why Ling Wen and many of the civil officials had dark circles under their eyes and walked with such weak steps—they were working constantly on this case. No wonder they couldn’t break away to investigate the whereabouts of that boy with the Human Face Disease from Mount Yujun.
Xie Lian asked, “To corner a heavenly official to the point where they would use such a self-destructive spell, there must be great evil at work. Are there any demonic gatherings or lairs in that area?”
“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.”