"Elders, why have you come?" I asked.
The four elders looked at me and then at Lin'er, smiling mysteriously.
Lin'er then explained to me.
"I asked the elders to come."
"For the counter-attack plan?"
Lin'er explained slowly.
"King of Ghosts, you probably don't understand the rules of our Ghost Clan. For any major decisions concerning the Ghost Clan, all respected elders and council members must participate, not just one person fighting alone."
"Since that's the case, let's begin the council quickly."
"No rush, no rush, everyone, please follow me."
With that, he led the way, guiding us to a small path that led into the bamboo forest. As we walked further along the path, we arrived at an open space surrounded by bamboo. A stone table was set up in the clearing, with six teacups placed on it, and six straw cushions arranged around the table.
"It seems our elders have prepared," Elder Mo Xuefu praised.
Lin'er smiled humbly, invited us to take our seats, and then stood up again to explain the purpose of the council.
"For centuries, the Four Cities have oppressed our clan, and now, their actions have reached a point of madness. Take the recent surprise attack on Black Mountain, for instance; they almost annihilated us. Therefore, we cannot remain passive; it is time to fight back."
Lin'er articulated the unspoken thoughts that had been on everyone's minds for days. Since the words were out, the four elders were also determined to contribute their insights and knowledge. Elder Hei Yi, being straightforward and unpretentious, had pondered this idea countless times. However, he had reservations and hesitated to speak until now, when the time was ripe, allowing him to voice his thoughts without any qualms.
"Attacking the Four Cities is not difficult. If we gather our forces and strike hard at South Sea City," Elder Zhu Liuyun also analyzed.
"From the Four Cities' deployment last time to South Sea City's solo expedition now, it's clear that the Four Cities have concerns and are unwilling to divert too many troops to attack Black Mountain," Elder Wan Gu stated.
"That is natural. We are not their only enemies. The Merfolk of the Vast Ocean are also among them. Ever since the Dragon Clan perished a thousand years ago, the Vast Ocean territory became vacant. Because of this, the Merfolk and the Four Cities have been vying for control of the sea, and conflicts have erupted more than once."
Listening to the elders converse, a wealth of astonishing information about the Four Cities was revealed. I never imagined there was such a relationship between the Four Cities and the Merfolk; it seemed I still had much to learn.
Lin'er said, "That is why they are hesitant. If they dispatch troops to attack us, the Merfolk might seize the opportunity to invade."
Elder Mo Xuefu suddenly remembered another race.
"What the Elder said is true. Come to think of it, the Divine Horse Clan has also been persecuted by the Four Cities for nearly four thousand years. I wonder if there is any hope left for their clan."
Elder Hei Yi waved his hand dismissively.
"I don't think there's much hope for that race. They have been deprived of their freedom for four thousand years and have reverted to their primordial forms. I doubt they can achieve anything significant."
"Then only our Ghost Clan and the Merfolk can accomplish anything."
After analyzing the critical points of the Four Cities' hesitations, it was time to discuss our own main forces. Lin'er spoke to the elders about the current situation in Black Mountain.
"Although Black Mountain is severely damaged, there are still many capable individuals. Currently, I believe the usable generals in Black Mountain include Liu Shinian, Xue Hu City, Yan Wushuang, Hei Feng, and Xue Ruyi."
"Does the former lord of Black Mountain, Hei Feng, have any capable subordinates?" Elder Zhu Liuyun asked.
"Hei Feng has subordinates like Bi Gan, Lei Qiuyun, and Wang Yang Ge, all of whom are capable individuals. However, their abilities are far inferior to those of Liu Shinian and the others."
"In that case, our Black Mountain still lacks some talented generals. However, I think that young man named Yue Jiucai is quite good. It would be best if we could keep him."
Elder Zhu Liuyun's thoughts coincided with mine, making this task perfect for me.
"Leave this matter to me. I will definitely be able to keep him."
"Good. We have all witnessed the Ghost King's strength. Entrusting this matter to you, we are at ease."
Facing the Four Cities, Elder Wan Gu still harbored doubts.
"If we are to attack the Four Cities, how should we proceed?"
Unexpectedly, Lin'er had already thought of a plan.
"I have a strategy. If we are to go to war, we don't need to stand alone. We can contact the Merfolk of the Vast Ocean, rally the former subordinates of Uncle Hei Feng, and then connect with scattered forces from various mountain strongholds to plan a major undertaking."
