At this moment, Xin Lang was plotting his revenge against Mo Lin.The enmity between them had long since escalated to one of life and death—only one could survive. There would be no alternative outcome.
Meanwhile, Mo Lin sat calmly in the Ghost Controller Association's office.For the past few days, he had been investigating information related to the Copper Coin Celestial Master's Estate.He had discovered a troubling rumor: it seemed the Estate intended to eradicate the Ghost Controller Association, as its existence interfered with some of their interests.Of course, this was only Mo Lin's speculation; he had found no definitive proof.Given his current lack of strength, he had no intention of foolishly clashing head-on with the Estate.He would wait—either until his power was fully restored or until the Xin family was dealt with—before challenging them openly.Arrogance backed by strength is confidence; arrogance without strength is sheer folly.
A polite voice suddenly interrupted his thoughts.Following the sound, Mo Lin saw Shen Zimin—the man who had previously slaughtered members of the Xin family—entering.In Mo Lin's hands, Shen Zimin had obtained five ghost artifacts.
"Killed more of the Xin family?" Mo Lin asked casually."No," Shen Zimin answered, looking slightly embarrassed.The Xin family had become increasingly cautious, rarely venturing out, making assassination nearly impossible.After all, even Shen Zimin dared not break into the Xin family's stronghold alone.
Shen Zimin wasn't alone today; he had brought someone else: Qiao Wuran, a Level-6 Ghost Controller.Their visit was clearly prearranged—they had come to seek Mo Lin deliberately.
"What do you need from me?" Mo Lin asked, eyeing them indifferently."Lord Mo, my brother and I would like to undertake a task for you," Shen Zimin said, bowing slightly with a fawning smile.
"What task?" Mo Lin asked, raising an eyebrow.
"The matter concerning the Xin family," Shen Zimin replied."We wish to handle it for you—eradicate them entirely."
Mo Lin's interest was piqued. "Explain in detail."
"Right now, the Xin family has grown wary and refuses to leave their estate.If we wish to make progress, we must eliminate them altogether," Shen Zimin said, gesturing a throat-slitting motion.
"Exactly—we came specifically to propose this plan," Qiao Wuran added."You need only promise us the appropriate reward once the deed is done."
In truth, they simply wished to earn money.Should they succeed, each would earn 250,000 Underworld Coins—a fortune large enough to ensure a lifetime of comfort, perhaps even a chance to ascend to a Level-7 Ghost Controller.
"You two?" Mo Lin's tone was laced with disdain.Two Level-6 Ghost Controllers dreaming of destroying the Xin family? It was laughable.The Xin family had reigned over Beihai for years—they had deep roots and powerful connections.
"How we accomplish it is our concern—you need not trouble yourself," Shen Zimin said with a broad smile.Clearly, they had come prepared with a plan.
"Very well," Mo Lin said slowly. "If you truly succeed in destroying the Xin family, I shall reward you with five more ghost artifacts."
"Lord Mo, you are most generous!""Leave this matter to us," Shen Zimin said cheerfully.
They had come here precisely to negotiate a better reward.
"Await our good news, Lord Mo," Shen Zimin said as he and Qiao Wuran departed.
Once outside the Association, Shen Zimin's face turned grave. He turned to Qiao Wuran and asked,"How goes the recruitment?"
Qiao Wuran made an "OK" gesture. "We've gathered everyone we need.If this works, we'll be rich."
Their strategy was to hire mercenaries—other Level-6 Ghost Controllers—lured with promises of Underworld Coins.
"Since Mo Lin is so wealthy, why not simply rob him instead of picking a fight with the Xin family?" Qiao Wuran asked.
Shen Zimin glared at him."Are you stupid or am I?" he snapped."Who do you think can casually pull out hundreds of thousands of Underworld Coins?You think such a man is easy prey?He's acquainted with the third young miss of the Li family—does that sound like someone ordinary to you?Robbing him would be suicide!"
"But... isn't he only a Level-5 Ghost Controller?" Qiao Wuran protested.
"Level-5? Which eye of yours saw that?" Shen Zimin retorted with a sneer."Don't play dumb. I'm warning you—he is far more terrifying than the Xin family."
Shen Zimin had contacts, and before approaching Mo Lin, he had gathered ample information.The consensus was simple:Mysterious. Terrifying. Ruthless. Not to be provoked.
Qiao Wuran, on the other hand, was merely a street-smart Level-6 Ghost Controller without reliable intelligence networks; he knew nothing about Mo Lin.
"Is that really true..." Qiao Wuran muttered under his breath.
"Gather everyone. We need to finalize our plans against the Xin family," Shen Zimin ordered.
Qiao Wuran nodded and began making calls.
Meanwhile, Li Yuemei arrived at the Ghost Controller Association, marched into Mo Lin's office, and said hurriedly,"Come with me."
Mo Lin asked no questions, simply following her to the car.
Her expression was grim as she muttered,"Something's happened."
"What is it?" Mo Lin asked.
"My father... he was attacked. He's injured," Li Yuemei said softly.
"Oh," Mo Lin responded, his face showing little emotion.An assassination attempt was hardly surprising; towering trees attract the fiercest winds.
"They seem to have been targeting the Netherworld Fire," Li Yuemei added.
"What?"Mo Lin's demeanor changed instantly—his calmness shattered.Li Yuemei was startled by the sudden outburst.
"Don't be so worked up!" she said hurriedly.
"How can I not be? They're after the Netherworld Fire!?" Mo Lin exclaimed.He had been laying the groundwork for months to obtain it—supporting Li Yuemei's rise to heir was the key part of his plan.Now, someone else had intervened—how could he remain calm?
He wasn't upset over the Li family patriarch's injuries—he was furious someone dared steal what he considered his rightful prize.
"My Netherworld Fire... nothing must happen to it!" Mo Lin muttered under his breath.
"I might not be able to become the family successor anymore," Li Yuemei said quietly.
"What!?" Mo Lin's expression shifted again.
If she lost her candidacy, how was he supposed to claim the Netherworld Fire? Steal it by force?
A flood of violent thoughts surged through Mo Lin's mind.
"So much has happened in just a few days," he thought bitterly.
"My eldest brother has the backing of the Fire Talisman Celestial Master Estate.My second brother has the support of the Thunder Talisman Celestial Master Estate.No faction stands behind me. I fear I won't be able to inherit the family leadership," Li Yuemei explained.
"It doesn't matter. I will support you," Mo Lin said calmly.
Li Yuemei forced a bitter smile.Even if Mo Lin was formidable, how could he compare to the might of the great Talisman Estates?