The news of the trio successfully completing their mission was quickly relayed back to Black Mountain by the Shadow Guards. Lin'er, upon receiving this good news, immediately informed me.
He hurried to the阁楼 in the backyard, my residence, and upon entering, exclaimed excitedly.
"Ghost King, Ghost King, good news, good news."
"Is it Liu Shinian and the others?"
"Precisely, precisely, they have completed their mission and are on their way back to Black Mountain."
"That's wonderful, wonderful, when will they arrive?"
"They will arrive this afternoon."
"Good, gather the people and let's go to the mountain gate to welcome them."
"Yes."
Lin'er, having received the order, rushed downstairs to call the others. I also followed him downstairs, and together we went outside the Mingyue Palace to await their arrival.
Perhaps we arrived too early, as there was no sign of them for a long time. After waiting for a considerable while, everyone grew weary and began to question Lin'er.
"Elder, is your information accurate? Why haven't we seen anyone yet?"
"My information is never wrong, they will definitely come."
Everyone could only wait with half-belief. Not long after, a figure was seen walking up from the foot of the mountain, it was Thirteen Niang.
"Thirteen Niang!"
Everyone shouted excitedly, waving to signal her. Thirteen Niang also saw everyone waiting for her and happily waved back.
As she walked up, she was surrounded by the crowd, who eagerly inquired.
"How was it, did you encounter any difficulties?"
She shook her head, walked out of the crowd, and came before me, kneeling on one knee.
"Ghost King, Thirteen Niang has not disgraced her mission. All twenty-four mountain lords within a hundred-mile radius have agreed to join us."
As she spoke, she took out a pile of hair from her embrace, the "one broken for alliance" hair, and handed it to me.
"Thirteen Niang, well done, you have made a great contribution this time." I took the hair and handed it to Lin'er for safekeeping.
"Thirteen Niang dare not claim credit. I am already very happy to be able to help the Ghost King."
I helped Thirteen Niang up and held her hand tightly, expressing my gratitude.
"Do not be so modest, you did an excellent job. You have worked hard, did you encounter any difficulties?"
She recalled the villains she met on the way but felt it was not a major issue, so she shook her head.
"Nothing, everything went smoothly."
"That's good."
"Why is everyone waiting here?"
"Because Liu Shinian and Hei Feng will also return today."
Hearing this meant that they too had succeeded, and Thirteen Niang felt happy for them.
"That's truly wonderful, I'll stay and wait for them too."
"Good, let's wait together."
Before long, a dark figure was seen slowly ascending the steps. As he got closer, we could see it was Hei Feng.
Everyone also waved to greet him, and Hei Feng responded with a bright smile and a wave.
When he reached the top, he was also surrounded by the crowd, who hastily inquired.
"How was it, how was it?"
Hei Feng chuckled, took out a letter from his embrace, and walked up to me, handing it over.
"This is a letter written by my uncle himself. He instructed me to deliver it to the Ghost King personally."
I received the letter with satisfaction and opened it. It stated that he was willing to cooperate with us and join forces with Black Mountain for a great undertaking.
I nodded in satisfaction and praised Hei Feng.
"Well done, you are indeed my number one general."
Hei Feng smiled shyly, then turned his head and saw Thirteen Niang.
"Thirteen Niang, you've returned too."
Thirteen Niang smiled.
"I just arrived."
"In that case, Liu Shinian will also return today."
"You guessed correctly, so clever."
I praised him again.
Hei Feng happily joined us in waiting for Liu Shinian. We waited from the bright sunshine until the sun set, but there was still no sign of his return.
Everyone began to worry. Dao Lang said with concern.
"Could something have happened? Why is he taking so long?"
Fei Xiong shook his head and denied it.
"Impossible, Liu Shinian is exceptionally astute, he will be fine."
Just as they were speaking, someone suddenly shouted.
"Look, he's back."
Everyone's gaze turned downwards, and they saw two figures walking towards us.
The one in the lead was Liu Shinian, carrying someone on his back, and another man behind him, making a total of three people.
As they approached, we could see clearly that it was a woman with a delicate and refined appearance, exuding an ethereal aura and a radiant smile.
Everyone was very curious and stepped forward to inquire.
"Shinian, who is this lady?"
Liu Shinian smiled faintly and said nothing. Instead, the woman introduced herself.
"My name is Bi Yao, a princess of the Mermaid Tribe."
"Princess of the Mermaid Tribe?"
Everyone became excited. Liu Mei couldn't help but praise her.
"I never expected a mermaid princess to be so pure and refined, like a beauty from a painting. And who is the one behind?"
"Oh, this is our tribe's Great Protector, Tian Long."
Tian Long cupped his hands.
"Greetings, everyone."
Everyone returned his greeting. Liu Shinian parted the crowd and came before me, handing me the letter written by the chief.
