After the group of people left, Thirteen Niang came back to her senses and addressed everyone.
"Everyone, please sit down and listen to me."
We followed her words and sat down. Thirteen Niang then began to explain her reasons for doing so.
"Ghost King, everyone, you may not know, but although the four cities are prosperous, they largely neglect the remote areas.
This has led to the proliferation of ambitious individuals who seize mountain territories, and frequent battles between these territories, causing many villagers to become displaced.
Villagers who lose their homes often have nowhere to go, so they are forced to become bandits on the mountains.
Those who openly rob on the roads are simply displaced villagers who have joined the ranks on the mountains. Therefore, it's better to give what we can, as it's not necessarily a bad thing."
I hadn't expected there to be such a connection.
I thought that living in this different world would mean no more troubles, but little did I know, it was still more helpless than every day in my past reality.
If that's the case, if I were to lead, I would also create a peaceful and prosperous era.
One where everyone lives happily, with clothes, shelter, and a future.
Thinking of these things, a light subtly flickered in my eyes, and I vaguely understood how my path forward should be.
Lin'er saw me lowering my head in thought and knew I had taken her words to heart. He also secretly vowed,
"Since Uncle has passed the elder's position to me, I must bear this responsibility and walk well with the Ghost King and our people."
After listening to Thirteen Niang's words, everyone fell silent, a nameless ache in their hearts.
But fortunately, these were the worst-case scenarios, which brought much relief.
Thinking that in the future, when encountering such situations, we would offer some assistance.
Seeing the somber atmosphere, Thirteen Niang smiled slightly and said some cheerful words to lighten the mood.
"Alas, everyone, there's no need to overthink. Fortunately, they still have places to go, so it's not too dire.
I've heard that the mountain lords of the nearby mountains are quite decent, and I believe they won't mistreat them."
Hearing her say this, everyone's spirits lifted slightly.
She then changed the subject, saying,
"Ghost King, speaking of Black Mountain, you probably don't know much about it yet."
Hearing her call me, I replied,
"I am indeed not very familiar with that place."
She said,
"I have been to that place and know a bit about it. That old monster Hei was originally from an ancient Ji-surnamed clan.
Unfortunately, their family declined, and he became a mountain lord. Although a thousand years have passed, his family's prestige still remains.
Therefore, around Black Mountain, it's considered his family's sole domain."
Hearing this, I fell into thought again. Since Black Mountain was Hei Laoguai's territory, how could he so easily give it to us?
Perhaps the elder already had a plan. Regardless, the elder's decision should be correct.
Thinking this way, everything became clear. I looked up at the sky again. The breeze was cool, and it seemed to be late at night. I then said to everyone,
"I think it's getting late tonight. Everyone should rest early, as we have to travel tomorrow."
"Mm."
Everyone agreed softly, found good spots, and went to sleep.
The next morning, we set off early. After traveling for two days, we arrived at Black Mountain.
Unexpectedly, the journey was smooth and unimpeded. I had thought it would be a difficult place to approach, but it turned out to be surprisingly easy.
Walking along a long, flat avenue, we suddenly saw four tall mountains standing separately in the four corners.
Entering the territory of the four mountains, we saw a scene that was like a fairyland, yet also like the farming and plowing of the human world.
Then, looking at Black Mountain, which stood in the central position of the four mountains, it did not appear as gloomy as its name suggested, but rather full of vitality.
At this moment, I understood the elder's intention in leaving the brocade pouch. If I could obtain this place, I could spread my wings and envision the future.
Arriving at the foot of Black Mountain in the center of the four mountains, we saw a flight of stone steps leading straight upwards, the end of which was not visible from afar.
And before us, a stone gate was erected on these steps, looking somewhat like an ancient chastity archway.
The words "Black Mountain" were written in striking red on it.
Thirteen Niang looked up at the heights and said to me,
"Ghost King, this is Black Mountain."
I looked around in confusion and asked,
"Why haven't we seen anyone blocking our way all the way here?"
At this moment, Yan Wushuang suddenly said,
"I heard that Black Mountain is prosperous, so it's likely that most of them are lazy and unwilling to even do the job of guarding."
I smiled slightly and said,
"It seems that Hei Laoguai is not bad, not punishing people for not guarding the gate."
Thirteen Niang said,
"That Hei Laoguai is indeed not bad. However, I recently heard that he has gone elsewhere and handed over the management of this mountain to his nephew."
"So that's how it is. Then let's go up and meet him."
"Alright."
