“Chapter 75”

"Chapter 75"

"Before Shen Wang could turn around, he felt a chill of ghostly aura behind him. His mind hadn't caught up, but his body had already summoned the formation."

"Simultaneously, Gu Dongting, also with his back to the ghost king, swung his sword behind him at an unseeable speed."

"Their actions were quicker than the other's; as the ghost king rushed behind them, it was blocked by the formation, and at the same time, a flash of sword light split it in half with a sharp, icy sword aura."

"But the sword strike was hasty, and even though it split the ghost king in two, the ghostly aura writhed, and the halves slowly merged back into a human form, visibly more tenuous."

"The actions of Shen Wang and Gu Dongting were so fast that the others didn't catch up; the crisis was already averted."

For a moment, everyone's gaze towards them was somewhat complicated.

Gu Dongting's strength was well-known to all. It wasn't surprising that he could make a comeback in such a situation, but Shen Wang, an unknown newcomer in the metaphysical world, was actually able to withstand the Ghost King.

This was somewhat surprising.

Some people were covertly examining the formation, trying to discern what kind of formation it was. After a long observation, they came up empty-handed: it was a formation they had never seen before!

"What kind of formation is this? Fellow Daoist, have you seen it before?"

"I haven't seen it... Shen Wang, isn't he a master of talismans? How does he know about formations too?"

"Looking at how exquisite and effective this formation is, it's not something that can be set up overnight."

"I heard his talisman art is incredibly profound, but his formation skills are also..."

The Vice President of the Metaphysics Association stared intently at Shen Wang, his mind a whirlwind of shock.

With Shen Wang's level in talisman art already indicating a limitless future, and now this masterful formation... The Vice President, looking at Shi Yan's usual calm smile, felt almost a physical pain in his heart.

Such a talent, and he had repeatedly misjudged him, pushing him into the ranks of the Association's adversaries! The Vice President, wise and calculating for half his life, felt for the first time the urge to spit blood.

Noticing Shi Yan's composed gaze, the Vice President clenched his teeth in secret. He swore that this cunning fox from the Special Department must have known in advance about Shen Wang's proficiency in formations! Otherwise, he couldn’t be this composed!

Thinking of how Shi Yan had stood by Shen Wang against everyone's skepticism, it seemed the Metaphysics Association had long been planning this.

Amidst the buzzing discussions of the crowd, Shi Yan smiled faintly, exuding a friendly, inscrutable aura, hiding his talents and biding his time.

Watching his colleagues in shock and disbelief, Shi Yan felt a secret thrill in his heart.

Who would have thought that Shen Wang was not only unparalleled in talisman art but also first-class in formation skills?

Amidst their astonishment, everyone almost forgot about the Ghost King, their attention completely focused on Shen Wang.

Shen Wang watched the Ghost King warily, trying to find traces of Xiao Kong: "Who are you?"

Is it the Ghost King... or Xiao Kong?

Gu Dongting glanced subtly at him, stepping forward slightly. His long sword remained unsheathed, its tip faintly aimed at the Ghost King.

The Ghost King kept his head lowered, unresponsive for a long time.

Shen Wang's heart sank: Could it be that Xiao Kong was really absorbed?

Just as this thought crossed his mind, a small ghost floated shakily out of the Ghost King's body, bumping into the formation with a thud: "Master... hic..."

Shen Wang looked expressionlessly at Xiao Kong, who had once again become a chubby figure.

Xiao Kong also noticed the sudden increase of people around him and tilted his head in confusion, "Master?"

Shen Wang flicked his fingers, slightly altering the formation, and pulled Xiao Kong in, "What happened to you?"

Xiao Kong, who had devoured an unknown amount of ghost energy from the Little Ghost King, wobbled as he walked, his body plump and chubby, looking adorably fat, "I snuck into his body and ate some ghost energy."

While speaking, Xiao Kong couldn't help but burp, releasing a stream of undigested ghost energy from his mouth.

Shen Wang: "......"

Well, someone went into another's body for a buffet.

This little ghost's origin was unclear, and it was obvious he was with Shen Wang. The surrounding cultivators immediately shouted, "Shen Wang, you still claim the Little Ghost King has nothing to do with you!"