The four elders pondered for a long time, concluding that this was the only feasible method. However, persuading them to join Black Mountain would not be an easy task, and it was uncertain who should be sent to lobby them.
Elder Hei Yi said, "Who would be best suited to persuade them?"
This time, Lin'er did not make the decision alone but glanced at me, implying he wanted me to answer.
"On this matter, I believe the Ghost King knows best. Let the Ghost King decide."
"I..." I was momentarily stunned, unable to think of anyone suitable. When it came to persuasive speaking, Liu Shinian was unparalleled. When it came to dealing with various demons, Thirteen Niang was the one to consider. Without realizing it, I had already arrived at an answer.
Suddenly, I said, "I've got it. Let's send Liu Shinian to the Vast Ocean, Thirteen to contact the various mountain strongholds, and Hei Feng to persuade his uncle to join us."
Seeing my clear proposal, everyone was deeply moved and praised me.
"Excellent! You are indeed the Ghost King. Our thoughts were the same as yours. Let's proceed as you suggested."
This earth-shattering and awe-inspiring bamboo forest council, after countless thoughts and discussions, quickly finalized all the strategies. Looking up, I saw the sky had turned completely dark, and red lanterns were being lit all around.
I slowly stood up and said to the elders and council members, "Esteemed elders and council members, it is getting late. You should all return and rest."
They exchanged glances, then smiled and cupped their hands.
"Yes, Ghost King. Let's go together."
"Alright."
Upon returning to Mingyue Palace, I sent for Liu Shinian, Thirteen Niang, and Hei Feng. Then, I slowly made my way to the main hall. After waiting for a while, Lin'er walked in.
Confused, I asked him, "Elder, why are you not resting yet?"
Lin'er smiled slightly and replied, "Seeing that the Ghost King sent someone to call Liu Shinian and the others, I knew the Ghost King would come to the main hall, so I came as well."
"The Elder is truly restless," I remarked.
He smiled sweetly and said, "Mainly, I was worried the Ghost King might need me."
With his arrival, I indeed had something to ask of him. "Elder, you've come at the perfect time. I do have something to ask of you."
"What is it?"
"Write a letter to the leader of the Merfolk."
"A letter? Oh, I understand." He immediately grasped my intention. He then casually took out paper and a brush from his robes.
I couldn't help but be curious. "Elder, do you always carry these things with you?"
Lin'er smiled sweetly and explained, "I thought they might be useful someday, so I brought them. I didn't expect they would actually come in handy."
"The Elder truly has foresight. In that case, I will dictate, and please, Elder, act as my scribe."
"Alright."
As we were speaking, the three of them walked in. Looking at them, I saw their confusion regarding Lin'er and me.
Liu Shinian asked, puzzled, "Mu Ye, why did you call us here so late at night?"
"There is indeed something. I have an important mission to assign to you. Can you accept it?"
Hei Feng said, "Ghost King, just tell us. We will do our best."
I looked at Liu Shinian and emphasized, "Alright, Shinian, I have something to ask of you."
"What is it?"
"I want you to go to the Vast Ocean, find the Merfolk, and persuade them to form an alliance with us, by any means necessary."
He hesitated for a moment before accepting the task.
"Alright, I will definitely accomplish it."
I was a little surprised that he didn't ask why. Looking closely, through his slightly melancholic eyes, I saw a rare determination. Unlike his usual cheerful demeanor, it seemed the matter of Xue Ji had deeply affected him.
Then, I turned to Thirteen Niang. "Thirteen Niang, for this operation, I need you to go to various mountain strongholds and persuade the mountain lords to join us. Try your best to persuade them. If you can't convince all of them, then convince as many as you can."
"Yes."
Next, to Hei Feng. "Hei Feng, your clan is considered a major power in this region. Your uncle, Hei Yun, has a vast number of subordinates, which, if counted, would be nearly half the population of our Black Mountain. Therefore, I need you to go and persuade your uncle to join our Black Mountain. You must succeed, failure is not an option. Can you do it?"
"No problem."
"Good. Then you shall depart tomorrow morning."
After assigning these tasks, I asked Liu Shinian to stay behind. Then, I took a letter from Lin'er, which he had written based on my dictation. Walking down the steps, I personally handed it to Liu Shinian and said solemnly, "This is the letter I wrote. Give it to the Merfolk elder."