The group of us walked upwards for an unknown amount of time, finally seeing another stone gate. On this stone gate, the words "Black Mountain Mingyue Palace" were written in black ink.
"Mingyue Palace."
I murmured the name in my heart, feeling that it was somewhat special.
Coming back to my senses, as soon as I stepped forward, several people holding spears and wearing black scale armor rushed out, pointing at us angrily and saying,
"Who are you people? Don't you know whose territory this is?"
I didn't expect that only after reaching this point would someone try to stop us. It seemed that the people here truly lived comfortably and lazily.
When faced with such a situation, Lin'er would always humbly and politely step forward, clasping his hands in front of him in a cross-shaped gesture, saying,
"We wish to see your master. Please inform him."
The gatekeeper soldier frowned slightly, finding it laughable. He wondered what era it was and didn't even consider his own audacity, so he said,
"You all seem ordinary and not like people with any special abilities. It's best to go back. Our mountain lord is not seeing anyone today."
Saying this, he waved his hand, intending to drive us away.
Xue Gucheng, seeing him look down on people so much, decided to show him a taste of his skills and let him see who lacked ability.
He then moved forward swiftly. In an instant, a crystal-clear snow blade was placed against his head.
Then, from behind the mask, a gentle inquiry emerged.
"How about this?"
The man was startled by such uncanny speed.
Realizing that the people before him were not ordinary, he then gave an awkward laugh, changed his tone, and said cordially,
"This young master's skills are indeed extraordinary. Please wait, I will go and inform you."
After saying this, he fled as if escaping, heading back to report.
I didn't expect him to make a move. By rights, this was a matter for the Ghost Clan, and it wasn't his place to intervene. I thought it must be due to his sense of justice.
However, I was still very happy, as if I could see that I was not the only one walking this path.
After a short while, the man ran down from the stone steps behind and respectfully said,
"Our mountain lord invites you."
We followed him up the steps of the stone gate and reached the summit of Black Mountain, where we saw a palace that looked like it was made of golden bricks and jade tiles.
The palace was surrounded by a red wall about 3 meters high. The main gate was a 3-meter-wide carved flower and bird gate made of red lacquered wood.
Above the gate was a plaque that read "Mingyue Palace."
It seemed this was indeed Mingyue Palace.
Entering through the main gate, we entered a square courtyard. A crowd of people stood in the courtyard, doing something.
We went around through the side corridor until we reached the main hall.
Before entering, we heard a burst of hearty laughter from inside.
I vaguely guessed that it must be their young master.
Stepping through the main hall door, we saw a row of burly men standing on the left and right.
On the main seat in the center of the hall, a snow-white fur blanket was spread, and a man in black sat upright.
He must be the lord of Black Mountain.
Before I could speak, the man recognized me first.
"Liu Muye!"
Everyone looked up in confusion at the sound, and I also found it strange. I had never been to Black Mountain before, so how could this person know me?
With a heart full of doubt, I looked at him like everyone else and was instantly surprised.
"It's you! Hei Feng! How are you here?"
Meeting an old enemy again, I thought he would have become more restrained after his defeat, but he was still so arrogant.
He slowly stood up, walked down the steps, and with a hint of arrogance, slowly approached me and said,
"This is my uncle Hei Yun's territory, so of course I am here. What, have you fallen on hard times since we parted ways at South Mountain?
What about that A'li? I suppose she parted ways with you long ago."
As he spoke, he chuckled dismissively, his tone filled with contempt and mockery.
I smiled coldly, walked past him, and leaped up, sitting in his place.
"Presumptuous!"
The surrounding people were terrified and quickly drew their swords, intending to rush forward, but he raised his hand to stop them.
"Hold."
The surrounding people stopped in confusion but still held their swords tightly.
He was not angry but rather calmly said,
"You are quite different from how you used to be now."
He sniffed the air and frowned slightly, covering his nose with his hand, full of disgust.
"You have a black aura on you, it's truly unpleasant. Not as fragrant as this young lady."
Saying this, he reached out to tease Thirteen Niang, but Xue Ruyi flashed forward and blocked him.
His slightly raised hand had to stop awkwardly, but he pretended to be nonchalant and said,
"You didn't come here just to sit in my position, did you?"
I didn't beat around the bush and said with an appreciative tone,
"Your position is quite nice, and this place is also good. I want it. You can stay if you are willing."
After saying this, I smiled slightly and looked at him calmly.
"What!"