This statement instantly made the people around them pick up their weapons again, warily pointing them at Shen Wang.

Gu Dongting's eyes lowered, hiding the uncharacteristic coldness in them, "What's going on?"

Hearing Gu Dongting speak, the crowd seemed to find their backbone, their eyes intensely focusing on Shen Wang, their meaning clear: Let's see how you talk your way out of this!

Shen Wang, disappointed like a parent with a failing child, pinched the chubby cheek of Xiao Kong and repeated the story, "I've said it already, I don't know why the Little Ghost King suddenly attacked me."

The news that the Little Ghost King came from Qingcheng Mountain was something Shen Wang couldn't reveal yet.

Once revealed, why he knew this would become a huge question; either admit he was one of the masked villains and heard it while raiding the Qingcheng Mountain treasury.

Or be unable to explain the source of the information and continue to be controlled as a suspect.

Neither option was ideal, so Shen Wang chose to play dumb.

"You say you don't know the Little Ghost King, but what about this formation?" someone asked sharply and aggressively.

Shen Wang blinked innocently, "This is just a precautionary defense formation I set up at home. I admit I'm a bit paranoid, but I don't believe none of you have something at home to save your lives."

At this moment, Shi Yan also interjected with a light smile, "It's not incomprehensible. Previously, Qingcheng Mountain was relentlessly pursuing Shen Wang. If not for his luck, he might have died on the day of the entrance exam."

Shen Wang nodded in agreement, taking the opportunity to throw shade at Qingcheng Mountain, "With Qingcheng Mountain eyeing me like a tiger does its prey, it'd be strange if I didn't prepare in advance."

Thinking this way, it seemed there really was no issue. The crowd's expressions softened, then immediately turned solemn again, continuing to ask, "You said the Little Ghost King has nothing to do with you, but what about this... little chubby ghost?"

Xiao Kong, struggling to hug Shen Wang's leg, protested, "You're the chubby one! I'm a ghost, I can't get fat!"

"Indeed, this little ghost is under my care," Shen Wang, patting Xiao Kong's head without changing his expression, said, "But as cultivators of high prowess, you should be able to see that he is clean and clear, with no resentment or evil energy, indicating he's never harmed anyone."

The onlookers, unable to discern the truth, were speechless.

None dared admit their inability to see through the situation, as doing so would be akin to confessing their lack of spiritual cultivation.

In the eerie silence, Gu Dongting nodded, "He absorbed the Ghost King's spirit, bearing traces of its sinister energy, making it hard to distinguish clearly."

Upon hearing Gu Dongting's words, everyone breathed a sigh of relief.

"So he was influenced by the Ghost King's malevolent energy. No wonder I couldn't see through it."

"It's Gu Shixiong's profound cultivation and perceptive eyes that unveiled the truth."

"This ghost isn't harmful, but the Ghost King, with an unknown origin and overwhelming bloodlust, must have harmed many... What should be done about this Ghost King?"

Everyone trusted Gu Dongting's words without doubt.

A conspiracy against Shen Wang was thus silently resolved.

Shen Wang exhaled softly, somewhat surprised. He had faced similar slanders in the cultivation world, but he had always fought his way out and hidden for a while.

Only to return and take revenge once his cultivation was profound enough.

This was the first time someone had shielded him from blame, protecting him with their own reputation.

This feeling... Shen Wang, looking at Gu Dongting's beautifully sculpted profile, felt an inexplicable tremor in his heart.

"Shen Daoyou, what happened to this Ghost King?" Shi Yan asked three times before bringing Shen Wang's wandering soul back to reality.

As if awakening from a dream, Shen Wang casually grabbed Xiao Kong's head and ruffled it fiercely, "What?"

Shi Yan looked helplessly at Shen Wang and, from an angle invisible to others, rolled his eyes slightly before asking, "How much longer can your formation trap him?"

Shen Wang glanced at the Ghost King, standing motionless in mid-air like a dummy, and pondered for a few seconds: "My formation is a defensive one. If nothing goes wrong, it should be able to hold the Ghost King for one night."

"As for how to defeat the Ghost King… that's up to you."

Shen Wang, without hesitation, passed the buck, thinking, 'Let me set up the formation and also expect me to exert effort? That's too good a deal.'

