After all, there truly was no ghost technique that could claim to be invincible.Ten minutes of endurance under the sun was more than enough.In ten minutes, many things could be done.
The air was thick with the metallic scent of blood.Fu Wansan and the others had fallen into silence.Li San was dead. They felt a trace of satisfaction, mingled with a touch of unease.After all, behind Li San stood the powerful Li family.If word of this incident reached them, retaliation would be inevitable.
"Hey, hey, hey… Why have you all gone so quiet? You're the protagonists of today's incident, not me. I'm merely a bodyguard," Mo Lin said with a shrug, voicing his annoyance at the group.
Indeed—Today, Mo Lin's role was nothing more than that of a hired hand.If the Li family sought revenge, they would naturally come for him—but the true targets of their wrath would be Fu Wansan and his companions.
"Li San's death implicates all of you," Mo Lin reiterated calmly.
Fu Wansan nodded hurriedly. "Yes, yes, we're all responsible. I'll handle the aftermath immediately."
Zhuang Ruo echoed in agreement, "Absolutely, we all bear responsibility. We'll ensure the consequences are managed properly."
At a time like this, unity was crucial.And truthfully, Li San had to die—otherwise, they themselves would have been the ones to perish.Fu Wansan and the others should have been thanking Mo Lin.
A death was no small matter.But with their connections and means, they could ensure Li San's disappearance was thorough and untraceable.
"You don't need to be afraid or panicked. If the Li family dares to come after you, I'll deal with them," Mo Lin said.
His words were like a tranquilizer, bringing immense reassurance to the group.
"Brother Mo, you're being too polite," said Zhuang Ruo."We're in this together. We're all responsible, and of course, we'll support you."
There was no turning back now. They had burned their bridges with the Li family—forming a strong alliance with Mo Lin was their only viable path forward.
Fu Wansan summoned his trusted men to clean up the scene and handle the necessary cover-up.
As for news of Li San's death, it couldn't be concealed forever—but perhaps for a month or even longer, they could keep it quiet.
"Aren't you worried about Li San seeking revenge?" Hong Yanzun asked bluntly.
"Not in the least," Mo Lin replied casually. "If they try anything, I won't hesitate to retaliate."
He had done nothing wrong today.And if the Li family truly dared to come for him, Mo Lin wouldn't mind seizing the Netherfire of the Youdu from their hands.
"…Alright then," Hong Yanzun said, conceding to Mo Lin's strength.
Given Mo Lin's abilities, it was reasonable that he held no fear of the Li family.
After the situation with Li San had been resolved, Mo Lin hailed a taxi and returned home.
Yunchuan Ghost Controller Group Chat
Lin Xi: "Anyone going to the exchange meeting tomorrow?"Feng Mingyu: "Didn't Mo Lin agree to go with you?"Lin Xi: "I just wanted to see if anyone else was interested in joining."Yun Ling: "Don't even ask. Besides Mo Lin, no one else would want to go with you."Feng Mingyu: "Yep, only Mo Lin's willing."Lin Xi: "(⊙_⊙)?"Zhao Fei: "That exchange meeting? Not even a dog would go."Mo Lin: "Why such disdain?"Feng Mingyu: "Our Ghost Controllers' Society holds no status there. We might not even get a table."Zhao Fei: "I went last year. Hell of a time—people treated me like thin air. We had no standing at all."Lin Xi: "I don't care. I'm going for the food."Lin Xi: "@MoLin, you promised to go with me. Don't you dare ditch me!"Mo Lin: "I won't. I'll go with you tomorrow."Lin Xi: "Good. Misery loves company—at least I won't be embarrassed alone."Feng Mingyu: "୧(๑•̀◡•́๑)૭"Yun Ling: "You'll know true awkwardness tomorrow. The kind where your toes could dig a three-bedroom apartment into the floor."Feng Mingyu: "She's not wrong. I went once too. Mortifying."Lin Xi: "How bad can it be?"Yun Ling: "Go with Mo Lin tomorrow. You'll see."
Lying in bed, Mo Lin continued to chat idly about the exchange meeting.
Despite everything, he was still mildly curious about the rumored imperial banquet chef.
Lin Xi: "@MoLin, send me your location. I'll pick you up by car tomorrow."Mo Lin: "Sure."
The Next Day
Mo Lin donned a black outer coat over a white shirt, a deep blue longsword strapped to his waist.
He had promised Lin Xi he'd attend the exchange meeting with her.
A thunderous engine roar approached—A sleek Ferrari raced toward him and pulled up before the gate.
A woman stepped out gracefully, lifting her black sunglasses as she waved. "Get in."
Her hair was tied up high, with neat bangs across her forehead. Her features were delicate, dressed in black leather pants, exuding a cool, confident air.Chewing gum idly, she turned to Mo Lin and teased, "You're actually pretty good-looking."
"Mmm… I know," Mo Lin replied without hesitation.
"…" Lin Xi was speechless. His response left her with nothing to say but to focus on driving.
They arrived at their destination in about twenty minutes:Wanhai Grand Hotel.
Upon seeing it, Lin Xi visibly brightened with excitement.
"This place is high-end. Come, I'll take you in," she said as she led Mo Lin into the hotel.
Suddenly, Lin Xi's face darkened—Not far away stood a group of six men in black suits, all formally dressed.
They were members of the Zilong Association.
Lin Xi had clashed with them just days ago, and her dislike was obvious.
"Lin Xi, you're here too?" said a man in a suit, nodding in her direction.
His name was Shi Fei.A member of the Zilong Association.He had come into conflict with Lin Xi during a recent ghost-hunting mission.
Glancing behind her at Mo Lin, Shi Fei smirked. "You brought a newcomer?"
"None of your business," Lin Xi snapped, striding into the hotel with Mo Lin in tow.
Shi Fei and his group followed close behind.
Inside, Lin Xi scanned the room and a trace of disappointment flickered in her eyes.The area was filled with pre-made stir-fries and desserts, laid out like a buffet.
Not quite what she had imagined.
She had come because she'd heard that an imperial banquet chef would be cooking.
"I thought there'd be an imperial chef?" she muttered, unimpressed.
"He's on the second floor," Shi Fei snorted.
Looking up, Lin Xi spotted the staircase and immediately started toward it with Mo Lin.
Seeing this, Shi Fei taunted, "What are you doing? Planning to head upstairs?"
"None of your damn business," Lin Xi replied, her brow twitching.
"I'm just kindly reminding you—you're not allowed up there."
His words dripped with condescension, like an adult mocking a child.
"People like us have no status here. We stay on the first floor—we're not qualified to go upstairs."
Shi Fei continued, "Neither the Zilong Association nor the Ghost Controllers Society have any voice here. We might not even get a seat today."
"I don't believe you," Lin Xi replied, unconvinced.
She quickly opened her phone and sent a message to the Ghost Controller chat group to confirm.