Liu Shinian took the letter, tucked it into his robes, cupped his hands in a bow, and turned to leave. I watched his retreating figure, lost in thought.
Leaving the main hall, Liu Shinian hurried towards his lodging. Whether it was the strong night wind or his haste, within a few steps, a silk handkerchief he was carrying was blown out. He panicked for a moment and quickly reached out to grab it. The moment the handkerchief landed in his palm, his heart ached anew. He murmured involuntarily, "Xue Ji... Xue Ji..." His eyes suddenly dimmed, and he slowly turned his head to look towards the back mountain. Unconsciously, he began to walk lightly towards the back mountain.
He slowly arrived before Xue Ji's grave and gently reached out to touch the cold stone tablet. "Xue Ji..." he whispered, a surge of sorrow overwhelming him. He then sat quietly before the grave, gazing into the distance.
I was heading towards my small building. As I reached the garden, I suddenly remembered that Liu Shinian was about to leave. I wondered if he would go to see Xue Ji. Driven by curiosity, I slowly walked towards the back mountain. As soon as I exited the back door, I looked up and saw a figure sitting before the grave. Without a doubt, it was Liu Shinian. I stopped slowly, not wanting to disturb him, yet my eyes couldn't help but gaze at him.
Liu Shinian suddenly lowered his eyes. I felt a pang of panic and quickly hid behind the wall. In my heart, I foolishly thought, "If he had tried harder, if Xue Ji had agreed, perhaps none of this would have happened. If I hadn't met him, would things be different?" The cold wind offered no answers.
Before dawn, Liu Shinian rose and started walking down the mountain. Without anyone noticing, he took nothing but his sword, the letter, and the memento Xue Ji had left him. I had been following him, but I remained still, watching him go. Standing at the mountain gate, I watched his departing figure. Such loneliness, I imagined he had walked this path many times alone.
"Don't worry, he can handle it," Xue Gucheng suddenly appeared behind me and said to comfort me. I turned around and saw that everyone had arrived. They had also come to see him off. Thirteen Niang, carrying her luggage, walked out from the crowd and approached me, cupping her hands. "Ghost King, I'm leaving too."
"Alright. Be careful on your journey."
"Mm." With that, she too descended the mountain.
"Ghost King, they've all left. I'm leaving too." Hei Feng also stepped forward, cupped his hands in farewell.
"Alright, go. Do your best."
"Ghost King, don't worry, I will definitely persuade my uncle."
"Good. I'll be waiting for your return." I patted his shoulder, offering him affirmation. He smiled happily and turned to descend the mountain.
I turned to look at Lin'er, feeling a sense of worry. "I wonder if they can successfully complete the tasks I've assigned them."
"The Ghost King's judgment is impeccable. They are not naive children; they will surely succeed."
"You're right."
Watching the three depart, Yue Jiucai and Liu Mei also came to bid me farewell. Yue Jiucai said, cupping his hands, "Mu Ye, now that Yu Jiao has also left, we have no more worries. It's time for us to descend the mountain."
Seeing him about to leave, I suddenly remembered my promise to the elders to keep the two of them in Black Mountain. In my haste, I blurted out, "Stay."
Liu Mei, however, politely refused. "Mu Ye, we have already troubled you greatly. We are very grateful for your help this time. We haven't had a chance to thank you properly."
"That was just a small gesture, nothing to mention."
"Still, we must thank you and everyone for taking care of us these past few days. We won't trouble you further." With that, they prepared to leave. I was at a loss and had to turn to Lin'er for help.
Lin'er understood and unhurriedly said, "Wait a moment."
The two of them stopped in confusion, turning back with puzzled expressions. Lin'er calmly walked forward and took Liu Mei's pulse. He frowned and then said, "Miss Liu, your body is still very weak. If you don't recuperate properly, it could be life-threatening."
Upon hearing that Liu Mei was in trouble, Yue Jiucai became agitated. "Then, after we go down the mountain, I will find a good place to let Liu Mei rest and recuperate."
Yan Wushuang saw through our little scheme. She recalled how the two of them had been coaxed into staying by our group's combined efforts. Thinking about it, she found it amusing. However, now it was her turn to join the effort to keep them.