Emperor’s Domination

Six-style couldn’t see any clue through the fog. Perhaps the ghost wasn’t trying to hide anything; this was his current form. It became difficult to see his true origin.

“What did you do? Abandoned yourself.” Li Qiye frowned and said.

“I cannot answer your question, perhaps you can give me the answer.” The ghost said.

“Why should I?” Li Qiye smiled.

“Because you’re searching for an answer and we’re on the same path. My answer can give you an answer.” The ghost said.

Anyone’s first reaction would be this was a scam and the ghost was trying to deceive them. However, Li Qiye nodded and agreed: “That makes sense, so what answer should I give you?”

“Hire me first and then we can solve each other’s questions.” The ghost said.

“Seems like you get all the benefits.” Six-style interjected.

“Not true, as long as Sir gets his desired answer from me, he’s also benefiting.” The ghost said confidently.

“What if you do not have the answer?” She argued.

The ghost considered this possibility earnestly and said: “No, he will get what he wishes as long as he pays the fee first.”

“Who would hire you when you offer no evidence of your knowledge?” She remained skeptical.

“This is the rule, there’s nothing I can do when I’m a ghost.” He said.

“You should prove that you’re worthy of the fee first.” Li Qiye said.

“Very well.” The ghost said: “I’ll speak a little, this place has more than just the market. There is also the Forest of Thoughts and Heavenfall.”

“Many already know of the forest and its relation to the shrine. As long as there are thoughts, there will be echoes.” She said.

“This is common knowledge, I suppose. What do you know about the shrine?” The ghost said.

“When one’s thoughts are strong enough, they will be able to see the shrine.” She said.

“Not everyone will harmonize enough for the echoes regardless of their strong thoughts.” He shook his head.

“What improves the chances?” She asked.

“The shrine is a transaction as well so one must have what the shrine desires. It obtains the power of the prayer or in the case of failure, possession. The stakes are high for the loser.” He said.

“None of this proves anything.” Li Qiye was not impressed.

“Sir, since this is your first time here, you might not know about the hierarchy. The market has five emissaries and one monarch.” He continued.

“Now that’s more like it.” Li Qiye smiled.

“Are they in charge of everything?” Six-style asked curiously.

“No one can control the ghost market since this is a rule, but they know more than anyone else.” He said.

“How do we meet them?” She glanced at Li Qiye and knew they were going down the right path.

“Hire me first and I will elaborate.” The ghost said.

“You are a swindler.” She became annoyed.

“I am only following the rules.” The ghost disagreed.

“I am not persuaded yet, I can just hire someone else.” Li Qiye said.

“True.” The ghost thought about someone else: “I was not a ghost during that event but I heard the ghost market was closed once.”

“Isn’t it always closed?” Six-style found this strange.

“No, closing to the ghosts as well. No one was able to enter for a long period.” The ghost said.

“Interesting.” Li Qiye stroked his chin.

“Sir, I assure you that hiring me is the right move.” The ghost said.

“Have you ever been hired before? One hundred million coins is a crazy sum that can be used for many other things.” Six-style said.

“Well… you shouldn’t doubt people like this, it’s a little rude, Miss.” The ghost was speechless for a second.

“Then I guessed right.” She said.

“I am worth the price.” The ghost shook his head.

“You have never been hired before yet your skin is thick enough to maintain this price to the young noble? One million is already exorbitant like buying a horse’s bones with gold.” She insisted.

“No, it has to be one hundred million.” The ghost said.

“It’s not out of the picture. If you want me to hire you for this much, you must help me make money first.” Li Qiye said.

“The fastest way is to pawn things or to engage in trading. Regular pawnshops may not be able to handle your items, but the Money Temple is a different story. If you can get special access there, you can get as many coins as you want.” The ghost said.

“Sigh, it’s been a long time since I have to worry about money. Maybe flipping the table is better.” Li Qiye complained.

“Flipping the table?” The ghost had a bad feeling about this.

“It’s easy, just remove the rules and take what I want.” Li Qiye shrugged.

The ghost staggered backward while staring intensely at him.

“Young Noble, if you break the rules, then the ghost market will no longer exist. Ghosts will vanish and among them are pitiful ones who will lose their soul.” The ghost said.

“I’m sure they have done something to warrant their current state.” Li Qiye smiled.

“Young Noble, this is all we have left, please don’t destroy our home and leave us with nowhere to go.” The ghost begged.