As Shi Yan and the members of the Metaphysical Society began discussing how to deal with the Ghost King, Xiao Kong innocently said, "Why defeat him? He's only got a wisp of soul left, I could easily devour him."

Everyone was shocked, exclaiming in unison, "What?!"

Startled, Xiao Kong shivered and, only after being comforted by Shen Wang, timidly said, "His soul is very fragile, it won't last much longer..."

Xiao Kong dared to venture into the Ghost King's body for a feast, sensing his bluster but inner frailty.

If the Ghost King were in his prime, Xiao Kong entering would be akin to offering himself as an easy prey.

After hearing Xiao Kong's words, Shen Wang thoughtfully asked, "Can you restore his consciousness?"

Holding his heavy belly, Xiao Kong hesitated, "...maybe..."

Understanding Shen Wang's intention, everyone at the scene got his idea.

"Do you want the Ghost King to tell you who's plotting against you?"

"The fate of the ghost controller is tied to the ghost; how could he reveal the truth to you?"

"Using harsh interrogation doesn't seem like a problem..."

Ignoring the others' discussion, Shen Wang, after confirming Xiao Kong could handle the Ghost King, controlled the formation and once again tossed Xiao Kong near the Ghost King.

Perhaps sensing danger, the motionless Ghost King suddenly opened his eyes as Xiao Kong approached, his calm ghostly aura bursting forth as he began to chant menacingly, "Kill, kill, kill."

His behavior confirmed Shen Wang's earlier assertion: this was indeed a mindless evil spirit driven by instinct.

Xiao Kong transformed into a wisp of black smoke and re-entered the Ghost King's body. This time, he carefully avoided the Ghost King's fragile soul, devouring only the negative emotions within the ghostly aura.

After nearly finishing his feast, Xiao Kong slowly exited, the transforming black mist now a plump mass.

This chubby cloud of black mist floated unsteadily to Shen Wang, reshaping into a human form, now resembling an over-inflated balloon. "Burp, all done," he announced.

Was it really resolved that simply? The crowd looked towards the Ghost King with a mix of skepticism and confusion.

The Ghost King's expression twisted momentarily before he reopened his eyes, now clearly bewildered, "Where am I?"

"He really regained his consciousness!"

"What's the origin of this ghost? He devoured so much of the Ghost King's aura without any adverse effects?"

"Shouldn't he be either bursting or corrupted by the Ghost King's resentment… yet he still seems like a harmless blob."

Xiao Kong, who seemed harmless, kept burping. He swore he couldn't eat another bite; not even a sliver of space was left.

Clutching the hem of Shen Wang's clothes, Xiao Kong half-floated, slowly drifting into sleep.

Shen Wang looked down, shrunk Xiao Kong to the size of a palm, and tucked him back into his pocket.

The Ghost King's eyes only wavered briefly with confusion before regaining clarity. He scanned the people present, eventually fixing his gaze on the vice president.

Everyone, weapons in hand and on high alert, followed his gaze, and the atmosphere shifted subtly.

Even Shi Yan looked at the vice president with a strange expression: Could it really be him who plotted against Shen Wang, playing the role of a thief shouting "stop the thief"?

The vice president, already in a foul mood, felt even more aggrieved, "It wasn't me, I didn't, I don't even know this ghost!"

The Ghost King tilted his head in thought, then directly called out the vice president's name: "Zhao Xi, you..."

He paused mid-sentence.

As soon as he uttered the vice president's name, a wave of astonishment swept through the crowd.

Those standing near the vice president also subtly moved away from him.

The vice president, at a loss for words, thought to himself that although he had considered eliminating Shen Wang if he couldn't win him over, he hadn't acted yet! It was just a thought!

Fuming with indignation, the vice president exclaimed, "Who sent you? Not only to target Shen Wang but to slander me as well?!"

The Ghost King paused, looking dim-witted, then suddenly his eyes flashed red, and his voice turned piercingly shrill: "Chen Xingzhi! Chen Xingzhi! I will kill you!"

In an instant, the Ghost King lost his sanity again, becoming frenzied. Despite his weakened soul, he relentlessly collided against the defensive formation, his ghostly aura dissipating as if he felt no pain.

This harrowing scene startled everyone, leaving them unable to ask any further questions.

