This meant that whoever struck first would seize the prize.Qiao Wuran had no intention of wasting time.A single human life was worth thirty thousand underworld coins—A temptation no one could resist.
The Xin Family.
"What? Someone else has gone missing?"Xin Lang gritted his teeth, cursing furiously, "Damn that Mo Lin!"Ever since Mo Lin had issued his bounty,Many members of the Qi family had disappeared without a trace.Even a fool could guess they had been assassinated.Even Xin Lang himself had narrowly escaped an attempt on his life.These days, the Xin family scarcely dared set foot outside their home.All because of the bounty Mo Lin had announced at the gathering.
"Brother Xin, our family members are too afraid to leave the house,"A man complained to Xin Lang."Shut up! I know that already," Xin Lang snapped coldly.He, too, was at a loss for what to do.
"Cousin, what now?" Xin Lang asked a middle-aged man with a neatly trimmed beard."Seek aid from the Li family. They owe us a favor," the man said slowly."Alright."Xin Lang immediately began making calls to the Li family.
At the Ghost Taming Society,Everything continued as usual,The only disturbance was the business with the Xin family.Since Mo Lin had issued the bounty,Five individuals had come to claim the reward.All five were sixth-level ghost tamers—Only those with such strength dared provoke the Xin family.After all, in Beihai, the Xin family still held considerable sway.Without true ability, no one would dare cross them.
"Brother Mo, someone's here to see you,"Lin Xi said as she entered the office, speaking softly."Who?""A menacing figure—he doesn't look like anyone good," Lin Xi whispered.
As the two spoke, Bang!The office doors were kicked open.A tall man clad in a leather jacket strode inside,Easily towering over one meter ninety.The moment he entered,A terrifying aura of killing intent flooded the room.
"You're Mo Lin?" the man asked."I am," Mo Lin answered coldly.
"Rescind the bounty on the Xin family,"The man—Bailong—said icily.So he was here for the Xin family's sake.Anyone willing to intervene must have deep ties to them.
"And why should I?" Mo Lin asked, voice calm.
Bang!Bailong slammed his hand onto the desk, his tone frozen stiff."This isn't a negotiation. It's an order.You're just a fifth-level ghost tamer. Watch your mouth."
"And if I refuse?" Mo Lin retorted.
"I wouldn't mind making sure you never see another sunrise,"Bailong sneered, summoning his deadly contract ghost.
"You, a mere fifth-level ghost tamer,Have no right to bargain with me.Withdraw the bounty—did you hear me?"
Arrogance radiated from him.A searing fury rushed up from Mo Lin's gut to his head.
"Are you underestimating me?""Do you think Mo Lin has no temper?""How amusing—these days even dogs and cats dare nip at me,"Mo Lin's brows furrowed deeply.
Did they truly think him so weak?If he showed no strength, would even strays come to bite?Truly, a fallen tiger humiliated by curs.
Were Mo Lin at his prime,He would not even need to act—A single glance would send these so-called deadly ghosts trembling in terror.
"You brat—"Bailong began, but Mo Lin had no patience for words.
He drew a Thunder Talisman.In an instant, arcs of electricity crackled over him.Without hesitation, he charged the deadly-level ghost head-on.
Boom!An explosion rocked the room.Panic flashed across Bailong's face.
Thunder Talisman?!Why did this kid have one?Wasn't he merely a ghost tamer?How could he wield thunder arts?What was going on?!
A growing dread gnawed at Bailong's heart.Thunder Talismans were devastating against ghosts,Though not omnipotent—The stronger the ghost, the less damage lightning inflicted.
Yet wielding the Thunder Talisman,Mo Lin clashed fiercely against the deadly ghost.
The ghost unleashed a torrent of black mist,Enveloping Mo Lin and plunging the room into darkness.A technique designed to blind his enemy.
Yet Mo Lin, clutching his talisman,Summoned a storm of lightning from the heavens.Bolts of electric fury rained down around him.The deadly ghost could not even approach,Each strike weakening it further.
With a thrust of his hand,Mo Lin pierced through the ghost's chest—Yet he did not destroy it.Instead, he chose to subdue it.
Pressing his palm atop the ghost's head,A panel of information appeared before him:
Name: Wu YangRank: Deadly LevelSkill: ConcealmentUnderworld Coin Yield: 8,000 per day
Bailong's face turned ashen.His bond with his contract ghost had been severed.
"What have you done?!""My ghost—where is it?!"Gone was his former arrogance—only panic remained.Without his deadly ghost,Bailong was nothing.
He had poured endless time and resources into raising that ghost.
"You used some trick!Give it back! Give it back now!"Bailong roared at Mo Lin.
Mo Lin merely smiled coldly.He summoned Wu Yang forth.
"My lord,"Wu Yang bowed respectfully before Mo Lin.
Since being imprisoned within the Tome of Ghosts,He now wholly belonged to Mo Lin.And knowing Mo Lin's true identity as a Judge of the Underworld,Wu Yang had no thoughts of resistance.Serving Mo Lin was far preferable to serving any ordinary mortal.
Seeing his once-prized ghost bowing to another,Obeying another's call,Bailong's mind shattered.
"What is happening?"His features twisted with disbelief."Why—how—is this possible?"
"This ghost was mine!Why is he answering you?!"
"Throw him out," Mo Lin commanded Wu Yang.Wu Yang nodded,Grabbing Bailong like a ragdoll,And hurled him out the door.
Bailong crashed hard onto the ground,Bones snapping from the force.
Mo Lin made no further move.This was warning enough—No one should meddle in the Xin family's affairs.
Bailong served as the perfect example.
Word of Bailong's humiliation spread quickly to Xin Lang and his cronies.
"Impossible!""Seizing a contract ghost? How?!"Xin Lang could scarcely believe his ears.
Such a feat was beyond his understanding.
"You must realize—The man you've provoked is no ordinary ghost tamer,"An elderly figure with a white beard said gravely from the shadows."Mo Lin is a Judge of the Underworld.At his peak, he could annihilate deadly ghosts with a single blow."
Xin Lang frowned deeply."That powerful?"
Had anyone else said so,He would have scoffed.But this old man—He would not speak without certainty.
"Still, do not fear," the elder continued."Mo Lin is gravely weakened now.We have an opportunity to kill him."
"Lord Qin,Please guide me,"Xin Lang said, bowing respectfully.