"The chief of the Mermaid Tribe has agreed to an alliance with us. This is his personal letter."
I took the letter and opened it. It read:
The Mermaid Tribe is willing to form an alliance with the Ghost Demon Tribe and jointly attack the Four Cities.
Mermaid Tribe Chief's Signature.
I was overjoyed and patted Liu Shinian on the shoulder with great satisfaction.
"I knew you could accomplish this, well done."
"I've also brought two people with me, let me introduce them."
He turned around and said to them.
"You two, come here."
Yue Yao and Tian Long walked towards him. Liu Shinian introduced them.
"This is our Great Ghost King. This is Princess Yue Yao of the Mermaid Tribe, and this is Protector Tian Long."
Hearing Liu Shinian's words, Tian Long and Yue Yao immediately bowed.
"Greetings, Ghost King."
I smiled slightly.
"No need for formalities. I am very happy you could come here. We don't have much entertainment here, but we have many people who like to talk."
Yue Yao looked at me with a naive and curious expression. She said.
"I heard Brother Liu speak of the Ghost King. I thought the Ghost King was an extremely stern person, but seeing you now, you are so approachable."
"I would like to be stern, but they don't allow me to be, they always make me happy.
You have had a long journey, let's go to the main hall. I have already instructed someone to prepare wine and food."
Everyone followed me into the main hall. The once spacious and bright hall was now furnished with double tables and straw mats on both sides.
This was the first banquet held in this hall since we settled in Black Mountain. This unique seating arrangement was only seen among the lords of the Four Cities.
Everyone took their seats with curiosity. Lin'er sat in the first seat on the right.
He stood up and clapped his hands, and a line of maids and guards appeared, carrying delicious food of various colors and aromas, placing them one by one.
During this time, I saw Liu Shinian sitting with the mermaid princess, their demeanor intimate, which I found somewhat perplexing but did not dwell on.
When all the dishes were served, Wu Dao, who was standing beside me, came down to pour me wine. I turned back with a smile and said to him.
"Go and sit down, I can manage myself."
Wu Dao bowed and then stood up, walking to Lin'er's side and sitting down. Tian Long watched from the side, a sense of respect growing within him. He thought to himself.
"I initially thought the current Great Ghost King was merely a leader with some abilities, but I never expected.
She is so kind and amiable to a mere attendant, disregarding status. Truly a rare benevolent ruler."
I looked at the people below.
"Today is a celebration banquet for Liu Shinian, Hei Feng, and Thirteen Niang. It is also a welcoming reception for the Mermaid Princess and her Protector.
Words cannot express my gratitude. I can only offer you wine."
Saying this, I gestured for Wu Dao to bring the prepared wine and cups. There were five wine cups in total. I personally filled each of these cups.
Then, I had them carried down and presented to the five hardworking individuals.
Afterward, I raised my cup and said.
"Today is a very happy occasion, let us all raise our cups and drink together."
Saying this, I drank it all in one gulp. Those below also followed suit.
Liu Mei took the initiative to stand up and said.
"Since everyone is so happy today, I would like to offer a dance for everyone."
Yue Jiu Cong also stood up and said.
"Then I will offer a song for everyone."
"Excellent, excellent, truly talented individuals."
Yue Jiu Cong drew his sword, tossed it into the air, and as the sword fell, it transformed into a Guqin.
Yue Jiu Cong leaped lightly upwards, caught it, and cradled it in his arms, then began to play the melody.
Unexpectedly, the true form of this Moon Shadow Sword was a Guqin.
Liu Mei also exhaled a breath of immortal energy. This energy drifted onto her clothes, subtly changing her attire from the feet up.
Colorful crescent shoes, orange puffy pants, a yellow bandeau top, and a pink silk scarf wrapped around her arms.
Her hair was styled into a high heart-shaped bun, making her stunningly beautiful.
As the music began, Liu Mei transformed into a nomadic woman from the frontier and danced to the rhythm, swaying her body.
At times she was like a seductive, slithering snake, and at other times like an enthusiastic dancer, captivating the audience with her brilliant performance.
When the song ended, Liu Mei gracefully landed on Yue Jiu Cong's Guqin. He reached out and pulled her up, and she returned to her original simple appearance.
Everyone was still immersed in the beauty of the moment, as if they had experienced a sweet and beautiful dream that ended before they could savor it.
I looked down and saw everyone staring blankly, as if their souls had been captivated. I laughed heartily and applauded.
"Truly spectacular, I didn't expect you to have such extraordinary skills. Unfortunately, it wasn't enough."
Only then did everyone snap back to reality and began to applaud. Yan Wu Shuang said with envy.
"You two are truly a match made in heaven, making others envious."
Liu Mei covered her mouth and smiled, then returned to her seat with Yue Jiu Cong.
However, seeing their affectionate little display made me feel quite envious. I wished for someone to treat me so well, alas!