The vice president's face turned grim: "Chen Xingzhi..."

Chen Xingzhi was the name of the Qingcheng Mountain sect leader.

Shen Wang hadn't expected the Ghost King to be so effective; regaining a bit of consciousness, he had unveiled a corner of a massive dark secret.

Looking at the Ghost King trapped in the formation, tirelessly like a caged beast, Shen Wang sighed inwardly.

Suddenly, a cry of surprise came from the crowd: "This person, no, this ghost, isn't he... isn't he that person from Qingcheng Mountain?"

All eyes turned to the speaker in unison.

Feeling the weight of so many gazes, the speaker nervously wiped the sweat from his forehead and said hoarsely, "This happened over twenty years ago. The then-leader of Qingcheng Mountain had two disciples."

"The younger disciple is the current leader of Qingcheng Mountain, and his senior disciple..."

The speaker didn't finish his sentence, just looked towards the Ghost King in the formation, whose face, though distorted beyond recognition, still vaguely showed his features.

With that statement, others began to recall, "Back then, the previous sect leader faced cultivation issues and had to choose a successor from among the two disciples..."

Others added, "The sect leader clearly favored the senior disciple, but he suddenly disappeared during a trip, leaving the junior disciple to take over in an emergency."

Twenty years ago, society wasn't as stable, technology wasn't as advanced as today, and the management of the metaphysical community wasn't as regulated. Once someone disappeared, it was like a drop in the ocean, leaving no trace.

Putting these pieces together and looking at the Ghost King in the formation, everyone involuntarily shuddered, realizing the terrifying implications.

Shi Yan's face lost its smile as he signaled his subordinates, "This is a serious matter, our special department will take over."

The vice president of the Metaphysical Association turned pale; "The Metaphysical Association still exists."

Shi Yan remained unflustered, "If I'm not mistaken, the Metaphysical Association and Qingcheng Mountain are deeply intertwined. Even you, the vice president, have a close relationship with the leader of Qingcheng Mountain... Leaving this matter in your hands, our special department wouldn't mind, but I doubt the other members would feel at ease."

The crowd looked at each other and tacitly agreed to Shi Yan's arrangement.

The significance behind this incident was too great, transcending the mere elimination of a Ghost King.

That night, everyone arrived in high spirits but left with heavy hearts.

After the unrelated people left, the special department, with Gu Dongting's help, captured the weakened Ghost King and took him into their 'custody'.

'Custody' was read as management but meant protection.

As Shi Yan and his group were leaving, they hinted numerous times, trying to get Gu Dongting to leave with them, but he acted as if he were blind, not moving from his spot.

Finally, Shi Yan had no choice but to leave with his subordinates to the special department.

Walking away, he grumbled internally: What's with Gu Shixiong lately? His aura is intimidating, and he's been slacking in his actions... Not going back to work overtime in such a situation, and instead staying here.

Those unaware would probably think that Shen Wang and Gu Dongting were together.

After everyone left, the bustling villa quieted down again, leaving only Gu Dongting, who looked at Shen Wang, "Why did you ask me to stay?"

Just moments ago, Shen Wang had covertly mouthed to Gu Dongting to stay while everyone else was distracted.

Gu Dongting felt that, compared to working overtime at the special department, staying with Shen Wang was much more relaxing and enjoyable.

So, he stayed behind without any mental burden.

"Let's go inside and talk," Shen Wang said as he deactivated the formation, gesturing for Gu Dongting to follow him inside.

Gu Dongting paused briefly, then silently followed Shen Wang.

Once inside, Gu Dongting took a quick look around and, to his surprise, found the room slightly messy but very clean.

Seeing his puzzled look, Shen Wang laughed, "I really am too lazy to do housework, but I have dust-removal talismans. Do you want a few?"

Gu Dongting replied, "…No need."

This was very much in line with the image of Shen Wang he had in his mind.

Shen Wang didn't insist. He turned serious and brought up the main topic of the day, "Dongting, do you know your sister is in City C?"

The sudden mention of his sister made Gu Dongting's eyes flicker, a fleeting murderous intent passing through them as he calmly countered, "What about it?"

Shen Wang was still considering how to phrase his words and didn’t notice Gu Dongting’s off demeanor, "At the auction the other day, I saw your sister."

