Emperor’s Domination

“I’ll cross you all to the other side, isn’t that a good thing?” Li Qiye said with a smile.

“No, not a good thing at all.” The ghost shook his head: “People cling to life regardless of how pathetic it is. It’s the same for ghosts.”

“This is preferable to death?” Six-style was curious.

The ghost pondered briefly before responding: “At the very least, I still exist.”

“Yes, it’s the same for everyone.” Li Qiye nodded.

“If you flip the table, then it’s all over for the ghosts, sir.” The ghost acted docile.

“To be exact, you all aren’t actual ghosts.” Li Qiye said.

“Then may I ask what we are?” The ghost responded.

“You tell me, what is the feeling of being in your current state?” Li Qiye said.

“Hmm…” The ghost considered the question and said: “There is hope in our heart.”

“Hope, both people and ghosts need it to survive.” Li Qiye remarked.

“Right, a hopeless individual is no different from a moving corpse.” The ghost said.

“Perhaps your previous life was unfulfilled, which is the reason why you turned into this state.” Li Qiye said.

“Well…” The ghost pondered.

“What were your regrets when you were alive?” Li Qiye asked.

“I do not know.” The ghost shook his head: “I do not remember anything when I was alive. I have forgotten or abandoned everything before.”

“In my opinion, if this were the case, then you wouldn’t be seeking an answer to this.” Li Qiye shook his head.

“That makes sense.” The ghost agreed and said: “Sir, can you see who I used to be?”

“No, but I can tell it’s more than just forgetting. You’ve covered up your past life and there must be a reason for that.” Li Qiye said.

“Maybe this is what you’re searching for.” Six-style interjected.

“It’s rather simple to see your previous life, I just need to peel out this ghost form and then I can read into your past. Everything will be clear then.” Li Qiye said casually.

“Please don’t.” The ghost became afraid and kept a distance.

“The answer is within you, this is the easiest way.” Li Qiye said.

“Let’s not go with this, I think we can get there if you just hire me.” The ghost refused.

“Why do you insist on being hired?” Six-style couldn’t help but ask.

“My ghost intuition or perhaps it is fate.” The ghost earnestly responded.

“I don’t want to be fatefully connected to a ghost.” Li Qiye chuckled and waved his hand: “But fine, I’ll get the money first. Let’s hope you are worth the price.”

“Sir, then it’s a deal.” The ghost excitedly gave him a coin and left.

Li Qiye held a round coin with a square hole in the center. It weighed dozens of pounds, surprisingly heavy for its size. A penetrating chill emanated from it and could make others shudder. It was adorned with intricate and indecipherable runes, clearly crafted by a master.

“More and more interesting.” He remarked.

“Why does that ghost insist on working with you, Young Noble?” Six-style asked.

“Fate, as he said. It shows that he was connected to me somehow when he was alive.” Li Qiye said.

The two of them continued and just as the ghost said, the region was not limited to the market alone. Many cultivators entered the thought forest to summon the legendary shrines. The ten main ones had plenty of legends.

“Currency Exchange.” The two eventually stopped and looked up to read the plaque of a store.

“This is what the soup ghost was talking about, right?” Six-style commented. The appearance of this place didn’t look impressive, definitely not relative to the larger stores in the market.

It occupied a small corner right at a turn, very easily missed even with instructions. However, it was crammed with all sorts of items. The small shelves had plenty of merchandise but only a few treasures and artifacts.

A statue on the counter greeted all visitors - made of unknown matter and could be mistaken for a lucky cat. Upon closer inspection, it should be depicting a figure due to the visible tiny feet. The statue was covered by a conical hat large enough to hide virtually everything.

Six-style came closer to take a look. She leaned down and saw an old woman full of wrinkles; her eyes almost couldn’t be seen.

Her hand was waving back and forth just like a greeting lucky cat’s paw.

“Esteemed guest, esteemed guest, esteemed guest.” It also spoke with a mechanical and stiff voice, seemingly alerting the shop owner.