The surrounding people became even more agitated, and even the people in the courtyard drew their swords and blocked the entrance.
Seeing that he did not respond, fearing he hadn't heard clearly, I repeated,
"I want this place!"
He was slightly stunned for a few seconds. Perhaps he had guessed this was our intention, but he asked unhurriedly,
"What's in it for me?"
"You will be recorded in history for ten thousand generations, and you will never lack gold or silver."
"Don't listen to her, young master. Kill this arrogant fellow."
The surrounding people protested with increasing fervor. Faced with this person who had suddenly arrived and wanted to seize their mountain, their swords were eager to be drawn.
At this moment, someone extremely angry suddenly flew out, swinging his sword to attack. I kicked out and sent him flying, crashing heavily onto the ground.
Then, I lightly patted my leg, as if nothing had happened.
His heart, suddenly unwilling, questioned,
"By what right!"
I smiled faintly and replied,
"By the right of your head and the lives of the hundreds of people in this courtyard."
My domineering presence not only stunned my own people but also the onlookers.
He hadn't expected that the person he first met had become even more ruthless than him. He couldn't help but sigh,
"I didn't expect that after so long apart, you would change so much. Compared to me, I think you are much more wicked."
Speaking of this, those past events had long become memories I didn't want to recall. Now that he mentioned them, I could calmly say,
"Everyone changes. I've just walked a more difficult path than you."
"Is that so? It's a pity. I still miss the pure and kind Liu Muye."
I smiled faintly and replied,
"Consider the past me dead. The me now is the true me."
He sighed slightly, full of emotion.
I said,
"Make a decision. Black Mountain, your life, and the lives of these people on your mountain. Which one do you choose?"
He pondered for a moment and then said,
"Alright, I can give it to you, but you must give me a reason."
"I will, in the name of the Ghost Clan, lead you and yours into a new era."
"Alright, I also want a title."
"What title?"
"First General."
I was slightly taken aback and looked at Lin'er, saying,
"Elder, what do you think? Is this feasible?"
Lin'er looked at me and said with confidence,
"Since Young Master Hei is confident, then the First General will be his."
"Alright, I agree. I bestow upon you the title of First General."
Hei Feng also said generously,
"Since you have spoken, your word is your bond. This Black Mountain is yours.
I imagine that being able to gather so many experts and have both the underworld and the righteous forces at your command, you must be the Ten Thousand Ghost King who keeps the four cities sleepless!"
Seeing that he had guessed my identity, I decided not to hide it any longer and said,
"You guessed correctly. You are quite sharp. We are all extremely tired from traveling here all night. Please arrange accommodation and provide good food and wine."
"No problem. Da Lang, take these guests to rest."
"Yes."
That burly, somewhat fierce-looking man was once an important figure under Hei Feng.
Now, with the arrival of these few people, his original dignity was shattered, and he was reduced to a state of utter defeat overnight. He said reluctantly,
"You, come with me."
I glanced at Hei Feng, my mind filled with conjectures.
"This Hei Feng, after a few years, has become more sharp and cunning.
Perhaps he knew we were coming and therefore didn't resist. As for whether he is trustworthy, we will have to see."
I lounged across the main chair, squinting at him. He seemed to have guessed my thoughts and said,
"You don't need to suspect me. I sincerely follow you. After all, I am most skilled at causing destruction. I have also prepared a superior room for you. Please follow me."
I got up and followed him to the backyard. Walking along a small path through a pond with lotus flowers, we arrived at the backyard.
A three-story independent building stood proudly in the gentle breeze. He led me to the very top floor.
From here, one could overlook the entire Mingyue Palace.
He smiled slightly, bowed, and extended his hand, saying,
"May I borrow the Ghost King's right hand?"
I was somewhat suspicious but still extended my hand.
He gently held it and placed a flower seed on my hand. The seed instantly bloomed and sprouted, and in a moment, it grew into a delicate and alluring lotus flower.
I found it somewhat novel and couldn't help but smile.
Seeing my satisfied smile, he suddenly thought to himself,
"You say you've changed. I think you're still the same as before, just hiding your vulnerability.
However, one must also lament the changes in the world, which have made you the person you least wanted to become."
After this inner reflection, he said,
"Ghost King, please rest first. I shall take my leave."
I nodded slightly. After he left, I smiled faintly.
Gazing at his receding figure, and then at the flower in my hand, I had little trust in him. I reached out, intending to pluck the flower.
But then I thought, is this all the magnanimity I possess? I then placed it in a vase.