Gu Dongting's expression remained unchanged, waiting patiently.

Taking a deep breath, Shen Wang continued, "She was sitting with Tang Jiu, looking very familiar with each other, and their actions were quite intimate."

Gu Dongting's pupils constricted, and a cold smile curled at the corners of his lips as he said ambiguously, "Well, that is unexpected."

Shen Wang wanted to warn Gu Dongting about his sister, but with nothing concrete having happened yet, and considering Gu Dongting's personality, speaking ill of his sister would only damage their relationship.

So, Shen Wang could only hint indirectly, "You know, Tang Jiu is not a good person, and your sister... being naive and inexperienced, could easily be deceived by such a bad man. If you have time, perhaps you should intervene, prevent her from further contact with Tang Jiu..."

Shen Wang didn’t notice that Gu Dongting’s silence at this moment was different from his usual quiet attentiveness.

Gu Dongting's eyes held a cold, ruthless edge that was uncharacteristic of him, even a hint of madness.

So, Gu Manling had already been in contact with Tang Jiu at this time? Far from being angry, Gu Dongting laughed; he had been waiting for this moment for a long time.

Ever since he came back to life, from the first moment he saw Gu Manling, he had been waiting.

Gu Manling was his sister, and Gu Lao San was his uncle. Before anything had happened, he could act against anyone except them.

His grandparents at home would be heartbroken, his parents wouldn’t understand… so he could only wait, wait for them to make mistakes, until it was too late to turn back.

Therefore, not only would Gu Dongting not stop Gu Manling’s interactions with Tang Jiu, he would even secretly encourage them.

But seeing Shen Wang's cautious demeanor, choosing his words so carefully, Gu Dongting suddenly felt a surge of displeasure and interrupted him: "That’s my sister."

Shen Wang was taken aback, looking at Gu Dongting with a confused expression.

This reaction from Shen Wang somehow eased the slight annoyance in Gu Dongting.

Gu Dongting spoke more bluntly, "I have confidence in her. You don’t need to say more, please don't interfere in our family matters again."

Shen Wang was left puzzled, “???”

Shen Wang, who considered himself to have a good temper, was getting a bit angry, really wanting to curse about being unappreciated despite good intentions.

Everything about Gu Dongting was admirable except for his excessive naivety and conservatism, practically a stickler! Does he really think his sister is an innocent, naive little bunny unaware of the ways of the world?

If it were someone else being this ungrateful, Shen Wang would have walked away long ago. But this was Gu Dongting...

Shen Wang rolled his eyes silently, calming himself down, "Let it be."

Actually, Gu Dongting didn't mean any harm; he was just a bit slow, a bit foolish, too trusting of others... After mentally berating Gu Dongting, Shen Wang felt better.

Anyway, nothing had happened yet, and it was still early to worry about the future. Shen Wang, thinking this, changed the topic, "Do you have any specific requirements for your sword?"

From his few interactions with Gu Dongting, Shen Wang could tell that he was one to hold grudges over small matters. He had expected Gu Dongting to be very angry, to have a big fight, or even to kick him out.

But Shen Wang acted as if nothing was amiss.

Gu Dongting's mood, which had just started to relax, suddenly fell again, "What sword?"

"Didn't I say before that I wanted to gift you a sword?" Shen Wang thought Gu Dongting might have forgotten due to his busy schedule and reminded him.

Gu Dongting looked puzzled, "You still want to gift... me, a sword?"

Not sure if it was his imagination, but Shen Wang always felt that Gu Dongting emphasized the word 'me', "Of course it's you, who else could it be... Although, there is another person I want to make a small knife for."

Gu Dongting paused, "Who?"

Shouldn't you be concerned about your own sword? Why are you interested in this? Shen Wang's expression stiffened; if Gu Dongting knew about the things he and Little Black Brother had done, he would probably be taken straight to the special department.

Not wanting to deceive Gu Dongting, Shen Wang tactfully shifted focus, "A friend I get along with quite well."

"Friend…" Gu Dongting's features softened a bit, "Then what about me? Am I also your friend?"

Beads of sweat almost formed on Shen Wang's forehead. Today's Gu Dongting was really too strange, he said helplessly, "You are my close friend."

