The sudden arrival of the Deputy Director of the Ghost-Control Society stunned everyone present. Some were puzzled, others intrigued. The atmosphere was thick with uncertainty, as everyone waited to see how things would unfold.
Matters were swiftly spiraling beyond control. Some astute individuals had already begun to realize that Cao Minglang had no intention of leading anyone to rescue Zhong Hai. Part of this was due to the inherent dangers of Sanxiang Harbor, but there was also the shadow of self-interest. Should Zhong Hai perish, Cao Minglang would seamlessly rise to power.
"You claim to be the Deputy Director? Does that make you the Deputy Director simply because you say so?" a man scoffed, stepping forward to challenge Mo Lin. "If I declared myself the Director, would that make it true? Ridiculous."
This man was one of Cao Minglang's trusted followers, here to confront Mo Lin.
"I believe Mo Lin," Zheng Nan spoke first, his voice steady. He had interacted with Mo Lin before, and with Mo Lin being a Level 5 Ghost Controller, it seemed entirely plausible that he held the position of Deputy Director. Moreover, there was no reason for Mo Lin to lie.
"Don't let him deceive you," Cao Minglang spat, dismissing Mo Lin's claim. "He's talking nonsense. Nothing but lies."
"You want to send these people to their deaths in Sanxiang Harbor? I will not let that happen," Mo Lin said calmly, his voice unwavering.
"Just check the records; you'll find my details there," Mo Lin continued, his tone cool.
Cao Minglang's face twisted with discomfort. He knew Zhong Hai had appointed Mo Lin as the Deputy Director, and there would undoubtedly be documentation to prove it. But Cao Minglang wasn't about to let that happen. "No need to check. There's no record of you in the archives," he insisted, determined to deny Mo Lin's position.
"Seize him!" Cao Minglang ordered with a flick of his hand. A man in black approached Mo Lin, handcuffs in hand, ready to take him down.
"Step aside."
Mo Lin's voice was sharp, his foot connecting with the man's chest in a brutal kick that sent him crashing to the floor. The shift from verbal confrontation to physical altercation was abrupt, but the atmosphere in the room shifted instantly. No one dared speak in Mo Lin's defense; after all, his identity remained unverified, and everyone was still bound by Cao Minglang's authority.
"Oh? You dare lay hands on me?" Cao Minglang's voice grew cold as he saw the tables turn.
"Seize him! That's an order!" Cao Minglang barked.
Although a few were reluctant, the majority began to advance toward Mo Lin, ready to overpower him.
Suddenly, Mo Lin threw down a card onto the ground. "This card can verify my identity," he said, his voice steady.
The people advancing toward Mo Lin froze, confused. The card was the one Zhong Hai had given him, and it clearly stated his position as the Deputy Director of the Ghost-Control Society.
Zheng Nan moved forward, slowly picking up the card and inspecting it closely. "This is the identity card. There's no mistake. Mo Lin is indeed the Deputy Director."
The murmurs in the room were clear. Cao Minglang stared at the card, his face betraying a flicker of panic. If Mo Lin were allowed to rescue Zhong Hai, his own position would be jeopardized.
"This is fake... the card is fake!" Cao Minglang blurted out, trying to maintain his composure. "You're all being fooled."
Silence followed. Those present were all veteran members of the Ghost-Control Society—none of them could be easily deceived by a counterfeit identity card. The authenticity of the card was glaringly obvious.
"Is there anyone else who doubts my identity?" Mo Lin asked, his tone unwavering.
"I doubt your identity. That card is undoubtedly fake," Cao Minglang declared, his voice thick with hostility.
"I also doubt it..." several others chimed in, echoing Cao Minglang's words. They were all his loyal subordinates, speaking in unison to undermine Mo Lin.
But aside from these few, the rest remained silent, refusing to take a side.
"Everyone, follow me to Sanxiang Harbor to rescue Zhong Hai. Anyone who defies my order will be treated as a traitor," Mo Lin commanded, his voice resolute and forceful.
Zheng Nan stepped forward, standing firmly behind Mo Lin, signaling his allegiance. The room split into factions: some stood with Mo Lin, others remained neutral, while a significant number still stood behind Cao Minglang.
Cao Minglang had clearly cultivated a strong base within the society, and it was no surprise that over twenty people supported him.
"What does this mean, Cao Minglang? Are you defying orders?" Mo Lin's voice was cold, his gaze cutting.
"I don't recognize your identity," Cao Minglang responded, standing tall and unyielding.
Mo Lin's voice grew even firmer, his words precise. "Let me repeat this, so everyone hears clearly. Anyone who defies my orders will be treated as a traitor."
Turning to Zheng Nan, Mo Lin asked, "How does the Ghost-Control Society deal with traitors?"
"Execute them," Zheng Nan replied softly, his words carrying the weight of finality.
The few remaining supporters of Cao Minglang exchanged uneasy glances, but still stood by him, unwilling to make a change.
Mo Lin's gaze fixed on Cao Minglang. "Are you certain you want to defy my orders?" he asked, voice low and dangerous.
"I don't recognize your authority," Cao Minglang stubbornly insisted.
"Then there's nothing left to discuss," Mo Lin declared coldly. "Cao Minglang and those who follow him are traitors to the Ghost-Control Society."
"Heh..." Cao Minglang sneered, his voice dripping with venom. "Let's see who dares to lay a hand on me." He summoned his Nightmare-grade contract ghost, and an aura of murderous intent flooded the room, instantly overwhelming the space.
With his Nightmare-level contract ghost, no one in the room could stand against him.
"Execute me? I doubt you have the ability," Cao Minglang taunted, his voice filled with smug confidence.
"Chen Xi!" Mo Lin snapped.
Another Nightmare-grade contract ghost appeared, this one emanating a chilling aura. Cao Minglang's confident expression faltered. This was becoming more troublesome than he had anticipated.
"Chu Xing!" Mo Lin called out again.
A third Nightmare-grade ghost materialized, and the room was now thick with an undeniable sense of tension. Two Nightmare-grade ghosts were more than enough to make even someone like Cao Minglang reconsider his position.
The next moment, Chen Xi lunged at Cao Minglang's contract ghost with terrifying speed. As soon as he made contact, flames of deep crimson erupted from his body, enveloping the ghost in a furious blaze.
Ghost Technique: Ghost Fire.
The ghost shrieked in agony, trapped within the fiery cocoon.
Chu Xing, his calm expression betraying no emotion, unleashed his own ghost technique—Soul Chain. The chain shot forward, piercing the chest of the contract ghost.
The tide of battle had shifted. With both Chen Xi and Chu Xing on his side, Mo Lin now held an overwhelming advantage. The two ghosts were seasoned warriors, honed by countless battles, their experience in combat far surpassing that of a mere contract ghost.
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