Gu Dongting, who had just relaxed his brows, suddenly turned cold and stern again.

Shen Wang: "???"

What exactly did he say wrong? Could he get a hint? Why is he suddenly unhappy again? Shen Wang was almost at his wits' end.

He felt like a clueless boyfriend trying to figure out why his girlfriend is mad, unable to pinpoint the issue: Why is he angry again? Why is he doubly angry? Why is he angry yet again?

Completely baffling!

Gu Dongting's gaze shifted several times, seemingly pondering something, then suddenly curved into a faint smile, saying, "I like black. You can prepare a black sword for me. It doesn't need to be very fancy, just sharp enough."

As long as it's quick enough for killing, Gu Dongting would be satisfied.

Shen Wang, looking at Gu Dongting clad in white, said, "You like black?"

Gu Dongting nodded pleasantly, candidly saying, "Yes, I like black."

Shen Wang: "...It's hard to tell."

Really hard to tell.

Not a single black item on him, yet he likes black? Shen Wang didn't quite understand what Gu Dongting meant by 'like'.

Having told Gu Dongting the most important thing, Shen Wang didn't insist on keeping him, and after a few words, respectfully escorted him out, "You must have a lot of other things to take care of, I won't keep you."

Gu Dongting, who actually didn't care much about those things, replied, "…Alright."

Stepping outside, Gu Dongting's usual indifference turned into a mocking smile as he toyed with his sword, "He wants to gift you a sword."

No one responded to his muttering.

Gu Dongting scoffed, "You're just an ignorant fool who fancies himself a savior, thinking you have a duty to make the metaphysical world better because you're hailed as its foremost authority."

But in reality? The metaphysical world doesn't need to become better, just stronger.

"And yet, such foolishness in you..." Gu Dongting didn't quite know how to feel about that.

He despised that young, foolishly arrogant version of himself. If those so-called 'admirers' knew that the current Gu Dongting was nothing but a demon crawling back from hell, his heart ablaze with vengeful hatred, solely focused on revenge...

Everyone would immediately turn against him, sword in hand, without a moment's thought for his past contributions to the metaphysical world.

But, ironically, there was one person who, like him, had experienced betrayal by loved ones, was misunderstood and despised by all, yet still remained true to himself.

He could even join him in corruption, becoming a pair of masked villains in cahoots.

Even after knowing his vile and ugly true face, that person still treated him normally, without fear or fright, treating him as usual.

But why... why was such a fool also drawn to him?

Expressionless, Gu Dongting wondered, why? Why did the person who met him first become close friends with that foolish Gu Dongting?

While he could only be Little Black Brother, unknown in face and name?

On the road, members of the special department in charge of maintaining the scene greeted Gu Dongting with a beaming smile, "Good day, Senior Brother Gu!"

The next second, their radiant smile froze at the corners of their mouth, staying that way until Gu Dongting was out of sight, without regaining composure.

They shuddered, feeling unsettled, "Senior Brother Gu's aura is so intimidating."

They wondered if it was just their imagination, but they felt a chilling murderous intent emanating from Senior Brother Gu, a single glance enough to silence them.

A colleague nearby didn't think much of it, "It's okay, Senior Brother Gu is just cold on the surface but actually a good person. If you have any unsolvable problems in the future, you can ask him for help. He'll definitely assist."

"Senior Brother Gu is a good person."

Hearing the words of others, they scratched their head, "Is that so."

Maybe they were mistaken. Senior Brother Gu was just someone with a cool demeanor.

After seeing off Gu Dongting, Shen Wang sighed deeply, "What's up with Dongting today?" His oppressive presence was so strong.

He felt something was off, yet everything seemed normal.

Even though Gu Dongting didn't heed his advice and scolded him, what could he do? He could only forgive him, just like a father.

Shen Wang sat at his desk, scribbling and drawing in a notebook while thinking bitterly, who would have thought that the once carefree and unrestrained him would one day become a 'lickspittle'.

Although this 'lickspittle' was different from the others.

After a busy night, as sunlight reached his desk, Shen Wang finally straightened up. He held a sheet of paper densely filled with writings, with crumpled balls of paper scattered on the floor.

Xuan Yu, the celestial book, curiously watched as Shen Wang alternated between sleeping and waking, "What are you doing?"

Shen Wang shook the papers in his hand, "Can't you tell?"

Xuan Yu answered, "Of course, I can see, but why are you studying talisman papers all of a sudden?"

Xuan Yu knew everything about spiritual plants, elixirs, and various raw materials, so it immediately recognized this as a method to improve the quality of talisman papers.

What Xuan Yu didn't understand was that the talisman papers in this world were too primitive to withstand such a strong enhancement method – nor was it necessary.

With Shen Wang's abilities, these low-level talisman papers were all similar, and enhancing their quality was an overkill. It would be better to improve higher-quality jade stones for making jade talismans.

Shen Wang didn't respond, just double-checked the steps and quantities for the method.

With scarce resources in this world, Shen Wang racked his brains to devise this method to enhance the quality of talisman papers, using resources readily available in the modern world.

As he received a call, Shen Wang was contemplating whether to give this discovery to Little Black Brother or Gu Dongting.

Gu Dongting had the backing of the Gu family, which could quickly promote it, but being kind-hearted, he might not achieve the desired outcome.

Little Black Brother was ruthless and shrewd, and in a profitable situation, would definitely fulfill Shen Wang's wish to subdue the entire Tang family.

The sole reason Shen Wang developed this was to suppress the Tang family, ideally eradicating them completely!

With Gu Manling already in contact with Tang Jiu and Wei Jiujiu likely to follow, disaster for the Gu family wasn't far off. Gu Dongting was oblivious to the impending dangers, and as his friend, Shen Wang felt compelled to help.

Without the Tang family's support, even if Tang Jiu remained the child of fortune, he would be like a tiger without its claws, unable to challenge Gu Dongting in the short term.

Thinking of Gu Dongting being destroyed by Tang Jiu and his harem, forced into hiding, and eventually turning completely dark, Shen Wang gritted his teeth and decided to give the discovery to Little Black Brother.

Just as Shen Wang made up his mind, his phone rang. Seeing the caller, he felt inexplicably guilty, "Dongting."

Gu Dongting paused, then responded in a low voice, "We're heading to Qingcheng Mountain to capture Chen Xingzhi. Do you want to join?"

Shen Wang thought for a moment before realizing Chen Xingzhi was the head of Qingcheng Mountain, and he brightened up, "Can I come?"

This must be a secret mission from the special department, right?

Gu Dongting, with a cold gaze, dispersed the onlookers and said, "If you want to come, you can."

Shen Wang: "......"

He inexplicably felt pampered by a domineering CEO.

The chance to witness the head of Qingcheng Mountain's misfortune? Of course, Shen Wang chose to go!

Gu Dongting, decisive and swift, interrogated the Little Ghost King privately and then led his team to Qingcheng Mountain early in the morning. Just as everyone was gearing up for action, Gu Dongting suddenly stopped.

After waiting a while and seeing Shen Wang arrive, everyone understood what had happened.

Shi Yan, with a numb expression: Hah, I knew it.

When the group arrived at Qingcheng Mountain, the disciples were still unaware of what was happening. However, the head of Qingcheng Mountain had already received the news and was surprised at the speed of the special department's arrival.

The Qingcheng Mountain sect leader tried to justify himself, "Master Gu, I know you misunderstand me. I'm unaware of what happened with my senior brother back then..."

Before he could finish, Gu Dongting had already ordered his men to shackle him with spirit-suppressing handcuffs.

The Qingcheng Mountain sect leader's expression turned slightly somber, yet he didn't resist. "I am willing to cooperate with the investigation. If it turns out I'm innocent, I hope the special department will compensate for all the damages suffered by Qingcheng Mountain, including our tarnished reputation..."

Gu Dongting curved his lips into a half-smile, staring at him. "Do you really think those things in your treasury's basement will never be discovered?"

The sect leader's pupils shrank. He instinctively wanted to fight back, but it was futile with the spirit-suppressing handcuffs restraining him.

Gu Dongting headed straight for the Qingcheng Mountain treasury and, under the astonished gazes of its disciples, opened a secret chamber.

As the floor slowly revealed a huge black maw, an indescribable stench assaulted their nostrils, and faint gnawing sounds could be heard from below, sending chills down the spine in the pitch-black tunnel.